Patent Grant
7560654
The present invention relates generally to a rotary handle. More particularly, the invention encompasses an improved support bracket for a deliberate action rotary handle. The invention further includes an improved support bracket to support an extended drive-plate deliberate action rotary handle, such that to turn on a component, such as, a circuit breaker, requires a deliberate manual action by the user. If a deliberate action is not taken by a user but the handle is accidentally pushed then the handle does not engage with a drive shaft and the handle moves to an outer edge of a drive plate thus preventing the engagement of the handle with the other components to turn on the component.
Circuit breakers, both single and multi-phase circuit breakers, typically include a lever or other device for manually operating the circuit breaker. Frequently, it is desirable that the lever be operated through the use of a mechanical interface, such as a direct mount rotary handle operating mechanism having a handle that may be manually operated, wherein the handle mechanism is of the type that is directly mounted to the circuit breaker.
In operation, the handle mechanism moves the circuit breaker lever to its various operative positions. This includes an “ON” position, an “OFF” position and a “RESET” position. In some instances, it is necessary to lock the handle mechanism in the OFF position so as to safeguard personnel working on associated equipment. However, when the electrical contacts of the circuit breaker have become welded closed, usually as a result of a short circuit condition, locking the handle mechanism in an OFF position would create a dangerous and inappropriate condition since a user would believe that the circuit breaker is in the OFF (electrical contacts open) condition, when in fact the electrical contacts are welded closed.
Conventional handle mechanisms include a locking portion that will not enable locking of the handle when the contacts are welded together. This is commonly referred to as “Suitable for Isolation” or “Positive OFF”. In addition, the handle will return to indicate the ON position when the handle is released. These are safety features that indicate to the user that the contacts are welded and that substantially reduce the likelihood that others working on the equipment would mistakenly believe that the contacts are open.
However, conventional handle mechanisms rely on the proper positioning of the handle as a way of ensuring that it will not lock during Positive OFF. The disadvantage of such mechanisms is, that with wear, the position of the handle mechanism approaches the locked position. Further, such mechanisms rely on the force limits set by standard specifications, such as those set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), in order to ensure the handle cannot be locked.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,969,813 (Michael Troy Winslett, et al.), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a direct mount rotary handle operating mechanism for operating a circuit breaker having electrical contacts. The handle mechanism includes a driver coupled to the circuit breaker and a handle having a socket for receiving the driver. The socket is configured to allow the handle to rotate relative to the driver. The handle further includes a movable locking pin. A lock latch is associated with the driver, wherein the lock latch includes a flange portion. When the electrical contacts of the circuit breaker are welded closed and a torque is applied to the handle, the handle rotates to a position in which the pin is blocked from being inserted into the locking hole by the flange portion thereby preventing the handle from being locked in an OFF position when the contacts are welded together.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,368,675 (Hideki Ishido, et al.), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses an external operation handle device is used for a circuit breaker for switching a locker handle to ON and OFF positions. The handle device includes a main body casing for the circuit breaker, a mount base held on the main body casing, a rotary handle grip mounted on the mount base for turning the locker handle to the ON and OFF positions and having a connecting shaft, and an assist mechanism for moving the handle grip to a TRIP indication position upon tripping operation of the circuit breaker. The assist mechanism is interposed between the mount base and the handle grip, and includes a cam with a cam face, fixed on the mount base, a cam follower linking with the handle grip slidably along an axial direction and opposing the cam face of the cam, and an urging spring for pushing the cam follower against the cam face.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,399,934 (Takeshi Emura, et al.), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses an external operation handle device for a circuit breaker includes a rotary handle equipped with a handle lock lever, a drive mechanism linking the rotary handle and the locker handle of the circuit breaker, and a door lock lever for interlocking between the rotary handle and a door of the board. By operating the rotary handle, the circuit breaker can be turned to an ON or OFF position, and the door is unlocked at an OPEN position. The handle lock lever is slidably disposed on the rotary handle to be anchored and held at a pulled out position in a condition where the rotary handle at the OPEN position unlocks the door of the board, and the door lock lever linked to the rotary handle is cramped and held at the unlock position in a condition where the rotary handle is at the OPEN position.
Furthermore, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 79 standard calls for a means to operate a breaker's handle at all time. And this becomes an issue, especially, when the electrical enclosure door is either closed or is opened.
Thus, a need exists for a shaft support bracket for an extended drive-plate deliberate action rotary handle.
This invention overcomes the problems of the prior art and provides a shaft support bracket for an extended drive-plate deliberate action rotary handle, that engages a component, such as, a circuit breaker, only upon a deliberate action by an operator.
The invention is a novel shaft support bracket for an extended drive-plate deliberate action rotary handle.
Therefore, one purpose of this invention is to provide a novel shaft support bracket for an extended drive-plate deliberate action rotary handle.
Another purpose of this invention is to provide a shaft support bracket for an extended drive-plate deliberate action rotary handle which requires a deliberate action to engage the handle to a component, such as, a circuit breaker.
Yet another purpose of this invention is to provide a shaft support bracket for an extended drive-plate deliberate action rotary handle where an accidental movement of the handle moves the handle to move along an outer edge of a drive plate.
Still yet another purpose of the invention is to meet or exceed the requirement of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 79 standard.
Therefore, in one aspect this invention comprises a rotary handle operating mechanism for operating an electrical component, comprising:
(a) a drive shaft coupled to said electrical component;
(b) a handle having an opening for receiving said drive shaft;
(c) a drive plate having an opening for receiving said drive shaft;
(d) a torsion spring having a first end and a second end, and wherein said first end is secured to said drive plate, and wherein said second end is secured to said handle;
(e) a shaft support bracket, wherein said shaft support bracket has a side portion connected to an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein said upper portion has at least one opening to allow passage of said drive shaft, and wherein said lower portion has at least one means to secure said shaft support bracket to a housing, and wherein said shaft support bracket provides stability to said drive shaft and securely holds in place said handle and said drive plate, and thereby allows secure operation of said rotary handle operating mechanism for operating an electrical component.
In another aspect this invention comprises a rotary handle operating mechanism for operating an electrical component, comprising:
(a) a drive shaft coupled to said electrical component;
(b) a handle having an opening for receiving said drive shaft;
(c) a drive plate having an opening for receiving said drive shaft;
(d) a torsion spring having a first end and a second end, and wherein said first end is secured to said drive plate, and wherein said second end is secured to said handle,
(e) a cylinder secured to said handle, and wherein said cylinder is adapted to rotate about said second end of said torsion spring; and
(f) a drive shaft cylinder secured to said drive shaft, and wherein said torsion spring is adapted to rotate about said drive shaft cylinder; and
(g) a shaft support bracket, wherein said shaft support bracket has a side portion connected to an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein said upper portion has at least one opening to allow passage of said drive shaft, and wherein said lower portion has at least one means to secure said shaft support bracket to a housing, and wherein said shaft support bracket provides stability to said drive shaft and securely holds in place said handle and said drive plate, and thereby allows secure operation of said rotary handle operating mechanism for operating an electrical component.
The features of the invention that are novel and the elements characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. Furthermore, like numbers represent like features in the drawings. The invention itself, both as to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the detailed description which follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
The present invention provides a novel extended drive-plate deliberate action rotary handle. Shown in the Figures is a rotary handle operating mechanism in accordance with the present invention. The handle mechanism includes a base connected to a circuit breaker. The base includes a lock hole which is used with a lock hole on a moveable link member. The moveable link is moveably coupled to the base so that holes may be aligned to allow for the placement of a lock or similar other locking device. At one end of the moveable link member is a base handle which is moveably coupled to the linking member. The base handle or actuating arm has an opening which allows the shaft to be inserted therein. Rotation of the shaft cause the base handle to rotate and move the link member. A shaft support bracket is used to support and align the shaft with the base and the other components.
In addition, and as shown in the Figures is a torsion spring that may be used to provide an opposing force to the force applied to the bar handle. As shown the shaft is positioned through holes so as to connect with both the bar handle and drive plate. Two washer and screw assemblies are used. One of the washer and screw assemblies is connected to the drive plate and will function as one of the posts for the torsion spring. The other washer and screw assembly is connected to the bar handle. Note that the screw may be placed in a sleeve or cylinder made from, for example of metal or plastic or any other material that provides a smooth roll-able surface. To turn on the switch, which requires a deliberate action, the handle is pushed toward the shaft so as to place the cylinder closer to notch and thereby engage the cylinder with the drive plate on the “on” edge. To turn off the switch requires no deliberate action. Further illustrations of the rotary handle operating mechanism are shown in the
Trying to turn on the breaker without applying a radial force on the handle results in cylinder sliding over the shorter side of the notch on plate. Turning the breaker off does not require application of a radial handle force because the pin/cylinder interferes with the longer side of the notch on plate when turning in counterclockwise direction. Bracket also serves to limit the travel of handle when turning the breaker on.
Referring now to
As shown in
However, as shown in
However, if the handle 20, is not pushed linearly towards the drive shaft 10, first then the cylinder 46, will not be locked inside the groove 38, and will simply rotate along the outer edge 39, of the drive plate 30, and the component 60, will not turn “ON”. And, also the drive plate 30, will not rotate with the handle 20.
Thus, in order to turn “ON” the component 60, requires a deliberate action, i.e. the handle 20, has to be pushed towards the drive shaft 10, so as to place the sleeve or cylinder 46, closer to the “ON” edge or position 31, and to thereby engage the sleeve or cylinder 46, with the “ON” edge or position 31, of the drive plate 30. However, in order to turn “OFF” or “Disengage” the handle 20, no deliberate action is required as the torsion spring 40, would slide or move the handle 20, back to the “OFF” edge or position 32. Thus, the handle 20, cannot be accidentally turned “ON” but it can be turned “OFF” anytime, as the cylinder 46, is always spring loaded to engage in the “OFF” position or edge 32, of the drive plate 30.
The torsion spring 40, provides several advantages, for example, the open securing hook or loop 42, on the torsion spring 40, allows the ease of the linear action 5, of the handle 20. The open securing loop or hook 42, also allows some sliding of the cylinder 46, within the hook 42, when the handle 20, is pushed toward the drive shaft 10, for the deliberate engagement to the “on” edge 31, of the drive plate 30, to deliberately turn on the breaker.
One of the purposes of the torsion spring 40 or 80, is to keep the handle 20, in alignment with the “OFF” edge or position 32, of the drive plate 30 or 70. Another purpose of the torsion spring 40 or 80, is to make the handle maintain its radial position with respect to the drive shaft 10.
It should be appreciated that the shaft support bracket 53, 153 and 253, also provide stability to the shaft 10, and especially, to long shafts 10, and the shaft support bracket 53, 153 and 253, also maintain the handle assembly within the operational limits.
The material for the shaft support bracket 53, 153, 253, is preferably selected from a group comprising plastic material, nylon material, Teflon material, metallic material, bimetallic material, composite material, and combination thereof, to name a few.
The material for the intermediate support bracket 263, is preferably selected from a group comprising plastic material, nylon material, Teflon material, metallic material, bimetallic material, composite material, and combination thereof, to name a few.
As stated earlier the upper portion 152, 252, and the lower portion 156, 256, of the shaft support bracket 153, 253, respectively, are substantially parallel to each other. However, for some applications the upper portion 152, 252, could extend in a first direction while the lower portion 156, 256, extends in a second direction, where the first direction and the second direction could be the same or could be different. In some cases the first direction for the upper portion 152, 252, and the second direction for the lower portion 156, 256, could be at an angle from each other, and wherein the angle could be selected from a group consisting of 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees, to name a few.
For some applications an electrical enclosure door (not shown) is provided to provide a door or cover to the component 60. For such applications, the shaft 10, usually protrudes through the cover or enclosure door. For such applications after the enclosure door is closed, the knob base 12, and the knob 14, are then secured to the shaft 10, so that they are on the outside of the enclosure door and are easily accessible by an operator. However, when the electrical enclosure door is opened, the knob base 12, and the knob 14, are either disengaged or removed from the drive shaft 10, and during such situations the system no longer satisfies NFPA79 standard. However, with this invention one always meets the NFPA 79 standard, even when the means to operate the breaker's handle when the enclosure door is opened and the outside knob 14, is not there.
The material for the tube or the sleeve or the cylinder 46, 48 and 88, are preferably selected from a group comprising plastic material, nylon material, Teflon material, metallic material, bimetallic material, composite material, and combination thereof, to name a few. It is preferred that the surface the sleeve or the cylinder 46, 48 and 88, that provides rotational movement be smooth and have a roll-able surface.
The material for the drive plate 30 and 70, are preferably selected from a group comprising plastic material, nylon material, Teflon material, metallic material, bimetallic material, composite material, and combination thereof, to name a few.
The material for the handle 20, are preferably selected from a group comprising plastic material, nylon material, Teflon material, metallic material, bimetallic material, composite material, and combination thereof, to name a few.
While the present invention has been particularly described in conjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.
The instant patent application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/971,398, filed on Sep. 11, 2007, titled “Extended Drive Plate Rotary Handle,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6124558 | Baumeister et al. | Sep 2000 | A |
| 6797903 | Winslett et al. | Sep 2004 | B1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20090065339 A1 | Mar 2009 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60971398 | Sep 2007 | US |
