EP2172957A2 - A compact circuit breaker mechanism. - Google Patents
A compact circuit breaker mechanism. Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2172957A2 EP2172957A2 EP20090354039 EP09354039A EP2172957A2 EP 2172957 A2 EP2172957 A2 EP 2172957A2 EP 20090354039 EP20090354039 EP 20090354039 EP 09354039 A EP09354039 A EP 09354039A EP 2172957 A2 EP2172957 A2 EP 2172957A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- circuit breaker
- slider
- crank
- spring
- assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 60
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims description 29
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims description 21
- 241001272720 Medialuna californiensis Species 0.000 claims description 17
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000012212 insulator Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 13
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 101000793686 Homo sapiens Azurocidin Proteins 0.000 description 2
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005520 electrodynamics Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005405 multipole Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001052 transient effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
- H01H3/22—Power arrangements internal to the switch for operating the driving mechanism
- H01H3/30—Power arrangements internal to the switch for operating the driving mechanism using spring motor
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
- H01H3/22—Power arrangements internal to the switch for operating the driving mechanism
- H01H3/30—Power arrangements internal to the switch for operating the driving mechanism using spring motor
- H01H3/3005—Charging means
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
- H01H3/22—Power arrangements internal to the switch for operating the driving mechanism
- H01H3/30—Power arrangements internal to the switch for operating the driving mechanism using spring motor
- H01H3/3005—Charging means
- H01H3/3015—Charging means using cam devices
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
- H01H3/32—Driving mechanisms, i.e. for transmitting driving force to the contacts
- H01H3/42—Driving mechanisms, i.e. for transmitting driving force to the contacts using cam or eccentric
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
- H01H3/32—Driving mechanisms, i.e. for transmitting driving force to the contacts
- H01H3/46—Driving mechanisms, i.e. for transmitting driving force to the contacts using rod or lever linkage, e.g. toggle
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a compact circuit breaker mechanism for a switching device with, preferably, a tripolar insulating rod, which is used to deliver the output to the switching device.
- Circuit breakers are automatically operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overload or short circuit. Circuit breakers are made in varying sizes, from small devices that protect an individual household appliances upto large switchgear designed to protect high voltage circuits feeding an entire city.
- the part of circuit breakers connected in one phase is called the pole and a circuit breaker suitable for three phase system is called a triple-pole circuit breaker.
- Each pole of the circuit breaker comprises one or more interrupter or arc-extinguishing chambers.
- the interrupters are mounted on support insulators. The interrupter encloses a set of fixed and moving contacts, the moving contacts can be drawn apart by means of operating links of the operating mechanism.
- the operating mechanism provides the necessary energy for opening and closing of contacts of the circuit breakers.
- US 4,001,742 discloses a circuit breaker including an operating mechanism having powerful mechanism springs to achieve the requisite contact pressures for high current carrying capacity.
- a single crank of a rotary handle through a relatively small arc of 120° resets the operating mechanism via a reciprocating slide and a latching mechanism, while loading the mechanism springs.
- Return of the handle to its original position shifts the line of action of the springs so as to abruptly straighten a toggle and achieve rapid closure of the circuit breaker contacts.
- the latching mechanism is equipped with plural circuit breaker tripping capabilities.
- US 5,731,560 discloses a mechanism for a multipole circuit breaker mechanism with high currents and high electrodynamic strength comprising a toggle device associated with a trip hook and a switching bar, an opening ratchet cooperating with the hook to perform loading and tripping of the mechanism respectively in the locked or unlocked position of the ratchet.
- the opening ratchet comprises disengageable actuating means causing self-locking of the catch in the presence of a short circuit current exceeding a calibration threshold defined by flexible means.
- the catch is in the shape of a half-moon to move the opening ratchet to the unlocked position to being about the tripping of the mechanism.
- the present invention seeks to overcome the limitations mentioned above and to provide an improved compact circuit breaker mechanism
- the circuit breaker mechanism as disclosed in this specification comprises of three sub-assemblies, namely, the pumping/charging system, the crank and connecting rod system and the contact pressure and slider system.
- the pumping system is used to charge the main driving springs.
- the driving springs are compression type springs mounted and guided between the shaft on which the cams are mounted (camshaft) and the frame of the mechanism such that the spring gets compressed and decompressed when the camshaft rotates.
- the pumping or charging system is achieved by the pumping or charging system.
- the pumping system comprises a ratchet and pawl mechanism and a set of gears and a handle mounted on the same shaft as the ratchet wheel.
- the handle is given a downward stroke of 60° and the ratchet wheel along with the gear mounted on the ratchet shaft also turns by the same angle
- the charging of the springs produces an opposing force which tries to discharge the stored energy which requires the camshaft and the ratchet wheel to rotate in the opposite direction than that of the handle.
- the locking pawl blocks this rotation, thus keeping the springs charged till they cross the toggle line.
- the cam and slider crank system are activated once the closing springs have crossed the toggle line.
- the slider and crank system consists of two crank assemblies on either side of a latch.
- the crank assemblies consist of two crank plates assembled with a roller and roller-pin between them, also assembled on the crank is a connecting rod with the help of a connecting pin.
- the slider assembly consists of one slider and three assemblies of the moving contact and contact pressure spring with washers and nuts.
- the slider being used to support the three contact pressure springs and moving contacts is made of an insulating material.
- the assembly is so made that the contact pressure spring is assembled between two washers wherein one washer is supported by the moving contact and the other washer rests on the slider while the moving contact goes through the slider, the spring and washers and is fastened with the help of the nut.
- the moving contact is allowed to slide in the slider. Tightening or loosening the nut (35) changes the distance between the 2 washers thereby compressing / decompressing the contact pressure spring.
- the hexagonal apertures on the slider show where the slider rod would be assembled.
- the compact circuit breaker mechanism of the present invention comprises: a handle assembly including a handle; a driving spring charging system comprising: at least one driving spring mounted between a camshaft and a fixed frame of the circuit breaker; motion transferring means coupled with the handle assembly and the camshaft, such that, every stroke of the handle rotates the camshaft in a direction opposite the direction of the handle rotation thereby charging said driving spring; a locking mechanism for preventing reverse direction rotation of the camshaft due to the resisting force caused by the charging driving spring; a crank and slider assembly comprising: a crankshaft; a latch mechanism assembled on said crank shaft but moving independently of said crankshaft; at least two crank assemblies assembled on said crank shaft, each on either side of said latch mechanism, each of said crank assembly including at least two crank plates coupled to each other, a connecting rod is provided such that one end of said connecting rod is slidably assembled intermediate said at least two crank plates and the other free end has provision to be assembled with a slider rod; opening spring assemblies provided at the outer sides of the crank assemblies
- Figs 20 and 21 shows the assembly of the individual subassemblies of the contact pressure and slider system with individual insulators used on the moving contacts before the contact pressure springs.
- Figure 1 and 2 disclose the complete operating mechanism of the circuit breaker according to this invention.
- the parts A, B, C and D are assembled together so as to form a rigid assembly, which serves as the frame or the base for the mechanism to function.
- These four parts in themselves do not move but serve as the support on which all other moving parts of the mechanism are assembled.
- the complete assembly is divided into three sub-assemblies, which are explained as follows.
- the three sub-assemblies are:
- Figure 3 illustrates the pumping system used to charge the main driving springs 1.
- the driving springs 1 are compression type springs mounted and guided between the shaft 2 on which the cams 3 are mounted (camshaft) and the frame of the mechanism such that the spring 1 gets compressed and decompressed when the camshaft 2 rotates.
- the camshaft is required to be rotated. This is achieved by the pumping system as illustrated in Figure 3 .
- the pumping system consists of a ratchet 5 and pawl 6, 7 system and a set of gears 9, 10 along with a handle 8 mounted on the same shaft as the ratchet wheel.
- a handle 8 mounted on the same shaft as the ratchet wheel.
- This gear 9 is always meshed with the gear 10 on the camshaft 2, such that, whenever the ratchet 5 rotates the camshaft 2 also rotates by an angle, which is dictated by the gear ratio.
- the length of the driving springs 1 changes thereby charging /discharging it.
- the camshaft 2 rotates in a direction, which causes the driving springs 1 to get charged. Since the driving springs 1 are being charged they produce an opposing force, which tries to discharge the stored energy. In order for the springs to discharge, the camshaft 2 and the ratchet wheel 5 have to rotate in a direction opposite to that produced by the handle 8, but the locking pawl 6 blocks this rotation thus keeping the springs 1 charged till they cross the toggle line.
- the driving and locking pawls 7 & 6 are spring loaded so as to always remain in contact with the ratchet wheel 5.
- the gear ratio is so chosen that 5 strokes of 60 degrees of the handle 8 (in effect 300 degrees rotation of the ratchet wheel 5) would cause a 186 degree turn of the camshaft 2 (i.e. the springs 1 would just be pushed beyond the toggle line when being charged). Once the springs 1 are beyond the toggle line they are no longer prevented from discharging as the pawls 6 & 7 no longer block the rotation of either the camshaft 2 or the ratchet 5, and the mechanism is set into motion till the driving springs 1 are completely discharged.
- the main driving springs 1 are mounted between the camshaft 2 and the frame of the circuit breaker.
- the fixed ends of the springs are mounted on parts such that the springs are allowed to swivel in the frame as indicated in Figure 3 .
- the camshaft 2 has two cams 3 assembled on it in order to move two synchronized crank assemblies (described further down). Whenever the camshaft 2 rotates, the length of the driving spring 1 changes thereby charging/discharging it. Thus, in order to charge the main driving springs 1, the camshaft 2 should be rotated in the clockwise direction as shown in the figure.
- the pumping system is used to rotate the camshaft 2.
- the pumping system is made up of a ratchet wheel 5 and pawl 6, 7 system. And this pumping system is integrated with the camshaft 2 by the use of a gear 9 and pinion 10.
- This gear 9 now causes the pinion 10, which is mounted on the camshaft 2, to rotate.
- the camshaft 2 rotates and vice-versa.
- the handle 8 is mounted on the ratchet shaft 4 such that it is free to rotate on the ratchet shaft independently. It is only when the handle moves down (clockwise direction) that the driving pawl 7 engages with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 5 and causes it to rotate through a certain angle. This rotation of the ratchet causes the camshaft 2 to also rotate through a certain angle (this angle is decided by the gear ratio) and causes the driving spring 1 to be charged. Now the spring 1 being charged will produce a resisting force causing the camshaft and in turn the ratchet to rotate in a direction opposite to that of the handle, but this action is prevented by the locking pawl 6 (which is spring mounted to always remain in contact with the ratchet wheel). Thus for every stroke of the handle the ratchet turns and in turn the camshaft turns and the driving springs are charged and the handle is returned to its initial position by the use of springs. This action is repeated till the spring is compressed till its most compressible state.
- the spring length is the minimum possible (i.e. the spring is compressed to its maximum possible extent and thus completely charged).
- the driving springs 1 cannot discharge by causing the cam shaft 2 to rotate in the clockwise direction.
- the gear ratio is so chosen that the last few degrees of the last charging stroke are utilized in pushing the driving springs 1 beyond the toggle line.
- crank and slider system is composed of various sub-assemblies. Each of these assemblies is dealt with individually below.
- the slider and crank system without the cam and camshaft is shown in the figure-9.
- the assembly shown in figure 9 consists of two crank assemblies 11 on either side of the latch 19.
- the crank assemblies 11 and the latch 19 are mounted on the crank shaft 18 with spacers 17 used to keep them apart. They are assembled such that the crank assemblies 11 move together when the crank shaft 18 moves but the latch 19 is free and moves independently on the crank shaft 18.
- crank assemblies 11 consist of two crank plates 12 assembled with a roller 14 and roller pin 13 between them. Also assembled on the crank 12 is a connecting rod 15 with the help of a connecting pin 16. The free end of the connecting rod 15 will be assembled in the slider rod 27 ( fig 11 ) with the help of a bush 20, which allows the connecting rod to rotate on the hexagonal slider rod.
- the opening spring assembly is as shown in figure-10. It consists of an opening spring 23 (helical compression spring), which is constrained between two end plates 25 using the load and locking nuts 24 as in the case of the contact pressure spring assembly.
- One of the end plates 25 is supported on the opening spring moving support 21, this end of the spring 23 moves the instant the breaker starts closing as the opening spring moving support 21 is assembled on the hexagonal slider rod 27 by making use of the hexagonal slot in the opening spring moving support 21.
- the other end of the opening spring 23 is supported on the opening spring fixed support 22.
- the opening spring fixed support 22 is firmly fixed on the frame of the breaker. Therefore, once the breaker starts closing the opening spring (23) is compressed between the moving end plate and the fixed end plate and thereby is charged.
- the opening spring moving support (21) slides through the hole in the opening spring fixed support (22).
- the slider assembly consists of one slider 31 and three assemblies of the moving contact 32 and contact pressure spring 33 with washers 34 and nuts 35.
- the slider 31 being used to support the three contact pressure springs 33 and moving contacts 32 is made of an insulating material.
- the assembly is so made that the contact pressure spring 33 is assembled between two washers wherein one washer is supported by the moving contact and the other washer rests on the slider while the moving contact goes through the slider, the spring and washers and is fastened with the help of the nut 35 as shown in the figure-12.
- the moving contact 32 is allowed to slide in the slider 31. Tightening or loosening the nut 35 changes the distance between the 2 washers thereby compressing/decompressing the contact pressure spring 33.
- the hexagonal apertures on the slider 31 show where the slider rod 27 would be assembled.
- the assembly is so made the when the slider 31 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow the contact pressure springs 33 and the moving contacts 32 move as one body.
- the slider 31 can still move as the moving contacts 32 are free to slide in the slider 31 and the contact pressure springs 33 get compressed and thus charged thereby producing the required contact pressure.
- the moving contacts 32 also start to move with the slider 31 as if the entire assembly is one body.
- Figure-13 shows the assembly consisting of the individual sub-assemblies discussed above.
- the crank and connecting rod assembly, the opening spring assembly and the slider assembly are all assembled with the slider rod.
- FIG-14 is shown the assembly, which was shown in figure-13 but with the addition of the half moon bar assembly 36, which is assembled in the frame of the circuit breaker (between plates C and D shown in figures 1 & 2 ).
- the half moon bar 36 is a steel shaft that is split lengthwise. It is shown in greater detail in the lower part of figure-14.
- the half moon bar 36 is spring loaded to always turn in the anticlockwise direction (indicated by the circular arrow in the figure) about the axis of rotation indicated in the figure.
- the overlap between the latch and the half-moon bar is about 1 to 1.5mm.
- the half moon bar 36 can only rotate through a certain angle as it has end projections that are constrained within slots in the frame (In plates C & D). It serves as a part of the latch 19 to hold the breaker in the closed position, and also to open the circuit breaker. The functioning of the half moon bar 36 is explained in the closing sequence of the circuit breaker.
- the figure-17 shows the circuit breaker in a nearly closed position but the driving springs 1 are not completely discharged and the cam 3 is still in contact with the roller 14.
- the slider 31 has moved further away just enough for the latch 19 (which is spring loaded) to move into place while resting against the latch roller 26.
- the latch 19 has moved down the spring-loaded half moon bar 36 is free to rotate as the latch 19 is no longer blocking its rotation and so it rotates such that its cylindrical portion is now in contact with the latch 19 instead of the flat portion like in figure-16.
- a gap is also formed between the nut 35 on the moving contact 32 and the slider 31 indicated by the arrows in the figure-17. This gap exists because the moving contact 32 comes into contact with the fixed contact before the slider 31 stops moving.
- the slider 31 moves in relation to the moving contact 32 (It is to be noted that before the moving contact 32 was stopped by the fixed contact, the moving contact 32 and the slider 31 moved as if they were one body) and the contact pressure spring 33 gets compressed by the distance indicated on the figure-17 and charged. It should also be noted that the opening springs 23 are also charged while the breaker is closing as the slider 31 is moving and so is the slider rod 27 and so is the opening spring support (21 not shown in figure). The distance before contact between the moving contact 32 and a fixed contact is about 12mm.
- This assembly consists of a slider 31 and an assembly of the moving contact 32 and contact pressure spring 33 with washers 34 and nuts 35.
- the slider which is being used to support the contact pressure spring 33 and moving contact assembly 32, is made in the shape of a U with hexagonal cuts where the slider rod 27 is assembled.
- the moving contact assembly 32 is made up of the insulating cap 37, the moving contact 38 and the threaded connector 39 into which fits the moving shaft of the vacuum bottle. It can be observed that the moving contact 38 and the threaded connector are embedded in the insulating cap 37 and thus are in effect one body, so whenever the moving contact 38 experiences any motion or force the same is experienced by the entire moving contact assembly 32.
- the assembly is so made that the contact pressure spring 33 is assembled between two washers 34 wherein one washer is supported by the moving contact 38 and the other washer rests on the slider 31 while the moving contact 38 goes through the slider 31, the contact pressure spring 33 and washers 34 and is fastened with the help of the nut 35 as shown in the figure-19.
- the moving contact 38 is allowed to slide in the slider 31. Tightening or loosening the nut 35 changes the distance between the 2 washers 34 thereby compressing/decompressing the contact pressure spring 33.
- the hexagonal apertures on the slider show where the slider rod 27 would be assembled. The assembly is so made that when the slider moves in the direction indicated by the arrow the contact pressure springs and the moving contacts move as one body. However when the motion of the moving contact assembly 32 is restricted (by the fixed contacts in the vacuum bottle), the slider 31 can still move as the moving contact 38 is free to slide in the slider 31 and the contact pressure springs 33 get compressed and thus charged thereby producing the required contact pressure. Similarly when the slider 31 moves in a direction opposite to that indicated, initially only the slider 31 moves and once the contact pressure spring 33 discharge, the moving contact 38 also start to move with the slider (31) as if the entire assembly is one body.
- Figure-20 shows the assembly consisting of the individual sub-assemblies discussed above.
- the crank and connecting rod assembly, the opening spring assembly and the contact pressure spring and slider assembly all assembled on the slider rod 27.
- the slider 31 is assembled with the opening spring support 21 inside it as shown in figures 20 and 21 .
- Spacers 40 are utilized to keep the three contact pressure spring and slider assemblies apart at appropriate distances. This is more clearly visible in the figure-21.
- Also assembled on the slider rod 27 are slider blocks 41 which slide in slots in the end plates of the frame (A) and (D) (from figures 1 and 2 ).
- the latch roller 26 assembly also fits in between the slider 31 Apart from this variation the functioning (i.e. the opening and closing) of the circuit breaker remains the same.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a compact circuit breaker mechanism for a switching device with, preferably, a tripolar insulating rod, which is used to deliver the output to the switching device.
- Circuit breakers are automatically operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overload or short circuit. Circuit breakers are made in varying sizes, from small devices that protect an individual household appliances upto large switchgear designed to protect high voltage circuits feeding an entire city. The part of circuit breakers connected in one phase is called the pole and a circuit breaker suitable for three phase system is called a triple-pole circuit breaker. Each pole of the circuit breaker comprises one or more interrupter or arc-extinguishing chambers. The interrupters are mounted on support insulators. The interrupter encloses a set of fixed and moving contacts, the moving contacts can be drawn apart by means of operating links of the operating mechanism. The operating mechanism provides the necessary energy for opening and closing of contacts of the circuit breakers.
- The limitations of conventional drive designs due to their mechanical nature are that they have relatively high complexity. There is an inherent tendency towards impact operation with high operating noise levels. There is also a high, transient auxiliary power requirements and limited condition-monitoring scope.
-
US 4,001,742 (Jencks et. al) discloses a circuit breaker including an operating mechanism having powerful mechanism springs to achieve the requisite contact pressures for high current carrying capacity. A single crank of a rotary handle through a relatively small arc of 120° resets the operating mechanism via a reciprocating slide and a latching mechanism, while loading the mechanism springs. Return of the handle to its original position shifts the line of action of the springs so as to abruptly straighten a toggle and achieve rapid closure of the circuit breaker contacts. The latching mechanism is equipped with plural circuit breaker tripping capabilities. -
US 5,731,560 (Nebon et al ) discloses a mechanism for a multipole circuit breaker mechanism with high currents and high electrodynamic strength comprising a toggle device associated with a trip hook and a switching bar, an opening ratchet cooperating with the hook to perform loading and tripping of the mechanism respectively in the locked or unlocked position of the ratchet. The opening ratchet comprises disengageable actuating means causing self-locking of the catch in the presence of a short circuit current exceeding a calibration threshold defined by flexible means. The catch is in the shape of a half-moon to move the opening ratchet to the unlocked position to being about the tripping of the mechanism. - The above patents have inherent disadvantages related to compactness and ease of functionality. The existing mechanisms used bigger volume for the same functions. Also, insulation is not part of the existing mechanism. Further, the linkages used in the prior art are complex.
- The present invention seeks to overcome the limitations mentioned above and to provide an improved compact circuit breaker mechanism
- The circuit breaker mechanism as disclosed in this specification comprises of three sub-assemblies, namely, the pumping/charging system, the crank and connecting rod system and the contact pressure and slider system.
- The pumping system is used to charge the main driving springs. The driving springs are compression type springs mounted and guided between the shaft on which the cams are mounted (camshaft) and the frame of the mechanism such that the spring gets compressed and decompressed when the camshaft rotates. Thus in order to compress and thus charge the driving springs the camshaft needs to be rotated. This is achieved by the pumping or charging system.
- The pumping system comprises a ratchet and pawl mechanism and a set of gears and a handle mounted on the same shaft as the ratchet wheel. The handle is given a downward stroke of 60° and the ratchet wheel along with the gear mounted on the ratchet shaft also turns by the same angle When the camshaft rotates the length of the driving springs changes thereby charging/discharging said springs. The charging of the springs produces an opposing force which tries to discharge the stored energy which requires the camshaft and the ratchet wheel to rotate in the opposite direction than that of the handle. However, the locking pawl blocks this rotation, thus keeping the springs charged till they cross the toggle line. Once the driving springs cross the toggle line, the camshaft instead of being rotated by the ratchet wheel and the handle is now rotated by the driving springs (as they discharge) and the breaker begins closing.
- The cam and slider crank system are activated once the closing springs have crossed the toggle line. The slider and crank system consists of two crank assemblies on either side of a latch. The crank assemblies consist of two crank plates assembled with a roller and roller-pin between them, also assembled on the crank is a connecting rod with the help of a connecting pin.
- The slider assembly consists of one slider and three assemblies of the moving contact and contact pressure spring with washers and nuts. The slider being used to support the three contact pressure springs and moving contacts is made of an insulating material. The assembly is so made that the contact pressure spring is assembled between two washers wherein one washer is supported by the moving contact and the other washer rests on the slider while the moving contact goes through the slider, the spring and washers and is fastened with the help of the nut.
- The moving contact is allowed to slide in the slider. Tightening or loosening the nut (35) changes the distance between the 2 washers thereby compressing / decompressing the contact pressure spring. The hexagonal apertures on the slider show where the slider rod would be assembled.
- Accordingly, the compact circuit breaker mechanism of the present invention comprises: a handle assembly including a handle; a driving spring charging system comprising: at least one driving spring mounted between a camshaft and a fixed frame of the circuit breaker; motion transferring means coupled with the handle assembly and the camshaft, such that, every stroke of the handle rotates the camshaft in a direction opposite the direction of the handle rotation thereby charging said driving spring; a locking mechanism for preventing reverse direction rotation of the camshaft due to the resisting force caused by the charging driving spring; a crank and slider assembly comprising: a crankshaft; a latch mechanism assembled on said crank shaft but moving independently of said crankshaft; at least two crank assemblies assembled on said crank shaft, each on either side of said latch mechanism, each of said crank assembly including at least two crank plates coupled to each other, a connecting rod is provided such that one end of said connecting rod is slidably assembled intermediate said at least two crank plates and the other free end has provision to be assembled with a slider rod; opening spring assemblies provided at the outer sides of the crank assemblies positioned independent of the crank shaft but integrally connected to a moving support, which is assembled on the slider rod, said opening spring being configured to be charged or discharged from the instant the circuit breaker starts closing or opening depending on the direction of movement of the crank assembly on the crankshaft; and a slider assembly comprising: a slider and moving contact assemblies with pressure springs to close and open the circuit breaker, the slider assembly adapted to move as one unit when the slider moves in a direction indicating closing of the circuit breaker.
-
-
Fig 1 shows the complete operating mechanism of the circuit breaker according to this invention. -
Fig 2 shows the different sub-assemblies of the circuit breaker in accordance with this invention. -
Fig 3 shows the pumping system/charging system of the circuit breaker according to this invention. -
Fig 4 shows the mechanism of operation of the handle and the driving spring being in the uncharged state. -
Fig 5 shows the mechanism of operation of the handle and the driving spring being partially charged. -
Fig 6 shows the mechanism of operation of the handle and the driving spring being fully charged. -
Fig 7 shows the driving spring having crossed the toggle line and the rotation of the handle by the driving spring. -
Fig 8 shows the cam and slider crank system of the circuit breaker according to this invention. -
Fig 9 shows the slider and crank system without the cam and camshaft -
Fig 10 shows the opening spring assembly of the cam and slider crank system -
Fig 11 shows the crank shaft assembly with latch roller and opening spring. -
Fig 12 shows the contact pressure and slider system -
Fig 13 shows the assembly consisting of the individual subassemblies of the contact pressure and slider system. -
Fig 14 shows the assembly ofFigure 13 along with a half moon bar assembly -
Fig 15 shows the direction of motion of the slider when the driving springs are being discharged. -
Fig 16 shows that closing sequence of the circuit breaker mechanism with a half moon bar mechanism -
Fig 17 shows the circuit breaker in a nearly closed position but the driving springs are not completely discharged. -
Fig 18 shows the circuit breaker in the closed state. -
Fig 19 shows the contact pressure and sliding system where individual insulators are used on the moving contacts before the contact pressure springs. -
Figs 20 and 21 shows the assembly of the individual subassemblies of the contact pressure and slider system with individual insulators used on the moving contacts before the contact pressure springs. -
Figure 1 and2 disclose the complete operating mechanism of the circuit breaker according to this invention. The parts A, B, C and D are assembled together so as to form a rigid assembly, which serves as the frame or the base for the mechanism to function. These four parts in themselves do not move but serve as the support on which all other moving parts of the mechanism are assembled. For the sake of clarity, the complete assembly is divided into three sub-assemblies, which are explained as follows. - The three sub-assemblies are:
- 1. The pumping system (or) the charging system
- 2. The crank and connecting rod system
- 3. The contact pressure and slider system
-
Figure 3 illustrates the pumping system used to charge the main driving springs 1. The driving springs 1 are compression type springs mounted and guided between theshaft 2 on which thecams 3 are mounted (camshaft) and the frame of the mechanism such that thespring 1 gets compressed and decompressed when thecamshaft 2 rotates. Thus in order to compress and thus charge the drivingsprings 1 the camshaft is required to be rotated. This is achieved by the pumping system as illustrated inFigure 3 . - The pumping system consists of a
ratchet 5 andpawl gears handle 8 mounted on the same shaft as the ratchet wheel. When thehandle 8 is given a downward stroke of 60 degrees theratchet wheel 5 turns by the same angle and so does thegear 9 mounted on theratchet shaft 4. Thisgear 9 is always meshed with thegear 10 on thecamshaft 2, such that, whenever theratchet 5 rotates thecamshaft 2 also rotates by an angle, which is dictated by the gear ratio. As already described, when thecamshaft 2 rotates, the length of the driving springs 1 changes thereby charging /discharging it. In the present case thecamshaft 2 rotates in a direction, which causes the driving springs 1 to get charged. Since the driving springs 1 are being charged they produce an opposing force, which tries to discharge the stored energy. In order for the springs to discharge, thecamshaft 2 and theratchet wheel 5 have to rotate in a direction opposite to that produced by thehandle 8, but the lockingpawl 6 blocks this rotation thus keeping thesprings 1 charged till they cross the toggle line. The driving and lockingpawls 7 & 6 are spring loaded so as to always remain in contact with theratchet wheel 5. - The gear ratio is so chosen that 5 strokes of 60 degrees of the handle 8 (in effect 300 degrees rotation of the ratchet wheel 5) would cause a 186 degree turn of the camshaft 2 (i.e. the
springs 1 would just be pushed beyond the toggle line when being charged). Once thesprings 1 are beyond the toggle line they are no longer prevented from discharging as thepawls 6 & 7 no longer block the rotation of either thecamshaft 2 or theratchet 5, and the mechanism is set into motion till the driving springs 1 are completely discharged. - The main driving springs 1 are mounted between the
camshaft 2 and the frame of the circuit breaker. The fixed ends of the springs are mounted on parts such that the springs are allowed to swivel in the frame as indicated inFigure 3 . Thecamshaft 2 has twocams 3 assembled on it in order to move two synchronized crank assemblies (described further down). Whenever thecamshaft 2 rotates, the length of the drivingspring 1 changes thereby charging/discharging it. Thus, in order to charge the main driving springs 1, thecamshaft 2 should be rotated in the clockwise direction as shown in the figure. - The pumping system is used to rotate the
camshaft 2. The pumping system is made up of aratchet wheel 5 andpawl camshaft 2 by the use of agear 9 andpinion 10. Thus when ever theratchet wheel 5 rotates thegear 9, which is also mounted on the same shaft, rotates. Thisgear 9 now causes thepinion 10, which is mounted on thecamshaft 2, to rotate. Thus, in effect, whenever theratchet 5 rotates, thecamshaft 2 rotates and vice-versa. - The
handle 8 is mounted on theratchet shaft 4 such that it is free to rotate on the ratchet shaft independently. It is only when the handle moves down (clockwise direction) that the drivingpawl 7 engages with the teeth of theratchet wheel 5 and causes it to rotate through a certain angle. This rotation of the ratchet causes thecamshaft 2 to also rotate through a certain angle (this angle is decided by the gear ratio) and causes the drivingspring 1 to be charged. Now thespring 1 being charged will produce a resisting force causing the camshaft and in turn the ratchet to rotate in a direction opposite to that of the handle, but this action is prevented by the locking pawl 6 (which is spring mounted to always remain in contact with the ratchet wheel). Thus for every stroke of the handle the ratchet turns and in turn the camshaft turns and the driving springs are charged and the handle is returned to its initial position by the use of springs. This action is repeated till the spring is compressed till its most compressible state. - In figure-4 the driving springs 1 are in their lowest energy state. Also shown in
figure 4 is the direction of rotation of thehandle 8 and the direction of rotation of thecamshaft 2. Thecamshaft 2 can only rotate in the anti-clockwise direction due to the presence of the lockingpawl 6. - In figure-5 the driving springs 1 are partially charged as the spring length in figure-5 is less than that in figure-4.
- In figure-6 the spring length is the minimum possible (i.e. the spring is compressed to its maximum possible extent and thus completely charged). Also the driving springs 1 cannot discharge by causing the
cam shaft 2 to rotate in the clockwise direction. Also the gear ratio is so chosen that the last few degrees of the last charging stroke are utilized in pushing the driving springs 1 beyond the toggle line. Thus ensuring that the driving springs 1 start discharging and keep thecamshaft 2 rotating in the anticlockwise direction. - In figure-7, the driving springs 1 have crossed the toggle line and the
camshaft 2, instead of being rotated by theratchet wheel 5 and thehandle 8, is now rotated by the driving springs 1 (while they discharge) and the breaker begins closing. It should be noted that once thecam shaft 2 begins rotating theratchet wheel 5 also rotates but this motion is not transferred to thehandle 8 as thepawls ratchet wheel 5 in the clockwise direction due to their free wheeling nature and thecamshaft 2 always rotates in the same direction whether it is being rotated by the driving springs 1 or theratchet wheel 5. - The cam and slider crank system come into the picture once the closing springs 1 have crossed the toggle line. This condition is depicted in
Figure 8 . - In figure-8 we can see that the closing springs 1 have crossed the toggle line and the
cam 3 is now in contact with theroller 14, which is mounted on thecrank 12 with the help of aroller pin 13. Thus when thecam 3 rotates under the influence of the closing springs 1, it moves against theroller 14, theroller 13 being mounted on thecrank 12 causes it to rotate about thecrankshaft 18 as axis. - The crank and slider system is composed of various sub-assemblies. Each of these assemblies is dealt with individually below.
- The slider and crank system without the cam and camshaft is shown in the figure-9. The assembly shown in
figure 9 consists of two crankassemblies 11 on either side of thelatch 19. The crankassemblies 11 and thelatch 19 are mounted on thecrank shaft 18 withspacers 17 used to keep them apart. They are assembled such that the crankassemblies 11 move together when thecrank shaft 18 moves but thelatch 19 is free and moves independently on thecrank shaft 18. - The crank
assemblies 11 consist of two crankplates 12 assembled with aroller 14 androller pin 13 between them. Also assembled on thecrank 12 is a connectingrod 15 with the help of a connectingpin 16. The free end of the connectingrod 15 will be assembled in the slider rod 27 (fig 11 ) with the help of abush 20, which allows the connecting rod to rotate on the hexagonal slider rod. - The opening spring assembly is as shown in figure-10. It consists of an opening spring 23 (helical compression spring), which is constrained between two
end plates 25 using the load and lockingnuts 24 as in the case of the contact pressure spring assembly. One of theend plates 25 is supported on the openingspring moving support 21, this end of thespring 23 moves the instant the breaker starts closing as the openingspring moving support 21 is assembled on thehexagonal slider rod 27 by making use of the hexagonal slot in the openingspring moving support 21. The other end of theopening spring 23 is supported on the opening spring fixedsupport 22. The opening spring fixedsupport 22 is firmly fixed on the frame of the breaker. Therefore, once the breaker starts closing the opening spring (23) is compressed between the moving end plate and the fixed end plate and thereby is charged. The opening spring moving support (21) slides through the hole in the opening spring fixed support (22). - In figure-11 we can see the crank and connecting rod assembly (from figure-9); the opening spring assembly (from figure-8 & 10) all assembled together using the
slider rod 27. Also assembled on the slider rod is thelatch roller 26 with the help of a roller pin 30 (shown in hidden lines in the picture). Thisroller pin 30 is mounted on twoside plates 29, which are assembled on the slider rod with aspacer 28 between them. So thelatch roller 26 is free to rotate on theroller pin 30. - From figure-11 it is clear that any rotation of the
crank assembly 11 on thecrankshaft 18 is transferred to theslider rod 27 via the connectingrod 15. Any motion of the connectingrod 15 causes all parts mounted on it to move, thus when the connectingrod 15 moves, thelatch roller 26 also moves and so does theopening spring support 21 thereby causing theopening spring 23 to be charged/discharged depending on the direction of motion of theslider rod 27 which in turn depends on the direction of rotation of thecrank assembly 11 on thecrankshaft 18. - In figure-12 we see the slider assembly. The slider assembly consists of one
slider 31 and three assemblies of the movingcontact 32 andcontact pressure spring 33 withwashers 34 and nuts 35. Theslider 31 being used to support the three contact pressure springs 33 and movingcontacts 32 is made of an insulating material. The assembly is so made that thecontact pressure spring 33 is assembled between two washers wherein one washer is supported by the moving contact and the other washer rests on the slider while the moving contact goes through the slider, the spring and washers and is fastened with the help of thenut 35 as shown in the figure-12. The movingcontact 32 is allowed to slide in theslider 31. Tightening or loosening thenut 35 changes the distance between the 2 washers thereby compressing/decompressing thecontact pressure spring 33. The hexagonal apertures on theslider 31 show where theslider rod 27 would be assembled. The assembly is so made the when theslider 31 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow the contact pressure springs 33 and the movingcontacts 32 move as one body. However when the motion of the movingcontacts 32 is restricted (by the fixed contacts), theslider 31 can still move as the movingcontacts 32 are free to slide in theslider 31 and the contact pressure springs 33 get compressed and thus charged thereby producing the required contact pressure. Similarly when theslider 31 moves in a direction opposite to that indicated, initially only theslider 31 moves and once the contact pressure springs 33 discharge, the movingcontacts 32 also start to move with theslider 31 as if the entire assembly is one body. - Figure-13 shows the assembly consisting of the individual sub-assemblies discussed above. The crank and connecting rod assembly, the opening spring assembly and the slider assembly are all assembled with the slider rod.
- In figure-14 is shown the assembly, which was shown in figure-13 but with the addition of the half
moon bar assembly 36, which is assembled in the frame of the circuit breaker (between plates C and D shown infigures 1 &2 ). Thehalf moon bar 36 is a steel shaft that is split lengthwise. It is shown in greater detail in the lower part of figure-14. Thehalf moon bar 36 is spring loaded to always turn in the anticlockwise direction (indicated by the circular arrow in the figure) about the axis of rotation indicated in the figure. The overlap between the latch and the half-moon bar is about 1 to 1.5mm. - The
half moon bar 36 can only rotate through a certain angle as it has end projections that are constrained within slots in the frame (In plates C & D). It serves as a part of thelatch 19 to hold the breaker in the closed position, and also to open the circuit breaker. The functioning of thehalf moon bar 36 is explained in the closing sequence of the circuit breaker. - In figure-15 it is shown that the
cam 3 has made contact with theroller 14 that is mounted on thecrank 12. As thecam 3 rotates under the influence of the driving springs 1, which are discharging, it pushes theroller 14 and thus thecrank 12 rotates in the indicated direction about thecrankshaft 18 as axis and causes the connectingrod 15 to move. The connectingrod 15 being connected to theslider 31 causes it to progressively move away from thecrankshaft 18 in the indicated direction. It is to be remembered that there being two cams and thus two crank and slider assemblies in synchronized motion the same action is taking place at both cam roller interfaces. - The closing sequence is explained below with the aid of
Figures 16-18 . - In figure-16 we can see that the
closing spring 1 has crossed the toggle line and as a result thecam 3 has come into contact with theroller 14 on thecrank 12. This causes thecrank 12 to rotate in the indicated direction aboutcrankshaft 18 as axis; this in turn moves the connectingrod 15 and causes theslider 31 to move away from the crankshaft 18 (in the indicated direction). While these events are taking place, the latch 19 (shown in hidden lines) which is spring loaded so as to always remain in contact with thelatch roller 26 tries to move in the indicated direction and rests on thelatch roller 26. The spring loadedhalf moon bar 36 too tries to turn in the indicated direction but is restricted by that the presence of thelatch 19 and so rests with its flat face against thelatch 19. At the same time due to the motion of the slider
31 theopening spring 23 is getting compressed and so produces an opposing force, which tends to move theslider 31 towards thecrankshaft 18. But this force being much less than the force driving theslider 31 away from thecrankshaft 18, the net effect is that theslider 31 moves away from thecrankshaft 18. - The figure-17 shows the circuit breaker in a nearly closed position but the driving springs 1 are not completely discharged and the
cam 3 is still in contact with theroller 14. When this is happening theslider 31 has moved further away just enough for the latch 19 (which is spring loaded) to move into place while resting against thelatch roller 26. Now since thelatch 19 has moved down the spring-loadedhalf moon bar 36 is free to rotate as thelatch 19 is no longer blocking its rotation and so it rotates such that its cylindrical portion is now in contact with thelatch 19 instead of the flat portion like in figure-16. A gap is also formed between thenut 35 on the movingcontact 32 and theslider 31 indicated by the arrows in the figure-17. This gap exists because the movingcontact 32 comes into contact with the fixed contact before theslider 31 stops moving. Thus theslider 31 moves in relation to the moving contact 32 (It is to be noted that before the movingcontact 32 was stopped by the fixed contact, the movingcontact 32 and theslider 31 moved as if they were one body) and thecontact pressure spring 33 gets compressed by the distance indicated on the figure-17 and charged. It should also be noted that the opening springs 23 are also charged while the breaker is closing as theslider 31 is moving and so is theslider rod 27 and so is the opening spring support (21 not shown in figure). The distance before contact between the movingcontact 32 and a fixed contact is about 12mm. - In figure-18 we see the circuit breaker in the closed state. The
cam 3 is no longer in contact with the roller 14 (mounted on the crank 12) and thus thecrank 12 is no longer experiencing any force due to thecam 3. The contact pressure springs 33 and the opening springs 23 (both helical compression springs) are compressed and charged and have a tendency to expand and thus produce a force which tries to move theslider 31 in the direction indicated by the arrow in figure-18 for this to happen, theslider 31 and thus thelatch roller 26 have to move towards thecrankshaft 18. But this motion is blocked by thelatch 19 which is resting against thelatch roller 26. Thus in effect the linear motion of theslider 31 is transformed into rotational motion of thelatch 19 about thecrankshaft 18. So for theslider 31 to move towards thecrankshaft 18, thelatch 19 has to rotate in a clockwise direction with thecrankshaft 18 as axis. But this rotation of thelatch 19 is blocked by the half-moon bar 36 as thelatch 19 is resting against the cylindrical portion of the half-moon bar 36. Thus we see that in order for the circuit breaker to open (i.e. theslider 31 to move back) we need to rotate the half-moon bar 36 in a clockwise direction such that thelatch 19 faces the flat portion of the half-moon bar 36 and is now free to rotate in the clockwise direction about thecrankshaft 18 as axis, which now gives place for thelatch roller 26 and thus theslider 31 to move towards thecrankshaft 18 and thus allows the contact pressure springs 33 and the opening springs 23 to discharge and open the circuit breaker. - In the above explanation the concept of the circuit breaker with a single tri polar insulating rod was illustrated. Another alternative to the single tripolar insulating rod is the concept in which we use individual insulators on the moving contacts before the contact pressure springs. This concept is illustrated below.
- In figure-19,19a we see the contact pressure and slider assembly in 2 different views. This assembly consists of a
slider 31 and an assembly of the movingcontact 32 andcontact pressure spring 33 withwashers 34 and nuts 35. The slider, which is being used to support thecontact pressure spring 33 and movingcontact assembly 32, is made in the shape of a U with hexagonal cuts where theslider rod 27 is assembled. The movingcontact assembly 32 is made up of the insulatingcap 37, the movingcontact 38 and the threadedconnector 39 into which fits the moving shaft of the vacuum bottle. It can be observed that the movingcontact 38 and the threaded connector are embedded in the insulatingcap 37 and thus are in effect one body, so whenever the movingcontact 38 experiences any motion or force the same is experienced by the entire movingcontact assembly 32. - The assembly is so made that the
contact pressure spring 33 is assembled between twowashers 34 wherein one washer is supported by the movingcontact 38 and the other washer rests on theslider 31 while the movingcontact 38 goes through theslider 31, thecontact pressure spring 33 andwashers 34 and is fastened with the help of thenut 35 as shown in the figure-19. - The moving
contact 38 is allowed to slide in theslider 31. Tightening or loosening thenut 35 changes the distance between the 2washers 34 thereby compressing/decompressing thecontact pressure spring 33. The hexagonal apertures on the slider show where theslider rod 27 would be assembled. The assembly is so made that when the slider moves in the direction indicated by the arrow the contact pressure springs and the moving contacts move as one body. However when the motion of the movingcontact assembly 32 is restricted (by the fixed contacts in the vacuum bottle), theslider 31 can still move as the movingcontact 38 is free to slide in theslider 31 and the contact pressure springs 33 get compressed and thus charged thereby producing the required contact pressure. Similarly when theslider 31 moves in a direction opposite to that indicated, initially only theslider 31 moves and once thecontact pressure spring 33 discharge, the movingcontact 38 also start to move with the slider (31) as if the entire assembly is one body. - Figure-20 shows the assembly consisting of the individual sub-assemblies discussed above. We see the crank and connecting rod assembly, the opening spring assembly and the contact pressure spring and slider assembly all assembled on the
slider rod 27. Theslider 31 is assembled with theopening spring support 21 inside it as shown infigures 20 and 21 .Spacers 40 are utilized to keep the three contact pressure spring and slider assemblies apart at appropriate distances. This is more clearly visible in the figure-21. Also assembled on theslider rod 27 areslider blocks 41 which slide in slots in the end plates of the frame (A) and (D) (fromfigures 1 and2 ). Thelatch roller 26 assembly also fits in between theslider 31 Apart from this variation the functioning (i.e. the opening and closing) of the circuit breaker remains the same.
Claims (15)
- A compact circuit breaker mechanism comprising:a handle assembly including a handle (8) ;a driving spring charging system comprising:at least one driving spring (1) mounted between a camshaft (2) and a fixed frame of the circuit breaker;motion transferring means coupled with the handle assembly (8) and the camshaft (2), such that, every stroke of the handle rotates the camshaft in a direction opposite the direction of the handle rotation thereby charging said driving spring (1) ;a locking mechanism for preventing reverse direction rotation of the camshaft (2) ;a crank and slider assembly comprising:a crankshaft (18) ;a latch mechanism (19) assembled on said crank shaft (18) but moving independently of said crankshaft;at least two crank assemblies assembled on said crank shaft (18), each on either side of said latch mechanism, each of said crank assembly including at least two crank plates (12) coupled to each other, a connecting rod (15) is provided such that one end of said connecting rod is slidably assembled intermediate said at least two crank plates (12) and the other free end has provision to be assembled with a slider rod (27) ;opening spring assemblies provided at the outer sides of the crank assemblies positioned independent of the crank shaft (18) but integrally connected to a moving support (21), which is assembled on the slider rod (27), said opening spring (23) being configured to be charged or discharged from the instant the circuit breaker starts closing or opening depending on the direction of movement of the crank assembly on the crankshaft (18) ; anda slider assembly comprising:a slider and moving contact assemblies with pressure springs (33) to close and open the circuit breaker, the slider assembly adapted to move as one unit when the slider moves in a direction indicating closing of the circuit breaker.
- The circuit breaker mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said slider (31) is a single tripolar insulating slider.
- The circuit breaker mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slider is an individual insulator provided on the moving contacts assembly before the contact pressure springs (33).
- The circuit breaker mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said motion transferring means comprises of a ratchet (5) and pawl (6,7) arrangement synchronized with the stroke of the handle (8) said ratchet and pawl arrangement (5,6,7) configured to transfer the motion of the handle (8) to the camshaft (2) by means of a gear and pinion arrangement (9,10).
- The circuit breaker mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle (8) is moved five times in a clockwise downward direction to charge said driving spring (1), each stroke being 60°.
- The circuit breaker mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixed end of the spring (1) is mounted such that they are allowed to swivel in the frame.
- The circuit breaker mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least two crank plates (12) are assembled with a roller (14) and roller pin (30) between them
- The circuit breaker mechanism as claimed in claim 7, wherein, when the driving spring (1) is completely charged, a cam (3), rotating under the influence of the charging driving spring (1), is provided to contact said roller (14) mounted on said crank plates (12), thereby causing said crank plates to rotate about the crankshaft axis.
- The circuit breaker mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the opening spring (23) is mounted between a fixed end plate and a moving end plate (25) such that during the closing of the circuit breaker the opening spring is compressed between the moving end plate and the fixed end plate and is thereby charged.
- The circuit breaker mechanism as claimed in claim 9, wherein the fixed end (23) is supported on the fixed support (22), which is fixed on the frame of the breaker, and the moving end plate is supported on the moving support (21).
- The circuit breaker mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the driving spring (1) and the opening springs (23) are helical compression type springs.
- The circuit breaker mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact pressure springs (23) are mounted between two end plates (25) by means of fasteners, wherein tightening or loosening of said fasteners changes the distance between the two end plates thereby compressing or decompressing the contact pressure springs.
- The circuit breaker mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slider rod (27) is a hexagonal rod with provisions for mounting a latch roller (26) and pin assembly, the connecting rods (15), the moving supports of the opening spring assemblies, and the slider.
- The circuit breaker mechanism as claimed in claim 13, wherein said latch roller pin (30) is mounted on two side plates (29) which are assembled on the slider rod with a spacer (28) between them, such that the latch roller (26) is free to rotate on said roller pin (30).
- The circuit breaker mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein a half-moon bar mechanism is provided on the frame of the circuit breaker said half-moon bar mechanism (36) being in connection with the latch mechanism to hold the circuit breaker in the closed position and to also open the circuit breaker.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IN2437CH2008 | 2008-10-03 |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2172957A2 true EP2172957A2 (en) | 2010-04-07 |
EP2172957A3 EP2172957A3 (en) | 2014-08-06 |
EP2172957B1 EP2172957B1 (en) | 2015-11-25 |
Family
ID=41449939
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP09354039.1A Active EP2172957B1 (en) | 2008-10-03 | 2009-10-01 | A compact circuit breaker mechanism. |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2172957B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101714483B (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN109961970A (en) * | 2017-12-26 | 2019-07-02 | Abb瑞士股份有限公司 | Change-over switch and its manufacturing method |
CN112750633A (en) * | 2020-12-28 | 2021-05-04 | 施耐德万高(天津)电气设备有限公司 | Energy storage spring operating mechanism of low-voltage isolation dual-power transfer switch |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR3089049B1 (en) * | 2018-11-26 | 2020-11-06 | Schneider Electric Ind Sas | MECHANISM FOR THE CLOSING AND OPENING COMMAND OF A POWER-CUTTING DEVICE FOR SWITCHES |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4001742A (en) | 1975-10-30 | 1977-01-04 | General Electric Company | Circuit breaker having improved operating mechanism |
US5731560A (en) | 1996-02-06 | 1998-03-24 | Schneider Electric Sa | Operating mechanism of a circuit breaker with a locking system disengageable on a short circuit |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1158788A (en) * | 1965-10-28 | 1969-07-16 | E M P Electric Ltd | Improvements in Electrical Switches |
US4095676A (en) * | 1976-11-23 | 1978-06-20 | Howe-Yin Research Co., Inc. | Stored energy operation for breakers |
DE7728623U1 (en) * | 1977-09-13 | 1980-02-14 | Siemens Ag, 1000 Berlin Und 8000 Muenchen | High voltage circuit breaker with switching resistor and auxiliary switch control |
JPS58113943U (en) * | 1982-01-28 | 1983-08-04 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Aerial disconnection |
US5004875A (en) * | 1988-10-11 | 1991-04-02 | Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. | Stored energy contact operating mechanism |
CN2814657Y (en) * | 2005-04-02 | 2006-09-06 | 胡光福 | Outdoor vacuum breaker driving and linking device |
CN2909505Y (en) * | 2006-06-15 | 2007-06-06 | 福州天宇电气股份有限公司 | Energy storage driving device of operation mechanism of circuit breaker |
US7745753B2 (en) * | 2006-11-21 | 2010-06-29 | Southern States, Inc. | Capacitor switch including a bi-directional toggle mechanism and linearly opposing opening and closing spring latches |
US7449653B2 (en) * | 2007-03-29 | 2008-11-11 | Eaton Corporation | Positive resetting close latch for closing electrical switching apparatus |
-
2009
- 2009-10-01 EP EP09354039.1A patent/EP2172957B1/en active Active
- 2009-10-09 CN CN200910178277.2A patent/CN101714483B/en active Active
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4001742A (en) | 1975-10-30 | 1977-01-04 | General Electric Company | Circuit breaker having improved operating mechanism |
US5731560A (en) | 1996-02-06 | 1998-03-24 | Schneider Electric Sa | Operating mechanism of a circuit breaker with a locking system disengageable on a short circuit |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN109961970A (en) * | 2017-12-26 | 2019-07-02 | Abb瑞士股份有限公司 | Change-over switch and its manufacturing method |
CN109961970B (en) * | 2017-12-26 | 2022-07-05 | Abb瑞士股份有限公司 | Transfer switch and method of manufacturing the same |
CN112750633A (en) * | 2020-12-28 | 2021-05-04 | 施耐德万高(天津)电气设备有限公司 | Energy storage spring operating mechanism of low-voltage isolation dual-power transfer switch |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2172957B1 (en) | 2015-11-25 |
CN101714483B (en) | 2014-06-18 |
EP2172957A3 (en) | 2014-08-06 |
CN101714483A (en) | 2010-05-26 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP2001031B1 (en) | Positive resetting close latch for closing electrical switching apparatus | |
US7633031B2 (en) | Spring driven ram for closing a electrical switching apparatus | |
US4166205A (en) | Stored energy circuit breaker | |
EP2421017B1 (en) | Medium voltage circuit breaker arrangement operated by special transmission means | |
CN101533736B (en) | Small spring operating mechanism for vacuum load switch or vacuum breaker | |
CA2627569A1 (en) | Energy dissipating spring seat | |
US4114005A (en) | Circuit breaker spring assembly | |
EP2172957B1 (en) | A compact circuit breaker mechanism. | |
JP4387034B2 (en) | Circuit breaker | |
US4152561A (en) | Circuit breaker motor and handle clutch | |
US4497992A (en) | Air circuit breaker | |
EP2787519B1 (en) | Drive mechanism for disconnecting a switch | |
CN102456484B (en) | Electrical switchgear and energy storage component thereof | |
WO2016165054A1 (en) | Electric switch | |
US4264796A (en) | Circuit breaker having improved movable contact | |
CN110249403B (en) | Medium voltage switchgear | |
US20220301791A1 (en) | Semi-independent switch-disconnector | |
CN101976616B (en) | Breaker control mechanism | |
CN103247456B (en) | Electric switchgear especially chopper | |
US4135072A (en) | Circuit breaker having opening spring position indicator | |
CN201387840Y (en) | Spring operating mechanism for miniature vacuum load switch or vacuum circuit breaker | |
CN216288264U (en) | Circuit breaker | |
CN210015828U (en) | N-pole mechanism in double-breakpoint circuit breaker and double-breakpoint circuit breaker | |
CN213937772U (en) | High-voltage motor comprehensive starter | |
CN101651059B (en) | Electric vacuum isolated phase change switch |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: AL BA RS |
|
PUAL | Search report despatched |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A3 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: AL BA RS |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: H01H 3/30 20060101AFI20140629BHEP Ipc: H01H 3/46 20060101ALN20140629BHEP Ipc: H01H 3/42 20060101ALN20140629BHEP |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20140911 |
|
RBV | Designated contracting states (corrected) |
Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: H01H 3/42 20060101ALN20150326BHEP Ipc: H01H 3/30 20060101AFI20150326BHEP Ipc: H01H 3/46 20060101ALN20150326BHEP |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: H01H 3/46 20060101ALN20150331BHEP Ipc: H01H 3/42 20060101ALN20150331BHEP Ipc: H01H 3/30 20060101AFI20150331BHEP |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20150507 |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: H01H 3/30 20060101AFI20150424BHEP Ipc: H01H 3/42 20060101ALN20150424BHEP Ipc: H01H 3/46 20060101ALN20150424BHEP |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 762963 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20151215 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602009034946 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20160225 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 762963 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20151125 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20151125 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160325 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160225 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20151125 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20151125 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20151125 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20151125 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20151125 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160325 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20151125 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20151125 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20160226 Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20151125 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20151125 Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20151125 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602009034946 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20151125 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20151125 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20151125 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20151125 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20151125 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20160826 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20151125 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20151125 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20151125 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: MM4A |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20161031 Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20161031 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20161001 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 9 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20161001 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20151125 Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO Effective date: 20091001 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20151125 Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20151125 Ref country code: MT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20161031 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20151125 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 10 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20231024 Year of fee payment: 15 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20231026 Year of fee payment: 15 Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20231027 Year of fee payment: 15 |