GB2624719A - Device for linear actuation of switch combinations - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus 400 for actuating a plurality of switches 100,101 comprises a fixed portion 420 and a sliding portion 410. The switches are configured to open or close in response to rotation of respective actuators 120,121 about a common rotational axis 130 between a first position and a second position. The fixed portion is mounted to respective enclosures 110,111 of the two or more switches. The sliding portion is constrained by the fixed portion to move linearly along a first axis 430 between a third position and a fourth position. The linear movement of the sliding portion towards the fourth position rotates the actuators towards the second (off) position. The sliding portion may be biased towards the third position by a biasing member or spring 440 (figure 4B). The third position may be an equilibrium position. The spring may compress as the sliding portion moves towards the fourth position. Linear movement of the sliding portion towards the fourth position may rotate the switch actuators simultaneously. When the sliding portion is in the third position, the switch actuators may be independently rotated back into the first position.

Description

Device for linear actuation of switch combinations

Field

This relates to an apparatus for actuating a plurality of switches. In particular, this relates to an apparatus configured to rotate switch actuators in response to linear movement of a sliding portion of the apparatus. The actuators may be rotated simultaneously in one rotational direction. A switching system comprising the apparatus is also provided.

io Background

In the markets of some regions, for example in the Netherlands market, there is a regulatory requirement that miniature circuit breaker (MCB) poles for certain applications (for example, certain domestic and photovoltaic (PV) applications), must be switched off together, and can be switched on independently. In other words, a plurality of switches (or a combination of switches) may need to be actuated together. This regulatory requirement can be due to e.g. safety.

Existing device solutions may add bulk to the MCBs, and/or may be unstable, with actuating parts bending or distorting during use. Furthermore, some solutions may involve the use of specially customised MCBs, therefore not allowing the use of more standardised MCBs in this context.

It is desirable to provide an improved device for use with a variety of MCBs and which obviates some of the problems with these existing solutions.

Summary

In a first aspect, an apparatus is provided as defined in the first appended independent apparatus claim, with optional features defined in the dependent claims appended thereto. In a second aspect, a switching system comprising said apparatus is provided as defined in the second appended independent apparatus claim, with optional features defined in the dependent claims appended thereto.

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for actuating a plurality of switches. The apparatus comprises a fixed portion, wherein the fixed portion is configured to mount to respective enclosures of two or more switches, and wherein the switches are configured to open or close in response to rotation of respective actuators about a common rotational axis, wherein the actuators are configured to rotate between a first position and a second position. The apparatus comprises a sliding portion, wherein the sliding portion is constrained by the fixed portion to move linearly along a first axis relative to the fixed portion between a third position and a fourth position. When the fixed portion is mounted to the enclosures of the two or more switches, the sliding portion is configured such that linear movement of the sliding portion towards the fourth position rotates the actuators of the two or more switches towards the second position.

In some examples, the apparatus further comprises a biasing member, the biasing /a member configured to bias the sliding portion towards the third position. The biasing member acts to urge the apparatus back towards the third position, exposing the switch actuators or toggles and resetting the device.

Optionally, the third position is an equilibrium position of the biasing member. In some examples, the biasing member is configured to compress as the sliding portion moves towards the fourth position. in other examples, the biasing member is under tension in the fourth position.

In some examples, the linear movement of the sliding portion towards the fourth position is configured to rotate the actuators of the two or more switches simultaneously. This can help comply with regulatory provisions in certain jurisdictions, as well as facilitating rapid breaking/making of a plurality of switches with reduced user input.

Optionally, when the sliding portion is in the third position, each of the respective actuators of the two or more switches can be rotated independently of each other from the second position to the first position, wherein the rotation is independent of the linear movement of the sliding portion. This can allow independent making/breaking of the switches, even when simultaneous breaking/making is provided.

In some examples, the fixed portion comprises a stop and the sliding portion comprises a protrusion, the protrusion configured to engage with the stop at the third position to constrain the sliding portion. In some examples, the fixed portion comprises one or more of stops and the sliding portion comprises one or more protrusions. Optionally, the fixed portion comprises one or more stops and the sliding portion comprises one or more corresponding protrusions, each configured to engage with a respective stop. -3 -

Disclosed herein is a switching system comprising an apparatus as described herein and two or more switches. The switches have respective enclosures and respective actuators. The two or more switches are configured to open or close in response to rotation of the respective actuators about a common rotational axis, the actuators configured to rotate between a first position and a second position.

Optionally, the common rotational axis is perpendicular to the first axis. This can facilitate efficient force transfer from the apparatus to the actuators.

In some examples, the first position corresponds to an "On" position of the two or more switches, and the second position corresponds to an "Off' position of the two or more switches. In other examples, the opposite arrangement is provided.

Optionally, the two or more switches comprise dolly switches or toggle switches.

In some examples the fixed portion is mounted to the enclosures of the two or more switches via existing mounting points of the enclosures. In some particular examples the existing mounting points are mounting holes configured to receive a securing mechanism (also called herein a toggle securing mechanism). Optionally the securing mechanism is a locking mechanism or a sealing mechanism.

In some examples, the fixed portion comprises one or more protrusions and the existing mounting points comprise one or more recesses, wherein the fixed portion is mounted to the enclosures of the two or more switches. The mounting can optionally be via a snap fit of the one or more protrusions to the existing mounting points of the enclosures.

so Optionally, when the fixed portion is mounted to the enclosures of the two or more switches, the apparatus does not extend beyond the enclosures in a direction parallel to the common rotational axis and/or in a direction parallel to the first axis. This can facilitate retrofitting of the apparatus, and reduce bulk of the switching system.

In some examples, when the sliding portion is at the fourth position, the actuators of the two are more switches are rotated to at least a toggle point, wherein the toggle point -4 -is a point at which the actuators will continue to rotate to the second position without further linear movement of the sliding portion. The toggle point can correspond to a predetermined degree of rotation from the first position. Optionally, the toggle point corresponds to a rotation of the actuators of less than or equal to 30 degrees from the first position.

The features of the first aspect can be combined with features of the second aspect in any suitable combination, and vice versa.

Description of Figures

Figure 1: Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a plurality (two) switches in a first (optionally "on") position, and Figure iB shows the switches of Figure IA in a second (optionally "off") position; Figure 2: Figure 2A shows a first example apparatus for actuating a plurality of switches /5 in a third position, and Figure 2B shows the apparatus of Figure 2A in a fourth position; Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the apparatus of Figure 2; Figure 4: Figure 4A shows a second example apparatus for actuating a plurality of switches in a third position, and Figure 4B shows the apparatus of Figure 4A in a fourth position; Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the apparatus of Figure 4; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a switching system having a plurality of switches, such as the switches of Figure 1A, in combination with the first example apparatus, wherein the first example apparatus is in the third position; Figure 7: Figure 7A show the switching system of Figure 6, where the switches are in the second position, such as in Figure 1B, and the first example apparatus is in the fourth position, and Figure 7B shows the switching system of Figure 7A, where the first example apparatus is returned to the third position; Figure 8: Figure 8A shows a perspective view of a switching system having a plurality of switches, such as the switches of Figure 1A, in combination with the second example apparatus, wherein the second example apparatus is in the third position, and Figure 8B shows the switching system with the switches in the second position, where the second example apparatus is returned to the third position; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a switching system having a plurality (three) switches and a third example apparatus for actuating the plurality of switches. -5 -

Detailed Description

Figure 1 (Figures iA and 113) depicts two switches according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Each switch too, tot comprises a respective enclosure no, 111 and a respective actuator or "toggle" 120, 121. The actuators 120, 121 of the switches too, tot are configured to rotate about a common axis 130 between a first position and a second position. Rotation of the actuators causes the switches too, tot to open or close.

In Figure 1A, switches too, 101 are depicted with the toggles 120, 121 in the first position. In Figure 113, switches too, 101 are depicted with the toggles 120, 121 in the to second position. In some embodiments, the first position may correspond to an "on" position of the switches, and the second position may correspond to an "off' position of the switches. In this example, the switches are closed in the "on" position such that current flows through the switches too, tot. Similarly, the switches are open in the "off' position such that no current flows through the switches too, tot. However, the switches may be provided in any other suitable arrangement or configuration, depending on the application. The switches described herein are shown as being identical, but the apparatus may be used to actuate two or more different switches.

The switches too, tot may correspond to MCB poles, which may be used in a variety of applications, or can be any other type of switch. In some embodiments, the two or more switches comprise, or are implemented as, dolly switches. In the following description, the terms "switch" or "switching mechanism" are used in reference to the action of an MCB, but it will be understood that "switch" is being used as a general term for any components or device configured to open and/or close an electrical circuit. It will also be understood that the features described herein may be implemented in combination with any device with an electrical switching action (such as a contactor, breaker, or electrical isolation device).

Figure 2 (Figures 2A and 2B) depicts an apparatus 200 for actuating a plurality of o switches too, tot according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus 200 is shown in two different states.

The apparatus 200 includes a sliding portion 210 and a fixed portion 220. The sliding portion 210 is constrained by the fixed portion 220 to move linearly along a first axis 230 relative to the fixed portion 220. In other words, the sliding portion 210 can slide relative to the fixed portion 220, the sliding along the first axis in a linear direction, but -6 -movement in other directions is restricted or prevented. The sliding portion 210 is slidably coupled to the fixed portion 220. The sliding portion can be configured to move or slide within a guide channel of the fixed portion, and/or may be configured to receive a guide portion of the fixed portion within a channel of the sliding portion. in some examples, other geometries for guiding the movement of the sliding portion can be provided than those illustrated here. For example, the apparatus 200 may be configured with a dovetail slide or a pipe guide (similar to that shown in e.g. Figure 5), or with any other suitable configuration to allow the sliding portion to move or slide in a linear direction relative to the fixed portion.

Figure 2A depicts apparatus 200 wherein the sliding portion 210 is in a third position. From this third position, the sliding portion 210 is configured to slide in direction 235 along the first axis 230 towards a fourth position (in response to an actuating external force, such as that applied by a user). The first axis 230 may be perpendicular to the common rotational axis 130 of the switches roo, um. Figure 2B depicts apparatus zoo wherein sliding portion 210 is in the fourth position. The third and fourth positions may correspond to the fun extent of a range of motion of the sliding portion. For example, the sliding portion may only move between the third position and the fourth position along the first axis 230.

Figure 3 depicts an exploded view of the apparatus 200 of Figure 2, showing the sliding portion 210 and the fixed portion 220 in more detail. The fixed portion comprises a central body portion 225 and extended portions 280 which extend either side of the central body portion. The central body portion 225 acts as a guide portion, and is received by a guide channel 275 within the sliding portion 210. The extended portions comprise an overhang at the ends of the extended portions 280 distal from the central body portion 225. The sliding portion is retained by the central body portion and the overhangs of the fixed portion.

so In some examples described with reference to Figure 3, a protrusion or lip 270 on the fixed portion 220 acts to retain the sliding portion 210 in the third position; the protrusion 270 engages with the main body of the sliding portion 210, preventing further movement in a direction opposite direction 235.

In some examples, the apparatus 200 further comprises a biasing member 240. The biasing member is retained between the central body portion 225 of the fixed portion and the sliding portion, and fits within the guide channel 275 of the sliding portion 210. The biasing member 240 is configured, once assembled in apparatus 200, to bias the sliding portion 210 towards the third position shown in Figure 2A. The third position towards which the sliding portion 210 is biased may correspond to an equilibrium position of the biasing member 240. In other examples, the biasing member 240 may be slightly deformed in the third position, such that a biasing force is exerted on the sliding portion 210 but the sliding portion 210 may be otherwise retained in the third position by engagement with the fixed portion 220.

to In order to bias the sliding portion 210 (exert a biasing force on the sliding portion 210), the biasing member 240 may be compressed by the movement of the sliding portion 210. For example, using the aforementioned example wherein the sliding portion 210 is biased towards the third position, the biasing member 240 may be compressed as the sliding portion 210 moves in direction 235 towards the fourth position. In such examples, the biasing member may be a compression spring (as shown in the specific example of Figure 3). Alternatively, the biasing member 240 may be extended by movement of the sliding portion 210. For example, the biasing member 240 may be extended as the sliding portion 210 moves towards the fourth position. In such examples, the biasing member may be a tension or extension spring. The biasing member 240 may comprise any resiliently deformable component that stores elastic potential energy; although examples discussed herein refer to a compression or extension spring, other examples are possible and contemplated.

Figure 4 (Figures 4A and 4B) depicts an apparatus 400 for actuating a plurality of switches too, tot according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus 400 is shown in two different states.

As with apparatus zoo, the apparatus 400 includes a sliding portion 410 and a fixed portion 420. The sliding portion is constrained by the fixed portion 420 to move 3o linearly along a first axis 430 relative to the fixed portion 420. In other words, the sliding portion 410 can slide relative to the fixed portion 420, the sliding along the first axis in a linear direction, but movement in other directions is restricted or prevented. The sliding portion 410 is slidably coupled to the fixed portion 420. The sliding portion can be configured to move or slide within a guide channel of the fixed portion, and/or may be configured to receive a guide portion of the fixed portion within a channel of the sliding portion. -8 -

Figure 4A depicts apparatus 400 wherein sliding portion 410 is in a third position. From this third position, the sliding portion 410 is configured to slide in direction 435 along the first axis 430 towards a fourth position (in response to an actuating external force, such as that applied by a user). The first axis 430 may be perpendicular to the common rotational axis 130 of the switches 100,101. Figure 4B depicts apparatus 400 wherein sliding portion 410 is in the fourth position. The third and fourth positions may correspond to the full range or extent of motion of the sliding portion 410. For example, the sliding portion may move between the third position and the fourth to position along the first axis 430.

Figure 5 depicts an exploded view of the apparatus 400 of Figure 4. -In the particular example of Figures 4 and 5, the sliding portion 410 can be configured to move or slide within a guide channel 485 of the fixed portion 420. For example, protruding portion 490 is configured to move along the first axis 430 within the guide channel 485. In some embodiments of apparatus 400, the fixed portion 420 comprises a stop 470 and the sliding portion 410 comprises a protrusion 460, the protrusion configured to engage with the stop at the third position to constrain the sliding portion 410, thereby constraining the range of motion of the sliding portion 410. In other words, the sliding portion 420 is not able to move further than the third position in a direction opposite to direction 435. In some examples, multiple stops 470 and one or more corresponding protrusions 460 may be provided. For example, there may be a single stop, or a stop arranged either side of the guide channel 485, each with a corresponding protrusion. This mechanism may allow for increased structural rigidity of the apparatus 400 and can provide a more robust device, helping prevent separation of the sliding and fixed portions of the apparatus. Furthermore, the stop and protrusion facilitate simple assembly of the apparatus 400, reducing manufacturing/assembly time.

As discussed above in relation to apparatus 200, in some embodiments the apparatus 400 further comprises a biasing member 440. The biasing member 440 is configured, once assembled in apparatus 400, to bias the sliding portion 410 such that the sliding portion 410, without external influence, will move towards the position towards which the sliding portion is biased. For example, the sliding portion 410 may be biased towards the third position shown in Figure 4A. The position towards which the sliding member 410 is biased may correspond to an equilibrium position of the biasing member 440. In other examples, the biasing member 440 may be slightly deformed in -9 -the third position, such that a biasing force is exerted on the sliding portion 410 but the sliding portion 410 may be retained in the third position by engagement with the fixed portion 420 (here through the engagement of protrusion 460 and stop 470).

In order to bias the sliding portion 410 (exert a biasing force on the sliding portion 410), the biasing member 440 may be compressed by the movement of the sliding portion 410. For example, using the aforementioned example wherein the sliding portion 410 is biased towards the third position, the biasing member 440 may be compressed as the sliding portion 410 moves in direction 435 towards the fourth to position. In such examples, the biasing member may be a compression spring (as shown in the specific example of Figure 5). Alternatively, the biasing member 440 may be extended by movement of the sliding portion 410. For example, the biasing member 440 may be extended as the sliding portion 410 moves towards the fourth position. In such examples, the biasing member may be a tension or extension spring. The biasing member 440 may comprise any resiliently deformable component capable of storing elastic potential energy; although examples discussed herein refer to a compression or extension spring, other examples are possible and contemplated.

Figure 6 depicts a switching system 600 comprising two switches 100,101 having enclosures no, in and an apparatus zoo according to various embodiments of the disclosure. The actuator 120,121 of the switches 100,101 rotate along a common rotational axis 130 between a first and a second position. As illustrated in Figure 6, in some embodiments the common rotational axis 130 may be perpendicular to the first axis of the apparatus 200, though other arrangements are possible depending on the configuration of the switches too, tot. In Figure 6, both switches too, tot are in their first positions, and the linear portion of the apparatus zoo is in its third position, as discussed above. The first position of the switches too, 101 may correspond to an "On" position of the two or more switches, and the second position (shown in Figure 7) may correspond to an "off' position of the two or more switches.

The apparatus 200 may be mounted to the enclosures 110, 111 of the switches 100,101 to form the switch system 600 by a variety of techniques. Referring back to Figures 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B, the fixed portion 220 of apparatus 200 can be configured to mount to the enclosures no, 111 of the switches 100,101. The fixed portion 220 of the apparatus 200 may be configured such that it is mountable to the enclosures 110,111 via existing mounting points of the enclosures, optionally via mounting holes configured to receive -10 -a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism (also called a toggle securing mechanism) can be a locking or sealing mechanism that prevents the actuators or toggles from being turned or rotated. For example, the mechanism can be a component or device that seals the actuator, e.g. a tamper proof seal, or a locking mechanism such as a padlocking device. In some examples, the fixed portion 220 comprises one or more protrusions 250 and the existing mounting points comprise one or more recesses (not shown). The protrusions 250 may be configured such that the fixed portion zzo can snap fit on to the enclosures no, in. The fixed portion zzo may additionally or alternatively be secured to the enclosures no, in by mechanical or chemical coupling to or joining, such as by an adhesive. The apparatus zoo may correspondingly be configured to be easily attachable to the switch enclosures no, in, thereby allowing for easy adaptation and retrofitting of existing switching systems, and/or easier factory production of switching systems.

As discussed above with respect to Figure 3, the fixed portion zzo of the apparatus zoo is configured to extend either side of the central body portion 225 of the fixed portion 200. The central body portion 225 comprises the protrusions 250. These extended portions 280 of the fixed portion 210 may be coupled or joined to an enclosure of the switch. Structural rigidity of the system may therefore be increased. Furthermore, the sliding portion zio can extend out on either side of the central body portion or guide portion (and thus on either side of the mounting points of the fixed portion), thereby improving stability of the sliding portion during linear movement relative to the fixed portion.

In particular examples, as depicted in Figure 6, the apparatus 200 may be configured such that the apparatus zoo (including the sliding portion zio) does not extend beyond the enclosures no, in in a direction along or parallel to the common rotational axis 130. The apparatus additionally or alternatively may not extend beyond the enclosures no, in in a direction along or parallel to axis 230. This allows for a negligible increase in bulk to the switches ioo, 101, allowing for easy integration and retrofitting of the apparatus 200 into existing switching systems, and minimising the space requirements of the switching systems more generally.

Furthermore, by extending the sliding portion 210 either side of the central body portion 225, the sliding portion 210 can engage the actuators or toggles 120, 121 of both of switches 100, 101 when mounted to the switches too, 101 (as shown in Figure 6). In particular, linear movement of the sliding portion 210 from the third position to the fourth position (e.g. in response to an external force) rotates the actuators of the switches 100, 101 together, transitioning the switches too, 101 from the first position of Figure 1A towards their second positions, shown in Figure 113. The apparatus 200, when coupled or attached to the switches 100, 104 is therefore configured to rotate the actuators of the two or more switches towards the second position simultaneously. After returning the sliding portion 210 to the third position, the actuators 120, 121 of the individual switches too, 101 may be independently transitioned or rotated back towards their first positions. In this way, simultaneous switching "off' may be provided to whilst allowing for independent switching "on" (or simultaneous switching "on" and independent switching "off", as desired). Individual market requirements for switch actuation may therefore be complied with.

It will be understood that in other examples, the rotation of the actuators may not be simultaneous or concurrent. For example, the sliding portion 210 may be stepped or otherwise shaped such that one rotation of actuator 120 is initiated before rotation of actuator 121, or vice versa. Regardless of whether or not the actuation is concurrent, the coupling of the linear motion/movement of the sliding portion 210 to the rotational actuation of the switches 100, 101 (i.e. by rotating their respective actuators or toggles) allows for provision of an actuating device with increased stability and rigidity as compared to existing approaches. Actuation of the switch 100, 101 may therefore be improved. Moreover, linear actuation may be quicker and easier than rotational actuation, improving accessibility and ease of use of the device.

Figure 7 (Figures 7A, 7B) depicts switching system 600 having apparatus 200 (as previously shown in Figure 6) after the linear portion 210 has been moved to its fourth position, thereby causing rotation of the actuators 210, 121 towards their second positions; the switches too, 101 are now in an "off" (or open) position. Figure 7A shows the apparatus 200 in the fourth position (e.g. maximum linear displacement, optionally 3o the biasing member 240 is compressed). Figure 7B shows the apparatus in the third position (a reset position), exposing the toggles 120, 121 for further actuation by a user. The sliding portion 210 of the apparatus may move from the fourth position to the third position in response to urging of (or biasing by) the biasing member 240.

The apparatus 200 may be configured to rotate the actuators of the switches 100, 101 to at least a toggle point of the switches 100, 101, wherein the toggle point is a point at -12 -which the switches too, tot will continue to rotate to the second position without further influence of the apparatus. In other words, the toggle point is a point at which the actuators will continue to rotate to the second position without further linear movement of the sliding portion. For instance, linear movement of the sliding portion 210 to the fourth position (shown in Figure 7A) may correspond with having rotated the switches too, tot to (or beyond) their respective toggle points so that, despite the sliding portion having reached the end of its range of linear motion, the switches will continue to transition to their second positions. The toggle point can correspond to a predetermined degree of rotation from the first position. The predetermined degree of to rotation can be based on the design of the apparatus zoo, and the particular geometry or arrangement of the switches and actuators or toggles. in some examples, the toggle point corresponds to a rotation of the actuators of less than or equal to 30 degrees from the first position. In some examples, the toggle point corresponds to a rotation of less than or equal to zo degrees from the first position.

As discussed above, in some embodiments described with reference to Figure 3, the assembled apparatus may further comprise a biasing member 240. Where the apparatus further comprises a biasing member (as in system 600), the sliding portion may automatically return to the third position upon release, exposing the actuators/toggles of switches loo, 101 (as is illustrated in e.g. Figure 7B). In other words, in biasing the sliding member 210 towards, for instance, the third position, the sliding portion 210 may automatically reset to the third position after use (i.e. after removal of an actuating force on the sliding portion 210 which causes the sliding portion to slide along axis 230 towards the fourth position). This allows for increased visibility of the switching states of the switches loo, 101 (i.e. the visibility of the positions of each of the toggles 120, 121), improving the ease of use and safety of the system, and allows for the actuators of the switches too, tot to be independently transitioned back to their first position without having to manually reset the sliding portion 210. Furthermore, use of the biasing member 240 ensures that the sliding so portion 210 in maintained in a stable position away from the operating zone of the switches wo, 101 when not in operation.

Figure 8 (Figures 8A, 8B) depicts a switching system 800 comprising two switches too, 101 having enclosures no, 111 and an apparatus 400 according to various embodiments 35 of the present disclosure. Although apparatus 200, 400 (and respective systems 600, 800) are discussed separately, it will be understood that they are merely two examples -13 -of a device or system as provided herein; any feature described with reference to one apparatus/system can be incorporated into the other apparatus/system, and vice versa.

With reference to Figure 8A, the actuator 120, 121 of the switches too, no rotate along a common rotational axis 130 between a first and a second position. Both switches 100, 101 are in their first positions, and the linear portion of the apparatus 400 is in its third position, as discussed above. The first position of the switches loo, 101 may correspond to an "On" position of the two or more switches, and the second position (shown in Figure 8B) may correspond to an "off' position of the two or more switches.

The apparatus 400 may be mounted to enclosures no, 111 to form the switch system Soo by a variety of techniques. Referring back to Figures IA, 1B, 4A, and 4B, fixed portion 420 of apparatus 400 is configured to mount to the enclosures no, in of the switches loo, 101. The fixed portion 420 of the apparatus 400 may be configured such that it is mountable to the enclosures no, 111 via existing mounting points of the enclosures, optionally by mounting holes configured to receive a securing mechanism, such as a tamper proof seal or a padlocking device. In some examples, the fixed portion 420 comprises one or more protrusions 450 and the existing mounting points comprise one or more recesses (not shown). The protrusions 450 may be configured such that the fixed portion 420 can snap fit on to the enclosures no, tn. The fixed portion 420 may additionally or alternatively be secured to the enclosures no, nt by mechanical or chemical coupling or joining, such as by an adhesive. The apparatus 400 may correspondingly be configured to be easily attachable and-from the switch enclosures no, 111 allowing for easy adaptation of or retrofitting to existing switching systems, and/or easier factory production of the apparatus or components of the switching system Soo.

As depicted in Figure 8, the apparatus 400 may be configured to be mounted to the switches such that the apparatus 400 does not extend beyond the switch enclosures no, 111 in a direction parallel to the common rotational axis 130 and/or in a direction parallel to the first axis. For instance, the apparatus 400 may fit within the profile of the switches loo, Dm when viewed in a direction approximately normal to a front surface of the switches leo, 101. This allows for a negligible increase in bulk of the switches loo, 101, thereby allowing for easy integration and retrofitting of the apparatus 400 into existing switching systems (as no additional lateral space is -14 -required for the system 800 including the apparatus 400). This space-saving aspect is also advantageous for newly constructed switching systems.

As discussed above with reference to apparatus 400, when mounted to the switches 100, 101, linear movement of the sliding portion 410 from the third position to the fourth position rotates the actuators of the switches loo, 101, thereby transitioning the actuators switches 100,101 towards their second positions (shown in Figure 8B, and operationally equivalent to the above description of Figure 7). In returning the sliding portion 410 to the third position immediately after removal of the external actuating as /0 biasing member 440 releases its stored energy, the toggles or actuators of the individual switches 100,101 are exposed (as shown in Figure 8B). The toggles or actuators may then be individually and independently transitioned or rotated back towards their first positions (i.e. rotated independently of one another and of any linear movement of the sliding portion 420) towards the position shown in Figure 8A. In /5 some embodiments the apparatus 400 is configured to actuate the switches 100,101 simultaneously by rotating an actuators toward the second position together (at the same time). In this way, simultaneous switching "off' may be provided whilst allowing for independent switching "on" (or simultaneous switching "on" and independent switching "off', as desired). Individual market requirements for switch actuation may therefore be complied with.

By coupling the linear motion or displacement of the sliding portion 410 to the rotational actuation of the switches 100,101 (i.e. by rotating their respective toggles), the apparatus 400 may be more mechanically stable during use than existing approaches. Moreover, linear actuation may be quicker and easier than rotational actuation, improving accessibility and ease of use of the device.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, the apparatus 400 may further comprise a biasing member 44o configured to bias the sliding member. in biasing the sliding member 410 towards, for instance, the third position, the sliding member 210 may automatically reset to the third position after removal of an actuating force. This further allows for increased visibility of the switching states of the switches 100,101 (i.e. visibility of the positions of each of the toggles 120, 121). Moreover, the use of a biasing member 440 can improve the ease of use and safety of the system, and allows for the actuators of switches 100, 101 to be independently transitioned back to their first position (by a user) without having to manually reset the sliding portion 210.

-15 -Furthermore, use of the biasing member 240 ensures that the sliding portion 210 in maintained in a stable position away from the operating zone of the switches 100, lot when not in operation.

Although Figures 2-8 depict example apparatuses 200, 400 that actuate two switches roo, 101 together, this is not meant to be limiting. The apparatuses described herein are also scalable to operation with any number of switches, provided the switches are configured to actuate along a common rotational axis. For instance, Figure 9 depicts an apparatus 900 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure configured to to actuate three switches 100, rot, 102 (each having respective enclosures 110, 111, 112) together. In this example, the apparatus goo comprises a unitary sliding portion 910 and a fixed portion comprising two respective components 920a, 9201). The sliding portion 910 engages with both components of the fixed portion in a same manner, and is configured to move linearly along a first axis relative to the fixed portion 920a, 920b between a third position and a fourth position (as discussed with respect to apparatus 400). In other examples, a single fixed portion may be used (e.g. components 92oa, 920b may be integrally formed).

The sliding portion 210, 410, 910 and the fixed portion 410, 420, 920a, 920b described herein may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials, in any suitable manner. Preferably, the apparatus 200, 400, 900 is formed of an insulating material (or an insulating material is provided between the sliding portion and an engagement portion configured to receive an external actuating force). For example, the fixed and sliding portions may be made of plastic, and may be formed by 3D printing or injection moulding. Other examples are possible and contemplated, and the discussed examples are not intended to be limiting.

It is noted herein that while the above describes various examples of the apparatus zoo, 400, 900 and switching system 600, 800, these descriptions should not be viewed in a so limiting sense. Rather, there are several variations and modifications which may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (16)

1. -16 -Claims 1. An apparatus for actuating a plurality of switches, comprising: a fixed portion, wherein the fixed portion is configured to mount to respective 5 enclosures of two or more switches, the switches configured to open or close in response to rotation of respective actuators about a common rotational axis, wherein the actuators are configured to rotate between a first position and a second position; and a sliding portion, wherein the sliding portion is constrained by the fixed portion to move linearly along a first axis relative to the fixed portion between a third position and a fourth position; wherein, when the fixed portion is mounted to the enclosures of the two or more switches, the sliding portion is configured such that linear movement of the sliding portion towards the fourth position rotates the actuators of the two or more switches towards the second position.
2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a biasing member, the biasing member configured to bias the sliding portion towards the third position.
3. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the third position is an equilibrium position of the biasing member.
4. 4. The apparatus of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the biasing member is configured to compress as the sliding portion moves towards the fourth position.
5. 5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the linear movement of the sliding portion towards the fourth position is configured to rotate the actuators of the two or more switches simultaneously.
6. 3o 6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further configured such that when the sliding portion is in the third position, each of the respective actuators of the two or more switches can be rotated independently of each other from the second position to the first position, wherein the rotation is independent of the linear movement of the sliding portion.
7. -17 - 7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the fixed portion comprises a stop and the sliding portion comprises a protrusion, the protrusion configured to engage with the stop at the third position to constrain the sliding portion.
8. 8. A switching system comprising: the apparatus of any preceding claim, and two or more switches having respective enclosures and respective actuators, the two or more switches configured to open or close in response to rotation of the respective actuators about a common rotational axis, the actuators configured to rotate ic between a first position and a second position.
9. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the common rotational axis is perpendicular to the first axis.
10. 10. The system of claim 8 or 9, wherein the first position corresponds to an "On" position of the two or more switches, and the second position corresponds to an "Off' position of the two or more switches.n.
11. The system of claims 8-10, wherein the two or more switches comprise dolly switches.
12. 12. The system of claims 8-11, wherein the fixed portion is mounted to the enclosures of the two or more switches via existing mounting points of the enclosures, optionally, wherein the existing mounting points are mounting holes configured 25 to receive a securing mechanism.
13. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the fixed portion comprises one or more protrusions and the existing mounting points comprise one or more recesses, wherein the fixed portion is mounted to the enclosures of the two or more o switches via a snap fit of the one or more protrusions to the existing mounting points of the enclosures.
14. 14. The system of claims 8-13, further configured such that when the fixed portion is mounted to the enclosures of the two or more switches, the apparatus does not 35 extend beyond the enclosures in a direction parallel to the common rotational axis and/or in a direction parallel to the first axis.
15. 15. The system of claims 8-14, further configured such that when the sliding portion is at the fourth position, the actuators of the two are more switches are rotated to at least a toggle point, wherein the toggle point is a point at which the actuators will continue to rotate to the second position without further linear movement of the sliding portion.
16. 16. The system of claim 13, wherein the toggle point corresponds to a predetermined degree of rotation of the actuators from the first position, optionally ic wherein the toggle points corresponds to rotation of the actuators of less than or equal to 30 degrees from the first position.