Switch operating mechanism
US5226528A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 6, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 6, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H5/16
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A switch actuator includes an operator plate which provides a structure for mounting the actuator and for supporting the remaining parts. An operator shaft receives torque from an operating handle and via mechanical coupling, transmits torque to a torque plate subassembly. The torque plate compresses a torsion spring which provides temporary energy storage for the switch actuator. The torsion spring acts on a reaction plate subassembly which mechanically couples the torque generated by the spring to a rotor tube to operate the switch contacts. A spring guide subassembly maintains the spring in a predefined region to prevent the spring from deforming into a non-energy storing position during operation. The operator shaft, torque plate, reaction plate, spring guide, and spring are nested substantially concentrically about a predefined mounting axis. Left and right cam followers and a pivot lever combine to form a latch mechanism to prevent the switch actuator from changing position except when operated by a user.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.