Electrical switching apparatus, and stored energy assembly and energy storage and release control mechanism therefor
US8610014B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 8, 2011 |
| Grant date | Dec 17, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 19, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H3/34
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An energy storage and release control mechanism is provided for a stored energy assembly of an electrical switching apparatus. The stored energy assembly includes a shaft, a stored energy mechanism, and a charging mechanism, such as a charging cam. The charging cam is movable to pivot upon the shaft, thereby charging the stored energy mechanism. The energy storage and release control mechanism includes a ratchet coupled to the charging cam and including a plurality of teeth, a mounting assembly, and a plurality of pawl assemblies. Each pawl assembly includes a pawl pivoting between an engaged position corresponding to the pawl engaging the teeth of the ratchet to resist inappropriate movement of the charging handle, and a disengaged position corresponding to the pawl not engaging the teeth of the ratchet. Preferably, first and second pawl assemblies include first and second pawls, respectively, wherein only one of the first and second pawls engages the teeth of the ratchet at a time.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.