U.S. patent application number 11/954599 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-18 for special provisions for network protector retrofits.
Invention is credited to MARK A. FAULKNER, ARTHUR J. JUR, JOHN M. KOKENDA, PHILLIP D. MILLER, JOHN R. MOFFAT, STEPHEN W. ONEUFER.
Application Number | 20090152078 11/954599 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40688695 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090152078 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MOFFAT; JOHN R. ; et
al. |
June 18, 2009 |
SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR NETWORK PROTECTOR RETROFITS
Abstract
A retrofit assembly structured to allow a CM22 type circuit
breaker to engage, and be enclosed by, a CMD type circuit breaker
tank is provided. The retrofit assembly includes a levering
mechanism, a circuit breaker bus assembly having bus support
members, and a door handle system structured to allow a user to
actuate the circuit breaker contacts when the tank is closed.
Inventors: |
MOFFAT; JOHN R.; (Greenwood,
SC) ; ONEUFER; STEPHEN W.; (Greenwood, SC) ;
FAULKNER; MARK A.; (Greenwood, SC) ; MILLER; PHILLIP
D.; (Greenwood, SC) ; JUR; ARTHUR J.;
(Greenwood, SC) ; KOKENDA; JOHN M.; (Greenwood,
SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Martin J. Moran
1000 Cherrington Parkway
Moon Township
PA
15108
US
|
Family ID: |
40688695 |
Appl. No.: |
11/954599 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
200/50.1 ;
200/50.02 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02B 3/00 20130101; H02B
11/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
200/50.1 ;
200/50.02 |
International
Class: |
H01H 9/22 20060101
H01H009/22 |
Claims
1. A retrofit assembly for a CM22 type circuit breaker structured
to adapt said circuit breaker so as to engage a CMD type enclosure,
said CMD type enclosure being a tank having housing assembly with a
plurality of members defining a generally enclosed space, said
housing assembly members including a back member and movable door,
said tank further including a bus assembly with a line bus assembly
and a load bus assembly, said tank bus assembly coupled to said
housing assembly back member, said tank bus assembly line bus
assembly having a plurality of bus members each with a vertically
extending stab, said tank bus assembly load bus assembly having a
plurality of bus members each with a horizontally extending stab,
said CM22 circuit breaker including a housing and a bus assembly
having a line bus assembly and a load bus assembly, said circuit
breaker bus assembly line bus assembly coupled to said circuit
breaker housing and having three line buses, each said circuit
breaker bus assembly line bus assembly line bus having a generally
flat elongated body extending generally vertically and generally
parallel to said housing assembly back member, said circuit breaker
bus assembly load bus assembly coupled to said circuit breaker
housing and having three load buses, each said circuit breaker bus
assembly load bus assembly load bus having a generally flat
elongated body with a distal end, each said circuit breaker bus
assembly load bus assembly bus body extending generally vertically
and generally parallel to said housing assembly back member, each
said circuit breaker bus assembly load bus assembly bus distal end
curving to extend generally horizontally and extending toward said
housing assembly back member, said retrofit assembly comprising: a
bus retrofit assembly having a line primary disconnect for each
circuit breaker bus assembly line bus and a load primary disconnect
for each circuit breaker bus assembly load bus; each said line
primary disconnect and load primary disconnect having a plurality
of conductive members disposed in two opposing lines and biased
toward each other in a jaw-like manner; each said line primary
disconnect coupled to, and in electrical communication with, a
circuit breaker bus assembly line bus assembly bus with each said
line primary disconnect oriented so that the line primary
disconnect axis extends generally vertically; wherein each said
circuit breaker bus assembly line bus assembly bus is structured to
be coupled to, and in electrical communication with, a tank bus
assembly line bus assembly bus by having each said line primary
disconnect coupled to a tank bus assembly line bus assembly bus;
each said load primary disconnect coupled to, and in electrical
communication with, a circuit breaker bus assembly load bus
assembly bus with each said load primary disconnect oriented so
that the load primary disconnect axis extends generally
horizontally; and wherein each said circuit breaker bus assembly
load bus assembly bus is structured to be coupled to, and in
electrical communication with, a tank bus assembly load bus
assembly bus by having each said load primary disconnect coupled to
a tank bus assembly load bus assembly bus.
2. The retrofit assembly of claim 1 wherein: said bus retrofit
assembly includes a line coupling assembly having at least one
lateral opening and a slot cut into each said circuit breaker bus
assembly line bus assembly bus, a stem coupled to each said line
primary disconnect, and at least one fastener; each said line
coupling assembly opening intersecting with said line coupling
assembly slot; each said line primary disconnect stem sized to fit
snugly in a line coupling assembly slot; each said line primary
disconnect stem being disposed in a line coupling assembly slot;
and each fastener disposed in a line coupling assembly opening
thereby securing each said line primary disconnect stem in a line
coupling assembly slot.
3. The retrofit assembly of claim 2 wherein: each said line
coupling assembly opening extends through an associated line
coupling assembly slot, whereby each said line coupling assembly
opening includes a proximal opening, adjacent a lateral of said
each said circuit breaker bus assembly line bus assembly bus, and a
distal bore, disposed on the inner side of each associated line
coupling assembly slot; each said line primary disconnect stem
includes at least one opening; each said line primary disconnect
stem opening structured to align with said associated line coupling
assembly opening when each said line primary disconnect stem is
disposed in a line coupling assembly slot; and whereby a continuous
passage consisting of each said line coupling assembly proximal
opening, each said line primary disconnect stem opening, and each
said line coupling assembly bore is created.
4. The retrofit assembly of claim 3 wherein each line coupling
assembly slot extends generally longitudinally on the associated
circuit breaker bus assembly line bus assembly bus.
5. The retrofit assembly of claim 4 wherein said bus retrofit
assembly includes a load bus support assembly structured to resist
horizontal flexing of said circuit breaker bus assembly load bus
assembly buses.
6. The retrofit assembly of claim 5 wherein: said load bus support
assembly includes a non-conducive mounting and an elongated support
member for each circuit breaker bus assembly load bus assembly bus;
each said load bus support assembly mounting coupled to a circuit
breaker bus assembly load bus assembly bus; and each said load bus
support assembly support member extending between, and coupled to,
a load bus support assembly mounting and said circuit breaker
housing.
7. The retrofit assembly of claim 6 wherein said circuit breaker
includes arc chutes structured to vent arc gases, and wherein: each
said load bus support assembly support member is disposed over an
arc chute; and each said load bus support assembly support member
has a protective covering.
8. The retrofit assembly of claim 6 wherein said tank housing
assembly includes a pair of lateral side members and a pair of
retractable rails coupled thereto and structured to move between an
extended position and a retracted position, each said tank housing
assembly lateral side member having a hook pocket disposed thereon,
said retrofit assembly further comprising: a frame assembly having
rollers structured to travel over said rails when said rails are in
the extended position; a levering mechanism including an elongated
shaft, a hook assembly disposed at each end of the shaft, a crank,
and a worm and gear arrangement; said levering mechanism coupled to
said circuit breaker, said levering mechanism shaft extending
generally laterally across said circuit breaker; wherein, when said
circuit breaker is positioned substantially within the tank with
the line primary disconnects and load primary disconnects starting
to engage the associated line stabs and load stabs, each said hook
assembly is disposed adjacent to a hook pocket; wherein, said
levering mechanism is structured to cause each said hook assembly
to move through an arc and thereby engage a hook pocket when said
worm and gear arrangement is engaged by said crank; and whereby
said line primary disconnects and load primary disconnects engage
the associated line stabs and load stabs.
9. The retrofit assembly of claim 8 wherein: each hook assembly
includes an offset and a laterally extending hook; each offset
extending radially from said levering mechanism shaft; and each
laterally extending hook extending from the distal end of the
associated offset.
10. The retrofit assembly of claim 9 wherein said circuit breaker
includes one or more pairs of separable contacts, an operating
mechanism, a closing motor and a trip device, said operating
mechanism structured to separate and close said contacts, said
closing motor structured to actuate said operating mechanism to
close said contacts, said closing motor having an actuation button,
said trip device structured to actuate said operating mechanism to
close said contacts, said trip device having an actuation button,
and wherein said retrofit assembly further includes: a door handle
system coupled to said tank housing assembly door; said door handle
system having an outer handle, an inner disk, an elongated rod, a
return spring, a close button actuator and the breaker trip bumper;
said rod having an upper end and a lower end, said close button
actuator disposed at said rod upper end, said breaker trip bumper
disposed at said rod lower end; said inner disk rotatably coupled
to said door and structured to move between a neutral position, a
close position, and a trip position; said outer handle fixed to
said inner disk; said rod coupled to said inner disk and extending
generally vertically; said return spring structured to be placed in
tension and in compression from a neutral state, said return spring
being disposed between said rod and said door; wherein, the bias of
said return spring acting on said rod biases said inner disk to
said neutral position; wherein when said inner disk is rotated to
said close position, said close button actuator engages said
closing motor actuation button; and wherein said inner disk is
rotated to said trip position, said breaker trip bumper engages
said trip device actuation lever.
11. The retrofit assembly of claim 10 wherein: said door handle
system includes a motor cutout switch and a pivot member; said
motor cutout switch being electronically coupled to said closing
motor and structured to disengage the power to said closing motor;
said pivot member structured to actuate said motor cutout switch
and being coupled to said rod; wherein said inner disk is rotated
to said trip position, said pivot member actuates said motor cutout
switch; and whereby said closing motor is prevented from running
when said circuit breaker is manually tripped.
12. The retrofit assembly of claim 8 wherein: said frame assembly
includes two side plates and a cross-frame assembly, said frame
assembly side plates held in a spaced relationship by said
cross-frame assembly; said side plates laterally defining the space
available to be occupied by said CM22 type circuit breaker; at
least one said frame assembly rollers rotatably coupled to each
said side plate.
13. The retrofit assembly of claim 2 wherein each line coupling
assembly slot extends generally longitudinally on the associated
circuit breaker bus assembly line bus assembly bus.
14. The retrofit assembly of claim 1 wherein said bus retrofit
assembly includes a load bus support assembly structured to resist
horizontal flexing of said circuit breaker bus assembly load bus
assembly buses.
15. The retrofit assembly of claim 14 wherein: said load bus
support assembly includes a non-conducive mounting and an elongated
support member for each circuit breaker bus assembly load bus
assembly bus; each said load bus support assembly mounting coupled
to a circuit breaker bus assembly load bus assembly bus; and each
said load bus support assembly support member extending between,
and coupled to, a load bus support assembly mounting and said
circuit breaker housing.
16. The retrofit assembly of claim 15 wherein said circuit breaker
includes arc chutes structured to vent arc gases, and wherein: each
said load bus support assembly support member is disposed over an
arc chute; and each said load bus support assembly support member
has a protective covering.
17. The retrofit assembly of claim 1 wherein said tank housing
assembly includes a pair of lateral side members and a pair of
retractable rails coupled thereto and structured to move between an
extended position and a retracted position, each said tank housing
assembly lateral side member having a hook pocket disposed thereon,
said circuit breaker includes a frame assembly having rollers
structured to travel over said rails when said rails are in the
extended position, said retrofit assembly further comprising: a
levering mechanism including an elongated shaft, a hook assembly
disposed at each end of the shaft, a crank, and a worm and gear
arrangement; said levering mechanism coupled to said circuit
breaker, said levering mechanism shaft extending generally
laterally across said circuit breaker; wherein, when said circuit
breaker is positioned substantially within the tank with the line
primary disconnects and load primary disconnects starting to engage
the associated line stabs and load stabs, each said hook assembly
is disposed adjacent to a hook pocket; and wherein, said levering
mechanism is structured to cause each said hook assembly to move
through an arc and thereby engage a hook pocket when said worm and
gear arrangement is engaged by said crank; and whereby said line
primary disconnects and load primary disconnects engage the
associated line stabs and load stabs.
18. The retrofit assembly of claim 17 wherein: each hook assembly
includes an offset and a laterally extending hook; each offset
extending radially from said levering mechanism shaft; and each
laterally extending hook extending from the distal end of the
associated offset.
19. The retrofit assembly of claim 1 wherein said circuit breaker
includes one or more pairs of separable contacts, an operating
mechanism, a closing motor and a trip device, said operating
mechanism structured to separate and close said contacts, said
closing motor structured to actuate said operating mechanism to
close said contacts, said closing motor having an actuation button,
said trip device structured to actuate said operating mechanism to
close said contacts, said trip device having an actuation button,
and wherein said retrofit assembly further includes: a door handle
system coupled to said tank housing assembly door; said door handle
system having an outer handle, an inner disk, an elongated rod, a
return spring, a close button actuator and the breaker trip bumper;
said rod having an upper end and a lower end, said close button
actuator disposed at said rod upper end, said breaker trip bumper
disposed at said rod lower end; said inner disk rotatably coupled
to said door and structured to move between a neutral position, a
close position, and a trip position; said outer handle fixed to
said inner disk; said rod coupled to said inner disk and extending
generally vertically; said return spring structured to be placed in
tension and in compression from a neutral state, said return spring
being disposed between said rod and said door; wherein, the bias of
said return spring acting on said rod biases said inner disk to
said neutral position; wherein when said inner disk is rotated to
said close position, said close button actuator engages said
closing motor actuation button; and wherein said inner disk is
rotated to said trip position, said breaker trip bumper engages
said trip device actuation lever.
20. The retrofit assembly of claim 19 wherein: said door handle
system includes a motor cutout switch and a pivot member; said
motor cutout switch being electronically coupled to said closing
motor and structured to disengage the power to said closing motor;
said pivot member structured to actuate said motor cutout switch
and being coupled to said rod; wherein said inner disk is rotated
to said trip position, said pivot member actuates said motor cutout
switch; and whereby said closing motor is prevented from running
when said circuit breaker is manually tripped.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to CM22 type circuit breakers
and CMD circuit breaker type enclosures and, more specifically to a
retrofit assembly structured to allow a CM22 type circuit breaker
to operatively engage a CMD circuit breaker type enclosure.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Secondary power distribution networks consist of interlaced
grids which are supplied by two or more sources of power so that
the loss of a single source of power will not result in an
interruption of service. Such secondary power distribution networks
provide the highest level of reliability possible with conventional
power distribution and are normally used to supply high-density
load areas such as a section of a city, a large building, or an
industrial site. Between a power source and the network is a
transformer and a network protector. The network protector consists
of a circuit breaker and a control relay. The circuit breaker
includes at least one set of main contacts that move between an
open position and a closed position. When the main contacts are
closed, electricity may flow through the network protector. The
control relay senses the transformer and network voltages and line
currents then executes algorithms to initiate a breaker tripping or
closing action. Trip determination is based on detecting an
overcurrent condition or reverse power flow, that is, power flow
from the network to the energy source. Network protectors are often
found in dust-proof or moisture-proof housings, or vaults, which
are disposed in subterranean passageways in large metropolitan
areas. More specifically, an enclosure, or "tank," is disposed with
the vault and the network protector is disposed within the
tank.
[0005] The network protector circuit breaker includes a number of
other components such as, but not limited to, a bus assembly, an
operating mechanism structured to move the contacts between the
open position and the closed position, and a frame assembly. The
circuit breaker bus assembly has a line assembly and a load
assembly. The circuit breaker bus assembly line assembly includes
at least one line bus that is coupled to, and in electrical
communication with, the line side of the main contacts. Similarly,
the circuit breaker bus assembly load assembly includes at least
one load bus that is coupled, and in electrical communication with,
the load side of the main contacts. The operating mechanism
includes a closing device structured to move the main contacts to
the closed position. Typically, a close device may be either a
non-stored energy device, wherein a motor or other device closes
the contacts, or a stored energy device, wherein springs, which are
compressed by a motor or by a crank, are used to close the main
contacts. The frame assembly supports the circuit breaker and is
structured to engage the tank.
[0006] The tank includes a number of components that are coupled to
the network protector components, or, that extend between the
network protector and other elements of the power distribution
network. For example, the tank includes a bus assembly having a
line assembly and a load assembly. The tank bus assembly line
assembly includes at least one line bus that is coupled to, and in
electrical communication with, the power distribution network line
conductor and is structured to engage the circuit breaker bus
assembly line bus assembly. Similarly, the tank bus assembly load
assembly includes at least one load bus that is coupled to, and in
electrical communication with, the power distribution network load
conductor and is structured to engage the circuit breaker bus
assembly load bus assembly. The coupling between the network
protector bus assembly and the circuit breaker bus assembly may be
accomplished in several ways including a fixed connection, wherein
the bus members are fixed to each other with a fastener, or, a
primary disconnect, wherein one bus member is a stab and the other
bus member has a jaw assembly that resiliently grips the stab.
[0007] The tank may also have a barrier assembly having at least
one non-conductive member structured to be disposed between
selected buses on either or both the tank bus assembly or the
circuit breaker bus assembly. Further, there is typically an
extendable rail assembly that allows the circuit breaker to be
moved into, or out of, the tank. Each of these components, as well
as others, are structured to operate/engage a specific type of
circuit breaker.
[0008] That is, the tank is structured to have a specific type of
circuit breaker with components in a specific configuration
disposed therein. Each type of circuit breaker, while generally
performing the same function, includes various different
components. For example, a CM22 type circuit breaker includes a bus
assembly having a line assembly and a load assembly having a fixed
connection which is, for example, a bolted bus connection. That is,
a CM22 type circuit breaker bus assembly is structured to be bolted
to the tank bus assembly. Conversely, a CMD type circuit breaker
bus assembly includes a primary disconnect assembly on each line
and load bus. Each primary disconnect assembly includes a number of
linearly aligned, opposing jaw members that are biased toward each
other by springs. That is, the jaw members define a narrow gap.
When a CMD type circuit breaker is moved into a tank, the tank bus
assembly bus members, or stabs, are disposed within the gaps
between the jaw members. To assist with the coupling/decoupling of
the primary disconnects, a CMD type circuit breaker tank includes a
levering mechanism that forces each primary disconnect assembly to
slide over a tank bus assembly bus member. Thus, a tank structured
to enclose/engage a CM22 type circuit breaker includes a tank bus
assembly structured to be bolted to the CM22 type circuit breaker.
A tank structured to enclose/engage a CMD type circuit breaker
includes a tank bus assembly having buses structured to slide into
a primary disconnect assembly. Further, the locations of the
various bus members are different for different types of circuit
breakers.
[0009] Other components of the different types of circuit breakers
may have other differences. For example, a CM22 type circuit
breaker utilizes a motor to close the circuit breaker contacts
whereas the CMD type circuit breaker utilizes "stored-energy," that
is, a system of springs, to close the circuit breaker contacts. The
tanks corresponding to such circuit breakers were adapted to
actuate the relevant closing mechanism. For example, the tank for a
CM22 type circuit breaker included an external switch structured to
actuate the closing motor. Conversely, the tank for a CMD type
circuit breaker did not have such a switch as the CMD type circuit
breaker did not have a closing motor.
[0010] Thus, each type of circuit breaker was only structured to be
placed in a tank having a corresponding configuration. Or, stated
another way, each tank was adapted to accept a single type of
circuit breaker. This is a disadvantage as users may like to swap
out different types of circuit breakers in a single enclosure. For
example, presently there are a number of CMD type circuit breaker
tanks wherein users desire to install a CM22 type circuit breaker.
There is, therefore, a need for a retrofit assembly and kit for a
CM22 type circuit breaker structured to allow a CM22 type circuit
breaker to engage, and be enclosed by, a CMD type circuit breaker
tank.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] This need, and others, is met by at least one embodiment of
the invention recited in the claims set forth below. A retrofit
assembly structured to allow a CM22 type circuit breaker to engage,
and be enclosed by, a CMD type circuit breaker tank includes a
levering mechanism, a circuit breaker bus assembly having bus
support members, and a door handle system structured to allow a
user to actuate the circuit breaker contacts when the tank is
closed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the
following description of the preferred embodiments when read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a CM22 type circuit breaker
and a CMD type circuit breaker tank.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of a CM22 type circuit
breaker with the retrofit bus assembly.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a rear view of a tank housing assembly.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a retrofit bus assembly line
conductor.
[0017] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a tank housing assembly and a
levering mechanism. FIG. 5A is a detailed view of the levering
mechanism hook before engaging the hook pocket. FIG. 5B is a
detailed view of the levering mechanism hook after engaging the
hook pocket.
[0018] FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C are views of the inside of the tank
housing assembly door showing the door handle system in a neutral
position, a close position, and a trip position, respectively.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] As used herein, a "CM22 type circuit breaker" means a
circuit breaker with Model Nos. CM22 and/or CM-22 manufactured by
Eaton Corporation located at Eaton Center, 1111 Superior Avenue,
Cleveland, Ohio 44114.
[0020] As used herein, a "CMD type circuit breaker" means a circuit
breaker with Model No. CMD manufactured by Eaton Corporation
located at Eaton Center, 1111 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio
44114 and formerly manufactured by Westinghouse Electric
Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219.
[0021] As is known in the art, circuit breakers may have one or
more pairs of separable contacts each being a different phase or
"pole." Typically, each pair of separable contacts has an
associated line conductor and load conductor which is not in
electrical communication with the line/load conductor associated
with a different pair of separable contacts. Similarly, the circuit
breaker bus assembly and tank bus assembly each have a line bus and
a load bus associated with each pair of separable contacts. As
discussed below, in the preferred embodiment, the circuit breaker
has three pairs of separable contacts. Thus, as shown in the
figures, the circuit breaker bus assembly and tank bus assembly
each have three-line buses and three load buses; however, it is
understood that this invention applies to circuit breakers having
more, or less, than three pairs of separable contacts and that the
description and depiction of three pairs of separable contacts is
exemplary only.
[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a retrofit assembly 100
structured to allow a CM22 type circuit breaker 10 to be coupled to
a CMD type tank 50 is disclosed. The CM22 type circuit breaker 10
includes, a housing 14, an operating mechanism 16 having a closing
motor 18, a trip device 20, and a circuit breaker bus assembly 22.
The circuit breaker bus assembly 22 includes a circuit breaker bus
assembly line bus assembly 30 and a circuit breaker bus assembly
load bus assembly 40 (both detailed below). As is known in the art,
within the housing 14 are three pairs of separable contacts (not
shown). Each pair of contacts includes a movable contact (not
shown) that is in electrical communication with a circuit breaker
bus assembly load bus assembly bus 42A, 42B, 42C and a fixed
contact (not shown) that is in electrical communication with a
circuit breaker bus assembly line bus assembly bus 32A, 32B, 32C
(described below). The operating mechanism 16 is structured to
separate the contacts and to close the contacts. That is, the trip
device 20 is structured to cause the operating mechanism 16 to
separate each pair of contacts separate upon the occurrence of a
trip condition, and the closing motor 18 is structured to cause the
operating mechanism 16 to close the contacts. The CM22 type circuit
breaker 10 may also include a manual closing system 21.
[0023] The circuit breaker bus assembly line bus assembly 30
includes three buses 32A, 32B, 32C. Each circuit breaker bus
assembly line bus assembly bus 32A, 32B, 32C has a generally flat,
elongated body 34. The circuit breaker bus assembly line bus
assembly bus 32A, 32B, 32C generally extends longitudinally in a
vertical direction. The wide face of each circuit breaker bus
assembly line bus assembly bus 32A, 32B, 32C extends in a plane
generally parallel to the housing back member 68 (discussed
below).
[0024] The circuit breaker bus assembly load bus assembly 40
includes three buses 42A, 42B, 42C. Each circuit breaker bus
assembly load bus assembly bus 42A, 42B, 42C has a generally flat,
elongated body 44. The circuit breaker bus assembly load bus
assembly bus 42A, 42B, 42C generally extends longitudinally in a
vertical direction. The wide face of each circuit breaker bus
assembly load bus assembly bus 42A, 42B, 42C extends in a plane
generally parallel to the housing back member 68. The upper distal
end 46A, 46B, 46C of each circuit breaker bus assembly load bus
assembly bus 42A, 42B, 42C is curved to be generally horizontal and
extends toward the housing back member 68.
[0025] The tank 50 includes a housing assembly 52 defining an
enclosed space 53, a bus assembly 54 and a barrier system 56. The
tank housing assembly 52 is sized to enclose the CM22 type circuit
breaker 10. The tank housing assembly 52 includes a movable, or
removable, door 60, two lateral side members 62, 64, a top member
66, a back member 68, and a bottom member 70. The top member 66
includes one opening 72 for each tank bus assembly load assembly
load bus 92A, 92B, 92C (described below). The back member 68
includes one or more openings 74 (FIG. 3) for each tank bus
assembly line assembly line bus 82A, 82B, 82C (described below).
The openings 72, 74 allow each tank bus assembly load assembly load
bus 92A, 92B, 92C and each tank bus assembly line assembly line bus
82A, 82B, 82C to extend through the housing assembly 52 and/or be
coupled to, and in electrical communication with, either a line
conductor (not shown) or a load conductor (not shown). The tank 50
further includes a non-conductive barrier assembly 76 having two
generally flat, plate-like members 78A, 78B. The barrier assembly
plate-like members 78A, 78B are coupled to the housing assembly top
member 66 and extend downwardly. The barrier assembly plate-like
members 78A, 78B extend in planes generally parallel to the housing
assembly lateral side members 62, 64. The barrier assembly
plate-like members 78A, 78B are structured to be disposed between
the tank bus assembly 54 and circuit breaker bus assembly 22 that
are in different phases.
[0026] The tank bus assembly 54 includes a line bus assembly 80 and
a load bus assembly 90, shown in FIG. 5. The tank bus assembly line
bus assembly 80 includes three tank bus assembly line bus assembly
line buses 82A, 82B, 82C. Each tank bus assembly line bus assembly
line bus 82A, 82B, 82C has a generally flat, elongated body 84. The
tank bus assembly line bus assembly line buses 82A, 82B, 82C
generally extend longitudinally in a vertical direction. The wide
face of each tank bus assembly line bus assembly line bus 82A, 82B,
82C extends in a plane generally parallel to the housing back
member 68. Each tank bus assembly line bus assembly line bus 82A,
82B, 82C is coupled by at least one insulated coupling device 86 to
the housing back member 68. Each tank bus assembly line bus
assembly line bus 82A, 82B, 82C extends generally adjacent to the
housing back member 68. Each tank bus assembly line bus assembly
line bus 82A, 82B, 82C further includes a line stab 88A, 88B, 88C.
Each line stab 88A, 88B, 88C is a thin, flat plate member 87
coupled to a line bus 82A, 82B, 82C. Each plate member 87 has a
thin, vertically extending edge 89.
[0027] The load bus assembly 90 includes three tank bus assembly
load buses 92A, 92B, 92C. Each tank bus assembly load bus assembly
load bus 92A, 92B, 92C has a generally flat, elongated body 94. The
tank bus assembly load bus assembly load buses 92A, 92B, 92C
generally extend longitudinally in a vertical direction. The wide
face of each tank bus assembly load bus assembly load bus 92A, 92B,
92C extends in a plane generally parallel to the housing back
member 68. Each tank bus assembly load bus assembly load bus 92A,
92B, 92C is coupled by at least one insulated coupling device (not
shown) to the housing top member 66. Each tank bus assembly load
bus assembly load bus 92A, 92B, 92C is disposed at a location
generally forward of each line bus 82A, 82B, 82C. The lower end of
each tank bus assembly load bus assembly load bus 92A, 92B, 92C is
curved forward to form a load stab 98A, 98B, 98C. The line stabs
88A, 88B, 88C and the load stabs 98A, 98B, 98C are structured to be
coupled to a primary disconnect of a CMD type circuit breaker
10.
[0028] As set forth above, the CM22 type circuit breaker 10
formerly included a fixed connection bus assembly (not shown) that
was structured to be bolted to the tank bus assembly 54. The
retrofit assembly 100 includes a bus assembly retrofit assembly 110
structured to allow the CM22 type circuit breaker 10 to be coupled
to the line stabs 88A, 88B, 88C and the load stabs 98A, 98B, 98C in
a manner similar to a CMD type circuit breaker 10. Accordingly, the
bus assembly retrofit assembly 110 includes a line primary
disconnect 112A, 112B, 112C for each circuit breaker bus assembly
line bus assembly bus 32A, 32B, 32C and a load primary disconnect
114A, 114B, 114C for each circuit breaker bus assembly load bus
assembly bus 42A, 42B, 42C. As is known in the art, each line
primary disconnect 112A, 112B, 112C and each load primary
disconnect 114A, 114B, 114C includes a plurality of conductive
members 116 that are disposed in two opposing lines and biased
toward each other in a jaw-like manner. The conductive members 116
are structured to engage, and be in electrical communication with,
the associated line stabs 88A, 88B, 88C or the load stabs 98A, 98B,
98C. Accordingly, each line primary disconnect 112A, 112B, 112C is
coupled to a circuit breaker bus assembly line bus assembly bus
32A, 32B, 32C with the jaw axis extending generally vertically so
that the line primary disconnects 112A, 112B, 112C may engage the
vertically extending edge 89 of the associated line stab 88A, 88B,
88C. The line primary disconnects 112A, 112B, 112C are coupled to
the circuit breaker bus assembly load bus assembly bus 42A, 42B,
42C by a bus assembly retrofit assembly 110 line coupling assembly
120 (described below). Each load primary disconnect 114A, 114B,
114C is coupled to an associated circuit breaker bus assembly load
bus assembly bus upper distal end 46A, 46B, 46C. Each load primary
disconnect 114A, 114B, 114C has the jaw axis extending generally
horizontally so that the load primary disconnects 114A, 114B, 114C
may engage the horizontal line stabs 88A, 88B, 88C.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, the bus assembly retrofit assembly line
coupling assembly 120 includes at least one, and preferably a
plurality of, lateral openings 122 and a slot 124, as shown in FIG.
4, cut into each circuit breaker bus assembly line bus assembly bus
32A, 32B, 32C. Each line coupling assembly slot 124 extends
generally longitudinally on the associated circuit breaker bus
assembly line bus assembly bus 32A, 32B, 32C. The line coupling
assembly lateral openings 122 on a specific circuit breaker bus
assembly line bus assembly bus 32A, 32B, 32C are associated with
the line coupling assembly slot 124 therethough. Preferably, each
line coupling assembly lateral opening 122 extends through the
associated line coupling assembly slot 124 thereby dividing the
line coupling assembly opening 122 into a proximal opening 121,
adjacent a lateral side of each associated circuit breaker bus
assembly line bus assembly bus 32A, 32B, 32C, and a distal bore
123, disposed on the inner side of each associated line coupling
assembly slot 124. The inner surface of each proximal opening 121
is generally smooth. The inner surface of the distal bore 123 is a
threaded surface 125. Each line primary disconnect 112A, 112B, 112C
includes a stem 126 structured to fit snugly in a slot 124. Each
stem 126 includes openings 128 structured to align with a lateral
opening 122 and thereby create a continuous passage. Fasteners 130,
such as bolts 132 are passed through the lateral opening 122 and
the stem openings 128 and engage the threaded surface 125. In this
configuration, the bolts 132 may be tightened to compress the stems
126 within the slots 124 in a vice-like manner.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the bus assembly retrofit assembly 110
also includes a line bus support assembly 140 structured to resist
horizontal flexing of the circuit breaker bus assembly load bus
assembly buses 42A, 42B, 42C. That is, the circuit breaker bus
assembly load bus assembly buses 42A, 42B, 42C having a load
primary disconnect 114A, 114B, 114C thereon exposed to a horizontal
force when the load primary disconnects 114A, 114B, 114C are
coupled to the load stabs 98A, 98B, 98C. This horizontal force
occurs when the load primary disconnects 114A, 114B, 114C engages
the load stabs 98A, 98B, 98C. As the CM22 type circuit breaker 10
is not structured to counteract this force, a line bus support
assembly 140 is required. The load bus support assembly 140
includes a load bus support 142A, 142B, 142C for each circuit
breaker bus assembly load bus assembly bus 42A, 42B, 42C. Each load
bus support 142A, 142B, 142C has a non-conducive mounting 144 and
an elongated support member 146. A non-conducive mounting 144 is
coupled to each circuit breaker bus assembly load bus assembly bus
42A, 42B, 42C, preferably on the front side. Each elongated support
member 146 is coupled to, and extends between, a non-conducive
mounting 144 and the circuit breaker frame assembly 150 (described
below) or circuit breaker housing 14. In this configuration, each
load bus support 142A, 142B, 142C substantially prevents the
associated circuit breaker bus assembly load bus assembly bus 42A,
42B, 42C from flexing as the load primary disconnects 114A, 114B,
114C are coupled to the load stabs 98A, 98B, 98C. Preferably, the
elongated support members 146 have a protective covering 148 as the
elongated support members 146 are disposed over the arc chutes,
which vent arc gases, for the CM22 type circuit breaker 10.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 5, the tank housing assembly 52 includes a
pair of retractable rails 160, 162. Each rail 160, 162 is coupled
to one of the tank lateral side members 62, 64. The rails 160, 162
may be moved between an extended position wherein the rails 160,
162 extend from the tank 50 front side (FIG. 1) and a retracted
position wherein the rails 160, 162 are disposed in the tank
enclosed space 53. The rails 160, 162 extend generally horizontally
when in the extended position. The retrofit assembly 100 also
includes a frame assembly 150 structured to allow the CM22 type
circuit breaker 10 to engage the CMD tank 50. The frame assembly
150 includes two side plates 152, 154 (FIG. 5 has one plate removed
for clarity) and a cross-frame assembly 156. The side plates 152,
154 are held in a spaced relation by the cross-frame assembly 156.
The side plates 152, 154 laterally define the space the CM22 type
circuit breaker 10 may occupy. The side plates 152, 154 include
access openings 158 structured to allow access to the CM22 type
circuit breaker 10. The cross-frame assembly 156, preferably,
includes elements of the levering mechanism 170 (described below).
The circuit breaker frame assembly 150 also includes a two pairs of
generally aligned rollers 166, 168. The rollers 166, 168 are
rotatably coupled to the side plates 152, 154 and structured to
engage, that is, roll upon, the rails 160, 162. Each pair of
rollers 166, 168 includes two generally, horizontally aligned
wheels 169. As the CM22 type circuit breaker 10 is being moved
into, or out of, the tank 50, the CM22 type circuit breaker 10
generally rolls on the rollers 166, 168 over the rails 160, 162;
however, a greater force is required during the period wherein the
line primary disconnects 112A, 112B, 112C and load primary
disconnects 114A, 114B, 114C engage the associated line stabs 88A,
88B, 88C and load stabs 98A, 98B, 98C.
[0032] That is, as set forth above, each line primary disconnect
112A, 112B, 112C and each load primary disconnect 114A, 114B, 114C
includes a plurality of conductive members 116 that are disposed in
two opposing lines and biased toward each other in a jaw-like
manner. In order for the line primary disconnects 112A, 112B, 112C
and each load primary disconnects 114A, 114B, 114C to engage the
associated line stabs 88A, 88B, 88C and load stabs 98A, 98B, 98C,
the retrofit assembly 100 includes a levering mechanism 170
structured to move the CM22 type circuit breaker 10 into and out of
the tank 50 during the period wherein the line primary disconnects
112A, 112B, 112C and load primary disconnects 114A, 114B, 114C
engage the associated line stabs 88A, 88B, 88C and load stabs 98A,
98B, 98C.
[0033] The levering mechanism 170 includes an elongated shaft 172,
a hook assembly 174 (FIG. 1), 176 (FIGS. 5, 5A, 5B) disposed at
each end of the shaft 172, a crank 178 and a worm and gear
arrangement 179. The shaft 172 extends generally laterally and the
tips of the shaft 172 are each disposed adjacent to a tank housing
assembly of lateral side member 62, 64. As is known in the art, the
crank 178 engages the worm and gear arrangement 179 and is
structured to engage and rotate shaft 172 as described below. The
worm and gear arrangement 179 is behind a cover 177 that is coupled
to an interlock, not shown. When the levering mechanism cover 177
interlock is actuated, the main contacts are separated. Thus, a
user cannot use the levering mechanism 170 to remove the circuit
breaker 10 from the tank 50 with the contacts in the closed
position. The levering mechanism 170 is coupled to the front side
of said circuit breaker 10.
[0034] The tank housing assembly 52 includes a fixed hook pocket
180 (FIG. 1), 182 (FIG. 5) disposed on each tank housing assembly
lateral side member 62, 64. As shown in FIG. 5A, each hook assembly
174, 176 includes an offset 184 and a laterally extending hook 186.
Each offset 184 extends radially from the levering mechanism shaft
172. Each laterally extending hook 186 extends from the distal end
of the associated offset 184. As such, when the levering mechanism
shaft 172 rotates, each laterally extending hook 186 moves through
an arc as shown in FIGS. 5A and 6A. The levering mechanism 170 is
coupled to the CM22 type circuit breaker 10 with the levering
mechanism shaft 172 extending through two aligned openings in the
circuit breaker frame assembly 150.
[0035] In this configuration, the levering mechanism 170 is
structured to couple/decouple the circuit breaker bus assembly 22
and the tank bus assembly 54. That is, the CM22 type circuit
breaker 10 is positioned substantially within the tank 50 with the
line primary disconnects 112A, 112B, 112C and load primary
disconnects 114A, 114B, 114C starting to engage the associated line
stabs 88A, 88B, 88C and load stabs 98A, 98B, 98C. In this position,
the levering mechanism shaft 172 extends, generally laterally,
across the circuit breaker 10 with each laterally extending hook
186 is disposed adjacent to the associated fixed hook pocket 180,
182. When the crank 178 actuates the worm and gear arrangement 179,
the levering mechanism shaft 172 rotates and each laterally
extending hook 186 moves through an arc and engages the associated
fixed hook pocket 180, 182 and causes the line primary disconnects
112A, 112B, 112C and load primary disconnects 114A, 114B, 114C to
engage, that is, slide over, the associated line stabs 88A, 88B,
88C and load stabs 98A, 98B, 98C. Removal of the CM22 type circuit
breaker 10 is essentially the reverse operation. That is, the
levering mechanism shaft 172 is rotated the opposite direction
causing the line primary disconnects 112A, 112B, 112C and load
primary disconnects 114A, 114B, 114C to disengage, that is, slide
over, the associated line stabs 88A, 88B, 88C and load stabs 98A,
98B, 98C.
[0036] The retrofit assembly 100 also includes a door handle system
300 structured to allow a user to actuate the circuit breaker
contacts when the tank door 60 is closed. That is, as shown in
FIGS. 7A-7C, the door handle system 300 includes a close button
assembly 302 and a breaker trip bumper 304. It is understood that
the circuit breaker 10 includes corresponding electronic
buttons/levers structured to be engaged by the close button
assembly 302 and the breaker trip bumper 304. When the button
structured to be engaged by the close button assembly 302 is
actuated, the closing motor 18 is actuated and the contacts are
closed, providing all other safety devices and interlocks allow for
the contacts to close. When the lever structured to be engaged by
the breaker trip bumper 304 is actuated, the trip device 20 is
actuated and causes the breaker 10 to manually trip.
[0037] The door 60 includes an outer handle 306 (FIG. 1) coupled in
a fixed relationship to an inner disk 308 (FIGS. 6A-6C) that is
rotatably coupled to the door 60. When the handle 306 is rotated by
a user outside of the tank 50, the inner disk 308 rotates relative
to the door 60. The inner disk 308 is structured to move between
three positions; a neutral position, a close position, and a trip
position. The neutral position is disposed between the close
position and the trip position. The door handle system 300 also
includes an elongated rod 312 and a return spring 314. The return
spring 314 is coupled to, and disposed between, the door 60 and the
rod 312. The return spring 314 is structured to be both compressed
and in tension when the return spring 314 is in a neutral state.
The rod 312 is disposed generally vertically and has an upper end
316 and a lower end 318. The rod upper end 316 is coupled to the
inner disk 308 and structured to rotate therewith. The rod upper
end 316 is also coupled to the close button actuator 310. The
breaker trip bumper 304 is coupled to the rod lower end 318.
[0038] The door handle system 300 operates as follows. As shown in
FIG. 6A, the return spring 314 is in a neutral state. This
corresponds to the neutral position of the inner disk 308. The bias
of the return spring 314 maintains the rod 312 in a position
wherein neither the close button assembly 302 nor the breaker trip
bumper 304 are actuating their associated buttons. Further, because
the rod 312 is coupled to the inner disk 308, the bias of the
return spring 314 maintains, the return spring 314 in the neutral
position. When a user turns the outer handle 306 to the close
position, the disk 308 rotates counterclockwise, as shown in FIG.
6B, and the close button assembly 302 engages the closing motor
actuation button. As set forth above, this causes the closing motor
18 to be actuated and the contacts closed, providing all other
safety devices and interlocks allow for the contact to close. This
action also causes the rod 312 to move upwardly and compresses the
return spring 314. When the user releases the outer handle 306, the
bias of the return spring 314 causes the rod 312, and therefore the
close button assembly 302, the inner disk 308 and the handle 306 to
return to the neutral position.
[0039] Similarly, when a user turns the outer handle 306 to the
trip position, the disk 308 rotates clockwise which causes the rod
312 to move downwardly, as shown in FIG. 6C, and the breaker trip
bumper 304 engages the trip device actuation lever. Again, when the
handle 306 is released, the bias of the return spring 314 causes
the rod 312, and therefore breaker trip bumper 304, the inner disk
308 and the handle 306 to return to the neutral position.
[0040] The door handle system 300 may also include a motor cutout
switch 320. The motor cutout switch 320 is electronically coupled
to the closing motor 18 and structured to disengage the power
thereto. A pivot member 322 is coupled to the motor cutout switch
320 to the rod 312. The pivot member 322 is structured to actuate
the motor cutout switch 320 when the a user turns the outer handle
306 to the trip position. That is, as the rod 312 moves downwardly,
the motor cutout switch 320 is actuated and the closing motor 18 is
inactive. This prevents the closing motor 18 from running, i.e.
attempting to close the contacts, during a manual trip of the
breaker 10.
[0041] While specific embodiments of the invention have been
described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that various modifications and alternatives to those details
could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the
disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are
meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of
invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims
appended and any and all equivalents thereof.
* * * * *