U.S. patent application number 11/972307 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-16 for electrical cabinet assembly and seal assembly therefor.
Invention is credited to Michael H. Abrahamsen, JARROD L. COOMER, Timothy Fair, David A. Metcalf, Stanley E. Moore.
Application Number | 20090180242 11/972307 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40811045 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090180242 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
COOMER; JARROD L. ; et
al. |
July 16, 2009 |
ELECTRICAL CABINET ASSEMBLY AND SEAL ASSEMBLY THEREFOR
Abstract
A seal assembly for an electrical enclosure having a draw-out
circuit breaker and a number of conductors is provided having a
movable first seal member and a movable second seal member. The
circuit breaker includes a protruding nose portion that is engaged
by the first and second seal members in a manner that sealingly
engages the nose portion. The arrangement of the first and second
seal members and the nose portion provides for the sealing
engagement to be maintained when the circuit breaker is moved from
a first position in which the circuit breaker is not electrically
connected to the number of conductors and a second position in
which the circuit breaker is electrically connected to the number
of conductors.
Inventors: |
COOMER; JARROD L.;
(Weavervillle, NC) ; Abrahamsen; Michael H.;
(Greenwood, SC) ; Metcalf; David A.; (Black
Mountain, NC) ; Fair; Timothy; (Boiling Springs,
SC) ; Moore; Stanley E.; (Weaverville, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Martin J. Moran
1000 Cherrington Parkway
Moon Township
PA
15108
US
|
Family ID: |
40811045 |
Appl. No.: |
11/972307 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/636 ;
361/606 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02B 11/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/636 ;
361/606 |
International
Class: |
H02B 1/04 20060101
H02B001/04; H02B 1/30 20060101 H02B001/30; H02B 11/00 20060101
H02B011/00 |
Claims
1. A seal assembly for a circuit breaker structured to be housed in
an electrical enclosure having an interior and an exterior, said
circuit breaker including a nose portion having a first portion and
a second portion, said seal assembly comprising: a first seal
member structured to be movable from a first position wherein said
first seal member is sealingly engaged with the first portion of
said nose portion and a second position wherein said first seal
member is spaced from said first portion of said nose portion; and
a second seal member structured to be movable from a third position
wherein said second seal member is sealingly engaged with the
second portion of said nose portion and a fourth position wherein
said second seal member is spaced from said second portion of said
nose portion; wherein, when said first seal member is disposed in
said first position and said second seal member is disposed in said
third position, said seal assembly is structured to substantially
seal all of said nose portion, thereby substantially sealing the
interior of said electrical enclosure from the exterior of said
electrical enclosure.
2. The seal assembly of claim 1, wherein said first seal member
comprises a door member having a first end and an opposite second
end, the first end of said door member being structured to be
pivotally coupled to said electrical enclosure; and wherein said
second seal member comprises a panel member slidingly coupled to
said door member at or near the opposite second end of said door
member.
3. The seal assembly of claim 2, wherein said nose portion further
has a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom; wherein the
first portion of said nose portion is formed by the first side, the
top and the bottom of said nose portion; and wherein the second
portion of said nose portion is formed by the second side of said
nose portion.
4. The seal assembly of claim 3, wherein said door member comprises
a latch mechanism at or near the opposite second end of said door
member, said latch mechanism being structured to secure the
opposite second end of said door member to said electrical
enclosure; and wherein movement of said second seal member from
said third position to said fourth position is determined by said
latch mechanism.
5. The seal assembly of claim 4, wherein said door member further
comprises an opening through which the nose portion of said circuit
breaker protrudes when said door member is in said first
position.
6. The seal assembly of claim 1, wherein said first seal member
comprises a first door member having a first end and an opposite
second end, the first end of said door member being structured to
be pivotally coupled to said electrical enclosure; and wherein said
second seal member comprises a second door member having a first
end and an opposite second end, the first end of said second door
member being structured to be pivotally coupled to said electrical
enclosure.
7. The seal assembly of claim 6, wherein said first door member
comprises a latch mechanism at or near the opposite second end of
said first door member, said latch mechanism being structured to
secure the second end of said first door member to said electrical
enclosure.
8. The seal assembly of claim 6, wherein said nose portion further
has a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom; wherein the
first portion of said nose portion is formed by the first side, the
top and the bottom of said nose portion; and wherein the second
portion of said nose portion is formed by the second side, the top
and the bottom of said nose portion.
9. The seal assembly of claim 8, wherein the first door member
comprises an opening through which the nose portion of said circuit
breaker protrudes when said first door member is in said first
position; and wherein the second door member comprises an opening
through which the nose portion of said circuit breaker protrudes
when said second door member is in said third position.
10. The seal assembly of claim 6, wherein the electrical enclosure
further includes a cassette; and wherein the first end of said
second door member is structured to be pivotally coupled to said
cassette.
11. The seal assembly of claim 1, wherein the electrical enclosure
further has a number of conductors; wherein said circuit breaker is
structured to be movable between a first position in which said
circuit breaker is in electrical contact with said number of
conductors and a second position in which said circuit breaker is
not in electrical contact with said number of conductors; and
wherein said seal assembly is structured to substantially seal all
of the nose portion of said circuit breaker when said circuit
breaker is disposed at or between said first and second positions,
thereby substantially sealing the interior of said electrical
enclosure from the exterior of said electrical enclosure.
12. An electrical cabinet assembly comprising: an electrical
enclosure having an interior and an exterior; a number of
conductors housed in said electrical enclosure; a circuit breaker
including a nose portion having a first portion and a second
portion, said circuit breaker being housed in said electrical
enclosure; and a seal assembly comprising: a first seal member
movable from a first position wherein said first seal member is
sealingly engaged with the first portion of said nose portion and a
second position wherein said first seal member is spaced from said
first portion of said nose portion, and a second seal member
movable from a third position wherein said second seal member is
sealingly engaged with the second portion of said nose portion and
a fourth position wherein said second seal member is spaced from
said second portion of said nose portion; wherein, when said first
seal member is disposed in said first position and said second seal
member is disposed in said third position, said seal assembly
substantially seals all of said nose portion, thereby substantially
sealing the interior of said electrical enclosure from the exterior
of said electrical enclosure.
13. The electrical cabinet assembly of claim 12, wherein said
circuit breaker is movable between a first position in which said
circuit breaker is in electrical contact with said number of
conductors and a second position in which said circuit breaker is
not in electrical contact with said number of conductors; and
wherein said seal assembly substantially seals all of the nose
portion of said circuit breaker when said circuit breaker is
disposed at or between said first and second positions, thereby
substantially sealing the interior of said electrical enclosure
from the exterior of said electrical enclosure.
14. The electrical cabinet assembly of claim 12, wherein said first
seal member comprises a door member having a first end and an
opposite second end, the first end of said door member being
pivotally coupled to said electrical enclosure; and wherein said
second seal member comprises a panel member slidingly coupled to
said door member at or near the opposite second end of said door
member.
14. (canceled)
15. The electrical cabinet assembly of claim 14, wherein said door
member comprises a latch mechanism at or near the opposite second
end of said door member, said latch mechanism being structured to
secure the opposite second end of said door member to said
electrical enclosure; and wherein movement of said second seal
member from said third position to said fourth position is
determined by said latch mechanism.
16. The electrical cabinet assembly of claim 15, wherein said door
member further comprises an opening through which the nose portion
of said circuit breaker protrudes when said door member is in said
first position.
17. The electrical cabinet assembly of claim 12, wherein said first
seal member comprises a first door member having a first end and an
opposite second end, the first end of said door member being
pivotally coupled to said electrical enclosure; and wherein said
second seal member comprises a second door member having a first
end and an opposite second end, the first end of said second door
member being pivotally coupled to said electrical enclosure.
18. The electrical cabinet assembly of claim 17, wherein said first
door member comprises a latch mechanism at or near the opposite
second end of said first door member, said latch mechanism securing
the second end of said first door member to said electrical
enclosure.
19. The electrical cabinet assembly of claim 18, wherein said nose
portion has a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom;
wherein the first portion of said nose portion is formed by the
first side, the top and the bottom of said nose portion; and the
second portion of said nose portion is formed by the second side,
the top and the bottom of said nose portion.
20. The electrical cabinet assembly of claim 19, wherein the first
door member comprises an opening through which the nose portion of
said circuit breaker protrudes when said first door member is in
said first position; and wherein the second door member comprises
an opening through which the nose portion of said circuit breaker
protrudes when said second door member is in said third
position.
21. The electrical cabinet assembly of claim 17, wherein the
electrical enclosure further includes a cassette; and wherein the
first end of said second door member is pivotally coupled to said
cassette.
22. The electrical cabinet assembly of claim 20, wherein said
circuit breaker is movable between a first position in which said
circuit breaker is in electrical contact with said number of
conductors and a second position in which said circuit breaker is
not in electrical contact with said number of conductors; and
wherein said seal assembly is structured to substantially seal all
of the nose portion of said circuit breaker when said circuit
breaker is disposed at or between said first and second positions,
thereby substantially sealing the interior of said electrical
enclosure from the exterior of said electrical enclosure.
23. The electrical cabinet assembly of claim 12, wherein said nose
portion further has a first side, a second side, a top and a
bottom; wherein the first portion of said nose portion is formed by
the first side, the top and the bottom of said nose portion; and
the second portion of said nose portion is formed by the second
side of said nose portion.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates generally to electrical switching
apparatus and, more particularly to electrical enclosures for
electrical switching apparatus, such as draw-out circuit breakers.
The invention also relates to seal assemblies for electrical
enclosures.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Switchgear for electric power distribution systems includes
electrical switching apparatus and their line and load terminations
together with related equipment mounted in an electrical enclosure
(typically a metal cabinet). Switchgear used in sections of
electric power distribution systems operating at voltages up
through 690 volts is classified as low voltage switchgear
(according to international standards, although the ANSI standard
for low voltage is a maximum of 600 volts). Typically, the
electrical switching apparatus is a circuit breaker, but other
switching apparatus such as, for example, network protectors,
disconnect switches, and transfer switches are also mounted in such
switchgear cabinets. Henceforth, the electrical switching apparatus
will generally be referred to as circuit breakers, although it will
be understood that other types of electrical switching apparatus
can be used as well.
[0005] Typically, in such low voltage switchgear, multiple circuit
breakers are mounted in each cabinet in cells stacked vertically in
a forward compartment. The line and load conductors are mounted in
rearward compartments and engage the circuit breakers through quick
disconnects as the circuit breakers are installed in the cells.
[0006] Some electrical switching apparatus can be relatively large.
In order to facilitate movement (e.g., installation; removal;
maintenance), some circuit breakers are commonly coupled to
draw-out mechanisms which permit such circuit breakers to be drawn
out of the electrical enclosure. Accordingly, such circuit breakers
are commonly known in the art as "draw-out" circuit breakers.
Draw-out circuit breakers are described in further detail, for
example, in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,019,229, which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference. See also U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,002,864; 4,002,865; 4,017,698; 4,728,757; 6,031,192; and
6,563,062.
[0007] The electrical enclosure for draw-out circuit breakers
generally includes an outer structure having a top, bottom, rear
and side walls, and a front access door or easily removable
panel.
[0008] Circuit breakers are designed to trip in response to a trip
condition (e.g., without limitation, an overcurrent condition; an
overload condition; a relatively high level short circuit or fault
condition). A high current fault interruption, for example,
typically results in a substantial arc in the arc chamber of the
circuit breaker. The arc forms rapidly expanding gases, and may
generate flames and flying debris comprised of molten metal
particles and fragments of various circuit breaker components.
[0009] Similar arcing can occur between adjacent conductors of
different potentials, between an outboard line or load conductor
and the switchgear cabinetry, and between the quick disconnects
that are connected with the line and load conductors. Such arcing
events are generally of greater magnitude and duration than those
produced from fault interruption due to tripping of a circuit
breaker. Such potential arcing events could result from a number of
different scenarios such as, but not limited to: an operator
leaving a tool in the switchgear prior to energizing the
switchgear, an operator leaving a tool (or other object) on the
back of a circuit breaker while racking the breaker onto a live
bus, buildup of debris within the switchgear, animals entering the
switchgear through venting holes and crossing a live bus, or some
other type of unforeseen failure within the switchgear.
[0010] If the electrical enclosure is not sealed with respect to
the circuit breaker, the arc gases and related debris can
undesirably be expelled outwardly from the enclosure between the
front access door and the circuit breaker, potentially causing
injury to an operator or other person(s) adjacent the enclosure.
Such arcing events are especially of concern during initial
installation and racking of a circuit breaker by an operator.
[0011] One prior proposal for providing an arc resistant draw-out
circuit breaker involves the use of a seal assembly including a
seal between the circuit breaker and the electrical enclosure.
However, known seal assemblies and/or seals therefor interfere with
the ability to rack the circuit breaker in and out through the
front access door.
[0012] There is, therefore, room for improvement in electrical
switching apparatus, such as draw-out circuit breakers, and in
electrical cabinet assemblies and seal assemblies therefor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] These needs and others are met by embodiments of the
invention, which are directed to a seal assembly for an electrical
enclosure housing an electrical switching apparatus, such as a
draw-out circuit breaker.
[0014] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a seal
assembly is provided for a circuit breaker housed in an electrical
enclosure having an interior and an exterior. The circuit breaker
includes a nose portion having a first portion and a second
portion. The seal assembly comprises a first seal member and a
second seal member. The first seal member is structured to be
movable from a first position wherein the first seal member is
sealingly engaged with the first portion of the nose portion and a
second position wherein the first seal member is spaced from the
first portion of the nose portion. The second seal member is
structured to be movable from a third position wherein the second
seal member is sealingly engaged with the second portion of the
nose portion and a fourth position wherein the second seal member
is spaced from the second portion of the nose portion. When the
first seal member is disposed in the first position and the second
seal member is disposed in the third position, the seal assembly is
structured to substantially seal all of the nose portion, thereby
substantially sealing the interior of the electrical enclosure from
the exterior of the electrical enclosure.
[0015] The electrical enclosure may include a number of conductors
and the circuit breaker may be structured to be movable between a
first position in which the circuit breaker is in electrical
contact with the number of conductors and a second position in
which the circuit breaker is not in electrical contact with the
number of conductors. The seal assembly may be structured to
substantially seal all of the nose portion of the circuit breaker
when the circuit breaker is disposed at or between the first and
second positions, thereby substantially sealing the interior of the
electrical enclosure from the exterior of the electrical
enclosure.
[0016] The first seal member may comprise a door member having a
first end and an opposite second end with the first end of the door
member being structured to be pivotally coupled to the electrical
enclosure; and the second seal member may comprise a panel member
slidingly coupled to the door member at or near the opposite second
end of the door member. The nose portion may further have a first
side, a second side, a top and a bottom. The first portion of the
nose portion may be formed by the first side, the top and the
bottom of the nose portion and the second portion of the nose
portion may be formed by the second side of the nose portion. The
door member may further comprise a latch mechanism at or near the
opposite second end of the door member; the latch mechanism being
structured to secure the opposite second end of the door member to
the electrical enclosure. Movement of the second seal member from
the third position to the fourth position may be determined by the
latch mechanism. The door member may further comprise an opening
through which the nose portion of the circuit breaker protrudes
when the door member is in the first position.
[0017] Alternately, the first seal member may comprise a first door
member having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end
of the door member being structured to be pivotally coupled to the
electrical enclosure; and the second seal member may comprise a
second door member having a first end and an opposite second end,
the first end of the second door member being structured to be
pivotally coupled to the electrical enclosure. The first door
member may comprise a latch mechanism at or near the opposite
second end of the first door member, the latch mechanism being
structured to secure the second end of the first door member to the
electrical enclosure. The nose portion may have a first side, a
second side, a top and a bottom. The first portion of the nose
portion may be formed by the first side, the top and the bottom of
the nose portion; and the second portion of the nose portion may be
formed by the second side, the top and the bottom of the nose
portion. The first door member may further comprise an opening
through which the nose portion of the circuit breaker protrudes
when the first door member is in the first position; and the second
door member may comprise an opening through which the nose portion
of the circuit breaker protrudes when the second door member is in
the third position. The electrical enclosure may further include a
cassette, wherein the first end of the second door member is
structured to be pivotally coupled to the cassette.
[0018] As another aspect of the invention, an electrical cabinet
assembly comprises: an electrical enclosure having an interior and
an exterior; a number of conductors housed in the electrical
enclosure; a circuit breaker including a nose portion having a
first portion and a second portion, the circuit breaker being
housed in the electrical enclosure; and a seal assembly. The seal
assembly comprises: a first seal member movable from a first
position wherein the first seal member is sealingly engaged with
the first portion of the nose portion and a second position wherein
the first seal member is spaced from the first portion of the nose
portion; and a second seal member movable from a third position
wherein the second seal member is sealingly engaged with the second
portion of the nose portion and a fourth position wherein the
second seal member is spaced from the second portion of the nose
portion. When the first seal member is disposed in the first
position and the second seal member is disposed in the third
position, the seal assembly substantially seals all of the nose
portion, thereby substantially sealing the interior of the
electrical enclosure from the exterior of the electrical
enclosure.
[0019] The circuit breaker may be movable between a first position
in which the circuit breaker is in electrical contact with the
number of conductors and a second position in which the circuit
breaker is not in electrical contact with the number of conductors.
The seal assembly may substantially seal all of the nose portion of
the circuit breaker when the circuit breaker is disposed at or
between the first and second positions, thereby substantially
sealing the interior of the electrical enclosure from the exterior
of the electrical enclosure.
[0020] The first seal member may comprise a door member having a
first end and an opposite second end, the first end of the door
member being pivotally coupled to the electrical enclosure; and the
second seal member may comprise a panel member slidingly coupled to
the door member at or near the opposite second end of the door
member. The nose portion may further have a first side, a second
side, a top and a bottom. The first portion of the nose portion may
be formed by the first side, the top and the bottom of the nose
portion; and the second portion of the nose portion may be formed
by the second side of the nose portion. The door member may
comprise a latch mechanism at or near the opposite second end of
the door member. The latch mechanism may be structured to secure
the opposite second end of the door member to the electrical
enclosure and movement of the second seal member from the third
position to the fourth position may be determined by the latch
mechanism. The door member may further comprise an opening through
which the nose portion of the circuit breaker protrudes when the
door member is in the first position.
[0021] Alternately, the first seal member may comprise a first door
member having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end
of the door member being pivotally coupled to the electrical
enclosure; and the second seal member may comprise a second door
member having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end
of the second door member being pivotally coupled to the electrical
enclosure. The first door member may comprise a latch mechanism at
or near the opposite second end of the first door member, the latch
mechanism securing the second end of the first door member to the
electrical enclosure. The nose portion may have a first side, a
second side, a top and a bottom. The first portion of the nose
portion may be formed by the first side, the top and the bottom of
the nose portion; and the second portion of the nose portion may be
formed by the second side, the top and the bottom of the nose
portion. The first door member may further comprise an opening
through which the nose portion of said circuit breaker protrudes
when said first door member is in said first position; and wherein
the second door member comprises an opening through which the nose
portion of said circuit breaker protrudes when said second door
member is in said third position. The electrical enclosure may
further include a cassette; wherein the first end of the second
door member is pivotally coupled to the cassette.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] 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:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a draw-out circuit
breaker, and an electrical enclosure and seal assembly therefor, in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a front isometric view of the draw-out circuit
breaker, and the electrical enclosure and seal assembly therefor of
FIG. 1 with one of the seal members in a closed position;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a front isometric view of the draw-out circuit
breaker, and the electrical enclosure and seal assembly therefor of
FIG. 2 with both of the seal members in the closed position;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a front isometric view of a draw-out circuit
breaker, and an electrical enclosure and seal assembly therefor, in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
[0027] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the inner facing side of a
seal assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention;
[0028] FIG. 6 is an isometric detail view of the noted section of
FIG. 5.
[0029] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a portion of the inner facing
side of the seal assembly of FIG. 5 as seen looking outward from
the electrical enclosure; and
[0030] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the seal assembly of FIG. 7
except modified to show the inside seal assembly in a secondary,
sealing position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, left,
right, front, back, top, bottom and derivatives thereof, relate to
the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not
limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.
[0032] As employed herein, the term "fastener" refers to any
suitable connecting or tightening mechanism expressly including,
but not limited to, screws, bolts and the combinations of bolts and
nuts (e.g., without limitation, lock nuts) and bolts, washers and
nuts.
[0033] As employed herein, the statement that two or more parts are
"coupled" together shall mean that the parts are joined together
either directly or joined through one or more intermediate
parts.
[0034] As employed herein, the term "number" refers to the quantity
one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality).
[0035] As employed herein, the term "circuit breaker" refers to an
electrical circuit breaker that may be drawn into and out of an
enclosure (e.g., without limitation, switchgear cabinet), in which
it is housed. Such a circuit breaker is also referred to as a
"draw-out circuit breaker." A draw-out mechanism (e.g., without
limitation, rollers; rails having linear bearings) facilitates the
movement of the draw-out circuit breaker into and out of the
enclosure.
[0036] FIGS. 1-3 show a portion of an electrical cabinet assembly
10 utilizing an example of the seal assembly (not numbered) of the
present invention. A complete electrical cabinet assembly may
contain one or more of the following combination of parts
described. The electrical cabinet assembly 10 includes an
electrical enclosure 12 having an interior and exterior defined by
a front opening 14, a rear panel (not shown), a left side panel 16,
a right side panel 18, and top and bottom panels (not shown). A
number of conductors 20 (shown in simplified form in phantom line
in drawing FIG. 1) are housed within the enclosure 12 generally
near the rear panel. Further housed within the enclosure 12
generally near the front opening 14 is a cassette 22. Housed within
the cassette 22 is a circuit breaker 24 having a front portion 26
and a rear portion (not shown). The circuit breaker 24 is generally
movable a distance (not shown) between a first, racked-in position
in which the rear portion of the circuit breaker 24 is in
electrical contact with the number of conductors 20 and a second,
racked out position in which the rear portion of the circuit
breaker 24 is not in electrical contact with the number of
conductors 20. Movement of the circuit breaker 24 between the first
and second positions may be carried out through the use of a draw
out mechanism (not shown). The circuit breaker 24 further includes
a nose portion 28 protruding from the front portion 26 of the
circuit breaker 24 in a direction generally away from the circuit
breaker 24 and outward from the front opening 14 of the enclosure
12. Preferably, the nose portion 28 extends from the front portion
26 of the circuit breaker 24 a distance equal to, or greater than,
the distance (not shown) traveled by the circuit breaker 24 between
the first and second positions.
[0037] The electrical enclosure 12 further includes an outer door
30 and an inner door 50. The outer door 30 has a first end 32, a
second end 34, an inner face 36, and an outer face 38 (FIG. 3). The
first end 32 is pivotally coupled to the left side panel 16 of the
enclosure 12 via a number of outer hinges 40. The inner door 50 has
a first end 52, a second end 54, an inner face 56 and an outer face
58 (FIG. 2). The first end 52 is pivotally coupled to the cassette
22 via a number of hinges 60. It is to be appreciated that while
the example shown in FIGS. 1-3 utilizes two hinges 40 and one hinge
60, one or more hinges or equivalent structures could be employed
in place of these hinges 40,60.
[0038] In the example shown in FIGS. 1-3, the outer door 30
includes a latching mechanism 70 located generally at or near the
second end 34 of the outer door 30. The latching mechanism 70
provides for the second end 34 of the outer door 30 to be secured
to the enclosure 12 at or near the right side panel 18. Although an
example latching mechanism 70 is shown, any suitable latching
mechanism (e.g, locking; non-locking) may be employed.
[0039] Outer door 30 further includes an outer opening 42 which
passes through the inner face 36 and outer face 38. The outer
opening 42 is preferably of dimensions generally slightly larger
than the corresponding dimensions of the nose portion 28 of the
circuit breaker 24. Disposed on the inner face 36 of outer door 30
is an outer seal member 44 having an outer seal opening 46
generally aligned with outer opening 42. The outer seal opening 46
is preferably of dimensions generally less than the corresponding
dimensions of the outer opening 42. Similarly, inner door 50
further includes an inner opening 62, which passes through the
inner face 56 and outer face 58. The inner opening 62 is preferably
of dimensions generally slightly larger than the corresponding
dimensions of the nose portion 28 of the circuit breaker 24.
Disposed on the inner face 56 of inner door 50 is an inner seal
member 64 having an inner seal opening 66 generally aligned with
inner opening 62. The inner seal opening 66 is preferably of
dimensions generally less than the corresponding dimensions of the
inner opening 62.
[0040] The number of hinges 40 allow the outer door 30 to be
pivotable from a closed position (first position) shown in FIG. 3,
in which the inner face 36 (along with the outer seal member 44) is
closed against the outer face 58 of inner door 50 such that the
nose portion 28 of the circuit breaker 24 extends through the outer
seal opening 46 as well as the outer opening 42 of outer door 30,
to an open position (second position) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
When the outer door 30 is in the open position such as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, the number of hinges 60 allow the inner door 50 to
be pivotable from a closed position (third position), best shown in
FIG. 2, in which the inner face 56 adjacent the second end 54 is
closed against the left side (not numbered) of cassette 22 and the
inner seal 64 disposed on the inner face 56 is positioned with
respect to the circuit breaker 24 such that nose portion 28 extends
through the inner seal opening 66 as well as the inner opening 62
(of inner door 50), to an open position (fourth position) as shown
in FIG. 1.
[0041] In the example shown in FIGS. 1-3, the example nose portion
28 is of generally rectangular shape and includes a top 72, a
bottom 74, a left side 76, and a right side 78. As shown in FIG. 3,
when the outer door 30 is in the closed position (first position),
the outer opening 42 is slightly offset with respect to the nose
portion 28 in a direction away from the number of hinges 40 (FIGS.
1 and 2) while the outer seal opening 46 (FIG. 1) is positioned
with respect to the nose portion 28 such that the outer seal member
44 sealingly engages at least the left side 76, top 72 and bottom
74 of the nose portion 28. Similarly, as best shown in FIG. 2, when
the inner door 50 is in a closed position (third position), the
inner opening 62 is slightly offset with respect to the nose
portion 28 in a direction away from the number of hinges 60 while
the inner seal opening 66 (FIG. 1.) is positioned with respect to
the nose portion 28 such that the inner seal member 64 sealingly
engages at least the right side 78, top 72 and bottom 74 of the
nose portion 28.
[0042] Positioning of both the inner door 50 and outer door 30
along with their respective seal members 44, 64 in the closed
positions as shown in FIG. 3 substantially seals the nose portion
28 of the circuit breaker 24 with respect to the enclosure 12 and
in doing so substantially seals the interior of the enclosure 12
from the exterior. It is to be appreciated that the resulting seal
arrangement may be maintained when the circuit breaker 24 is
positioned at the first position in which the rear portion of the
electrical circuit breaker 24 is in electrical contact with the
number of conductors 20, the second position in which the rear
portion of the electrical circuit breaker 24 is not in electrical
contact with the number of conductors 20, or at any position in
between. As such, the seal arrangement described herein maintains a
seal between the interior and exterior of the electrical enclosure
12 during initial electrical engagement of the circuit breaker 24
to the number of electrical conductors 20.
[0043] FIGS. 4-7 show a portion of an electrical cabinet assembly
10 utilizing another example of the seal assembly (not numbered) of
the present invention. This seal assembly includes a door assembly
100 (FIG. 5) having a door 101 with a first end 102, a second end
104, an inner face 106 (FIGS. 5, 7, 8), and an outer face 108 (FIG.
4). The first end 102 is pivotally coupled to the left side panel
16 of the cabinet 12 via a number of outer hinges 40 (shown in
hidden line drawing in FIG. 4). The door assembly 100 further
includes a latching mechanism 110 located generally at or near the
second end 104 of the door 100 and a sliding member 120 (FIGS. 5,
7, and 8) slidingly coupled to the inner face 106 of door 100. The
latching mechanism 110 provides for the second end 104 of the door
100 to be secured to the cabinet 12 at or near the right side panel
18. Although an example latching mechanism 110 is shown, any
suitable latching mechanism (e.g., locking; non-locking) may be
employed.
[0044] Door 101 further includes an opening 112, which passes
through the inner face 106 and outer face 108. The opening 112 is
preferably of dimensions generally slightly larger than the
corresponding dimensions of the nose portion 28 of the circuit
breaker 24. Disposed on the inner face 106 of door 101 is a door
seal member 114 having a seal opening 116 (FIG. 5) generally
aligned with opening 112. The seal opening 116 is preferably of
dimensions generally less than the corresponding dimensions of the
opening 112 and sized such that door seal member 114 sealingly
engages at least the left side 76, the top 72, and the bottom 74,
of the nose portion 28.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, sliding member 120 includes a
pair of slots 122, which interact with a corresponding pair of
protrusions 124 that extend from the inner face 106 of the door 100
and terminate in a pair of retainers 126. Hence, the sliding member
120 can move in a direction parallel to the inner face 106 in a
direction generally toward or away from the first end 102 or the
second end 104. Although an example mounting mechanism is shown,
any suitable mounting mechanism may be employed for the sliding
member 120 and the door 100. Sliding member 120 further includes a
sliding seal 128 disposed on a face of sliding member 120 generally
perpendicular to the plane of the opening 112.
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the example latching mechanism 110 is
mechanically coupled to sliding member 120 such that when latching
mechanism 110 is moved from an unlatched position as shown in FIG.
7 to a latched position as shown in FIG. 8, sliding member 120 is
displaced in a direction generally away from the second end 104 and
toward the first end 102 of door 101. In the example shown, such
mechanical coupling is accomplished through the interaction of a
pin 130 of the latching mechanism 110 and an arcuate slot 132,
however, it can be appreciated that other interactive couplings
could be substituted while still meeting the needs of the present
invention.
[0047] The number of hinges 40 allow the door assembly 100 to be
movable from a closed position (shown in FIG. 4) in which the inner
face 106 (along with seal member 114) is closed against a portion
of the electrical enclosure 12 and that the nose portion 28 of
circuit breaker 24 extends through the seal opening 116 as well as
the opening 112 of door 100, to an open position (not shown)
similar to the open door 30 of the previous example shown in FIGS.
1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 4, when the door assembly 100 is in the
closed position, the opening 112 is slightly offset with respect to
the nose portion 28 in a direction away from the number of hinges
40 while seal opening 116 is positioned with respect to the nose
portion 28 such that the seal member 114 sealingly engages at least
the left side 76, top 72 and bottom 74 of the nose portion 28.
[0048] FIG. 7 shows the door 101 in the closed position of FIG. 4
with the latching mechanism 110 in an unlatched position. In the
unlatched position shown, it can be seen that sliding seal 128 of
sliding member 120 is spaced from the right side 78 of nose portion
28 of the circuit breaker 24. When the latching mechanism 110 is
moved to a latched position as shown in FIG. 8, it can be seen that
sliding member 120 moves through the interaction of the pin 130 and
arcuate slot 132 to bring sliding seal 128 into sealing engagement
with the right side 78 of the protruding nose portion 28 of the
circuit breaker 24. Therefore, when the door assembly is positioned
in the closed position of FIG. 4 and latching mechanism 110 is in
the latched position as shown in FIG. 8, the interior of the
enclosure 12 is substantially sealed from the exterior. It is to be
appreciated that the seal between the nose portion 28 of the
circuit breaker 24, the seal member 114 and the sliding seal 120
may be maintained when the circuit breaker 24 is positioned at a
first position in which the rear portion of the electrical circuit
breaker 24 is in electrical contact with the number of conductors
20, a second position in which the rear portion of the electrical
circuit breaker 24 is not in electrical contact with the number of
conductors 20, or at any position in between. Such a seal
arrangement maintains a seal between the interior and exterior of
the electrical enclosure 12 during initial electrical engagement of
the circuit breaker 24 to the number of electrical conductors
20.
[0049] 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
the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims
appended and any and all equivalents thereof.
* * * * *