U.S. patent application number 16/553515 was filed with the patent office on 2021-03-04 for locking an enclosed switch, a bus plug or a panelboard switch.
The applicant listed for this patent is Siemens Industry, Inc.. Invention is credited to Troy Groehl, Thomas Jameson.
Application Number | 20210066015 16/553515 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004300307 |
Filed Date | 2021-03-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210066015 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jameson; Thomas ; et
al. |
March 4, 2021 |
LOCKING AN ENCLOSED SWITCH, A BUS PLUG OR A PANELBOARD SWITCH
Abstract
An enclosed switch, a bus plug or a panelboard switch with means
to lock them in an OFF position are provided. An enclosed switch
comprises an operating handle with a first hole situated at a
distal end and an enclosure including a cover. The operating handle
is disposed external to the enclosure. The cover having a flange
including a tab formed with a second hole that is configured to be
aligned with the first hole of the operating handle in order to
lock the enclosed switch in an OFF position without the use of a
handle guard.
Inventors: |
Jameson; Thomas;
(Bellefontaine, OH) ; Groehl; Troy; (Marysville,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Siemens Industry, Inc. |
Alpharetta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004300307 |
Appl. No.: |
16/553515 |
Filed: |
August 28, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01H 71/025 20130101;
H01H 2239/032 20130101; H02B 1/46 20130101; H01H 71/521
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01H 71/52 20060101
H01H071/52; H02B 1/46 20060101 H02B001/46; H01H 71/02 20060101
H01H071/02 |
Claims
1. An enclosed switch having a first side and a second side,
comprising: an operating handle with a first hole situated at a
distal end, wherein the operating handle is installed pivotally on
the second side of the enclosed switch; and an enclosure including
a cover, wherein the operating handle is disposed external to the
enclosure, and wherein the cover having a flange including a tab
formed with a second hole that is configured to be aligned with the
first hole of the operating handle in order to lock the enclosed
switch in an OFF position without the use of a handle guard,
wherein the cover having a top surface such that the tab is formed
extending away from the top surface so that the second hole is
placed above the top surface, wherein the tab is formed by bending
a portion of the flange where the flange having a longer length
than a non-bent portion of the flange, wherein the tab is extending
opposite the non-bent portion of the flange in a same plane in
which the non-bent portion of the flange is extending, wherein the
same plane is substantially parallel to the second side of the
enclosed switch.
2. The enclosed switch of claim 1, further comprising: a box
including a line base and a switch mechanism with an operating
shaft, wherein the switch mechanism turns the line base ON or OFF
to turn ON or turn OFF power.
3. The enclosed switch of claim 2, wherein the operating handle is
coupled to the operating shaft to pivot in an ON position or an OFF
position.
4. The enclosed switch of claim 3, wherein the operating handle is
on a center line and at a gap from the tab.
5. The enclosed switch of claim 3, wherein the operating handle is
configured to pivot in the OFF position to enable the operating
handle to be locked in the OFF position in order to lock the
enclosed switch in a lock-off position.
6. The enclosed switch of claim 1, wherein the enclosed switch is a
30 amp to a 1200 amp general duty switch configured for service
entrance applications.
7. The enclosed switch of claim 1, wherein the enclosed switch is
consistent with UL standards 98, 50 (13.sup.th edition).
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. The enclosed switch of claim 1, wherein the cover of the
enclosed switch is made of a metal.
11. A bus plug or a panelboard switch having a first side and a
second side, comprising: an operating handle with a first hole
situated at a distal end, wherein the operating handle is installed
pivotally on the second side of the bus plug or the panelboard; and
an enclosure including a cover, wherein the operating handle is
disposed external to the enclosure, and wherein the cover having a
flange including a tab formed with a second hole that is configured
to be aligned with the first hole of the operating handle in order
to lock the bus plug or the panelboard in an OFF position without
the use of a handle guard, wherein the cover having a top surface
such that the tab is formed extending away from the top surface so
that the second hole is placed above the top surface, wherein the
tab is formed by bending a portion of the flange where the flange
having a longer length than a non-bent portion of the flange,
wherein the tab is extending opposite the non-bent portion of the
flange in a same plane in which the non-bent portion of the flange
is extending, wherein the same plane is substantially parallel to
the second side of the bus plug or the panelboard.
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. The bus plug or the panelboard switch of claim 11, wherein the
cover of the bus plug or the panelboard switch is made of a
metal.
15. A method of locking an enclosed switch having a first side and
a second side, the method comprising: providing an operating handle
with a first hole situated at a distal end, wherein the operating
handle is installed pivotally on the second side of the enclosed
switch; and providing an enclosure including a cover, wherein the
operating handle is disposed external to the enclosure, and wherein
the cover having a flange including a tab formed with a second hole
that is configured to be aligned with the first hole of the
operating handle in order to lock the enclosed switch in an OFF
position without the use of a handle guard, wherein the cover
having a top surface such that the tab is formed extending away
from the top surface so that the second hole is placed above the
top surface, wherein the tab is formed by bending a portion of the
flange where the flange having a longer length than a non-bent
portion of the flange, wherein the tab is extending opposite the
non-bent portion of the flange in a same plane in which the
non-bent portion of the flange is extending, wherein the same plane
is substantially parallel to the second side of the enclosed
switch.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: providing a box
including a line base and a switch mechanism with an operating
shaft, wherein the switch mechanism turns the line base ON or OFF
to turn ON or turn OFF power.
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the cover of the enclosed
switch is made of a metal.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein the enclosed switch is a 30 amp
to a 1200 amp general duty switch configured for service entrance
applications.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0001] Aspects of the present invention generally relate to locking
an enclosed switch, a bus plug or a panelboard switch.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0002] General duty switches are intended for applications where
reliable performance and continuity of service are needed, but
where duty requirements are not severe and usual service conditions
prevail. (These switches are intended for use primarily with supply
circuits rated 240V AC or less where the available fault current is
less than 100,000 A when used with Class R or T fuses or 10,000 A
max. when used with Class H fuses.) General duty switches feature
quick make, quick break visible blade switching action. All copper
current carrying parts except for lugs are constructed from copper.
General duty switches are both load break and HP rated. They are
UL98 listed. Switches are available in 2 and 3 pole versions and in
both fusible and non-fusible designs. Both Type 1 and 3R enclosures
are offered. They can be used for both branch and for service
entrance applications. Fusible switches take Class H fuses as
standard but are easily field convertible to Class R fuses and also
to Class J fuses in 100-600 A ratings. 30 A plug fuse switches are
also available. General duty switches are pad lockable in the OFF
position. The door can also be padlocked in the closed
position.
[0003] A switch is required by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to
have a provision to enable an operating handle to be locked in an
OFF position. A typical switch construction uses a hole in a handle
guard and a matching hole in a handle to lock the switch in the OFF
position. The disadvantages of this design are increased part
numbers, increased part cost and increased assembly cost and
time.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a simplified means to lock an
enclosed switch, a bus plug or a panelboard switch.
SUMMARY
[0005] Briefly described, aspects of the present invention relate
to switches. Means for locking an enclosed switch, a bus plug or a
panelboard switch are provided to ensure that an operating handle
is locked in an OFF position. This is accomplished by not using a
hole in a handle guard rather a formed handle lockout and a
matching hole in a handle to lock the switch in the OFF position.
In a formed handle lock-off design, a tab in a cover flange is
formed into the lock-off position. This eliminates the need of a
separate handle guard reducing cost and complexity of the system.
The above discussed, advantages and details of this invention below
will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from
the following detailed description and drawings.
[0006] In accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the
present invention, an enclosed switch is provided. It comprises an
operating handle with a first hole situated at a distal end and an
enclosure including a cover. The operating handle is disposed
external to the enclosure. The cover having a flange including a
tab formed with a second hole that is configured to be aligned with
the first hole of the operating handle in order to lock the
enclosed switch in an OFF position without the use of a handle
guard.
[0007] In accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the
present invention, a bus plug or a panelboard switch are provided.
They comprise an operating handle with a first hole situated at a
distal end and an enclosure including a cover. The operating handle
is disposed external to the enclosure. The cover has a flange
including a tab formed with a second hole that is configured to be
aligned with the first hole of the operating handle in order to
lock the bus plug or the panelboard in an OFF position without the
use of a handle guard.
[0008] In accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the
present invention, a method of locking an enclosed switch is
provided. The method comprises providing an operating handle with a
first hole situated at a distal end and providing an enclosure
including a cover. The operating handle is disposed external to the
enclosure. The cover has a flange including a tab formed with a
second hole that is configured to be aligned with the first hole of
the operating handle in order to lock the enclosed switch in an OFF
position without the use of a handle guard.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a general duty
switch from prior art that uses a hole in a handle guard and a
matching hole in a handle to lock the switch in the OFF
position.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a general duty enclosed
switch in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the cover of the
general duty enclosed switch of FIG. 2 in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the general duty enclosed
switch of FIG. 2 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates internal details of the general duty
enclosed switch of FIG. 2 in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a bus plug from prior art.
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a panelboard switch from prior art.
[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic view of a flow chart of a
method of locking an enclosed switch in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] To facilitate an understanding of embodiments, principles,
and features of the present invention, they are explained
hereinafter with reference to implementation in illustrative
embodiments. In particular, they are described in the context of a
simplified means to lock an enclosed switch, a bus plug or a
panelboard switch. A general duty enclosed switch includes a cover
with means for locking the enclosed switch to ensure that an
operating handle is locked in an OFF position. The general duty
enclosed switch does not use a hole in a handle guard but only uses
a matching hole in a handle to lock the switch in the OFF position.
A tab with a hole in a cover flange is formed into the lock-off
position. The general duty enclosed switch uses the hole in the tab
and a matching hole in an operating handle to lock the switch in
the OFF position. The advantages of this design are reduced part
numbers, reduced part cost and reduced assembly cost and time. Such
a formed handle lock-off design can be incorporated in a bus plug
or a panelboard switch also. Embodiments of the present invention,
however, are not limited to use in the described devices or
methods.
[0018] The components and materials described hereinafter as making
up the various embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not
restrictive. Many suitable components and materials that would
perform the same or a similar function as the materials described
herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of embodiments
of the present invention.
[0019] These and other embodiments of a formed handle lockout for
locking an enclosed switch, a bus plug or a panelboard switch
according to the present disclosure are described below with
reference to FIGS. 1-8 herein. Like reference numerals used in the
drawings identify similar or identical elements throughout the
several views. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
[0020] Consistent with one embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of a general duty enclosed
switch 105 from prior art that uses a hole 107 in a handle guard
110 and a matching hole 115 in an operating handle 120 to lock the
switch 105 in an OFF position but has been modified by the present
invention to not use the hole 107 in the handle guard 110. The
switch 105 is required by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to have a
provision to enable the operating handle 120 to be locked in the
OFF position. The switch 105 uses the hole 107 in the handle guard
110 to lock the switch in the OFF position. The disadvantages of
this design are increased part numbers, increased part cost and
increased assembly cost and time.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 2, it illustrates a front view of a
general duty enclosed switch 205 in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. The enclosed switch 205
comprises an operating handle 207 with a first hole 210 situated at
a distal end 212. The enclosed switch 205 further comprises an
enclosure 215 including a cover 217. The operating handle 207 is
disposed external to the enclosure 215. The cover 217 includes a
flange (not seen) including a tab 220 formed with a second hole
(not seen) that is configured to be aligned with the first hole 210
of the operating handle 207 in order to lock the enclosed switch
205 in an OFF position without the use of the handle guard 110.
[0022] The operating handle 207 is on a center line and at a gap
225 from the tab 220. The operating handle 207 is configured to
pivot in an OFF position to enable the operating handle 207 to be
locked in the OFF position in order to lock the enclosed switch 205
in a lock-off position.
[0023] In one embodiment, the enclosed switch 205 is a 30 amp to a
1200 amp general duty switch configured for service entrance
applications. The enclosed switch 205 is also consistent with one
or more standards such as UL standards 98, 50 (13.sup.th
edition).
[0024] Turning now to FIG. 3, it illustrates a perspective view of
the cover 217 of the general duty enclosed switch 205 of FIG. 2 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
The cover 217 includes a top surface 302 such that the tab 220 is
formed extending away from the top surface 302 so that a second
hole 305 is placed above the top surface 302. The tab 220 may be
formed by bending a portion 307 of a flange 310 where the flange
310 has a longer length than a non-bent portion 312 of the flange
310. The cover 217 of the enclosed switch 205 may be made of a
metal such as steel.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the general duty enclosed
switch 205 of FIG. 2 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention. The enclosed switch 205 may be intended for
applications where reliable performance and continuity of service
are needed, but where duty requirements are not severe and usual
service conditions prevail. (These switches are intended for use
primarily with supply circuits rated 240V AC or less where the
available fault current is less than 100,000 A when used with Class
R or T fuses or 10,000 A max. when used with Class H fuses.) The
enclosed switch 205 features a quick make, quick break visible
blade switching action. All copper current carrying parts except
for lugs are constructed from copper. The enclosed switch 205 may
be both load break and HP rated. The enclosed switch 205 may be
UL98 listed. The enclosed switch 205 may be made available in 2 and
3 pole versions and in both fusible and non-fusible designs. Both
Type 1 and 3R enclosures may be offered. The enclosed switch 205
can be used for both branch and for service entrance
applications.
[0026] As seen in FIG. 5, it illustrates internal details of the
general duty enclosed switch 205 of FIG. 2 in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The enclosed switch
205 further comprises a box 502 including a line base 505 and a
switch mechanism 507 with an operating shaft 510. The switch
mechanism 507 turns the line base 505 ON or OFF to turn ON or turn
OFF power. The operating handle 207 is coupled to the operating
shaft 510 to pivot in an ON position or an OFF position.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 6, it illustrates a bus plug 605 from the
prior art. The bus plug 605 connects to a busbar or a busway to
provide a localized power distribution to electronic devices, while
protecting and supplying power to industrial equipment. Circuit
protection for the bus plug 605 may be in the form of a circuit
breaker or a fuse. The bus plug 605 has been modified by the
present invention to not use a hole 607 in a handle guard 610. The
bus plug 605 has been modified to use the second hole 305 in the
tab 220 and the matching hole 115 in the operating handle 207 to
lock the bus plug 605 in the OFF position.
[0028] In FIG. 7, it illustrates a panelboard switch 705 from the
prior art. A distribution board (also known as panelboard, breaker
panel, or electric panel) is a component of an electricity supply
system that divides an electrical power feed into subsidiary
circuits, while providing a protective fuse or circuit breaker for
each circuit in a common enclosure. Normally, a main switch, and in
recent boards, one or more residual-current devices (RCD) or
residual current breakers with overcurrent protection (RCBO), are
also incorporated. The panelboard switch 705 has been modified by
the present invention to not use a hole 707 in a handle guard 710.
The panelboard switch 705 has been modified to use the second hole
305 in the tab 220 and the matching hole 115 in the operating
handle 207 to lock the panelboard switch 705 in the OFF
position.
[0029] With regard to FIG. 8, it illustrates a schematic view of a
flow chart of a method 800 of locking the enclosed switch 205 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Reference is made to the elements and features described in FIGS.
1-7. It should be appreciated that some steps are not required to
be performed in any particular order, and that some steps are
optional.
[0030] For locking the enclosed switch 205, the method 800 in step
805 provides an operating handle with a first hole situated at a
distal end. The method 800 further includes a step 810 of providing
an enclosure including a cover. The operating handle is disposed
external to the enclosure. The cover has a flange including a tab
formed with a second hole that is configured to be aligned with the
first hole of the operating handle in order to lock the enclosed
switch in an OFF position without the use of a handle guard.
[0031] While a general duty enclosed switch is described here a
range of one or more other enclosed switch means or other forms of
enclosed switches are also contemplated by the present invention.
For example, other types of enclosed switches may be implemented
based on one or more features presented above without deviating
from the spirit of the present invention.
[0032] The techniques described herein can be particularly useful
for the formed handle lockout. While particular embodiments are
described in terms of the formed handle lockout, the techniques
described herein are not limited to such a structure but can also
be used with other mechanical structures or configurations such as
welded or riveted designs.
[0033] While embodiments of the present invention have been
disclosed in exemplary forms, it will be apparent to those skilled
in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be
made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention and its equivalents, as set forth in the following
claims.
[0034] Embodiments and the various features and advantageous
details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the
non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of
well-known starting materials, processing techniques, components
and equipment are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure
embodiments in detail. It should be understood, however, that the
detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating
preferred embodiments, are given by way of illustration only and
not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications,
additions and/or rearrangements within the spirit and/or scope of
the underlying inventive concept will become apparent to those
skilled in the art from this disclosure.
[0035] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising,"
"includes," "including," "has," "having" or any other variation
thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For
example, a process, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of
elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may
include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such
process, article, or apparatus.
[0036] Additionally, any examples or illustrations given herein are
not to be regarded in any way as restrictions on, limits to, or
express definitions of, any term or terms with which they are
utilized. Instead, these examples or illustrations are to be
regarded as being described with respect to one particular
embodiment and as illustrative only. Those of ordinary skill in the
art will appreciate that any term or terms with which these
examples or illustrations are utilized will encompass other
embodiments which may or may not be given therewith or elsewhere in
the specification and all such embodiments are intended to be
included within the scope of that term or terms.
[0037] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been
described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of
ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications
and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the
invention. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be
regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and
all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope
of invention.
[0038] Although the invention has been described with respect to
specific embodiments thereof, these embodiments are merely
illustrative, and not restrictive of the invention. The description
herein of illustrated embodiments of the invention is not intended
to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms
disclosed herein (and in particular, the inclusion of any
particular embodiment, feature or function is not intended to limit
the scope of the invention to such embodiment, feature or
function). Rather, the description is intended to describe
illustrative embodiments, features and functions in order to
provide a person of ordinary skill in the art context to understand
the invention without limiting the invention to any particularly
described embodiment, feature or function. While specific
embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described
herein for illustrative purposes only, various equivalent
modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the
invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and
appreciate. As indicated, these modifications may be made to the
invention in light of the foregoing description of illustrated
embodiments of the invention and are to be included within the
spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, while the invention has
been described herein with reference to particular embodiments
thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and
substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, and it
will be appreciated that in some instances some features of
embodiments of the invention will be employed without a
corresponding use of other features without departing from the
scope and spirit of the invention as set forth. Therefore, many
modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or
material to the essential scope and spirit of the invention.
[0039] Respective appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment,"
"in an embodiment," or "in a specific embodiment" or similar
terminology in various places throughout this specification are not
necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the
particular features, structures, or characteristics of any
particular embodiment may be combined in any suitable manner with
one or more other embodiments. It is to be understood that other
variations and modifications of the embodiments described and
illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings herein
and are to be considered as part of the spirit and scope of the
invention.
[0040] In the description herein, numerous specific details are
provided, such as examples of components and/or methods, to provide
a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One
skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an
embodiment may be able to be practiced without one or more of the
specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies,
methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other
instances, well-known structures, components, systems, materials,
or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to
avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the invention. While the
invention may be illustrated by using a particular embodiment, this
is not and does not limit the invention to any particular
embodiment and a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize
that additional embodiments are readily understandable and are a
part of this invention.
[0041] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements
depicted in the drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more
separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as
inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a
particular application.
[0042] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have
been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However,
the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any
component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to
occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a
critical, required, or essential feature or component.
* * * * *