Title of Invention

AN ACTUATOR ARRANGEMENT TO INDICATE DIFFERENT TANGIBLE STATE OF SWITCHING DEVICE

Abstract

TITLE : MULTI GLOW HANDLE FOR SWITCHING DEVICE Actuator arrangement adapted to denote different tangible state of switching device (!) comprises a handle coupler unit (2) ergonomically designed located on the base (6) of the coupler unit (2)-, a contact sensing module (4) operatively placed on the base (6) of the coupler unit (2) and operatively connected with predetermined circuit means (8) comprising desired circuit components adapted to control flow current in the circuit and indicate the state of the switching device (1) .

Full Text

FORM2 THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970) & The Patents Rules, 2003 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See section 10; rule 13) F The Patents Rules, 2003 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION ( Title of the invention. - MULTI GLOW HANDLE FOR SWITCHING DEVICE 2. Applicant(s) (a) NAME : LARSEN & TOUBRO LIMITED (b) NATIONALITY : an Indian company (c) ADDRESS : L&T House, Ballard Estate, State of Maharashtra, Mumbai 400 001, India. 3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION The following specification particularly describes the invention and.the manner in which it is to be performed : FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to an actuator arrangement denoting different tangible state of switching device comprising a handle for actuating the switching device. More particularly, the invention relates to an integral arrangement of components within the actuator (herein indicated as handle coupler unit) adapted to denote different tangible states -of switching device "ON", "OFF" and/or "TRIP" by means of sensing module means operatively connected with indicator means comprising one or more colors indications in consonance with physical position of the handles indicating each state. The handle coupler unit finds its application in circuit breakers, switch fuse disconnector and the like. Background And Prior Art Switching devices and their combinations with associated operative control, measuring, protection and regulating equipments are conventionally known as Switchgear. in particular , Switchgears usually make or break the current in one or more electric circuits by various methods including use of mechanical switching means which include separable contacts. Such mechanical switches can be operable by toggle of knob attached with these switching device or by an arrangement of mechanism and extension shaft wherein these are operated by rotary motion of the handle coupler unit. Under these conditions, a rotable operating shaft with pin, and mechanism suitably adapted, actuates such switching devices, which is housed inside the enclosure commonly called as panel. It is important to note that keeping in view the safety requirements of such devices, it is extremely important 2 10 NOV 2005 for such a handle coupler unit mounted outside the enclosure where in the device is mounted inside the enclosure to denote the right state, as any wrong indication could result in extreme casualties. As per the present sate of art, the state of the switching device mounted inside an enclosure is indicated by a pointer on the handle coupler unit mounted outside the enclosure by the alignment of the pointer to the fixed base suitably marked as "ON", "OFF" and "TRIP"Yet another mode of representation of the state of theswitching unit is by different indicating lamps mounted on thepanel door and are individually powered corresponding to the state of the device. US6744363 discloses circuitry arrangement for switch-gear cabinet monitoring arrangement with a control device for monitoring switch-gear cabinet functions including door position and for generation of monitoring signals for signaling to and /or controlling components relating to the switch-gear cabinet functions. The monitoring state is assigned its own indicator element, the indicator element displays at least two of the different monitoring states. US6400547 further discloses monitoring state parameters and device of general type ensuring a reliable indication of switching state. This is obtained by recording and evaluating sensor signals of sensors an external electrical field and external magnetic field. The step of monitoring the state parameters in the switching device includes monitoring the switch position, a tripping cause and / or device fault. 10 NOV 2005 The devices used in practice till date are different, mostly electromechanical. Knobs with single colour glows denoting the "ON" state are already existing but the combination of emitting signal in all three state of switching device is unique as described under present invention. In the present invention the indicating means is governed by the circuit sensing the power hence glowing accordingly. This is achieved by physically sensing the position and connecting the same to an electrical supply for glowing the light emitting electronic device having electrodes or terminals in three different states harmonizing the glow with the physical movement of the handle. The present inventors have found that a handle coupler unit arrangement comprising a sensing module electronically configured and operatively connected with an indicating means denotes different tangible states of switching device giving accurate physical indication of pointer means. OBJECTS OF INVENTION Thus one of the objects of the present invention is to provide safe indication of the switching device. Another object of the present invention is to provide variant glowing colour indication on the handle of the switching device indicating each state of the switching device with particular colour. Yet another object of the current invention is to give clear indication of the state of switching mechanism particularly "on" "off" and "trip" by directly and electrically sensing, transmitting and displaying the state of switching device. The other object of the said invention, the handle serves the dual role of a actuator knob and an indicator thus saving on component and complex wiring arrangement, adding an elementary safety since an operator and machine interact through a single media i.e. handle. SUMMARY OF INVENTION Thus according to the basic aspect of the present invention there is provided an actuator arrangement adapted to denote different tangible state of switching device, said actuato arrangement comprising: a handle coupler unit, said unit comprising a handle being ergonomically designed and transparent located on the base of the coupler unit;a contact sensing module operatively placed on a housing located on the base of the coupler unit; said sensing modulebeing encapsulated by said handle; said module beingoperatively connected with predetermined circuit meanswherein said circuit means comprises of desired circuit components adapted to control flow current in the circuit and indicate the state of the device. DETAILE DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION The present invention is achieved by an integral arrangement of handle coupler unit, sensing module, indicator means comprising plurality of electrodes or terminals and auxiliary contact blocks of ' the switching device. The invent 5 10 NOV 2005 integrates the function of the three indication lamps into one set of indicator means having three electrodes or terminals, having multi-colour glow. The handle coupler unit comprising transparent handle adapted to serve dual role of an actuator knob and an indicator thereby saving on component and reducing complexity in wiring arrangement, adding an elementary safety since an operator and machine interact through a single media i.e. the handle. It is actuated while it denotes the state. The said handle is mounted outside the panel means of the switching device. The handle coupler unit and the switching device are operatively interconnected by extension mechanism provided in predetermined cavities of the switching device such that to take feed back of the state of the breaker by directly sensing its contact position. The said extension mechanism may also be fitted externally to the switching device. The contact sensing module comprises plurality of switching means having normally open (NO) and normally close (NC) contacts. The switches are micro-switches operatively housed in housing referred as contact sensing module. One of the micro-switches within the contact sensing module being provided in a manner that senses the drive shaft position of switching device differentiating between "ON" and "OFF" position, while in "TRIP' position, the drive shaft position remains the same as "OFF" state. The other micro-switch senses the position of switch operating mechanism and latch plate, which gets detached while in "TRIP" state which invariably leads the lever of the switch to sense positional imbalance. The combination of the two switches provides the sensing of the imbalance positional signals. 10 NOV 2005 Thus contact sensing module of the invention provides two independent signals of ON/OFF and/or TRIP. The said contact sending module is operatively connected with circuit means comprising of printed circuit board having diode means and current regulator means. The said diode means comprises of light emitting diodes (LEDs) adapted to indicate each state of the device. The current regulator means comprises plurality of resistors having predetermined ohmic values adapted to regulate the amount of current fed in the diode terminals and also the colour of glow of LEDs. In an embodiment of the invention, the transparent handle is provided such that the light emitting diodes are encapsulated in a manner that glowing of diode at a time will generate corresponding light, which is thus visible from outside the handle. The plurality of light emitting diodes comprises plurality of terminals such that varying current flow in the terminals generate predetermined red, green and amber colour diode glowing for ON, OFF and TRIP respectively. In one embodiment of the invention, the handle coupler unit is provided with a cavity ergonomically designed to accommodate printed circuit board. The handle is screw fitted on the base of the handle coupler unit. The said base is provided with markings corresponding to ON/OFF/TRIP. The printed circuit board unit is sandwiched between the handle and the base and the said handle is rotatable against the base. 7 10 NOV 2005 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING FIGURES Figure 1 illustrates an isometric block representation of contact sensing module of the present invention in combination with the switching device. Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the handle coupler unit of the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates the printed circuit board elements/components of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING FIGURES In figure 1 an isometric block representation of contact sensing module of the present invention in combination with the switching device is illustrated. The switching device (1) and the handle coupler unit (2) is operatively interconnected with each other by means of the extension mechanism (3) . The contact sensing module (4) is block represented and this is fitted in the cavities of the switching device (1). In figure 2 an isometric view of the handle coupler unit of the present invention. The transparent handle (5} is screw fitted on the base (6) of the handle coupler unit (2). The coupler unit (2) is provided with cavity (7) wherein the printed circuit boards (8) (also shown in figure 3) are accommodated. The contact sensing module (4) comprises light emitting diodes (9D1, 9D2, 9D3) (shown in figure 3) located vertically in the module (4) and encapsulated by the handle (5). The contact sensing module (4) comprises of micro switches in the housing (10) . 1 0 NOV 2005 In figure 3 the printed circuit board elements/components of the present invention are illustrated. ON/OFF sensing module (4) comprises terminals (Al, A2 and A3). This together is a micro switch where terminals (Al and A2) are closed under normal circumstances (Al and A2 form a NC) . Upon actuation terminals (Al and A2) gets disconnected and contact is formed with terminals (Al and A3). This micro switch gets actuated in ON condition only. So in OFF condition terminals (Al and A2) remain connected and in ON condition terminals (Al and A3) get connected. Further referring to the figure 3, TRIP sensing module (4) comprises terminals (Bl, B2 and B3). This together is a micoswitch where terminals (Bl and B3} are closed under normal circumstances (Bl and B3 form a NC) . Upon actuation terminals (Bl and B3) gets disconnected and contact is formed with terminals (Bl and B2). So, this micro switch gets actuated in TRIP condition and here terminals (Bl and B2) get connected while otherwise terminals (Bl and B3) remain connected. Further the light emitting diodes (9Da, 9D2/ 9D3) used had three terminals, two active and other neutral ...2 (no. as 1 and 2) power and lneutral ( no. as 3). Here if power is fed to terminals 1 (and 3 since it is neutral) , LED glows in RED (9D0 . If Power is fed to 2 (and 3 since it is neutral) , LED glows in GREEN (9D2) and if power is fed to 1 & 2 (and 3 since it is neutral) , LED glows in AMBER (9D3) . 9 10 NOV 2005 WORKING In ON , contacts Al,A2 gets connected and hence the circuit gets closed through A1-A2 and goes to terminal 1 of LED and thus makes it make glow in RED (9Di) . In OFF state A1,A3 gets connected and Al Bl gets internally connected. The circuit gets closed through Al-Bl and goes to terminal no. 2 and glows in GREEN (9D2) • Under TRIP condition, terminals B1/B2 gets connected hence power goes to terminal no. 1 of LED via A1-B1-B2 route while power goes to terminal No. 2 of LED via Al-Bl route. Since power goes to both terminal no. 1 and 2 , LED glows in AMBER (9D3) . The invention has been described in a preferred form only and many variations may be made in the invention which will still be comprised within its spirit. The invention is not limited to the details cited above. For example, different light emitting diodes of varied colours may be used and the same results may be achieved. The handle descried in the present case is transparent. Translucent handle may used still the invention can be performed. In the present case three states namely, ON, OFF and TRIP is denoted. However, varying the number of PCBs the sensing of the state of the device can be differed. The invention has been described for a circuit breaker but the actuator arrangement may also be applicable in case of switch fuse disconnector and the like and still be considered to be within the spirit of the invention. 10 NOV 2005 WE CLAIM 1. An actuator arrangement adapted to denote different tangible state of switching device, said actuator arrangement comprising: a handle coupler unit, said unit comprising a handle being economically designed and transparent, located on the base of the coupler unit; a contact sensing module operatively placed on a housing located on the base of the coupler unit; said sensing module being encapsulated by said handle; said module being operatively connected with predetermined circuit means wherein said circuit means comprises of desired circuit components adapted to control flow current in the circuit and indicate the state of the device. 2. An actuator arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact sensing module comprises plurality of micro-switches operatively housed in the module in a manner to sense the differential positions of switching device drive shaft and/or latch plate in ON/OFF and/or TRIP conditions thereby sensing imbalance positional signals accurately. 3. An actuator arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the circuit means comprises printed circuit board. 4. An actuator arrangement as claimed in claims 1 to 3, wherein the printed circuit board components comprises (i) plurality of light emitting diodes having plurality of terminals adapted to indicate the state of the switching device; (ii) plurality of current regulating means in operative connection with said light emitting diodes. 5. An actuator arrangement as claimed in claims 1 to 4, wherein current regulating means comprises plurality of resistors having predetermined ohmic values so as to regulate the amount of current fed in the diode terminals in a manner to generate predetermined red, green and amber colour diode indicating ON, OFF and/or TRIP state of the switching device. 6. An actuator arrangement as claimed in claims 4 and 5, wherein plurality of light emitting diode terminals comprises atleast one active terminal and one neutral terminal such that power in the neutral terminal denotes TRIP state of the switching device glowing the LED in amber, power in active terminal denotes ON/OFF glowing the LED in red/green color. 7. An actuator arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transparent handle being such that it encapsulates light emitting diodes in a manner that glowing of diode generates corresponding light thereby serving as indicator saving on component and complex wiring arrangement. 8. An actuator arrangement as herein described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying figures. Dated this 10th day of November 2005. 12 10 NOV 2007

Documents:

1223-mum-2004-abstract(10-11-2005).doc

1223-mum-2004-abstract(10-11-2005).pdf

1223-MUM-2004-ABSTRACT(GRANTED)-(17-2-2012).pdf

1223-mum-2004-claims(10-11-2005).doc

1223-mum-2004-claims(10-11-2005).pdf

1223-MUM-2004-CLAIMS(AMENDED)-(27-1-2012).pdf

1223-MUM-2004-CLAIMS(GRANTED)-(17-2-2012).pdf

1223-MUM-2004-CLAIMS(MARKED COPY)-(27-1-2012).pdf

1223-mum-2004-correspondence 1(30-10-2004).pdf

1223-mum-2004-correspondence 2(12-10-2007).pdf

1223-MUM-2004-CORRESPONDENCE(10-11-2008).pdf

1223-MUM-2004-CORRESPONDENCE(2-3-2009).pdf

1223-MUM-2004-CORRESPONDENCE(25-8-2009).pdf

1223-MUM-2004-CORRESPONDENCE(26-7-2010).pdf

1223-MUM-2004-CORRESPONDENCE(27-1-2012).pdf

1223-MUM-2004-CORRESPONDENCE(28-10-2010).pdf

1223-MUM-2004-CORRESPONDENCE(29-3-2010).pdf

1223-MUM-2004-CORRESPONDENCE(IPO)-(17-2-2012).pdf

1223-mum-2004-description(complete)-(10-11-2005).pdf

1223-MUM-2004-DESCRIPTION(GRANTED)-(17-2-2012).pdf

1223-mum-2004-description(provisional)-(10-11-2004).pdf

1223-mum-2004-drawing(10-11-2005).pdf

1223-MUM-2004-DRAWING(27-1-2012).pdf

1223-MUM-2004-DRAWING(GRANTED)-(17-2-2012).pdf

1223-mum-2004-form 1(10-11-2004).pdf

1223-MUM-2004-FORM 1(27-1-2012).pdf

1223-mum-2004-form 13(28-11-2005).pdf

1223-MUM-2004-FORM 18(15-10-2007).pdf

1223-mum-2004-form 2(complete)-(10-11-2005).doc

1223-mum-2004-form 2(complete)-(10-11-2005).pdf

1223-MUM-2004-FORM 2(GRANTED)-(17-2-2012).pdf

1223-mum-2004-form 2(provisional)-(10-11-2004).doc

1223-mum-2004-form 2(provisional)-(10-11-2004).pdf

1223-MUM-2004-FORM 2(TITLE PAGE)-(27-1-2012).pdf

1223-mum-2004-form 2(title page)-(complete)-(10-11-2005).pdf

1223-MUM-2004-FORM 2(TITLE PAGE)-(GRANTED)-(17-2-2012).pdf

1223-mum-2004-form 2(title page)-(provisional)-(10-11-2004).pdf

1223-mum-2004-form 3(10-11-2004).pdf

1223-mum-2004-form 5(10-11-2005).pdf

1223-MUM-2004-GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY(28-11-2011).pdf

1223-MUM-2004-POWER OF ATTORNEY(27-1-2012).pdf

1223-mum-2004-power of authority(10-11-2004).pdf

1223-MUM-2004-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT( 28-11-2011).pdf

1223-MUM-2004-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT(28-11-2011).pdf