US 12,451,301 B2
Interlocking mechanism for a switching device
Seth Tyler O'Brien, Ooltewah, TN (US); and James Windelon Adams, Chatsworth, GA (US)
Assigned to Eaton Intelligent Power Limited, Dublin (IE)
Filed by Eaton Intelligent Power Limited, Dublin (IE)
Filed on Oct. 31, 2022, as Appl. No. 18/051,315.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/273,615, filed on Oct. 29, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0133635 A1, May 4, 2023
Int. Cl. H01H 9/20 (2006.01); H01H 21/22 (2006.01); H01H 21/36 (2006.01)
CPC H01H 9/20 (2013.01) [H01H 21/22 (2013.01); H01H 21/36 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
10. A switching device comprising:
a cabinet;
a switch control handle mounted outside the cabinet, the switch control handle pivotally movable about a handle axis between an off position and an on position;
a circuit unit mounted inside the cabinet;
an actuator shaft connected to the circuit unit and the switch control handle, wherein the actuator shaft shifts the circuit unit to an open configuration when the switch control handle moves to the off position and shifts the circuit unit to a closed configuration when the switch control handle moves to the on position;
a crank member pivoted at the handle axis and connected to the switch control handle;
an interlocking arm comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the interlocking arm is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when positioned in the first position, the first end of the interlocking arm forms a releasable contact with the crank member blocking pivotal movement of the switch control handle at the handle axis, and wherein when positioned in the second position, the first end of the interlocking arm withdraws from the releasable contact with the crank member allowing operation of the switch control handle; and
an actuator connected to the interlocking arm, wherein the actuator, in response to receiving an actuator signal, moves the interlocking arm between the first position and the second position.