Operating arrangement for mechanism

Abstract

An operating arrangement is provided for a mechanism or the like, e.g. an operating mechanism for a circuit interrupter for electrical power transmission and distribution systems where the operating mechanism operates on stored energy and requires a recharging operation after the stored energy is utilized to operate the circuit interrupter. The operating arrangement includes an operating member and a cooperating arrangement carried by the operating mechanism for retaining the operating member during a multi-turn charging operation. Initial operation of the operating member for one or more turns causes the operating member to be retained before any charging operation takes place. Subsequent operation of the operating member results in the charging of the operating mechanism. The operating member is then returned to an initial engagement position whereupon the operating member is released for removal from the operating mechanism. In a specific embodiment, an interlock function is also provided for the operating member, such that a key must be obtained from an associated device and inserted into the operating member before a recharging operation may begin for the operating mechanism. The key is inserted into the operating member and help captive therein before the operating member may be utilized to recharge the operating mechanism. In a specific implementation, the key is released from the associated device only when the associated device is locked in a particular operative state, e.g. a disconnect switch is locked open which releases the key for use in the operating member. Thus, while the key is held captive in the operating member during recharging operation, the disconnect switch cannot be operated.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.