US 9,543,094 B2 · Extension member for rotary switch actuation

Abstract

The disclosure describes a switch extension device and method of installing such a device on a unit of electrical equipment with a closable housing containing a switch and electrically charged components, such as a transformer with a rotary oil safety switch inside the transformer terminal cabinet. The device includes a switch coupling member for mechanically manipulating a switch between at least a first switch position and a second switch position. The switch is disposed inside the closed housing containing components that are electrically charged when the switch is in the first position and not electrically charged when the switch is in the second position. The device also has an extension member with an external portion that extends outside of the closed housing for access by the user without opening the closed housing. Physical manipulation of the external portion of the extension member is mechanically translated to the switch coupling member for mechanically manipulating the switch between at least the first switch position and the second switch position.

Claims23

Dependent claims

A device comprising:

a switch coupling member for mechanically manipulating a switch between at least a first switch position and a second switch position, and wherein the switch coupling member includes a fastener that attaches the switch coupling member to the switch, the switch being disposed inside a closed housing containing components that are electrically charged when the switch is in the first position and not electrically charged when the switch is in the second position;
an extension member having an external portion that extends outside of the closed housing for access by a user without opening the closed housing and whereby physical manipulation of the external portion of the extension member is mechanically translated to the switch coupling member for mechanically manipulating the switch between at least the first switch position and the second switch position, and
wherein the switch includes a switch through hole and the switch coupling member includes a coupling member through hole and the fastener is a bolt that extends through the switch through hole and the coupling through hole.

A device comprising:

a switch coupling member for mechanically manipulating a switch between at least a first switch position and a second switch position, the switch being disposed inside a closed housing containing components that are electrically charged when the switch is in the first position and not electrically charged when the switch is in the second position;
an extension member having an external portion that extends outside of the closed housing for access by a user without opening the closed housing and whereby physical manipulation of the external portion of the extension member is mechanically translated to the switch coupling member for mechanically manipulating the switch between at least the first switch position and the second switch position;
wherein the extension member comprises an angular junction whereby an angle of the mechanical manipulation of the switch by the switch coupling member is different from an angle of the physical manipulation of the external portion of the extension member;
and
wherein the angular junction comprises a gear box for translating rotational motion from the external portion of the extension member to rotational motion of the switch coupling member and the switch.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Extension member for rotary switch actuation

Life of this patent

Extension member for rotary switch actuation

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23