Stored energy system for breaker operating mechanism

Abstract

An operating mechanism for manipulating an operating handle of a circuit breaker is provided. The operating mechanism includes a holder assembly being configured, dimensioned and positioned to receive a portion of the operating handle where the holder assembly is capable of movement between a first position and a second position wherein the first position corresponds to a closed position of the handle and the second position corresponds to an open position of the handle. The operating mechanism further includes a drive plate being movably mounted to a support structure of the operating mechanism. The drive plate is coupled to the holder assembly. The operating mechanism also includes an energy storage mechanism for assuming a plurality of states, each state having a prescribed amount of energy stored in the energy storage mechanism. When the energy stored in the energy storage mechanism is released it provides an urging force to the drive plate causing the holder assembly to travel in the range defined by the first position to the second position.

1 . An operating mechanism for manipulating an operating handle of a circuit interruption mechanism, comprising: 
 a mechanical linkage system coupled to an energy storage mechanism, said energy storage mechanism assuming a plurality of states, each state having a prescribed amount of energy stored in said energy storage mechanism, said energy storage mechanism providing an urging force to said mechanical linkage system, said mechanical linkage system being coupled to a carriage assembly, said mechanical linkage system being adapted to receive a driving force from a recharging cam to drive said energy storage mechanism from a first state of said plurality of states to a second state of said plurality of states;    a release mechanism for disengaging said recharging cam from said mechanical linkage system when said energy storage mechanism is driven from said first state of said plurality of states to said second state; and    an energy release mechanism coupled to said mechanical linkage system for releasing said energy stored in said energy storage mechanism.    
     
     
         2 . An operating mechanism for manipulating an operating handle of a circuit interruption mechanism, comprising: 
 a recharging cam being adapted to receive a driving force and rotate upon receipt of said driving force;    a drive plate being rotatably mounted to said mechanism, said recharging cam and said drive plate being adapted to rotate said drive plate as said recharging cam is rotated by said driving force;    an energy storage mechanism being compressed by said drive plate as said drive plate is rotated by said recharging cam;    a linear carriage coupled to said drive plate, said linear carriage manipulating said operating handle of said circuit interruption mechanism when said energy storage mechanism is released from its compressed state; and    a means for disengaging said recharging cam from said drive plate when said energy storage mechanism is compressed.    
     
     
         3 . The operating mechanism as in  claim 2 , wherein said drive plate is latched into a position corresponding to a charged state of said energy storage mechanism, said drive plate being latched by a latch plate and latch links.  
     
     
         4 . A system for manipulating an operating handle of a circuit interruption mechanism, comprising: 
 a recharging cam being configured to by driven by a device;    a drive plate being rotatably mounted to said system, said recharging cam rotating said drive plate as said recharging cam is being driven by said device;    a spring being compressed by said drive plate as said drive plate is rotated into a latching position by said recharging cam;    a linear carriage coupled to said drive plate, said linear carriage being movably mounted to said system and manipulating said operating handle of said circuit interruption mechanism;    a means for disengaging said recharging cam when said drive plate is in said latching position; and    a means for releasing said drive plate from said latching position.    
     
     
         5 . The system as in  claim 4 , wherein said operating handle of said circuit interruption mechanism is manipulated when said drive plate is released from said latching position.  
     
     
         6 . The system as in  claim 4 , further comprising: 
 a means for re-engaging said recharging cam after said drive plate is released from said latching position and said spring is uncompressed.    
     
     
         7 . The system as in  claim 4 , wherein said means for releasing said drive plate from said latching position is remotely activated by a solenoid.  
     
     
         8 . The system as in  claim 4 , wherein said means for releasing said drive plate from said latching position is manually activated by a switch.  
     
     
         9 . The operating system as in  claim 1 , wherein said carriage assembly further comprises: a carriage; a first retaining bar being rotatably mounted to said carriage; a second retaining bar being rotatably mounted to said carriage; and a plurality of springs being secured to said first retaining bar at one end and said carriage at the opposite end.