FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[ 0001 ] The present invention generally relates to a switching device . In particular, the present invention relates to a handle arrangement for the switching device .

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[ 0002 ] Generally switching devices consist of a handle to ensure operations during no-load, on-load and abnormal conditions . Usually these types of switching devices make, carry, and break current with limited or continuous duty . Conventional switching devices are constructed in such a manner that an operating mechanism may be modular or inbuilt which will drive the moving contact system either in linear or rotational motion to make and break the circuit and to ensure continuous carrying of current s . The operating mechanism of these switches has an operating handle driven by the user for functional operations . Generally, the operating handle in the switching devices is devoid of any type of failsafe mechanisms to prevent 1 . Malfunction or misuse of the handle , 2 . The user from operating the handle during maintenance, product 'ON' condition etc . 3 . Restricting the user to remove the handle from the switching device 4 . Restricting the user from converting the handle from single handed use to double handed use .

[ 0003 ] Further, in the switching device , operating force of the handle may increase as rating increases . To overcome the additional operating force , the operating handle may have a converting mechanism which will allow the user to operate with either single handed mode or double handed mode based on the need of leverage . The switching device may able to withstand high operating force after converting it to the double mode . Therefore , the operating handle needs to be both compact in design to fit inside a module and also be able to withstand high operating force if need be . However, this convertible mechanism does not have any arrangement to provide rigidity while operating at high operational forces in the double handed mode .

[ 0004 ] In the light of the above , there is a need for a handle arrangement which has multiple modes of operating the switching devices and a fail-safe mechanism to overcome misuse and malfunction of the handle in the switching device .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[ 0005 ] An embodiment of the present invention discloses a handle arrangement removably attached to a switching device . The handle arrangement includes a first handle and a second handle provided in a main body, the first handle is rotatable about the second handle to toggle the handle arrangement between a first configuration and a second configuration .

[ 0006] Further the handle arrangement includes , a locking as sembly provided in the main body to lock the handle arrangement to the switching device . The locking assembly includes a padlock slider provided on top portion of the first handle, the padlock slider moves horizontally to toggle the locking assembly between an unlocked orientation and a locked orientation . In the unlocked orientation rotation of the handle arrangement about the switching device and detachment from the switching device is enabled and in the locked orientation rotation of the handle arrangement about the switching device and detachment from the switching device is disabled .

[ 0007 ] Further the handle arrangement includes an auto locker as sembled in the main body and operationally coupled to the first handle and the second handle . The auto locker is configured to enable rotation of the first handle when the auto locker is disengaged and disable rotation of the first handle when the auto locker is engaged to restrict relative movement of the first handle and the second handle with respect to each other, such that the handle arrangement is arranged in one of : the first configuration and the second configuration upon restriction of the relative movement of the first handle and the second handle .

[ 0008 ] Further, in the first configuration the first handle is arranged above the second handle , such that the first handle and the second handle are parallel to each other and they function as a single handle and in the second configuration the first handle is rotated by an angle of 180 degrees with respect to the second handle, such that the first handle and the second handle are arranged on opposite sides of the main body to function as two dif ferent handles .

[ 0009] Further, the auto locker is a spring loaded single side operated lock and the handle arrangement is one of : directly and indirectly attached to a driving mechanism in the switching device . The locking assembly further includes a plurality of shackles attached to the padlock slider that slides along the padlock slider . In the locked orientation the plurality of shackles facilitates in locking of the handle arrangement with the switching device .

[ 0010 ] Furthermore , the locking as sembly includes a first extension formed below the padlock slider to move horizontally along with the slider and a padlock pin is operationally coupled to the first extension, to linearly move upon horizontal movement of the first extension under influence of a spring .

[ 0011 ] Further in the locked orientation of the locking assembly, the padlock slider is moved horizontally away from the main body to slide the plurality of shackles and the first extension in the same direction as the padlock slider, such that the plurality of shackles engage with corresponding grooves in the switching device and the padlock pin is pushed down to engage with a corresponding groove in the switching device, to disable rotation and detachment of the handle arrangement with respect to the switching device .

[ 0012 ] Further in the unlocked orientation of the locking assembly, the padlock slider is moved horizontally into the main body to slide the plurality of shackles and the first extension in the same direction as the padlock slider, such that the plurality of shackles disengage from corresponding grooves in the switching device and the padlock pin is pulled up by the spring to disengage from a corresponding groove in the switching device, to enable rotation and detachment of the handle arrangement with respect to the switching device .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] The following drawings are illustrative of preferred embodiments for enabling the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description.

[0014] Figures 1(a) and 1 (b) illustrates an isometric view of a handle arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figures 2 (a) and 2 (b) illustrate an isometric view of a handle arrangement in a first configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figures 2 (c) and 2 (d) illustrate an isometric view of a handle arrangement in a second configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figures 3(a) , 3 (b) and 3(c) illustrate an isometric view, a top view and a sectional view of a handle arrangement in unlocked orientation respectively in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3(d) illustrates a top view of a locking assembly in a handle arrangement in unlocked orientation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [ 0019] Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of a switching device in unlocked orientation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[ 0020 ] Figures 5 (a ) , 5 (b ) and 5 ( c) illustrate an isometric view, a top view and a sectional view of a handle arrangement in locked orientation respectively in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[ 0021 ] Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of a switching device in locked orientation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[ 0022 ] Figures 7 ( a) and 7 (b ) illustrate dif ferent orientations of a ball catcher in the handle arrangement ( 100 ) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[ 0023 ] The following disclosure is provided in order to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention . Exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art . The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiment s and should not be considered limiting . Thus , the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives , modifications and equivalent s consistent with the principles and features disclosed . For the purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

[0024] Figures 1(a) and 1 (b) illustrates an isometric view of a handle arrangement (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. For the sake of brevity Figures 1 (a) and 1 (b) are described together. In an embodiment of the present invention the handle arrangement (100) for a switching device is provided. The handle arrangement (100) may be a plurality of knobs or a plurality of handles that are removebly attached to the switching device. In an embodiment of the present invention the handle arrangement (100) may be attached to the switching device by fastening a plurality of screws. The handle arrangement (100) enables to perform manual or automated switching operation of electrical devices such as (1) 'ON' to 'OFF' , (2) 'OFF' to 'ON' , (3) 'Source-1' to 'OFF' , (4) 'OFF' - 'Source-1' , (5) 'Source-2' to 'OFF' , (6) 'OFF' - 'Source-2' and any number of contact positions that will be expected in the variants of the device .

[0025] Figures 2 (a) and 2 (b) illustrate an isometric view of a handle arrangement (100) in a first configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2 (c) and 2 (d) illustrate an isometric view of a handle arrangement (100) in a second configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. For the sake of brevity figures 2 (a) , 2 (b) , 2 (c) and 2 (d) are described together. In an embodiment of the present invention, the handle arrangement (100) may include, a first handle (202) and a second handle (204) provided in a main body and a locking assembly provided in the main body to lock the handle arrangement (100) to the switching device. The main body of the handle arrangement (100) houses the first handle (202) , the second handle (204) and the locking assembly. Further, the main body is attached to a driving mechanism (208) in the switching device. In an embodiment of the present invention, the main body is attached to the driving mechanism (208) by way of fastening screws. Further, the first handle (202) is pivoted at one end above the second handle (204) and is rotatable about the second handle (204) to toggle the handle arrangement (100) between a first configuration and a second configuration. The detailed description of the first configuration and the second configuration are provided in subsequent paragraphs .

[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first configuration is a single hand mode of the handle arrangement (100) where the first handle (202) is arranged above the second handle (204) , such that the first handle (202) and the second handle (204) are parallel to each other and they function as a single handle. Thus, the handle arrangement (100) resembles L- shape in the first configuration. In another embodiment of the present invention the second configuration is double hand mode where the first handle (202) is rotated by an angle of 180 degrees with respect to the second handle (204) , such that the first handle (202) and the second handle (204) are arranged on opposite sides of the main body to function as two different handles. Thus, the handle arrangement (100) resembles H-shape in the second configuration. The handle arrangement (100) may be converted from the single hand mode to the double hand mode by pressing the auto locker (210) and rotating the first handle (202) .

[0027] The handle arrangement (100) may include an auto locker (210) assembled in the main body that enables and disables rotation of the first handle (202) . In an embodiment of the present invention, the auto locker (210) is a spring loaded single side operated lock. The auto locker (210) may be operationally coupled to the first handle (202) and the second handle (204) . The auto locker (210) may be engaged and disengaged by pushing and releasing the spring loaded single side operated lock. Further, the auto locker (210) may be configured to enable and disable the rotation of the first handle (202) . In an embodiment of the present invention, the rotation of the first handle (202) is enabled when the auto locker (210) is disengaged and the rotation of the first handle (202) is disabled when the auto locker (210) is engaged. Further, the auto locker (210) is engaged to restrict relative movement of the first handle (202) and the second handle (204) with respect to each other, such that the handle arrangement (100) is arranged in one of: the first configuration and the second configuration upon restriction of the relative movement of the first handle (202) and the second handle (204) .

[0028] In the single hand mode, the handle arrangement (100) is in compact size and is useful for a low space or congested panel access and operations. Typically, at this mode, the force required to operate the switching devices are higher. This is a space saving option required for certain applications in panel mounting, enclosure sizing or the user preferences. In the double hand mode, the operating torque required for operating the handle arrangement (100) reduces as the force required to operate the handle is handled by two handles. The double hand mode is suitable for application where higher operating force is required to operate the switching device. Further, the auto locker (210) mechanism provides increased rigidity by engaging the lock and maintaining the position of the first handle (202) . The increased rigidity is necessary to withstand higher operating force exerted during the double handed mode. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first handle (202) may be rotated only when the locking assembly is in unlocked orientation providing a failsafe mechanism to the handle arrangement (100) .

[0029] Fi gures 3(a) , 3 (b) and 3(c) illustrate an isometric view, a top view and a sectional view of a handle arrangement (100) in unlocked orientation respectively in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 (d) illustrates a top view of a locking assembly in a handle arrangement in unlocked orientation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. For the sake of brevity Figures 3(a) , 3 (b) , 3(c) and 3(d) are described together. In an embodiment of the present invention, the locking assembly may include, a padlock slider (206) provided on a top portion of the first handle (202) , a plurality of shackles (302) attached to the padlock slider (206) that slides along the padlock slider (206) , a first extension (304) formed below the padlock slider (206) to move horizontally along with the slider and a padlock pin (306) is operationally coupled to the first extension (304) . Further, to linearly move upon horizontal movement of the first extension (304) under influence of a spring. The padlock slider (206) slides horizontally to toggle the locking assembly between an unlocked orientation and a locked orientation.

[0030] Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of a switching device in unlocked orientation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Further, in the unlocked orientation of the locking assembly, the padlock slider (206) is moved horizontally into the main body to slide the plurality of shackles (302) and the first extension (304) in the same direction as the padlock slider (206) , such that the plurality of shackles (302) disengage from corresponding grooves in the switching device. Furthermore, the padlock pin (306) is pulled up by the spring to disengage from a corresponding groove in the switching device, and enables rotation and detachment of the handle arrangement (100) with respect to the switching device.

[0031] Figures 5(a) , 5 (b) and 5(c) illustrate an isometric view, a top view and a sectional view of a handle arrangement (100) in locked orientation respectively in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. For the sake of brevity, Figures 5(a) , 5 (b) and 5(c) are described together. In the locked orientation of the locking assembly, the padlock slider (206) is moved horizontally away from the main body to slide the plurality of shackles (302) and the first extension (304) in the same direction as the padlock slider (206) such that the plurality of shackles (302) engage with corresponding grooves in the switching device. The plurality of shackles (302) facilitates in locking of the handle arrangement (100) with the switching device. In an embodiment of the present invention, the handle arrangement (100) may be locked by an external lock through the plurality of shackles (302) . Further, the padlock pin (306) is pushed down by the first extension (304) to engage with a corresponding groove in the switching device. The engagement of the padlock pin (306) disable rotation of the first handle (202) and detachment of the handle arrangement (100) with respect to the switching device.

[0032] Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of a switching device in locked orientation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Further, in the locked orientation of the locking assembly, the padlock slider (206) is moved horizontally away from the main body to slide the plurality of shackles (302) and the first extension (304) opposite to the main body, such that the plurality of shackles (302) engage with the corresponding grooves in the switching device. Furthermore, the padlock pin (306) is pushed down by the spring to engage with the corresponding groove in the switching device, and disabling rotation and detachment of the handle arrangement (100) with respect to the switching device.

[0033] Figures 7 (a) and 7 (b) illustrate different orientations of a ball catcher (702) in the handle arrangement (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The ball catcher (702) provided in the handle arrangement (100) enable maintaining the position of handles in ON or OFF state of the switching device. The ball catcher (702) may be provided with a spring (704) which gets compressed during the rotation of handles, as illustrated in Figure 7 (a) and upon reaching the stable state of switching device spring energy may get released and the ball catcher (702) rests in to the cavity provided on the mechanism mating parts, as illustrated in Figure 7 (b) .

[0034] Accordingly, the present invention provides the following effects or advantages. The handle arrangement (100) provided in the switching device provides for a unique design that overcomes the disadvantages over existing handle arrangement (100) .

[0035] F irstly, in the present invention the handle arrangement (100) provides a locking assembly integrated into it that facilitates the user to enable or disable the operation of the handle arrangement (100) . Secondly, the locking assembly provides for a fail-safe mechanism by not allowing the user to use the handle while the switching device is in operating condition. Thirdly, the auto locker (210) assembly in the present invention provides increased stability to the handle arrangement (100) in the double handed mode that is necessary to handle the increased operating load.

[0036] While the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated herein, it will be appreciated that they are merely illustrative. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications in form and detail may be made therein without departing from or of fending the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims .