阅读说明：本技术 一种具有后壁安装开关的转换开关外壳 (Change-over switch shell with back wall installation switch ) 是由 于龙飞 于 2019-09-23 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明公开了一种具有后壁安装开关的转换开关外壳,包括机柜,安装在机柜上的一组开关以及适于将开关连接到与建筑物电气系统关联的配电板的电线。动力传递装置包括第一隔室和第二隔室,所述第一隔室和第二隔室由可移除的中间壁彼此分隔,所述可移除的中间壁与限定柜子的后壁的基座可滑动地接合。所述开关被固定到所述机壳的基座和第一面板关闭第一隔室和与所述一组协作的开关,使得所述开关可通过第一面板操作的第一开关和第二开关可在从第一面板上卸下分立开关而不会干扰其他开关相对于第二面板的定向的情况。(A transfer switch housing with a rear wall mounted switch includes a cabinet, a set of switches mounted on the cabinet, and wires adapted to connect the switches to a distribution panel associated with a building electrical system. The power transmission includes first and second compartments separated from one another by a removable intermediate wall that is slidably engaged with a base defining a rear wall of the cabinet. The switch being secured to the base and the first panel of the enclosure closes the first compartment and the switch cooperating with the set such that the first switch and the second switch, which are operable by the first panel, can disengage the discrete switch from the first panel without disturbing the orientation of the other switches relative to the second panel.)

1. A transfer switch apparatus comprising: a base having a first portion and a second portion; an intermediate wall removably engaged with the base and defining an end of the first portion and an end of the second portion; a closure device cooperating with the first portion of the base and the intermediate wall to define a first compartment and cooperating with the second portion of the rear wall and the intermediate wall to define a second compartment; and a power transfer assembly comprising: at least one busbar is fixed to the rear wall of the base in the first compartment; a plurality of circuit breakers are disposed between the housing means and the base, the plurality of circuit breakers being removably mated with the at least one bus bar.

2. At least one bracket is secured to the rear wall of the base in the first compartment; a plurality of electrical components mounted on at least one support; wherein, when the enclosure device is removed from the base and the intermediate wall, the circuit breaker remains mounted to the at least one bus bar, the plurality of electrical components remain secured to the at least one cradle, and the at least one bus bar and at least one bracket are secured to a base.

3. The transfer switch device of claim 1, wherein the housing means comprises a first panel and a second panel, wherein the first panel covers and partially defines the first compartment and the second panel covers and partially defines the second compartment.

4. The transfer switch device of claim 2, wherein each of the first and second panels includes an end wall spaced from the intermediate wall and defining respective ends of the first and second compartments.

5. The transfer switch device of claim 2, wherein each of the first and second panels extends to the base by one or more fasteners extending through the intermediate wall to engage the base.

6. The transfer switch device of claim 1, wherein the intermediate wall is removably engaged with the base via a channel associated with the base, the intermediate wall being slidably received in the channel.

7. The transfer switch device of claim 1, wherein the base, the intermediate wall and the housing means are formed from a plastic material.

8. The transfer switch apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of circuit breakers is further defined as a GFCI circuit breaker or an AFCI circuit breaker.

9. The transfer switch device of claim 7, wherein the at least one bus bar extends through a power source via a wire that extends through the intermediate wall between the first compartment and the second compartment.

10. The transfer switch device of claim 8, wherein the intermediate wall includes a recess facing the rear wall and sized to accommodate the movement of the electrical cord.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of power supply devices, and in particular to a power supply device for providing auxiliary power to an electrical system of a building, for example, from a backup generator or the like.

Background

In some cases, portable generators are used to supply power to residential and commercial load circuits during utility blackouts. Systems for interconnecting a generator with a load center of a building typically include a power input box having receptacles for receiving plugs extending from the generator.

The power input box is typically mounted on the exterior of the building and is adapted to connect to a transfer switch mechanism that establishes an electrical path between the generator and the load center. The transfer switch mechanism typically includes a series of switches and circuit breakers that may be used to power certain selected circuits in the load center. The electrical circuit of the diverter switch mechanism is routed to a selected electrical circuit of the load center by wiring housed within a conduit extending between the diverter switch mechanism and the load center.

A typical transfer switch mechanism includes a housing provided with a power input receptacle. The remote power inlet box may be wired to a power cord connected to the junction box, and the power cord may engage a power input receptacle of the transfer switch mechanism to provide power from the generator to the transfer switch mechanism. The terminals are connected to the switches of the transmission switching mechanism. A set of power input wires extend from the power inlet box and into the junction box of the transfer switch mechanism. The ends of the power input wires are connected to the terminals to establish a direct, non-plug type connection between the power inlet box and the transfer switch mechanism.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a further improvement in a transfer switch assembly wherein various switches or circuit breakers are supported and electrically connected by a bus bar associated with the rear wall of the enclosed space such that the movable cover and the front panel or panel are removed. Operation from the tap changer assembly is possible without affecting the position and orientation of various electrical switches and/or power indicators relative to the base of the diverter switch assembly, thereby allowing operation or maintenance of discrete breaker element and service panel associated connections relative to the tap changer assembly without exposing electrical equipment. Typically, the transfer switch assembly is configured to receive and operate with one or more 1 inch interchangeable circuit breakers. The transfer switch assembly may be configured to operate with one or more 1 inch circuit breakers, 1 inch ground fault circuit breakers (GFCIs), 1 inch arc fault circuit breakers (AFCIs), and/or combinations thereof. This configuration provides a transfer switch assembly having a switch and circuit breaker assembly that is easier to service and provides improved arc and ground fault circuit protection.

In one aspect, the present invention contemplates a power transfer device adapted for interconnection with an electrical system of a building. The power transmission device includes: a cabinet; a set of switches mounted to the cabinet; and an electrical wire adapted to connect the switch to a power distribution panel associated with the building electrical system. The power transmission device includes first and second compartments separated from one another by a removable intermediate wall that slidably engages a base defining a rear wall of the housing. The set of switches is removably mated to a bus bar secured to the rear wall of the bottom of the cabinet.

In another aspect of the invention that includes one or more features combinable with the above aspects, a power transfer device is contemplated having a base member including a rear wall defining first and second ends of the base. The intermediate wall is engaged with the base member at a location between the first and second ends of the rear wall. The closure device is engaged with the base member and the intermediate wall. The housing means cooperates with the base member to define an interior of the power transmission device, and the intermediate wall is configured to separate the interior of the power transmission device into a first interior portion and a second interior portion. A power transfer switch component is disposed in the first interior region and carried by the base.

Another aspect of the invention that may be combined with one or more of the above aspects contemplates a transfer switch apparatus that includes a base having a first portion and a second portion. An intermediate wall removably engages the base and defines an end of the first portion and an end of the second portion. The closure device cooperates with the first portion of the base and the intermediate wall to define a first compartment, and also cooperates with the second portion of the rear wall and the intermediate wall to define a second compartment. One or more power transfer switch components have a switch body with a switch body disposed between the enclosure means and the base, the power transfer switch components removably cooperating with a bus bar secured to the rear wall of the base in the first compartment.

Various other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, which, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a front isometric view of a power transfer device adapted to be connected in an auxiliary power supply device for transferring power between a utility power source, an auxiliary power source, and a discrete load circuit of a building, and incorporating a housing constructed in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of the power transmission device of FIG. 1;

fig. 3 is a view similar to fig. 2. FIG. 1 is a diagram of a movable cover in a raised or open position to expose various power indicating and transfer switch components of a power transfer device;

fig. 4 is a view similar to fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a view of the power transmission device shown in fig. 1 with a rear panel or a base removed. FIG. 1 illustrates various electrical connections and components of a power transfer device;

fig. 5 is a view similar to fig. 4. FIG. 1 is a view of the cover and housing shown removed from the power transmission device;

fig. 6 is an exploded isometric view of the power transmission device shown in fig. 5.

Detailed Description

FIG. 1 illustrates a power transmission device, mechanism or assembly 10 according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. The power transfer assembly 10 may be secured to an interior or exterior surface 12 of a structure, such as a building 14. The power transfer device 10 is configured to provide a power portal arrangement for interconnecting an auxiliary power source, such as a portable generator, with a main switchboard or load center, typically located inside the building 14. . The cooperation and operation of the portable generator with the load center of the building to provide isolated power to discrete or selected circuits associated with the electrical system of the building 14 is further described in applicant's co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. The entire disclosure of U.S. patent No.8,310,818, now filed on 4.10.2010 as priority to U.S. patent No.12/897,354, is incorporated by reference into this application. In various prior art power inlet devices, such as that described in U.S. patent application serial No. now identified as U.S. patent No.12/897,354No.8,310,818, the power transmission device 10 is electrically connected between a facility primary power panel and an auxiliary power source (e.g., a portable generator, etc.) by a series of electrical wires. One or more conduits 18 or jacketed multi-conductor wires extend between the facility main power distribution panel, the power transfer apparatus 10 and the auxiliary power source to selectively transfer power to one or more circuit powers in the facility during a utility outage.

Refer to fig. 1 to 4. Referring to fig. 1-3, a power transfer switch assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 20 defined by a base 22, a first or upper panel 24, a second or lower panel 26, and a cover 28. The interior volume defined by the base 22 and the first and second panels 24, 26 together is a further compartment, as further described herein. The base 22 is defined by a rear wall or rear wall 30. A pair of side walls 32, 34 and a lower wall 36, which in one embodiment are integrally formed as a single unitary structure. The side walls 32, 34 and the lower wall 36 may be oriented to extend 30 in a common lateral direction relative to the plane of the rear wall. A suspension tab 38 extends from an upper end 40 of the rear wall 30 for mounting the power transfer switch mechanism 10 to the surface 12. The structure of a wall or other mounting structure associated with building 14.

As noted above, the back wall structure 30 and the side walls 32, 34 form a series of seating plane surfaces 24 that provide for the first panel. More specifically, the sidewalls 32, 34 extend outwardly 30 from the rear wall generally along a plane 30 perpendicular to the plane of the rear wall. As a result, each side wall 32, 34 has a first outer edge 50, 52, respectively, and a second outer edge 54, 56, respectively. The second outer edges 54, 56 may be generally perpendicular to the first outer edges 50, 52, respectively, or may be formed with a front to back slope. The upper end 30 of the rear wall also defines an outer edge 58 that is generally perpendicular to the first outer edges 50, 52. The first outer edges 50, 52 extend along the length 32 of the side walls, as shown in FIG. 3, and thus extend from the upper end of the rear wall 30 to the lower wall 36. In one representative embodiment, the edges 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 base 22 slightly back the first and second panels 24, 26 when assembled to form a sealed/weather-tight connection therebetween.

As best shown in fig. 1 and 2. 4-6, an intermediate transverse wall 60 is located within the housing 20 and a separate interior volume 62 the device 10 is bounded by the lower wall 36 and the edges 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 of the bases 22 to a first or upper cabinet portion or compartment 64 and a second or lower cabinet portion or compartment 66. While the structure 30 of the rear wall and the intermediate wall 60 are shown and separated 62 into upper and lower portions or compartments 64, 66 in the interior volume of the illustrated intermediate wall 60, it is also understood that the intermediate wall 60 may be in any other desirable orientation as desired in order to form a separate interior portion or compartment. For example, the intermediate wall 60 may be vertically oriented so as to form separate side-by-side (left and right) sections or compartments.

The first or upper panel 24 is configured to fit over the upper portion 70 of the base 22 to define the upper compartment 64 described above. The first panel 24 has a pair of sidewalls 72, 74 interconnected by a generally planar or front face 76. The first panel 24 of the upper end 78 has a generally flat top 80 extending rearwardly 72, 74 from the side walls and, ultimately, against the upper end, e.g., edges 54, 56, 58, of the base 22 when the first panel 24 is secured to the base 22. The front face 76 generally covers the various electrical components 10 of the power transmission switching mechanism, which may include a switch 92, a power input meter 94, a light barrier 96, and one or more circuit breakers 98, 100. Typically, the switches, meters, light bars and circuit breakers are mounted to the base 22 prior to securing the first panel 24 to the base 22, but as described below, the first panel 24 is configured to removably mate with the base 22 to facilitate servicing of one or more circuit breakers. 98, 100 and/or switch 92, power input meter 94 and/or light bar 96.

The first panel 24 of the side walls 72, 74 has forward facing surfaces 103, 105 and rearward facing surfaces 104, 106 respectively defined by lip portions 72, 74 of the side walls, respectively, past flat surfaces of the front surfaces extending rearward 76 of the first panel 24. The forward facing surfaces 103, 105 provide a kind of seat for the front cover 28 when the front cover 28 is attached to the first panel 24. The rearward facing surfaces 104, 106, may overlap for the outer side of the sidewall, and abut the base 22 of 32, 34. The first panel 24 of the top 80 of the peripheral edge 108 has a lip 110 extending downwardly from the top 80 along a plane 80 generally perpendicular to the plane of the top. When the first panel 24 is mounted to the base 22, the upper end 22 of the base is positioned against the inner surface 110 of the flange. In this regard, when the first panel 24 is mounted to the base 22, the edges 54, 56, 58 abut the top side 80. The lips 110 and the rear lips 72, 74 of the side walls are thus wrapped around the respective upper and side portions of the substrate 22 to provide an overlapping, conforming and weather resistant fit of the panel 24 on the substrate 22. In its central region, a recess 112 is formed in the lip 110 to receive the suspension lug 38.

A pair of spaced ribs 114, 116 (fig. 5) form the base 22 of the rear wall 30 and the side walls 32, 34 along the inner surface of the rear wall. The ribs 114, 116 collectively define a recess or channel 118 sized to be received in the intermediate wall 60. In this regard, the intermediate wall 60 may be slid into the channel 118 to mount to the base 22. . When installed in place, the wall 60 effectively connects the interior volume to the aforementioned upper and lower cavities or compartments 64, 66. Alternatively, one of the ribs 114, 116 may be eliminated so that the other rib forms the flange 60 supporting the intermediate wall, or the edge 60 of the intermediate wall may include a mating rib that engages the channel and rear wall 30 and the side walls 32, 34 may include a channel formed in the intermediate wall. 60. It should be appreciated that intermediate wall 60 may engage rear wall 30 and/or any other satisfactory manner in sidewalls 32, 34 to maintain the relative position in intermediate wall 60 to base 22.

As described above, the lower compartment 66 is bounded 60 by the intermediate wall joining the rear wall 30 and the lower portions 32, 34 of the side walls. The lower compartment 66 is accessible through an opening available when the second panel 26 is removed from the base 22. Thus, it will be understood that the second panel 26 is sized to close the access opening of the lower compartment 66.

The second panel 26 has a generally L-shaped structure 120 defined by a generally planar front surface, and front and bottom surfaces 120, 122 interconnecting a generally planar or planar bottom surface 122 and a curved surface 123. In one embodiment, the second panel 26 is formed as a single, unitary member. The width 26 of the second panel is defined by curvilinear sidewalls 124, 126 aligned with the sidewalls 72, 74 when the housing 20 is assembled, the ends of the first ends 24 of the first panels 24. The side walls 124, 126 extend across the second panel 26 of the planar front surface 120 to define rearwardly extending side wall lip portions 124, 126.

The second panel 26 of the peripheral edge 122 of the bottom surface is mounted to the base 22 with the upturned edge 128 of the second panel 26 engaging the base 22 around the lower end thereof. More specifically, when the second panel 26 is mounted to the base 22, the lower wall 36 of the base 22 abuts an upwardly directed lower side of the bottom surface 122. The lips 128 overlap and surround the lower end wrap 22 (fig. 2) of the base and the lower sides 32, 34 of the side walls where the rearwardly extending lips 124, 126 of the side walls overlap to provide the noted second relatively close fit of the panel 26 to the base 22. In a manner explained further below, the second panel 26 is attached to the base 22 by a pair of fasteners 130 (fig. 3), and the first panel 24 is mounted to the base 22 by a pair of fasteners 132 (fig. 3) to allow independent manipulation 24, 26 of the first and second panels relative to the base 22.

From the foregoing description 24, 26 of the first and second panels, respectively, with the base 22, it should be understood that during the assembly process, the first panel 24 is defined by the base 22 along the longitudinal axis in the direction of the upper slide 22 of the base, and similarly slides onto the lower portion of the base 22 in the direction along the longitudinal axis of the base 22. It should be appreciated that the configuration of the base 22, and more particularly the manner in which the first and second panels fit around the base, simplifies the assembly process and avoids exposed seams through which moisture may enter when the power transfer switching mechanism 10 is used in an outdoor application.

While the housing 10 of the transfer switching mechanism has been shown and described as having a two-piece housing arrangement 24, 26 with first and second panels, respectively, it will be appreciated that other alternative designs are possible and are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. In particular, it is conceivable that the housing of the changeover switch mechanism 10 may have a one-piece construction. In such an embodiment, the first and second panels 24, 26 are integrally formed and integrally joined with the base 22. . Thus, the intermediate wall 60 is captured between the bottom 22 and the front wall of the unitary housing. In such embodiments, the intermediate wall 60 does not require the ability to secure two separate components to the base 22. Rather, intermediate wall 60 is provided with a set of channels, and a set of fasteners extend through the channels to engage the rear wall of base 22 to secure the enclosure and intermediate wall 60 to base 22. . It is also contemplated that the closure means may be formed of more than two portions secured to the base at intermediate walls between each pair of adjacent portions.

The power transmission switching mechanism 10 can be used in indoor and outdoor applications. Thus, the power transmission mechanism 10 may be used with a cover 28, the cover 28 being pivotally mounted to the first panel 24. The cover 28 has an upper planar portion 134 and a lower curved portion 136. A pair of tabs 138 (fig. 3) are formed at opposite lateral ends of the upper end of upper portion 134 and are designed to be received in notches 140. Formed in the first panel 24 of the side walls 72, 74. The notch 140 is shaped such that the cover 28 can pivot about a pivot axis 142 (fig. 3) when the tab 138 is fully seated in the notch 140. The cover 28 can be rotated or pivoted 142 upward about the pivot axis to expose the circuit breakers 98, 100, the switch 92, the power input meter 94, the light bar 96 and the second panel 26. Thus, it should be understood that the cover 28 is sized to rotate to the closed position when fitted over the first and second panels 24, 26. It will also be appreciated that the curvature of the lower portion 136 substantially matches the curvature of the second panel 56, and in particular the curvature of the surface 124, such that when the lid 28 is closed, the lower portion of the lid 28 lies flat against the second panel 26. Fully lowered or turned off.

The lower wall 36 of the base 22 has a cutout 144 that allows for routing of electrical wires into and out of the volume enclosed by the housing 20, as will be described in more detail below. In one embodiment, the base 22 may have additional knockouts 146, 148 to facilitate routing of wires from the housing 20. In one embodiment, best shown in fig. 1 and 2. As shown in fig. 3-6, the fitting 150 is mounted to the base 22 via a corresponding stripper in a conventional manner. 144, 146, 148. In one embodiment, fitting 150 engages a conduit (e.g., conduit 18) such that wires carried within conduit 18 pass through housing 20. Alternatively, the electrical clamps may be secured to housing 20 with electrical cables that engage respective knock-outs 144, 146, 148 to the plurality of wires of the sheath. The second panel 24 has a U-shaped cutout 152. Mating knock-out position 144 and receiving fitting 150 to allow fitting 150 when second panel 24 is slid to or from base 22 to be coupled to base 22. In this regard, the fitting 150 need not be separated from the base 22 to remove the second panel 26 to expose the compartment 66.

Reference is now made in particular to fig. 1 to 4. As shown in fig. 4-6, the intermediate wall 60 includes a generally planar body 156 having a thickness that allows the body to be slid into the channel 118 formed in the base 22 as described above. A cut, opening or channel 158 is formed in the body 156. The channel 158 may be generally centered along the longitudinal length of the body 156 and oriented to face the inner surface of the back wall 30 of the base 22. The channel 158 is designed to pass the wires between the compartments 64, 66 the housing 20 is associated 60 with the generally flat side of the opposing intermediate wall.

The power transfer switching mechanism 10 has a strain relief member 160 that includes a clip 162 aligned with the channel 158 such that a wire passing through the channel 158 can be engaged by the clip 162 and forced toward a portion of the rear wall 30. The base 22 is generally below the intermediate wall 60. The clip 162 has a guide member 164 mounted within a guide slot 166. A recess is formed in the body 156 of the intermediate wall 60 adjacent the channel 158. The guide members 164 and guide slots 166 cooperate to define a desired fixed range of motion for the clip 162 and center the clip 162 relative to the channel 158.

The intermediate wall 60 includes two pairs of elongated holes 168 and 170 that extend through bosses formed on the bottom and top sides of the body 156, respectively. The aperture 168 is aligned with a nut receiver 172 formed in the rear side of the wall 30, as shown in fig. 2. 2. Similarly, the aperture 170 is aligned with a nut receiver 174 also formed in the rear side of the wall 30. Slots 168, 170 are also formed in the first and second panels 24, 26, respectively, in alignment 176, 178 with the openings. In this way, it can be mounted on the housing 10 as shown in fig. 2. 3, the elongated fasteners 130, 132 may be delivered 176, 178 through the respective openings, and the corresponding elongated apertures 168, 170, and the threads engage with a nut non-rotatably disposed in the nut receiver nut 174 to couple the first panel 24, the second panel 26, and the intermediate wall 60 to the base 22.

The clip 162 of the strain relief member 160 has an opening that aligns with a nut receiver 184 formed in the rear side of the wall 30, as shown in fig. 2. As shown in fig. 3, when clamp 162 is properly positioned within compartment 66. Threaded fasteners are passed through the openings and ultimately threadedly engage nuts non-rotatably disposed in the nut receivers 184 to secure the clamp 162 to the base 22 and thereby secure those wires or conductors passing through the passage 158.

As described above, the power transmission switching mechanism 10 is configured to define the first and second compartments, which are shown as the upper and lower compartments 64 and 66 in the drawings. The intermediate wall 60 is mounted to the base 22 and separates the upper and lower compartments from each other except for the communication established through the passage 158. The upper compartment 64 is enclosed by the first panel 24 and, as described above, is configured to house various electrical components, such as a switch 92. Power input meter 94, light bar 96 and circuit breakers 98, 100. The lower compartment 66 is designed to facilitate connection of electrical wires to these various electrical components. In this regard, the entire housing 20 need not be disassembled when making the necessary connections with and/or manipulating one or more of the electrical connections and/or electrical components. That is, wires connected to electrical components may simply be routed from the upper compartment 64 through the channel 158. The intermediate wall 60 is partially defined by the intermediate wall 60 to a lower compartment 66 for connection to various output lines.

In this respect, and with reference to fig. 1 to 4. Referring to fig. 4-6, a series of leads may extend from the upper compartment 64 into the lower compartment 66. The leads define an upper end that extends into the upper compartment 64 and one of the interconnects 10 to be secured to electrical components of the transfer switch assembly generally the rear face 24 of the first panel, and a lower end that is located within the lower compartment 66. The upper ends of two such wires may be connected to one or more busbars (not shown) that are in electrical cooperation with the switch 92. And/or at the respective bus bars 230, 232 and associated circuit breakers 98, 100 as further described below. The switches 92 are carried on a bracket 206, the bracket 206 being configured to be secured to the wall 30 of the base 22 such that one or more prongs 208 associated with each respective switch 92 are positioned to removably mate with a respective slot, tang, or prong. And a bus bar. Alternatively, each pin 208 may be configured to removably mate with a corresponding wire and/or a corresponding wire terminal connector.

The bracket 206 includes a first bracket side wall 210 and a second bracket side wall 212 connected 214 to the bracket 206 by a window. The switch 92 may be configured to snap fit with the window portion 214 of the bracket 206. A first mounting flange 218 is formed 210, 212 at each end of the respective side wall. Each mounting flange 218 includes one or more mounting holes 220 that are configured to mate with bosses or posts extending from the wall 30 of the base 22 to secure the bracket 206 relative to the base 206. Alternatively, fasteners 222 may be provided, the fasteners 222 cooperating with corresponding holes 220 of the bracket 206 or bosses or posts associated with the base 22 for securing the bracket 206 and the associated switch 92 relative to the base 22.

The circuit breakers 98, 100 are removably mated 230, 232 with one or more bus bars, which are secured to the base 22 by one or more fasteners 234. Alternatively, the bus bars 230, 232 may be configured to cooperate 30 with posts, bosses, or other such constraining structures extending from the back wall at 22. A series of wires 64, 66 extending between the upper and lower chambers electrically connect the respective bus bars, circuit breakers 98, 100, and switch 92 to a source of feed material, such as to supplement a power plant utility power source, such as a generator, in a manner as further described in the applicant's currently pending U.S. patent application.

Each bus bar 230, 232 includes a plurality of blades 236 extending 230, 232 in an outward direction from the generally planar body of the respective rod. Each column 230, 232 of at least one blade 236 is configured to cooperate with one of the respective poles of electrification of one series of lines, and one or more other blades 236 are oriented to electrically cooperate with a respective circuit breaker 98, 100. In one form, the vanes 236 are oriented and positioned to allow the positioning 98, 100 of the circuit breakers to be adjacent one another. Representatively, the blade 236 is shaped and oriented to permit electrical connection with a corresponding 1 inch interchangeable circuit breaker. The blades 236 may be shaped to slidably mate with electrical bus ducts associated with 1 inch circuit breakers, 1 inch ground fault circuit breakers (GFCIs), 1 inch arc fault circuit breakers (AFCIs), and/or combinations thereof. . While each circuit breaker 98, 100 includes a switch 235 that is normally selectively resettable after a fault condition, it is further contemplated that one or more circuit breakers 98, 100 may be provided with one or more indicators 237 or test buttons configured to selectively test and/or reset the associated fault protection at the respective circuit breaker 98, 100. Such functions 98, 100 of the circuit breaker are quite common and well understood in the art.

The transfer switch assembly 10 includes a support rail 240 secured to the rear wall 30 of the base 22. The support rail 240 includes abutments 242 oriented at opposite longitudinal ends of the support rail 240 such that when the support rail 240 is secured to the base 22, an edge 244 of the rail 240 is maintained in spaced relation relative to the surface of the rear. A wall 30. One or more fasteners 245 secure the rail 240 to the base 22. Alternatively, one or more posts or protrusions may be formed to extend from the wall 30 and mate with apertures 247 formed in the standoffs 242 to secure the support rail 240 to the base 22.

The edge 244 supports the track 240 with a groove or slot mating 248 formed laterally 98, 100 along the side rail facing the circuit breaker. When the circuit breakers 98, 100 are engaged 10 with the transfer switch assembly, the circuit breakers 98, 100 may be loosely supported or "hung up" 240 from the track and then rotated 22 in a generally rearward direction toward the base, indicated by arrow 250, to drive the insertion of the respective blade 236 into the slot 252 in association with the electrical connection 98, 100 formed at the respective circuit breaker with the respective bus bar 230, 232. The tool-less electrical connections 98, 100 and the corresponding bus bars 230, 232 between the respective circuit breakers in the form of the slidable cooperation 98, 100 of the respective circuit breakers relative to the respective bus bars 230, 232 of the respective blades 236 are associated 10 with the respective electrical circuits in the transfer switch assembly. Further, supporting and electrically connecting the circuit breakers 98, 100 the transfer switch assembly 10 in such a manner allows for maintenance 98, 100 of discrete circuit breakers without interfering with the position, orientation, or operability of adjacent circuit breakers 98, 100 and one or more of the circuit breakers 98, 100 may provide various arc fault and/or ground fault circuit protection.

In one embodiment, two wires are connected to each power input meter 94 which in turn is interconnected to the switching bus bars and/or switches and breakers 92, 98, 100. Additionally, two leads are connected to light bar 96 and then interconnected with bus bar and switch 92. The remaining wires may consist of a neutral wire connected in the upper compartment 64 to a mains power panel extending through the conduit 18 and a ground wire connected in the upper compartment 64. To the frame of the diverter switch and/or to a ground wire which also extends through the conduit 18 towards the main switchboard.

Each lead 64, 66 extending between the upper and lower compartments passes through an adjacent strain relief member 160 that is mounted to be formed in the intermediate wall 60 adjacent the channel 158. The strain relief members 160 securely grip the leads 64, 66 extending between the upper and lower chambers against the inner surface 30 of the rear wall to secure the length 160 of the leads extending between the strain relief members and the upper connection of the respective leads. The length between the lower end of the wire and the strain relief member 160 forms a "tail" that is free to move within the compartment 66 or out of the compartment 66, the function of the strain relief member 160 being to prevent the upper end of the wire from disengaging. Upon such manipulation of the lower end of each wire, it is disengaged from the upper connector. With this arrangement, the lower end of the electrical cord extends into the compartment 66 and is accessible from the compartment 66. As described above, the strain relief member 160 is mounted to the base 22. The strain relief member 160 is moved with the fastener by the threaded fastener until the fastener is tightened to lock the strain relief member 160 in place. This allows the strain relief member 160 to be removed from the back wall 30 of the base 22 and the ends of the respective wires to be pulled between the strain relief member 160 and the back wall 30. Once the desired "tail" length is achieved, a suitable tool may be used to compress the fastener to compress the strain relief member 160, as shown in FIG. 3, against the wire to retain the wire on the back wall 30. 6.

Power transmission mechanism 10 may be installed by an electrical contractor or a homeowner by first installing power transmission mechanism 10 in a satisfactory location adjacent to or remote from the main electrical panel. When at least partially disassembled, at least the top panel front 24 is secured to the base 22, and the leads are connected to bus bars 230, 232 and breaker associated 98, 100, which in turn are electrically connected to the switch 92 and to the optional power input meter 94 and light bar 96. The free ends of the wires then pass through a passage 158 formed in the intermediate wall 60. The intermediate wall 60 is then advanced into the channel 118. Once the respective circuit breakers 98, 100, switch 92, power input meter 94 and light bar 96 are electrically connected and positioned relative to the base 22, the upper plate 24 may be joined 22 with alkali using fasteners 132 as described above, which also results in the wall 60 being secured to the base 22.

With the cover 28 of the power transmission mechanism 10 raised or removed, the second panel 26 may be removed independently of the first panel 24 to expose the lower compartment 66 and the ends of the respective leads. One or more catheter or sheath conductors and corresponding clamps are then installed in a known manner. The end of the power input line is pulled through the channel of the conduit or clip so as to extend into the compartment 66. The leads and power input wires may then be cut to length as needed and the ends of the leads and power input wires may be withdrawn from the compartment 66. Allowing an installer to establish a connection between the wires and the power input cord.

Once connected using the appropriate connectors, the wires, power input wires and connectors are placed into the compartment 66 and the second panel 26 is installed, thereby enclosing the compartment 66, wires, power input wires and any necessary connectors contained therein. This enables a direct electrical connection to be established between the remote power input box and the power transfer mechanism 10 without the need to connect a cord to a power input receptacle as in the prior art. In this manner, the only operational step of the power transmission mechanism 10 to transfer power from an auxiliary power source, such as a generator, to a utility or main power panel is to have the switch 92 and/or circuit breakers 98, 100 in place to respond as desired to the operation of the main panel generator to transmit power thereto. The cover 28 may then be pivoted or mounted in place.

The second panel 26 may then be removed or secured to the lower compartment 66 using the fasteners 130 without exposing the electrical components and connections associated with the upper compartment 64. As described above, the second panel 26 is removable to expose the lower compartment 66 and the wires extending in the lower compartment 66. Such a configuration allows an installer to make the necessary electrical connections between the power input wires and the leads as described above without exposing the electrical connections associated with the upper chamber 64.

After the electrical connection is made, the second panel 26 is mounted to the base 22 using fasteners 130. After the second panel 26 is placed over the opening of the lower compartment 66 and secured to the base 22, the cover 28 may be installed by inserting the tabs 138 into the notches 140 formed in the upper panel 24. Once the tabs 138 are fully seated in the notches 140, the cover 28 may be pivoted or rotated downward to cover the upper and lower panels 24, 26 and switches, circuit breakers, meters, and light positioning therbehinds or rotated upward to expose the operable and evaluable switches, circuit breakers, and meters 10 associated with the operation of the power transmission equipment.

As noted above, the power transmission mechanism 10 includes a set of lights or light bars 96 that illuminate the top panel 24. In one embodiment, light bar 96 is powered from an auxiliary power source, and light bar 96 illuminates top panel 24 when the auxiliary power source is powering power transmission mechanism 10. In another embodiment, a battery (not shown) may provide power to the light bar 96 when mains power is not providing power to the power transmission mechanism. It is also contemplated that light bar 96 may supply utility power to provide illumination of upper panel 24 when utility power is provided to power-transfer mechanism 10. In one embodiment, light bar 96 has a set of light emitting diodes, but other types of lighting elements may be used.

It should be appreciated that the present invention provides a power switch transfer mechanism 10 that can be more efficiently manufactured than conventional power transfer mechanisms and whose discrete circuit operations and functions can be individually manipulated to accommodate switch replacement and/or discrete circuit load requirements. More specifically, and with reference to fig. 1-4. Fig. 5 and 6, the power transfer mechanism 10 is configured such that the switch 92, circuit breakers 98, 100, power input meter 94, and light bar 96 are mounted to the base 22 such that the cover 28 and top panel 24 may be removed 98, 100 may be removed and/or replaced from the mechanism and discrete circuit breakers without manipulating the orientation and/or operability 98, 100 of adjacent circuit breakers. As described above, the power transmission mechanism 10 may be configured to removably house each discrete electrical circuit that the use of a 1-inch fault-free circuit breaker or circuit breaker, a 1-inch ground fault circuit breaker (GFCI) and/or a 1-inch arc fault circuit breaker (AFCI) may require for a given application or intended use of the mechanism. As understood in the art, such circuit breakers are susceptible to degradation and/or failure, which requires only periodic replacement of discrete failed circuit breakers. The fixed circuit breakers 98, 100 with the support rails 240 and the bus bars 230, 232 enable the circuit breakers 98, 100 to be eliminated in the manner disclosed above, and the switch assembly replacement 10 with the cover removed 28 and the first panel 24 without exposing the electrical connections 66 enclosed in the second compartment and without affecting the position and orientation of adjacent circuit breakers and/or exposing associated electrical connections and circuit breakers that are still in operation.

One embodiment of the present invention includes a power transfer device having a base member including a rear wall defining first and second ends of the base. The intermediate wall is engaged with the base member at a location between the first and second ends of the rear wall. The closure device is engaged with the base member and the intermediate wall. The housing means cooperates with the base member to define an interior of the power transmission device, and the intermediate wall is configured to separate the interior of the power transmission device into a first interior portion and a second interior portion.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a transfer switch apparatus having a base including a first portion and a second portion. An intermediate wall removably engages the base and defines an end of the first portion and an end of the second portion. The closure device cooperates with the first portion of the base and the intermediate wall to define a first compartment, and also cooperates with the second portion of the rear wall and the intermediate wall to define a second compartment. One or more power transfer switch components have a switch body with a switch body disposed between the enclosure means and the base, the power transfer switch components removably cooperating with a bus bar secured to the rear wall of the base in the first compartment.

In one embodiment, base 22, intermediate wall 60, upper and lower plates 24, 26, and cover 28 are made of a rust-resistant or rust-free material, such as plastic.

Various alternatives and embodiments are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention.