Patent ID: 6179637
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: H02B

Abstract:
An assembly for automatically mating a plug terminal attached to the exterior of a circuit breaker with a receptacle terminal attached to the interior of a switchgear cell to provide secondary connections between the plug and receptacle terminals, the assembly comprising:a plug having a generally planar body partially defined by a surface and opposing surface;a plug terminal supported by the opposing surface of the plug;a bracket slidably affixed to the opposing surface of the plug, the bracket having an aperture to allow the plug terminal to extend therethrough, the bracket being secured in a fixed position to the exterior of the circuit breaker; andmeans for automatically adjusting the position of the plug to provide proper alignment as the plug terminal engages the receptacle terminal to form an electrical connection between the terminals which can be disengaged, the adjusting means being connected to the plug and bracket, the adjusting means having:at least one guide pin, the guide pin having one end secured to the opposing surface of the plug, the other end of the guide pin adapted for mating with the receptacle terminal to form a reversibly affixed connection therewith;at least one slot formed in the bracket, the slot has the dimensions sufficient to allow the one guide pin to extend therethrough and slide within the slot;at least one connector slot formed in the plug; anda shoulder screw having a head on one end with a size larger than the connector slot, the other end of the screw extending through the connector slot and is affixed to the bracket, the head of the screw has a sliding engagement with the surface of the plug along the perimeter of the connector slot so that the plug radially floats within the connector slot relative to the bracket.