Electrical device comprising a circuit breaker and a plug
By introducing a locking device and sensor detection mechanism into the plug, the problems of easy wear and complexity of traditional mechanical locking mechanisms are solved, and the safe and reliable movement and operation of the circuit breaker are realized.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202110756046.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-07-07
- Filing Date
- 2021-07-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-17
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-07-05
AI Technical Summary
Traditional mechanical locking mechanisms are prone to wear, which can cause the circuit breaker to move when it is not connected or locked, posing a safety risk, and the structure is also complex.
A plug equipped with a locking device and a sensor is used. The sensor detects the locked and unlocked positions of the locking device to ensure safe movement of the circuit breaker between the engaged and disengaged positions.
It reduces the risk of failure due to wear and tear of mechanical parts, avoids complex mechanical structures, and improves operational safety and reliability.
Smart Images

Figure CN113905547B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to an electrical device including a circuit breaker and a plug connected to the circuit breaker. This disclosure also relates to an electrical installation. Background Technology
[0002] In a known manner, a high-voltage or medium-voltage electrical equipment unit includes a structure that houses multiple different compartments. For example, the equipment unit includes a "busbar" compartment, an "equipment" compartment, a "cable" compartment, and a "low-voltage box" compartment, etc.
[0003] Busbar and cable compartments combine upstream and downstream conductive metal rods of a high-voltage power grid. For example, busbar and cable compartments are located at the rear of the equipment unit.
[0004] The equipment compartment houses switching devices. For example, a circuit breaker is a switching device. The switching device includes an operating mechanism that allows the switching device to move from the open position to the closed position. In the closed position, current is allowed to flow through the switching device. In the open position, current is prevented from flowing through the switching device.
[0005] A low-voltage box includes low-voltage electrical components that protect and monitor the switchgear in the equipment compartment. Specifically, the low-voltage box includes monitoring / control circuitry related to the monitoring and control of the switchgear. This monitoring / control circuitry specifically controls the switching of the switchgear between open and closed positions based on network conditions. The monitoring / control circuitry includes, for example, cables and one or more protective and control relays.
[0006] Typically, switchgear is mounted on a movable bracket within the equipment compartment, which can move within the compartment. Once inside, the movement of the movable bracket also allows the switchgear to move between an engaged and disengaged position. In the engaged position, the switchgear is connected to the busbar. In the disengaged position, the switchgear is disconnected from the busbar. The movable bracket can also retract the switchgear to the outside of the unit's equipment compartment when it is in the disengaged position.
[0007] Traditionally, wires equipped with plugs known as "low-voltage plugs" have allowed connections between monitoring / control circuits and switchgear in low-voltage boxes.
[0008] Low-voltage plugs, in particular, allow information related to the open or closed position of the switchgear to the monitoring / control circuitry of the low-voltage box. When the switchgear moves from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the circuitry controls the transition of the switchgear from the closed to the open position. Furthermore, when the switchgear is removed from the unit, its operating mechanism is disengaged, ensuring the safety of the maintenance operator.
[0009] The low-voltage plug includes a fixed portion and a movable portion. The movable portion is configured to be removably connected to the fixed portion. When the movable portion is connected to the fixed portion, the plug engages and locks to the switchgear. When the plug is not engaged and locked to the switchgear, a mechanical locking mechanism prevents movement of the movable bracket, thereby preventing movement of the switchgear between an engaged position and a disengaged position. For example, the mechanical locking mechanism may include a hook, a spring, and a pawl cooperating therebetween.
[0010] When the fixed and moving parts of the plug are disconnected, the spring relaxes, causing the pawl to move to a position that prevents the bracket from moving. This prevents the switchgear from moving between the engaged and disengaged positions.
[0011] When the fixed and movable parts of the plug are connected, the hook is positioned to compress the spring and the pawl moves to a position that allows the bracket to move. This allows the switchgear to move between the engaged and disengaged positions.
[0012] Therefore, when the plug is connected and locked, the bracket can only move between the engaged and disengaged positions. Thus, the risk of electric shock or even electrocution is limited for operators operating the switchgear.
[0013] However, mechanical locking mechanisms pose a significant risk of failure due to component wear. In particular, wear can cause the switch to move even when the plug is not connected and locked, endangering the operator's life. Furthermore, the arrangement of components in a mechanical locking mechanism can be complex. Summary of the Invention
[0014] This disclosure is intended to improve this situation.
[0015] For this purpose, an electrical device is described, comprising:
[0016] - A circuit breaker for installation in an electrical equipment unit, the circuit breaker being configured to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position;
[0017] - A plug configured to connect to a circuit breaker, the plug including a housing and a locking device connected to the housing, the locking device being configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position when the plug is connected to the circuit breaker, wherein in the locking position the locking device engages with at least one anchoring element disposed on the housing, and in the unlocked position the locking device is released relative to at least one anchoring element, the plug also including a sensor configured to detect the locked position and / or unlocked position of the locking device.
[0018] Therefore, advantageously, the locked and / or unlocked positions of the locking device are detected by a sensor. Thus, the sensor allows or prevents the circuit breaker from moving between the disengaged and engaged positions. This reduces the risk of failure due to wear of mechanical parts.
[0019] Furthermore, recharging of the circuit breaker's operating mechanism is only permitted when the plug is connected to the circuit breaker and the sensor detects the locked position of the locking device. Failure to comply with these two conditions will prevent the circuit breaker from moving from its disengaged position to its engaged position. Therefore, ensure that the circuit breaker is connected and locked to the monitoring / control circuitry before it moves to the engaged position.
[0020] In addition, the use of sensors can avoid the need to install complex mechanical locking mechanisms.
[0021] According to some preferred embodiments, the electrical device includes, individually or in combination, one or more of the following features:
[0022] - The circuit breaker is configured to move between the interior and exterior of the electrical equipment unit, and the sensor is further configured to cause the circuit breaker to disarm before it moves from the interior to the exterior of the electrical equipment unit when the locking device is in the unlocked position and / or to cause the circuit breaker to rearm when the locking device is in the locked position and to allow the circuit breaker to move between the engaged and disengaged positions.
[0023] - The sensor is also configured to transmit the detection of the locked position and / or unlocked position of the locking device to the digital monitoring / control system, which is configured to control the release and / or reinstallation of the circuit breaker.
[0024] - The locking device includes a lever that faces the sensor when the locking device is in the locked position;
[0025] - The sensor is a position sensor that can detect the lever when the locking device is in the locked position;
[0026] - The sensor is an inductive sensor;
[0027] -The sensor is connected in series in the plug;
[0028] - The sensor is located inside the housing; and
[0029] - The sensor is mounted on a support, which has a surface between the sensor and the rod.
[0030] According to one aspect, an electrical facility is described that includes an electrical equipment unit and an electrical device as described above, wherein a plug is further configured to connect to a low-voltage compartment of the electrical equipment unit, the plug being installed between a circuit breaker and the low-voltage compartment, the low-voltage compartment housing low-voltage electrical components.
[0031] According to some preferred embodiments, the electrical installation includes one or more of the following features, individually or in combination:
[0032] - The housing includes a fixed part and a movable part. The fixed part is designed to be mounted on a circuit breaker or low-voltage compartment, and the movable part is removably connected to the fixed part. When the locking device is in the locked position, the movable part is held in place relative to the fixed part.
[0033] - At least one anchoring element is disposed on the fixed part of the housing, and a locking device is connected to the movable part;
[0034] - The sensor is mounted on the moving part of the housing; and
[0035] - The electrical equipment unit is a medium-voltage or high-voltage unit. Attached Figure Description
[0036] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of one embodiment of the invention, provided by way of non-limiting example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:
[0037] Figure 1 A schematic longitudinal section of an electrical installation according to the present invention is shown.
[0038] Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of an electrical unit according to the present invention is shown.
[0039] Figure 3 The first position is shown. Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the plug of the electrical unit.
[0040] Figure 4 It shows from Figure 3 A schematic longitudinal section observed in the perspective view of the plug.
[0041] Figure 5 The second position is shown. Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of the plug.
[0042] Figure 6 The component according to the invention is placed in Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of the inside of the plug. Detailed Implementation
[0043] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements.
[0044] In the following description, for clarity of disclosure, spatial position indicators such as high, low, up, down, horizontal, and vertical are given, but are of course not restrictive.
[0045] In the following description, the terms "low voltage," "medium voltage," and "high voltage" as are well known to those skilled in the art are used. For example, the expression "low voltage" may be considered to refer to any voltage less than or equal to 1 kV. The expressions "medium voltage" or "high voltage" refer to any voltage greater than 1 kV. Alternatively, the expression "medium voltage" may include any voltage greater than 1 kV and less than or equal to 52 kV, and the expression "high voltage" may include any voltage greater than 52 kV.
[0046] Figure 1 A schematic longitudinal section of the electrical installation 10 is shown. The electrical installation 10 includes an electrical equipment unit 20 and an electrical device 30. Preferably, the electrical equipment unit 20 is a medium-voltage or high-voltage unit.
[0047] The electrical equipment unit 20 includes multiple different compartments. In particular, the electrical equipment unit 20 includes a "busbar" compartment 22, a "cable" compartment 24, a "low-voltage box" compartment 26, and an "equipment" compartment 28.
[0048] The busbar compartment 22 includes a set of metal rods 23. The metal rods 23 conduct current within the electrical equipment unit 20. Preferably, the busbar compartment 22 is located at the rear of the equipment unit 20.
[0049] The cable compartment 24 is intended for connecting cables (not shown) to the device unit 20. Furthermore, the cable compartment 24 includes sensors (not shown) for measuring current or voltage within the device unit 20. For example, the cable compartment 24 is located at the front and bottom of the device unit 20.
[0050] The low-voltage compartment 26 includes a set of low-voltage electrical components (not shown). Specifically, the low-voltage compartment 26 includes one or more protection and control relays for the electrical unit 30. Preferably, the low-voltage compartment 26 is located in the front and upper part of the equipment unit 20.
[0051] Equipment compartment 28 is advantageously located at the front of equipment compartment 20, at an intermediate height between cable compartment 24 and low-voltage compartment 26. Wall 27 separates equipment compartment 28 from busbar compartment 22. Wall 27 is provided with a set of insulating sleeves 29. These insulating sleeves 29 include a fixed connector connected to a metal rod 23. Equipment compartment 28 also includes a door (not shown) separating the interior and exterior of equipment compartment 28.
[0052] Equipment compartment 28 houses electrical unit 30 and bracket 42. Electrical unit 30 includes circuit breaker 40 and plug 50.
[0053] The bracket 42 is mounted to be translatably movable in the longitudinal direction X. Therefore, the bracket 42 can move within the equipment compartment 28, whereby the circuit breaker 40 can move between an engaged position and a disengaged position, as will be explained later. The bracket 42 can also move between the interior and exterior of the equipment compartment 28. Advantageously, a motor drive mechanism for the bracket 42 is disposed within the equipment compartment 28. The motor drive mechanism includes a drive motor (not shown). The motor drive mechanism for the bracket 42 controls the translation of the bracket 42 in the longitudinal direction X.
[0054] Circuit breaker 40 is connected to low-voltage compartment 26 via plug 50, as will be described in detail later.
[0055] The circuit breaker 40 includes a front 44 and a rear 46. At least one connector pin 45 is disposed on the rear 46. Advantageously, when the circuit breaker 40 is brought into the equipment compartment 28, each connector pin 45 is positioned to face a set of insulating sleeves 29 as a fixed connector.
[0056] The circuit breaker 40 is also provided with a set of contacts 41. The contacts 41 are configured to move between an open position and a closed position.
[0057] The circuit breaker 40 is also provided with a spring operating mechanism 43. The spring operating mechanism 43 includes a set of operating springs. Preferably, the spring operating mechanism 43 includes an opening spring and a closing spring.
[0058] Advantageously, the spring-operated mechanism 43 also includes a reload motor 48. The reload motor 48 allows the operating spring to be loaded with potential energy. Therefore, the circuit breaker 40 can be switched from the released position to the reload position. In the released position, the operating spring has no potential energy. In the reload position, the operating spring is loaded with potential energy.
[0059] The circuit breaker 40 also includes at least one coil 47 for disengaging the operating spring. For example, the circuit breaker 40 may include a first coil 47 for disengaging the opening spring and a second coil 47 for disengaging the closing spring. Disengagement of the operating spring results in the release of potential energy stored in the operating spring.
[0060] The combined action of the spring operating mechanism 43 and the coil 47 allows the contacts 41 of the circuit breaker 40 to switch between the open and closed positions.
[0061] Specifically, the activation of the opening spring by coil 47 causes contact 41 to open. Similarly, the activation of the closing spring by coil 47 causes contact 41 to close.
[0062] Upon triggering, the reload motor 48 allows the operating spring to be reloaded. Therefore, when the circuit breaker 40 is in the reload position and the contacts 41 are in the closed position, the circuit breaker 40 is able to perform a rapid sequence (O / C / O cycle) of opening the contacts 41 and then closing / opening the contacts 41 as necessary.
[0063] Circuit breaker 40 is mounted on bracket 42. Therefore, circuit breaker 40 can move longitudinally X between an engaged position and a disengaged position within equipment compartment 28. Therefore, circuit breaker 40 is a withdrawable circuit breaker.
[0064] Circuit breaker 40 is preferably a medium-voltage or high-voltage circuit breaker.
[0065] Circuit breaker 40 can disconnect and re-establish current flow within device unit 20. Specifically, in the open position of contacts 41, current flow through circuit breaker 40 is interrupted. In the closed position of contacts 41, current can flow through circuit breaker 40.
[0066] In the disengagement position, such as Figure 1 As shown, each connector pin 45 is disconnected from the fixed connector of the set of insulating sleeves 29. Therefore, the circuit breaker 40 is disconnected from the metal rod 23. This prevents current from flowing through the circuit breaker 40.
[0067] In the engaged position, each connector pin 45 is connected to the fixed connector of the set of insulating sleeves 29. Therefore, when the circuit breaker contacts 41 are in the closed position, the circuit breaker 40 is connected to the metal rod 23 and does not prevent current from flowing through the circuit breaker 40.
[0068] Due to the translation of bracket 42 in the lateral direction X, the transition between the disengaged position and the engaged position is possible.
[0069] Now refer to Figures 3 to 5 Describe plug 50.
[0070] The plug 50 includes a housing 52 and a locking device 54.
[0071] The housing 52 includes a fixed portion 56 and a movable portion 58. Advantageously, the fixed portion 56 and the movable portion 58 are hollow. For example, the fixed portion 56 and the movable portion 58 of the housing 52 are made of a metallic material. Alternatively, the movable portion 58 is made of a metallic material, while the fixed portion 56 is made of a polymer material.
[0072] The fixing part 56 includes a base 60 and a body 62. The base 60 and the body 62 are connected to each other. Preferably, the base 60 and the body 62 are integrally formed.
[0073] The main body 62 is preferably substantially prismatic, comprising a front 63, a rear 65, and two side surfaces 67. The front 63 is substantially parallel to the rear 65. Similarly, the two side surfaces 67 are substantially parallel to each other. For example, the front 63 and the rear 65 are substantially perpendicular to the side surfaces 67. The front 62, the rear 65, and the side surfaces 67 form the outline of the main body 62.
[0074] The base 60 includes a first wing 64 and a second wing 66. The first and second wings 64 and 66 extend substantially perpendicular to the body 62. Preferably, the first and second wings 64 and 66 extend from the side 67 of the body 62.
[0075] The fixing part 56 is intended to be connected to the low-voltage compartment 26 of the electrical equipment unit 20 or to the circuit breaker 40. In particular, the first wing 64 and the second wing 66 are screwed to the low-voltage compartment 26 or the circuit breaker 40.
[0076] The movable part 58 includes a first hole 74 and a second hole (not visible). The first hole 74 is arranged on the first surface 76 of the movable part 58. The second hole is advantageously arranged on the second surface 78 of the movable part 58.
[0077] The first hole 74 is shaped to receive an output line 35 for passing through a set of cables (not shown) from the plug 50. Line 35 is... Figure 1 and 2 This is particularly evident in the circuit. When the fixed part 56 is connected to the low-voltage compartment 26, the wire 35 connects the plug 50 to the circuit breaker 40. Conversely, when the fixed part 56 is connected to the circuit breaker 40, the wire 35 connects the plug 50 to the low-voltage compartment 26.
[0078] The movable portion 58 is designed to be removably connected to the fixed portion 56. When the movable portion 58 is connected to the fixed portion 56, the plug 50 is connected to the circuit breaker 40 and the low-voltage compartment 26. Advantageously, at least a portion of the movable portion 58 that contacts the fixed portion 56 is substantially prismatic, having a front 73, a rear 75, and two side surfaces 77. The profile formed by the front 73, rear 75, and side surfaces 77 is substantially the same in shape and size as the profile of the body 62.
[0079] Especially in Figure 4 As can be seen, the modular junction box 70, sensor 80 and support 82 are located inside the housing 52.
[0080] The modular junction box 70 includes a first part 71 and a second part 72. The first part 71 is disposed in a fixing part 56 of the housing 52. Advantageously, the first part 71 is screwed into the fixing part 56.
[0081] The second part 72 is disposed in the movable portion 58 of the housing 52. Advantageously, the second part 72 is screwed into the interior of the movable portion 58.
[0082] The first portion 71 and the second portion 72 are complementary in shape, allowing them to be connected. Specifically, the first portion 71 and the second portion 72 are connected in a removable manner. For example, the first portion 71 is a vagina and the second portion 72 is a penis. Therefore, the second penis 72 is configured to be inserted into the first vagina 71.
[0083] When the second part 72 is inserted into the first part 71 of the modular junction box 70, the movable part 58 comes into contact with the body 62 of the movable part 56.
[0084] Preferably, the modular junction box 70 is made of polymer material.
[0085] The first portion 71 and the second portion 72 are passed through a set of contact pins configured to receive a set of cables passing through the plug 50. Therefore, when the first portion 71 and the second portion 72 are connected, electrical contact is established between the fixed portion 56 and the movable portion 58.
[0086] The support member 82 includes a rear surface 84, two side surfaces 85, and a front surface 86. The rear surface 84, in particular... Figure 4 As can be seen, surface 78 is substantially parallel to the active part 58. Side surfaces 85 are substantially parallel to each other.
[0087] Figure 6 The shape and size of the visible front surface 86 are advantageously the same as those of the second hole in surface 78. In this case, the front surface 86 is substantially circular.
[0088] The support member 82 is installed in the movable portion 58 of the housing 52. Therefore, the front surface 86 is intended to be inserted into the second hole in the surface 78.
[0089] The support member 82 is also intended to connect to the modular junction box 70. Specifically, the support member 82 is intended to connect to the second portion 72 of the modular junction box 70. For example, the support member 82 is screwed to the second portion 72 of the modular junction box 70. Alternatively, the support member 82 may be integrally formed with the second portion 72 of the modular junction box.
[0090] The support member 82 is made of an insulating material. Alternatively, at least the front surface 86 of the support member 82 is made of an insulating material. For example, the insulating material is a polymer material.
[0091] Sensor 80 is mounted in the movable part 58. Specifically, sensor 80 is mounted facing the second hole in surface 78.
[0092] More precisely, the sensor 80 is mounted in the support 82 in the space formed between the front surface 86, the rear surface 84, and the side surface 85 of the support 82. Preferably, the sensor 80 is screwed onto the rear surface 84.
[0093] The sensor 80 is connected in series inside the plug 50. Specifically, the sensor 80 is connected in series with the contact pins of the modular junction box 70.
[0094] Advantageously, sensor 80 is a non-contact position sensor. Preferably, sensor 80 is an inductive sensor. Alternatively, the sensor may be a contact electromechanical sensor, capacitive sensor, magnetic sensor, ultrasonic sensor, optical sensor, photoelectric sensor, laser sensor, reed sensor, etc.
[0095] The housing 52 also includes at least one anchoring element 90. Figure 3 and Figure 5 In the exemplary embodiment shown, at least one anchoring element 90 is arranged on the fixing portion 56. In particular, the first anchoring element 90 is positioned on the front 63 of the body 62. Advantageously, the second anchoring element (not visible) is positioned on the rear 65 of the body 62. Each anchoring element 90 protrudes from the front 63 or from the rear 65 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front 63 and the rear 65.
[0096] The locking device 54 includes at least one hook 55 and a lever 57. The locking device 54 also includes at least one linking surface 53. Specifically, the locking device 54 includes the same number of linking surfaces 53 and hooks 55. Figures 3 to 5 In one embodiment, the locking device includes two hooks 55, such as Figure 5 As clearly shown.
[0097] Each linking surface 53 links an associated hook 55 and rod 57. Preferably, the linking surface 53 and the hook 55 are in the same plane.
[0098] Each hook 55 is shaped to engage with a corresponding anchoring element 90. For example... Figure 5 As clearly shown, hook 55 defines an insertion space 59 for anchoring element 90 and a holding space 61 for anchoring element 90.
[0099] The width of the insertion space 59 allows the anchoring element 90 to pass between the hook 55 and the anchoring element 90 with no or low friction. The retaining space 61 is configured to retain the hook 55 engaged with the anchoring element 90. In particular, a retaining protrusion 69 is provided between the insertion space 59 and the retaining space 61.
[0100] The retaining protrusion 69 narrows the width of the insertion space 59, thereby creating friction between the hook 55 and the anchoring element 90. Therefore, a force must be applied to the hook 55 to pass from the insertion space 59 to the retaining space 61, or from the retaining space 61 to the insertion space 59. Thus, without this force, the retaining protrusion 69 holds the anchoring element 90 in the retaining space 61.
[0101] The rod 57 extends substantially perpendicularly to the linking surface 53. In particular, the rod 57 extends from an end of the linking surface 53 that is away from the hook 55.
[0102] Preferably, the area of the rod 57 is larger than the area of the second hole in the surface 78 of the movable part 58.
[0103] Advantageously, the locking device 54 is made of metal. Alternatively, at least the lever 57 is made of metal.
[0104] Locking device 54 is connected to housing 52 of plug 50. Specifically, locking device 54 is connected to movable portion 58 of housing 52. More precisely, locking device 54 is connected to the front 73 and the rear 75 of movable portion 58. Locking device 54 is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to movable portion 58 about axis A1. Axis A1 is substantially perpendicular to link surface 53. Therefore, when movable portion 58 of housing 52 is connected to fixed portion 56, locking device 54 can move between an unlocked position and a locked position.
[0105] Figure 5 The unlocked position is shown. In the unlocked position, the locking device 54 is released relative to the anchoring element 90. Therefore, the movable portion 58 can be separated from the movable portion 58 of the housing 52.
[0106] Figure 3 The locked position is shown. In the locked position, the locking device 54 engages with the anchoring element 90. Specifically, the anchoring element is held in the retaining space 61. Therefore, the movable part 58 is held in place relative to the fixed part 56.
[0107] The plug 50 is configured to allow the circuit breaker 40 to switch between an engaged position and an unengaged position.
[0108] Specifically, in order to allow the circuit breaker to move between the engaged and disengaged positions, the plug 50 must be connected to the circuit breaker 40 and the locking mechanism 54 must be in the locked position.
[0109] Sensor 80 allows detection of the locked position of locking mechanism 54. Specifically, in the locked position, lever 57 is located in front of the hole in face 78 of movable portion 58. Advantageously, locking device 54 is shaped such that in the locked position, lever 57 rests directly on the front surface 86 of support member 82.
[0110] Therefore, in the locked position, lever 57 faces sensor 80. Sensor 80 can thus detect the presence of lever 57. Detecting the presence of lever 57 allows sensor 80 to identify the locked position of locking device 54.
[0111] In the locked position, the front surface 86 is located between the sensor 80 and the locking device 54. More precisely, the front surface 86 of the support 82 is located between the lever 57 and the sensor 80. The accuracy of detecting the locked position can be improved because the thickness of the surface 86 between the sensor 80 and the locking device 54 can be modified. This allows for modifications, such as to the type of sensor or its sensitivity, without having to modify the rest of the plug, while maintaining or improving detection accuracy. Furthermore, the dimensions of the surface 86 in terms of thickness ensure that the detection threshold of the sensor 80 is reached only when the retaining protrusion 69 of the hook 55 has fully passed through. Because the front surface 86 is made of a polymer material, potential interference between the metal moving part 58 and the inductive sensor 80 is limited. Therefore, the detection of the lever 57 and the detection of the locked position are more accurate.
[0112] Advantageously, when the locked position is detected, the reloading motor 48 is powered, allowing the closing spring to be reloaded so that the contacts 41 close. Therefore, in the locked position, the circuit breaker is reloaded. Advantageously, when the sensor 80 detects the locked position, the bracket 42 is allowed to move. Therefore, when the locked position is detected, the circuit breaker 40 is allowed to move between the disengaged and engaged positions. Additionally, in order for the circuit breaker 40 to move between the engaged and disengaged positions, the door of the equipment compartment 28 must be closed.
[0113] In the unlocked position, lever 57 is not facing sensor 80. Therefore, sensor 80 cannot detect the presence of lever 57. When sensor 80 does not detect the presence of lever 57, the unlocked position of locking device 54 is identified by sensor 80.
[0114] When sensor 80 detects the unlocked position, it prevents circuit breaker 40 from moving from the disengaged position to the engaged position via the movement of bracket 42.
[0115] Furthermore, when the unlocked position is detected, sensor 80 releases circuit breaker 40 via an O / C / O cycle. Therefore, circuit breaker 40 is released before being removed from the equipment compartment to avoid any risk when electrical installation 10 is handled by an operator.
[0116] Optionally, commands for releasing / reinstalling the circuit breaker and / or for allowing / preventing bracket movement can be sent directly to the relevant element by sensor 80. Alternatively, the sensor can transmit the detection of the locked position and / or the detection of the unlocked position to a digital monitoring / control system (not shown). Thus, the digital monitoring / control system is configured to send release or reinstallation commands to the circuit breaker, as well as commands to allow or prevent bracket movement.
[0117] As described above, plug 50 is installed between circuit breaker 40 and low-voltage compartment 26. Plug 50 is a low-voltage plug.
[0118] Depending on the arrangement of the set of cables passing through the plug 50, the operation of the plug 50 can be monitored by the device unit 20 or the circuit breaker 40. For example, depending on the arrangement of the set of cables in the plug 50, information related to the locked or unlocked position detected by the sensor 80 is received in the circuit breaker 40 or the device unit 20.
[0119] It should be noted that the electrical device 30 according to the invention allows for increased safety during operation of the circuit breaker 40 and the plug 50.
[0120] Finally, it should be noted that the aforementioned advantages can be obtained without modifying the external shape of the currently used plug. Therefore, the currently used plug can be easily adapted to this solution.
[0121] This disclosure is not limited to the examples described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure also includes all variations and combinations that may occur to a person skilled in the art within the scope of intended protection.
[0122] For example, according to an exemplary embodiment not shown, the anchoring element may be positioned on the movable portion 58 of the housing 52. In this alternative, the locking device 54 is rotatably mounted on the fixed portion 56.
[0123] Similarly, circuit breaker 40 can be replaced by any other type of switching device.
Claims
1. An electrical device (30) comprising: - a circuit breaker (40) intended to be installed in an electrical equipment unit (20), the circuit breaker (40) being configured to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position; - a plug (50) configured to be connected to the circuit breaker (40), the plug (50) comprising a housing (52) and a locking means (54) connected to the housing (52), the locking means (54) being configured to move between a locked position, in which the locking means (54) engages with at least one anchoring element (90) provided on the housing, and an unlocked position, in which the locking means (54) is released with respect to the at least one anchoring element (90), the plug (50) further comprising a sensor (80) configured to detect the locked position and / or the unlocked position of the locking means (54), wherein the circuit breaker (40) is configured to move between an inside and an outside of the electrical equipment unit (20), the sensor (80) being further configured to cause a deactivation of the circuit breaker (40) before the circuit breaker (40) moves from the inside to the outside of the electrical equipment unit (20) when the locking means (54) is in the unlocked position and / or to cause a reactivation of the circuit breaker (40) and allow the circuit breaker (40) to move between the engaged position and the disengaged position when the locking means (54) is in the locked position, wherein the housing (52) comprises a fixed part (56) intended to be mounted on the circuit breaker (40) and a mobile part (58) removably connected to the fixed part (56), the mobile part (58) remaining in place with respect to the fixed part (56) when the locking means (54) is in the locked position, wherein the at least one anchoring element (90) is provided on the fixed part (56) of the housing (52) and the locking means (54) is connected to the mobile part (58), wherein the sensor (80) is housed in the mobile part (58) of the housing (52).
2. The electrical device (30) of claim 1, wherein The sensor (80) is further configured to transmit the detection of the locked position and / or the unlocked position of the locking means (54) to a digital monitoring / control system configured to control the deactivation of the circuit breaker (40) and / or the reactivation of the circuit breaker (40).
3. The electrical device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The locking means (54) comprises a stem (57) facing the sensor (80) when the locking means (54) is in the locked position.
4. The electrical device (30) of claim 3, wherein The sensor (80) is a position sensor capable of detecting the stem (57) when the locking means (54) is in the locked position.
5. The electrical device (30) according to claim 4, wherein the sensor (80) is an inductive sensor.
6. The electrical device (30) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor (80) is connected in series in the plug (50).
7. The electrical device (30) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor (80) is provided inside the housing (52).
8. The electrical device (30) according to claim 3, wherein the sensor (80) is mounted on a support (82), the support (82) having a surface (86) interposed between the sensor (80) and the stem (57).
9. An electrical installation (10) comprising an electrical equipment unit (20) and an electrical device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The plug (50) is further configured to be connected to a low voltage compartment (26) of the electrical equipment unit (20), the plug (50) being mounted between the circuit breaker (40) and the low voltage compartment (26), the low voltage compartment (26) housing low voltage electrical components.
10. The electrical installation (10) according to claim 9, wherein the housing (52) comprises a fixed part (56) intended to be mounted on the circuit breaker (40) or on the low voltage compartment (26) and a mobile part (58) removably connected to the fixed part (56), the mobile part (58) being held in place relative to the fixed part (56) when the locking means (54) are in the locked position.
11. The electrical installation (10) according to claim 10, wherein The at least one anchoring element (90) is provided on the fixed part (56) of the housing (52), the locking means (54) being connected to the mobile part (58).
12. The electrical installation (10) according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the sensor (80) is housed in the mobile part (58) of the housing (52).
13. The electrical installation (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the electrical equipment unit (20) is a medium or high voltage unit.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Withdrawable contactor trucks, related swtichgear, kits and methods
CN104600616A
Device and method for the load-free disconnection of a plug-in connection
WO2019201383A1