Electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to at least an electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator. The electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator (1) in an electrical switchgear mechanism (100) comprises a housing (101) accommodating a circuit breaker assembly mounted on a bogie (102) movable between a first withdrawn test position, a second intermediate position and a third rested service position of the circuit breaker assembly. The electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator (1) comprises a single kinematic chain (10) operatively connected to the bogie (102) and movable between a first operative position, a second operative position and a third operative position respectively corresponding to the first withdrawn test position, the second intermediate position and the third rested service position of the bogie (102) and the circuit breaker assembly and providing an electrical signal and a mechanical indication corresponding to each of said first withdrawn test position, second intermediate position and third rested service position of said bogie (102) and circuit breaker assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to position indicators for electrical and mechanical switching devices in switchgear, and particularly to position indicators for electrical and mechanical switching devices in low-voltage or medium-voltage switchgear equipped with withdrawable electrical switching devices (e.g., circuit breakers) movable between an open position, an intermediate position, and a service position. Background Technology

[0002] For the purposes of this invention, the term "low voltage or medium voltage" is used to refer to operating voltages up to tens of kV AC. Although this disclosure will primarily refer to switching mechanisms including withdrawable circuit breakers, the technical solutions disclosed herein are generally applicable to switching devices other than circuit breakers.

[0003] As is known from the prior art, electrical switching mechanisms, particularly low-voltage and medium-voltage switching mechanisms, can be equipped with switching devices, typically circuit breakers, which can move between an open (removed) test position, an intermediate position, and an engaged (put into) service position.

[0004] For this purpose, the switchgear is typically supported by a manual or motorized truck that can be moved relative to the switching mechanism from a withdrawn position (where the switchgear's connecting terminals are disengaged from the corresponding connecting terminals of the switching mechanism) to an inserted position within the switching mechanism (where the switchgear's connecting terminals are electrically connected to the corresponding connecting terminals of the switching mechanism). During the operation of placing the withdrawable circuit breaker, the circuit breaker is placed from the withdrawn "test" position through an intermediate position to the service position within the switching mechanism.

[0005] Therefore, in electrical switching mechanisms equipped with withdrawable switchgear (especially circuit breakers), there are three possible circuit breaker states: the circuit breaker is in the test position (removed); the circuit breaker is in the intermediate position; and the circuit breaker is in the service position (put in).

[0006] It is often necessary to indicate the status of switching equipment, and for this purpose, in standard electrical switching mechanisms, the electrical signaling system provides information about the aforementioned status of the switching equipment. Such signals are typically provided via dedicated electrical contacts, which are located inside the bogie and moved via a dedicated kinematic chain.

[0007] In some cases, customers require additional visual indications. In such cases, the signaling is provided by a dedicated mechanical system with its own dedicated motion chain, and its position must be relative to the position of other equipment (e.g., shutter position, door interlocks, and similar devices).

[0008] In fact, in many existing solutions for electrical switching mechanisms equipped with withdrawable switchgear, two different devices (electrical and mechanical) are used for the same signaling.

[0009] One of the problems with current switching mechanisms stems from the synchronization required between two signaling systems, which must be highly accurate and is difficult to achieve. Typically, a lengthy process is required to tune and finely calibrate the two different signaling systems to obtain satisfactory results in terms of accurate synchronization between them.

[0010] Furthermore, the need for two separate motion chains for two different signaling systems complicates the design of the switching mechanism and makes its manufacture more complex and expensive. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The main objective of this invention is to provide an auxiliary / control switch system that allows for the resolution or mitigation of the aforementioned problems. This system is used for position indicators of electrical and mechanical switching devices in electrical switch mechanisms, particularly for position indicators of electrical and mechanical switching devices in low-voltage or medium-voltage switch mechanisms equipped with withdrawable electrical switching devices.

[0012] More specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide an electrical and mechanical switch position indicator in an electrical switching mechanism, particularly in a low-voltage or medium-voltage switching mechanism equipped with a removable electrical switch device that can provide an electrical and mechanical indicator of the position of the electrical switch device inside the switching mechanism.

[0013] As another objective, the present invention aims to provide an electrical and mechanical switch position indicator in an electrical switching mechanism, particularly in a low-voltage or medium-voltage switching mechanism equipped with a withdrawable electrical switch, which ensures optimal synchronization between electrical and mechanical signaling of the position of the electrical switch within the switching mechanism.

[0014] As another objective, the present invention aims to provide an electrical and mechanical switch position indicator in an electrical switching mechanism, particularly in a low-voltage or medium-voltage switching mechanism equipped with a removable electrical switch device, which can be easily installed in said switching mechanism.

[0015] As another objective, the present invention aims to provide an electrical and mechanical switch position indicator in electrical switching mechanisms, particularly in low-voltage or medium-voltage switching mechanisms equipped with withdrawable electrical switch devices, wherein adjustment and calibration time is reduced.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical and mechanical switch position indicator in an electrical switching mechanism, particularly in a low-voltage or medium-voltage switching mechanism equipped with a withdrawable electrical switch, which can be easily manufactured at an industrial level at a competitive cost compared to prior art solutions.

[0017] In another aspect, the present invention also relates to an electrical switching mechanism, particularly a medium-voltage electrical switching mechanism equipped with a retractable electrical switching device, which includes the electrical and mechanical switching device position indicator described herein.

[0018] To achieve these objectives and purposes, the present invention provides an electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator in an electrical switching mechanism, comprising a housing accommodating a circuit breaker assembly mounted on a bogie movable between a first take-out test position, a second intermediate position, and a third service position of the circuit breaker assembly. The electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator of the present invention is characterized by including a kinematic chain operatively connected to the bogie and movable between first, second, and third operating positions corresponding to the first take-out test position, the second intermediate position, and the third service position of the circuit breaker assembly, respectively. The electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator provides electrical signals and mechanical indications corresponding to each of the first take-out test position, the second intermediate position, and the third service position of the circuit breaker assembly.

[0019] For the purposes of this invention, the term "circuit breaker" generally refers to an electrical switching device.

[0020] In this way, an electrical and mechanical switchgear position indicator can be provided that overcomes the problems and drawbacks of existing systems for indicating the position of switchgear within the switching mechanism.

[0021] In practice, the switchgear position indicator of this invention requires only a single kinematic chain to provide the necessary combination of electrical signals for the switchgear's position and its mechanical indication, thereby significantly reducing the design complexity of existing systems and devices. Furthermore, assembly time and complexity are thus greatly reduced compared to prior art solutions.

[0022] In fact, the position indicator device of the present invention provides a single motion chain that simultaneously actuates both electrical and mechanical signaling components. Therefore, a complex and time-consuming synchronization process is not required between the mechanical and electrical signaling, as such synchronization is inherent in the design of the position indicator device of this disclosure.

[0023] In addition, since only one kinetic chain is required, the proposed device is much cheaper than the standard device.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator, the kinematic chain includes a frame fixed to the housing and a movable component pivotally mounted on the frame and operably connected to the bogie.

[0025] In particular, in embodiments of the electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator disclosed herein, the electrical signal is advantageously provided by first and second microswitches located on the frame and actuated corresponding to the first take-out test position and the third put-in service position of the bogie and circuit breaker assembly, respectively.

[0026] In this embodiment, the first take-out test position of the bogie and circuit breaker assembly is detected when the first microswitch is in the "active" position and the second microswitch is in the "stationary" position. Then, a second intermediate position of the bogie and circuit breaker assembly is detected when both the first and second microswitches are in the "stationary" position. Finally, a third put-in service position of the bogie and circuit breaker assembly is detected when the first microswitch is in the "stationary" position and the second microswitch is in the "active" position.

[0027] Therefore, in embodiments of electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicators, the motion chain of the device includes first and second actuating surfaces that interact with the first and second microswitches located on the movable assembly, thereby changing the “active” or “stationary” state of these microswitches depending on the position of the bogie and circuit breaker assembly as described above.

[0028] In particular, in a practical embodiment of the electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator of the present invention, the movable component advantageously includes a first plate pivotally connected to the frame, a second elongated plate having a first end rigidly connected to the first plate, and a third plate rigidly connected to a second end of the second elongated plate opposite to the first end.

[0029] More specifically, in an advantageous embodiment of the device of the invention, a first plate extends from the first end of the second elongated plate in a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second elongated plate, and a third plate extends from the second end of the second elongated plate in a second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second elongated plate and opposite to the first direction.

[0030] Advantageously, the first, second, and third plates are made into monomers that are properly shaped as described above.

[0031] In a typical embodiment of the electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator disclosed herein, the first actuating surface preferably includes a cam surface located on the second elongated plate and cooperating with the first microswitch corresponding to the first take-out test position of the bogie and circuit breaker assembly; furthermore, the first and second actuating surfaces preferably include a portion of the second elongated plate, which cooperates with the second microswitch corresponding to the third put-in service position of the bogie and circuit breaker assembly.

[0032] According to a currently disclosed general embodiment of an electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator, the motion chain advantageously includes a plate having first, second, and third visual indications that respectively represent a first take-out test position, a second intermediate position, and a third put-in service position of the bogie and circuit breaker assembly, the plate being located on the movable assembly.

[0033] In practice, in such embodiments, mechanical indications of the positions of the bogie and circuit breaker assemblies are provided as visual indications.

[0034] For example, the first, second, and third visual indications may correspond to the first take-out test position, the second intermediate position, and the third put-in service position of the bogie and circuit breaker assembly, respectively displayed on the exterior of the housing of the switching mechanism (through, for example, a suitable window). Text, symbols, colors, or similar visual means may be used to indicate the positioning of the circuit breaker within the switching mechanism.

[0035] For example, in an embodiment of the electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator of the present invention, the first, second and third visual indicators can be advantageously positioned on the third plate of the motion chain. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator in the electrical switching mechanism (particularly the MV switching mechanism) according to the invention, non-limiting examples of which are provided in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0037] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator according to the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a first side view of a first embodiment of an electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator according to the present invention in a first operating position;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a second side view of a first embodiment of an electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator according to the present invention in a first operating position;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a first side view of a first embodiment of an electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator according to the present invention in a second operating position;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a second side view of a first embodiment of an electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator according to the present invention in a second operating position;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a first side view of a first embodiment of an electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator according to the present invention in a third operating position;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a second side view of the first embodiment of the electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator according to the present invention in the third operating position;

[0044] Figure 8 This is a first partial side view of an electrical switching mechanism equipped with an electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator according to the invention in a first operating position;

[0045] Figure 9 This is a second partial side view of an electrical switching mechanism equipped with an electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator according to the invention in a second operating position;

[0046] Figure 10 This is a third partial side view of an electrical switching mechanism equipped with an electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator in a third operating position according to the present invention;

[0047] Figure 11 It is a perspective view of the interior of an electrical switching mechanism equipped with an electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator (indicated by reference numeral 1) according to the invention is suitable for use in electrical switching mechanisms (e.g., medium-voltage switching mechanisms) indicated by reference numeral 100.

[0049] The electrical switching mechanism includes a housing 101 that houses a circuit breaker assembly (not shown, but of conventional type) mounted on a bogie 102 movable between a first take-out test position, a second intermediate position, and a third service position for the circuit breaker assembly. The design and features of the housing 101, the circuit breaker, and the associated bogie 102, as well as the principles and design for operating the bogie 102 and the circuit breaker assembly between different positions, are of conventional type and will not be described in further detail.

[0050] One of the features of the electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator 1 is that it includes a single motion chain 10 operably connected to the bogie 102 and movable between first, second and third operators corresponding to the first take-out test position, the second intermediate position and the third put-in service position of the bogie 102 and the circuit breaker assembly, respectively.

[0051] Then, as better explained in the description below, the electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator 1 is designed to provide synchronized electrical signals and mechanical indications corresponding to each of the first take-out test position, the second intermediate position, and the third put-in service position of the bogie 102 and the circuit breaker assembly.

[0052] In particular, in the embodiment shown in the attached drawings of the electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator 1, the motion chain 10 includes a frame 20 fixed to the housing 101 of the switching mechanism 100 and a movable component 30 pivotally on the frame 20 and operatively connected to the bogie 102 supporting the circuit breaker.

[0053] To provide the required electrical signal, the circuit breaker position indicator 1 device includes a first microswitch 21 and a second microswitch 22 positioned on the frame 20 of the motion chain 10. The first microswitch 21 and the second microswitch 22 are actuated corresponding to the first take-out test position and the third put-in service position of the bogie 102 and the circuit breaker assembly, respectively, as better explained below.

[0054] To provide actuation for the first microswitch 21 and the second microswitch 22 corresponding to the aforementioned first and third positions of the bogie 102 and the circuit breaker assembly, the kinematic chain 10 advantageously includes a first actuating surface 31 and a second actuating surface 32 for positioning the first microswitch 21 and the second microswitch 22 on the movable assembly 30, respectively. In this way, movement of the movable assembly 30, actuated by movement of the bogie 102, allows for proper activation of the first microswitch 21 and the second microswitch 22 depending on the positions of the bogie 102 and the circuit breaker assembly.

[0055] In an embodiment of the electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator 1 in the accompanying drawings, the movable component 30 includes a first plate 310 pivotally connected to the fixed frame 20, a second elongated plate 320 having a first end 321 rigidly connected to the first plate 310, and a third plate 330 rigidly connected to a second end 322 of the second elongated plate 320 opposite to the first end 321.

[0056] Specifically, the first plate 310 extends from the first end 321 of the second elongated plate 320 in a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the second elongated plate 320 (i.e., the second elongated plate 320 along its extension direction); at the same time, the third plate 330 extends from the second end 322 of the second elongated plate 320 in a second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the second elongated plate 320 and opposite to the first direction.

[0057] In fact, when the circuit breaker position indicator 1 is positioned in the switching mechanism 100, the first plate 310 and the third plate 330 are positioned in a vertical plane, in the opposite direction to the second elongated plate 320.

[0058] Although the first plate 310, the second plate 320 and the third plate 330 can be made into separate parts connected to each other, they are preferably made into monomers that are properly shaped as described above.

[0059] As previously described, the movable component 30 of the kinematic chain 10 is operatively coupled to the bogie 102 and the circuit breaker assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, this coupling is performed using a pin 150 connected to the bogie 2 and inserted into a slot 250 located in a first plate 310 of the movable component 30. The pin 150 is moved by the bogie 102 and slides into the slot 150, thereby determining the rotation of the movable component 30 about its pivot point on the frame 20 of the kinematic chain 10.

[0060] In the embodiment of the electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator 1 shown, the first actuation surface 31 includes a cam surface 315 positioned on the second elongated plate 320 of the movable assembly 30. The cam surface 315 corresponds to the first take-out test position of the bogie 102 and the circuit breaker assembly and cooperates with the first microswitch 21 (e.g., via the first roller 316) to bring the first microswitch 21 into its "active" position.

[0061] Furthermore, the second actuation surface 32 includes a portion 325 of the second elongated plate 320, which corresponds to the third resting maintenance position of the bogie 102 and the circuit breaker assembly and cooperates with the second microswitch 22 (e.g., via the second roller 326) to bring the second microswitch 22 into its "rest" position.

[0062] In a general embodiment of the electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator 1 of the present invention, the motion chain 10 includes a plate 50 having a first visual indicator 51, a second visual indicator 52, and a third visual indicator 53, which respectively indicate the first take-out test position, the second intermediate position, and the third put-in service position of the bogie 102 and the circuit breaker assembly. The plate 50 is positioned on the movable component 30 and follows the movable component 30 during its driven movement by the bogie 102.

[0063] The first visual indicator 51, the second visual indicator 52, and the third visual indicator 53, corresponding to the first take-out test position, the second intermediate position, and the third put-in service position of the bogie 10 and the circuit breaker assembly, are respectively displayed outside the housing 101 of the switching mechanism 101 via, for example, a window 350.

[0064] In fact, in the illustrated embodiment, plate 50 corresponds to the third plate 330 of movable component 30, and the first visual indicator 51, the second visual indicator 52 and the third visual indicator 53 are positioned on the third plate 330 of the motion chain 10.

[0065] The function of the electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator 1 of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0066] exist Figure 2 , 3 In the first take-out test position of the bogie 102 and circuit breaker assembly, the first microswitch 21 is placed in the "active" state by the roller 316 pressing on the cam surface 315, while the second microswitch 22 is in the "stationary" state. Therefore, a first electrical signal indicating the first take-out test position of the bogie 102 is detected. Simultaneously, the plate 50 displays a first visual indication 51 through the window 350 of the housing 101 of the switching mechanism 100.

[0067] When the bogie 102 moves to its second intermediate position, the movable component 30 of the kinematic chain 10 rotates about the pivot point of its frame 20 due to the action of the pin 150 in the slot 250 of the first plate 310. Therefore, in Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 9 At the second intermediate position of the bogie 102 and the circuit breaker assembly, both the first microswitch 21 and the second microswitch 22 are in a "stationary" state (rollers 316 and 326 are disengaged via corresponding actuation surfaces 315 and 325). Therefore, a second electrical signal indicating the second intermediate position of the bogie 102 is detected. Simultaneously, the plate 50 displays a second visual indication 52 (which is blank in this case) through the window 350 of the housing 101 of the switching mechanism 100.

[0068] Finally, as the bogie 102 moves to its third service position, the movable component 30 of the kinematic chain 10 continues to rotate about the pivot point of its frame 20 due to the action of the pin 150 in the slot 250 of the first plate 310. Therefore, in Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 10In the third engaged service position of the bogie 102 and circuit breaker assembly, the first microswitch 21 is placed in a "stationary" state (roller 316 disengaged from cam surface 315), while the second microswitch 22 is placed in an "active" state due to roller 326 being pressed by actuated surface 325. Therefore, a third electrical signal indicating the third engaged service position of the bogie 102 and circuit breaker assembly is detected. Simultaneously, the plate 50 displays a third visual indication 53 through window 350 of the housing 101 of the switching mechanism 100.

[0069] The same operating principle also applies to the reverse operation of withdrawing (removing) the circuit breaker from the switching mechanism.

[0070] Several variations are possible with the electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator thus conceived, all of which fall within the scope of the appended claims. In fact, the materials used, as well as the possible dimensions and shapes, can be arbitrary, depending on the requirements and prior art. Furthermore, electrical switching mechanisms, including those of the electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicators described herein, are also part of this invention.

Claims

1. An electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator (1) in an electrical switching mechanism (100), comprising a housing (101) accommodating a circuit breaker assembly mounted on a bogie (102) movable between a first take-out test position, a second intermediate position, and a third put-in service position of the circuit breaker assembly, characterized in that, The electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator (1) includes a motion chain (10) operably connected to the bogie (102) and movable between a first operating position, a second operating position, and a third operating position corresponding to a first take-out test position, a second intermediate position, and a third put-in service position of the bogie (102) and the circuit breaker assembly, respectively, and provides electrical signals and mechanical indications corresponding to each of the first take-out test position, the second intermediate position, and the third put-in service position of the bogie (102) and the circuit breaker assembly. The kinematic chain (10) includes a frame (20) fixed to the housing (101) and a movable assembly (30) pivotally connected to the frame (20) and operably connected to the bogie (102). The movable assembly (30) includes a first plate (310) pivotally connected to the frame (20), a second elongated plate (320) rigidly connected to a first end (321) of the first plate (310), and a third plate (330) rigidly connected to a second end (322) of the second elongated plate (320) opposite to the first end (321). The first plate (310) extends from the first end (321) of the second elongated plate (320) in a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the second elongated plate (320), and the third plate (330) extends from the second end (322) of the second elongated plate (320) in a second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the second elongated plate (320) and opposite to the first direction.

2. The electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, It includes a first microswitch (21) and a second microswitch (22), which are positioned on the frame (20) and actuated respectively at the first take-out test position and the third put-in service position corresponding to the bogie (102) and the circuit breaker assembly.

3. The electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The kinematic chain (10) includes a first actuation surface (31) and a second actuation surface (32) of the first microswitch (21) and the second microswitch (22) respectively positioned on the movable component (30).

4. The electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first actuating surface (31) includes a cam surface (315) positioned on the second elongated plate (320), the cam surface (315) corresponding to the first take-out test position of the bogie (102) and the circuit breaker assembly and cooperating with the first micro switch (21), and the second actuating surface (32) includes a portion (325) of the second elongated plate (320), the portion (325) corresponding to the third put-in service position of the bogie (102) and the circuit breaker assembly and cooperating with the second micro switch (22).

5. The electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The motion chain (10) includes a plate (50) having a first visual indicator (51), a second visual indicator (52) and a third visual indicator (53), the first visual indicator (51), the second visual indicator (52) and the third visual indicator (53) respectively representing the first take-out test position, the second intermediate position and the third put-in service position of the bogie (102) and the circuit breaker assembly, and the plate (50) is positioned on the movable component (30).

6. The electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first visual indicator (51), the second visual indicator (52) and the third visual indicator (53) correspond to the first take-out test position, the second intermediate position and the third put-in service position of the bogie (102) and the circuit breaker assembly, respectively, and are displayed on the outside of the housing (101) of the switching mechanism.

7. The electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first visual indicator (51), the second visual indicator (52) and the third visual indicator (53) are positioned on the third plate (330) of the motion chain (10).

8. An electrical switching mechanism (100) comprising an electrical and mechanical circuit breaker position indicator (1) according to any one of claims 1-7.

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