Switchgear and control devices for circuit breaker operators for switchgear

Abstract

An embodiment of the present disclosure describes a switchgear and a control device for a circuit breaker operator of the switchgear. The switchgear includes: a circuit breaker compartment, including a compartment door; a circuit breaker operator, which is pushed into the circuit breaker compartment and can be moved in the circuit breaker compartment when in use; and a control device, which is detachably attached to the compartment door on the outside of the switchgear to be able to operate the circuit breaker operator, and is configured to electrically control the movement of the circuit breaker operator in the circuit breaker compartment. The switchgear according to the present disclosure enables multiple switchgears of the same model to share one control device, thereby saving costs. In addition, the control device of the switchgear disclosed in the present disclosure can save time and effort and automatically perform the swinging in and out operations of the circuit breaker trolley.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a switchgear and a control device for a circuit breaker operator of the switchgear, and a switchgear including the control device. Background Art

[0002] The basic structure of air-insulated high-voltage switchgear consists of a fixed cabinet and a removable circuit breaker trolley. This type of switchgear is equipped with a circuit breaker compartment. The compartment contains rails for moving the circuit breaker trolley (a type of circuit breaker operator) between the test / isolation position and the operating position. The removable circuit breaker trolley consists of a high-strength steel frame, mounted on which are the poles, operating mechanism, and other auxiliary components.

[0003] When operating a switchgear, it is usually necessary to first open the door of the switchgear's circuit breaker compartment, push a trolley into the compartment so that the trolley engages with the guide rails, and then close the compartment door. While closing the compartment door, the shielding plate that blocks the trolley's rotating shaft is pushed open. The trolley's rotating shaft leaks out through the opening in the compartment door, allowing a worker to shake the shaft using a tool. The operator can observe the trolley's position through an observation window in the compartment door. When the compartment is closed, the operator observes the circuit breaker's spring energy storage mechanism, control buttons, and indicators to see the status of the circuit breaker, and then operates the trolley based on their judgment.

[0004] A circuit breaker trolley typically requires some travel when moving from the test / isolation position to the operating position. In one exemplary switchgear, the trolley is cranked in by manually cranking its rotating shaft, causing the shaft to rotate 45 revolutions and the trolley to translate 450 mm, thereby moving the trolley from the test / isolation position to the operating position.

[0005] However, manually shaking the rotating shaft of the circuit breaker trolley requires a lot of strength, and at the same time, manual judgment of the various states of the circuit breaker and its grounding switch is required. For some operators who are not skilled in operation or do not have sufficient strength, this is a time-consuming and laborious task.

[0006] In another traditional approach, switchgear is already equipped with circuit breaker trolley controls at the factory. In this type of switchgear, the circuit breaker trolley is mounted within a compartment and can be moved within the compartment, for example, between the operating position and the test / isolation position. The controls for this type of circuit breaker trolley are also located within the compartment. Even for the same model of switchgear, each requires a dedicated circuit breaker trolley control. This increases manufacturing costs, complicates the manufacturing process, and makes the switchgear bulky.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a control device that can automatically perform position conversion operations on circuit breaker trolleys of multiple switchgears of the same type in a time-saving and labor-saving manner. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In order to solve at least some of the above problems and other problems, the present disclosure provides a switchgear, which includes a control device for being detachably attached to the outside of the switchgear and electrically operating a circuit breaker trolley (also known as a circuit breaker manipulator). Because the control device is detachably mounted on the outside of the switchgear, the control device is removed from the switchgear and is thus shared by multiple switchgears of the same model. The control device of the switchgear according to the present disclosure can automatically perform position conversion operations on the circuit breaker trolleys of multiple switchgears of the same model in a time-saving and labor-saving manner, such as converting between a working position and a test position. For existing switchgear that does not include a control device for a circuit breaker trolley, compared with providing a built-in control device, providing such an external control device requires fewer modifications to the existing switchgear and is more cost-effective.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a switchgear is provided, comprising: a circuit breaker compartment including a compartment door; a circuit breaker operator that, when in use, is pushed into the circuit breaker compartment and moves within the circuit breaker compartment; and a control device that is detachably attached to the compartment door outside the switchgear to enable operation of the circuit breaker operator and is configured to electrically control the movement of the circuit breaker operator within the circuit breaker compartment.

[0010] The switchgear disclosed herein includes a control device for a circuit breaker operator (e.g., a circuit breaker trolley) that is removably attached to the switchgear compartment door and electrically controls the circuit breaker operator. The inclusion of this control device allows multiple switchgears of the same type to share a single control device, eliminating the need for complex devices for driving the circuit breaker trolley within each switchgear, thereby saving costs. Furthermore, by simply attaching the control device to the compartment door, the circuit breaker trolley can be electrically operated, eliminating the need for laborious manual operation, thereby making operation of the circuit breaker trolley more convenient and labor-saving.

[0011] In some embodiments, the control device can electrically control the circuit breaker operator to move from one of a first position and a second position to the other of the first position and the second position within the circuit breaker compartment, where the first position is a test position and the second position is a working position. In this example, by including two positions, the test position and the working position, the control device can perform both a rack-in operation and a rack-out operation on the circuit breaker operator. The rack-in operation corresponds to moving from the test position to the working position, and the rack-out operation corresponds to moving from the working position to the test position. However, the test position and the working position are merely exemplary, and the first position and the second position can be changed as needed if the circuit breaker operator needs to remain in other positions.

[0012] In some embodiments, the control device may include a housing and a drive component, the drive component may include a main body portion disposed within the housing and an output shaft extending from the housing, and the circuit breaker operator may include a rotating shaft capable of being exposed from the compartment door, wherein when the control device is attached to the compartment door, the output shaft engages with the rotating shaft so that the drive component can rotate the rotating shaft.

[0013] In this embodiment, the control device includes an electric drive member, such as an electric motor, and the output shaft of the drive member extends from the housing so as to engage the rotating shaft of the circuit breaker operator, so that when the control device is attached to the compartment door, the drive member can engage the circuit breaker operator to operate it.

[0014] In some embodiments, the control device may further include a power button, a rack-in button, and a rack-out button, wherein the power button, the rack-in button, and the rack-out button are electrically connected to the drive component, the power button is used to power on and off the control device, the rack-in button is used to send a rack-in instruction to the drive component, and the rack-in instruction causes the circuit breaker operator to move from the test position to the working position; and the rack-out button is used to send a rack-out instruction to the drive component, and the rack-out instruction causes the circuit breaker operator to move from the working position to the test position.

[0015] In this embodiment, the control device preferably utilizes an external power supply to reduce weight, and a power button can be used to power the control device on and off. By including a crank-in button and a crank-out button, which are indirectly or directly connected to the drive component, these buttons can conveniently transmit crank-in and crank-out instructions to the drive component. These crank-in and crank-out instructions preferably include requiring the drive component to rotate a specified number of times within a specified time. If the control device includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), the power button, crank-in button, and crank-out button can be integrated into the LCD.

[0016] In some embodiments, the control device may further include a positioning member configured to position the control device relative to the compartment door when the control device is attached to the compartment door. In this embodiment, the inclusion of the positioning member allows the control device to be accurately positioned relative to the compartment door when the control device is attached to the compartment door, thereby allowing the output shaft of the drive member to more conveniently and accurately engage with the rotation shaft of the circuit breaker operator without requiring manual alignment.

[0017] In some embodiments, the positioning component may include one or more guide cylinders disposed on the housing, and the compartment door may include one or more cylinder support openings configured to receive the one or more guide cylinders to position the control device relative to the compartment door. In this embodiment, by including the guide cylinders and cylinder support openings, the positioning operation can be performed simply by insertion, without the need for complex other positioning tools and positioning operations. Modifications to existing compartments are also minimized, thereby saving costs and making the switchgear suitable for a wider range of scenarios.

[0018] In some embodiments, the control device may further include a securing member configured to removably secure the control device to the compartment door. In this embodiment, the inclusion of this securing member further secures the control device when the drive member rotates the rotation shaft of the circuit breaker operator, preventing the control device from vibrating or twisting. In a preferred embodiment, the guide column and column support opening may be rectangular, for example, to further prevent the control device from twisting during operation.

[0019] In some embodiments, the fixing component may include a first magnetic component provided on the housing, and the circuit breaker compartment includes a second magnetic component provided on the compartment door, and the control device is detachably fixed to the compartment door by the attraction between the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component. One of the first and second magnetic components is preferably an electromagnet, and the other of the first and second magnetic components is made of iron, so that they attract each other when the power is on and no longer attract each other when the power is off, thereby making it easier to disassemble the control device. By including this type of fixing component, the control device can be fixed in a simple and easy manner, and the changes to the compartment door of the switch device are as little as possible, so as to save costs and make the switch device suitable for more scenarios.

[0020] In some embodiments, the control device may further include a signal input component and a control component, the control component being electrically connected to the drive component, the signal input component, the rocker-in button and the rocker-out button, and the switch device including a signal output component attached to the compartment door, wherein when the control device is attached to the compartment door, the signal input component and the signal output component are docked to transmit one or more signals to the control component, and the control component is configured to generate a control signal for controlling the drive component based at least in part on the received one or more signals and the rocker-in instruction or the rocker-out instruction.

[0021] In this embodiment, the one or more signals include one or more of a status signal regarding the grounding switch operating cover, a status signal regarding the grounding switch, a signal regarding the position of the circuit breaker operator, a signal regarding the status of the circuit breaker, and a signal regarding the opening and closing of the compartment door. In this embodiment, the control device further includes a signal input component and a control component. Based on at least one of the one or more signals input by the signal input component, the control component is capable of automatically determining the status of the switchgear and circuit breaker trolley to determine whether the locking conditions for the circuit breaker trolley are met. When the locking conditions are met, the control component is capable of generating appropriate control signals for driving the components based on the input instructions. By including a control component in the form of a printed circuit board and a signal input component in conjunction therewith, the control device is capable of automatically determining the status of the switchgear and circuit breaker trolley without human intervention and automatically performing swing-in and swing-out operations on the circuit breaker trolley, thereby enabling operators to operate the circuit breaker trolley more easily and with less time and effort.

[0022] In some embodiments, the output shaft and the rotating shaft may be mechanically coupled via a coupling. When the output shaft and the rotating shaft cannot be well aligned due to positioning errors of other components, the coupling can offset the error and accurately align the output shaft and the rotating shaft.

[0023] In some embodiments, the control component may be a printed circuit board. By making the control component into a printed circuit board, more functional modules can be integrated.

[0024] In some embodiments, the driving component may include a current detection module. By detecting the current of the driving component, it can promptly detect whether there is an operational fault, so as to facilitate the operator to troubleshoot the fault and prevent damage to the circuit breaker trolley due to circuit abnormalities.

[0025] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a control device for a circuit breaker operator of a switchgear is provided. The circuit breaker operator includes a rotating shaft exposed from a compartment door of the switchgear. The control device comprises a housing; a drive component disposed within the housing, the drive component including an output shaft extending from the housing; a power supply component configured to supply power to the control device; and a command transmission component configured to transmit an operating command to the drive component. The control device is detachably mounted to the compartment door of the switchgear, such that the output shaft of the drive component engages with the rotating shaft, thereby causing the drive component to operate the rotating shaft based on the operating command.

[0026] This control device is an external electric control device that includes a housing, built-in drive components, and command transmission components. The control device is removably mounted to a compartment door that is removably attached to the switchgear and is capable of electrically controlling the circuit breaker operator. The inclusion of this control device allows multiple switchgear of the same type to share a single control device, eliminating the need for complex internal devices for driving the circuit breaker trolley within each switchgear, thereby saving costs. Furthermore, by simply attaching the control device to the compartment door, the circuit breaker trolley can be electrically operated, eliminating the need for laborious manual operation, making operation of the circuit breaker trolley more convenient and labor-saving.

[0027] In some embodiments, the instruction sending component includes a first instruction sending component that sends a first instruction and a second instruction sending component that sends a second instruction, the first instruction is a rack-in instruction that causes the output shaft of the drive component to rotate a first specific number of turns so that the circuit breaker operator moves from the test position to the working position, and the second instruction is a rack-out instruction that causes the output shaft of the drive component to rotate a second specific number of turns so that the circuit breaker operator moves from the working position to the test position.

[0028] In this embodiment, the first instruction sending component and the second instruction sending component are connected to the drive component. The connection can be a direct electrical connection or an indirect electrical connection (for example, an indirect electrical connection to the drive component via a control component described later). Since the model of the drive component can be determined, the number of rotations of the drive component and the stroke of the circuit breaker operator can be matched one-to-one. In the case where the instruction sending component is directly electrically connected to the drive component, the first instruction may include an instruction to cause the output shaft of the drive component to rotate a first specific number of rotations to move the circuit breaker operator from the test position to the working position, and the second instruction may include an instruction to cause the output shaft of the drive component to rotate a second specific number of rotations to move the circuit breaker operator from the working position to the test position. Therefore, the movement of the circuit breaker operator between the working position and the test position can be controlled by a simple instruction sending component.

[0029] In one embodiment, the control device may further include a positioning member configured to position the control device relative to the compartment door when the control device is attached to the compartment door so that the output shaft is aligned with the rotation axis. In this embodiment, by including the positioning member, the control device can be accurately positioned relative to the compartment door when the control device is attached to the compartment door, thereby allowing the output shaft of the drive member to more conveniently and accurately engage with the rotation axis of the circuit breaker operator without the need for manual alignment.

[0030] In one embodiment, the control device may further include a securing component configured to removably secure the control device to the compartment door. In this embodiment, the inclusion of the securing component allows the control device to be better secured when the drive component rotates the rotation axis of the circuit breaker operator, preventing the control device from vibrating or twisting. In some embodiments, the control device may further include a signal input component and a control component, the control component being electrically connected to the drive component, the signal input component, and the instruction transmission component, and the switchgear including a signal output component. When the control device is attached to the compartment door, the signal input component and the signal output component interface to transmit one or more signals to the control component. The control component is configured to generate a control signal for controlling the drive component based, at least in part, on the received one or more signals and an operating instruction. Specifically, the control component is configured to determine whether a lockout condition of the circuit breaker operator is satisfied based on at least one of the received one or more signals. In response to the lockout condition of the circuit breaker operator being satisfied, the control component is configured to generate a control signal for the drive component based on the operating instruction.

[0031] In this embodiment, the control device further includes a signal input component and a control component. Based on at least one of the one or more signals input by the signal input component, the control component can automatically determine the status of the switchgear and circuit breaker trolley to determine whether the locking conditions of the circuit breaker trolley are met. When the locking conditions are met, the control component can generate appropriate control signals for driving the components based on the input instructions. By including a control component in the form of a printed circuit board and a signal input component that cooperates therewith, the control device can automatically determine the status of the switchgear and circuit breaker trolley without human intervention and automatically perform swing-in and swing-out operations on the circuit breaker trolley, thereby enabling operators to operate the circuit breaker trolley more easily and in a more time-saving and labor-saving manner.

[0032] It should be understood that the contents described in the Summary of the Invention section are not intended to limit the key or important features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become readily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a switchgear and an integrated control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 1B An enlarged perspective view showing a portion of a switchgear and an integrated control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2A A perspective view of an access mechanism for an integrated control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the rotation axis of the circuit breaker trolley is obscured;

[0036] Figure 2B A perspective view of an access mechanism for an integrated control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the rotating shaft of the circuit breaker trolley and the signal output pins of the switchgear are exposed;

[0037] Figure 3A shows a rear perspective view of an integrated control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 3B shows a front perspective view of an integrated control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 4 An enlarged perspective view showing a portion of a switchgear and an integrated control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a state close to each other and ready for assembly;

[0040] Figure 5A shows an internal structure diagram of an integrated control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 5B Another internal structural diagram of the integrated control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0042] Figure 6 A control flow chart illustrating a rack-in operation of an integrated control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0043] Figure 7 A control flow chart of a pan-out operation of an integrated control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Various embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout the text. In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. However, it may be clear in some or all cases that any of the embodiments described below can be practiced without adopting the specific design details described below. In other examples, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate description of one or more embodiments. A simplified overview of one or more embodiments is given below to provide a basic understanding of the embodiments. This overview is not an exhaustive overview of all contemplated embodiments and is not intended to identify the key or important elements of all embodiments, nor is it intended to define the scope of any or all embodiments.

[0045] References to "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" in the context of this description are intended to indicate that a particular configuration, structure, or characteristic described with respect to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, phrases such as "in an embodiment" or "in one embodiment" that may appear in one or more points of this description are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the particular configurations, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any appropriate manner.

[0046] Unless otherwise indicated, when two elements are referred to as being connected together, this means a direct connection without any intermediate elements other than conductors; and when two elements are referred to as being coupled together, this means the two elements may be connected or they may be coupled via one or more other elements.

[0047] In the following disclosure, unless otherwise indicated, when absolute position modifiers (such as the terms "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," etc.) or relative position modifiers (such as the terms "above," "below," "higher," "lower," etc.) are mentioned, or when directional modifiers (such as "horizontal," "vertical," etc.) are mentioned, reference is made to the orientation shown in the figures. Unless otherwise specified, the expressions "about," "approximately," "substantially," and "approximately" mean within 10%, preferably within 5%.

[0048] Figure 1A A perspective view of a switchgear and an integrated control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1B An enlarged perspective view of a portion of a switchgear and an integrated control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0049] like Figure 1A and 1B As shown, the switchgear 200 includes a circuit breaker compartment 201, which is provided with a compartment door 202, an observation window 203, and a guide rail 204 for a circuit breaker trolley (not shown; hereinafter, the circuit breaker trolley and the circuit breaker operator are used interchangeably). The circuit breaker trolley is pushed into the circuit breaker compartment 201 and moves along the guide rail 204 when operated. The integrated control device 100 is detachably mounted on the compartment door 202 outside the switchgear 200 to operate the circuit breaker trolley located in the compartment.

[0050] When using the integrated control device according to the present disclosure, some modifications need to be made to the existing compartment doors. Figure 2A A perspective view of an access mechanism for an integrated control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the rotation axis of the circuit breaker trolley is blocked. Figure 2B A perspective view of an access mechanism for an integrated control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the rotating shaft of the circuit breaker cart and the signal output pins of the switchgear are exposed.

[0051] like Figure 1B 、 Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the access mechanism 300 for the integrated control device of the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a shielding plate 301; an operating opening 302, a column support opening 303, a signal output pin access opening 304 and a magnetic component access opening 305 provided on the compartment door 202; and a first magnetic component 306 and a signal output pin 307 provided in the isolation chamber. In one embodiment, the first magnetic component 306 can be an iron plate, which is connected to the second magnetic component 101 (as described later) Figure 3AThe second magnetic attraction component 101 may be, for example, an electromagnet, which can attract the first magnetic attraction component 306 after being energized.

[0052] Although the access structure 300 includes multiple components as described above, those skilled in the art will understand that according to actual needs, the access structure 300 may include some or all of these components, or may include other components in addition to these components to meet the requirements of cooperation with the external detachable control device.

[0053] When the circuit breaker trolley is pushed into the circuit breaker compartment of the switchgear, the trolley position fixing link will automatically lock inside the switchgear, and at the same time the circuit breaker trolley is grounded through the grounding contact. Figure 2B As shown, when the circuit breaker trolley is in place in the compartment 201, after the shielding plate 301 is pulled open, the rotating shaft 400 of the circuit breaker trolley is exposed from the operation opening 302, so that the rotating shaft 400 can be operated using the integrated control device 100. The rotating shaft 400 has a rectangular shape, for example. Figure 2B As shown, after the shielding plate 301 is opened, the first magnetic component 306 is exposed from the magnetic component access opening 305 , and the signal output pin 307 is exposed from the signal output pin access opening 304 .

[0054] Figure 3A A rear perspective view of an integrated control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3B A front perspective view of an integrated control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0055] like Figure 3A As shown, the integrated control device 100 includes a drive component 104. In one example, the drive component 104 is an electric motor located inside a housing 105, which includes a main body portion (such as Figure 5A and 5B 302) and a driving output shaft 1041 extending outside the housing 105, the output shaft 1041 including a rectangular receiving slot 1042. When the integrated control device 100 is detachably mounted to the compartment door, the receiving slot 1042 receives the rotating shaft 400 exposed from the operating opening 302, thereby cooperating therewith to rotate the rotating shaft 400 when driven by the motor.

[0056] like Figure 3AAs shown, the integrated control device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a second magnetic component 101, a guide column 102, a housing 105, and a handle 106. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two guide columns 102, but this number is merely exemplary, and the number of guide columns 102 can be one or more. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide column 102 is used as a positioning component, and the second magnetic component 101 is used as a fixing component.

[0057] In order to position the control device on the outside of the switchgear relative to the compartment door, in the disclosed embodiment, the control device 100 includes a plurality of guide cylinders 102, so that when the integrated control device is attached to the compartment door, the control device can be positioned relative to the compartment door. However, it should be understood that other types of positioning components can be used to position the control device relative to the compartment door. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the shape of the cylinder 102 is not limited to a cylindrical shape. In order to better position the integrated control device 100, the cylinder 102 can be rectangular, etc. In addition, the rectangular cylinder can also prevent the integrated control device from twisting when the motor rotates. Those skilled in the art should understand that the positioning cylinder is not necessary. In the absence of the positioning cylinder, the positioning of the integrated control device and then its driving can also be achieved by manually aligning the output shaft of the drive component 104 and the rotating shaft of the circuit breaker trolley.

[0058] In order to detachably mount the integrated control device 100 on the compartment door, in the disclosed embodiment, the control device 100 includes a second magnetic component 101, which can be an electromagnet that can generate magnetism when powered to attract the first magnetic component as an iron plate. By including the second magnetic component, the integrated control device can be conveniently fixed to the compartment door without causing effects such as twisting or vibration. However, the magnetic component is only exemplary, and those skilled in the art can think of other fastening methods. Those skilled in the art should understand that the magnetic component is not necessary. In the absence of the fixing device, the circuit breaker trolley can be fixed by manually holding the integrated control device or by a rectangular guide column, and then the circuit breaker trolley can be driven.

[0059] like Figure 3BAs shown, the integrated control device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a power switch 107, a rock-in button 108, and a rock-out button 109. The power button is used to power on and off the control device 100, the rock-in button is used to send a rock-in instruction to the drive component 104, the rock-in instruction causes the circuit breaker operator to move from the test position to the working position; and the rock-out button is used to send a rock-out instruction to the drive component 104, the rock-out instruction causes the circuit breaker operator to move from the working position to the test position. Although in the embodiment shown, instructions are input in the form of buttons, those skilled in the art should recognize that instructions can be input through other operating interfaces. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the integrated control device 100 may include a liquid crystal display, and functional modules similar to the power button 107, the rock-in button 108, and the rock-out button 109 may also be integrated into the display.

[0060] In one embodiment, the power button 107, the rock-in button 108, and the rock-out button 109 are directly electrically connected to the drive component 104. By including the rock-in button and the rock-out button directly connected to the drive component 104, rock-in and rock-out instructions can be conveniently sent to the drive component through these buttons. The rock-in and rock-out instructions can preferably include the drive component rotating a specific number of times within a specified time. Therefore, without including the controller 110, signal input pins, and signal output pins described below, after manually determining that the locking conditions are met, the rock-in and rock-out operations can be simply achieved by pressing these buttons.

[0061] In another embodiment, in the case of including the controller 110 described below, the power button 107 , the rock-in button 108 , and the rock-out button 109 may be electrically connected to the controller 110 and then connected to the driving component 104 to control it.

[0062] Figure 4 An enlarged perspective view shows a portion of a switchgear and an integrated control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a state close to each other and ready for assembly.

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown, the guide column 102 of the integrated control device 100 is inserted into the column support opening 303 of the access mechanism 300. When the control device 100 is powered on, the first magnetic component 306 and the second magnetic component 101 are attracted together by magnetic force, so that the integrated control device 100 does not detach from the switchgear 200. When the control device 100 is powered off, the magnetic attraction between the magnetic components disappears, allowing the control device 100 to be removed from the switchgear 200.

[0064] Figure 5AFIG2 shows an internal structure diagram of an integrated control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5B Another internal structural diagram of the integrated control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0065] In order to automatically judge the various states of switchgear and circuit breaker trolleys and generate appropriate control signals, such as Figure 5A and 5B As shown, the integrated control device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a controller 110. Figure 3A As shown, the control device 100 further includes a signal input pin 103. Figure 2B As shown, the switch device includes a signal output pin 307 , and the signal input pin 103 interfaces with the signal output pin 307 to receive a signal from the switch device.

[0066] In one embodiment, the controller 110 is in the form of a printed circuit board and is connected to the power switch 107, the rocker-in button 108, the rocker-out button 109, and the signal input pin 103 to receive input or instructions from the aforementioned components, and is connected to the drive component 104 to output control signals to the drive component 104. The drive component 104 is positioned relative to the housing 105, and the controller 110 is also connected to the housing 105 via a connecting component.

[0067] In another embodiment, the controller 110 is in the form of a printed circuit board and is only connected to the signal input pin 103 and the drive component 104. In this embodiment, the power switch 107, the rocker-in button 108 and the rocker-out button 109 are connected to the signal input pin 103, so that the switch instruction, the rocker-in instruction and the rocker-out instruction are all input to the controller 110 through the signal input pin 103.

[0068] In an alternative embodiment, the integrated control device 100 may include a liquid crystal display to display the status of the circuit breaker, the status of the grounding switch, the current size and operating time of the drive component (such as a motor), and various operation reminders to facilitate the operator to perform troubleshooting based on the information on the display.

[0069] The drive unit 104 may be, for example, an electric motor, which is operated based on a control signal output from the controller 110. The drive unit 104 includes a drive output shaft 1041 having a rectangular receiving slot 1042, thereby connecting with the rotating shaft 400 of the circuit breaker trolley and causing it to rotate a predetermined number of times. To facilitate and more accurately engage the output shaft 1041 with the rotating shaft 400 of the circuit breaker trolley, a coupling (not shown) may be provided between the output shaft 1041 and the rotating shaft 400 of the circuit breaker trolley.

[0070] In one embodiment, the controller 110 can be equipped with a battery, eliminating the need for an external power source. In a preferred embodiment, after the signal input pin 103 of the controller 110 is connected to the signal output pin 307 of the switch device, the controller 110 is powered by the power from the switch device through the connected pair of pins. In another preferred embodiment, the integrated control device 100 is powered by an external power line.

[0071] The switchgear 200 has a series of interlocking devices (not shown) to fundamentally prevent dangerous situations and operations that may cause serious consequences, thereby effectively ensuring the safety of operators and the switchgear itself. The specific interlocking functions are as follows:

[0072] Only when the circuit breaker (not shown) and the earthing switch (not shown) are in the open position, the trolley (not shown) can be moved from the test / isolation position to the working position, and vice versa (mechanical interlock);

[0073] The circuit breaker can only be closed (mechanical interlock) when the circuit breaker trolley reaches the test or working position completely;

[0074] When the circuit breaker trolley loses control power in the test or operation position, the circuit breaker cannot be closed and can only be opened manually (mechanical and electrical interlock);

[0075] The grounding switch can be closed only when the circuit breaker trolley is in the test / isolation position (mechanical interlock);

[0076] When the earthing switch is in the closed position, the trolley cannot be moved from the test / isolation position to the working position (mechanical interlock); and

[0077] When the trolley is in the working position, the circuit breaker control cable plug is locked and cannot be removed.

[0078] In order to provide various status signals and power supply to the control device 100, the signal output pin 307 on the switch device 200 may include multiple pins, each pin implementing a different function. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal output pin 307 includes 7 pins.

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, the first pin and the second pin of the signal output pin 307 are connected to the positive and negative poles of the power supply of the switching device 200 to provide power to the entire control device 100, such as the controller 110 (in one embodiment, the controller 110 is in the form of a printed circuit board), the second magnetic component 101 (in one embodiment, the second magnetic component 101 is in the form of an electromagnet), and the driving component 104 (in one embodiment, the driving component 104 is in the form of an electric motor).

[0080] In this exemplary embodiment, the third pin of the signal output pins 307 is connected to a trolley working position detection or indication component to output a trolley working position signal.

[0081] In this exemplary embodiment, the fourth pin of the signal output pins 307 is connected to a trolley test position detection or indication component to output a trolley test position signal.

[0082] In this exemplary embodiment, the fifth pin of the signal output pins 307 is a positive power supply connected to the power switch 107 to provide a signal voltage to the controller 110 so as to receive various detection signals.

[0083] In this exemplary embodiment, the sixth pin of the signal output pins 307 is connected to the grounding switch open position contact to detect whether the grounding switch status meets the conditions for circuit breaker trolley operation, that is, to detect whether the grounding switch is in the open position. This sixth pin is optional depending on whether a grounding switch is provided.

[0084] In this exemplary embodiment, the seventh pin of signal output pin 307 is connected to a grounding switch cover switch detection component, a compartment door switch status detection component, and a circuit breaker opening / closing detection component to detect whether the grounding switch cover is closed (i.e., the grounding switch cannot be operated at this moment), whether the compartment door is closed, and whether the circuit breaker is in the open state. The signals detected by these three detection components are connected in series. When the grounding switch cover is closed, the compartment door is closed, and the circuit breaker is in the open state, the circuit breaker trolley lockout condition is met. These three signals, along with the contact closure status of the rack-in button 109 or the contact closure status of the rack-out button 108, are input into different input ports of the controller 110. In other words, when the rack-in button 109 or the rack-out button 108 is pressed, the controller 110 detects whether the circuit breaker trolley lockout condition is met. If the lockout condition is met, the controller 110 receives the rack-in or rack-out command and determines that the rack-in or rack-out operation can be performed. Otherwise, it indicates to the operator that the lockout condition is not met.

[0085] In an alternative embodiment, where a grounding switch is included, in addition to the three conditions, the locking condition also includes the grounding switch being in the open state. In this embodiment, one possible scenario is that the three signals described above can be input into different input ports of the controller 110 along with the contact closure state of the rack-in button 109 or the contact closure state of the rack-out button 108. Then, when the grounding switch operating cover is closed, the compartment door is closed, and the circuit breaker is in the open state, the controller 110 can receive a rack-in or rack-out command in a single module. After receiving the rack-in or rack-out command, the controller 110 determines whether the grounding switch is in the open state. If the grounding switch is in the open state, the controller 110 determines that the rack-in or rack-out operation can be executed. In this embodiment, another possible scenario is that the three signals described above, along with the grounding switch status signal, along with the contact closure state of the rack-in button 109 or the contact closure state of the rack-out button 108, are input into different input ports of the controller 110. The controller then determines whether the rack-in or rack-out command can be executed based on this determination.

[0086] The scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the types of signals received by the pins are merely exemplary. If fewer or more signals need to be detected, the number of pins may be reduced or increased as needed.

[0087] By using the integrated control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the circuit breaker trolleys of multiple switchgear can share an external control device, thereby saving costs. By electrically operating the rotating shaft of the circuit breaker trolley through the integrated control device, the position switching operation of the circuit breaker trolley can be completed in a time-saving, labor-saving, and automatically controlled manner. Furthermore, by using the controller of the integrated control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to automatically determine whether the locking conditions of the circuit breaker trolley are met to guide the operator to operate, and it is possible to use the driving components integrated in the control device to automatically operate the circuit breaker trolley. Therefore, the operator can use the integrated control device to save time and effort, and operate the circuit breaker trolleys of multiple switchgear more simply and conveniently.

[0088] Figure 6 A control flow chart of a rock-in operation of an integrated control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 7 A control flow chart of a pan-out operation of an integrated control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0089] When performing a racking operation on a circuit breaker trolley, the following process is followed. Process 600 includes step 601: the operator presses the racking-in button. In step 602, the controller 110 determines whether the trolley's locking conditions are met. In one example, the trolley's locking conditions include the grounding switch operating cover being closed, the compartment door being closed, and the circuit breaker being in the open state. In another example, the trolley's locking conditions include the grounding switch operating cover being closed, the grounding switch being in the open state, the compartment door being closed, and the circuit breaker being in the open state. If the locking conditions are met, process 600 proceeds to step 603: the controller 110 determines that the racking operation can be performed. Otherwise, process 600 proceeds to step 604, notifying the operator that the trolley's locking conditions have not been met and that inspection is required. This reminder can be displayed via a warning light or on a display, more directly informing the operator of the cause of the fault.

[0090] Then, the process 600 proceeds to step 605: the controller 110 determines whether the trolley is in the test position, and the fourth pin of the signal output pin 307 is connected to the trolley test position detection or indication component to output the trolley test position signal. By connecting the fourth pin of the signal output pin 307 and the corresponding pin of the signal input pin 103, the trolley test position signal can be sent to the controller 110. When the trolley is in the test position, the swing-in operation can be performed, and when the trolley is in the working position, the swing-out operation can be performed. Between the test position and the working position, the trolley needs to move a certain distance along the guide rail 204, that is, the trolley rotating shaft 400 needs to rotate a certain number of circles under the drive of the driving component 104.

[0091] If the trolley is in the test position at this time, the process 600 proceeds to step 606: the controller 110 outputs an appropriate control signal to the drive component 104 to connect the circuit of the drive component 104 (e.g., the motor) to energize the drive component 104. If the trolley is in the working position at this time and the operator mistakenly presses the rocking-in button, the process proceeds to step 607: an alarm is issued to indicate an operation error to remind the operator that the trolley is in the working position and the rocking-out button should be pressed. In a preferred embodiment, the drive component 104 may include a current detection module to detect whether the current of the drive component 104 is normal. If the current is normal, the drive component 104 (e.g., the motor) is energized. If the current is abnormal, the circuit of the drive component 104 (e.g., the motor) is cut off.

[0092] The process 600 also includes step 608: within a set time, detecting whether the trolley has reached the working position. If the trolley has reached the working position, the process proceeds to step 609, cutting off the circuit of the driving component 104 and ending the operation. If the trolley has not reached the working position within the set time, the process proceeds to step 610: the controller 110 cuts off the circuit of the driving component 104 (e.g., the motor) and indicates a fault, so that the operator can troubleshoot according to the prompt. After the fault is eliminated, the process returns to step 605: determining whether the trolley is in the test position, and then executing the subsequent process.

[0093] When performing a circuit breaker trolley swing-out operation, the following process is followed. This process 700 includes step 701: the operator presses the trolley swing-out button. In step 702, the controller 110 determines whether the trolley's locking conditions are met. In one example, the trolley's locking conditions include the grounding switch operating cover being closed, the compartment door being closed, and the circuit breaker being in the open position. In another example, the trolley's locking conditions include the grounding switch operating cover being closed, the grounding switch being in the open position, the compartment door being closed, and the circuit breaker being in the open position. If the locking conditions are met, the process 700 proceeds to step 703: the controller 110 determines that the swing-out operation can be performed. Otherwise, the process 700 proceeds to step 704: the operator is notified that the trolley's locking conditions have not been met and that inspection is required. This reminder can be displayed via a warning light or on a display, more directly informing the operator of the cause of the fault.

[0094] Then, the process 700 proceeds to step 705: the controller 110 determines whether the trolley is in the working position, and the third pin of the signal output pin 307 is connected to the trolley working position detection or indication component to output the trolley working position signal. By connecting the third pin of the signal output pin 307 and the corresponding pin of the signal input pin 103, the trolley position signal can be sent to the controller 110. When the trolley is in the test position, the swing-in operation can be performed, and when the trolley is in the working position, the swing-out operation can be performed. Between the test position and the working position, the trolley needs to move a certain distance along the guide rail 204, that is, the trolley rotating shaft 400 needs to rotate a certain number of circles under the drive of the driving component 104.

[0095] If the trolley is in the working position at this time, the process 700 proceeds to step 706: the controller 110 outputs an appropriate control signal to the drive component 104 to connect the circuit of the drive component 104 (e.g., the motor) to energize the drive component 104. If the trolley is in the test position at this time and the operator mistakenly presses the rocker-out button, the process proceeds to step 707: an alarm is issued to indicate the operation error, prompting the operator that the trolley is in the test position and should press the rocker-in button. In a preferred embodiment, the step of outputting an appropriate control signal to the drive component may include: the drive component 104 may include a current detection module to detect whether the current of the drive component 104 is normal. If the current is normal, the drive component 104 (e.g., the motor) is energized; if the current is abnormal, the circuit of the drive component 104 (e.g., the motor) is disconnected.

[0096] The process 700 also includes step 708: within a set time, detecting whether the trolley has reached the test position. If the trolley has reached the test position, the process proceeds to step 709: the controller 110 cuts off the circuit of the driving component 104 and the operation ends. If the trolley has not reached the test position within the set time, the process proceeds to step 710: the controller 110 cuts off the circuit of the driving component 104 (e.g., the motor) and indicates a fault, so that the operator can troubleshoot the fault according to the prompt. After the fault is eliminated, the process returns to step 705: determining whether the trolley is in the working position, and then executing the subsequent process.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the user can input a command using the rock-in or rock-out button. After inputting the command, the controller determines whether the locking condition of the handcart is met. If the locking condition is met, the command is input to the controller 110. The above sequence is merely exemplary, and the above method can be performed in a different sequence. For example, the controller 110 can first determine the locking condition of the handcart, and then, only when the locking condition is met, the operator can input the rock-in and rock-out commands, for example, by using the rock-in and rock-out buttons shown. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the command can also be input using, for example, virtual buttons on an LCD display. If the locking condition is not met, the operator cannot input the rock-in and rock-out commands. Therefore, the display can display a reminder to the operator that the locking condition is met and the rock-in or rock-out command can be input, or the rock-in or rock-out button can display a green light to indicate that the rock-in or rock-out command can be input.

[0098] The integrated control device according to the present disclosure can receive multiple posture signals from the switchgear and automatically determine whether the locking conditions are met, thereby preventing operator errors or safety accidents. Furthermore, the integrated control device according to the present disclosure can automatically generate control signals based on the determination conditions, thereby automatically controlling and driving the circuit breaker trolley, eliminating the need for the operator to manually shake the circuit breaker trolley to change its position.

[0099] Those skilled in the art will be able to easily develop a processing system for executing any method described herein.Thus, each step of the flowchart may represent a different action performed by the processing system and may be executed by a corresponding module of the processing system.

[0100] Embodiments may therefore utilize a processing system. A processing system can be implemented in a variety of ways using software and / or hardware to perform the various functions required. A processor is an example of a processing system that employs one or more microprocessors that can be programmed using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the required functions. However, a processing system can be implemented with or without a processor, and can also be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware for performing certain functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry) for performing other functions.

[0101] Examples of processing system components that may be employed in various embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0102] In various implementations, a processor or processing system may be associated with one or more storage media, such as volatile and non-volatile computer memory (such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM). The storage media may be programmed with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more processors and / or processing systems, perform desired functions. The various storage media may be fixed within the processor or processing system, or may be transportable so that one or more programs stored thereon can be loaded into the processor or processing system.

[0103] Without prejudice to the underlying principle, the details and embodiments may vary, even significantly, with respect to what has been described purely by way of example, without departing from the scope of protection.

[0104] The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications, and publications to provide yet further embodiments.

[0105] These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments and the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Therefore, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.

Claims

1. A switchgear comprising: Circuit breaker compartment, including compartment door; a circuit breaker operator, which, in use, is pushed into the circuit breaker compartment and is movable in the circuit breaker compartment; as well as a control device detachably attached to the compartment door outside the switchgear to enable operation of the circuit breaker operator and configured to electrically control movement of the circuit breaker operator within the circuit breaker compartment, Wherein the control device comprises: a drive member connected to the circuit breaker operator; and an instruction sending component, configured to send an operation instruction to the driving component, Wherein the instruction sending component comprises: a rack-in button for sending a rack-in instruction to the drive component, wherein the rack-in instruction causes the output shaft of the drive component to rotate a first specific number of revolutions, thereby moving the circuit breaker operator from the test position to the working position; and a shake-out button, which is used to send a shake-out instruction to the drive component, wherein the shake-out instruction causes the output shaft of the drive component to rotate a second specific number of turns, thereby moving the circuit breaker operator from the working position to the test position, The control device further comprises a signal input component, the control component being electrically connected to the signal input component, the driving component, the rock-in button and the rock-out button, and The switch device includes a signal output component attached to the compartment door, wherein when the control device is attached to the compartment door, the signal input component and the signal output component are docked to transmit signals to the control component, wherein the signals include a status signal regarding the earthing switch operating cover, a status signal regarding the earthing switch, a status signal regarding the circuit breaker, and a switch signal regarding the compartment door; and The control component is configured to determine whether a locking condition of the circuit breaker operator is satisfied based on the fact that the earthing switch operation cover is in a closed state, the compartment door is in a closed state, the circuit breaker is in an open state, and the earthing switch is in an open state, so as to generate a rack-in control signal or a rack-out control signal for controlling the driving component.

2. The switchgear according to claim 1, wherein the control device electrically controls the circuit breaker operator to move from one of a first position and a second position to the other of the first position and the second position within the circuit breaker compartment, the first position being a test position, and the second position being a working position.

3. The switchgear according to claim 2, wherein the control device comprises a housing, The driving member includes a main body portion disposed in the housing and the output shaft extending from the housing, and The circuit breaker operator includes a rotating shaft that can be exposed from the compartment door, Wherein when the control device is attached to the compartment door, the output shaft engages with the rotation shaft, so that the drive member can rotate the rotation shaft.

4. The switchgear according to claim 3, wherein the control device further comprises a power button, the power button being electrically connected to the driving component, The power button is used to power on and off the control device.

5. The switchgear according to claim 3, wherein the control device further comprises: A positioning member is configured to position the control device relative to the compartment door when the control device is attached to the compartment door.

6. The switchgear according to claim 5, wherein the positioning member comprises one or more guide cylinders provided on the housing, The compartment door includes one or more post support openings configured to receive the one or more guide posts to position the control device relative to the compartment door.

7. The switchgear according to claim 3, wherein the control device further comprises: A fixing member is configured to detachably fix the control device to the compartment door.

8. The switch device according to claim 7, wherein the fixing component comprises a first magnetic attraction component provided on the housing, The circuit breaker compartment includes a second magnetic attraction component provided on the compartment door, The control device is detachably fixed to the compartment door by the attraction between the first magnetic attraction component and the second magnetic attraction component.

9. The switchgear of claim 1, wherein the control component is a printed circuit board.

10. The switchgear of claim 1, wherein the signal further comprises a signal regarding a position of the circuit breaker operator.

11. A control device for a circuit breaker operator of a switchgear, the circuit breaker operator comprising a rotating shaft exposed from a compartment door of the switchgear, comprising: shell; a drive component disposed inside the housing, the drive component comprising an output shaft extending from the housing; a power supply component configured to provide power to the control device; as well as an instruction sending component, configured to send an operation instruction to the driving component; as well as wherein the control device is detachably mounted to the compartment door of the switchgear so that the output shaft of the drive component can engage with the rotating shaft, so that the drive component operates the rotating shaft based on the operation instruction; The instruction sending component includes a first instruction sending component that sends a first instruction and a second instruction sending component that sends a second instruction, the first instruction is a rack-in instruction that causes the output shaft of the driving component to rotate a first specific number of turns so that the circuit breaker operator moves from the test position to the working position, and the second instruction is a rack-out instruction that causes the output shaft of the driving component to rotate a second specific number of turns so that the circuit breaker operator moves from the working position to the test position, the control device also includes a signal input component and a control component, the control component is electrically connected to the driving component, the signal input component and the instruction sending component, and The switchgear includes a signal output component, wherein when the control device is attached to the compartment door, the signal input component and the signal output component interface to transmit signals to the control component, wherein the signals include a status signal regarding the earthing switch operating cover, a status signal regarding the earthing switch, a status signal regarding the circuit breaker, and a switch signal regarding the compartment door; and The control component is configured to determine whether a locking condition of the circuit breaker operator is satisfied based on the fact that the earthing switch operation cover is in a closed state, the compartment door is in a closed state, the circuit breaker is in an open state, and the earthing switch is in an open state, so as to generate a rack-in control signal or a rack-out control signal for controlling the driving component.

12. The control device of claim 11, wherein the control device further comprises a positioning member configured to position the control device relative to the compartment door when the control device is attached to the compartment door so that the output shaft is aligned with the rotation axis.

13. The control device of claim 11, wherein the control device further comprises a fixing member configured to detachably fix the control device to the compartment door.

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