Handle for compartment of low, medium or high voltage switchgear

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a handle for a compartment of a low, medium, or high voltage switchgear, the handle comprising: a body portion; a hand gripping portion; a lock; wherein the handle is configured to move from a closed position to an open position; wherein the handle cannot be used to open a door of a compartment of the switchgear when the handle is in the closed position; wherein the handle can be used to open a door of a compartment of the switchgear when the handle is in the open position; wherein in the open position, the hand gripping portion is positioned such that a human user can grip the hand gripping portion; and wherein in the closed position, a transition of a movable element in the compartment of the switchgear from a rest state to an active state or a potential active state is configured to activate the lock, and wherein activation of the lock is configured to prevent the handle from moving from the closed position to the open position.

Description

[0001] This invention application is a divisional application of the invention application with application date of August 10, 2021, application number 202110914961.3, and invention name “Handle for a compartment of a low-voltage, medium-voltage or high-voltage switchgear”. Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a handle for a door of a compartment of a low-voltage, medium-voltage or high-voltage switchgear, and a low-voltage, medium-voltage or high-voltage switchgear. Background Art

[0003] The operation of low voltage, medium voltage or high voltage switchgear must follow certain rules to ensure the safety of both the equipment and the operators. This usually involves the use of interlocking devices.

[0004] Interlocks can be operated mechanically, electrically, or by a combination of mechanical and electrical means. Mechanical interlocks are generally preferred because they require no power to operate and their status can be easily viewed by the operator.

[0005] However, it is possible for the interlock to be overridden by the operator using excessive force or by the operator intentionally attempting to override the interlock.

[0006] There is a need to provide low voltage, medium voltage and high voltage switchgear with improved interlocking systems. Summary of the invention

[0007] Therefore, it would be advantageous to have improved low voltage, medium voltage, or high voltage switchgear interlocking technology.

[0008] The objects of the invention are solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims, wherein further embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims.

[0009] In a first aspect, there is provided a handle for a compartment of a low voltage, medium voltage or high voltage switchgear, the handle comprising:

[0010] -Main body;

[0011] -Hand grip part;

[0012] -Lock.

[0013] The handle is configured to move from a closed position to an open position. When the handle is in the closed position, it cannot be used to open the door of the compartment of the switchgear. When the handle is in the open position, it can be used to open the door of the compartment of the switchgear. In the open position, the hand grip portion is positioned so that a human user can grasp the hand grip portion. In the closed position, the transition of an active element in the compartment of the switchgear from a static state to an active state or a potentially active state is configured to activate the lock. Activation of the lock is configured to prevent the handle from moving from the closed position to the open position.

[0014] Thus, for example, the handle can be part of an interlocking system of a switchgear, wherein for example the active element can be a circuit breaker (or an earthing switch). Then, when the handle is in the closed configuration, the movement of the circuit breaker from, for example, a racked-out configuration to a racked-in configuration (into the service position) (in the racked-in configuration, the circuit breaker can then be activated) (or a similar movement of the earthing switch, so that the compartment should not be opened) can be linked to a coupling system that engages with a lock to lock the handle in the closed position. Thus, when the active element, such as a circuit breaker (or an earthing switch), can now be activated, the handle cannot be used to open the door to the compartment in which the circuit breaker (or the earthing switch) is located.

[0015] In an example, in the closed position, a transition of the movable element of the switch device from an active state or a potentially active state to a stationary state is configured to deactivate the lock. Deactivation of the lock is configured to enable movement of the handle from the closed position to the open position.

[0016] Thus, when the handle is in the closed configuration, movement of the circuit breaker from, for example, a racked-in configuration to a racked-out configuration (in which the circuit breaker cannot be activated and is safe) can be linked to a coupling system that engages with the lock to unlock the handle so that it can be moved from the closed position to the open position. Thus, the handle can only be used to open the compartment in which the circuit breaker is located when the circuit breaker is in the safe configuration.

[0017] In an example, the handle includes a status pin, and movement of the handle from the closed position to the open position is configured to move the status pin to the first position.

[0018] In an example, movement of the state pin to the first position is configured to place a movable element of the switching device in a stationary state.

[0019] In an example, movement of the handle from the open position to the closed position is configured to move the status pin to the second position.

[0020] In an example, movement of the state pin to the second position is configured to enable an active element of the switching device to enter an active state or a potentially active state.

[0021] In an example, the handle includes a slider that is configured in a first position to lock to a portion of the switch device when a door of the switch device is fully closed. In the first position of the slider, the state pin can move. In a second position of the slider, the slider is configured to unlock from the portion of the switch device. In the second position of the slider, the state pin is stopped from moving from the first position of the state pin. When the state pin is stopped from moving from the first position, the handle is configured so that the handle cannot move from the open position to the closed position.

[0022] In an example, in the closed position, the hand grip is positioned such that a human user cannot grasp the hand grip.

[0023] In examples, in the closed position, the hand grip portion is positioned at least substantially within the body portion.

[0024] In a second aspect, a low voltage, medium voltage or high voltage switchgear is provided, the switchgear comprising:

[0025] - Compartments;

[0026] -Door;

[0027] - a handle according to the first aspect; and

[0028] - Moving elements.

[0029] The door allows access to the interior of the compartment. The handle is used to open and close the door. The movable element is located in the compartment.

[0030] In a third aspect, there is provided a handle for a compartment of a low voltage, medium voltage or high voltage switchgear, the handle comprising:

[0031] -Main body;

[0032] - a hand grip; and

[0033] - Status pin.

[0034] The handle is configured to move from a closed position to an open position. When the handle is in the closed position, it cannot be used to open the door of the compartment of the switchgear. When the handle is in the open position, it can be used to open the door of the compartment of the switchgear. In the open position, the hand grip portion is positioned so that a human user can grasp the hand grip portion. The movement of the handle from the closed position to the open position is configured to move the state pin to the first position. The movement of the state pin to the first position is configured to place the movable element of the switchgear in a stationary state.

[0035] Thus, for example, the handle may be part of an interlocking system for a switchgear, wherein the movable element may be, for example, a circuit breaker. The handle is then moved from a closed position to an open position, wherein the compartment in which the circuit breaker is located may be opened, moving a status pin which may be linked to a coupling system engaged with the circuit breaker to place the switch in a rest or safe state, for example placing it in a locked configuration in which the circuit breaker cannot be operated.

[0036] In an example, movement of the handle from the open position to the closed position is configured to move the state pin to the second position. Movement of the state pin to the second position is configured to enable the active element of the switch device to enter an active state or a potentially active state.

[0037] Thus, moving the handle from the open position to the closed position (in which the compartment of the switchgear cannot be opened) causes movement of the status pin which, as described above, can be linked to a coupling system engaged with the circuit breaker to place the circuit breaker in an unlocked configuration in which it may be activated.

[0038] In an example, the handle includes a slider that is configured in a first position to lock to a portion of the switch device when a door of the switch device is fully closed. In the first position of the slider, a status pin can move. In a second position of the slider, the slider is configured to unlock from the portion of the switch device. In the second position of the slider, the status pin is stopped from moving from the first position. When the status pin is stopped from moving from the first position, the handle is configured so that the handle cannot move from the open position to the closed position.

[0039] In an example, the handle includes a lock, and when the handle is in the closed position, a transition of an active element in a compartment of the switchgear from a rest state to an active state or a potentially active state is configured to activate the lock. Activation of the lock is configured to prevent the handle from moving from the closed position to the open position.

[0040] In an example, when the handle is in the closed position, the transition of the movable element of the switch device from an active state or a potentially active state to a stationary state is configured to deactivate the lock. Deactivation of the lock is configured to enable the handle to move from the closed position to the open position.

[0041] In an example, when the handle is in the closed position, the hand grip is positioned such that a human user cannot grasp the hand grip.

[0042] In examples, the hand grip portion is at least substantially positioned within the body portion when the handle is in the closed position.

[0043] In a fourth aspect, a low voltage, medium voltage or high voltage switchgear is provided, the switchgear comprising:

[0044] - Compartments;

[0045] -Door;

[0046] - a handle according to the third aspect; and

[0047] - Moving elements.

[0048] The door allows access to the interior of the compartment. The handle is used to open and close the door. The movable element is located in the compartment.

[0049] The above aspects and examples will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the following drawings:

[0051] Figure 1 An example of a known handle for a compartment of a switchgear is shown;

[0052] Figure 2 An example of a new handle for a switchgear compartment is shown;

[0053] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 Examples of the new handle (rotated 180 degrees) in different stages of operation; and

[0054] Figure 4 Shows Figures 2 to 3 Example of the new door handle slider. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Figure 1 A known handle for use with current switchgear is shown. In current switchgear, such a simple handle is used only to secure the door to the compartment. There is no indication about the state of the handle (no state about whether the door is properly secured) and the handle is always ready to be grabbed and operated. This may lead to a situation where the door handle appears to be in a position indicating that the door handle is closed and the door is safely closed. However, the handle may not be completely in its end position, which means that the slide associated with the door is not in full contact with the door pin. Currently, the interlocking system inside the switchgear is only designed to observe the position of the door (not the handle), so in this case, the switchgear may be operated when the door is not fully secured to the compartment, which may lead to a dangerous situation. Another situation is that when the door is closed and interlocked (for example, where the vertical slide is locked and the door cannot be opened with the handle), the service personnel may think that the door can be opened but think that the handle is just stuck, and will grab it and apply excessive force to the handle, which may damage and even break the handle.

[0056] The inventors have realised that these problems could be alleviated with a new handle design in which the handle also becomes part of the interlock system itself.

[0057] New handle reference Figures 2 to 4 Give a description.

[0058] An example of a new handle for a compartment of a low voltage, medium voltage or high voltage switchgear is described below. The handle is described with respect to the switchgear, but is found to be useful in other situations, such as for controlling equipment. The handle includes a main body portion, a hand grip portion and a lock. The handle is configured to move from a closed position to an open position. When the handle is in the closed position, it cannot be used to open the door of the compartment of the switchgear. When the handle is in the open position, it can be used to open the door of the compartment of the switchgear. In the open position, the hand grip portion is positioned so that a human user can grasp the hand grip portion. In the closed position, the transition of an active element in the compartment of the switchgear from a static state to an active state or a potentially active state is configured to activate the lock. Activation of the lock is configured to prevent the handle from moving from the closed position to the open position.

[0059] Therefore, the lock described above is not a normal lock of a key-operated handle, such as Figure 2 As shown, the key is shown in a conventional lock, but the new lock can be as follows Figure 2 The lock shown is activated by a change of state of a movable element in the switchgear compartment by releasing the locking pin. The locking pin (lock) is also Figure 3 Shown as bottom pin, Figure 3 The right figure shows that the transition of a movable element (such as a circuit breaker or earthing switch) to a potentially dangerous state has been coupled to a coupling system that causes the release lock pin to be pushed into the main body portion of the handle and in doing so locks the handle so that the handle cannot be moved from the closed position to the open position. In this particular example, the hand grip portion is locked into the main body portion and cannot be released.

[0060] In an example, movement of the handle from the closed position to the open position includes pivoting movement of the hand grip portion relative to the body portion. The angle between the hand grip portion and the body portion in the open position is greater than the angle between the hand grip portion and the body portion in the closed position. Figure 3 Clearly shown in.

[0061] In an example, when the handle is in the open position, the hand grip portion is configured to rotate relative to the body portion to open the door of the compartment. Figure 3 Clearly shown.

[0062] In an example, when the handle is in the open position, the hand grip portion is configured to rotate relative to the body portion to unlock the door of the compartment.

[0063] In an example, activation of the lock when the handle is in the closed position includes pushing a locking pin from the back side of the handle into the main body of the handle. Thus, when the active element has been set to a dangerous or potentially dangerous state, the coupling system linked to the active element can move, and the movement can be coupled to move the locking pin into the main body of the handle to lock the handle so that the handle cannot be turned to the open position. For example, the locking can include locking the hand grip portion so that it cannot move.

[0064] In an example, in the closed position, a transition of the movable element of the switch device from an active state or a potentially active state to a stationary state is configured to deactivate the lock. Deactivation of the lock is configured to enable movement of the handle from the closed position to the open position.

[0065] In an example, the handle includes a status pin. Movement of the handle from the closed position to the open position is configured to move the status pin to the first position. Figure 2 shown as the bottom pin, in Figure 3 Shown as top pin, Figure 3 An example of the movement of the state pin when the handle is changed from the closed position to the open position is shown, in other words, the reverse view Figure 3 The second and third images.

[0066] In an example, movement of the state pin to the first position is configured to place a movable element of the switching device in a stationary state.

[0067] In an example, movement of the handle from the open position to the closed position is configured to move the status pin to the second position.

[0068] In an example, movement of the state pin to the second position is configured to enable an active element of the switching device to enter an active state or a potentially active state.

[0069] In an example, the handle includes a slider configured in a first position to lock to a portion of the switchgear when a door of the switchgear is fully closed, and wherein in the first position of the slider, a status pin is movable, and wherein in a second position of the slider, the slider is configured to unlock from the portion of the switchgear, and wherein in the second position of the slider, the status pin is stopped from moving from the first position, and wherein when the status pin is stopped from moving from the first position, the handle is configured such that the handle cannot move from the open position to the closed position. The slider is configured such as Figure 4 As shown, when the slider moves to engage the door pin and lock the door to the frame of the cabinet, the slider has moved to a position where the state pin (herein referred to as a dual diameter pin) can move inward and outward through the hole, as shown in the right figure. However, when the slider moves to disengage from the door pin, the state pin remains in the position shown in the left figure.

[0070] In an example, in the closed position, the hand grip portion is positioned such that a human user cannot grip the hand grip portion. Figure 3 The 2 right figures are shown.

[0071] In examples, in the closed position, the hand grip portion is positioned at least substantially within the body portion.

[0072] An example of a low voltage, medium voltage or high voltage switchgear comprises a compartment, a door, a handle as described above, and a movable element. The door allows access to the interior of the compartment. The handle is used to open and close the door. The movable element is located in the compartment.

[0073] An example of a new handle for a compartment of a low voltage, medium voltage or high voltage switchgear includes a main body portion, a hand grip portion, and a state pin. The handle is configured to move from a closed position to an open position. When the handle is in the closed position, it cannot be used to open the door of the compartment of the switchgear. When the handle is in the open position, it can be used to open the door of the compartment of the switchgear. In the open position, the hand grip portion is positioned so that a human user can grip the hand grip portion. The movement of the handle from the closed position to the open position is configured to move the state pin to a first position. The movement of the state pin to the first position is configured to place a movable element of the switchgear in a stationary state.

[0074] In an example, movement of the handle from the closed position to the open position includes pivoting movement of the hand grip portion relative to the body portion. The angle between the hand grip portion and the body portion in the open position is greater than the angle between the hand grip portion and the body portion in the closed position.

[0075] In an example, when the handle is in the open position, the hand grip portion is configured to rotate relative to the body portion to open the door of the compartment.

[0076] In an example, when the handle is in the open position, the hand grip portion is configured to rotate relative to the body portion to unlock the door of the compartment.

[0077] In an example, the movement of the handle from the closed position to the open position is configured so that the state pin can move into the main body of the handle under a spring-driven movement, for example from the rear side of the processor. Thus, this mechanical movement can be linked to the coupling system and to the movable element to make the movable element safe by setting it to a static state.

[0078] In an example, movement of the handle from the open position to the closed position is configured to move the state pin to the second position. Movement of the state pin to the second position is configured to enable the active element of the switch device to enter an active state or a potentially active state.

[0079] In an example, the movement of the handle from the open position to the closed position is configured to move or push the state pin away from the rear side of the handle and away from the main body of the handle and into the compartment. Therefore, this mechanical movement can be linked to the coupling system and to the active element to set the active element to a potentially dangerous state.

[0080] In an example, the handle includes a slider that is configured in a first position to lock to a portion of the switch device when a door of the switch device is fully closed, and wherein in the first position of the slider, a status pin is movable, and wherein in a second position of the slider, the slider is configured to unlock from the portion of the switch device, and wherein in the second position of the slider, the status pin is stopped from moving from the first position, and wherein when the status pin is stopped from moving from the first position, the handle is configured such that the handle cannot be moved from the open position to the closed position. Figures 2 to 4 Describes a slider.

[0081] In an example, the handle includes a lock, and when in the closed position, a transition of an active element in a compartment of the switchgear from a rest state to an active state or a potentially active state is configured to activate the lock. Activation of the lock is configured to prevent the handle from moving from the closed position to the open position.

[0082] In an example, in the closed position, a transition of the movable element of the switch device from an active state or a potentially active state to a stationary state is configured to deactivate the lock. Deactivation of the lock is configured to enable movement of the handle from the closed position to the open position.

[0083] In an example, in the closed position, the hand grip is positioned such that a human user cannot grasp the hand grip.

[0084] In examples, in the closed position, the hand grip portion is positioned at least substantially within the body portion.

[0085] An example of a low voltage, medium voltage or high voltage switchgear comprises a compartment, a door, a handle as described above, and a movable element. The door allows access to the interior of the compartment. The handle is used to open and close the door. The movable element is located in the compartment.

[0086] A handle for a low-voltage, medium-voltage or high-voltage switchgear and a low-voltage, medium-voltage or high-voltage switchgear having such a handle will be discussed in further detail, with reference again to the accompanying drawings.

[0087] Figure 2 An example of a new handle is shown. The handle has a main body portion and a hand grip portion, and when the hand grip portion ( Figure 2 Also called handle bar) is located in the main part ( Figure 2The handle is locked in the main body (also called the handle housing) by the hand gripping part. The handle can be locked using a common key-driven lock so that the handle rod is held in the main body. When the key-driven lock is open and the handle is not locked, the button is then pressed and the spring releases the handle rod from the main body. However, in addition to the key-driven lock, the handle has another locking function that is activated by a release lock pin. If the active element in the compartment of the switchgear has entered a state that can be activated and entering the compartment would be dangerous, the release lock pin is pushed into the main body of the handle. A linkage or coupling system is used to couple to an active element, such as a circuit breaker, which is coupled to the release lock pin and pushes the release lock pin into the handle and locks the handle in the closed position. Then, pressing the button does not release the handle rod. Therefore, in fact, the interlocking system of the switchgear is linked to the handle and locks the handle when necessary. The handle also has a status pin, which, for example, provides the status of the handle to the internal interlocking system of the compartment of the switchgear. For example, when the handle rod moves from the open position to its closed position in the main body, the status pin is pushed outward into the compartment. This is in Figure 3 As shown in more detail, Figure 3 As described above, the 180° rotation Figure 2 The status pin can then be used for this movement to couple to a mechanical coupling system which is then linked to the active element. Thus, when the door is closed and the handle is in the closed position, the active element can be provided with mechanical information which enables it to transition to an active, potentially dangerous state. Conversely, when the handle bar is pulled out of the main body of the handle, the spring mechanism pushes the status pin into the main body of the handle and again provides a mechanical indication to an active element such as a circuit breaker in the compartment via mechanical coupling, which is then placed in a safe state.

[0088] therefore, Figure 3More details of an example of a new handle used in a new interlocking system are shown. The left figure shows that the handle has been operated to open the door of the compartment. The door is therefore not fixed and the handle is unlocked. However, the interlocking system has ensured that the circuit breaker (CB) or earthing switch (ES) is locked and cannot be operated. The second figure from the left shows that the door has been closed (fixed), but the handle is in an unclosed and unlocked state. Again, the interlocking system ensures that the circuit breaker or earthing switch is locked and cannot be operated. In the third figure from the left, the handle is in a closed state but not yet locked. The circuit breaker or switch has now been placed in an unlocked state by the interlocking system and can be operated. As shown in the figure, closing the handle activates a push rod, which is connected to the coupling system of the interlocking system, causing the circuit breaker or earthing switch to be unlocked, and they can be activated or operated here. The right figure shows that the handle is in a closed state, but now the handle has been locked and cannot be opened. What has happened is that the active element within the switchgear has entered a state that may be considered dangerous, such as the circuit breaker has been pushed to a position where it can now be operated, which activates the coupling system, causing the push rod to be pushed into the handle and then locking the handle.

[0089] therefore, Figure 3 The various diagrams show the various stages of handle operation. The interlock system actually separates the actions of closing and securing the door to prevent internal arcing and unlocking the interlock. The interlock system only gets information from the handle after the door is properly secured (the current interlock only gets information from the door position itself and is not connected to the handle in any way). Another feature of the new interlock and the new safety handle is that the interlock system prevents the door from opening by blocking the handle rather than the door itself.

[0090] Another problem that can occur is that if the door is not closed enough (not pushed hard enough onto the switchgear), the slide inside the door can hit the door pin. Because some force is usually required to close the switchgear door, the operator can apply more force than necessary and damage the internal parts of the existing handle because they think everything is OK. This means that the swinging motion of the handle is affected and the door appears to be properly secured. One problem is that the door slide only partially contacts the door pin, which can lead to an unsafe situation. Figure 4 A slide of a handle is shown with a key hole in the door slide and a double diameter pin (the state pin of the handle as described above). The result will be that the handle can "click" only when the slide has reached its final position and another operation can be safely continued.

[0091] New handles and low-voltage, medium-voltage or high-voltage switchgear equipped with such handles prevent hazardous situations from occurring.

[0092] Information is provided and received by the handle, not just the door, and can then be used in the interlock system. The door is protected from internal arcing by the new safety handle before the interlock can be unlocked. And the safety handle is blocked and hidden, and cannot exert excessive force, unlike just the slider inside the door. This is different from today's door handles, which can always be touched and operated, even when the door is blocked.

[0093] A brief summary is provided below to illustrate how the new handle can be used for circuit breaker compartments and doors. Initially, the circuit breaker is unlocked and in the test position, the door is open, the handle is loosened and rotated to the open position. Then, the door is closed and the handle is rotated to a position where it can be closed. The circuit breaker is locked in the test position. The handle is then completely closed by pushing the handle rod into the body part, and the circuit breaker lock is released due to the movement of the status pin. The circuit breaker is then pushed into the service position and the door handle is locked by the movement of the release lock pin that occurs due to the circuit breaker being pushed into the service position. The circuit breaker is thus in the service position, the door is closed and locked, and the handle is locked and cannot be used to open the door. As a result, safety associated with circuit breaker operation has been significantly improved.

[0094] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive. The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments may be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0095] The following examples are provided:

[0096] Example 1. A handle for a compartment of a low voltage, medium voltage or high voltage switchgear, the handle comprising:

[0097] -Main body;

[0098] -Hand grip part;

[0099] -Lock;

[0100] wherein the handle is configured to move from a closed position to an open position;

[0101] wherein the handle cannot be used to open a door of a switchgear compartment when the handle is in the closed position;

[0102] wherein the handle can be used to open a door of a compartment of the switchgear when the handle is in the open position;

[0103] wherein in the open position the hand grip is positioned to enable a human user to grasp the hand grip; and

[0104] Wherein in the closed position, transition of an active element in a compartment of the switchgear from a rest state to an active state or a potentially active state is configured to activate the lock, and wherein activation of the lock is configured to prevent movement of the handle from the closed position to the open position.

[0105] Example 2. A handle according to Example 1, wherein in the closed position, the transition of the active element of the switching device from an active state or a potentially active state to a stationary state is configured to deactivate the lock, and wherein the deactivation of the lock is configured to enable the handle to move from the closed position to the open position.

[0106] Example 3. The handle of any of Examples 1 to 2, wherein the handle includes a status pin, and wherein movement of the handle from the closed position to the open position is configured to move the status pin to the first position.

[0107] Example 4. The handle of Example 3, wherein movement of the state pin to the first position is configured to place a movable element of the switch device in a stationary state.

[0108] Example 5. The handle of any of Examples 3 to 4, wherein movement of the handle from the open position to the closed position is configured to move the status pin to the second position.

[0109] Example 6. The handle of Example 5, wherein movement of the state pin to the second position is configured to enable an active element of the switch device to enter an active state or a potentially active state.

[0110] Example 7. A handle according to any one of Examples 3 to 6, wherein the handle includes a slider, the slider being configured in a first position to lock to a portion of the switch device when a door of the switch device is fully closed, and wherein in the first position of the slider, a status pin is able to move, and wherein in a second position of the slider, the slider is configured to unlock from a portion of the switch device, and wherein in the second position of the slider, the status pin is stopped from moving from the first position, and wherein when the status pin is stopped from moving from the first position, the handle is configured so that the handle cannot move from an open position to a closed position.

[0111] Example 8. The handle of any of Examples 1 to 7, wherein in the closed position the hand grip is positioned such that a human user cannot grasp the hand grip.

[0112] Example 9. The handle of Example 8, wherein in the closed position, the hand grip portion is positioned at least substantially within the body portion.

[0113] Example 10. A low voltage, medium voltage or high voltage switchgear, the switchgear comprising:

[0114] - Compartments;

[0115] -Door;

[0116] - a handle according to any one of examples 1 to 9; and

[0117] - moving elements;

[0118] wherein the door allows access to the interior of the compartment;

[0119] wherein the handle is used to open and close the door; and

[0120] The active element is located in the compartment.

[0121] Example 11. A handle for a compartment of a low voltage, medium voltage or high voltage switchgear, the handle comprising:

[0122] -Main body;

[0123] -Hand grip part;

[0124] - Status pin;

[0125] wherein the handle is configured to move from a closed position to an open position;

[0126] wherein the handle cannot be used to open a door of a switchgear compartment when the handle is in the closed position;

[0127] wherein the handle can be used to open a door of a compartment of the switchgear when the handle is in the open position;

[0128] wherein in the open position the hand grip is positioned to enable a human user to grasp the hand grip; and

[0129] Wherein movement of the handle from the closed position to the open position is configured to move the status pin to the first position, and wherein movement of the status pin to the first position is configured to place a movable element of the switch device in a stationary state.

[0130] Example 12. A handle according to Example 11, wherein movement of the handle from an open position to a closed position is configured to move a status pin to a second position, and wherein movement of the status pin to the second position is configured to enable an active element of the switching device to enter an active state or a potentially active state.

[0131] Example 13. A handle according to any one of Examples 11 to 12, wherein the handle includes a slider, the slider being configured in a first position to lock to a portion of the switch device when a door of the switch device is fully closed, and wherein in the first position of the slider, a status pin is able to move, and wherein in a second position of the slider, the slider is configured to unlock from a portion of the switch device, and wherein in the second position of the slider, the status pin is stopped from moving from the first position, and wherein when the status pin is stopped from moving from the first position, the handle is configured so that the handle cannot move from an open position to a closed position.

[0132] Example 14. A handle according to any of Examples 11 to 13, wherein the handle includes a lock, and wherein when in the closed position, a transition of an active element in a compartment of the switching device from a static state to an active state or a potentially active state is configured to activate the lock, and wherein activation of the lock is configured to prevent the handle from moving from the closed position to the open position.

[0133] Example 15. A handle according to Example 14, wherein in the closed position, transition of an active element of the switch device from an active state or a potentially active state to a stationary state is configured to deactivate a lock, and wherein deactivation of the lock is configured to enable the handle to move from the closed position to the open position.

[0134] Example 16. The handle of any of Examples 11 to 15, wherein in the closed position the hand grip is positioned such that a human user cannot grasp the hand grip.

[0135] Example 17. The handle of Example 16, wherein in the closed position the hand grip portion is positioned at least substantially within the body portion.

[0136] Example 18. A low voltage, medium voltage or high voltage switchgear, the switchgear comprising:

[0137] - Compartments;

[0138] -Door;

[0139] - a handle according to any of examples 11 to 17; and

[0140] - moving elements;

[0141] wherein the door allows access to the interior of the compartment;

[0142] wherein the handle is used to open and close the door; and wherein the movable element is located in the compartment.

Claims

1. A handle for a compartment of a low voltage, medium voltage or high voltage switchgear, the handle comprising: -Main body; -Hand grip part; -Lock; wherein the handle is configured to move from a closed position to an open position; wherein when the handle is in the closed position, the handle cannot be used to open a door of a compartment of the switchgear; wherein when the handle is in the open position, the handle can be used to open the door of the compartment of the switchgear; wherein in the open position, the hand grip portion is positioned to enable a human user to grasp the hand grip portion; wherein in the closed position, a transition of an active element in the compartment of the switchgear from a rest state to an active state or a potentially active state is configured to activate the lock, and wherein activation of the lock is configured to prevent movement of the handle from the closed position to the open position; wherein the handle includes a status pin, and wherein movement of the handle from the closed position to the open position is configured to move the status pin to a first position; and wherein the handle comprises a slider, wherein the slider is configured in a first position to lock to a portion of the switch device when the door of the switch device is fully closed, and wherein in the first position of the slider, the status pin is movable, and wherein in a second position of the slider, the slider is configured to unlock from the portion of the switch device, and wherein in the second position of the slider, the status pin is stopped from moving from the first position, and wherein when the status pin is stopped from moving from the first position, the handle is configured such that the handle cannot move from the open position to the closed position.

2. A handle according to claim 1, wherein in the closed position, the transition of the active element of the switching device from the active state or the potentially active state to the stationary state is configured to deactivate the lock, and wherein the deactivation of the lock is configured to enable the handle to move from the closed position to the open position.

3. The handle according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein movement of the state pin to the first position is configured to place the movable element of the switch device in the rest state.

4. The handle of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein movement of the handle from the open position to the closed position is configured to move the status pin to a second position. 5 . The handle of claim 4 , wherein movement of the state pin to the second position is configured to enable the active element of the switch device to enter the active state or the potentially active state.

6. A handle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the closed position the hand grip portion is positioned such that it cannot be gripped by a human user.

7. The handle of claim 6, wherein in the closed position, the hand grip portion is positioned at least substantially within the body portion.

8. A low voltage, medium voltage or high voltage switchgear, the switchgear comprising: - Compartments; -Door; - A handle according to any one of claims 1 to 7; as well as - moving elements; wherein the door allows access to the interior of the compartment; wherein the handle is used to open and close the door; and Wherein the movable element is located in the compartment.

9. A handle for a compartment of a low voltage, medium voltage or high voltage switchgear, the handle comprising: -Main body; -Hand grip part; - Status pin; wherein the handle is configured to move from a closed position to an open position; wherein when the handle is in the closed position, the handle cannot be used to open a door of a compartment of the switchgear; wherein when the handle is in the open position, the handle can be used to open the door of the compartment of the switchgear; wherein in the open position, the hand grip portion is positioned to enable a human user to grasp the hand grip portion; as well as wherein movement of the handle from the closed position to the open position is configured to move the status pin to a first position, and wherein movement of the status pin to the first position is configured to place a movable element of the switch device in a stationary state; and wherein the handle comprises a slider, wherein the slider is configured in a first position to lock to a portion of the switch device when the door of the switch device is fully closed, and wherein in the first position of the slider, the status pin is movable, and wherein in a second position of the slider, the slider is configured to unlock from the portion of the switch device, and wherein in the second position of the slider, the status pin is stopped from moving from the first position, and wherein when the status pin is stopped from moving from the first position, the handle is configured such that the handle cannot move from the open position to the closed position.

10. A handle according to claim 9, wherein the movement of the handle from the open position to the closed position is configured to move the status pin to a second position, and wherein the movement of the status pin to the second position is configured to enable the active element of the switching device to enter an active state or a potentially active state.

11. A handle according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the handle includes a lock, and wherein when in the closed position, the transition of the active element in the compartment of the switching device from the static state to the active state or the potentially active state is configured to activate the lock, and wherein the activation of the lock is configured to prevent the handle from moving from the closed position to the open position.

12. A handle according to claim 11, wherein in the closed position, the transition of the active element of the switching device from the active state or potentially active state to the static state is configured to deactivate the lock, and wherein the deactivation of the lock is configured to enable the handle to move from the closed position to the open position.

13. A handle according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein in the closed position the hand grip portion is positioned such that it cannot be gripped by a human user.

14. The handle of claim 13, wherein in the closed position, the hand grip portion is positioned at least substantially within the body portion.

15. A low voltage, medium voltage or high voltage switchgear, the switchgear comprising: - Compartments; -Door; - A handle according to any one of claims 9 to 14; as well as - moving elements; wherein the door allows access to the interior of the compartment; wherein the handle is used to open and close the door; and Wherein the movable element is located in the compartment.

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