Manual operation assembly

Abstract

A manual operation assembly for preventing access to an anchor point of a recloser for removal / installation of the recloser until the recloser assumes an open circuit, the manual operation assembly comprising: at least one anchor point associated with the recloser, a tool holder for receiving a tool for mounting and / or removing the recloser to and / or from the fuse holder; a lever operable between an open position and a closed position, the lever comprising one or more longitudinally extending members configured for operable engagement with a mechanical coincidence mechanism of the coincidence device; and a mechanical coincidence mechanism responsive to movement of the lever to cause the recloser to assume an open circuit when the lever is moved to the open position; wherein the at least one anchor point for removing or installing the recloser from the fuse holder into the fuse holder is inaccessible to the tool until the lever is in an open position that opens the recloser.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a manually operated assembly for preventing the installation and / or removal of a recloser. Background Art

[0002] Any reference to a prior art method, apparatus or document is not to be taken as any evidence or admission that it forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0003] Working on the distribution network is particularly dangerous. Workers are exposed to high voltage and working at height, among other issues. Ensuring that equipment is properly maintained and installed, and that it can be used safely as required, is key to ensuring that accidents are reduced and / or eliminated.

[0004] Workplace health and safety is a continuous improvement process that aims to ensure the safety of workers in all areas. Therefore, it is good practice to seek solutions that can prevent injuries, especially in hazardous areas such as electrical work. Summary of the invention

[0005] In one aspect, the present invention provides a manual operating assembly for preventing access to an anchor point of a recloser until the recloser presents an open circuit with a lever in an open position for removal / installation of the recloser, the manual operating assembly comprising:

[0006] at least one anchor point associated with the recloser for receiving a tool for installing the recloser to the fuse holder and / or removing the recloser from the fuse holder;

[0007] a lever operable between an open position and a closed position, the lever including one or more longitudinally extending members configured for operative engagement with a mechanical reclose mechanism of the recloser; and

[0008] a mechanical reclose mechanism responsive to movement of the lever so as to render the recloser open circuit when the lever is moved to the open position;

[0009] Wherein the at least one anchor point for removing or installing the recloser from or into the fuse holder is inaccessible to tools until the lever is in an open position causing the recloser to open circuit.

[0010] In an embodiment, the lever comprises an interlocking plate.

[0011] In an embodiment, the at least one anchor includes an aperture for receiving a tool for removing and / or installing the recloser from the fuse holder.

[0012] In an embodiment, the interlocking plate defines a recess for receiving the at least one anchor.

[0013] In an embodiment, the interlocking plate prevents a tool from accessing the at least one anchor when the recess has received the at least one anchor.

[0014] In an embodiment, the lever comprises two longitudinally extending members.

[0015] In an embodiment, the two longitudinally extending members are positioned on opposite sides of the interlocking plate.

[0016] In an embodiment, the two longitudinally extending members include openings for receiving respective shaft ends of the mechanical reclose mechanism.

[0017] In an embodiment, the openings of the longitudinally extending members are coaxial.

[0018] In an embodiment, the openings engage with corresponding shaft ends of the mechanical reclose mechanism to transmit torque to the mechanical reclose mechanism.

[0019] In an embodiment, the lever rotates about an axis passing through a coaxial opening of the longitudinally extending member.

[0020] In an embodiment, the at least one anchor is located on an outer surface of the recloser.

[0021] In an embodiment, the lever comprises an aperture for receiving a tool for moving the lever between the open position and the closed position.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a manual operating assembly for a recloser is provided, the manual operating assembly including a lever and an anchor, wherein the lever is pivotally attached to an internal recloser mechanism of the recloser and the anchor is mountable to the recloser, wherein the anchor is not accessible to a tool for removing / installing the recloser unless the lever is in a position to maintain the recloser in an open circuit configuration.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manually operating a recloser having an internal recloser mechanism that is responsive to a torque to cause the recloser to assume an open circuit configuration prior to removing the recloser or a portion of the recloser from a fuse holder and then to cause the recloser to assume a closed circuit configuration, the method comprising:

[0024] Providing a recloser installed in a fuse holder of a power distribution line, the recloser having an anchor point that is inaccessible to a tool that engages the anchor point to remove the recloser or a portion of the recloser from the fuse holder;

[0025] operating a lever to apply torque to the internal recloser mechanism, thereby exposing the anchor point and assuming the open circuit configuration of the recloser;

[0026] engaging the anchor point with the tool; and

[0027] Force is applied to the anchor point and the tool is manipulated to remove the recloser or a portion of the recloser from the fuse holder. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The preferred features, embodiments and variations of the present invention can be derived from the following detailed description, which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to implement the present invention. The detailed description should not be considered to limit the scope of the foregoing invention in any way. The detailed description will refer to the following multiple drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 is a side view of a manually operated assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, the manually operated assembly being shown in a use state attached to a recloser.

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Isometric view of a lever.

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Isometric view of interlocking plates.

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An isometric view of an anchor without a lever.

[0033] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of a recloser. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Figure 1 A manually operated assembly 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is used with a recloser 100. In the preferred embodiment currently described, the manually operated assembly 10 includes a lever 20 and an anchor 60 ( Figure 4 The manual operating assembly 10 is preferably used in switchgear applications to manually operate a switchgear (e.g., a recloser 100) that is configured to assume an open circuit configuration or a closed circuit configuration for a distribution line current passing therethrough. The lever 20 is operable to be moved between an open position and a closed position (the closed position is Figure 1 ) to actuate the mechanical recloser mechanism 52 ( Figure 5). The mechanical recloser mechanism 52 is configured to further cause the internal dielectric vacuum interrupter 80 to interrupt the distribution line current in the distribution line, thereby presenting an open circuit. Figure 5 , when lever 20 is in Figure 1 In the closed position shown, the distribution line current flows from the fuse tip 90 through the recloser 100, through the dielectric vacuum current interrupter 80, and out through the busbar 92 and / or the trunnion 94. The present invention provides a manual operating assembly, which in a preferred embodiment is in the form of a manual operating assembly 10, which is used to manually operate the recloser 100 to interrupt the distribution line current flowing through the recloser 100.

[0035] Actuation of the mechanical recloser mechanism 52 interrupts the distribution line current flowing through the recloser 10. For example, moving the lever 20 from Figure 1 The closed position shown is moved to the open position so that the recloser 100 presents an open circuit, thereby interrupting the flow of distribution line current in the distribution line. In the case where the manual operating assembly 10 is coupled to a mechanical reclosing mechanism and / or an electromechanical reclosing mechanism, when the lever 20 is in the closed position (such as Figure 1 ), the mechanical reclosing mechanism and / or the electromechanical reclosing mechanism can interrupt the flow of distribution line current in the distribution line. In this case, the recloser 100 can present a closed circuit by remotely activating the mechanical reclosing mechanism and / or the electromechanical reclosing mechanism. Alternatively, the recloser 100 can be in a closed position by moving the lever 20 to an open position and then returning to a closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the lever 20 is configured to present an open circuit to the recloser 100 when the lever is in the open position, which is when the lever 20 is substantially not in the closed position. Figure 1 The advantage of this arrangement is that it ensures that the recloser 100 must be properly installed before allowing distribution line current to flow through it. This can help prevent arcing before it is fully installed, thereby avoiding worker and / or equipment damage.

[0036] The lever 20 is moved about the axis X( Figure 2 ) is rotated to operate. In a preferred embodiment, the lever 20 rotates about 90° between the open position and the closed position. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the degree of rotation of the lever 20 between the open position and the closed position depends on the specific arrangement of the recloser mechanism 52, which causes the vacuum interrupter 80 to interrupt the flow of distribution line current.

[0037] like Figure 2As shown, the lever 20 of the currently described preferred (but non-limiting) example includes two longitudinally extending members 22A, 22B. In the currently described embodiment, the longitudinally extending members 22A, 22B are configured to receive the recloser body 12 or receive at least a portion of the recloser body, as long as the first longitudinally extending member 22A and the second longitudinally extending member 22B are operably positioned on opposite sides of the recloser 100. Each of the longitudinally extending members 22A, 22B of the lever 20 includes an opening 24A, 24B, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the openings 24A, 24B are coaxial with the axis X. The openings 24A, 24B provide points for operably engaging the longitudinally extending members 22A, 22B of the lever 20 with the shaft ends of the rotatable shaft 50 of the mechanical reclosing mechanism of the recloser 10. The rotatable shaft end 50 may be rigidly secured to the openings 24A, 24B by means including, but not limited to, one or more splines, complementary interfaces (i.e., square cross-sections) that support torque transmission, screws, fasteners, welding, and / or adhesives. Figure 5 As can be seen, the rotatable shaft end 50 comprises a square cross-section which is received in the complementary profile of the openings 24A, 24B.

[0038] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the openings 24A, 24B may extend to a variety of different connection types. For example, the rotatable shaft 50 may further include a torque member extending orthogonally to the rotation axis X, wherein the lever 20 may receive the torque member or a portion of the torque member to provide a connection to effectively apply torque to the torque member to operate the mechanical reclosing mechanism 52.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the lever 20 of the manual operating assembly 10 includes an interlock plate 26. The interlock plate 26 extends between the longitudinally extending members 22A, 22B. The interlock plate 26 and the longitudinally extending members 22A, 22B can be configured to receive and abut the recloser 100. The combination of the interlock plate 26 and the lever 20 is configured such that when the lever 20 is in the closed position (e.g., Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the anchor 60 is inaccessible to tools such as a hot stick or hookstick used to install / remove the recloser 100. Therefore, before exposing the anchor 60 to engage with the tool used for removal and / or installation, the lever 20 must be rotated toward the open position, in which the vacuum interrupter is in an open circuit. Such an assembly ensures that the recloser 100 is only removed or installed when the distribution line current is not flowing through the recloser 100 and cannot flow through the recloser 100. This provides safety against arcing. Only after the recloser is installed or removed and the lever 20 is moved or rotated to the closed position can the current in the distribution line flow freely.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the interlock plate 26 is configured with a recess 28 for receiving an anchor 60. The anchor 60 is fastened or otherwise rigidly fixed relative to the recloser 100. In a preferred embodiment, the anchor 60 is located on an outer surface of the recloser 100. In a preferred embodiment, the anchor 60 includes an orifice 62. The orifice 62 provides a structure for tool engagement and reception. The tool can engage with the anchor 60 through the orifice 62 when exposed and by applying force in the appropriate direction, and the user can manipulate the recloser 100 into place for installation and / or removal from the fuse holder of the distribution line.

[0041] Overall reference Figure 5 , the lever 20 actuates the rotatable shaft 50 of the mechanical recloser mechanism 52 by rotating. The rotatable shaft 50 can be used to open / close a current interrupter, such as a dielectric vacuum current interrupter 80. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are various switchgears that can be operated in different ways, and the present invention can provide further utility thereof.

[0042] Throughout the specification, a tool for engaging with the anchor 60 (preferably through the aperture 62) is mentioned. The tool can also be configured to operate the lever 20. The lever 20 preferably includes a second aperture 64. Wherein the second aperture 64 is configured to receive a tool so that the lever 20 moves between an open position and a closed position. Therefore, the same tool is suitable for moving the lever 20 between an open position and a closed position, and for removing and / or installing the recloser 100 from the fuse holder. The tool mentioned is generally referred to as a live operating rod or hook rod. The hook rod includes a hook portion on one end thereof so that one end of the rod is roughly coupled to the recloser 100. The hook rod generally has a generally elongated body for workers to grasp and manipulate. Therefore, most of the generally elongated body is isolated from the hook portion of the hook rod. For safety reasons, the hook rod enables workers to work at a safe distance from electrical wires (particularly high-voltage electrical wires). The manual operating assembly 10 advantageously provides an additional layer of safety for dangerous industries that are already high risk.

[0043] Reference is made throughout this specification to installing the recloser 100 and / or removing the recloser 100 from a fuse holder. The recloser 100 is typically installed between two contacts, namely the fuse end 90 and the trunnion or busbar. Thus, removing or dismantling the recloser 100 from the fuse holder may refer simply to moving the fuse end away from the corresponding contact of the fuse holder. Conversely, installation may refer to inserting the fuse end 90 into the corresponding contact of the fuse holder. Thus, installation and removal do not necessarily require complete separation of the recloser 100 from the fuse holder. Thus, the recloser 100 may be removed from the fuse holder and still be connected to and / or supported by the trunnion or busbar.

[0044] The method of use will now be generally described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] To use the manual-operated assembly 10, once the manual-operated assembly is attached to the recloser 100 as shown, the lever 20 is rotated to the open position to expose the anchor 60 for engagement by a tool. Once the tool (preferably by hooking the anchor 62 through the aperture 60) engages the anchor 60, the worker can maneuver the recloser 100 into position in an existing fuse holder (not shown) of the distribution line. Preferably, the lever 20 is generally perpendicular to the recloser body 12. Once installation is complete, the worker can rotate the lever 20 toward the recloser body 12 so that the lever 20 receives and abuts the recloser body 12 or a portion of the recloser body.

[0046] In the embodiments described herein, Figure 1 As shown, the lever 20 is moved toward the closed position and the interlock plate 26 receives the anchor 60 in the recess 28 defined by the interlock plate 26. The interlock plate includes opposing wall portions 26A, 26B that extend parallel to the recess 28 for receiving the anchor 60. The opposing wall portions 26A, 26B of the interlock plate 26 extend sufficiently to receive and cover the exposed anchor 60 or a portion of the anchor 60 and the aperture 62 or a portion of the aperture 62 so that a tool cannot be inserted through the aperture 62. The recloser 100 can present an open circuit to the distribution line until the lever 20 generally abuts and receives the recloser body 12, thereby receiving the anchor 60 in the recess 28. In this way, the recloser 100 is prevented from being installed and / or removed or attempted to be installed and / or removed unless the recloser is actuated to the open position. Authorized workers may use specially designed tools to install and / or remove the recloser 100. However, unless the current flowing through the recloser 100 is interrupted, the worker or other party cannot use the tool for the above purpose.

[0047] It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the lever 20 of the manual operating assembly 10 may consist of only a single elongated member and / or the lever may be recessed toward the recloser so that only the upper portion of the lever (e.g., the interlock plate 26) is proximate to the anchor 60 without necessarily abutting the recloser body 12. Although in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the manual operating assembly 10 includes the lever 20 and the anchor 60 as specifically shown, in other embodiments, a separate anchor may not be provided. For example, the anchor may be integrally formed with the recloser body 12 or another portion of the recloser 100.

[0048] It will also be appreciated that a method for manually operating a recloser 100 having an internal recloser mechanism (e.g., internal mechanism 52) that is responsive to torque and configured to cause the recloser 100 to assume an open circuit configuration or a closed circuit configuration has been described. In one embodiment, the method involves operating a lever to apply torque to the internal mechanism to cause the recloser to assume a closed circuit configuration. Thus, when the closed circuit configuration is assumed and thus maintained, the anchor 60 (e.g., Figure 1 ) as shown in the figure.

[0049] In accordance with the statute, the invention has been described using language more or less specific to structural or methodological features. The term "comprise" and its variations (eg, "comprising" and "consisting of") are always used in an inclusive sense and do not exclude any additional features.

[0050] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown or described, since the means herein described comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

[0051] Therefore, the present invention requires any form or modification within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A manual operating assembly for preventing access to an anchor point of a recloser until the recloser presents an open circuit with a lever in an open position for removal / installation of the recloser, the manual operating assembly comprising: at least one anchor point associated with the recloser for receiving a tool for installing the recloser to a fuse holder and / or removing the recloser from the fuse holder; the lever being operable between the open position and the closed position, the lever including one or more longitudinally extending members configured for operative engagement with a mechanical reclose mechanism of the recloser; as well as the mechanical reclosing mechanism, the mechanical reclosing mechanism being responsive to movement of the lever so as to cause the recloser to present the open circuit when the lever is moved to the open position; wherein the at least one anchor point for removing or installing the recloser from or into the fuse holder is inaccessible to the tool until the lever is in the open position that causes the recloser to open circuit.

2. The manually operated assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The lever includes an interlocking plate.

3. The manually operated assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one anchor includes an aperture for receiving a tool for removing and / or installing the recloser.

4. The manual operation assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The interlock plate defines a recess for receiving the at least one anchor.

5. A manually operated assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: When the recess has received the at least one anchor, the interlock plate prevents the tool from contacting the at least one anchor.

6. A manually operated assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The lever includes two longitudinally extending members.

7. The manually operated assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The two longitudinally extending members are positioned on opposite sides of the interlocking plate.

8. The manually operated assembly according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The two longitudinally extending members include openings for receiving corresponding shaft ends of the mechanical reclose mechanism.

9. The manually operated assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The openings of the longitudinally extending members are coaxial.

10. The manually operated assembly according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The opening is engaged with a corresponding shaft end of the mechanical reclose mechanism to transmit torque to the mechanical reclose mechanism.

11. A manually operated assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: The lever rotates about an axis passing through the coaxial opening of the longitudinally extending member.

12. A manually operated assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The at least one anchor is located on an outer surface of the recloser.

13. A manually operated assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The lever includes an aperture for receiving the tool for moving the lever between an open position and a closed position.

14. A method for manually operating a recloser having an internal recloser mechanism responsive to torque to cause the recloser to assume an open circuit configuration prior to removal of the recloser or a portion of the recloser from a fuse holder and then to cause the recloser to assume a closed circuit configuration, the method comprising: providing a recloser mounted in a fuse holder of a power distribution line, the recloser having an anchor point inaccessible to a tool for engaging the anchor point to remove the recloser or a portion of the recloser from the fuse holder; operating a lever to apply torque to the internal recloser mechanism, thereby exposing an anchor point and causing the recloser to assume the open circuit configuration; engaging the anchor point with the tool; as well as A force is applied to the anchor point and the tool is manipulated to remove the recloser or a portion of the recloser from the fuse holder.

Images