Switchgear system with independently movable and lockable shutter mechanism

Abstract

A shutter assembly includes a slider slidable in a first direction relative to a cartridge body, and first and second arms coupled to the slider and the cartridge body, independently slidable in the first direction relative to the slider and the cartridge body, and pivotable relative to the slider and the cartridge body, and a shutter plate coupled to the arms so as to be movable between a closed state and an open state, wherein apertures of the shutter plate are aligned with each other and with terminals of the cartridge body. The slider includes a locking portion configured such that the slider is lockable to a member extending from a top surface of the cartridge body. The shutter assembly further includes a latching mechanism for locking the shutter assembly in the open state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed concepts generally relate to switchgear systems, and more specifically, to an electrical switchgear system having an independently movable and lockable shutter mechanism to prevent accidental contact with terminal contacts. Background Technology

[0002] An electrical distribution system, also known as a switchgear system, is an apparatus that distributes electrical power from one or more power sources to multiple smaller load circuits. This electrical distribution system typically comprises an assembly of one or more panels, each containing switching devices such as switches, fuses, or circuit breakers, and / or other control components for protecting and controlling the circuits fed from the distribution system.

[0003] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary known power distribution device 5. The power distribution device 5 includes cabinets or enclosures that receive and house multiple sections and compartments for receiving and accommodating various switching devices and other components of the power distribution device 5. Figure 1 As shown, the exemplary power distribution unit 5 includes: a main busbar compartment 10 for enclosing a common power busbar supplying power to the components of the power distribution unit 5; multiple cable sections for enclosing the cables of the power distribution unit 5; multiple MCC sections 20 for accommodating the motor control center (MCC) unit of the power distribution unit 5; and withdrawable circuit breaker sections 25 for accommodating withdrawable air circuit breakers and associated housings.

[0004] A withdrawable circuit breaker is a type of circuit breaker assembly that allows for maintenance, testing, and replacement of the circuit breaker without taking the entire power distribution unit offline. In a withdrawable circuit breaker assembly, the circuit breaker can be removed from the cabinet like a drawer, making it easier to handle than a bolt-on circuit breaker. A typical withdrawable circuit breaker assembly includes a housing and the withdrawable circuit breaker. The housing is received and housed within the power distribution unit (e.g., in…). Figure 1 The withdrawable circuit breaker section 25 shown includes multiple terminals coupled to the main busbar of the power distribution unit (e.g., coupled to a circuit breaker housed within...). Figure 1 The common power busbar within the main busbar compartment 10 shown. The withdrawable circuit breaker is an air circuit breaker that is constructed and configured to be removably and slidably received in a housing, such that the separable contacts of the air circuit breaker are coupled to the housing terminals and thus to the main busbar.

[0005] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2CThis is a schematic diagram illustrating the installation process of a typical known withdrawable circuit breaker assembly 30 having a withdrawable circuit breaker 35 and a housing 40. The withdrawable circuit breaker 30 includes clusters of contacts 45 coupled to separable contacts of the withdrawable circuit breaker 30. The housing 40 includes terminals 50 having terminal contacts 55. Terminals 50 are coupled to a main busbar (e.g., housed in a...). Figure 1 The common power busbar in the main busbar compartment 10 shown. Figure 2A The withdrawable circuit breaker assembly 30 is shown in the fully open state. Figure 2B A withdrawable circuit breaker assembly 30 in a test state is shown, wherein a secondary connection is established with the withdrawable circuit breaker 35, and Figure 2C A withdrawable circuit breaker assembly 30 in a fully connected state is shown, wherein each terminal of the terminal 50 of the housing 40 is connected to a corresponding cluster contact 45 of the withdrawable circuit breaker 35.

[0006] As described above, the withdrawable circuit breaker 35 can be removed from the housing 40 during maintenance. However, when removed in this way, the live terminal contacts 55 of the housing 40 will be exposed without protection, posing a hazard to maintenance personnel or other individuals. The exposed live terminal contacts 55 also pose a risk of phase-to-phase short circuits due to contact with tools or other metal parts inside the housing 40. To address this issue, the withdrawable circuit breaker assembly is designed with a housing that includes a protective mechanism in the form of a valve assembly that automatically covers the live terminal contacts during maintenance to prevent access and exposure.

[0007] Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 5 A prior art valve assembly 60 is shown, equipped with an exemplary prior art housing 65. Figure 3A and Figure 4A This is a top plan view of the housing 65 and the valve assembly 60, and Figure 3B and Figure 4B This is a front view of the housing 65 and the valve assembly 60 (i.e., extending along the long side of the housing 65). Furthermore, Figure 3A and Figure 3B A valve assembly 60 in the closed state is shown, wherein the terminal contacts 70 are covered; and Figure 4A and Figure 4B A valve assembly 60 in the open position is shown, with terminal contacts 70 exposed. (See diagram.) Figure 3A and Figure 4AAs shown, the valve assembly 60 includes a slider 75 slidably coupled to the bottom surface of the housing 65. The valve assembly 60 also includes a first arm 80A and a second arm 80B, each having a proximal end that is pivotally coupled to the top of the slider 75 and received in guide slots 95A and 95B provided in the bottom surface of the housing 65. The distal end of the first arm 80A is slidably received in a guide slot 100 provided in the bottom surface of the housing 65 via an associated plate member 115A (see [reference]). Figure 3A The enlarged portion of the second arm 80B, and the distal end of the second arm 80B is slidably received in a similar guide groove provided in the bottom surface of the housing 65 via an associated plate member 115B. A first valve plate 85A is connected to the plate member 115A coupled to the distal end of the first arm 85A, and a second valve plate 85B is connected to the plate member 115B coupled to the distal end of the second arm 85B. The second valve plate 85B is positioned in front of the first valve plate 85A such that each valve plate can be along... Figure 3B The double arrows shown slide relative to each other. Furthermore, both the first valve plate 85A and the second valve plate 85B include multiple openings 90. The openings 90 are configured such that when the valve assembly 60 is in a position such as… Figure 3B When in the closed state, they are misaligned and thus block the terminal contacts 70, and are configured such that when the valve assembly 60 moves to the position described herein and as shown... Figure 4B In the open state, the valve plates 85A and 85B are aligned with each other and with the position of the terminal contact 70 due to the sliding of the valve plates 85A and 85B. Furthermore, as described in more detail below, the valve assembly 60 is constructed and configured such that when changing from the closed state to the open state, the valve plates 85A and 85B will move toward the terminal contact 70 (due to the sliding of the slider 75), so that the terminal contact 70 is received through the aligned opening 90.

[0008] During operation, the valve assembly 60 begins in the closed state. Subsequently, when the exemplary withdrawable circuit breaker 105 is inserted into the housing 65, a portion of each side of the withdrawable circuit breaker 105 will be in the closed state as follows: Figure 5 The actuator point 110 shown engages with slider 75. This is also achieved through... Figure 3A The arrow provided indicates that when the withdrawable circuit breaker 105 is pushed... Figure 3A When the withdrawable circuit breaker 105 is pushed in the direction of the vertical arrow provided, it will initially cause the arms 80A and 80B to move and pivot within the guide slots 95A and 95B, thereby causing the distal ends of the arms 80A and 80B, the plate members 115A and 115B, and the attached slider plates 85A and 85B to... Figure 3AThe slider moves inward in the direction of the horizontal arrow provided (within the guide groove 100). As described above, this will cause the valve plates 85A and 85B to slide and the openings 90 therein to align with each other and with the terminal contacts 70. Furthermore, as the withdrawable circuit breaker 105 continues to be pushed, the slider 70 will move further along and within the guide grooves 95A and 95B, thereby pushing the arms 80A and 80B, the plate members 115A and 115B, and the slider plates 85A and 85B toward the terminal contacts 70 until the terminal contacts 70 are received as shown. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The alignment opening 90 is shown. The process of moving the valve assembly 60 from the closed state to the open state can also be manually performed by the operator by pushing the slider 75.

[0009] Although the valve assembly 60 described above provides a mechanism for covering the exposed terminal contacts 70, safety issues remain. Specifically, there is no mechanism that allows the valve assembly 60 to be locked in the closed position, and as a result, unauthorized personnel can open the valve assembly 60 and expose the live terminal contacts 70. This also poses a risk of phase short circuit as described above. Furthermore, it is difficult for operators to keep the valve assembly 60 in the open position to perform phase checks or other maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0010] These and other requirements are met by a valve assembly for a withdrawable circuit breaker assembly, the withdrawable circuit breaker assembly including a withdrawable circuit breaker and a housing having multiple terminals. The valve assembly includes a slider coupled to the housing, the slider having a first side and a second side, wherein the slider is slidable relative to the housing in a first direction; a first arm coupled to the first side of the slider and the housing, and slidable independently relative to the slider and the housing in the first direction and pivotable relative to the slider and the housing; a second arm coupled to the second side of the slider and the housing, and slidable independently relative to the slider and the housing in the first direction and pivotable relative to the slider and the housing; a first valve plate having a plurality of first openings coupled to the first arm, such that the first valve plate is responsive to movement of either or both of the slider and the first arm, moving independently in the first direction and in a second direction transverse to the first direction; and a second valve plate having a plurality of second openings coupled to the second arm, such that the second valve plate is responsive to movement of either or both of the slider and the second arm, moving independently in the first direction and in the second direction. The first and second valve plates are movable between a closed state and an open state, wherein in the closed state, the first and second openings are misaligned, and in the open state, the first and second openings are aligned with each other and with a plurality of terminals. A first side of the slider includes a locking portion configured to latch the slider onto a member extending from the top surface of the housing. The valve assembly may also include a spring-operated latching mechanism for engaging with a slot provided in the slider to latch the valve assembly in the open state.

[0011] In one non-limiting embodiment, the first arm may have a first distal end and a first proximal end, the first distal end being coupled to a first side of the slider and the housing in such a way that the first distal end is slidable independently relative to the first side of the slider and the housing in a first direction and is pivotable relative to the first side of the slider and the housing about a first axis perpendicular to the top surface of the housing, the first proximal end being coupled to the housing in such a way that the first proximal end is slidable relative to the housing in a first direction and is slidable relative to the housing in a second direction and is pivotable relative to the housing about a second axis perpendicular to the top surface of the housing. Similarly, the second arm may have a second distal end and a second proximal end, the second distal end being coupled to the second side of the slider and the housing in such a way that the second distal end is slidable independently relative to the second side of the slider and the housing in a first direction and is pivotable relative to the second side of the slider and the housing about a third axis perpendicular to the top surface of the housing, the second proximal end being coupled to the housing in such a way that the second proximal end is slidable relative to the housing in a first direction and is slidable relative to the housing in a second direction and is pivotable relative to the housing about a fourth axis perpendicular to the top surface of the housing; and wherein a first valve plate is coupled to the first proximal end and a second valve plate is coupled to the second proximal end.

[0012] In another non-limiting embodiment, the first arm may include a first protruding member positioned between a first proximal end and a first distal end, and the second arm may include a second protrusion positioned between a second proximal end and a second distal end, wherein the slider includes an intermediate portion having a first tab member and a second tab member, wherein the first protruding member is received below the first tab, and the second protruding member is received below the second tab. The slider may also include an intermediate portion having a protrusion configured to engage the first and second protruding members. Furthermore, a first side of the slider may include a first groove, and a second side of the slider may include a second groove, wherein the first proximal end of the first arm is configured to slide within the first groove, and the second proximal end of the second arm is configured to slide within the second groove. Attached Figure Description

[0013] A full understanding of the invention can be obtained from the following description of preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary prior art power distribution device.

[0014] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C This is a schematic diagram illustrating the installation process of a typical prior art withdrawable circuit breaker assembly; Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 5 A prior art valve assembly equipped with an exemplary prior art withdrawable circuit breaker and housing is shown; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a gate assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a slider according to a first exemplary embodiment, the slider being... Figure 6 It is part of the valve assembly.

[0015] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the valve assembly coupled to the housing; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a slider according to a second exemplary embodiment, the slider may be... Figure 6 Part of the valve assembly; Figures 10A to 10D The movement of a valve assembly between multiple different positions is shown according to the disclosed concept; Figure 11A , Figure 11B and Figure 11C The disclosed concept of the door assembly is shown in a way that it can be padlocked; Figures 12A to 12C This is a schematic diagram of a first latching mechanism embodiment based on the disclosed concept; Figures 13A to 13I This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the second latching mechanism based on the disclosed concept; and Figures 14A to 14B This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the third latching mechanism based on the disclosed concept. Detailed Implementation

[0016] As used in this article, the singular forms of “a,” “one,” and “the” include plural references unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise.

[0017] As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are “coupled” means that these parts are directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components) connected together or operating together, as long as a link occurs.

[0018] As used in this article, "direct coupling" means that two components are in direct contact with each other.

[0019] As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are “joined” to each other shall mean that these parts exert force on each other directly or through one or more intermediate parts or components.

[0020] As used in this article, the term “quantity” should mean an integer of one or more (i.e., multiple).

[0021] Directional phrases used herein, such as, but not limited to, top, bottom, left, right, upper, lower, front, rear, and their derivatives, refer to the orientation of the elements shown in the figures and are not limiting of the claims unless expressly stated in the claims.

[0022] For illustrative purposes, the disclosed concepts will now be described in conjunction with numerous specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding of them. However, it will be apparent, however, that the disclosed concepts can be practiced without these specific details without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a valve assembly 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a slider 205 according to a first exemplary embodiment, which is part of a valve assembly 200. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the valve assembly 200 coupled to the housing 210. (See reference) Figures 6 to 8The valve assembly 200 includes a slider 205, a first arm 215A and a second arm 215B, and valve plates 235A and 235B. The first arm 215A and the second arm 215B each generally have a C-shape, comprising a first portion extending laterally and a second portion extending vertically from the first portion. Furthermore, intermediate protruding members 265A and 265B extend laterally and vertically from the second portion. The first arm 215A has a proximal end that is pivotally and slidably coupled within a guide groove 225A to a first side 220A of the slider 205, such that the first arm 215A can pivot relative to and slide relative to the slider 205. The second arm 215B has a proximal end that is pivotally and slidably coupled within a guide groove 225B to a second side 220B of the slider 205, such that the second arm 215B can pivot relative to and slide relative to the slider 205. Additionally, as... Figure 8 As shown, the proximal ends of the first side 220A and the first arm 215A of the slider 205 are also coupled to the bottom surface of the housing 210 within the guide groove 230A. Similarly, the proximal ends of the second side 220B and the second arm 215B of the slider 205 are also coupled to the bottom surface of the housing 210 within the guide groove 230B. Therefore, the slider 205, as well as the first arm 215A and the second arm 215B, can slide relative to the bottom of the housing 210.

[0024] The distal end of the first arm 215A is pivotally coupled to a plate 240A, which is slidably coupled to the bottom surface of the housing 210 within an L-shaped guide groove provided in the housing 210. This allows the plate 240A to move relative to the bottom surface of the housing 210 in both the lateral and longitudinal directions. Similarly, the distal end of the second arm 215B is pivotally coupled to a plate 240B, which is slidably coupled to the bottom surface of the housing 210 within an L-shaped guide groove provided in the housing 210. This allows the plate 240B to move relative to the bottom surface of the housing 210 in both the lateral and longitudinal directions.

[0025] like Figure 6 and Figure 8As shown, a first valve plate 235A is connected to plate 240A, and a second valve plate 235B is connected to the distal end of plate 240B. The first valve plate 235A is positioned in front of the second valve plate 235B such that each valve plate can slide laterally relative to each other within the housing 210. Furthermore, both the first valve plate 235A and the second valve plate 235B include a plurality of openings 245. The openings 245 are configured such that when the valve assembly 200 is in the closed state as described herein, the openings are aligned with each other and thus block the terminal contacts of the housing 210, and that when the valve assembly 200 is moved to the open state as described herein, due to the sliding of the valve plates 235A and 235B, the openings are aligned with each other and aligned with the position of the terminal contacts. Furthermore, as described in more detail herein, the valve assembly 200 is constructed and configured such that when transitioning from a closed state to an open state, the valve plates 235A and 235B will move toward the terminal contacts of the housing 210, such that the terminal contacts will be received through the aligned opening 245.

[0026] refer to Figure 7 According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept, the slider 205 includes an intermediate section between its first side 220A and second side 220B. The intermediate section 250 includes a protrusion member 255 and an upwardly extending first tab member 260A and second tab member 260B. Figure 6 and Figure 8As shown, the protrusion member 255 is configured to engage the intermediate protrusion members 265A and 265B of arms 215A and 215B respectively, which prevents movement of arms 215A and 215B in the locked state described herein. This helps prevent the valve plates 235A and 235B from opening in the locked state. Furthermore, in the closed state, the intermediate protrusion members 265A and 265B are received below the tab members 260A and 260B respectively to prevent arms 215A and 215B from lifting upwards. This also prevents the valve plates 235A and 235B from opening in the locked state described herein. The slider 205 further includes an L-shaped upwardly and laterally extending flap member 270 on the first side 220A. A hole 275 is provided in the upwardly extending leg of the flap member 270. As described elsewhere herein, the flap member 270 is configured to engage with a lever block 310 disposed on the bottom surface of the housing 210 (and serve as part of the withdrawable circuit breaker insertion process), such that the valve assembly 200 can be locked with a padlock when it is in the closed position. Furthermore, engaging members 280A and 280B are disposed on the first side 220A and the second side 220B of the arms 215A and 215B, and are configured to engage with the withdrawable circuit breaker when it is inserted, thereby causing the slider 205 to move longitudinally along the housing 210 as described herein. Each of the first side 220A and the second side 220B of the slider 205 has a corresponding extension member 285A, 285B at its bottom end, which prevents the withdrawable circuit breaker from reaching the open position when the padlock is applied. Finally, the slider 205 is equipped with a slot 290 for engaging the latching member 315 of the latching mechanism. The latching mechanism (various alternative embodiments thereof are described herein) is configured such that the valve assembly 200 can be latched in a state where the valve assembly 200 is open and the housing terminals are visible and received through the openings 245 of the valve plates 235A and 235B.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of slider 205' according to a second exemplary embodiment, which may be part of valve assembly 200 in lieu of... Figure 7 The slider 205 is shown. Slider 205' is similar to slider 205, and similar parts are labeled with similar reference numerals. However, slider 205' does not include extension members 285A and 285B. Furthermore, slider 205' includes a smaller extension 295 that creates a slot 300 for receiving lever block 310 to achieve locking of the valve assembly 200 with the padlock when the valve assembly 200 is in the closed state. In all other respects, slider 205' functions and operates identically to slider 205, and they are interchangeable to achieve the valve assembly 200 as described herein.

[0028] The valve assembly 200 described herein is constructed and configured to move between multiple different positions. These positions are... Figures 10A to 10D As shown in the figures, for illustrative purposes, these figures depict a valve assembly 200 implemented using the slider 205' as described above. However, it should be understood that the same functionality applies to a valve assembly 200 implemented using the slider 205.

[0029] The first position is Figure 10A As shown in the diagram. In this position, the valve assembly 200 is closed and locked (as described below), the terminal contacts are covered, and the valve assembly 200 is not latched. Figure 11A , Figure 11B and Figure 11C It shows when in Figure 10A The first position shown indicates that the valve assembly 200 can be padlocked. For illustrative purposes, Figure 11A , Figure 11B and Figure 11C The locking mechanism is shown using slider 205 ( Figure 7 The valve assembly 200 is combined with the sliding block 205', however, it should be understood that when using the sliding block 205' ( Figure 9 The same function is also provided when implementing the valve assembly 200. Specifically, in this embodiment, the withdrawable circuit breaker is equipped with such... Figure 11C The claw shaft assembly 320 shown engages with the lever block 310 to facilitate the installation of a withdrawable circuit breaker. More specifically, the claw shaft assembly 320 includes a claw shaft pin 325 configured to be received within a slot 330 provided in the lever block 310. Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown, when the valve assembly 200 is in the first position, the laterally extending top portion of the flap member 270 aligns with and covers the slot 330. Furthermore, the hole 275 provided in the upwardly extending portion of the flap member 270 aligns with the opening 340 provided in the lever block 310. Therefore, the latch of the padlock 335 can be inserted through the holes 275 and 340 to lock the valve assembly 200 in the first position. Thus, the valve assembly 200 cannot be moved forward manually or by engaging the withdrawable circuit breaker. Furthermore, in this locked state, the claw pin 325 cannot be received therein to begin the loading process because the slot 330 is covered. Additionally, when the shaft of the claw assembly 320 engages the flap member 270, the slider 205 cannot move forward due to the padlock 335. In this state, the withdrawable circuit breaker cannot enter the housing. When the padlock 336 is removed, the pivot of the claw shaft assembly 320 can engage the flap member 270 and cause the slider 205 to move forward.

[0030] Alternatively, when the valve assembly 200 is in the first position, the lateral extension of the flap member 270 can be aligned with and cover the slot 330, such that the hole 275 is also aligned with the slot 330. Therefore, the padlock 335 can be inserted through the hole 275 and the slot 330 to lock the valve assembly 200 in the first position, preventing it from being moved manually or by engaging the withdrawable circuit breaker.

[0031] Figure 10B The second position is shown, in which the valve assembly 200 is closed but unlocked, the terminals are covered, and there is no latch. The valve assembly 200 moves from the first position to the second position due to the withdrawable circuit breaker or an operator pushing the slider 200 at the engagement member 200. When this occurs, the slider 205' and arms 215A and 215B slide longitudinally along the housing 210, as described herein.

[0032] Figure 10C The third position is shown, in which the valve assembly 200 is open and unlocked, the terminals are visible and received through the opening 245, and there is no latch. The valve assembly 200 moves from the second position to the third position due to the withdrawable circuit breaker or operator further pushing the slider 205' at the engaging member 200. When this occurs, the slider 205' and arms 215A and 215B move further longitudinally along the housing 210 as described herein, and then arms 215A and 215B pivot as described herein, causing plates 240 and 240B to slide laterally, which in turn causes the valve plates 235A and 235B to also slide laterally to a position aligned with the opening 245, thereby exposing the terminal contacts. The slider 205' can then be moved by the withdrawable circuit breaker or operator to slide further longitudinally along the housing 210 to a position where the terminal contacts are received through the opening 245, as described herein. As mentioned above, in this third position, the latching member 315 is not engaged.

[0033] Figure 10D The fourth position is shown, in which the valve assembly 200 is opened and unlocked, the terminal contact is received through the opening 245, and the valve assembly 200 is latched in the open position. This is achieved by the operator moving the latching member 315 into the slot 290 on the second side 220B of the slider 205'. In this fourth position, the operator can perform maintenance and / or testing hands-free because the valve assembly 200 is latched (i.e., held) in place.

[0034] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, the valve assembly 200 includes springs 430A and 430B (note that, for ease of illustration, springs 430A and 430B are...). Figures 10A to 10D(Not shown in the image). The first end of each of springs 430A and 430B is connected to the housing 210. The second end of spring 430A is connected to arm 215A (in the hole therein), and the second end of spring 430B is connected to arm 215B (in the hole therein). The function of 430A and 430B is to move slider 205 from the open position of the valve (…). Figure 10D Return to the closed position of the valve. Figure 10D Therefore, when the withdrawable circuit breaker is installed in the housing, it will push the slider 205 inside the housing and the valve plate 235 will open. Figure 10D When the withdrawable circuit breaker is deployed, the valve plate 235 will close properly to cover the housing terminals. This is because the force exerted by springs 430A and 430B on arms 215A and 215B will be transmitted to slider 205, causing slider 205 to return to its original position. Figure 10D The latching mechanism described elsewhere in this document is used to latch slider 205 in the open position of the valve. Figure 10D To resist the forces of two springs. Without a latching mechanism, two operators may be required, one to hold slider 205 in the open position (…). Figure 10D One operator will perform the necessary operations on the housing terminals. However, by adding a latching mechanism as described herein, a single operator can easily perform the same activities.

[0035] As mentioned elsewhere in this document, the disclosed concepts envision several different implementations of the latching mechanism. A first implementation of the latching mechanism is shown in Figures 12A to 12C In (and also shown in) Figures 10A to 10D middle). Figures 12A to 12C The latching mechanism of this embodiment is shown in a latched state, an intermittent state, and an unlatched state. In this embodiment, the latching mechanism includes a latching member 315, which includes a latching lever coupled to a latching lever pin 345, which is rotatably coupled to a housing 210. The latching member 315 is coupled to the latching lever pin 345 via a torsion spring 350. Furthermore, this embodiment includes a latching actuator 355, which includes a C-shaped body through which the latching member 315 extends. A latching actuator stop 360 is connected to the housing 210 and positioned at the top of the latching actuator 355. Figures 12A to 12C As shown, when slider 205 moves to Figure 12A In the indicated position, the latching member 315 will be received within the slot 290, thereby latching and holding the valve assembly 200 in that position. Figure 12B and Figure 12C As shown, in order to release the latch of the valve assembly 200, the operating force is... Figure 12B and Figure 12CThe force is applied to the bottom 365 of the latch actuator 355 in the direction of the arrow shown, either manually or by loading and unloading the withdrawable circuit breaker.

[0036] Figure 13A and Figure 13B Embodiments of the second latching mechanism in the latched state and the unlocked state are shown respectively (also shown in...) Figure 8 (See figure). In this embodiment, the latching mechanism includes a latching member 370 rotatably coupled to the housing 210. This embodiment further includes a compression spring 375 having a first end coupled to the latching member 370 and a second end coupled to the housing 210. (See reference) Figures 13C to 13F The latching operation of latch member 370 will be described. When slider 205 / 205′ is in the locked or unlocked state (see, for example, Figure 10A , Figure 10B The latching member 370 will be biased counterclockwise until its edge 390 abuts against the side wall 400 of the housing 210. When the sliders 205 / 205' are pushed toward the housing terminal, their top edge 405 will push the latching member 370 clockwise. After some movement of the sliders 205 / 205', the latching member 370 and slot 290 will align within the sliders 205 / 205', and the latching member 370 will be captured in the slot 290 due to the spring force on the latching member 370. (Reference) Figures 13G to 13I The following describes the latch release operation of latch member 370. To release the latch, pushing slider 205 / 205' causes edge 395 of slider 205 / 205' to push edge 410 of latch member 370, causing latch member to rotate clockwise until edge 415 of latch member 370 abuts against side wall 400 of housing 210. Latch member 310 will be held in this position on housing wall 400 by the spring force of spring 375. (We can also say here that the latch release operation is performed automatically.)

[0037] Figure 14A and Figure 14B A third latching mechanism embodiment is shown in both the latched and unlocked states. In this embodiment, the latching mechanism includes a latching member 380, which is rotatably coupled to the housing 210. This embodiment further includes a torsion spring 385. Figure 14A and Figure 14B As shown, the midpoint of the torsion spring 385 is coupled to the latch member 380, and the end of the torsion spring 385 is coupled to the housing 210 and the latch member 380. Therefore, the spring 385 and the latch member 380 will tend to rotate counterclockwise. When the slider 205 / 205′ is in the locked or unlocked state (see, for example...), Figure 10A and Figure 10B), latching member 380 will be in such a position Figure 14B In the position shown, due to the force of spring 385 (which biases latch member 380 counterclockwise), the edge 420 of latch member 380 will abut against the wall 425 of housing 210. Once slider 205 / 205' is pushed toward housing terminal, latch member 380 is manually rotated (against spring force) so that it is as shown Figure 14A The slider 205 / 205' is captured in slot 290. The latching member 380 will not disengage from slot 290 because the slider 205 / 205' will be held in place by springs 420A and 430B. Figure 8 A force is applied in the downward direction. To release the latch, push the slider 205 / 205' upward, after which the latch member 380 will rotate counterclockwise and reach the position where... Figure 14B The location shown.

[0038] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and substitutions can be made to these details based on the general teachings of this disclosure. Accordingly, the specific arrangements disclosed are intended to be illustrative only and not to limit the scope of the disclosed concepts, which should be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all their equivalents.

Claims

1. A valve assembly for a withdrawable circuit breaker assembly, the withdrawable circuit breaker assembly including a withdrawable circuit breaker and a housing having a plurality of terminals, comprising; The slider, coupled to the housing, has a first side and a second side, wherein... The slider can slide relative to the box body in a first direction; The first arm is coupled to the first side of the slider and the housing, and is capable of sliding independently relative to the slider and the housing in the first direction and pivoting relative to the slider and the housing; The second arm is coupled to the second side of the slider and the housing, and is capable of sliding independently relative to the slider and the housing in the first direction and pivoting relative to the slider and the housing; The first door panel has a plurality of first openings coupled to the first arm, such that the first door panel can move independently in the first direction and in a second direction transverse to the first direction in response to movement of either or both of the slider and the first arm. as well as The second door panel has a plurality of second openings coupled to the second arm, such that the second door panel can move independently in the first direction and the second direction in response to movement of one or both of the slider and the second arm. The first and second valve plates are movable between a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, the first and second openings are not aligned with each other. In the open state, the first and second openings are aligned with each other and with the plurality of terminals. The first side of the slider includes a locking portion configured to allow the slider to be latched onto a member extending from the top surface of the housing.

2. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first arm has a first distal end and a first proximal end, the first distal end being coupled to the first side of the slider and the housing in such a way that the first distal end is slidable independently in a first direction relative to the first side of the slider and the housing and is pivotable relative to the first side of the slider and the housing about a first axis perpendicular to the top surface of the housing, the first proximal end being coupled to the housing in such a way that the first proximal end is slidable relative to the housing in the first direction and is slidable relative to the housing in a second direction and is pivotable relative to the housing about a second axis perpendicular to the top surface of the housing; The second arm has a second distal end and a second proximal end, the second distal end being coupled to the second side of the slider and the housing in such a way that the second distal end can slide independently relative to the second side of the slider and the housing in a first direction and can pivot relative to the second side of the slider and the housing about a third axis perpendicular to the top surface of the housing, the second proximal end being coupled to the housing in such a way that the second proximal end can slide relative to the housing in the first direction and can slide relative to the housing in a second direction and can pivot relative to the housing about a fourth axis perpendicular to the top surface of the housing; as well as The first valve plate is coupled to the first proximal end, and the second valve plate is coupled to the second proximal end.

3. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The member extending from the top surface of the housing includes a lever block for facilitating the insertion of the withdrawable circuit breaker into the housing, the lever block having a slot for receiving a claw pin, and wherein the locking portion includes a flap member having: a leg portion extending upward from the housing, the leg portion having a hole for receiving a latch of the padlock; and a flap portion extending transversely to the leg portion, the flap portion being configured to cover the slot when the first and second flaps are in the closed state.

4. The valve assembly according to claim 3, wherein, When the first and second door panels are in the closed state, the hole in the leg portion aligns with the slot, allowing the latch to pass through the slot and be received.

5. The valve assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The lever block includes a second hole, wherein when the first and second flaps are in the closed state, the hole in the leg portion aligns with the second hole, allowing the latch to pass through the second hole and be received.

6. The valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The first arm includes a first protruding member positioned between the first proximal end and the first distal end, wherein the second arm includes a second protruding member positioned between the second proximal end and the second distal end, and wherein the slider includes a middle portion having a protrusion configured to engage the first protruding member and the second protruding member.

7. The valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The first arm includes a first protruding member positioned between the first proximal end and the first distal end, wherein the second arm includes a second protruding member positioned between the second proximal end and the second distal end, and wherein the slider includes an intermediate portion having a first tab member and a second tab member, wherein the first protruding member is received below the first tab and the second protruding member is received below the second tab.

8. The valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The first side of the slider includes a first groove and the second side of the slider includes a second groove, wherein the first proximal end is configured to slide within the first groove and the second proximal end is configured to slide within the second groove.

9. The valve assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The first slot is disposed in a first portion of a first side of the slider, the first portion having a first width, wherein the first side further includes a first extension member having a second width less than the first width, the first extension member extending away from the first portion of the first side and including the locking portion, and wherein the second slot is disposed in a first portion of a second side of the slider, the first portion of the second side having a third width, wherein the second side further includes a second extension member having a fourth width less than the third width, the second extension member extending away from the first portion of the second side.

10. The valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The first side of the slider includes a first upwardly extending engagement member configured to engage the withdrawable circuit breaker, and the second side of the slider includes a second upwardly extending engagement member configured to engage the withdrawable circuit breaker.

11. The valve assembly of claim 1, further comprising a latching mechanism coupled to the housing, wherein, The first or second side of the slider includes a slot for receiving a latching member of the latching mechanism to latch the valve assembly in place.

12. The valve assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The latching mechanism includes a C-shaped latch actuator coupled to the housing, wherein the latching member includes a rotatable latching rod extending through an opening disposed in the latch actuator, and wherein the latching mechanism includes a latching rod pin coupled to the housing and a torsion spring coupled to the latching rod pin and the latching rod.

13. The valve assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The latching member is rotatable relative to the housing, and the latching mechanism includes a compression spring coupled to the latching member and the housing.

14. The valve assembly of claim 11, wherein, The latching member is rotatable relative to the housing, and the latching mechanism includes a torsion spring coupled to the latching member and the housing.

15. The valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The first distal end is coupled to the first valve panel via a first plate member, and the second distal end is coupled to the second valve panel via a second plate member.

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