A locking device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a locking device, be applied to intelligent circuit breaker, the intelligent circuit breaker includes base, cover, handle, switching mechanism and trip lever, the switching mechanism includes lock catch, and handle rotation drives lock catch movement to realize switching on, the locking device includes a locking piece, and this locking piece is movably arranged on the base or cover, has a locking position of preventing switching on and an unlocking position of allowing switching on, when the locking piece is operated to the locking position, the body or extension of locking piece is located on the movement path of lock catch to block the movement of lock catch in the switching on process to prevent circuit breaker from completing switching on physically. The utility model prevents accidental switching on caused by remote misoperation or circuit board failure through pure mechanical mode, and safe and reliable, simple operation, low cost, effectively guarantees the safety of overhauling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of low-voltage electrical safety technology, and in particular to a locking device, which is a mechanical locking device applied to intelligent circuit breakers to prevent the circuit breaker from being closed under certain circumstances (such as during line maintenance). Background Technology

[0002] Intelligent circuit breakers possess networking functions such as remote control and status monitoring, and can execute closing operations by receiving remote commands. While this feature brings convenience, it also introduces new safety hazards: when personnel are performing line inspections or maintenance on-site, if the remote control center is unaware or issues a closing command due to misoperation, the circuit breaker may close unexpectedly, causing serious personal electric shock or equipment accidents. Furthermore, if the circuit breaker's control circuit board malfunctions, it may also cause abnormal automatic closing.

[0003] Currently, although electrical interlocking or software logic interlocking methods exist, these methods rely on the normal operation of the control system itself, and their reliability cannot be guaranteed in the event of system failure or malfunction. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a purely mechanical, absolutely reliable anti-closing protection device that can physically block the closing operation, providing a safety barrier for on-site maintenance personnel. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a locking device, which is a simple, easy-to-operate, and highly reliable mechanical locking device. It can physically prevent the closing operation of the intelligent circuit breaker, effectively preventing accidental closing due to remote misoperation or circuit board failure, and ensuring the safety of on-site personnel and equipment.

[0005] The above-mentioned utility model objective is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] A locking device is applied to a smart circuit breaker, the smart circuit breaker including a base, a cover, a handle, a closing / opening mechanism, and a tripping lever. The closing / opening mechanism includes a latch, and rotation of the handle drives the latch to move to achieve closing. The locking device includes a locking member movably disposed on the base or cover, having a locked position to prevent closing and an unlocked position to allow closing. When the locking member is operated to the locked position, the body or extension of the locking member is located in the movement path of the latch to block the movement of the latch during the closing process, thereby physically preventing the circuit breaker from completing closing.

[0007] As a further technical solution of this utility model: the locking position is located above the unlocking position, and the locking member can be switched from the unlocking position to the locking position by pulling or flipping it upward.

[0008] As a further technical solution of this utility model: when the locking member is in the locked position, its body or extension abuts against the lower end of the latch.

[0009] As a further technical solution of this utility model: the movement mode of the locking member is linear sliding, rotation around an axis, or back-and-forth tossing.

[0010] As a further technical solution of this utility model, it also includes a positioning structure for reliably holding the locking member in the locked position and / or unlocked position; the positioning structure is a ratchet structure, a groove and protrusion engagement structure, or an elastic pin structure.

[0011] As a further technical solution of this utility model, it also includes a status indicator for displaying whether the locking device is currently in a locked or unlocked state.

[0012] As a further technical solution of this utility model, it also includes an auxiliary switch that is linked with the locking member. When the locking member is in the locked position, the auxiliary switch is triggered to send a locking status signal to the acquisition and control circuit board of the circuit breaker.

[0013] This invention relates to intelligent circuit breakers, which typically include a base, cover, handle, opening and closing mechanism (including a locking latch), tripping lever, and other components. The core of this invention lies in the addition of a manually operable mechanical locking element.

[0014] The locking element is movably (e.g., slidable, rotatable) mounted on the base or cover of the circuit breaker. It has at least two distinct positional states: an unlocked position that does not impede the normal operation of the circuit breaker, and a locked position that physically prevents closing.

[0015] Preferably, the locking element can be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position by pulling, flipping, or flicking it upwards.

[0016] When the locking element is in the locked position, its body or a specially designed extension precisely engages with the movement trajectory of the latch in the opening and closing mechanism. Specifically, when someone attempts to close the circuit (whether using a local operating handle or a remote electric operation), the rotation of the handle causes the latch to move accordingly. However, the movement of the latch is blocked by the locking element in the locked position. Because the latch is jammed, the opening and closing mechanism cannot complete the series of linked actions necessary for closing, thus preventing the circuit breaker from closing and keeping it in the open state.

[0017] This blocking is purely mechanical, independent of any circuitry or program, and therefore extremely reliable. It fundamentally eliminates the possibility of the circuit breaker being accidentally closed while in the locked state.

[0018] Furthermore, a positioning structure (such as spring steel balls and pits, ratchets, etc.) can be set so that the locking member can be stably maintained in the locked or unlocked state, preventing accidental displacement due to vibration or other reasons. A status indication mark (such as the words or graphics of "lock open" and "lock closed") can also be set to clearly display the current status. Even further, an auxiliary switch can be added. When the mechanical locking is in place, this switch is triggered simultaneously, sending an electrical signal to the acquisition and control circuit board of the intelligent circuit breaker. The acquisition and control circuit board can report the status information of "mechanical locking enabled" to the remote monitoring center, realizing the linkage indication of the electrical state and the mechanical state.

[0019] In summary, compared with the prior art, the present utility model includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0020] 1. Safe and reliable: The closing block is realized by a pure mechanical structure, completely independent of the electrical system and control logic. Even if the circuit breaker is completely powered off or the circuit board fails, the anti-closing function is still effective, providing ultimate protection for maintenance safety.

[0021] 2. Intuitive and simple operation: Locking and unlocking can be achieved by simply pulling up and down or扳动 (it should be noted that "扳动" here may need to be accurately translated according to the specific mechanical operation, such as "flipping" or "turning") directly. The operation method is intuitive and does not require tools, which is very convenient for on-site personnel to use.

[0022] 3. Simple structure and low cost: The core is only a movable locking member, with a simple structure, easy to produce and assemble, and hardly increasing the product cost.

[0023] 4. Clear and effective function: It directly acts on the key component of the closing mechanism - the latch, physically intercepting its movement, and the effect of preventing closing is direct and 100% effective.

[0024] 5. Strong scalability: The status indication and electrical signal feedback functions can be conveniently added, integrated with the remote monitoring system of the intelligent circuit breaker, and the intelligent level can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the present utility model.

[0026] Reference numerals: 1, base; 2, handle; 3, handle spring; 4, moving contact; 5, latch; 6, tripping lever; 7, tripping spring plate; 8, tripping coil; 9, static iron core; 10, moving iron core one; 11, moving iron core two; 12, ejector rod; 13, return spring; 14, instantaneous spring; 15, short-circuit induction coil; 16, magnetic yoke; 17, acquisition and control circuit board; 18, large U-shaped part; 19, moving contact spring; 20, latch spring; 21, static contact plate; 22, locking member; 23, auxiliary switch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "top / bottom," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0029] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "sleeved / connected," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] Example 1:

[0031] Reference Figure 1 This utility model discloses a locking device applied to an intelligent circuit breaker. The intelligent circuit breaker includes a base 1, a cover, a handle 2, an electromagnetic opening and closing mechanism, and a tripping lever 6. The electromagnetic opening and closing mechanism includes a latch 5. Rotating the handle 2 drives the latch 5 to move to achieve closing. The locking device includes a locking member 22, which is movably disposed on the base 1 or the cover. It has a locking position to prevent closing and an unlocking position to allow closing. When the locking member 22 is operated to the locking position, the body or extension of the locking member 22 is located on the movement path of the latch 5 to block the movement of the latch 5 during the closing process, thereby physically preventing the circuit breaker from completing the closing.

[0032] The locked position is located above the unlocked position. Pulling or flipping the locking element 22 upwards switches it from the unlocked position to the locked position. When in the locked position, the locking element 22's body or extension abuts against the lower end of the latch 5. The locking element 22 can move by linear sliding, rotation around an axis, or back-and-forth movement. In this embodiment, the locking element 22 moves by linear sliding.

[0033] It also includes a positioning structure for reliably holding the locking element 22 in the locked and / or unlocked position; the positioning structure is a ratchet structure, a slot and protrusion engagement structure, or a resilient pin structure. It also includes a status indicator for displaying whether the locking device is currently in a locked or unlocked state. It also includes an auxiliary switch 23 linked to the locking element 22; when the locking element 22 is in the locked position, the auxiliary switch 23 is triggered to send a locking status signal to the circuit breaker's acquisition and control circuit board 17.

[0034] The locking element 22 is a slider, which is installed through the guide groove on the base 1 and can slide up and down along the guide groove. The locking element 22 is located at the bottom, and its top end is below the movement range of the lower end of the latch 5, so it will not interfere with the normal movement of the latch 5, and the circuit breaker can be closed.

[0035] When line maintenance is required, the operator pulls the locking element 22 upwards to the locked position. A positioning structure is provided along the sliding path (e.g., a spring and steel ball are installed in the base 1, and a corresponding recess is machined on the locking element 22). When the sliding element reaches the top, the steel ball engages in the recess, providing a tactile feel and holding it in the locked position. Simultaneously, the indicator in the status window changes from "OPEN" to "LOCKED".

[0036] In the locked position, the top protrusion of the locking element 22 moves upward and enters the expected movement space at the lower end of the latch 5. At this time, if someone turns the handle 2 to attempt to close the circuit, the handle 2 will cause the latch 5 to rotate downward, but the lower end of the latch 5 will immediately hit or block the top of the waiting locking element 22, preventing it from moving further downward. Because the movement of the latch 5 is blocked, the entire closing process cannot be completed, and the circuit breaker remains in the open state, thus ensuring safety.

[0037] The locking element 22 can also be linked to a micro switch as an auxiliary switch 23. When the locking element 22 slides to the top (locked position), it will press down the micro switch, and the switch signal will be sent to the acquisition and control circuit board 17. The acquisition and control circuit board 17 can then report this "mechanical lock" state through the communication module.

[0038] In this embodiment, the electromagnetic opening and closing mechanism also includes a handle spring 3, an opening and closing operation mechanism, a trip spring 7, a trip coil 8, a stationary iron core 9, a moving iron core assembly, a push rod 12, a reset spring 13, an instantaneous spring 14, a short-circuit induction coil 15, a magnetic yoke 16, and a data acquisition and control circuit board 17.

[0039] The opening and closing operating mechanism includes a moving contact 4; a trip coil 8, a stationary iron core 9, a moving iron core assembly, a push rod 12, a return spring 13, and a magnetic yoke 16 constitute the electromagnetic drive part; a data acquisition and control circuit board 17 is electrically connected to the trip coil 8 and the short-circuit induction coil 15; a trip spring 7 is installed on the upper end of the trip lever 6, and the trip lever 6 is biased by the trip spring 7; when the circuit is open, the handle 2 presses the trip spring 7 so that it is located below the push rod 12, and when the circuit is closed, the trip spring 7 springs up and is located at the front end of the push rod 12; the moving iron core assembly drives the push rod 12 to move, and the push rod 12 can act on the trip spring 7 or the handle 2; the short-circuit induction coil 15 is arranged horizontally with the trip coil 8 and shares the push rod 12, the stationary iron core 9, and the magnetic yoke 16.

[0040] The moving iron core assembly includes moving iron core one 10 and moving iron core two 11. A momentary spring 14 is located behind the trip coil 8, and its elastic force is configured according to the current specifications. The opening and closing operating mechanism also includes a moving contact spring 19 and a locking spring 20; the locking spring 5 is rotatably installed in the gap of the moving contact 4 and is locked to prevent vertical movement. The opening and closing operating mechanism consists of a handle 2, a large U-shaped component 18, a moving contact 4, a moving contact spring 19, a locking spring 5, a locking spring 20, and a stationary contact plate 21.

[0041] The acquisition control circuit board 17 is used to receive control signals and short-circuit signals, and output voltage to the trip coil 8. After the trip coil 8 is energized, it generates a magnetic field, which drives the moving iron core assembly to overcome the elastic force of the reset spring 13 and attract the stationary iron core 9, thereby pushing the push rod 12 to pop outward.

[0042] In the open position, the handle 2 presses the trip spring 7, placing it below the push rod 12. During the closing process, the handle 2 rotates, the trip spring 7 pops up and moves to the front end of the push rod 12. When closing, the push rod 12 pops out and pushes the handle 2 to move, completing the closing action. When opening, the circuit board sends an opening signal, the push rod 12 pops out and pushes the trip spring 7, which is already at the front end, thereby driving the trip lever 6 to rotate. The tail of the trip lever 6 pushes the opening and closing operation mechanism to unlock, realizing the trip opening.

[0043] The base 1 and the cover constitute the outer shell. The handle 2 is mounted via a rotating shaft, and the handle spring 3 provides the restoring force. The opening and closing operating mechanism includes a moving contact 4, a latch 5, a moving contact spring 19, and a latch spring 20. The moving contact 4 cooperates with the stationary contact plate 21 to realize the opening and closing of the circuit. The latch 5 is installed in a specific empty position of the moving contact 4. After being rotated into place, its vertical position is constrained to prevent shaking.

[0044] The trip lever 6 is rotatably mounted, and the trip spring 7 is mounted on the upper end of the trip lever 6. The trip spring 7 causes the trip lever 6 to tend to bias towards the magnetic yoke 16.

[0045] The electromagnetic drive section includes a trip coil 8, a stationary iron core 9, a moving iron core assembly (composed of moving iron core one 10 and moving iron core two 11), a push rod 12, a return spring 13, and a magnetic yoke 16. The return spring 13 acts on the moving iron core assembly, causing it to tend to separate from the stationary iron core 9. An instantaneous spring 14, selected according to the product's current specifications, is located behind the trip coil 8. A short-circuit induction coil 15 is arranged horizontally adjacent to the trip coil 8 and shares the push rod 12, the stationary iron core 9, and the magnetic yoke 16. A data acquisition and control circuit board 17 is installed in a suitable position inside the mechanism and connected to the trip coil 8 and the short-circuit induction coil 15.

[0046] Closing process: Upon receiving the closing signal (or manual operation handle 2), the acquisition and control circuit board 17 supplies power to the trip coil 8, generating a magnetic field. The moving iron core 10 and moving iron core 2 11 attract the stationary iron core 9, overcoming the force of the return spring 13 and pushing the push rod 12 outward. At this time, if it is a manual closing operation, the handle 2 has already rotated, causing the trip spring 7 to spring up and be located at the front end of the push rod 12. The push rod 12 directly presses against the corresponding part on the handle 2 (or through the intermediate component) to push it to continue rotating, driving the operating mechanism to complete the closing operation. If it is an electric closing operation, the push rod 12 may directly act on the corresponding part of the operating mechanism.

[0047] The tripping process (electric or protective tripping): When the acquisition and control circuit board 17 receives the tripping signal or the short-circuit induction coil 15 detects a short-circuit signal, it supplies power to the trip coil 8, and the push rod 12 pops out. At this time, the trip spring 7 is already at the front end of the push rod 12. The push rod 12 pushes the trip spring 7, causing the trip lever 6 to rotate against the force of the trip spring 7. The tail of the trip lever 6 pushes the latch 5 or other unlocking parts of the tripping and closing operating mechanism, causing the operating mechanism to release and the circuit to open quickly under the action of the contact spring, etc.

[0048] The implementation principle of this utility model is as follows: This utility model discloses a locking device applied to an intelligent circuit breaker, including a locking member 22 movably disposed on the circuit breaker base 1 or cover. The locking member 22 has an unlocked position and a locked position; when in the locked position, the locking member 22 intervenes in the movement path of the latch 5 of the opening and closing mechanism, physically blocking the movement of the latch 5, thereby preventing the circuit breaker from completing closing. This utility model prevents accidental closing caused by remote misoperation or circuit board failure through a purely mechanical means, ensuring safety, reliability, simple operation, low cost, and effectively guaranteeing maintenance safety.

[0049] The embodiments described herein are preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Therefore, all equivalent changes made to the structure, shape, and principle of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A locking device applied to a smart circuit breaker, the smart circuit breaker comprising a base (1), a cover, a handle (2), a closing / opening mechanism, and a tripping lever (6), the closing / opening mechanism comprising a latch (5), wherein rotation of the handle (2) drives the latch (5) to move to achieve closing; characterized in that, The locking device includes a locking member (22), which is movably disposed on the base (1) or the cover and has a locking position to prevent closing and an unlocking position to allow closing. When the locking member (22) is operated to the locking position, the body or extension of the locking member (22) is located on the movement path of the latch (5) to block the movement of the latch (5) during the closing process, thereby physically preventing the circuit breaker from completing the closing.

2. The locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking position is located above the unlocking position, and the locking element (22) can be switched from the unlocking position to the locking position by pulling or flipping it upwards.

3. A locking device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the locking member (22) is in the locked position, its body or extension abuts against the lower end of the latch (5).

4. A locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking element (22) moves in the form of linear sliding, rotation around an axis, or back-and-forth movement.

5. A locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a positioning structure for reliably holding the locking element (22) in the locked position and / or unlocked position; the positioning structure is a ratchet structure, a slot and protrusion engagement structure or an elastic pin structure.

6. A locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a status indicator to show whether the locking device is currently locked or unlocked.

7. A locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an auxiliary switch (23) that is linked to the locking element (22). When the locking element (22) is in the locked position, the auxiliary switch (23) is triggered to send a locking status signal to the acquisition and control circuit board (17) of the circuit breaker.

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