LOCKING MECHANISM FOR CONTROL CENTER

Abstract

A locking mechanism (20) for a control center (100) comprises a locking cover (8) attached to a partition plate (7) that separates a busbar chamber (5) from a functional unit chamber (4) in which a functional unit (1) to be mounted is arranged for the control center.The closure cover (8) has a front projection (9) on its base, which projects forward in a forward direction, wherein the functional unit (1) has a spacer (11) on its base surface and, when the functional unit (1) is inserted into the functional unit chamber (4), the front projection (9) of the closure cover (8) is pressed by the spacer (11) provided on the functional unit (1) such that the closure cover (8) moves in a latching manner to open simultaneously with the insertion of the functional unit, thereby enabling a connection between the busbar (6) and a terminal (2) of the functional unit (1).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a locking mechanism for a control center. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] A distribution board is designed to open and close electrical circuits for loads connected to a distribution circuit and to provide control, protection, monitoring, and the like to these loads. A variety of functional units performing such functions are housed in compartments. Each functional unit is designed to draw power from a busbar within a distribution board enclosure and is provided with a power supply connection. Each functional unit is designed to connect to the busbar within the enclosure when inserted or plugged into the enclosure. A locking mechanism is provided between the functional unit compartment and a busbar compartment to prevent accidental contact with the busbar.

[0003] A conventionally disclosed locking device for a distribution board comprises a cam as a rotating part and a locking retaining rod arranged in its functional unit chamber, and a locking mechanism for opening and closing by plugging together is arranged at the insertion position of a functional unit, thereby eliminating the possibility of contact with a live busbar before and after the functional unit is inserted. QUOTE LIST PATENT DOCUMENT

[0004] Patent document 1: Japanese patent no. 5618806 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0005] However, in the case of a control center specializing in space saving, it is difficult to install the disclosed locking mechanism due to space limitations in the control center.

[0006] The present disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and one objective of the present disclosure is to provide a locking mechanism for a control center which, when a functional unit is inserted and removed, opens and closes a locking device by plugging it together. MEANS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM

[0007] A locking mechanism for a control center according to the present disclosure comprises a locking cover for the control center, which is attached to a partition plate that separates a busbar chamber, in which a busbar is arranged, from a functional unit chamber, in which a functional unit, to be mounted in the control center, is arranged, wherein the locking mechanism for the control center has a structure in which the locking cover has a front projection on its bottom, which projects forward in a forward direction; wherein the functional unit has a spacer on its bottom surface;and wherein, when the functional unit is inserted into the functional unit chamber, the front projection of the locking cover is pressed by the spacer provided on the functional unit so that the locking cover moves in a latching manner to open simultaneously with the insertion of the functional unit, thereby enabling a connection between the busbar and a terminal of the functional unit. IMPACT OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A locking mechanism for a control center according to the present disclosure achieves a locking mechanism for the control center that opens and closes a plug-in locking device when inserting and removing a functional unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [ Fig. 1] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a housing for a control center according to embodiment 1 and enlarged views of a partition plate and a closure cover. [ Fig. 2] Fig. Figure 2 shows a front view illustrating the relationship between the partition plate separating a busbar chamber from a unit chamber and a locking mechanism for the control center according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 3] Fig. Figure 3 shows a front view illustrating the relationship between the partition plate separating the busbar chamber from the unit chamber and the locking mechanism for the control center according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 4] Fig. Figure 4 shows a top view illustrating the relationship between the partition plate separating the busbar chamber from the unit chamber and the locking mechanism for the control center according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 5] Fig. Figure 5 shows a bottom view of a functional unit for the control center according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 6] Fig. Figure 6 shows a cutaway top view in which the functional unit is inserted into the housing for the control center according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 7] Fig. Figure 7 shows a sectional top view in which the functional unit has been inserted into a test position in the housing of the control center according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 8] Fig. Figure 8 shows a sectional top view in which the functional unit has been inserted into a connection position in the housing of the control center according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 9] Fig. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a housing for a control center in a comparative example of embodiment 1 and enlarged views of a partition plate and a closure cover. [ Fig. 10] Fig. Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a functional unit for the control center in the comparative example of embodiment 1. [ Fig. 11] Fig. Figure 11 shows a sectional top view in which the functional unit is inserted into the housing for the control center in the comparative example of embodiment 1. [ Fig. 12] Fig. Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a locking mechanism for a functional unit for a control center according to embodiment 2. [ Fig. 13] Fig. Figure 13 shows a bottom view of the functional unit for the control center according to embodiment 2. [ Fig. 14] Fig. Figure 14 shows a cutaway top view in which the functional unit is inserted into a housing for the control center according to embodiment 2. [ Fig. 15] Fig. Figure 15 shows a sectional top view in which the functional unit has been inserted into the test position in the housing for the control center according to embodiment 2. [ Fig. 16] Fig. Figure 16 shows a cutaway top view in which the functional unit has been inserted into the connection position in the housing for the control center according to embodiment 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS Execution form 1

[0009] One embodiment 1 relates to a locking mechanism for a control center, comprising a locking cover attached to a partition plate that separates a busbar chamber, in which a busbar is arranged, from a functional unit chamber, in which a functional unit to be mounted in the control center is arranged, wherein the locking mechanism for the control center has a structure in which the locking cover has a front projection on its bottom, projecting forward in a direction; wherein the functional unit has a spacer on its bottom surface;and wherein, when the functional unit is inserted into the functional unit chamber, the front projection of the locking cover is pressed by the spacer provided on the functional unit so that the locking cover moves in a latching motion to simultaneously open automatically when the functional unit is inserted, thereby enabling a connection between the busbar and a terminal of the functional unit.

[0010] The locking mechanism for the control center according to embodiment 1 is described below with reference to Fig. 1, which shows a perspective view of a housing for the control center and enlarged views of the partition plate and the closure cover, on Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, each showing a front view illustrating the relationship between the partition plate separating the busbar chamber from the unit chamber and the locking mechanism for the control center, on Fig. 4, which shows a top view illustrating the relationship between the partition plate separating the busbar chamber from the unit chamber and the locking mechanism for the control center, on Fig. 5, which shows a bottom view of the functional unit for the control center, on Fig. 6, which shows a cutaway top view in which the functional unit is inserted into the housing for the control center, on Fig. 7, which shows a cutaway top view in which the functional unit has been inserted into a test position in the housing for the control center, on Fig. 8, which shows a sectional top view in which the functional unit has been inserted into a connecting position, on Fig. Figure 9, which shows a perspective view of a housing for a control center in a comparative example and enlarged views of the partition plate and the closure cover, on Fig. 10, which represents a perspective view of a functional unit for the control center in the comparative example, and on Fig. 11 is described, which shows a cutaway top view in which the functional unit is inserted into the housing for the control center in the comparative example.

[0011] In the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the same description will not be repeated for such parts.

[0012] First, focusing on the configuration of a locking mechanism 20 for a control center according to embodiment 1, the structure of a control center 100 and the structure and feature of a functional unit 1 as the main device are described with reference to the Fig. 1 to 8 will be described.

[0013] The control unit 100 is designed to open and close electrical circuits for loads connected to a low-voltage distribution circuit and to provide control, protection, monitoring, and the like for the load equipment. A plurality of functional units 1 are each housed in compartments of a functional unit chamber 4 for the control unit 100. Each functional unit 1 is designed to receive power supplied from a busbar 6 within the enclosure 3 for the control unit and is provided with a connection 2 for a power supply. Each functional unit 1 is designed to be connected to the busbar 6 in a busbar compartment 5 within the enclosure 3 when inserted into the compartment of the functional unit chamber 4 for the control unit 100.To prevent accidental contact with the busbar 6, the locking mechanism 20 for the control center must be provided between the functional unit chamber 4 and the busbar chamber 5.

[0014] The housing 3 for the control center is referred to as housing 3 and the locking mechanism 20 for the control center is referred to as locking mechanism 20, if applicable.

[0015] The locking mechanism 20 consists of a separating plate 7, a locking cover 8, a spring 12 and a spacer 11.

[0016] First, a relationship is established between the separating plate 7, the locking cover 8, and the spring 12 with reference to the Fig. 1 to 4 will be described.

[0017] Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of the control center 100, which houses nine functional units 1. In Fig. Figure 1 shows an enlarged view of the separating plate 7 in area A, and an enlarged view of the closure cover 8 is shown in area B.

[0018] Relative to the control center panel 100, the lateral direction may be referred to as the X-direction, the depth direction as the Y-direction, and the vertical direction as the Z-direction.

[0019] The partition plate 7 serves to separate the busbar chamber 5, in which the busbar 6 is arranged, from the functional unit chamber 4, into which the functional unit 1 is inserted, for the control center 100. The locking cover 8 is attached to the partition plate 7.

[0020] The locking cover 8 must move laterally when the functional unit 1 is inserted and is therefore not attached to the partition plate 7 by screws or the like. The locking cover 8 has a structure in which a plurality of stop devices 15, provided at the top and bottom of the locking cover 8, are arranged on the partition plate 7 at the top and bottom, thereby attaching the locking cover 8 to the partition plate 7.

[0021] Furthermore, the spring 12 is positioned between the separating plate 7 and the locking cover 8 in such a way that the locking cover 8 is returned to its original position (position where the busbar 6 is hidden) by an elastic force when the functional unit 1 is pulled out of the functional unit chamber 4.

[0022] The locking cover 8 has a front projection 9 at one end on the left or right side (in the X direction). In the present embodiment 1, a case will be described where the front projection 9 is provided at the left end of the locking cover 8 when viewed from the front plate of the functional unit 1.

[0023] The front projection 9 is designed to extend forward from the bottom side of the closure cover 8 in the direction of the front plate of the functional unit 1 along the Y-direction and is positioned so that the front projection 9 can slide under a bottom plate 13 of the functional unit 1 which is inserted into the functional unit chamber 4.

[0024] Furthermore, to provide a feeling of confinement when the functional unit 1 is inserted into or withdrawn from a test position, the front projection 9 is provided with a test position projection section 10. This means that the test position projection section 10 is oriented in a direction such that movement along the insertion and withdrawal direction of the functional unit is hindered.

[0025] A lateral movement in a state where the closure cover 8 is attached to the separating plate 7 is described with reference to the Fig. 2 to 4 will be described.

[0026] Fig. Figure 2 shows a front view where the locking cover 8 is attached to the separating plate 7 and the functional unit 1 has not been inserted, and Fig. Figure 4 shows a top view in such a state. Before the functional unit 1 is inserted into the functional unit chamber 4, the closing cover 8 has not moved laterally, and thus the busbar 6 is not in the busbar chamber 5 as shown in Figure 4. Fig. 2 exposed. Fig. Figure 3 shows a state after the functional unit 1 has been fully inserted and the locking cover 8 has moved laterally. In this case, the busbar opening sections 14 formed in the locking cover 8 and the busbar opening sections 14 formed in the separating plate 7 align. Thus, the busbars 6 in the busbar chamber 5 are exposed, and the terminal 2 attached to the functional unit 1 can be connected to the busbars 6.

[0027] Next, the spacer 11, which is a component of the locking mechanism 20, will be described with reference to Fig. Section 5 describes a lower view of functional unit 1. Area A in Fig. Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of the spacer 11.

[0028] On the base plate 13 of the functional unit 1, the spacer 11 is located on or on the lower side of the base plate 13 as shown in Fig. 5. To avoid the risk of the spacer 11 ceasing to move due to friction when it comes into contact with the front projection 9, the spacer 11 has a flat surface parallel to the front projection 9 and is preferably circular in shape. Furthermore, the spacer 11 is preferably made of a metal, not resin, to prevent damage upon contact with the front projection 9.

[0029] Furthermore, the spacer 11 is rotatable about a circular central shaft of the spacer 11 and does not generate friction with the front projection 9, and thus the functional unit 1 can be inserted and withdrawn more smoothly.

[0030] Next, an operating mode of the locking mechanism 20 for the control center will be described with reference to the Fig. Figures 6 to 8 are described. Spring 12 is not shown in any of the drawings.

[0031] The locking cover 8 prevents energized parts of the busbars 6 from being exposed in the busbar chamber 5 before the functional unit 1 is inserted. The spacer 11, which is attached to the base plate 13 of the functional unit 1, comes into contact with the front projection 9 of the locking cover 8 when the functional unit 1 is inserted into the functional unit chamber 4. Simultaneously, as the functional unit 1 is inserted into the functional unit chamber 4, the front projection 9 of the locking cover 8 is pressed by the spacer 11 so that the locking cover 8 moves laterally in a self-locking motion.

[0032] Each of the Fig. Figures 6 to 8 show a sectional view of functional unit 1 as seen from its upper surface. Fig. Figure 6 shows a state in the position where the spacer 11 touches the front projection 9 of the closure cover 8 when the functional unit 1 is inserted into the functional unit chamber 4. Fig. Figure 7 shows a state where functional unit 1 has been inserted into the test position. Fig. Figure 8 shows a state where the functional unit 1 is further inserted and the terminals 2 of the functional unit 1 are connected to the busbars 6.

[0033] When the functional unit 1 is pulled out of the functional unit chamber 4, the closure cover 8 moves laterally due to the elastic force of the spring 12 attached to one end of the closure cover 8, thus preventing the busbars 6 from being exposed.

[0034] Here, to clarify the feature of the locking mechanism 20 for the control center of embodiment 1, a locking mechanism for a control center is described according to a comparative example with reference to the Fig. 9 to 11 are described. In the Fig. For the purpose of distinguishing it from the control center 100 of embodiment 1, the control center is designated 100R, a functional unit is designated 1R and a closure cover is designated 8R.

[0035] In the comparative example, the assembly is designed such that an inclined projection 25 is provided on the cover 8R for concealing the busbars 6 in the busbar chamber 5. When the functional unit 1R is inserted into the functional unit chamber for the control center 100R, the inclined projection 25 of the cover 8R is pressed against the rear of the functional unit 1R by an outer wall of the terminal 2, causing the cover 8R to move. Furthermore, a spring 12 is positioned at one end of the cover 8R such that the cover 8R returns to its original position when the functional unit 1R is withdrawn.

[0036] Next, the feature of the locking mechanism 20 for the control center will be described.

[0037] In the present embodiment 1, since the locking cover 8 is pressed by the spacer 11, which is attached to the base plate 13 of the functional unit 1, there is no possibility of an internal live part being exposed if the outer wall of the terminal 2 is damaged, and the risk of a ground fault or short circuit is eliminated. Furthermore, no one directly touches the locking cover 8, and the locking cover 8 moves in response to the insertion and removal of the functional unit 1, making it possible to operate the unit without the possibility of a person touching the live part of the busbar 6.

[0038] Furthermore, the test position projection section 10 is provided at the front projection 9 of the closure cover 8, thus providing a feeling of being held or trapped when the functional unit 1 is inserted into or removed from the housing 3. This allows the functional unit 1 to be easily held in the test position. In the comparative example, to hold the functional unit in the test position, a locking mechanism must be provided separately from the closure mechanism to allow a pause in the test position. In embodiment 1, the functional unit can be precisely held in the test position by the closure mechanism alone, and no locking mechanism is required.

[0039] As described above, the locking mechanism for the control center is achieved according to embodiment 1, which opens and closes the interlocking closure when inserting and removing the functional unit. Design 2

[0040] In embodiment 2, two front projections and two spacers are provided.

[0041] A locking mechanism for the control center of embodiment 2 is described with a focus on a difference compared to embodiment 1 with reference to the Fig. 12, which shows a perspective view of the locking mechanism for a functional unit for the control center, on Fig. 13, which shows a bottom view of the functional unit for the control center, and on Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 are described, each showing a cutaway top view in which the functional unit is inserted into a housing for the control center.

[0042] In the configuration diagram for embodiment 2, parts that are the same as or corresponding to those in embodiment 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0043] In embodiment 2, for the purpose of distinguishing it from embodiment 1, a control center is designated 200, a functional unit is designated 1A, a locking mechanism for the control center is designated 20A, a locking cover is designated 8A, front projections are designated 9A, 9B, test position projection sections are designated 10A, 10B and spacers are designated 11A, 11B.

[0044] First, a configuration of the locking mechanism 20A for the control center of embodiment 2 is described with reference to the Fig. 12 and on the Fig. 13 will be described. Section C in Fig. Figure 13 shows an enlarged view of the spacer 11A, 11B.

[0045] In embodiment 2, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, it is constructed such that the front projections 9A, 9B are provided at both ends of the closure cover 8A, and as shown in Fig. 13 is arranged such that the two spacers 11A, 11B are attached to a base plate 13 of the functional unit 1A to press the two front projections 9A, 9B of the closure cover 8A when the functional unit 1A is inserted into the functional unit chamber 4.

[0046] Next, an operating mode of the locking mechanism 20A for the control center 200 of embodiment 2 is described with reference to the Fig. 14 to 16 are described.

[0047] Each of the Fig. Figures 14 to 16 show a sectional view of functional unit 1A as seen from its upper surface. Fig. Figure 14 shows a state in the positions where the spacers 11A, 11B touch or contact the front projections 9A, 9B of the closure cover 8A when the functional unit 1A is inserted into the functional unit chamber 4. Fig. Figure 15 shows a state where the functional unit 1A has been inserted into the test position. Fig. Figure 16 shows a state where the functional unit 1A is further inserted and the terminals 2 of the functional unit 1A are connected to the busbars 6.

[0048] Next, the feature of the locking mechanism 20A for the control center 200 of embodiment 2 will be described.

[0049] In embodiment 1, the front projection 9 of the locking cover 8, which is designed to slide under the base of the functional unit 1, is only provided at one of the left and right ends of the locking cover 8. Thus, if the locking cover 8 moves, an end lacking the front projection 9 could lift up. In embodiment 2, the front projections 9A, 9B of the locking cover 8A, which are designed to slide under the base of the functional unit 1A, are provided at both the left and right ends. Therefore, if the locking cover 8A moves, an end of the locking cover 8A cannot lift up. Although the structure is slightly more complex compared to embodiment 1, the locking cover 8A can be opened and closed more smoothly.

[0050] The configuration is otherwise the same as that of embodiment 1 above. The locking cover 8A is pressed by the spacers 11A, 11B, which are attached to the base plate 13 of the functional unit 1A. Thus, if the outer wall of the terminal 2 is damaged, the internal energized part cannot be exposed, and the risk of a ground fault or short circuit is eliminated. Furthermore, the test position projection sections 10A, 10B on the front projections 9A, 9B of the locking cover 8A are designed to provide a feeling of being trapped when the functional unit 1A is inserted into or withdrawn from the functional unit chamber 4, thus allowing the functional unit 1A to be easily held in the test position.

[0051] As described above, the locking mechanism for the control unit is achieved according to embodiment 2, which opens and closes the interlocking closure when the functional unit is inserted and removed. The locking cover can be opened and closed even more smoothly.

[0052] Although the disclosure above is described in the form of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment in which they are described, but instead can be applied alone or in various combinations to one or more of the embodiments of the disclosure.

[0053] It is therefore understood that numerous modifications, not described as examples, can be devised without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, at least one of the component parts could be modified, added, or eliminated. At least one of the component parts mentioned in at least one of the preferred embodiments could be selected and combined with the component parts mentioned in another preferred embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE MARKS 1, 1A, 1R Functional unit 2 connection 3 housings for control center 4 functional unit chamber 5 busbar chamber 6 busbar 7 Dividing plate 8, 8A, 8R Cover 9, 9A, 9B leading position 10, 10A, 10B Test position protrusion section 11, 11A, 11B Spacers 12 springs 13 Base plate 14 Busbar opening section 15 Stop device 20, 20A Locking mechanism for control center 25 sloping projection 100, 100R, 200 Control Center QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 5618806

[0004]

Claims

[1] Locking mechanism for control center, comprising a locking cover attached to a partition plate separating a busbar chamber, in which a busbar is arranged, from a functional unit chamber, in which a functional unit to be mounted in the control center is arranged, for the control center, wherein the locking mechanism for the control center comprises a structure in which the closure cover has a front projection on its base that extends forward in one direction, the functional unit has a spacer on its base surface, and, When the functional unit is inserted into the functional unit chamber, the front projection of the locking cover is pressed by the spacer provided on the functional unit so that the locking cover moves in a latching manner to open simultaneously with the insertion of the functional unit, thereby enabling a connection between the busbar and a terminal of the functional unit. [2] Locking mechanism for the control unit according to claim 1, wherein the locking cover has two of the front projections on both a left and a right side of the functional unit, and two of the spacers are provided on the bottom surface of the functional unit corresponding to the two front projections. [3] Locking mechanism for the control center according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking mechanism for the control center has a structure in which a test position protrusion section is provided on a side surface of the front protrusion of the closure cover, and, When the functional unit is inserted into or withdrawn from the functional unit chamber, the spacer provided on the functional unit comes into contact with the test position protrusion section provided for the closure cover and is held in a test position. [4] Locking mechanism for the control center according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the locking mechanism for the control center has a structure in which the front projection of the closure cover slides under a base plate of the functional unit and has a surface that comes into contact with the spacer of the functional unit and which has a shape that is inclined relative to the functional unit, and Simultaneously, when the functional unit is inserted directly into the functional unit chamber from the front, the closure cover is moved in a lateral direction perpendicular to the direction in which the functional unit is inserted. [5] Locking mechanism for the control center according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the locking mechanism for the control center has a structure in which an inclined surface of the front projection of the closure cover, which comes into contact with the spacer of the functional unit, continuously touches the spacer until the closure cover has been moved and the busbar has been fully exposed. [6] Locking mechanism for the control center according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the spacer of the functional unit has a flat surface parallel to the front projection and is circular in shape. [7] Locking mechanism for the control center according to claim 3, wherein the test position projection section is a projection provided on the side surface of the front projection of the locking cover in a direction such that movement along an insertion and withdrawal direction of the functional unit is made difficult. [8] Locking mechanism for the control center according to claim 6, wherein the spacer of the functional unit is rotatable about a circular central shaft of the spacer.

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