CN118366803A - Interlocking mechanism for switchgear - Google Patents

Abstract

An interlock mechanism for a switchgear is disclosed. The interlock mechanism includes a plate. The actuator is coupled to the locking unit and the locking unit is laterally movable between a first position a and a second position B. At least one link is in contact with the actuator and is displaceable between a locked position X and an unlocked position Y. The locking ring is coupled with the socket and defines a plurality of protrusions and a flat profile. The baffle is connected to a shaft having a connector, wherein the connector is engageable to the link. The link in the locked position X is adjacent the flat profile and engages the barrier to limit rotation of the barrier and access to the socket.

Description

Interlocking mechanism for switchgear

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a switching device in an electrical power system. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an interlock mechanism for a switchgear. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose selective operation of an interlock mechanism based on the operating position of electrical devices of a switchgear, such as a main distribution bus or bar, a disconnector assembly, a fuse, a loadbreak switch, and a circuit breaker.

Background

Electrical switching apparatus are used in power distribution systems to distribute power and selectively isolate electrical loads. Conventionally, switchgear is produced in many forms. Typically, switchgear includes a combination of electrical components such as a main distribution bus or bar, a disconnector assembly, a fuse, a loadbreak switch, and a circuit breaker. The switchgear is located where distribution, isolation and/or protection is required. These sites may include, for example, generators, factories, motors, transformers, and substations.

Typically, in an electrical switching apparatus, the opening of a circuit breaker is performed by an interlock assembly. An interlock assembly is an arrangement that can be operated to switch an electrical assembly between an on position, an off position, and a ground position. Further, the circuit breaker is operated or switched to the ground position at any maintenance or repair work on the switchgear. When the circuit breaker is in the grounded position, the switching device is rendered safe for any maintenance work. Incorrect operation of the circuit breaker into the on position or the off position during the maintenance process of the switchgear may lead to an electric shock to the operator. Further, it may also lead to internal arc faults, which may destroy the complete switching equipment, connected lines and load equipment, which is undesirable.

The present disclosure is directed to overcoming one or more of the limitations set forth above. The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and is not to be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art that is known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Disclosure of Invention

One or more of the shortcomings of conventional devices, systems, and methods are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the devices, systems, and methods claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, an interlock mechanism for a switchgear is disclosed. The interlock mechanism includes at least one base plate mounted to the switching device. The actuator is coupled to a locking unit, wherein the locking unit is mounted to the at least one base plate. The actuator is laterally movable between a first position and a second position upon actuation of the locking unit. At least one link is mounted on the at least one base plate, wherein one end of the at least one link is in contact with the actuator and is selectively displaced by the actuator between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking ring is coupled with the socket, and the socket is rotatably coupled to the at least one base plate. The locking ring defines a plurality of protrusions and a flat profile. A portion of the at least one link is selectively engaged with one of the plurality of protrusions and the baffle is connected to an axle defined on the at least one base plate. The shaft includes a connector engageable to the link. The link in the locked position is adjacent the flat profile of the locking ring and engages the barrier to limit rotation of the barrier and limit access to the socket.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking unit is operated by a key that is laterally movable between a first state and a second state.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a key that moves laterally to a first state operates an actuator to a first position, and a key that moves laterally to a second state operates an actuator to a second position.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a bracket is mounted to the at least one base plate, wherein the bracket movably receives the at least one link.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one link comprises a first link, wherein a proximal end of the first link is coupled to the actuator. A second link is provided, wherein a distal end of the second link defines a slot to receive and engage the connector, and a proximal end of the second link is coupled to the first link.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the interlock mechanism includes an arm extending from the at least one link, wherein the arm engages one of the plurality of protrusions of the locking ring.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, one end of the shaft is rotatably coupled to the at least one base plate, and a distal end of the shaft is coupled to the baffle.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the shaft is positioned adjacent to the socket and extends in a direction parallel to the socket.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the connector is coupled laterally to the shaft and the connector selectively engages the slot to define a locked position of the at least one link.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a switching device is disclosed. The switching device comprises at least one electrical device [ hereinafter electrical device ] switchable between an on position, an off position and a ground position. The interlock mechanism is coupled to the electrical device and includes at least one base plate mounted to the switching device. An actuator is coupled to the lock and a locking unit is mounted to the at least one base plate, and the actuator is laterally movable between a first position and a second position B based on actuation of the locking unit. At least one link is mounted on the at least one base plate, wherein one end of the at least one link is in contact with the actuator and is selectively displaced by the actuator between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking ring is coupled with a socket, wherein the socket is rotatably coupled to the at least one base plate to operate the electrical device to one of an on position, an off position, and a ground position. The locking ring defines a plurality of protrusions and a flat profile. A portion of the at least one link is selectively engaged with one of the plurality of protrusions and the baffle is connected to an axle defined on the at least one base plate. The shaft includes a connector engageable to the link. The link in the locked position is adjacent the flat profile of the locking ring and engages the barrier to limit rotation of the barrier and limit access to the socket.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

Drawings

The novel features and characteristics of the present disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which like reference symbols indicate like elements, and in which:

fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a switching device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an interlock assembly in a switchgear when the electrical device is in an open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of the interlock assembly when the actuator is in the second position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 illustrates a side view of the interlock assembly when the actuator is in the first position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 illustrates a front view of the interlock assembly when the electrical device is in the open position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an interlock assembly when an electrical device is in a grounded position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 illustrates a front view of an interlock assembly when an electrical device is in a grounded position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an interlock assembly when an electrical device is in an on position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 illustrates a front view of the interlock assembly when the electrical device is in the on position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the thermal conductivity detector apparatus illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the present disclosure described herein.

Detailed Description

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other systems for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the disclosure to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms "comprising," "including," or any other variation thereof, as used in this disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device and system includes a list of elements. The list of components includes not only those components, but also other components not explicitly listed or inherent to such a device or system. In other words, without further constraints, a device or one or more elements of a system by "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to fig. 1 to 9. In the drawings, identical elements or elements having similar functions are denoted by identical reference numerals. For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. However, it will be understood that the scope of the disclosure is not intended to be limited, and that such alterations and other modifications in the illustrated method, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein, are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit applications and uses. Further, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the summary or the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the present disclosure may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and elements illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although specific terms pointing in specific directions will be used, these terms or words are used only for convenience in understanding the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Therefore, it should be noted that the meanings of these terms or words should not unduly limit the technical scope of the present disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular devices, methods, applications, states or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. In this document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or implementation of the subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

In an embodiment, the term "electrical safety device" may be a portion housed within switchgear 200 (including but not limited to a main distribution bus or busbar, a disconnector assembly, a fuse, a loadbreak switch, and a circuit breaker).

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of a switching device 200 is disclosed. The switching device 200 may be defined by the body 134, and the body 134 may include at least one electrical device [ hereinafter referred to as an electrical device ], which may be switched between an on position, an off position, and a ground position. The switching device 200 may also include one or more protection devices, one or more metering devices, and the like. The body 134 may be made of a metallic material such as, but not limited to, steel alloys, and metal composites. In some embodiments, the body 134 may be made of a composite material, such as, but not limited to, a polymer composite material. The body 134 of the switching device 200 may also house at least one interlock mechanism 100 (hereinafter referred to as an interlock mechanism). The interlock mechanism 100 is coupled to an electrical device. The interlock mechanism 100 may be operable to switch the electrical device between an on position, an off position, and a ground position.

The interlock mechanism 100 may include a socket 110, which socket 110 may be configured to receive a tool (not shown in the figures) for operating the interlock mechanism 100. Further, the interlock mechanism 100 may be selectively operated based on the operating state of the electrical device. That is, the operation of the interlock mechanism 100 may be restricted when the electrical device is in the ground position, and the operation of the interlock mechanism 100 may be permitted when the electrical device is in the on position and the off position. The configuration of the interlock mechanism 100 and the selective operation of the interlock mechanism 100 are described below.

Referring to fig. 2 to 4. The interlock mechanism 100 may include at least one base plate 124 (hereinafter base plate). The base plate 124 may be fixedly coupled to the body 134 of the switchgear 200 by any means including, but not limited to, fasteners. The interlock mechanism 100 may further include a bracket 114. The bracket 114 may be fixedly mounted to the base plate 124 by any means including, but not limited to, fasteners. The bracket 114 may include a section fixedly coupled to the base plate 124, and the bracket 114 may also include a section extending vertically from the base plate 124. Further, a plurality of cutouts 128 (hereinafter referred to as cutouts) may be defined on a section of the bracket 114 extending vertically from the bottom plate 124. The interlock mechanism 100 may include an actuator 102, the actuator 102 being coupled to a locking unit 104. The locking unit 104 may be fixedly mounted to the base plate 124 by brackets 114. Further, the locking unit 104 may be mounted to a section of the bracket 114 extending parallel to the bottom plate 124, and the same section may be configured at a predetermined position away from the bottom plate 124. The locking unit 104 may include a key 104a. The key 104a of the locking unit 104 is operable between a first state and a second state. When the locking unit 104 operates between the first and second states, respectively, the actuator 102 coupled to the locking unit 104 may move laterally between the first and second positions "a" and "B". When the key 104a in the locking unit 104 is rotated or operated to the first state, the actuator 102 is laterally moved to the first position "a", as seen from fig. 4. The actuator 102 in the first position "a" may protrude outward and may extend away from the locking unit 104. When the key 104a in the locking unit 104 is rotated or operated to the second state, the actuator 102 is laterally moved to the second position "B", as seen from fig. 3. The actuator 102 in the second position "B" may also protrude outwardly and may be positioned adjacent to the locking unit 104. The height or distance that the actuator 102 protrudes outward from the locking unit 104 may be smaller in the second position "B" of the actuator 102 than in the first position of the actuator 102.

The interlock mechanism 100 may further include at least one linkage 106. In the preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the link 106 may be divided into a first link 106a and a second link 106b, and this is not necessarily to be construed as limiting. The linkage 106 may be a single integral unit. The first link 106a may be coupled to the base plate 124 by a bracket 114. The first link 106a may define openings having a profile similar to the profile of the cutouts 128 in the bracket 114. The first link 106a may further be coupled to the bracket 114 by any known means, including but not limited to a nut and bolt assembly 130. The opening of the first link 106a and the cutout 128 of the bracket 114 may be interconnected together by a nut and bolt assembly 130. The cutout 128 in the bracket 114 and the opening of the first link 106a define a profile that enables the first link 106a to slide or move vertically relative to the fixed bracket 114. The first link 106a may be defined by a proximal end 106ap and a distal end 106 ad. The proximal end 106ap of the first link 106a may be configured to contact the actuator 102. Specifically, the proximal end 106ap of the first link 106a may be in contact with the tip of the actuator 102. Thus, laterally moving the actuator 102 to the first position "a" by the key 104a may cause the actuator 102 to travel upward (as seen in fig. 4) and may also push the first link 106a upward. When the actuator 102 is operated to the first position "a", the first link 106a may slide along the cutout 128 and may move upward. Further, lateral movement of the actuator 102 to the second position "B" by the key 104a may result in downward travel of the actuator 102 (as seen in fig. 3). Thus, the first link 106a may fall or may travel down the bracket 114. When the actuator 102 is operated to the second position "B", the first link 106a may slide along the cutout 128 and may move downward. The interlock mechanism 100 may also include a biasing member 132. The biasing member 132 may be coupled to the nut and bolt assembly 130 at one end, and an opposite end of the biasing member 132 may be coupled to the bracket 114. Specifically, as seen in fig. 3 and 4, the opposite end of the biasing member 132 may be coupled to a section of the bracket 114 that is parallel to a section of the bracket 114 that is in contact with the actuator 102. The biasing member 132 may provide a biasing force for laterally moving the first link 106a between the first position "a" and the second position "B". In an embodiment, the biasing member 132 may provide a retraction force for laterally moving the first link 106a from the first position "a" to the second position "B". In the preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the first link 106a may define an arm 116. The arm 116 may extend laterally from the first link 106a and may extend in a direction away from the bracket 114 or toward the locking unit 104. Specifically, the arm 116 may be defined to extend from an area near the distal end 106ad of the first link 106. Further, the configuration of the arm 116 need not be considered limiting, and the arm 116 may also be configured to extend from the second link 106 b.

The distal end 106ad of the first link 106a may be coupled to the second link 106b. The second link 106b may also be defined by a proximal end 106bp and a distal end 106 bd. The proximal end 106bp of the second link 106b may be coupled to the distal end 106ad of the first link 106 a. Further, the distal end 106bd of the second link 106b may be defined by a slot 122. Since the second link 106b is fixedly coupled to the first link 106a, the second link 106b and the first link 106a may move as a single unit. Laterally moving the actuator 102 to the first position "a" by the key 104a may cause the actuator 102 to travel downward (as seen in fig. 4). Thus, the first link 106a and the second link 106b are also pushed upward, as seen from fig. 4 and 6. Further, lateral movement of the actuator 102 to the second position "B" by the key 104a may result in downward travel of the actuator 102 (as seen in fig. 3). Thus, the first link 106a and the second link 106b are also pushed downward, as seen from fig. 3 and 2.

In an embodiment, the interlock mechanism 100 may include a shaft 118, the shaft 118 being rotatable and coupled to a base plate 124. One end of the shaft 118 is coupled to a base plate 124. Further, the baffle 112 may be configured to an opposite end of the shaft 118. The baffle 112 may be an elongated member that extends parallel to the floor 124. The flap 112 may be operated by an operator. The flapper 112 may rotate in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The baffle 112 may be rotated by rotation of the shaft 118. Further, the shaft 118 may be configured to be located below the distal end 106bd of the second link 106 b. Specifically, the shaft 118 may be configured to be positioned below the slot 122 at the distal end 106bd of the second link 106 b. The shaft 118 may further include a connector 120. The connector 120 may be fixedly coupled to the shaft 118, and the connector 120 may define a "U" shaped profile. The connector 120 may be configured to engage with a slot 122 at the distal end 106bd of the second link 106 b.

The interlock mechanism 100 may include a socket 110. Socket 110 may be rotatable and socket 110 may be coupled to base plate 124. Socket 110 may be coupled to an electrical device. In this preferred and non-limiting embodiment, socket 110 can be rotated to three different positions by a tool. The tool may be inserted into socket 110 and socket 110 may be rotated in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. Rotation of socket 110 may cause the electrical device to operate between an on position, an off position, and a ground position. Socket 110 may be configured to base plate 124 at a location adjacent first link 106a and arm 116 extending from first link 106 a. Socket 110 may be adjacent to an arm 116 extending from first link 106 a. Further, socket 110 may be positioned along the same plane or the same vertical axis as shaft 118. Socket 110 may be configured to be located directly above shaft 118. The length of socket 110 may be configured to be equal to or slightly less than the length of shaft 118. Further, the baffle 112 may be configured to partially or completely enclose the opening of the socket 110 for limiting insertion of a tool into the socket 110.

As seen in fig. 5, the interlock mechanism 100 may further include a locking ring 108. The locking ring 108 may be defined by a plurality of protrusions (108 a, 108 b). Specifically, the locking ring 108 may be defined by a first protrusion 108a and a second protrusion 108 b. The locking ring 108 may also be defined by a flat profile 108 c. The first protrusion 108a, the second protrusion 108b, and the flat profile 108c may be defined along a circumferential region of the locking ring 108. Further, the locking ring 108 may be fixedly coupled to the socket 110. Locking ring 108 may be coupled to socket 110 at the area where socket 110 is coupled to base plate 124. The locking ring 108 may be coupled to the end of the socket 110 coupled to the bottom plate 124. The locking ring 108 may be configured to rotate with the socket 110. The locking ring 108 may be configured such that the first protrusion 108a, the second protrusion 108b, and the flat profile 108c engage with the arm 116 from the first link 106.

Further, moving the actuator 102 laterally to the first position "a" by the key 104a may cause the actuator 102 to travel upward (as seen in fig. 4). Thus, as seen in fig. 4 and 6, the first link 106a and the second link 106b are also pushed upward. Upward movement of the first and second links 106a, 106b causes the slot 122 in the second link 106b to engage the connector 120 of the shaft 118. Thus, rotation of the shaft 118 is prevented, and movement of the barrier 112 coupled to the shaft 118 is also restricted. The above state in which the second link 106b is engaged with the connector 120 and the state in which the rotation of the shutter 112 is restricted may be defined as the lock position (X) of the link 106. Further, lateral movement of the actuator 102 to the second position "B" by the key 104a may result in downward travel of the actuator 102 (as seen in fig. 3). Thus, the first link 106a and the second link 106b are also pushed downward, as seen from fig. 3 and 2. The downward movement of the first and second links 106a, 106b causes the slot 122 in the second link 106b to disengage from the connector 120 of the shaft 118. Thus, rotation of the shaft 118 is achieved. The shaft 118 may be laterally movable in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Thus, movement of the stop 112 coupled to the shaft 118 is allowed and tool access to the socket 110 is achieved. The above state in which the second link 106b is disengaged from the connector 120 and the state in which the shutter 112 is allowed to rotate may be defined as the unlocked position (Y) of the link 106.

The operation of the interlock mechanism 100 is explained in more detail below. The electrical device may initially be in an open position. The second protrusion 108b of the locking ring 108 may be configured to engage with the arm 116 of the first link 106a when the electrical device is in the open position, as seen from fig. 2 and 5. In the electrical device off position, the key 104a is in the second state, and the actuator 102 may be in the second position "B". The actuator 102 in the second position "B" remains depressed or laterally moved to a reduced height position relative to the locking unit 104. Accordingly, the first link 106a and the second link 106b also move laterally downward such that the slot 122 of the second link 106b is disengaged from the connector 120. In this scenario, the linkage 106 may be in the unlocked position "Y". Thus, the shaft 118 is allowed to rotate, and the baffle 112 is also allowed to rotate in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Further, since the rotation of the key 104a from the second state to the first state is restricted by the arm 116, the key 104a of the lock unit 104 remains stuck in the lock unit 104. Specifically, the arms 116 of the first link 106a engage the second protrusions 108b of the locking ring 108. Thus, if the operator tries to rotate the key 104a from the second state to the first state, the arm 116 of the first link 106a collides with the second protrusion 108b, and the upward movement of the first link 106a is prevented. Thus, upward movement of the proximal end 106ap of the first link 106a is also prevented. Thus, the actuator 102 coupled to the locking unit 104 is also blocked from moving upward by the proximal end 106ap of the first link 106 a. Thus, when movement of the actuator 102 is blocked by the proximal end 106ap of the first link 106a, rotation of the key 104a from the second position to the first position is limited. Thus, the key 104a remains fully jammed in the locking unit 104, and the key 104a cannot be fully rotated or laterally moved to the first state.

Further, if the operator wants to operate the electrical equipment in the ground position, the operator can rotate the flapper 112 to either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Subsequently, a tool may be inserted into socket 110, and socket 110 may be rotated in a counter-clockwise direction. When socket 110 rotates in a counterclockwise direction, the electrical device is switched to a ground position and all of the charge in the electrical device is depleted. Further, as seen in fig. 6 and 7, rotation of socket 110 in a counterclockwise direction also causes locking ring 108 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. The locking ring 108 rotates with the socket 110 such that the flat profile 108c of the locking ring 108 is adjacent to the arm 116 of the first link 106 a. Since the flat profile 108c of the locking ring 108 does not include any protrusions, the locking ring 108 does not engage the arms 116 and there is no contact between the locking ring 108 and the arms 116 of the first link 106 a. In this particular scenario, the first link 106a and the second link 106b are allowed to move laterally upward or downward relative to the connector 120 because there is no constraint between the locking ring 108 and the arm 116 of the first link 106 a. The user may further rotate the key 104a from the second state to the first state. Thus, the actuator 102 travels from the second position "B" to the first position "a", as seen in fig. 6. When the actuator 102 travels to the first position "a", the height of the actuator 102 relative to the locking unit 104 increases. Upward movement of the actuator 102 may cause the proximal end 106ap of the first link 106a to be pushed upward. Thus, the first link 106a and the second link 106b also move laterally upward relative to the connector 120. As the second link 106b travels upward toward the socket 110, the slot 122 of the second link 106b engages the connector 120. This connection between the slot 122 of the second link 106b and the connector 120 locks the shaft 118 and prevents the shaft 118 from rotating in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The above scenario further defines a locked position "X" of the linkage 106, wherein the rotation of the shaft 118 is limited. Since the rotation of the shaft 118 is prevented, the rotation of the shutter 112 coupled to the shaft 118 is also prevented. Thus, the baffle 112 is located at the opening of the socket 110, and the baffle 112 physically prevents insertion of a tool into the socket 110. Thus, rotation of socket 110 is prevented, and erroneous switching of the electrical device from the ground position to the on position or the off position is also prevented. Further, when the key 104a is rotated to the second state, the operator may remove the key 104a from the locking unit 104. The key 104a may be rotated completely to the second position and, as a result of the rotation being completed, the key 104a may be removed from the locking unit 104. Once the key 104a is removed from the locking unit 104, the actuator 102 remains in the first position "a" and the slot 122 of the second link 106b remains engaged with the connector 120. Thus, rotation of the shaft 118 remains limited and rotation of the baffle 112 is also prevented. Thus, an operator cannot erroneously rotate the barrier 112 to access or rotate the socket 110 and erroneously switch the electrical device from the grounded position to the on or off position. Thus, when the circuit breaker is in the grounded position, the switchgear 200 is rendered safe for any maintenance work. The above-described interlock mechanism 100 prevents the electrical device from being erroneously operated to the on position or the off position during the maintenance process of 200. Further, internal arc faults that may destroy the entire switchgear 200, connected lines and load devices are also prevented.

Once the maintenance work on the switchgear 200 is finished, the operator can switch the electrical device from the grounded state to the on state. The operator may insert the key 104a into the locking unit 104 and the key 104a may be rotated from the second state to the first state. As seen in fig. 8 and 9, rotation of the key 104a from the first state to the second state may cause the actuator 102 to move laterally from the first position "a" to the second position "B". As the actuator 102 is pushed downward, the proximal end 106ap of the first link 106a also descends downward. Accordingly, the second link 106b also moves downward, and the slot 122 of the second link 106 is disengaged from the connector 120. Thus, rotation of the shaft 118 is allowed, and rotation of the flapper 112 in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction is allowed. The stop 112 may now be rotated by an operator to allow access to the socket 110. The operator may further insert the tool into socket 110 and the operator may rotate the tool in a clockwise direction. Rotation of the shaft 118 in a clockwise direction may initially cause the electrical device to switch to an off position. Further, rotation of socket 110 in a clockwise direction may cause the electrical device to switch to an on position. When socket 110 rotates in a clockwise direction, locking ring 108 also rotates in a clockwise direction. The locking ring 108 may initially be rotated such that the second protrusion 108b engages the arm 116. Further rotation of socket 110 in a clockwise direction to switch the electrical device to the on position may cause locking ring 108 to rotate such that first protrusion 108a of locking ring 108 engages arm 116 of first link 106 a. Engagement of the arm 116 with the first protrusion 108a captures the key 104a within the locking unit 104. Since the rotation of the key 104a from the second state to the first state is restricted by the arm 116, the key 104a of the lock unit 104 remains stuck in the lock unit 104. Specifically, the arm 116 of the first link 106a engages the first protrusion 108a of the locking ring 108. Thus, if the operator tries to rotate the key 104a from the second state to the first state, the arm 116 of the first link 106a collides with the first protrusion 108a, and the upward movement of the first link 106b is prevented. Thus, upward movement of the proximal end 106ap of the first link 106a is also prevented. Thus, the actuator 102 coupled to the locking unit 104 is also prevented from moving upward by the proximal end 106ap of the first link 106 a. Thus, when movement of the actuator 102 is blocked by the proximal end 106ap of the first link 106a, rotation of the key 104a from the second position to the first position is limited. thus, the key 104a remains fully jammed in the locking unit 104, and the key 102a cannot be fully rotated or laterally moved to the first state. The above interlock mechanism 100 ensures that the key 104a remains stuck in the locking unit 104 when the electrical device is in the on or off position. The key 104a may be removed only when the electrical device is moved laterally to the ground position. In an embodiment, the configuration of the locking ring 108 may be changed such that the key 104a may remain stuck in either of two positions of the electrical device, without being limited to the on position and the off position of the electrical device. In an embodiment, the configuration of the locking ring 108 may be changed such that the key 104a may be removed in any one of the positions of the electrical device, including but not limited to a ground position of the electrical device.

In an embodiment, the interlock mechanism 100 disclosed above provides a configuration for performing maintenance or repair work on the switchgear 200 in a safe manner. The interlock mechanism 100 prevents erroneous operation of the socket 110 by limiting access to the socket 110 when the electrical device is in the grounded position, and by being able to remove the key 104a from the locking unit 104 when the electrical device is in the grounded position.

Equivalents:

relative to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. For clarity, various singular/plural arrangements may be explicitly stated herein.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms, such as the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "comprising" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," etc. Those skilled in the art will further understand that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one", and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an") are typically interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"; as does the use of definite articles for introducing the recitation of the claims. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number, and the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations. Further, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B and C, etc." is used, such a construction would typically be intended in the sense one skilled in the art would understand the convention, for example "a system having at least one of A, B and C" would include, but not be limited to, a system having a alone, B alone, C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B and C together, etc. In these examples, where a convention similar to "at least one of A, B or C, etc." is used, such a construction would typically be intended in the sense one skilled in the art would understand the convention, for example "a system having at least one of A, B or C" would include, but not be limited to, a system having a alone, B alone, C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B and C together, etc. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one, either, or both of the terms. For example, the phrase "a or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "a" or "B" or "a and B". While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.

Reference numerals

Claims (10)

1. An interlock mechanism (100) for a switching device (200), the interlock mechanism (100) comprising:

at least one base plate (124) mounted to the switching device (200);

An actuator (102) coupled to the locking unit (104),

Wherein the locking unit (104) is mounted to the at least one base plate (124), and

Wherein the actuator (102) is laterally movable between a first position (a) and a second position (B) upon actuation of the locking unit (104);

at least one link (106) mounted to the at least one base plate (124), wherein one end of the at least one link (106) is in contact with the actuator (102) and is selectively displaced by the actuator (102) between a locked position (X) and an unlocked position (Y);

a locking ring (108) coupled to the socket (110),

Wherein the socket (110) is rotatably coupled to the at least one base plate (124), and

Wherein the locking ring (108) defines a plurality of protrusions (108 a, 108 b) and a flat profile (108 c), and a portion of the at least one link (106) is selectively engaged with one of the plurality of protrusions (108 a, 108 b); and a baffle (112) connected to a shaft (118), the shaft (118) being defined on the at least one base plate (124), the shaft (118) comprising a connector (120) engageable to the link (106);

Wherein the link (106) in the locked position (X) is adjacent the flat profile (108 c) of the locking ring (108), engaging the stop (112) to limit rotation of the stop (112) and limit access to the socket (110).

2. The interlock mechanism (100) of claim 1 wherein the locking unit (104) is operated by a key (104 a), the key (104 a) being laterally movable between a first state and a second state.

3. The interlock mechanism (100) of claim 2 wherein the key (104 a) moving laterally to the first state operates the actuator (102) to the first position (a) and the key (102 a) moving laterally to the second state operates the actuator (102) to the second position (B).

4. The interlock mechanism (100) of claim 1, comprising: -a bracket (114) mounted to the at least one base plate (124), wherein the bracket (114) movably accommodates the at least one link (106).

5. The interlock mechanism (100) of claim 1 wherein the at least one link (106) comprises:

A first link (106 a), wherein a proximal end (106 ap) of the first link (106 a) is coupled to the actuator (102);

A second link (106 b), wherein a distal end (106 bd) of the second link (106 b) defines a slot (122) to receive and engage the connector (120), and a proximal end (106 bp) of the second link (106 b) is coupled to the first link (106 a).

6. The interlock mechanism (100) of claim 1 further comprising: an arm (116) extending from the at least one link (106), wherein the arm (116) engages one of the plurality of protrusions (108 a, 108 b) of the locking ring (108).

7. The interlock mechanism (100) of claim 1 wherein one end of the shaft (118) is rotatably coupled to the at least one base plate (124) and the opposite end of the shaft (118) is coupled to the baffle (112).

8. The interlock mechanism (100) of claim 1 wherein said shaft (118) is positioned adjacent said socket (110) and extends in a direction parallel to said socket (110).

9. The interlock mechanism (100) of claim 1 wherein the connector (120) is laterally coupled to the shaft (118) and the connector (120) is selectively engaged with the slot (122) to define the locked position (X) of the at least one link (106).

10. A switching device (200), comprising:

at least one electrical device switchable between an on position, an off position, and a ground position;

an interlock mechanism (100) coupled to the at least one electrical device, the interlock mechanism (100) comprising:

at least one base plate (124) mounted to the switching device (200);

an actuator (102) coupled to the locking unit (104);

Wherein the locking unit (104) is mounted to the at least one base plate (124) and the actuator (102) is laterally movable between a first position (a) and a second position (B) thereof upon actuation of the locking unit (104);

At least one link (106) mounted to the at least one base plate (124), wherein an end of the at least one link (106) is in contact with the actuator (102) and is selectively displaced by the actuator (102) between a locked position (X) and an unlocked position (Y);

a locking ring (108) coupled to the socket (110),

Wherein the socket (110) is rotatably coupled to the at least one base plate (124) to operate the at least one electrical device to one of the on position, the off position, and the ground position; and

Wherein the locking ring (108) defines a plurality of protrusions (108 a, 108 b) and a flat profile (108 c), and a portion of the at least one link (106) is selectively engaged with one of the plurality of protrusions (108 a, 108 b); and

A baffle (112) connected to a shaft (118) defined on the at least one base plate (124), the shaft (118) including a connector (120) engageable to the link (106);

Wherein the link (106) in the locked position (X) is adjacent the flat profile (108 c) of the locking ring (108), engaging the barrier (112) to limit the rotation of the barrier (112) and limit access to the socket (110).