CN216980424U

CN216980424U - Locking device for preventing protection unit from being grounded and protection unit

Info

Publication number: CN216980424U
Application number: CN202121799124.2U
Authority: CN
Inventors: D.维诺; D.米兰; F.科勒斯
Original assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
Current assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
Priority date: 2020-08-10
Filing date: 2021-08-03
Publication date: 2022-07-15
Anticipated expiration: 2031-08-03
Also published as: FR3113335B1; FR3113335A1

Abstract

The utility model relates to a locking device (10) for preventing the earthing of a protection unit, said locking device (10) comprising a housing (12), said housing (12) being controlled by the presence of energy on an electric line, said locking device (10) being alternately in: a locking position in which grounding cannot be performed, and an unlocking position in which grounding can be performed, the locking device (10) comprising a deactivation device (20), the deactivation device (20) being configured to move the housing (12) to activate or deactivate the locking device (10). The utility model also relates to a protection unit.

Description

Locking device for preventing protection unit from being grounded and protection unit

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a locking device intended to prevent the grounding of a protection unit when there is energy on the electric line.

Background

The distribution station, in particular a medium or high voltage station, comprises one or more protection units.

The protection unit may implement two components: the switching unit, for example, a switch that establishes or cuts off a flow of current and a disconnector that allows a wire of the distribution substation to be connected to the ground. A disconnector is a protection for an operator, for example when maintenance of the distribution substation is required.

The two members may be controlled by a spring, roller or cam type control mechanism.

The switch can be operated either manually using a detachable lever or in a motorized manner using an electric motor. Also, the earthing disconnector may be manually operated using the same lever or a dedicated lever.

Locking devices are known which aim to prevent earthing when there is a medium or high voltage on the electric line.

However, in some cases, these locking devices also prevent grounding in the event of a power failure of the electrical line or a failure of the protection unit. However, this is not necessary in view of the absence of energy or voltage on the wires.

In this case, it would be advantageous, or even necessary, for the operator to be able to ground the protection unit after checking that there is no energy on the wire to be able to perform operation and maintenance procedures.

To this end, document EP2367190 proposes a locking device comprising a lock that can be actuated by an operator in order to deactivate the locking device in order to allow the protection unit to be grounded in situations such as those previously described.

Although satisfactory, such locking devices require a considerable volume, a large number of mechanical parts and the use of relatively complex locks.

The present invention aims to solve this technical problem by proposing a locking device which is simple in design, has a reduced volume and can be produced using a small number of parts, while allowing the operator to deactivate the locking device when necessary.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The present invention improves this situation.

A locking device for preventing grounding of a protection unit is proposed, the locking device comprising a housing controlled by the presence of electrical energy on an electrical line, the locking device alternately being in a locked position in which grounding cannot be performed and an unlocked position in which grounding can be performed, wherein the locking device comprises a deactivation device configured to move the housing in order to activate or deactivate the locking device.

According to one embodiment, the housing comprises a magnetic element and a movable element connected to the magnetic element, the movable element being configured to be controlled by the presence of energy on the electric wire to alternately be:

a retracted position when there is no energy on the cord, an

Extended position when energy is present on the wire.

According to another embodiment, the magnetic element is an undervoltage coil, such that the magnetic element is powered when no energy is detected on the wire and not powered when energy is detected on the wire.

According to another embodiment, the movable element in the extended position is configured to prevent the protection unit from being grounded.

According to another embodiment, the movable element is configured to cooperate with a shutter mounted to be movable with respect to a frame supporting the locking means.

According to another embodiment, the shutter is connected to a blocking element based on an interdependent movement, the blocking element being configured to release or block an opening into which an operating tool can be inserted by an operator to perform the grounding.

According to another embodiment, the deactivation device comprises an actuation element configured to displace the housing.

According to another embodiment, the actuation element is configured to be alternately displaced between:

a first position in which the locking means are activated and allow grounding to be prevented in the locked position, an

A second position in which the locking means is deactivated and in which the locking position is not allowed to prevent earthing.

According to another embodiment, the movable element in the extended position is unable to prevent grounding of the protection unit when the actuating element is displaced to the second position.

According to another embodiment, the actuating element comprises a portion forming a cam that works by radial transmission, so that the rotation of the cam (22) exerts an axial force on the housing.

According to another embodiment, the cam is disposed in a recess fixed to the housing.

A control mechanism comprising a locking device according to the utility model is also proposed.

A protection unit comprising a control mechanism according to the utility model is also proposed.

Due to these provisions, the locking means can be easily deactivated by deliberate action, if necessary, using standard tools, in particular by moving the actuating element.

Drawings

Other features, details, and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and analyzing the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the control mechanism of the protection unit according to the utility model.

Fig. 2 shows a detail II of the locking device of the control mechanism of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows an exploded schematic view of the locking device of fig. 2.

Fig. 4 shows a side view of the locking device of fig. 2 and 3.

Fig. 5A shows a front view of the locking device in the locked position with the shutter.

Fig. 5B shows a front view of the locking device in the unlocked position with the shutter.

Fig. 6A shows a schematic front view of the locking means and the deactivation means when the locking means is activated.

FIG. 6B shows a schematic front view of the locking device and deactivation device when the locking device is deactivated.

Detailed Description

The figures and the description below for the most part contain elements with some characteristics. They will therefore not only facilitate a better understanding of the utility model, but will also facilitate its proper definition.

Fig. 1 shows a control mechanism 1 of a protection unit according to the present disclosure.

The protection unit forms part of the distribution substation and may be selected, for example, from a switch or a circuit breaker. However, other types of protection units comprising a grounded disconnector are also possible.

The protection unit is configured to be disposed on a medium or high voltage line.

In the following, the terms "medium voltage" and "high voltage" are used in their standard usage, i.e. the term "medium voltage" refers to voltages greater than 1000 volts ac and 1500 volts dc but not exceeding 52000 volts ac and 75000 volts dc, while the term "high voltage" refers to voltages strictly greater than 52000 volts ac and 75000 volts dc.

According to one embodiment, the protection unit may include a switching unit, such as a switch and a disconnector. As shown in fig. 1, a control mechanism 1 that allows a protection unit to be actuated is placed between a front plate 1a and a rear plate 1 b. When the control of the switch unit is motorized, the motorized system is usually also located between the two front and

rear panels

1a, 1 b.

Such a control mechanism 1 is known per se, for example in application FR 2890779, and will not be described in greater detail hereinafter.

The switch unit establishes or cuts off the flow of current in the substation, while the disconnector may actuate the grounding device to connect the electric line to ground.

To this end, the grounding device comprises an opening into which an operating tool or wrench can be inserted by an operator to perform the grounding.

The blocking element 5 is arranged facing the opening. The blocking element 5 is configured to alternately block or make accessible the opening.

Thus, the blocking element 5 can be alternately in a closed position, in which the opening is inaccessible and therefore not able to perform the grounding (as shown in fig. 2), and an open position, in which the opening is accessible so that the operator can perform the grounding.

The blocking element 5 is connected to the baffle 3, in particular mechanically, for example by a rigid link 2. The barrier 3 is mounted to be movable relative to the frame of the protection unit and the control mechanism 1, or supports the protection unit and the control mechanism 1. The shutter 3 is mounted movably on the front plate 1a, for example. The blocking element 5 and the flap 3 have a mutually dependent movement such that the flap 3 pivots relative to the frame when the blocking element 5 switches from the closed position to the open position and vice versa.

The control mechanism 1 comprises a locking device 10, shown in particular in more detail from fig. 2. The locking device 10 is configured to prevent the protection unit from being grounded in the presence of electrical energy or voltage on the electrical line.

In order to know whether energy is flowing in the electric line, the protection unit comprises a detection element, for example a voltage presence indicator system (VPIS, not shown).

The locking device 10 is fixed to the control mechanism 1, in particular to the front plate 1a, or to the frame of the protection unit, by means of side plates 11 visible in fig. 3. The side plates 11 are fixed by screws or any other means.

The lock device 10 further includes a housing 12.

The housing 12, as shown in particular in fig. 3 and 4, is manufactured in two parts, comprising a magnetic element 13, for example an electromagnet, for example a bistable electromagnet, or an electromagnetic coil.

The magnetic element 13 is configured to move the core outwards when there is no electrical energy on the wire.

According to one embodiment, the magnetic element 13 may be a so-called undervoltage coil, such that when no voltage is present in the magnetic element 13, a core (not shown) is moved out of the magnetic element 13. The core is held in this rest position by a return element of the spring or permanent magnet type. As an example, an intermediate electronic element (not shown) may be provided between the detection element and the magnetic element 13 to transmit a voltage to the magnetic element 13 when no electrical energy is detected on the electrical wire, and conversely, to not transmit a voltage to the magnetic element 13 when energy is detected on the electrical wire.

The movable element is connected to the core of the magnetic element 13. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the movable element is a rod 14 configured to be alternately displaced between a retracted position and an extended position based on the voltage present in the magnetic element 13 and thus on the energy present on the electric wire.

When there is no power on the cord, the lever 14 is in the retracted position, and when there is power on the cord, the lever 14 is in the extended position.

In the extended position as shown in fig. 5A, the rod 14 is configured to cooperate with the shutter 3 by being inserted in a complementary form, for example in the aperture or recess 4 of the shutter 3. The rod 14 blocks the shutter 3 and indirectly the blocking element 5.

The locking device 10 is then in a locked position in which grounding cannot be performed, since the lever 14 in the extended position holds the blocking element 5 in the closed position, so that the blocking element 5 cannot be moved to the open position, for example by an operator.

In the retracted position as shown in fig. 5B, the lever 14 does not engage with the shutter 3 or release the shutter 3. The rod 14 leaves the shutter 3 and the blocking element 5 free to move.

The locking device 10 is then in an unlocked position in which grounding can be performed since the blocking element 5 can be moved into the open position, for example by an operator.

As can be seen in fig. 6A and 6B, the locking device 10 also comprises deactivation means 20, which are in particular accessible through the plate 11. The deactivation device 20 is configured to deactivate the locking device 10 such that the locking device 10 cannot prevent grounding even in the locked position (i.e., when the lever 14 is in the extended position).

The deactivation device 20 comprises an actuation element 21, which actuation element 21 is movable, in particular rotatable, and is configured to cooperate with the housing 12.

The actuation element 21 is configured to be manually manipulated by an operator.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuation element 21 takes the form of a rotary knob.

According to another embodiment, the actuating element 21 may comprise a slit allowing its rotation using a flat screwdriver. However, other types of actuation are possible by means of a wrench, a crank handle of any other element.

The actuating element 21 comprises a portion forming a cam 22. The cam 22 works by means of a radial transmission, advantageously having an external profile, so that the rotation of the actuation element 21 exerts a force on the housing 12.

More specifically, the profile of the cam 22 is substantially in the form of a bracket. The cam 22 thus comprises two portions 22a, 22B, visible in fig. 3 and 6A and 6B. The two portions 22a, 22b extend at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to each other.

The cam 22 is provided in a recess 23 of rectangular form, which recess 23 forms part of the housing 12 or is fixed to the housing 12.

When the actuating element 21 is manipulated, the cam 22 bears against and exerts a force on one side of the recess 23. The housing 12 and the magnetic element 13 can thus be moved in translation between the first position and the second position.

In the first position shown in fig. 6A, the housing 12 is arranged relative to the frame such that the rod 14 in the extended position may engage the barrier to prevent grounding. The locking device 20 is then activated.

In the second position shown in fig. 6B, the housing 12 is translated in the Y direction and in a direction opposite to the barrier 3, so that the rod 14 in the extended position cannot engage the barrier 3. The locking device 10 is then deactivated and can no longer prevent grounding.

A return mechanism, such as a spring 24, may facilitate switching of the actuation element 21 from the second position to the first position. In particular, the ends of the spring 24 are fixed to the casing 22 and the side plate 11, respectively.

Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the cam 22 comprises a shape 25 which locally complements a shape 26 of one side of the recess 23, as can be seen in fig. 3. In this way, the operator must exert a greater force to manoeuvre the actuation element 21 from the first position to the second position and a relatively weaker force to switch from the second position to the first position. This helps to ensure that the ground is not deactivated too easily. The two positions of the actuating element 21, i.e. the first and second positions, are therefore held in position by the action of the spring 24, which is in particular independent of the action of the operator.

The operation of the apparatus of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

in fig. 5A, the lockout device 10 is in the lockout position after energy on the cord is detected.

In this locking position, the lever 14 is in the extended position and is introduced into the aperture or recess 4 of the shutter 3. The lever 14 prevents rotation of the shutter 3 with respect to the frame and keeps the blocking element 5 in the closed position.

When the detection element no longer detects energy on the wire, the rod 14 is retracted into the magnetic element 13. As shown in fig. 5B, the shutter 3 and the blocking member 5 are freely pivotable to allow an operator to introduce a manipulation tool into the opening to perform grounding. The lock 10 is then in the unlocked position.

The deactivation means 20 may avoid allowing the locking means 10 to prevent earthing. In fact, since the magnetic element 13 is for example an under voltage coil, the locking will occur immediately and the magnetic element 13 is no longer powered. Therefore, in the case where the magnetic element 13 is not powered (magnetic element defect, power failure, electronic failure, etc.) due to failure of the protection unit or locking device, and after checking the absence of energy on the electric line, it is necessary to be able to deactivate its action.

Thus, the operator can operate the actuating means 21 after the absence of energy on the inspection line.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuating element 21 is rotated 90 degrees, for example in a counter-clockwise direction, and a force is exerted on the housing 12 through the recess 23. This rotation of the actuation member 21 drives the translation of the housing 12 from the first position to the second position.

In the second position, the locking is deactivated regardless of the position of the lever 14, in particular whether the lever 14 is in the extended position.

Rotation of the actuating element 21 by 90 degrees, for example in a counter-clockwise direction, again allows the locking device 10 to lock based on the presence of energy on the wire.

The utility model is not limited to the embodiments described before and provided as examples only. It includes various modifications, alternatives and other variants which can be envisaged by the person skilled in the art within the framework of the present disclosure, in particular all combinations of the different operating modes previously described, which can be taken alone or in association with one another.

Claims

1. A locking device (10) for preventing grounding of a protection unit, the locking device (10) comprising a housing (12), the housing (12) being controlled by the presence of electrical energy on an electrical line of the protection unit, the control of the housing (12) being configured such that the locking device (10) is alternately in:

A locking position in which grounding cannot be performed, an

An unlocked position in which grounding can be performed,

characterized in that the locking device (10) comprises a deactivation device (20), the deactivation device (20) being configured to move the housing (12) to activate or deactivate the locking device (10).

2. A locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that said housing (12) comprises a magnetic element (13) and a movable element (14) connected to said magnetic element (13), said movable element (14) being configured to be controlled by the presence of energy on an electric wire to alternately be:

a retracted position when there is no energy on the cord, an

Extended position when energy is present on the wire.

3. Locking device according to claim 2, characterized in that the magnetic element (13) is an undervoltage coil, so that the magnetic element (13) is powered when no energy is detected on the wire and is not powered when energy is detected on the wire.

4. A locking arrangement as claimed in claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the movable element (14) in the extended position is configured to prevent the protection unit from being earthed.

5. A locking device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the movable element (14) is configured to cooperate with a flap (3), the flap (3) being mounted movable relative to a frame supporting the locking device (10).

6. Locking device according to claim 5, characterized in that the shutter (3) is connected to a blocking element (5) based on an interdependent movement, the blocking element (5) being configured to release or block an opening in which an operating tool can be inserted by an operator to perform the grounding.

7. A locking device according to claim 4, characterized in that the deactivation device (20) comprises an actuation element (21) configured to move the housing (12).

8. A locking device according to claim 7, characterized in that the actuating element (21) is configured to be displaced alternately between:

a first position in which the locking device (10) is activated and allows grounding to be prevented in a locked position, and

a second position in which the locking device (10) is deactivated and in which it is not allowed to prevent earthing in the locked position.

9. A locking arrangement as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that the movable element (14) in the extended position does not allow to prevent the protection unit from being earthed when the actuating element (21) is displaced to the second position.

10. A locking arrangement as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that the actuating element (21) comprises a portion forming a cam (22), the cam (22) operating by radial transmission such that rotation of the cam (22) exerts an axial force on the housing (12).

11. A locking arrangement as claimed in claim 10, characterised in that the cam (22) is provided in a recess (23) fixed to the housing (12).

12. A protection unit actuated by a control mechanism (1), said control mechanism (1) comprising a locking device (10) configured to prevent the protection unit from being earthed, characterized in that said locking device (10) is a locking device (10) according to any one of claims 1-11.