EP3069362A1

EP3069362A1 - Lock for a circuit breaker

Info

Publication number: EP3069362A1
Application number: EP14796533.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Raffael Zimmel
Original assignee: Eaton Industries Austria GmbH
Current assignee: Eaton Industries Austria GmbH
Priority date: 2013-11-15
Filing date: 2014-11-13
Publication date: 2016-09-21
Anticipated expiration: 2034-11-13
Also published as: EP3069362B1; US20160329170A1; DE102013112590A1; WO2015071382A1; CN105874552A

Abstract

The invention relates to a lock (7) for a circuit breaker (1), which lock comprises a main body (8) having a cutout (9) to accommodate an actuating element (6) of the circuit breaker (1). Moreover the lock (7) comprises a projection (13) which can be moved relative to the main body (8) and can be brought into engagement with at least one opening (14) / recess in the circuit breaker (1). To this end the projection (13) is mounted in a slide (15) which is displaceable relative to the main body (8) and which slide (15) extends obliquely relative to its direction of displacement and to the direction of displacement of the projection (13) or has at least one such section. The invention further relates to an arrangement which comprises such a lock (7) and a circuit breaker (1).

Description

Lock for a circuit breaker

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to an arrangement comprising

a circuit breaker with an actuating element for switching on and off of the circuit breaker and

a lock comprising a base body with a cutout for the

Receiving said operating element of the circuit breaker and comprising at least one movable relative to its base projection, which corresponds to at least one opening or recess in the circuit breaker and can be brought into engagement therewith.

The invention further relates to a barrier for a circuit breaker, comprising

a base body, which has a cutout for receiving a

Has actuating element of the circuit breaker, and

at least one with respect to its base movable projection, which corresponds to at least one opening or recess in the circuit breaker and can be brought into engagement therewith.

STATE OF THE ART

In this context, DE 10 2010 020 987 A1 discloses a

Line switch with a lock for enclosing the rocker arm in its off position by means of a cover. The lock allows completion of the circuit breaker, for example, to be able to safely carry out work on the lines connected to the relevant circuit breaker. For this purpose, the shift gate of the switching mechanism has a threaded bore and the lock on a through hole through which one of the attachment of the lock on the switch housing serving cap screw extends to the shift gate. Of the Rocker arm is only in the off position of the cover so umschließbar that the through hole is aligned with the threaded hole and the lock can be mounted. A padlock or padlock can be mounted in a hole in the lock and the cap screw can be blocked from further access.

A disadvantage of the known lock that access to the cap screw under certain circumstances is also possible if a padlock is mounted with a relatively thin strap. By using a thin screwdriver, the lock could be removed by unauthorized persons despite blocking and the circuit breaker activated. Severe accidents such as short-circuit or flying sparks and severe injuries to death can be the result.

Another disadvantage of the known lock is that it is constructed in several parts and because of the screw is awkward to assemble. Especially on construction sites where the soil is heavily polluted, a fallen down screw is also not or only very time consuming to find.

US 6,791,040 B1 also discloses a barrier which is attached to a raised portion of the circuit breaker. This is also in several parts and also difficult to assemble, even if no screwdriver is needed. The problem is that the three parts of the lock with the

Actuator of the circuit breaker must be aligned. Furthermore, the lock can be mounted both in the ON position and in the OFF position of the actuating element. In addition, the hanger of the

U-lock - as well as in DE 10 2010 020 987 A1 - a certain

Diameter so that the lock is not removable despite mounted U-lock. All in all, some expertise and attention to assembly is required for mounting the barrier disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,791,040 B1. An attachment of the lock by auxiliary personnel carries risks, which are not responsible per se.

Finally, EP 0 412 023 B1 discloses a barrier which can only be used with a properly functioning circuit breaker with an open circuit

Switching contacts can be mounted, but not with closed Switch contacts or when its switch contacts were welded by excessive current.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is now to provide an improved barrier or an improved arrangement comprising a barrier and a circuit breaker. In particular, the lock should be intuitive and, if possible, tool-free mountable.

This object is achieved with an arrangement of the type mentioned, in which the at least one projection is mounted in a displaceable relative to the main body backdrop, which is opposite to its direction of displacement and the direction of displacement of the projection obliquely or at least has such a section.

The object of the invention is further achieved with a lock of the type mentioned, in which the at least one projection in a relation to the

Base body sliding backdrop is stored, which compared to their

Displacement direction and the displacement direction of the projection is oblique or at least has such a section.

The proposed measures allow the lock to be mounted intuitively and basically without tools on the circuit breaker. This causes a

Movement of the link in the direction of displacement movement, in particular a shift, the projection mounted therein transversely to said

Shift direction. The at least one projection engages in the active position in at least one opening or recess in the circuit breaker and then prevents or prevents movement of the lock relative to the circuit breaker. In principle, it can be provided that the engaged projection a relative movement between the lock and circuit breaker in all three

Movement directions prevented or only in one direction or only in two directions of movement. It is advantageous, for example, if by the projection movement of the lock relative to the line switch in

horizontal direction or transverse to an actuating direction of the Actuator is or prevents. In principle, a relative movement between the barrier and circuit breaker in certain directions can be prevented in other ways. For example, a strip-like bulge of the barrier / circuit breaker with a groove in the circuit breaker / lock interact and in this way a relative movement between the lock and circuit breaker in one

Prevent movement direction. The projection is brought by the placement of the lock on the circuit breaker with the groove in engagement. By the same principle, for example, a pin-like bulge of the barrier / circuit breaker with a blind hole-like depression in

Circuit breaker / in the lock interact and in this way a relative movement between the lock and circuit breaker in two

Prevent movement directions.

In general, it is conceivable that only a movable projection engages by movement of the gate in an opening or depression in the circuit breaker. It is also conceivable that several projections in several

Intervene openings / recesses in the circuit breaker. In particular, it is conceivable that projections on both sides of the main body moves out of this and into engagement with openings or recesses in the

Circuit breaker can be brought, in particular when the backdrop is arrow-shaped. The projections are then (at least partially) moved equal to each other.

Directional terms such as "vertical" and "horizontal" refer to the ordinary mounting position of the line switch (for example, in a walled-in switch box) in which the operating direction of the operating member of the line switch is vertically aligned. When changing the installation position, the direction information must be adapted accordingly.

Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and from the description in conjunction with the figures. It is advantageous if the at least one projection is formed by a relative to the main body of the lock movable pin. In this variant, the projection, which is formed by said pin, and retracted, whereby the lock can be conveniently fixed to the circuit breaker or released from this.

It is still advantageous if

the circuit breaker comprises a housing, arranged in the housing terminals, provided in the housing openings for actuating the terminals and a raised portion with respect to said areas, in which the actuating element for switching on and off of

Circuit breaker is arranged, and

the main body of the barrier said raised area of the

Circuit breaker encompasses, in particular at the top and bottom respectively at edges of the raised area, which end positions of the actuating element facing.

By the measures mentioned a movement of the lock in the vertical direction respectively in the direction of movement of the actuating element is particularly well prevented. In addition, the bulges may help to somewhat relieve the movable protrusions / pins. It is particularly advantageous if the actuating element for on and

Turning off the circuit breaker in the raised portion is arranged asymmetrically or eccentrically, in particular with respect to the vertical extent of the raised portion, and

the cutout for receiving said actuating element of the circuit breaker in the base body of the barrier is arranged asymmetrically or eccentrically with respect to the raised region, in particular with respect to the vertical extension of the raised region of the barrier

Circuit breaker or in relation to the between the

Bulges lying area.

Due to the asymmetrical arrangement of the section for the operating element of the circuit breaker can be ensured that the lock only in the OFF position (or alternatively in the ON position) can be mounted. An installation of the lock in a position other than the intended position is practically impossible. The lock is therefore intuitive to use and can therefore be safely used by untrained personnel.

As mentioned, directions refer to the usual installation position of the circuit breaker. If the circuit breaker installed horizontally, so the actuator for switching on and off of the circuit breaker is therefore arranged asymmetrically or eccentrically with respect to the horizontal extent of the raised portion. Generally that is

Actuator for turning on and off the circuit breaker with respect to the extension of the raised portion in the operating direction of the

Actuator arranged asymmetrically or eccentrically.

The statements "asymmetrical" or "eccentric" in the context of the invention in particular mean that the pivot point of a rotatably mounted

Actuator is not located in the middle of the raised portion, or the positions of the actuating element in the input and the

Exhibition not mirror-symmetrical about one through the middle of the sublime

Area extending axis are arranged. The latter applies, for example, even if the actuating element is mounted displaceably.

In addition, it is advantageous if the at least one opening or depression in the circuit breaker, which corresponds to the at least one projection, is arranged asymmetrically or eccentrically. Also in this way it can be ensured (in addition to or as an alternative to the above-mentioned variant) that the barrier can only be mounted in a specific position on the circuit breaker. In particular, a mounting of the lock should be prevented in a position which is rotated relative to the approved position by 180 °.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the backdrop is actuated by means of a rotatably mounted lever. Thereby, a translation between the movement of the link and the lever can be realized, so that the lever, for example, must be swung far to effect a relatively small movement of the backdrop. It is particularly advantageous if a sliding block slide comprising the gate and / or the said lever has a recess which can be brought out of the base body by movement of the sliding block slide / lever or can be aligned with a recess in the base body. As a result, the slide respectively the lever relative to the body can be fixed in position by a movement-preventing element (eg a bolt or pin) is guided through said recess. In a first variant, a recess in the sliding block slide or in the lever is simply led out of the base body. A movement-inhibiting element fixed therein would then be present on the outside of the main body and prevent movement of the link / lever into the original position. In the second variant, a recess in the slotted link or in the lever is brought into coincidence with a recess in the base body and then a movement-preventing element is guided through both recesses. Finally, it is also conceivable that the basic body has a recess, on which the sliding block and / or the lever is movable past. A movement-inhibiting element fixed therein would then be present on the outside of the gate and / or on the lever and prevent movement of the link / lever into the original position. As recesses are for example holes, slots, slots and the like into consideration. It is favorable, finally, if the arrangement has a guided through the recess U-lock. As a result, movement of the lever can be prevented and the lock can thus be secured against unauthorized opening or removal.

It should be noted at this point that the alternatives proposed to the disclosed arrangement and the resulting advantages

apply equally to the disclosed barrier and vice versa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments indicated in the schematic figures of the drawing. 1 a shows an exemplary arrangement with a circuit breaker and a lock mounted thereon, together with a padlock, in front view; Figure 1 b, the arrangement of Figure 1 a in side view.

Fig. 2a shows the arrangement of Figure 1a in section; Fig. 2b as Figure 1 b only slightly larger;

3 is a detail view of the arrangement of Figure 1 a in an oblique view. Fig. 4 is an illustration of an attempt to lock at a position of

Mount actuator of the circuit breaker, for which the lock is not provided and

Fig. 5 as Fig. 4, only with a rotated by 180 ° lock.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the figure 1 a is an arrangement according to the invention with a

Circuit breaker 1 and a lock 7 shown in front view, in Fig. 1 b in side view. The circuit breaker 1 comprises a housing 2, arranged in the housing 2 terminals 3, provided in the housing 2

Openings 4 for actuating the terminals 3 and an optional relative to said openings 4 raised portion 5, in which a

Actuator 6 for switching on and off of the circuit breaker 1 is advantageously arranged off-center. The lock 7 comprises a main body 8, which has a cutout 9 for receiving said actuating element 6 of the circuit breaker 1. The main body 8 also has on the upper and lower end bulges 10 and 1 1, which surround the said raised portion 5 of the circuit breaker 1 above and below. Although these are advantageous for the invention, they are not mandatory. Finally, Figures 1 a and 1 b mounted on the lock 7, optional padlock 12th

In addition to the elements already mentioned, the lock 7 has at least one projection 13 which is movable relative to its base body 8 and which corresponds to at least one opening 14 or depression in the circuit breaker 1 and can be brought into engagement therewith. FIGS. 2a and 2b show details of the specific embodiment, FIG. 2b again showing the side view of the arrangement, FIG. 2a showing the section AA. Fig. 3 shows Moreover, a detail view obliquely from above, in which one half of the main body 8 has been removed for the sake of better illustration.

In this example, the at least one projection is formed by four relative to the main body 8 slidable pins 13, whereby the lock 7 can be fixed comfortably and without tools on the circuit breaker 1 or released from this. If the pins 13 are brought into engagement with the openings 14, a movement of the lock 7 relative to the line switch 1 or prevents. The lock 7 is thus fixed more or less fixed in position on the circuit breaker 1. For extending and retracting the pins 13, these are mounted in relation to the base body 8 slidable scenes 15, which compared to their

Shifting direction (see the double arrow in Fig. 3) and the direction of displacement of the pin 13 are inclined. Specifically, the scenes 15 are arrow-shaped in this example. A movement of the scenes 15 in the direction of displacement causes a movement of the pins 1 3 mounted therein transversely to said

Displacement direction, causing them on both sides of the main body 8 off or retracted into this.

In the example shown, the scenes 15 are actuated by means of a rotatably mounted lever 17. As a result, a translation between the movement of the links 15 and the lever 17 can be realized, so that only a small actuating force has to act on the lever 17. Conceivable, of course, would be that the sliding block 16 is operated directly with the scenes arranged therein 15, that is shifted. For example, said sliding block 16 can be performed out of the main body 8 out. Advantageously, the lever 17 has a recess 18, which can be brought out of the main body 8 by a movement of the lever 17. This allows the

Lever 17 are fixed in position relative to the base body 8 by a

movement-preventing element (e.g., a bolt or pin or, as in the example shown, a padlock 12) is guided through said recess 18. It is also conceivable that the recess 18 is not in the lever 17 but in the

Sliding link 16 is arranged. Is this from the main body. 8 pushed out, the sliding block 16 can in turn be fixed in position by a movement-preventing element. This arrangement is

especially advantageous if the sliding block 16 is not actuated by a lever 17, but directly. In a further variant, the sliding block 16 and / or the lever 17 has a recess 18 which by movement of the sliding block slide 16 / the

Levers 17 can be aligned with a recess in the base body 8. Is a movement-preventing element by the brought into coincidence recesses in the sliding block 16 and in the main body 8 respectively in the lever 17 and in the

Main body 8 out, so the lock 7 can in turn be secured to the circuit breaker 1.

Finally, it is also conceivable that the Grundköper 8 has a recess on which the sliding block 16 and / or the lever 17 is movable past. A movement-inhibiting element 12 fixed therein would then be on the outside of the

Sliding link 16 and / or pending on the lever 17 and prevent movement of the sliding block 16 / of the lever 17 in the original position. As recesses 18 come for all variants, for example, holes, slots, slots and the like into consideration.

In the example shown, the actuating element 6 for switching the circuit breaker 1 on and off in the raised area 5 is asymmetrical

or eccentrically arranged, in the concrete example with respect to the vertical extension of the raised area 5. Likewise, the

Section 9 for receiving the said actuating element 6 of the

Circuit breaker 1 in the main body 8 of the lock 7 with respect to the raised portion 5 asymmetrically or au ßermittig arranged, again in concrete terms with respect to the vertical extent thereof. Of the

Base 8 also has in this example at the top and bottom

Lugs 10 and 1 1, which surround the said raised portion 5 of the circuit breaker 1 above and below. By these advantageous, but optional measures, a movement of the lock 7 in the vertical direction is particularly well prevented, or the pins 13 are thereby somewhat entastet. In addition, the lock 7 is intuitive mountable. By the asymmetrical arrangement of the cutout 9 for the actuating element 6 of the circuit breaker 1 can namely be ensured that the lock 7 only in the OFF position (or alternatively in the ON position) of the actuating element 6 can be mounted (see also Figures 4 and 5). An installation of the lock 7 in a position other than the intended position is practically impossible. The lock 7 can therefore also be used safely by untrained personnel.

Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of the circuit breaker 1 and the lock 7 comprehensive arrangement in which an attempt has been made to mount the lock 7 in a position of the actuating element 6, for which the lock 7 is not provided. For example, the actuator 6 is in the ON position, although the lock 7 is provided for, only in the OFF position of

Actuator 6 to be mounted (conceivable would be the reverse case). As shown in Fig. 4, fails such an attempt - the lock 7 can not be mounted.

Fig. 5 shows another failed attempt to mount the lock 7 in a position of the actuator 6, for which the lock 7 is not provided. In this case, the lock 7 is rotated relative to the position shown in Fig. 4 by 180 °. The lock 7 can thus be mounted only in a position of the actuating element 6, for which the lock 7 is provided, namely in the position shown in Figures 1 to 3.

Additionally or alternatively to the asymmetrical arrangement of

Actuating element 6 and the section 9 can also be provided that the at least one opening or recess 14 in the circuit breaker 1, which corresponds to the at least one projection 13 is arranged asymmetrically or eccentrically, as shown in the illustrated

Example is the case. Also in this way it can be ensured that the lock 7 can be mounted only in a specific position on the circuit breaker 1. In particular, a mounting of the lock 7 is to be prevented in a position which is rotated relative to the approved position by 180 °. Thus, in the example shown, two measures have been taken to prevent the lock 7 from being mounted in an unintended position. This is particularly safe, but in principle also one of the above measures to prevent incorrect operation of the lock 7 is sufficient. Finally, it should be noted that the arrangement is not necessarily drawn to scale and therefore may have other proportions. Furthermore, the arrangement may also comprise more or fewer components than shown. Location information (eg "top", "bottom", "left", "right", etc.) are based on the respective figure described and are mutatis mutandis adapt to a new position to the new situation. Finally, it is noted that the above refinements and developments of the invention can be combined in any desired manner.

Claims

claims

1 . Arrangement comprising

a circuit breaker (1) with an actuating element (6) for switching on and off of the circuit breaker (1) and

a lock (7) comprising a main body (8) with a cutout (9) for receiving said actuating element (6) of the

Circuit breaker (1) and comprising at least one with respect to its base body (8) movable projection (13) which at least one

Opening (14) or depression in the circuit breaker (1) corresponds and can be engaged with this

characterized in that

the at least one projection (13) is mounted in a slide (15) displaceable relative to the base body (8), which runs obliquely relative to its direction of displacement and the displacement direction of the projection (13) or has at least such a section.

2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one engaged projection (13) obstructs a movement of the lock (7) relative to the line switch (1) in the horizontal direction or transversely to an actuating direction of the actuating element.

3. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one projection by a relative to the base body (8) displaceable pin (13) is formed.

4. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that - the circuit breaker (1) has a housing (2), in the housing (2) arranged connection terminals (3), provided in the housing (2) openings (4) Actuation of the terminals (3) and one opposite to the mentioned

Openings (4) raised area (5), in which the actuating element (6) for switching on and off of the circuit breaker (1) is arranged, and the main body (8) of the lock (7) surrounds the said raised area (5) of the circuit breaker (1).

5. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the

Actuator (6) for switching on and off of the circuit breaker (1) in the raised region (5) is arranged asymmetrically or eccentrically and

the cutout (9) for receiving said actuating element (6) of the circuit breaker (1) in the base body (8) of the barrier (7) with respect to the raised area (5) is arranged asymmetrically or eccentrically.

6. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one opening (14) respectively recess in the circuit breaker (1), which corresponds to the at least one projection (13) is disposed asymmetrically or eccentrically.

7. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the link (15) by means of a rotatably mounted lever (17) is actuated.

8. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the link (15) comprehensive sliding block slide (16) and / or the lever (17) has a recess (18) which by movement of the sliding block slide (16) / of the lever (17) from the base body (8) can be brought out or can be aligned with a recess in the base body (8).

9. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the Grundköper (8) has a recess, on which the sliding block slide (16) and / or the lever (17) is movable past.

10. Arrangement according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by a through the recess (18) guided U-lock (12).

1 1. Comprising a barrier (7) for a circuit breaker (1)

a base body (8) which has a cutout (9) for receiving an actuating element (6) of the circuit breaker (1), and

at least one relative to its base body (8) movable

Projection (13) which corresponds to at least one opening (14) or recess in the circuit breaker (1) and can be brought into engagement therewith,

characterized in that

the at least one projection (13) is mounted in a slide (15) displaceable relative to the base body (8), which runs obliquely with respect to its direction of displacement and the displacement direction of the projection (13) or has at least such a section.

12. lock (7) according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the

Base body (8) bulges (10, 1 1), which surrounds the

Circuit breaker (1) are formed.

13. lock (7) according to claim 1 1 or 12, characterized in that the cutout (9) for receiving said actuating element (6) of the circuit breaker (1) in the base body (8) of the lock (7) arranged asymmetrically or eccentrically is.