EP3069362B1 - Lock for a circuit breaker - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

• einen Leitungsschutzschalter mit einem Betätigungselement zum Ein- und Ausschalten des Leitungsschutzschalters und
• eine Sperre umfassend einen Grundkörper mit einem Ausschnitt für die Aufnahme des genannten Betätigungselements des Leitungsschutzschalters sowie umfassend zumindest einen gegenüber ihrem Grundkörper bewegbaren Vorsprung, welcher mit zumindest einer Öffnung respektive Vertiefung im Leitungsschutzschalter korrespondiert und mit dieser in Eingriff gebracht werden kann.

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

• einen Grundkörper, welcher einen Ausschnitt für die Aufnahme eines Betätigungselements des Leitungsschutzschalters aufweist, und
• zumindest einen gegenüber ihrem Grundkörper bewegbaren Vorsprung, welcher mit zumindest einer Öffnung respektive Vertiefung im Leitungsschutzschalter korrespondiert und mit dieser in Eingriff gebracht werden kann.

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

• a main body, which has a cutout for receiving an 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, the DE 10 2010 020 987 A1 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.

The US Pat. No. 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 appears that the three parts of the lock must be aligned with the actuator of the circuit breaker. Furthermore, the lock can be mounted both in the ON position and in the OFF position of the actuating element. In addition, the temple of the padlock - as well as the DE 10 2010 020 987 A1 - Have a certain diameter, so that the lock is not removable despite mounted U-lock. All in all, for the assembly in the US Pat. No. 6,791,040 B1 disclosed lock a certain expertise and attention during assembly required. An attachment of the lock by auxiliary personnel carries risks, which are not responsible per se.

The EP 0 412 023 B1 finally discloses a barrier which can be mounted only with a properly functioning circuit breaker with open switch contacts, but not with closed Switch contacts or when its switch contacts were welded by excessive current. The document US 5,181,602 A. discloses an arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the relative to the main body of the lock movable projection is mounted in a stationary link in the body (see. FIG. 1 and column 4, lines 18-29; Column 5, lines 21-58).

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 is mounted in a displaceable relative to the base slide, which is opposite to its direction of displacement and the displacement direction of the projection obliquely 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. In this case, a movement of the link in the direction of displacement causes a movement, in particular a displacement, of the projection mounted therein transversely to said displacement 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 prevents relative movement between the barrier and the circuit breaker in all three directions of movement or only in one direction of movement or only in two directions of movement. It is advantageous, for example, if a movement of the barrier relative to the line switch in the horizontal direction or transversely 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 cooperate with a groove in the circuit breaker / in the lock and prevent in this way a relative movement between the lock and circuit breaker in a direction of movement. 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 the circuit breaker / in the lock cooperate and prevent in this way a relative movement between the lock and circuit breaker in two directions of movement.

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 engage in several openings / wells in the circuit breaker. In particular, it is conceivable that projections on both sides of the body moved out of this and can be brought into engagement with openings or depressions in the circuit breaker, in particular when the backdrop is formed 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.

• der Leitungsschutzschalter ein Gehäuse aufweist, im Gehäuse angeordnete Anschlussklemmen, im Gehäuse vorgesehene Öffnungen zur Betätigung der Anschlussklemmen und einen gegenüber den genannten Öffnungen erhabenen Bereich, in dem das Betätigungselement zum Ein- und Ausschalten des Leitungsschutzschalters angeordnet ist, und
• der Grundkörper der Sperre den besagten erhabenen Bereich des Leitungsschutzschalters umgreift, insbesondere oben und unten respektive an Kanten des erhabenen Bereichs, welche Endstellungen des Betätigungselement zugewandt sind.

Durch die genannten Maßnahmen wird eine Bewegung der Sperre in vertikaler Richtung respektive in der Bewegungsrichtung des Betätigungselements besonders gut verhindert. Zudem können die Ausbuchtungen dazu beitragen, die bewegbaren Vorsprünge/Stifte etwas zu entasten.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 opposite said openings area in which the actuating element is arranged for switching on and off of the circuit breaker, and
• the main body of the barrier surrounds the said raised region of the circuit breaker, in particular at the top and at the bottom respectively at edges of the raised region, which end positions of the actuating element are 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.

• der Ausschnitt für die Aufnahme des genannten Betätigungselements des Leitungsschutzschalters im Grundkörper der Sperre in Bezug auf den erhabenen Bereichs asymmetrisch beziehungsweise außermittig angeordnet ist, insbesondere in Bezug auf die vertikale Erstreckung des erhabenen Bereichs des Leitungsschutzschalters beziehungsweise in Bezug auf den zwischen den Ausbuchtungen liegenden Bereich.

Durch die asymmetrische Anordnung des Ausschnitts für das Betätigungselement des Leitungsschutzschalters kann sichergestellt werden, dass die Sperre nur in der AUS-Position (oder alternativ in der EIN-Position) montierbar ist. Eine Montage der Sperre in einer anderen als der vorgesehenen Position ist praktisch ausgeschlossen.It is particularly advantageous if the actuating element for switching the circuit breaker on and off in the raised area is arranged asymmetrically or eccentrically, in particular with respect to the vertical extent of the raised area, and

• the cutout for the reception of the said actuating element of the circuit breaker in the main 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 circuit breaker or with respect to the region lying between the bulges.

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. In general, the actuating element for switching on and off of the circuit breaker with respect to the extension of the raised portion in the operating direction of the actuating element is arranged asymmetrically or eccentrically.

The statements "asymmetric" or "eccentric" in the context of the invention, in particular, that the fulcrum of a rotatably mounted actuating element is not located in the middle of the raised area, or the positions of the actuating element in the input and the exhibition is not mirror-symmetrical about a the center of the raised 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. Thereby, the slide or the lever can be fixed in position relative to the main body by passing a movement-preventing element (for example a bolt or pin) 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 relate equally to the disclosed barrier and vice versa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1a

eine beispielhafte Anordnung mit einem Leitungsschutzschalter und einer darauf montierten Sperre samt Bügelschloss in Vorderansicht;

Fig. 1b

die Anordnung aus Fig.1a in Seitenansicht;

Fig. 2a

die Anordnung aus Fig.1a im Schnitt;

Fig. 2b

wie Fig. 1b nur etwas größer;

Fig. 3

eine Detailansicht der Anordnung aus Fig.1a in Schrägansicht;

Fig. 4

eine Darstellung eines Versuchs, die Sperre bei einer Stellung des Betätigungselements des Leitungsschutzschalters zu montieren, für welche die Sperre nicht vorgesehen ist und

Fig. 5

wie Fig. 4, nur bei einer um 180° gedrehten Sperre.

The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments indicated in the schematic figures of the drawing. It shows:

Fig. 1a

an exemplary arrangement with a circuit breaker and a lock mounted thereon complete with U-lock in front view;

Fig. 1b

the arrangement 1a in side view;

Fig. 2a

the arrangement 1a on average;

Fig. 2b

as Fig. 1b just a little bigger;

Fig. 3

a detailed view of the arrangement 1a in an oblique view;

Fig. 4

a representation of an attempt to mount the lock at a position of the actuating element of the circuit breaker, for which the lock is not provided and

Fig. 5

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the FIG. 1a an arrangement according to the invention with a circuit breaker 1 and a lock 7 is shown in front view, in the Fig. 1b 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 area 5, in which an 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 11, 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, the show FIGS. 1a and 1b a 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. The FIGS. 2a and 2b show details of the concrete design, the Fig. 2b turn the side view of the arrangement, the Fig. 2a the section AA shows. The 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 direction of displacement (see the double arrow in the Fig. 3 ) and the displacement direction 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 13 mounted therein transversely to said displacement direction, whereby they are 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. Thereby, the lever 17 can be fixed in position relative to the main body 8 by a movement-preventing element (for example 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 arranged in the lever 17 but in the sliding block 16. 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 particularly 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 can be aligned by movement of the sliding block 16 / of the lever 17 with a recess in the base body 8. If a movement-preventing element is guided through the recesses made in the sliding block 16 and in the main body 8 respectively in the lever 17 and in the main body 8, the barrier 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 rest on the outside of the sliding block slide 16 and / or on the lever 17 and prevent movement of the sliding block slide 16 / of the lever 17 into 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 arranged asymmetrically or eccentrically, in the concrete example with respect to the vertical extent of the raised area 5. Likewise, the cutout 9 for the recording said actuator 6 of the circuit breaker 1 in the main body 8 of the lock 7 with respect to the raised portion 5 arranged asymmetrically or eccentrically, again in concrete terms with respect to the vertical extent thereof. The main body 8 has in this example also at the upper and lower end bulges 10 and 11, 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 section 9 for the actuator 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 the FIGS. 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 barrier 7 is intended to be mounted only in the OFF position of the actuator 6 (the reverse case would also be conceivable). As the Fig. 4 shows 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 opposite to the one in FIG Fig. 4 rotated position rotated 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 in the FIGS. 1 to 3 position shown.

In addition or as an alternative to the asymmetrical arrangement of the actuating element 6 and the cutout 9, it 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 off-center, as in FIG the example shown 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 (for example, "top", "bottom", "left", "right", etc.) are based on the respective figure described in each case and are to be adapted in a position change in accordance with the new situation. Finally, it is noted that the above refinements and developments of the invention can be combined in any desired manner.

Claims (10)

1. Arrangement, comprising

   - a circuit breaker (1) with an actuating element (6) configured to switch the circuit breaker (1) on and off; and

   - a lock (7) comprising a main body (8) with a cutout (9) configured to receive the actuating element (6) of the circuit breaker (1) and comprising at least one projection (13), which can be moved relative to the main body (8) and corresponds to at least one opening (14) or recess in the circuit breaker (1) and can be brought into engagement with the opening or recess,
   characterised in that

   - the at least one projection (13) is mounted in a slide (15) which is displaceable relative to the main body (8) and extends obliquely relative to its direction of displacement and to the direction of displacement of the projection (13) or comprises at least one such portion.
2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one projection (13) that has been brought into engagement prevents a movement of the lock (7) relative to the circuit breaker (1) in a horizontal direction or transversely to an actuation direction of the actuating element.
3. Arrangement according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the at least one projection is formed by a pin (13) that is displaceable relative to the main body (8).
4. Arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that

   - the circuit breaker (1) comprises a housing (2), terminals (3) arranged in the housing (2), openings (4) provided in the housing (2) for actuating the terminals (3), and a region (5) that is elevated relative to the openings (4) in which the actuating element (6) for switching the circuit breaker (1) on and off is arranged, and

   - the main body (8) of the lock (7) encloses the elevated region (5) of the circuit breaker (1).
5. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterised in that the actuating element (6) for switching the circuit breaker (1) on and off is arranged asymmetrically or off-center in the elevated region (5) and

   - the cutout (9) for receiving the actuating element (6) of the circuit breaker (1) is arranged asymmetrically or off-center in the main body (8) of the lock (7) relative to the elevated region (5).
6. Arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the at least one opening (14) or recess in the circuit breaker (1), which corresponds to the at least one projection (13), is arranged asymmetrically or off-center.
7. Arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the slide (15) can be actuated using a rotatably mounted lever (17).
8. Arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that a slide shifter (16) comprising the slide (15) and/or the lever (17) comprises an opening (18), which can be moved out of the main body (8) by moving the slide shifter (16)/the lever (17) or can be aligned with an opening in the main body (8).
9. Arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the main body (8) comprises an opening, past which the slide shifter (16) and/or the lever (17) can be moved.
10. Arrangement according to claim 8 or 9, characterised by a shackle lock (12) passed through the opening (18).

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