WO2019183744A1

WO2019183744A1 - Electrical power distribution systems including switch devices and lock assemblies

Info

Publication number: WO2019183744A1
Application number: PCT/CN2018/080417
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sourabh K Khedkar; Yatin Vilas Newase; Kiran Bhattar; Wu RUI; Jin SHENGFU; Wu KUN; Bhavaneeswaran ANBALAGAN; Hemant Kirit Anjaria
Original assignee: Industrial Connections & Solutions LLC
Priority date: 2018-03-26
Filing date: 2018-03-26
Publication date: 2019-10-03

Abstract

An electrical power distribution system includes a circuit protection device and a switch device. The switch device is switchable between a first state and a second state. The system also includes a lock assembly coupled to the switch device. The lock assembly includes a first member defining a groove and a second member arranged to extend into the groove. The first member is moveable between a first position and a second position. The second member is arranged to extend into a first portion of the groove when the first member is in the first position and to extend into a second portion of the groove when the first member is in the second position. The lock assembly is arranged to inhibit the switch device from switching between the second state and the first state when the first member is in the second position.

Description

ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS INCLUDING SWITCH DEVICES AND LOCK ASSEMBLIES

BACKGROUND

The present application relates generally to electrical power distribution systems and, more particularly, to lock assemblies for switch devices of electrical power distribution systems.

At least some known electrical power distribution systems include a plurality of switchgear lineups including circuit breakers that are coupled to one or more loads. The circuit breakers are configured to interrupt current to the loads if the current is outside of acceptable conditions. At least some known electrical power distribution systems include switch devices to regulate operation of the circuit breakers. The switch devices are switchable between an ON state and an OFF state. In addition, at least some know switch devices allow for remote operation of the circuit breakers. However, the switch devices increase the size of the electrical power distribution systems.

At least some known switch devices include a lock assembly that inhibits the switch device from moving between the ON state and the OFF state. Typically, lock assemblies include a lock receiver and a linkage system. The linkage system includes a plurality of shafts that extend between the lock receiver and the switch device to prevent the switch device from moving between the ON state and the OFF state. However, such lock assemblies increase the size of the switch devices. In addition, components such as the linkage assemblies of the lock assemblies reduce the reliability of the switch devices. Moreover, the capacity of the switch devices is limited by the lock assemblies.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a lock assembly for a switch device of a circuit breaker that has a reduced size, is more reliable, and allows the circuit breaker to have an increased capacity in comparison to at least some known systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, an electrical power distribution system is provided. The electrical power distribution system includes a circuit protection device arranged to interrupt current flowing through a circuit. The electrical power distribution system also includes a switch device coupled to the circuit protection device. The switch device is switchable between a first state in which the circuit protection device allows current to flow through the circuit and a second state in which the circuit protection device inhibits current from flowing through the circuit. The electrical power distribution system further includes a lock assembly coupled to the switch device. The lock assembly includes a first member that defines a groove including a first portion and a second portion. The lock assembly also includes a second member extending into the groove. The first member is moveable relative to the second member between a first position and a second position. The second member is arranged to extend into the first portion of the groove when the first member is in the first position and extend into the second portion of the groove when the first member is in the second position. The lock assembly is arranged to inhibit the switch device from switching between the second state and the first state when the first member is in the second position.

In another aspect, a lock assembly for a circuit protection device is provided. The lock assembly includes a first member defining a groove including a first portion and a second portion. The lock assembly also includes a second member arranged to extend into the groove. The first member is moveable relative to the second member between a first position and a second position. The second member is arranged to extend into the first portion of the groove when the first member is in the first position and extend into the second portion of the groove when the first member is in the second position. The lock assembly further includes an engagement component coupled to the first member. The engagement component is arranged to engage a switch device of the circuit protection device and inhibit the switch device moving between an OFF state and an ON state when the first member is in the second position.

In yet another aspect, a method of assembling an electrical power distribution system is provided. The method includes coupling a switch device to a circuit protection device. The switch device is switchable between an ON state and an OFF state. The method further includes coupling a lock assembly to the switch device. The lock assembly includes a first member and a second member. The first member defines a groove including a first portion and a second portion. The first member is movable relative to the second member between a first position and a second position. The method also includes positioning the second member in the groove such that the second member extends into the first portion of the groove when the first member is in the first position and extends into the second portion of the groove when the first member is in the second position. The method further includes coupling an engagement mechanism to the first member. The engagement mechanism is arranged to inhibit the switch device from switching between the OFF state and the ON state when the first member is in the second position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an electrical power distribution system;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a switch device of the electrical power distribution system shown in Fig. 1 with a case removed and a lock assembly in a locked position;

Fig. 3 is a side view of a lock assembly shown in Figs. 1 and 2 in an unlocked position;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a switch device and a lock assembly for use with the electrical power distribution system shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a lock assembly shown in Fig. 4; and

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the lock assembly shown in Fig. 5.

Although specific features of various embodiments may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. Any feature of any drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings.

The singular forms “a” , “an” , and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about” , “approximately” , and “substantially” , are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

Exemplary embodiments of electrical power distribution systems and methods of assembling electrical power distribution systems are described herein. The exemplary electrical power distribution systems include a circuit protection device including a switch device and a lock assembly for the switch device. The lock assembly includes a first member and a second member. The first member defines a groove and the second member is arranged to extend into the groove. At least one of the first member and the second member is moveable relative to the other when the lock assembly moves between a first position and a second position such that the second member extends into a first portion of the groove when the lock assembly is in the first position and extends into a second portion of the groove when the lock assembly is in the second position. The lock assembly is arranged to engage the switch device and inhibit the switch device from switching between an ON state and an OFF state when the lock assembly is in the second position. Accordingly, the lock assembly provides a reliable mechanism for locking the switch device. Also, the lock assembly allows the switch device to have an increased capacity. In addition, the lock assembly has a reduced size in comparison to at least some known lock assemblies.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary electrical power distribution system 100. Electrical power distribution system 100 includes a circuit protection device 102 that is coupleable to at least one electrical power source (not shown in Fig. 1) and at least one load (not shown in Fig. 1) . Electrical power sources may include, for example, one or more generators, electrical grids, or other devices that provide electrical current (and resulting electrical power) to loads. Loads may include, but are not limited to only including, machinery, motors, lighting, and/or other electrical and mechanical equipment of a manufacturing or power generation or distribution facility. Circuit protection device 102 includes any components that enable circuit protection device 102 to operate as described herein. For example, in some embodiments, circuit protection device 102 includes a load strap, a line strap, a rotor assembly, and an operating mechanism. In the exemplary embodiment, circuit protection device 102 is a circuit breaker configured to trip and interrupt the flow of current through circuits coupled to circuit protection device 102. In alternative embodiments, electrical power distribution system 100 includes any circuit protection device 102 that enables electrical power distribution system 100 to operate as described herein. For example, in some embodiments, electrical power distribution system 100 includes, without limitation, air circuit breakers, molded case circuit breakers, switches, miniature circuit breakers, and/or relays. In addition, in some embodiments, electrical power distribution system 100 includes a plurality of circuit protection devices 102.

In the exemplary embodiment, electrical power distribution system 100 includes at least one switch device 104. Switch device 104 is coupled to circuit protection device 102 and is operable to switch the state of circuit protection device 102 which interrupts the flow of current through circuits coupled to circuit protection device 102. For example, switch device 104 is a motor operator and is mounted on an exterior of circuit protection device 102. In some embodiments, switch device 104 is installable and replaceable in the field (i.e., at a location other than the original assembly location of the circuit protection device 102) . Switch device 104 is switchable between an ON state, broadly a first state, and an OFF state, broadly a second state. When switch device 104 is in the first state, circuit protection device 102 allows current to flow through a circuit coupled to circuit protection device 102. When switch device 104 is in the second state, circuit protection device 102 inhibits current flowing through the circuit coupled to circuit protection device 102. Switch device 104 includes an ON actuator 106 and an OFF actuator 108. An operator presses ON actuator 106 to transition switch device 104 from the second state to the first state. The operator presses OFF actuator 108 to transition switch device 104 from the first state to the second state. In alternative embodiments, electrical power distribution system 100 includes any switch device 104 that enables electrical power distribution system 100 to operate as described herein.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, switch device 104 includes an electrically insulative case 110 that encloses an interior space 112 (shown in Fig. 2) . Case 110 electrically insulates switch device 104 such that electrical current is inhibited from passing through case 110 to the surrounding environment. Case 110 defines an opening 115 for a lock assembly 114 to extend through. As described in more detail below, lock assembly 114 is positionable between a first, unlocked position and a second, locked position. When lock assembly 114 is in the second position, a first member 116 of lock assembly 114 extends through opening 115 and is arranged to receive a lock (not shown in Fig. 1) on an exterior of case 110. First member 116 defines at least one opening 119 arranged to receive the lock on an exterior of case 110. In alternative embodiments, electrical power distribution system 100 includes any case 110 that enables electrical power distribution system 100 to operate as described herein.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of switch device 104 of electrical power distribution system 100 with case 110 removed and lock assembly 114 in the locked position. Fig. 3 is a side view of lock assembly 114 in the unlocked position. Also, in the exemplary embodiment, lock assembly 114 is coupled to switch device 104. Lock assembly 114 is moveable between an unlocked position, broadly a first position (Fig. 3) , and a locked position, broadly a second position (Fig. 2) . Lock assembly 114 includes a first member 116, a second member 118, and an engagement mechanism 120. In alternative embodiments, lock assembly 114 includes any components that enable lock assembly 114 to operate as described herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, first member 116 includes a first ramp 124, a second ramp 126, a third ramp 128, and a fourth ramp 130 collectively defining a groove 122. Groove 122 includes a first portion 132 and a second portion 134. First ramp 124 and fourth ramp 130 extend on opposite sides of first portion 132. Second ramp 126 and third ramp 128 extend on opposite sides of second portion 134. Second ramp 126 is connected to first ramp 124 and third ramp 128 is connected to fourth ramp 130. Accordingly, groove 122 is continuous and has a quadrilateral shape. In alternative embodiments, first member 116 includes any groove 122 that enables first member 116 to function as described herein.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, first member 116 is generally rectangular and extends along a first axis 117. In addition, first member 116 defines at least one opening 119 arranged to receive a lock (not shown in Figs. 2 and 3) on an exterior of case 110 (shown in Fig. 1) when first member 116 is in the second position. For example, in some embodiments, a shackle of a padlock is positioned in the opening 119. The lock contacts first member 116 and case 110 (shown in Fig. 1) when the lock is positioned in opening 119 and prevents first member 116 from being retracted into the interior of case 110. Accordingly, the lock prevents first member 116 from moving between the second position and the first position when the lock is positioned in opening 119. In alternative embodiments, lock assembly 114 includes any first member 116 that enables lock assembly 114 to function as described herein.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, second member 118 is arranged to extend into groove 122. Second member 118 includes a first end 136, a middle 138, and a second end 140. First end 136 extends along a second axis 142 perpendicular to first axis 117. Middle 138 extends between first end 136 and second end 140 along a third axis 144 generally parallel to first axis 117 of first member 116. Accordingly, second member 118 is generally L-shaped. In alternative embodiments, lock assembly 114 includes any second member 118 that enables lock assembly 114 to operate as described herein.

In addition, in the exemplary embodiment, first member 116 is moveable relative to second member 118 between a first position and a second position. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, first member 116 is moveable relative to second member 118 and relative to case 110 (shown in Fig. 1) between the first position and the second position. First end 136 of second member 118 is arranged to extend into first portion 132 of groove 122 and engage first member 116 when first member 116 is in the first position. First end 136 of second member 118 is arranged to extend into second portion 134 of groove 122 and engage first member 116 when first member 116 is in the second position. First portion 132 and second portion 134 form valleys in groove 122 and facilitate second member 118 engaging first member 116 and retaining lock assembly 114 in the respective position. In alternative embodiments, first member 116 and/or second member 118 move in any manner that enables lock assembly 114 to operate as described herein.

Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, first member 116 is arranged to direct second member 118 in a single direction along a closed path formed by groove 122. For example, first ramp 124, second ramp 126, third ramp 128, and fourth ramp 130 are arranged to sequentially direct second member 118 in a counter clockwise (relative to the view shown in Fig. 3) direction through the circuit. As used herein, slope refers to an angle relative to an axis. In the exemplary embodiment, first ramp 124, second ramp 126, third ramp 128, and fourth ramp 130 each has a slope defined relative to a horizontal axis 145. Horizontal axis 145 extends horizontally (relative to the view shown in Fig. 3) and is generally perpendicular to axis 117. Each slope is between 0° and 90°. First ramp 124 has a slope greater than a slope of fourth ramp 130, i.e., the angle between first ramp 124 and axis 145 is greater than the angle between fourth ramp 130 and axis 145. Second ramp 126 has a slope greater than a slope of third ramp 128, i.e., the angle between second ramp 126 and axis 145 is greater than the angle between third ramp 128 and axis 145. Accordingly, second member 118 is translatable along first ramp 124 and second ramp 126 when first member 116 moves from the first position to the second position, and second member 118 is translatable along third ramp 128 and fourth ramp 130 when first member 116 moves from the second position to the first position. Second member 118 is translated along first ramp 124 and second ramp 126 because first ramp 124 and second ramp 126 provide the least resistance to second member 118 when lock assembly 114 moves between the first position and the second position. Second member 118 is translated along third ramp 128 and fourth ramp 130 because third ramp 128 and fourth ramp 130 provide the least resistance to second member 118 when lock assembly 114 moves between the second position and the first position. In alternative embodiments, second member 118 is translatable in any manner that enables lock assembly 114 to operate as described herein.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, lock assembly 114 is supported in case 110 (shown in Fig. 1) by a mount 146. Mount 146 include supports 148 that extend along first axis 117. First member 116 is moveably positioned on supports 148 of mount 146. Second member 118 is coupled to mount 146 by a joint 150. With reference to the orientation of lock assembly 114 shown in Fig. 3, joint 150 and mount 146 maintain a vertical position of second member 118 and allow at least some horizontal movement of second member 118. Accordingly, second member 118 is able to follow the closed path formed by groove 122. In alternative embodiments, lock assembly 114 is supported in any manner that enables lock assembly 114 to function as described herein.

In addition, in the exemplary embodiment, lock assembly 114 includes a bias mechanism 152 arranged to provide a bias force to first member 116. Specifically, bias mechanism 152 is arranged to bias first member 116 in a direction substantially parallel to first axis 117 towards the second position. In the exemplary embodiment, bias mechanism 152 includes a coil spring positioned on one of supports 148. Bias mechanism 152 extends between first member 116 and mount 146. In alternative embodiments, lock assembly 114 includes any bias mechanism that enables lock assembly 114 to operate as described herein.

Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, engagement mechanism 120 includes a follower 154, a shaft 158, and an engagement component 160. Engagement mechanism 120 is positionable between an engaged position and a disengaged positon. Engagement mechanism is arranged to move between the engaged position and the disengaged position upon movement of first member 116 between the first position and the second position. Engagement mechanism 120 is arranged to contact ON actuator 106 of switch device 104 when engagement mechanism 120 is in the engaged position. In embodiments, engagement mechanism 120 moves between the engaged position and the disengaged position in any manner that enables the lock assembly 114 to operate as described herein. For example, in some embodiments, engagement mechanism 120 is arranged to rotate and/or translate.

In the exemplary embodiment, shaft 158 is arranged to rotate about an axis 162. Follower 154 and engagement component 160 are coupled to shaft 158 and configured to rotate with shaft 158. In addition, follower 154 is coupled to first member 116 such that follower 154, shaft 158, and engagement component 160 rotate when first member 116 moves between the first position and the second position. In addition, engagement component 160 contacts and engages ON actuator 106 of switch device 104 when first member 116 is in the second position to prevent ON actuator 106 from being depressed. For example, engagement component 160 extends underneath and blocks downward movement of ON actuator 106 when first member 116 is in the second position. Accordingly, engagement mechanism 120 is arranged to inhibit switch device 104 from switching between the OFF state and the ON state when first member 116 is in the second position. In alternative embodiments, lock assembly 114 includes any engagement mechanism 120 that enables lock assembly 114 to operate as described herein.

To move lock assembly 114 between the first position and the second position, an operator applies a force to first member 116 along first axis 117 that is greater than the bias force of bias mechanism 152. As a result, first member 116 is displaced and second member 118 moves out of first portion 132 along first ramp 124. When second member 118 is out of first portion 132 and beyond first ramp 124, the bias force of bias mechanism 152 causes second member 118 to move along second ramp 126 and into second portion 134 of groove 122. Bias mechanism 152 biases first member 116 against second member 118 such that second member 118 retains first member 116 in the second position. To move lock assembly 114 between the second position and the first position, an operator applies a force to first member 116 along first axis 117 that is greater the bias force of bias mechanism 152. As a result, first member 116 is displaced and second member 118 moves out of second portion 134 and along third ramp 128. When second member 118 is out of second portion 134 and beyond third ramp 128, the bias force of bias mechanism 152 causes second member 118 to move along fourth ramp 130 and into first portion 132. In alternative embodiments, first member 116 and/or second member 118 is positioned in any manner that enables lock assembly 114 to operate as described herein.

With reference to Figs. 1-3, a method of assembling electrical power distribution system 100 includes coupling circuit protection device 102 to a circuit such that circuit protection device 102 is arranged to interrupt current flowing through the circuit. The method also includes coupling switch device 104 to circuit protection device 102 and coupling lock assembly 114 to switch device 104. In addition, the method includes coupling first member 116 of lock assembly 114 to second member 118 of lock assembly such that one of first member 116 and second member 118 is moveable relative to the other of first member 116 and second member 118 between a first position and a second position. For example, in some embodiments, the method includes positioning second member 118 in groove 122 of first member 116 such that second member 118 is moveable between first portion 132 of groove 122 and second portion 134 of groove 122. In addition, the method includes coupling bias mechanism 152 to at least one of first member 116 and second member 118 to bias the respective member towards the second position.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a switch device 204 and a lock assembly 206 for use with electrical power distribution system 100 (shown in Fig. 1) . Switch device 204 includes an electrically insulative case 202. Lock assembly 206 is coupled to switch device 204 and is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, lock assembly 206 allows switch device 204 to switch between an ON state and an OFF state. In the second position, lock assembly 206 inhibits switch device 204 from switching between the ON state and the OFF state. In alternative embodiments, switch device 204 has any configuration that enables switch device 200 to function as described herein.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of lock assembly 206. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of lock assembly 206. Lock assembly 206 includes a first member 208, a second member 210, an engagement mechanism 212, and a bias mechanism 214. First member 208 defines a groove 216 including a first portion 218 and a second portion 220. First member 208 includes a plurality of ramps 222 collectively defining groove 216 and extending between first portion 218 and second portion 220. First member 208 is arranged to direct second member 210 through groove 216 along a circuit. In alternative embodiments, lock assembly 206 includes any first member 208 that enables lock assembly 206 to function as described herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, second member 210 is moveable relative to first member 208 between a first position and a second position. Second member 210 includes a pin 224 that extends into first portion 218 when second member 210 is in the first position, and into second portion 220 when second member 210 is in the second position. Bias mechanism 214 is coupled to second member 210 and is arranged to bias second member 210 towards the second position. In the second position, a receiver 226 of second member 210 extends from an exterior of case 202 (shown in Fig. 4) to receive a lock (not shown in Figs. 5 and 6) . In alternative embodiments, lock assembly 206 includes any second member 210 that enables lock assembly 206 to operate as described herein.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, engagement mechanism 212 is coupled to second member 210 and is arranged to inhibit switching of switch device 204 (shown in Fig. 4) between the ON state and the OFF state when second member 210 is in the second position. For example, engagement mechanism 212 extends underneath and blocks downward movement of an ON actuator of switch device 204 when first member 116 is in the second position. In alternative embodiments, lock assembly 206 includes any engagement mechanism 212 that enables lock assembly 206 to operate as described herein.

Embodiments of the electrical power distribution systems described above include a circuit protection device including a switch device and a lock assembly for the switch device. The lock assembly includes a first member and a second member. The first member defines a groove and the second member is arranged to extend into the groove. At least one of the first member and the second member is moveable relative to the other when the lock assembly moves between a first position and a second position such that the second member extends into a first portion of the groove when the lock assembly is in the first position and extends into a second portion of the groove when the lock assembly is in the second position. The lock assembly is arranged to engage the switch device and inhibit the switch device from switching between an ON state and an OFF state when the lock assembly is in the second position. Accordingly, the lock assembly provides a reliable mechanism for locking the switch device. Also, the lock assembly allows the switch device to have an increased capacity. In addition, the lock assembly has a reduced size in comparison to at least some known lock assemblies.

An exemplary technical effect of the methods, systems, and apparatus described herein includes at least one of: (a) enabling circuit protection devices to have a higher current carrying capacity; (b) providing circuit protection devices that have a reduced size in comparison to at least some known circuit protection devices; (c) providing lock assemblies that have a reduced number of components in comparison to at least some known lock assemblies; (d) enabling switch devices to have a shorter response time; and (e) providing a lock assembly that is unidirectional and reduces the opportunity for incorrect operation.

Exemplary embodiments of electrical power distribution systems are described above in detail. The electrical power distribution systems are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein but, rather, components of the electrical power distribution systems and operations may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or operations described herein. Further, the described components and/or operations may also be defined in, or used in combination with, other systems, methods, and/or devices, and are not limited to practice with only the electrical power distribution systems and apparatuses described herein.

The order of execution or performance of the operations in the embodiments of the disclosure illustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations may be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and embodiments of the disclosure may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation is within the scope of aspects of the disclosure.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the disclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

This written description uses examples to disclose the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

PARTS LIST

electrical power distribution system 100

circuit protection device 102

switch device 104

ON actuator 106

OFF actuator 108

insulative case 110

interior space 112

lock assembly 114

opening 115

first member 116

first axis 117

second member 118

opening 119

engagement mechanism 120

groove 122

first ramp 124

second ramp 126

third ramp 128

fourth ramp 130

first portion 132

second portion 134

first end 136

middle 138

second end 140

second axis 142

third axis 144

horizontal axis 145

mount 146

supports 148

joint 150

bias mechanism 152

follower 154

shaft 158

engagement component 160

axis 162

switch device 200

insulative case 202

switch device 204

lock assembly 206

first member 208

second member 210

engagement mechanism 212

bias mechanism 214

groove 216

first portion 218

second portion 220

ramps 222

pin 224

receiver 226

Claims

An electrical power distribution system comprising:

a circuit protection device operable to interrupt current flowing through a circuit;

a switch device coupled to said circuit protection device, wherein said switch device is switchable between a first state in which said circuit protection device allows current to flow through the circuit and a second state in which said circuit protection device inhibits current from flowing through the circuit; and

a lock assembly coupled to said switch device, said lock assembly comprising:

a first member that defines a groove including a first portion and a second portion; and

a second member extending into the groove, wherein said first member is moveable relative to said second member between a first position and a second position, wherein said second member is arranged to extend into the first portion of the groove when said first member is in the first position and extend into the second portion of the groove when said first member is in the second position, and wherein said lock assembly is arranged to inhibit said switch device from switching between the second state and the first state when said first member is in the second position.
The electrical power distribution system in accordance with Claim 1, wherein said lock assembly further comprises a mount that supports said first member and said second member.
The electrical power distribution system in accordance with Claim 1, wherein said lock assembly further comprises a bias mechanism coupled to said first member and arranged to bias said first member towards the second position.
The electrical power distribution system in accordance with Claim 3, wherein said first member extends along a first axis, and wherein said second member comprises an end extending into the groove along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, said bias mechanism arranged to bias said first member in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis and substantially perpendicular to the second axis.
The electrical power distribution system in accordance with Claim 1, wherein the groove forms a closed path.
The electrical power distribution system in accordance with Claim 5, wherein said first member includes a first ramp, a second ramp, a third ramp, and a fourth ramp, wherein said first ramp, said second ramp, said third ramp, and said fourth ramp collectively define the groove, wherein said second member is translatable along said first ramp and said second ramp in response to movement by said first member from the first position to the second position, and wherein said second member is translatable along said third ramp and said fourth ramp in response to movement by said first member from the second position to the first position.
The electrical power distribution system in accordance with Claim 6, wherein said first member extends along a horizontal axis, wherein said first ramp has a slope defined relative to the horizontal axis greater than a slope of said fourth ramp.
The electrical power distribution system in accordance with Claim 1, wherein said lock assembly further comprises an engagement mechanism positionable between an engaged position and a disengaged positon, wherein said engagement mechanism is arranged to move between the engaged position and the disengaged position upon movement of said first member between the first position and the second position, wherein said engagement mechanism is arranged to contact an ON actuator of said switch device when said engagement mechanism is in the engaged position.
The electrical power distribution system in accordance with Claim 1, further comprising an electrically insulative case arranged to enclose said circuit protection device, wherein said first member is arranged to extend from an exterior of said electrically insulative case and receive at least one lock when said first member is in the second position.
A lock assembly for a circuit protection device, said lock assembly comprising:

a first member that defines a groove including a first portion and a second portion;

a second member extending into the groove, wherein said first member is moveable relative to said second member between a first position and a second position, wherein said second member is arranged to extend into the first portion of the groove when said first member is in the first position and extend into the second portion of the groove when said first member is in the second position; and

an engagement component coupled to said first member, wherein said engagement component is arranged to engage a switch device of the circuit protection device to inhibit the switch device from switching between an OFF state and an ON state when said first member is in the second position.
The lock assembly in accordance with Claim 10, further comprising a bias mechanism coupled to said first member and arranged to bias said first member towards the second position.
The lock assembly in accordance with Claim 11, wherein said first member extends along a first axis, and wherein said second member includes an end extending into the groove along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, said bias mechanism arranged to bias said first member in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis and substantially perpendicular to the second axis.
The lock assembly in accordance with Claim 10, wherein the groove forms a closed path for said second member.
The lock assembly in accordance with Claim 13, wherein said first member includes a first ramp, a second ramp, a third ramp, and a fourth ramp collectively defining the groove, wherein said second member is translatable along said first ramp and said second ramp in response to movement by said first member from the first position to the second position, and wherein said second member is translatatable along said third ramp and said fourth ramp in response to movement by said first member from the second position to the first position.
The lock assembly in accordance with Claim 14, wherein said first member extends along a horizontal axis, wherein said first ramp has a slope defined relative to the horizontal axis greater than a slope of said fourth ramp.
The lock assembly in accordance with Claim 10, wherein the circuit protection device includes an electrically insulative case, and wherein said first member is arranged to extend from an exterior of the electrically insulative case and receive at least one lock when said first member is in the second position.
A method of assembling an electrical power distribution system, said method comprising:

coupling a switch device to a circuit protection device, wherein the switch device is switchable between an ON state and an OFF state;

coupling a lock assembly to the switch device, the lock assembly including a first member and a second member, wherein the first member defines a groove including a first portion and a second portion, and wherein the first member is movable relative to the second member between a first position and a second position;

positioning the second member in the groove such that the second member extends into the first portion of the groove when the first member is in the first position and extends into the second portion of the groove when the first member is in the second position; and

coupling an engagement mechanism to the first member, wherein the engagement mechanism is arranged to inhibit the switch device from switching between the OFF state and the ON state when the first member is in the second position.
The method in accordance with Claim 17, further comprising coupling a bias mechanism to the first member, the bias mechanism arranged to bias the first member towards the second position.
The method in accordance with Claim 17, wherein the first member includes a first ramp, a second ramp, a third ramp, and a fourth ramp collectively defining the groove, and further comprising positioning the first member relative to the second member such that the second member is translatable along the first ramp and the second ramp when the first member moves from the first position to the second position and the second member is translatable along the third ramp and the fourth ramp when the first member moves from the second position to the first position.
The method in accordance with Claim 17, wherein the circuit protection device includes an electrically insulative case defining an interior space, and further comprising positioning the first member in the interior space, wherein a portion of the first member is arranged to extend from an exterior of the electrically insulative case to receive at least one lock when the first member is in the second position.