WO2022222033A1

WO2022222033A1 - Mechanical interlocking system and switchgear comprising the same

Info

Publication number: WO2022222033A1
Application number: PCT/CN2021/088408
Authority: WO
Inventors: Xiaosong Zhou
Original assignee: Abb Schweiz Ag
Priority date: 2021-04-20
Filing date: 2021-04-20
Publication date: 2022-10-27
Also published as: CN115023784A

Abstract

Embodiments of present disclosure provide a mechanical interlocking system and a switchgear comprising the mechanical interlocking system. The mechanical interlocking system comprises: a first interlocking assembly coupled to a first circuit breaker and being switchable between a locked state and a released state, wherein the first interlocking assembly prevents the first circuit breaker from being closed in the locked state and allows the first circuit breaker to be closed in the released state; a second interlocking assembly coupled to a second circuit breaker and being switchable between a locked state and a released state, wherein the second interlocking assembly prevents the second circuit breaker from being closed in the locked state and allows the second circuit breaker to be closed in the released state; and an intermediate assembly arranged between the first circuit breaker and the second circuit breaker and comprising: a first transfer member arranged to couple the first circuit breaker to the second interlocking assembly and configured to switch the second interlocking assembly into the locked state in response to the first circuit breaker being closed, and a second transfer member arranged to couple the second circuit breaker to the first interlocking assembly and configured to switch the first interlocking assembly into the locked state in response to the second circuit breaker being closed. In the present disclosure, the mechanical interlock prevents the circuit breakers from being closed simultaneously under any circumstances, and has advantages of simplicity and reliability.

Description

MECHANICAL INTERLOCKING SYSTEM AND SWITCHGEAR COMPRISING THE SAME

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of electrical equipment, and more particularly, to a mechanical interlocking system and a switchgear comprising the mechanical interlocking system.

BACKGROUND

In some situations, such as in data centers, large buildings, smart grids, hospitals, traffic, airport command centers and metallurgical chemical industries and other types of places, a usual power source and a standby power source are typically provided for ensuring the high reliability and continuity of the power supply. A switching electrical apparatus for switching the usual power source and the standby power source is required in this event. By using a switching electrical apparatus, the power supply for the load will be switched to the standby power source from the usual power source if the usual power source fails, and the power supply for the load will be switched back to the usual power source from the standby power source if the usual power returns to a healthy state. An example of a switching electrical apparatus is a medium voltage automatic transfer switch (ATS) equipment, which is a power conversion system operating at 12kV or less.

The switching electrical apparatus, such as ATS equipment, may use two sets of circuit breakers (e.g., vacuum circuit breakers) with interlocking functions. Generally, the interlocking functions for the two sets of circuit breakers should prevent the simultaneous connection of both the usual power source and the standby power source to the load, and should not fail under any circumstances. Such interlocking functions can avoid an undesired short circuit and fault in the power system. Electrical and mechanical interlocking functions may be respectively provided in the switching electrical apparatus to ensure the interlocking of the two circuit breakers. Generally, a mechanical interlocking system should meet the following requirements: the mechanical interlock should be able to prevent the usual and standby power sources from being connected to the load simultaneously, and should not fail under any circumstances; if one circuit breaker is in a closed state, the other circuit breaker must be in an open state; if one circuit breaker is in the open state, the other circuit breaker may be in the open state or closed state; when the circuit breakers are initially placed in the working position, the circuit breakers are in the open state; and when the circuit breakers are in the service or maintenance position, the interlocking function may not be required.

At present, there is still a need for excellent mechanical interlocking means, which should be installed in a simple manner, and have higher reliability.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a mechanical interlocking system and a switchgear comprising a mechanical interlocking system.

In a first aspect, a mechanical interlocking system is provided. The mechanical interlocking system comprises: a first interlocking assembly coupled to a first circuit breaker and being switchable between a locked state and a released state, wherein the first interlocking assembly prevents the first circuit breaker from being closed in the locked state and allows the first circuit breaker to be closed in the released state; a second interlocking assembly coupled to a second circuit breaker and being switchable between a locked state and a released state, wherein the second interlocking assembly prevents the second circuit breaker from being closed in the locked state and allows the second circuit breaker to be closed in the released state; and an intermediate assembly arranged between the first circuit breaker and the second circuit breaker and comprising: a first transfer member arranged to couple the first circuit breaker to the second interlocking assembly and configured to switch the second interlocking assembly into the locked state in response to the first circuit breaker being closed, and a second transfer member arranged to couple the second circuit breaker to the first interlocking assembly and configured to switch the first interlocking assembly into the locked state in response to the second circuit breaker being closed.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the mechanical interlocking system can be easily and simply mounted between at least two circuit breakers to be interlocked. The interlocking between the circuit breakers can be implemented in a relatively rapid and reliable manner. Moreover, the mechanical interlocking system will not affect the operation of the circuit breakers rolling in and out of the switchgear or the switch cubicle.

In some embodiments, the first transfer member is configured to be coupled to the first circuit breaker and the second interlocking assembly in a non-fixed connection manner, and the second transfer member is configured to be coupled to the second circuit breaker and the first interlocking assembly in a non-fixed connection manner.

In some embodiments, the intermediate assembly further comprises a support member arranged to support the first and second transfer members in a rotatable connection manner.

In some embodiments, the support member comprises at least two separable portions.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second transfer members comprises: a first rotatable component supported by the support member and being rotatable with respect to the support member; a first transfer arm arranged at an end of the first rotatable component; and a second transfer arm arranged at the other end of the first rotatable component.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second transfer members further comprises: a first elastic component coupled to the first rotatable component and the support member and configured to reset the first rotatable component in response to the corresponding circuit breaker changing from a closed state to an open state; and a first limit element configured to limit a rotation range of the first rotatable component with respect to the support member.

In some embodiments, the mechanical interlocking system further comprises: a first driving arm having a first end fixed to a main shaft of the first circuit breaker and a second end opposite to the first end and adapted to push the first transfer arm of the first transfer member when the main shaft of the first circuit breaker rotates to close the first circuit breaker; and a second driving arm having a first end fixed to a main shaft of the second circuit breaker and a second end opposite to the first end and adapted to push the first transfer arm of the second transfer member when the main shaft of the second circuit breaker rotates to close the second circuit breaker.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second driving arms comprises a POM wheel arranged at the second end thereof.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second interlocking assemblies comprises: a second rotatable component; a linearly movable component configured to move between a locked position corresponding to the locked state and a release position corresponding to the released state; an input arm arranged at an end of the second rotatable component and configured to be pushed by the second transfer arm of the corresponding transfer member; and a conversion component arranged at the other end of the second rotatable component and configured to convert a rotary movement of the second rotatable component to a linear movement of the linearly movable component.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second interlocking assemblies further comprises: a second elastic component coupled to the second rotatable component and configured to reset the second rotatable component in response to the corresponding circuit breaker changing from a closed state to an open state, a second limit element configured to limit a rotation range of the second rotatable component; and a third elastic component configured to reset the linearly movable component to the released position in response to the corresponding circuit breaker changing from the closed state to the open state.

In some embodiments, the linearly movable component comprises: a telescoping element; and at least one tubular elements configured to receive and guide the telescoping element.

In some embodiments, the conversion component comprises a cam.

In a second aspect, a switchgear is provided. The switchgear comprises a first circuit breaker; a second circuit breaker; and the mechanical interlocking system according to the first aspect coupled to the first and second circuit breakers to prevent the first and second circuit breakers from being closed simultaneously.

In some embodiments, the switchgear is an automatic transfer switch, ATS, equipment.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Drawings described herein are provided to further explain the present disclosure and constitute a part of the present disclosure. The example embodiments of the disclosure and the explanation thereof are used to explain the present disclosure, rather than to limit the present disclosure improperly.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a mechanical interlocking system and two circuit breakers in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a first circuit breaker as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of a second circuit breaker as shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A to 3D illustrate different views of an intermediate assembly of the mechanical interlocking system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A to 4D illustrate different views of a driving arm of the mechanical interlocking system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a first interlocking assembly mounted on the first circuit breaker.

FIGS. 5B and 5C illustrate perspective and front views of an upper portion of the first interlocking assembly as shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of a second interlocking assembly mounted on the second circuit breaker.

FIGS. 6B and 6C illustrate perspective and front views of an upper portion of the second interlocking assembly as shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of linearly movable components of the first and second interlocking assemblies.

FIGS. 7B and 7C illustrate partial perspective views of the linearly movable components of the first and second interlocking assemblies.

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of the linearly movable component and the first circuit breaker in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B illustrates a partial enlarged view of the linearly movable component and the first circuit breaker of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of a switchgear in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 9B and 9C are schematic views illustrating the internal structure of the housing of the switchgear.

Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference symbols are used to indicate the same or similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIEMTNS

Principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to several example embodiments shown in the drawings. Though example embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated in the drawings, it is to be understood that the embodiments are described only to facilitate those skilled in the art in better understanding and thereby achieving the present disclosure, rather than to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner.

The term “comprises” or “includes” and its variants are to be read as open terms that mean “includes, but is not limited to. ” The term “or” is to be read as “and/or” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “based on” is to be read as “based at least in part on. ” The term “being operable to” is to mean a function, an action, a motion or a state can be achieved by an operation induced by a user or an external mechanism. The term “one embodiment” and “an embodiment” are to be read as “at least one embodiment. ” The term “another embodiment” is to be read as “at least one other embodiment. ” The terms “first, ” “second, ” and the like may refer to different or same objects. Other definitions, explicit and implicit, may be included below. A definition of a term is consistent throughout the description unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms “mounted, ” “connected, ” “supported, ” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Furthermore, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. In the description below, like reference numerals and labels are used to describe the same, similar or corresponding parts in the figures. Other definitions, explicit and implicit, may be included below.

In a conventional solution for implementing the interlocking between two circuit breakers, the installation of a conventional interlocking means is complicated, and the reliability of the interlocking is poor due to the large number of parts that are used. Moreover, once the circuit breakers are interlocked, it is difficult to move the circuit breakers out of the working position (e.g., for maintenance or other purposes) , or an additional auxiliary assembly is required to facilitate the moving of the circuit breakers, which increases the cost of the interlocking means.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a new mechanical interlocking system is provided between the circuit breakers. The mechanical interlocking system can effectively prevent the circuit breakers from being closed simultaneously, and have advantages of simple installation and high reliability. Furthermore, this interlocking system will not affect the switching between the working position and the maintenance position of the circuit breakers, so that the circuit breakers can roll in and out of the switchgear or the switch cubicle in an easier manner.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a mechanical interlocking system 100 and

circuit breakers

200, 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Both of the

circuit breakers

200 and 300 may be electrically connected to a power load. The

circuit breakers

200 and 300 may also be electrically connected to a main power source and a standby power source respectively, such that the power from the main power source or the standby power source can be supplied to the power load depending on the operations of the circuit breakers. By way of example, the

circuit breakers

200, 300 may be vacuum circuit breakers. Alternatively, the

circuit breakers

200, 300 may be any other types of circuit breakers which can achieve mechanical locking. Furthermore, in order to clearly show the internal structure of the

circuit breakers

200, 300, some components of the

circuit breakers

200, 300 are omitted, such as a panel. The mechanical interlocking system 100 may provide the interlocking between the

circuit breakers

200 and 300, thereby preventing the

circuit breakers

200 and 300 from being closed simultaneously.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of the first circuit breaker 200 as shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of the second circuit breaker 300 as shown in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the mechanical interlocking system 100 comprises a first interlocking assembly 110. The first interlocking assembly 110 is coupled to the first circuit breaker 200 and is switchable between a locked state and a released state. The first interlocking assembly 110 prevents the first circuit breaker 200 from being closed in the locked state and allows the first circuit breaker 200 to be closed in the released state. By way of example, the first interlocking assembly 110 may be mounted on the housing or frame of the first circuit breaker 200, so that the first interlocking assembly 110 may be placed adjacent to operating elements in the first circuit breaker 200. With such an arrangement, the first interlocking assembly 110 may affect the mechanical operation of the first circuit breaker 200 by the movement of the elements thereof. Alternatively, the first interlocking assembly 110 may be arranged in other suitable positions relative to the circuit breaker 200, as long as the change of the state of the first interlocking assembly 110 can influence the closing of the first circuit breaker 200.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the mechanical interlocking system 100 comprises a second interlocking assembly 120. The second interlocking assembly 120 is coupled to the second circuit breaker 300 and is switchable between a locked state and a released state. The second interlocking assembly 120 prevents the second circuit breaker 300 from being closed in the locked state and allows the second circuit breaker 300 to be closed in the released state. By way of example, the second interlocking assembly 120 may be mounted on the housing or frame of the second circuit breaker 300, so that the second interlocking assembly 120 may be placed adjacent to operating elements in the second circuit breaker 300. With such an arrangement, the second interlocking assembly 120 may affect the mechanical operation of the second circuit breaker 300 by the movement of the elements thereof. Alternatively, the second interlocking assembly 120 may be arranged in other suitable positions relative to the circuit breaker 300, as long as the change of the state of the second interlocking assembly 120 can influence the closing of the second circuit breaker 300.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the mechanical interlocking system 100 further comprises an intermediate assembly 130 arranged between the first circuit breaker 200 and the second circuit breaker 300. FIGS. 3A to 3D illustrate different views of the intermediate assembly 130 of the mechanical interlocking system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are the perspective, front and side views of the intermediate assembly 130, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, the intermediate assembly 130 comprises a first transfer member 1301. The first transfer member 1301 is arranged to couple the first circuit breaker 200 to the second interlocking assembly 120, and is configured to switch the second interlocking assembly 120 into the locked state in response to the first circuit breaker 200 being closed. For example, the transfer member 1301 may transfer the movement of the first circuit breaker 200 to the second interlocking assembly 120 during the closing operation of the first circuit breaker 200, thereby changing the state of the second interlocking assembly 120. The intermediate assembly 130 further comprises a second transfer member 1302. The second transfer member 1302 is arranged to couple the second circuit breaker 300 to the first interlocking assembly 110, and configured to switch the first interlocking assembly 110 into the locked state in response to the second circuit breaker 300 being closed. For example, the transfer member 1302 may transfer the movement of the second circuit breaker 300 to the first interlocking assembly 110 during the closing operation of the second circuit breaker 300, thereby changing the state of the first interlocking assembly 110.

By means of the

separate transfer members

1301 and 1302 of the intermediate assembly 130, the movement of one of the

circuit breakers

200 and 300 may be independently transferred to the interlocking assembly coupled to the other one of the

circuit breakers

200 and 300 without interfering with each other, thereby improving the reliability of the interlocking. Furthermore, since the intermediate portion (i.e., the intermediate assembly 130) of the mechanical interlocking system 100 that transmits motion between the

circuit breakers

200 and 300 is relatively independent from the interlocking assemblies for locking the

circuit breakers

200 and 300, this intermediate portion may be substantially entirely located between the

circuit breakers

200 and 300, which can significantly reduce the impact of the mechanical interlocking system 100 on the operations of the

circuit breakers

200 and 300 rolling in and out of the cubicle.

In some embodiments, the first transfer member 1301 is configured to be coupled to the first circuit breaker 200 and the second interlocking assembly 120 in a non-fixed connection manner, and the second transfer member 1302 is configured to be coupled to the second circuit breaker 300 and the first interlocking assembly 110 in a non-fixed connection manner. Alternatively, the first and

second transfer members

1301 and 1302 may be configured to be coupled to the

circuit breakers

200, 300 and the first and

second interlocking assemblies

110, 120 in a fixed connection manner, e.g., by any suitable type of fastening elements. Compared to the fixed connection manner, the non-fixed connection is preferred and can provide more advantages, for example, the intermediate assembly 130 used for transferring mechanical motion between the

circuit breakers

200 and 300 can be mechanically decoupled from the

circuit breakers

200 and 300 at any suitable time without affecting the motion transmission, so that even if the

circuit breakers

200 and 300 are in the interlocked state, they can be easily moved out of the cubicle or moved to the maintenance position from the working position.

The intermediate assembly 130 may further comprise a support member 138 arranged to support the first and

second transfer members

1301, 1302 in a rotatable connection manner. For example, the support member 138 may be provided with holes (in which bushings, bearings or any other suitable components are arranged) , and the

transfer member

1301 and 1302 pass through the holes, such that the

transfer members

1301 and 1302 are supported in a rotatable connection manner. Alternatively, the support member 138 may support the first and

second transfer members

1301 and 1302 in other suitable manners, as long as the first and

second transfer members

1301 and 1302 can be rotatably connected to the support member 138. By way of example, FIG. 3D shows the state of the intermediate assembly 130 after the intermediate assembly 130 is mounted on a housing 400 of a switchgear. The support member 138 may be fixed to the housing 400 of the switchgear or a cubicle for receiving the

circuit breakers

200 and 300.

In some embodiments, the support member 138 comprises at least two separable portions. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the support member 138 may be comprised of two halves which are adjacent to the

circuit breakers

200 and 300 respectively. The two halves of the support member 138 are fixed to the housing 400 by fastening elements at their ends. In this way, according to the size of the cubicle or the switchgear containing the circuit breakers, the distance between the two separable portions can be adjusted, thereby increasing the flexibility and broadening the application of the mechanical interlocking system 100. Alternatively, the support member 138 may be formed in one piece, as long as the support member 138 may support the first and

second transfer members

1301, 1302 between the

circuit breakers

200 and 300.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 3A to 3C, the first transfer member 1301 comprises a first rotatable component 131-1 supported by the support member 138 and being rotatable with respect to the support member 138, a first transfer arm 132-1 arranged at an end of the first rotatable component 131-1 and a second transfer arm 133-1 arranged at the other end of the first rotatable component 131-1. Similarly, the second transfer member 1302 comprises a first rotatable component 131-2 supported by the support member 138 and being rotatable with respect to the support member 138, a first transfer arm 132-2 arranged at an end of the first rotatable component 131-2 and a second transfer arm 133-2 arranged at the other end of the first rotatable component 131-2. For example, the first rotatable components 131-1 and 131-2 may be a rotatable shaft. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3A, the transfer arms 132-1, 132-2, 133-1 and 133-2 may comprise blocks 1321-1, 1321-2, 1331-1 and 1331-2 respectively. The blocks 1321-1, 1321-2, 1331-1 and 1331-2 may be made from the POM material, which can provide advantages of low friction, high strength, fatigue resistance and good elasticity. Alternatively, the blocks 1321-1, 1321-2, 1331-1 and 1331-2 may be made from other suitable materials, e.g., metal. Moreover, the transfer arms 132-1, 132-2, 133-1 and 133-2 may comprise arm bodies 1322-1, 1322-2, 1332-1 and 1332-2 respectively, and by any suitable means, e.g., screw, the blocks 1321-1, 1321-2, 1331-1 and 1331-2 are fixed on the ends of the arm bodies 1322-1, 1322-2, 1332-1 and 1332-2 respectively. With such an arrangement, the movement of the

circuit breakers

200 or 300 may cause the first transfer arm 132-1 or 132-2 to rotate, then drive the first rotatable component 131-1 or 131-2 and the second transfer arm 133-1 or 133-2 to rotate, and finally, the second transfer arm 133-1 or 133-2 can transmit the movement to the respective interlocking assembly coupled thereto.

In some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 3A, the first transfer member 1301 further comprises a first elastic component 135-1 and a first limit element 136-1. The first elastic component 135-1 is coupled to the first rotatable component 131-1 and the support member 138, and configured to reset the first rotatable component 131-1 in response to the first circuit breaker 200 changing from the closed state to the open state. The first limit element 136-1 is configured to limit a rotation range of the first rotatable component 131-1 with respect to the support member 138. Similarly, the second transfer member 1302 further comprises a first elastic component 135-2 and a first limit element 136-2. The first elastic component 135-2 is coupled to the first rotatable component 131-2 and the support member 138, and configured to reset the first rotatable component 131-2 in response to the second circuit breaker 300 changing from the closed state to the open state. The first limit element 136-2 is configured to limit a rotation range of the first rotatable component 131-2 with respect to the support member 138.

For example, the elastic components 135-1 and 135-2 may be coil springs wound on the rotatable shafts and fixed to the support member 138, respectively. Alternatively, the elastic components 135-1 and 135-2 may also be other suitable elastic components, as long as the elastic components 135-1 and 135-2 can be deformed when the

first circuit breaker

200 or 300 is closed, and can release the deformation energy to return the rotatable components 131-1 and 131-2 to their initial positions (i.e., the positions where the rotatable component 131-1 or 131-2 is not driven by the closing motion of the first circuit breaker 200 or 300) when the

first circuit breaker

200 or 300 changes from the closed state to the open state. By means of the elastic components 135-1 and 135-2, when the

first circuit breaker

200 or 300 is opened, the transfer member of the intermediate assembly 130 can be automatically returned to the initial position to avoid triggering the locking of another circuit breaker without requiring additional driving.

For example, the limit components 136-1 and 136-2 may comprise pins or bolts fixed on the support member 138. These pins or bolts are inserted into long holes located in the transfer arms 132-1, 132-2, 133-1 and 133-2, respectively. In this way, the transfer arms 132-1, 132-2, 133-1 and 133-2 can only be rotated in a predetermined range which depends on the location of pins or bolts and length of the long holes. Alternatively, the limit components 136-1 and 136-2 may be implemented in other suitable manners, as long as the rotation range of the first rotatable component 131-1 or 131-2 with respect to the support member 138 is limited.

Referring back to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the mechanical interlocking system 100 further comprises driving

arms

140 and 150. FIGS. 4A to 4D illustrate different views of the driving arm 140 of the mechanical interlocking system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The driving arm 140 has a first end and second end opposite to the first end. The first end of the driving arm 140 is fixed to a main shaft 210 of the first circuit breaker 200, and a second end of driving arm 140 is adapted to push the first transfer arm 132-1 of the first transfer member 1301 when the main shaft 210 of the first circuit breaker 200 rotates to close the first circuit breaker 200. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 2B, the driving arm 150 has a first end and second end opposite to the first end. The first end of the driving arm 150 is fixed to a main shaft 310 of the second circuit breaker 300, and a second end of the driving arm 150 is adapted to push the first transfer arm 132-2 of the second transfer member 1302 when the main shaft 310 of the second circuit breaker 300 rotates to close the second circuit breaker 300. Specifically, during the operation of closing the

first circuit breaker

200 or 300, the energy of an energy storage component in the

first circuit breaker

200 or 300 is released, causing the main shaft 210 of the first circuit breaker 200 or the main shaft 310 of the second circuit breaker 300 to rotate, which in turn drives the driving

arm

140 or 150 to rotate, thereby transmitting the closing motion of the

first circuit breaker

200 or 300 to the intermediate assembly 130. With such an arrangement, through pushing the transfer arm by the driving arm, the closing motion of a circuit breaker can be effectively transferred to the intermediate assembly and the interlocking assembly coupled to the other circuit breaker in a non-fixed connection manner.

In some embodiments, the driving arm 140 comprises a POM wheel 141 arranged at the second end thereof, and the driving arm 150 comprises a POM wheel 151 arranged at the second end thereof. Alternatively, the wheel 141 may be made from other suitable materials, e.g., metal. Compared to the wheel made from the other materials such as the metal, the POM wheel is preferred and has the advantages of low friction, high strength, fatigue resistance and good elasticity, thereby effectively improving the reliability and lifetime the interlocking system 100.

Next, the interlocking

assemblies

110 and 120 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5A-8B.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of the interlocking assembly 110 mounted on the first circuit breaker 200. The interlocking assembly 110 comprises a second rotatable component 111, a linearly movable component 112, an input arm 114 and a conversion component 115. The input arm 114 is arranged at an end of the second rotatable component 111 and configured to be pushed by the second transfer arm 133-2 of the second transfer member 1302. The conversion component 115 is arranged at the other end of the second rotatable component 111 and configured to convert a rotary movement of the second rotatable component 111 to a linear movement of the linearly movable component 112. The linearly movable component 112 is configured to move between a locked position corresponding to the locked state of the interlocking assembly 110 and a released position corresponding to the released state of the interlocking assembly 110.

FIGS. 5B and 5C illustrate perspective and front views of an upper portion of the interlocking assembly 110 as shown in FIG. 5A, respectively. By way of example, the second rotatable component 111 may comprise a rotatable shaft and a bracket. The rotatable shaft is rotatabley supported by the bracket, and the bracket is fixed on the housing or frame of the first circuit breaker 200. The input arm 114 may be coupled to an end of the rotatable shaft, and have a wheel configured to be driven by the second transfer arm 133-2 of the second transfer member 1302. The conversion component 115 is coupled to the other end of the rotatable shaft, and thereby the component 115 can drive the linearly movable component 112 to implement a linear movement. In some embodiments, the conversion component 115 comprises a cam. The cam can convert the rotary motion into reciprocating linear motion in a simple and reliable manner. Alternatively, the conversion component 115 may also be of other suitable types, as long as it can push the linearly movable component 112 downwards.

FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of the interlocking assembly 120 mounted on the second circuit breaker 300. A slight difference between the interlocking assembly 120 and the interlocking assembly 110 is that the interlocking assembly 120 is mounted on the left side of the second circuit breaker 300 so as to be near the intermediate assembly 130. Similarly, the interlocking assembly 120 comprises a second rotatable component 121, a linearly movable component 122, an input arm 124 and a conversion component 125. The input arm 124 is arranged at an end of the second rotatable component 121 and configured to be pushed by the second transfer arm 133-1 of the first transfer member 1301. The conversion component 125 is arranged at the other end of the second rotatable component 121 and configured to convert a rotary movement of the second rotatable component 121 to a linear movement of the linearly movable component 122. The linearly movable component 122 is configured to move between a locked position corresponding to the locked state of the interlocking assembly 120 and a released position corresponding to the released state of the interlocking assembly 120.

FIGS. 6B and 6C illustrate perspective and front views of an upper portion of the interlocking assembly 120 as shown in FIG. 6A, respectively. By way of example, the second rotatable component 121 may comprise a rotatable shaft and a bracket. The rotatable shaft is rotatably supported by the bracket, and the bracket is fixed on the housing or frame of the second circuit breaker 300. The input arm 124 may be coupled to an end of the rotatable shaft, and have a wheel configured to be driven by the second transfer arm 133-1 of the first transfer member 1301. The conversion component 125 is coupled to the other end of the rotatable shaft, and thereby the component 125 can drive the linearly movable component 122 to implement a linear movement. In some embodiments, the conversion component 125 comprises a cam. The cam can convert the rotary motion into reciprocating linear motion in a simple and reliable manner. Alternatively, the conversion component 125 may also be of other suitable types, as long as it can push the linearly movable component 122 downwards.

Referring to FIGS. 5A to 5C and FIGS. 6A to 6C, in some embodiments, the first interlocking assembly 110 further comprises an elastic component 116 and a limit element 118, and the second interlocking assembly 120 further comprises an elastic component 126 and a limit element 128.

The elastic component 116 is coupled to the second rotatable component 111 and configured to reset the second rotatable component 111 in response to the second circuit breaker 300 changing from the closed state to the open state. Similarly, the elastic component 126 is coupled to the second rotatable component 121 and configured to reset the second rotatable component 121 in response to the first circuit breaker 200 changing from the closed state to the open state. For example, the

elastic components

116 and 126 may be coil springs wound on the shafts of the

components

111 and 121 and fixed to the brackets of the

components

111 and 121, respectively. Alternatively, the

elastic components

116 and 126 may also be any other suitable elastic components.

The limit element 118 is configured to limit a rotation range of the rotatable component 111 of the interlocking assembly 110. Similarly, the limit element 128 is configured to limit a rotation range of the rotatable component 121 of the interlocking assembly 120. For example, each of the

limit elements

118 and 128 comprises a pin fixed on the shaft of the

rotatable component

111 or 121 and another pin fixed on the bracket of the

rotatable component

111 or 121. By means of the cooperation of these pins, the rotation range of the shaft of the

component

111 or 121 can be limited. It should be appreciated that other types of limit elements may also be provided to achieve the limitation of the rotation range, or the pins may be disposed in other positions or more pins can be provided to achieve various limit ranges.

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of linearly

movable components

112 and 122 of the interlocking

assemblies

110 and 120, and FIGS. 7B and 7C illustrate partial perspective views of the linearly

movable components

112 and 122 of the interlocking

assemblies

110 and 120. The linearly movable component 112 comprises a telescoping element 1121 and at least one tubular elements 1122 and 1123 configured to receive and guide the telescoping element 1121, and the linearly movable component 122 comprises a telescoping element 1221 and at least one tubular elements 1222 and 1223 configured to receive and guide the telescoping element 1221. As an example, the linearly

movable component

112 or 122 as shown in FIG. 7A includes two tubular elements, one of which is located at the upper position adjacent to the

conversion component

115 or 125, and the other of which is located at the lower position adjacent to the operating elements of the

circuit breakers

200 or 300. In this way, both ends of the linearly

movable component

112 or 122 can be accurately positioned, so as to couple with the

conversion component

115 or 125 and the operating elements of the

circuit breakers

200 or 300.

The interlocking

assemblies

110 and 120 may comprise elastic components 117 and 127 respectively. The elastic component 117 of the assembly 110 is configured to reset the linearly movable component 112 to the released position in response to the second circuit breaker 300 changing from the closed state to the open state, and the elastic component 127 of the assembly 120 is configured to reset the linearly movable component 122 to the released position in response to the first circuit breaker 200 changing from the closed state to the open state. For example, the elastic component 117 or 127 may be coil springs. An end of the coil spring is fixed to the telescoping element 1121 or 1221, and the other end of the coil spring is fixed to the tubular element 1123 or 1223 (which is fixed to the housing or frame of the first circuit breaker 200 or 300) . As a result, when the

conversion component

115 or 125 presses the telescoping element 1121 or 1221 downwards, the coil spring may be deformed, and when the downward force from the

conversion component

115 or 125 is removed, the coil spring may push the telescoping element 1121 or 1221 back to the initial position.

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of the linearly movable component 112 and the first circuit breaker 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8B illustrates a partial enlarged view of the linearly movable component 112 and the first circuit breaker 200 of FIG. 8A. The exemplary operation of interlocking the first circuit breaker 200 by the mechanical interlocking system 100 will be described below in connection with FIGS. 8A and 8B. As discussed above, during closing the second circuit breaker 300, the main shaft 310 of the second circuit breaker 300 rotates due to the closing operation, and thereby the driving arm 150 pushes the first transfer arm 132-2 of the intermediate assembly 130. The second transfer arm 133-2 of the intermediate assembly 130 is then driven via the rotatable component 131-2, and further pushes the arm 114 of the interlocking assembly 110 to rotate. The conversion component 115 is then driven by the rotatable component 111. Thereafter, the conversion component 115 pushes the linearly movable component 112 (e.g., the telescoping element 1121) downwards. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the linearly movable component 112 (e.g., the telescoping element 1121) is moved to press against an upper surface 221 of a slider 220 in the first circuit breaker 200. Under the force from the linearly movable component 112, the slider 220 is also moved downwards, and pushes an opening shaft 230 within a notch 222 of the slider 220. The opening shaft 230 is then moved downwards to deviate from the initial position shown in FIG. 8B. Due to this deviation of the opening shaft 230, the closing operation of the first circuit breaker 200 cannot be triggered, for example, if an operator presses the button “Push ON”, the first circuit breaker 200 will not be closed. Moreover, when the second circuit breaker 300 changes from being closed to being opened, the driving arm 150 rotates back to the initial position, and then the rotatable component 131-2 of intermediate assembly 130 will be reset by the elastic component 135-2, and the rotatable component 111 of the interlocking assembly 110 will also be reset by the elastic component 116. Also, the telescoping element 1121 of the linearly movable component 112 is moved upwards by another elastic component 117. Since the force from the linearly movable component 112 is removed, the slider 221 and the opening shaft 230 come back to the initial position by reset elements (e.g., springs) in the first circuit breaker 200, and thereby the first circuit breaker 200 is in a state where it can be closed. When the first circuit breaker 200 is closed or returns to be opened, the mechanical interlocking system 100 will undergo similar operations, so as to lock the second circuit breaker 300 or unlock the second circuit breaker 300.

By means of the mechanical interlocking system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the circuit breakers cannot be closed simultaneously under any circumstances. The interlocking between the circuit breakers is implemented in a relatively simple and reliable manner. Moreover, this interlocking system does not affect the operation of the circuit breakers rolling in and out of the switchgear or the switch cubicle.

FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of a switchgear 10 in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. The switchgear 10 comprises a first circuit breaker 200, a second circuit breaker 300 and the mechanical interlocking system 100 (not shown in FIG. 9A) . The mechanical interlocking system 100 is coupled to the first and

second circuit breakers

200, 300 to prevent the first and

second circuit breakers

200, 300 from being closed simultaneously. For example, the switchgear 10 may comprise a housing 400, which includes at least two cubicles configured for receiving the first and

second circuit breakers

200, 300 respectively. Alternatively, the switchgear 10 may be a combination of two switch cubicles close to each other, and each switch cubicle has a housing and receives the

respective circuit breaker

200 or 300. FIGS. 9B and 9C are schematic views illustrating the internal structure of the housing 400 of the switchgear 10. The intermediate assembly 130 of the mechanical interlocking system 100 is mounted between the cubicles for receiving the first and

second circuit breakers

200, 300. Furthermore, the interlocking assembly 110 of the mechanical interlocking system 100 may be mounted in the cubicle for receiving the first circuit breaker 200, and the second interlocking assembly 120 of the mechanical interlocking system 100 may be mounted in the cubicle for receiving the second circuit breaker 300.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the switchgear 10 may be an automatic transfer switch (ATS) equipment. For example, the ATS equipment may be medium voltage equipment, and can be used as an incoming line automatic transfer switch with a selective line fault protection function, and also can be independently used as a dedicated double power source transfer switch. The ATS equipment can provide automatic monitoring and management of power supply condition, accurate judgment and rapid transformation, and ensure the power supply quality and continuity for equipment.

While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

A mechanical interlocking system (100) , comprising:

a first interlocking assembly (110) coupled to a first circuit breaker (200) and being switchable between a locked state and a released state, wherein the first interlocking assembly (110) prevents the first circuit breaker (200) from being closed in the locked state and allows the first circuit breaker (200) to be closed in the released state;

a second interlocking assembly (120) coupled to a second circuit breaker (300) and being switchable between a locked state and a released state, wherein the second interlocking assembly (120) prevents the second circuit breaker (300) from being closed in the locked state and allows the second circuit breaker (300) to be closed in the released state; and

an intermediate assembly (130) arranged between the first circuit breaker (200) and the second circuit breaker (300) and comprising:

a first transfer member (1301) arranged to couple the first circuit breaker (200) to the second interlocking assembly (120) and configured to switch the second interlocking assembly (120) into the locked state in response to the first circuit breaker (200) being closed, and

a second transfer member (1302) arranged to couple the second circuit breaker (300) to the first interlocking assembly (110) and configured to switch the first interlocking assembly (110) into the locked state in response to the second circuit breaker (300) being closed.
The mechanical interlocking system (100) of claim 1, wherein

the first transfer member (1301) is configured to be coupled to the first circuit breaker (200) and the second interlocking assembly (120) in a non-fixed connection manner, and

the second transfer member (1302) is configured to be coupled to the second circuit breaker (300) and the first interlocking assembly (110) in a non-fixed connection manner.
The mechanical interlocking system (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the intermediate assembly (130) further comprises a support member (138) arranged to support the first and second transfer members (1301, 1302) in a rotatable connection manner.
The mechanical interlocking system (100) of claim 3, wherein the support member (138) comprises at least two separable portions.
The mechanical interlocking system (100) of claim 3, wherein each of the first and second transfer members (1301, 1302) comprises:

a first rotatable component (131-1, 131-2) supported by the support member (138) and being rotatable with respect to the support member (138) ;

a first transfer arm (132-1, 132-2) arranged at an end of the first rotatable component (131-1, 131-2) ; and

a second transfer arm (133-1, 133-2) arranged at the other end of the first rotatable component (131-1, 131-2) .
The mechanical interlocking system (100) of claim 5, wherein each of the first and second transfer members (1301, 1302) further comprises:

a first elastic component (135-1, 135-2) coupled to the first rotatable component (131-1, 131-2) and the support member (138) and configured to reset the first rotatable component (131-1, 131-2) in response to the corresponding circuit breaker changing from a closed state to an open state; and

a first limit element (136-1, 136-2) configured to limit a rotation range of the first rotatable component (131-1, 131-2) with respect to the support member (138) .
The mechanical interlocking system (100) of claim 5, further comprising:

a first driving arm (140) having a first end fixed to a main shaft (210) of the first circuit breaker (200) and a second end opposite to the first end and adapted to push the first transfer arm (132-1) of the first transfer member (1301) when the main shaft (210) of the first circuit breaker (200) rotates to close the first circuit breaker (200) ; and

a second driving arm (150) having a first end fixed to a main shaft (310) of the second circuit breaker (300) and a second end opposite to the first end and adapted to push the first transfer arm (132-2) of the second transfer member (1302) when the main shaft (310) of the second circuit breaker (300) rotates to close the second circuit breaker (300) .
The mechanical interlocking system (100) of claim 7, wherein each of the first and second driving arms (140, 150) comprises a POM wheel (141, 151) arranged at the second end thereof.
The mechanical interlocking system (100) of claim 5, wherein each of the first and second interlocking assemblies (110, 120) comprises:

a second rotatable component (111, 121) ;

a linearly movable component (112, 122) configured to move between a locked position corresponding to the locked state and a released position corresponding to the released state;

an input arm (114, 124) arranged at an end of the second rotatable component (111, 121) and configured to be pushed by the second transfer arm (133-1, 133-2) of the corresponding transfer member; and

a conversion component (115, 125) arranged at the other end of the second rotatable component (111, 121) and configured to convert a rotary movement of the second rotatable component (111, 121) to a linear movement of the linearly movable component (112, 122) .
The mechanical interlocking system (100) of claim 9, wherein each of the first and second interlocking assemblies (110, 120) further comprises:

a second elastic component (116, 126) coupled to the second rotatable component (111, 121) and configured to reset the second rotatable component (111, 121) in response to the corresponding circuit breaker changing from a closed state to an open state,

a second limit element (118, 128) configured to limit a rotation range of the second rotatable component (111, 121) ; and

a third elastic component (117, 127) configured to reset the linearly movable component (112, 122) to the released position in response to the corresponding circuit breaker changing from the closed state to the open state.
The mechanical interlocking system (100) of claim 9, wherein the linearly movable component (112, 122) comprises:

a telescoping element (1121, 1221) ; and

at least one tubular elements (1122, 1222, 1123, 1223) configured to receive and guide the telescoping element (1121, 1221) .
The mechanical interlocking system (100) of claim 9, wherein the conversion component (115, 125) comprises a cam.
A switchgear (10) , comprising:

a first circuit breaker (200) ;

a second circuit breaker (300) ; and

the mechanical interlocking system (100) according to any of claims 1-12 coupled to the first and second circuit breakers (200, 300) to prevent the first and second circuit breakers (200, 300) from being closed simultaneously.
The switchgear (10) of claim 13, wherein the switchgear (10) is an automatic transfer switch, ATS, equipment.