TWM677775U - Improvement device for low-voltage circuit breaker interlocking - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved interlock device for low-voltage circuit breakers. It addresses the shortcomings of conventional technology in backup power supply circuits, where the interlock function between two low-voltage circuit breakers lacks a warning mechanism and does not securely interlock the key with the warning device. Furthermore, the key is placed directly on the lock of the low-voltage circuit breaker in the power circuit, which may result in accidental power disconnection and pose a risk to electrical safety.

The improved interlock device for low-voltage circuit breakers of the present invention is configured with two breaker locks installed on the low-voltage circuit breakers and a key-actuated control box. This arrangement enables clear identification of all power circuit states of the low-voltage circuit breakers. When a fault occurs in one power circuit, the key-actuated control box is triggered, allowing the key to be removed. At this point, an external warning unit issues an alert, and the faulty circuit’s low-voltage circuit breaker is switched OFF and locked, while the other low-voltage circuit breaker is locked in the ON position.

When the key is reinserted into the lock of the key-actuated control box, the key is secured in place and the external warning unit stops issuing the alert, thereby achieving enhanced electrical safety.

Description

Low-voltage circuit breaker interlocking improvement device

This invention improves upon existing techniques where, in a backup power circuit, the interlocking function of two low-voltage circuit breakers lacks an alarm device and the key is not properly interlocked with the alarm device. Furthermore, the key is on the low-voltage circuit breaker lock in the power circuit, potentially leading to accidental power outages and affecting electrical safety. This improved low-voltage circuit breaker interlocking device features one or two circuit breaker locks mounted on the low-voltage circuit breaker and a key for operation. The key actuation control box clearly identifies the status of all power circuits of the low-voltage circuit breaker. When a power circuit fault occurs, the key actuation control box activates, allowing the key to be removed. At this time, an external warning unit sounds an alarm and locks the low-voltage circuit breaker in the faulty circuit to open/close, while locking the other low-voltage circuit breaker in the closed position. When the key is placed on the lock of the key actuation control box, the key is locked, and the external warning unit stops sounding, achieving the function of electrical safety.

Traditional automatic switching devices are limited to the function of switching between two circuit breakers. When one circuit fails, the faulty circuit breaker cannot be forcibly closed, allowing the other circuit breaker to open and close. Furthermore, in emergencies, the circuit breaker that cannot be forcibly closed will supply power, thus hindering electrical safety.

In conventional automatic switching technology, the interlocking method between circuit breakers, as used by world-renowned brands such as Schneider Electric and Siemens, typically involves using a steel cable-like mechanism to interlock the actuating mechanisms of two circuit breakers (located on the back of the circuit breaker). This interlocking relationship requires specific specifications, models, and dimensions. If the circuit breakers are not of the same model and specifications, they cannot perform the interlocking function and must be replaced entirely, rendering them ineffective. In many cases in actual power systems, there are situations where two circuit breakers must be interlocked, meaning that only one of the two circuit breakers can be energized at a time; simultaneous energization would cause a short circuit.

Based on a passion for improving industrial safety and practical experience, the applicant has developed a series of novel inventions related to motor switches and power supply management. More than a dozen of these research results have been applied for and granted patents. In particular, the applicant has provided a series of practical motor switch locking devices that can be used with various brands and models of motor switches with good results. The applicant's motivation for this series of novel inventions related to motor switch safety stems from the fact that many past electrical accidents, both domestically and internationally, have occurred during the maintenance of electrical machinery, primarily due to the lack of practical motor switch locking devices. However, improvements to a locking device applicable to all conditions have not yet been achieved.

In its 1999 publication, "Electrical Safety Technical Data," the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health of the Council of Labor Affairs, Executive Yuan, led by Su Wen-yuan, stated that "Electrocution accidents have always been one of the main causes of workplace injuries and should be avoided as much as possible to protect worker safety. The main cause of electrocution accidents is insufficient awareness of electrical safety among businesses and workers, resulting in unsafe environments and unsafe behaviors in the workplace." Common electrical safety hazards are mainly of two types: the first is from electrical machinery and equipment, and the second is negligence in electrical operations. To address the lack of awareness of electrical safety among businesses and employees and to prevent hazards arising from electrical work, Article 45 of the "Occupational Safety and Health Facilities Regulations" further mandates that employers must equip their electrical machinery with safety facilities. Specifically, for power-operated machinery that poses a significant danger, a clearly marked emergency braking device should be installed in an appropriate location to immediately cut off power and be linked to the braking system, enabling the machinery to stop quickly in an emergency. Furthermore, regarding the prevention of hazards from electrical work, Article 254 of the "Occupational Safety and Health Facilities Regulations" stipulates that when working on or near a circuit after it has been opened, employers must, upon confirming the circuit is open, lock the circuit breaker switch or mark it as "Do Not Power On," "Work in Progress During Power Outage," or install monitoring facilities. The first type of hazard, stemming from electrical machinery, is caused by a lack of understanding of the principles of electrical safety disconnection. Although Article 254 of the "Occupational Safety and Health Facilities Regulations" further stipulates that switches in open circuits should be "locked" during operation, this "locking" requirement has so far remained largely theoretical and has not been effectively implemented.

Among the conventional products, the interlocking device for two circuit breakers is generally made by digging a hole at the bottom of the circuit breaker and inserting an insulating device similar to a see-saw board to mechanically interlock to limit the movable closing contact of the circuit breaker, or using sheet metal to lock the two circuit breakers with the opposite tripping mechanism or input mechanism to achieve the interlocking function of the two circuit breakers. This method has many shortcomings, which will cause inconvenience in use, limited functionality and damage to the basic structure of the circuit breaker.

In this product, two circuit breakers are driven by a motor, which in turn actuates the opening and closing of the two circuit breakers. Therefore, with this automatic switching device, when one circuit breaker is closed, the other is in the open position, and this cycle repeats. If the power circuit of one circuit breaker fails but it doesn't close, the other circuit breaker will close. When the other circuit breaker opens, the previously disabled circuit breaker will close again, causing erroneous operation. This functional deficiency is a problem that must be solved.

In addition to the invasive damage to the circuit breaker structure, automatic switching devices, in their technology, also present a significant challenge: when one of the main power circuits or the backup circuit fails, they cannot shut down the faulty circuit and enable the other circuit to perform its closing and opening functions, instead of switching back to the faulty circuit. Furthermore, in the event of a fire, the circuit breaker's failure to maintain its closed position provides fire protection. The power supply for the equipment is also a problem that must be solved; therefore, the shortcomings of the automatic switching technology must be improved. In the event of a fire or other emergency, the first priority should be to forcibly close the circuit breaker. Furthermore, when a fault occurs, the circuit breaker and power supply to the faulty circuit should be cut off, and power should be supplied from another power circuit that is not faulty. Of course, it is best not to damage the structure of either circuit breaker. This is the problem that this invention aims to solve.

This invention discloses an improved low-voltage circuit breaker interlocking device. It addresses the shortcomings of conventional technology where, in backup power circuits, the interlocking function of two low-voltage circuit breakers lacks an alarm device and proper interlocking of the key with the alarm device. Furthermore, the key is often on the low-voltage circuit breaker lock in the power circuit, potentially leading to accidental power outages and affecting electrical safety. This improved low-voltage circuit breaker interlocking device incorporates one or two circuit breaker locks mounted on the low-voltage circuit breaker. A key-operated control box clearly identifies the status of all power circuits of the low-voltage circuit breaker. When a power circuit fault occurs, the key-operated control box activates, allowing the key to be removed. At this time, an external warning unit sounds an alarm and locks the low-voltage circuit breaker in the faulty circuit (open/close), while locking the other low-voltage circuit breaker in the closed position. When the key is placed on the lock of the key-operated control box, the key is locked, and the external warning unit stops sounding, achieving the function of electrical safety.

To achieve the above objectives, this invention provides an improved low-voltage circuit breaker interlocking device that includes a key-operated control box. Inside this box is a key lock on which the key is placed. This key lock is interconnected with external actuators. When an external actuator is activated, it affects whether the key can be removed from the key lock. This prevents malfunctions that might occur if an operable key is placed on the circuit breaker's lock, thus improving electrical safety.

To achieve the above objectives, this improved low-voltage circuit breaker interlocking device can be equipped with a key-operated control box. Once activated, this control box can be electrically connected to an external warning element such as a buzzer or flashing warning light, thus providing an alarm function. Furthermore, a safety lock can be installed on the low-voltage circuit breaker, achieving interlocking functionality depending on the application of the lock and key.

To achieve the above objectives, an improved low-voltage circuit breaker interlocking device includes: a safety lock device for a No. 1 circuit breaker, a safety lock device for a No. 2 circuit breaker, a key actuation control box, and an external alarm unit; the safety lock device for the No. 1 circuit breaker is equipped with a No. 1 circuit breaker, which has a No. 1 circuit breaker handle. The No. 1 circuit breaker handle can be actuated to either the ON or OFF position of the No. 1 circuit breaker. The No. 1 circuit breaker may be equipped with a No. 1 circuit breaker alarm contact and a No. 1 circuit breaker lock. The circuit breaker lock's internal key-1 circuit breaker transmission mechanism, under normal operating conditions, locks the handle of circuit breaker 1 in either the ON or OFF position. When the safety lock device is locked in the ON position, the safety lock device for circuit breaker 2 is locked in the OFF position. In position F, the No. 2 circuit breaker with its safety lock device is locked in the ON position. The lock of the No. 1 circuit breaker is actuated by a key in the key actuation control box. The No. 2 circuit breaker with its safety lock device includes a No. 2 circuit breaker and a No. 2 circuit breaker handle. The No. 2 circuit breaker handle can be actuated to either the ON or OFF position. The No. 2 circuit breaker may be equipped with a No. 2 circuit breaker alarm contact and a No. 2 circuit breaker lock. The No. 2 circuit breaker lock has a key that drives the No. 2 circuit breaker. In normal operation, the safety lock mechanism of circuit breaker No. 2 locks the handle of circuit breaker No. 2 in either the ON or OFF position. When the safety lock mechanism of circuit breaker No. 2 is locked in the ON position, the safety lock mechanism of circuit breaker No. 1 is locked in the OFF position. When the safety lock mechanism of circuit breaker No. 2 is locked in the OFF position, the safety lock mechanism of circuit breaker No. 1 is locked in the OFF position. The safety lock device is locked in the ON position of circuit breaker No. 1. The lock of circuit breaker No. 2 is actuated by the key in the key actuation control box. The key actuation control box is equipped with a lock No. 3, and the key in lock No. 3 is actuated by the key on lock No. 3. The key actuation control box is equipped with a push-pull solenoid. The push-pull solenoid coil is energized to a push-pull solenoid lever. The push-pull solenoid coil is connected to the alarm terminal of circuit breaker No. 1 with the switch safety lock device. The alarm contact of the No. 2 circuit breaker with its safety lock device is connected to the No. 2 circuit breaker alarm contact. When the push-pull solenoid coil is not activated, the push-pull solenoid lever is not activated, restricting the operation of the No. 3 lock transmission mechanism. At this time, the key is restricted and cannot be activated. When the push-pull solenoid coil is activated, the push-pull solenoid lever is activated, releasing the No. 3 lock transmission mechanism. At this time, the key can be removed from the No. 3 lock. When the No. 3 lock transmission mechanism is activated, the key operation control box is activated. A microswitch is installed, and one normally open contact of the microswitch is conductive. A terminal block is provided inside the key actuation control box. The terminal block is electrically connected to the push-pull electromagnetic coil and the normally open contact of the microswitch. The normally open contact of the microswitch is electrically connected to an external warning unit. The external warning unit is electrically connected to the normally open contact of the microswitch in the key actuation control box. When the key is removed from the key actuation control box, the external warning unit issues a warning. When the key is placed back into the No. 3 lock in the key actuation control box, an alarm is triggered. The system indicates that the circuit breaker has been deactivated and is back to normal operation. When either circuit breaker #1 or circuit breaker #2, which was originally powered by the low-voltage circuit breaker interlocking improvement device, malfunctions, the push-pull solenoid of the key actuation control box activates, allowing the key to be pulled out of lock #3 and triggering an external warning unit. The key then locks the faulty circuit breaker #1 or circuit breaker #2 in the OFF position and locks the non-faulty circuit breaker in the ON position. Placing the key back into lock #3 of the key actuation control box completes the interlocking function of the low-voltage circuit breaker interlocking improvement device.

To achieve the above objectives, an improved low-voltage circuit breaker interlocking device includes: a No. 1 circuit breaker with a switch safety lock device and a key actuation control box; the No. 1 circuit breaker with a switch safety lock device is equipped with a No. 1 circuit breaker, the No. 1 circuit breaker has a No. 1 circuit breaker handle, the No. 1 circuit breaker handle can be positioned in either the ON position or the OFF position of the No. 1 circuit breaker, the No. 1 circuit breaker can be equipped with a No. 1 circuit breaker alarm contact and a No. 1 circuit breaker lock, the No. 1 circuit breaker lock has a key-driven transmission mechanism, and the No. 1 circuit breaker with a switch safety lock device operates normally under these conditions. The No. 1 circuit breaker transmission mechanism of the circuit breaker lock locks the No. 1 circuit breaker handle in the ON or OFF position. The No. 1 circuit breaker lock is controlled by a key actuation control box. The key actuation control box contains a No. 3 lock, which has a key that actuates the mechanism. The key actuation control box contains a push-pull electromagnet. The push-pull electromagnet's coil is energized to actuate a push-pull electromagnet lever. The push-pull electromagnet's coil is electrically connected to the lock. The key operation control box has a terminal block that can connect to the alarm contact of the No. 1 circuit breaker with its safety lock device. When the push-pull solenoid coil is not activated, the push-pull solenoid lever is not activated, restricting the operation of the No. 3 lock transmission mechanism. At this time, the key is restricted from operation. When the push-pull solenoid coil is activated, the push-pull solenoid lever is activated, releasing the No. 3 lock transmission mechanism. At this time, the key can be removed from the No. 3 lock. When the No. 3 lock transmission mechanism is activated, the key operation control box... A microswitch is installed, and its normally open contact is conductive. A terminal block is located inside the key actuation control box. The push-pull solenoid coil is electrically connected to the normally open contact of the microswitch and the terminal block. The circuit breaker No. 1 with its safety interlock device is normally locked in either the ON or OFF position. The key for actuating the circuit breaker No. 1 lock is placed in the key actuation control box. To remove the key, the push-pull solenoid must actuate, and the No. 3 lock transmission mechanism must also actuate, achieving an interlocking function.

1: Low-voltage circuit breaker interlocking improvement device

Circuit breaker No. 10:1 with switch safety interlock device

Circuit breaker No. 11:1

12:1 Circuit breaker handle

13: Circuit breaker No. 1 in ON position

14: Circuit breaker #1 in OFF position

15: Circuit breaker alarm contact 15:1

16: Circuit breaker lockout (No. 1)

17: Circuit breaker transmission mechanism

Circuit breaker No. 20 is equipped with a switch safety interlock device.

21: Circuit breaker No. 2

22: Circuit breaker handle (No. 2)

23: Circuit breaker No. 2 is in the ON position.

24: Circuit breaker #2 in OFF position

25: Circuit breaker alarm contact #2

26: Circuit breaker lockout (No. 2)

27: Circuit breaker No. 2 transmission mechanism

30: Key-operated control box

31: Lock No. 3

32: Lock transmission mechanism No. 3

33: Key

34: Push-pull type electromagnet

35: Push-pull type electromagnetic coil

36: Push-pull type electromagnetic push-pull rod

37: Micro switch

38: Normally open contact of micro switch

39: Terminal block

40: External Alert Unit

[Figure 1] is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of an improved low-voltage circuit breaker interlocking device according to this invention.

[Figure 2] is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of an improved low-voltage circuit breaker interlocking device according to this invention.

As shown in Figure 1, a first embodiment of the improved low-voltage circuit breaker interlocking device 1 includes: a safety lock device 10 for a No. 1 circuit breaker, a safety lock device 20 for a No. 2 circuit breaker, a key actuation control box 30, and an external alarm unit 40. The safety lock device 10 for the No. 1 circuit breaker is equipped with a No. 1 circuit breaker 11, which has a handle 12. The handle 12 can be actuated to either the ON position 13 or the OFF position 14 of the No. 1 circuit breaker. The No. 1 circuit breaker 11 can be equipped with a No. 1 circuit breaker alarm contact. 15 and a No. 1 circuit breaker lock 16, the No. 1 circuit breaker lock 16 having a No. 1 circuit breaker transmission mechanism 17 inside, the No. 1 circuit breaker with switch safety lock device 10, under normal conditions, the No. 1 circuit breaker lock 16 and the No. 1 circuit breaker transmission mechanism 17 lock the No. 1 circuit breaker handle 12 of the No. 1 circuit breaker 11 at the No. 1 circuit breaker. When circuit breaker No. 1 is in the ON position 13 or the OFF position 14, and the safety interlocking device 10 of circuit breaker No. 1 is locked in the ON position 13, the safety interlocking device 20 of circuit breaker No. 2 is locked in the OFF position 24. When the No. 1 circuit breaker is in the OFF position 14, the No. 2 circuit breaker with switch safety lock device 20 is locked in the ON position 23. The No. 1 circuit breaker lock 16 is actuated by a key 33 of the key actuation control box 30. The No. 2 circuit breaker with switch safety lock device 20 is equipped with a No. 2 circuit breaker 21, which has a No. 2 circuit breaker handle 22. The No. 2 circuit breaker handle 22 can be actuated in either the No. 2 circuit breaker ON position 23 or the No. 2 circuit breaker OFF position 24. The No. 2 circuit breaker 21 may be equipped with a No. 2 circuit breaker alarm contact 25 and a No. 2 circuit breaker lock 26, which has internal keys. In the normal state of the circuit breaker 21, the transmission mechanism 27 of the circuit breaker 21, along with the safety interlock device 20, locks the circuit breaker handle 22 of the circuit breaker 21 in the ON position 23 or the OFF position 24. When the safety interlock device 20 of circuit breaker No. 2 is locked in the ON position 23 of circuit breaker No. 2, the safety interlock device 10 of circuit breaker No. 1 is locked in the OFF position 14 of circuit breaker No. 1. When the safety interlock device 20 of circuit breaker No. 2 is locked in the OFF position 24 of circuit breaker No. 2, the safety interlock device 10 of circuit breaker No. 1... The safety lock device 10 is locked in the ON position 13 of the No. 1 circuit breaker. The No. 2 circuit breaker lock 26 is actuated by the key 33 of the key actuation control box 30. The key actuation control box 30 is provided with a No. 3 lock 31, and the key 33 inside the No. 3 lock 31 is actuated by the key 33 on the No. 3 lock 31. The key actuation control box 30 contains a push-pull solenoid 34. This solenoid 34 is energized by a push-pull solenoid coil 35, which actuates a push-pull solenoid lever 36. The push-pull solenoid coil 35 of the push-pull solenoid 34 is connected to the No. 1 circuit breaker with switch safety interlock device 10. The alarm contact 15 of the circuit breaker and the alarm contact 25 of the safety lock device 20 of the second circuit breaker, when the push-pull solenoid coil 35 of the push-pull solenoid 34 is not activated, the push-pull solenoid lever 36 is not activated and the operation of the third lock transmission mechanism 32 of the third lock 31 is restricted. When the key 33 is restricted from operation, and the push-pull electromagnetic coil 35 is activated, the push-pull electromagnetic lever 36 is activated to release the third lock transmission mechanism 32 of the third lock 31. At this time, the key 33 can be removed from the third lock 31. When the third lock transmission mechanism 32 is activated, the key operation control box 3... An internal microswitch 37 is installed and activated, turning on a normally open contact 38 of the microswitch 37. A terminal block 39 is installed inside the key actuation control box 30, electrically connecting the push-pull electromagnetic coil 35 to the normally open contact 38 of the microswitch. The normally open contact 38 is electrically connected to an external warning unit 40. The external warning unit 40 is electrically connected to the normally open contact 38 of the microswitch in the key actuation control box 30. When the key 33 of the key actuation control box 30 is removed, the external warning unit 40 issues a warning. When the key 33 is placed back into the lock of the key actuation control box 30, the warning is activated. When the warning signal 31 is cleared and normal operation is restored; when a fault occurs in the circuit breaker 11 or circuit breaker 21 originally powered by the low-voltage circuit breaker interlocking improvement device 1, the push-pull solenoid 34 of the key actuation control box 30 is activated, allowing the key 33 to operate, enabling the lock 31 to be pulled out, and deactivating the external alarm. The indicator unit 40 warns that the key 33 will lock the faulty circuit breaker 11 or breaker 21 to the OFF position and lock the non-faulty circuit breaker to the ON position. Then, placing the key 33 on the lock 31 of the key actuation control box 30 completes the interlocking function of the low-voltage circuit breaker interlocking improvement device 1.

A second embodiment of the present invention, a low-voltage circuit breaker interlocking improvement device 1, is shown in Figure 2. The low-voltage circuit breaker interlocking improvement device 1 includes: a safety lock device 10 for a No. 1 circuit breaker and a key actuation control box 30; the safety lock device 10 for the No. 1 circuit breaker is equipped with a No. 1 circuit breaker 11, and the No. 1 circuit breaker 11 has a No. 1 circuit breaker... The handle 12 of the No. 1 circuit breaker can be positioned in either the ON position 13 or the OFF position 14 of the No. 1 circuit breaker. The No. 1 circuit breaker 11 can be equipped with a No. 1 circuit breaker alarm contact 15 and a No. 1 circuit breaker lock 16. The No. 1 circuit breaker lock 16 contains a No. 1 circuit breaker transmission mechanism 17. The No. 1 circuit breaker is equipped with a switch safety lock. In normal operation, the circuit breaker transmission mechanism 17 of the circuit breaker lock 16 locks the circuit breaker handle 12 of the circuit breaker 11 in the ON position 13 or the OFF position 14. The circuit breaker lock 16 is controlled by the key actuation control box 30. The key actuation control box 30 is equipped with... There is a No. 3 lock 31, which has a key 33 inside. The key 33 is actuated by the key 33 on the No. 3 lock 31. The key actuation control box 30 is equipped with a push-pull electromagnetic 34. The push-pull electromagnetic 34 is energized by a push-pull electromagnetic coil 35 to actuate a push-pull electromagnetic rod 36. The push-pull electromagnetic rod 34 is actuated by the key 33. The coil 35 is electrically connected to a terminal block 39 inside the key actuation control box 30, which can connect to the alarm contact 15 of the No. 1 circuit breaker with switch safety lock device 10. When the coil 35 of the push-pull solenoid 34 is not actuated, the push-pull solenoid lever 36 is not actuated, thus restricting the No. 3 lock 31. When the lock transmission mechanism 32 is activated, the key 33 is restricted from operation. When the push-pull electromagnetic coil 35 is activated, the push-pull electromagnetic push-pull rod 36 is activated, releasing the activation of the lock transmission mechanism 32 of the third lock 31. At this time, the key 33 can be removed from the third lock 31. When the lock transmission mechanism 32 is activated, the key operation control... A micro switch 37 is installed inside the box 30. When activated, a normally open contact 38 of the micro switch 37 is turned on. The terminal block 39 is located inside the key-operated control box 30. The push-pull electromagnetic coil 35 is electrically connected to the normally open contact 38 of the micro switch and the terminal block 39. The circuit breaker No. 1 with switch safety lock device 10 is normally locked in the box. When circuit breaker No. 1 is in the ON position (13) or OFF position (14), the key 33 for actuating the lock 16 of the circuit breaker with safety interlock device 10 is placed in the key actuation control box 30. For the key 33 to be removed, the push-pull solenoid 34 must actuate, and the lock transmission mechanism 32 of lock No. 3 must also actuate, achieving an interlocking function.

In summary, this invention provides an improved low-voltage circuit breaker interlocking device, further enhancing the stability and safety of the circuit breaker panel in power supply systems, and possesses significant industrial applicability. Furthermore, a review of existing products and approved patent announcements reveals no devices with the same substantive technical features as this invention, thus meeting the statutory requirements for novelty and progress in patent applications. Therefore, this patent application is filed in accordance with the law, and we earnestly request that your esteemed Examining Committee grant this patent as soon as possible to ensure the applicant's rights. However, what is disclosed in this case is merely a preferred embodiment of this invention and cannot be used to limit the scope of the patent application. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit of this invention are still covered within the scope of this patent application.

1: Low-voltage circuit breaker interlocking improvement device

Circuit breaker No. 10:1 with switch safety interlock device

Circuit breaker No. 11:1

12:1 Circuit breaker handle

13: Circuit breaker No. 1 in ON position

14: Circuit breaker #1 in OFF position

15: Circuit breaker alarm contact 15:1

16: Circuit breaker lockout (No. 1)

17: Circuit breaker transmission mechanism

Circuit breaker No. 20 is equipped with a switch safety interlock device.

21: Circuit breaker No. 2

22: Circuit breaker handle (No. 2)

23: Circuit breaker No. 2 is in the ON position.

24: Circuit breaker #2 in OFF position

25: Circuit breaker alarm contact #2

26: Circuit breaker lockout (No. 2)

27: Circuit breaker No. 2 transmission mechanism

30: Key-operated control box

31: Lock No. 3

32: Lock transmission mechanism No. 3

33: Key

34: Push-pull type electromagnet

35: Push-pull type electromagnetic coil

36: Push-pull type electromagnetic push-pull rod

37: Micro switch

38: Normally open contact of micro switch

39: Terminal block

40: External Alert Unit

Claims (2)

An improved low-voltage circuit breaker interlocking device includes: a safety interlock device for circuit breaker No. 1, a safety interlock device for circuit breaker No. 2, a key actuation control box, and an external warning unit; The circuit breaker No. 1 with a switch safety lock device includes a circuit breaker No. 1 and a circuit breaker handle. The circuit breaker handle can be operated to either the ON or OFF position of the circuit breaker No. 1. The circuit breaker No. 1 may be equipped with a circuit breaker alarm contact and a circuit breaker lock. The circuit breaker lock contains a circuit breaker transmission mechanism. Under normal operating conditions, the circuit breaker transmission mechanism of the circuit breaker lock will engage the circuit breaker No. 1. When the handle of circuit breaker #1 is locked in either the ON or OFF position, and the safety lock device of circuit breaker #1 is locked in the ON position, the safety lock device of circuit breaker #2 is locked in the OFF position. Conversely, when the safety lock device of circuit breaker #1 is locked in the OFF position, the safety lock device of circuit breaker #2 is locked in the ON position. The lock of circuit breaker #1 is operated by a key from the key actuation control box. The No. 2 circuit breaker with switch safety lock device includes a No. 2 circuit breaker and a No. 2 circuit breaker handle. The No. 2 circuit breaker handle can be operated in either the ON or OFF position. The No. 2 circuit breaker may be equipped with a No. 2 circuit breaker alarm contact and a No. 2 circuit breaker lock. The No. 2 circuit breaker lock contains a No. 2 circuit breaker transmission mechanism. Under normal operating conditions, the No. 2 circuit breaker transmission mechanism of the No. 2 circuit breaker lock will engage the No. 2 circuit breaker... When the handle of circuit breaker #2 is locked in either the ON or OFF position, and the safety lock device of circuit breaker #2 is locked in the ON position, the safety lock device of circuit breaker #1 is locked in the OFF position. Conversely, when the safety lock device of circuit breaker #2 is locked in the OFF position, the safety lock device of circuit breaker #1 is locked in the ON position. The lock of circuit breaker #2 is activated by the key in the key actuation control box. The key actuation control box is equipped with a No. 3 lock. The key inside the No. 3 lock is actuated by the key on the No. 3 lock. The key actuation control box contains a push-pull electromagnet. The push-pull electromagnet is powered by a coil that actuates a push-pull lever. The pull-type solenoid coil is connected to the alarm contact of the No. 1 circuit breaker with switch safety interlock device and the alarm contact of the No. 2 circuit breaker with switch safety interlock device. When the push-pull solenoid coil is not activated, the push-pull solenoid lever is not activated and restricts the 3rd... When the No. 3 lock mechanism of lock #3 is activated, the key is restricted from operation. When the push-pull solenoid coil is activated, the push-pull solenoid lever is activated, releasing the activation of the No. 3 lock mechanism. At this time, the key can be removed from lock #3. When the No. 3 lock mechanism is activated, a micro switch installed inside the key operation control box is activated, and one normally open contact of the micro switch is turned on. A terminal block is provided inside the key operation control box, which is electrically connected to the push-pull solenoid coil and the normally open contact of the micro switch. The normally open contact of the micro switch is electrically connected to the external alarm unit. The external warning unit is electrically connected to the normally open contact of the microswitch in the key actuation control box. When the key is removed from the key actuation control box, the external warning unit issues a warning; the warning is deactivated and normal operation resumes when the key is placed back into the No. 3 lock in the key actuation control box. When either circuit breaker #1 or circuit breaker #2, which is originally powered by the low-voltage circuit breaker interlocking improvement device, malfunctions, the push-pull solenoid of the key actuation control box actuates, allowing the key to operate. This enables the key to be withdrawn from lock #3 and triggers an external warning unit. The key then locks the faulty circuit breaker #1 or circuit breaker #2 in the OFF position and locks the non-faulty circuit breaker in the ON position. Placing the key back into lock #3 of the key actuation control box completes the interlocking function of the low-voltage circuit breaker interlocking improvement device. An improved interlocking device for low-voltage circuit breakers includes: a safety interlock device for circuit breaker No. 1 and a key-operated control box; The circuit breaker No. 1 is equipped with a safety lock device and includes a circuit breaker No. 1 handle. The circuit breaker No. 1 handle can be positioned in either the ON or OFF position. The circuit breaker No. 1 may be equipped with a circuit breaker alarm contact and a circuit breaker lock. The circuit breaker lock contains... The transmission mechanism of circuit breaker No. 1, under normal operating conditions with the safety interlock device attached to circuit breaker No. 1, locks the handle of circuit breaker No. 1 in either the ON or OFF position. The circuit breaker lock is controlled by the key actuation control box. The key actuation control box has a No. 3 lock, which contains a key that is actuated by the key. The control box also houses a push-pull solenoid. This solenoid, powered by a coil, actuates a push-pull lever. The coil is electrically connected to a terminal block inside the control box, which can connect to the alarm contact of the No. 1 circuit breaker with its safety lock device. When the coil is not actuated, the push-pull lever... When the No. 3 lock's transmission mechanism is not activated, the key is restricted from operation. When the push-pull solenoid coil actuates, the push-pull solenoid lever disengages the No. 3 lock's transmission mechanism, allowing the key to be removed from the No. 3 lock. When the No. 3 lock's transmission mechanism actuates, a microswitch inside the key actuation control box activates, opening a normally open contact. The key actuation control box contains a terminal block, and the push-pull solenoid coil and the normally open contact of the microswitch are electrically connected to the terminal block. The safety interlock device of circuit breaker No. 1 is normally locked in the ON or OFF position. The key for actuating the lock of circuit breaker No. 1 is placed in the key actuation control box. To remove the key, the push-pull solenoid must actuate, and the transmission mechanism of lock No. 3 must also actuate, thus achieving the interlocking function.