Tripping mechanism and leakage protector

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a kind of tripping mechanism and leakage protector.The tripping mechanism can include: magnetic conducting frame (1);Magnetic conducting plate (2) is movably arranged relative to magnetic conducting frame, configured to form closed magnetic loop with magnetic conducting frame;Magnetic conducting component (3) has at least two second branches (31,32) and the second connecting portion (33) connected at least two second branches, at least two second branches are respectively located on the two sides of magnetic conducting frame or magnetic conducting plate in first direction, and first direction is perpendicular to the plane where magnetic loop is located;Permanent magnet (4);And biasing component (5) is connected with one end of magnetic conducting plate, to provide tripping force opposite to magnetic attraction to magnetic conducting plate.According to the tripping mechanism of the embodiment of the disclosure, the magnetic attraction additionally generated by the permanent magnet to the components of the tripping mechanism can be reduced or eliminated, so that only small energy is needed to trigger the action of the tripping mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to the field of residual current devices (RCDs), and more particularly to tripping mechanisms and RCDs. Background Technology

[0002] A residual current device (RCD) is a safety device used to disconnect the main circuit when a leakage current fault occurs in equipment, thereby protecting equipment and personnel. The RCD monitors for leakage current signals. When the RCD detects a leakage current in the main circuit, its internal tripping mechanism activates, triggering the switching mechanism to shut off the main circuit power, thus achieving the leakage current protection function. The energy required for the tripping mechanism to activate typically comes primarily from the product's circuit board or from the magnetic flux generated by the leakage current passing through the coil. In other words, the magnetic force generated by the trip coil counteracts the magnetic force generated by the permanent magnet in the RCD, triggering the tripping mechanism to operate.

[0003] In the design of leakage current protection products, under the same product performance, the less energy required for the tripping mechanism to operate, the more sensitive the product will be. In traditional products, the permanent magnet, while generating magnetic flux to hold the tripping mechanism, may also generate an additional magnetic attraction force on a part of the tripping mechanism. The existence of this magnetic attraction force means that the leakage current protection device requires more energy to trigger the tripping mechanism, which is a problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a tripping mechanism and a residual current device (RCD) including the tripping mechanism, designed to address one or more of the problems described above and other potential problems.

[0005] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a tripping mechanism is provided. The tripping mechanism may include: a magnetic frame having two first branches and a first connecting portion connecting the two first branches, each of the two first branches having a magnetic surface; a magnetic plate movably disposed relative to the magnetic frame and configured to contact the magnetic surface to form a closed magnetic circuit with the magnetic frame; a magnetic component having at least two second branches and a second connecting portion connecting the at least two second branches, the at least two second branches being located on opposite sides of the magnetic frame or the magnetic plate in a first direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the plane containing the magnetic circuit; a permanent magnet, a first end of which contacts the second connecting portion of the magnetic component to provide a magnetic attraction force to maintain contact between the magnetic plate and the magnetic surface by generating a first magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit; and a biasing component connected to one end of the magnetic plate to provide a tripping force to the magnetic plate opposite to the magnetic attraction force. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the tripping mechanism can reduce or eliminate the additional magnetic attraction force generated by the permanent magnet on the components of the tripping mechanism, thereby requiring only a small amount of energy to trigger the tripping mechanism.

[0006] In some embodiments, the tripping mechanism may further include: a coil surrounding the first connection portion, configured to generate a second magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit opposite in direction to the first magnetic flux when current is passed through the coil.

[0007] In some embodiments, the at least two second branches of the magnetically conductive component are located on both sides of the magnetically conductive plate in the first direction, and the second end of the permanent magnet opposite to the first end contacts one of the two first branches of the magnetically conductive frame.

[0008] In some embodiments, the at least two second branches of the magnetically conductive component are located on both sides of one of the two first branches of the magnetically conductive frame in the first direction, and the second end of the permanent magnet opposite to the first end contacts the first connecting portion or the magnetically conductive plate.

[0009] In some embodiments, the tripping mechanism may further include a columnar member connected to the magnetic plate.

[0010] In some embodiments, a buffer connector may be provided on the magnetic plate, and the columnar member is connected to the magnetic plate through the buffer connector.

[0011] In some embodiments, when there is no current in the coil, the magnetic attraction force interacts with the tripping force to keep the magnetic frame and the magnetic plate in an attracted state.

[0012] In some embodiments, when there is current in the coil, the magnetic attraction force generated by the first magnetic flux and the second magnetic flux interacts with the tripping force to cause the magnetic guide frame and the magnetic guide plate to be in a disengaged state.

[0013] In some embodiments, the magnetically conductive frame, the magnetically conductive plate, and the magnetically conductive component may be made of ferromagnetic material.

[0014] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a residual current device (RCD) is provided, which may include: a tripping mechanism as described in the first aspect, and a switching mechanism coupled to a magnetic plate of the tripping mechanism; a coil of the tripping mechanism is electrically connected to a main circuit to which the RCD is connected; wherein the tripping mechanism is configured such that when a leakage occurs in the main circuit, the coil is energized to trigger the magnetic plate and the switching mechanism to operate, thereby cutting off the main circuit. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Several embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated in the drawings by way of example and not limitation.

[0016] Figure 1 A perspective view of a tripping mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0017] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Side views of the tripping mechanism in the closed and open states according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown respectively.

[0018] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Detailed perspective and side views of the closed state of the tripping mechanism according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown respectively.

[0019] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Detailed perspective and side views of the open state of the tripping mechanism according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown respectively.

[0020] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the magnetic flux inside the tripping mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 6A and Figure 6B Perspective views of the closed and open states of the tripping mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure are shown respectively.

[0022] In the various figures, the same or corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0024] The term "comprising" and its variations as used herein signify an open-ended inclusion, i.e., "including but not limited to". Unless otherwise stated, the term "or" means "and / or". The term "based on" means "at least partially based on". The terms "one example embodiment" and "one embodiment" mean "at least one example embodiment". The term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment". Terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", and "rear", indicating placement or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are used only for the purpose of describing the principles of this disclosure, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the elements referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed or operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting this disclosure.

[0025] As mentioned earlier, residual current devices (RCDs) typically include a tripping mechanism to activate when a leakage current occurs in the main circuit. A conventional tripping mechanism usually comprises a U-shaped magnetic frame and a magnetic plate forming a magnetic circuit with the U-shaped frame; for example, the U-shaped frame is located below the magnetic plate. To provide magnetic flux into the magnetic circuit, a permanent magnet is typically attached to the underside of the magnetic plate. This permanent magnet provides magnetic flux to the magnetic circuit formed by the U-shaped frame and the magnetic plate, creating a magnetic attraction force that keeps the magnetic plate in contact with the U-shaped frame. On the other hand, the tripping mechanism also provides a tripping force, slightly smaller than the magnetic attraction force, in the opposite direction, through a biasing component such as a spring.

[0026] With the above configuration, when the main circuit leaks current, the magnetic flux generated by the leakage current flowing through at least part of the U-shaped magnetically conductive frame partially cancels out the magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet, thereby triggering the tripping mechanism to open. However, in traditional tripping mechanisms, the magnetic flux provided by the permanent magnet from bottom to top hinders the opening action of the tripping mechanism. This means that the tripping mechanism may only be triggered when the leakage current is large, thus posing a safety hazard to both the tripping mechanism and the leakage current protector.

[0027] To address this, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a tripping mechanism is provided to reduce the leakage current required to trigger the tripping mechanism, thereby improving the sensitivity and reliability of the tripping mechanism. The principle of the tripping mechanism and the residual current device (RCD) including the tripping mechanism according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view of a tripping mechanism 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the tripping mechanism 100 may include a magnetic frame 1, a magnetic plate 2, a magnetic component 3, a permanent magnet 4, a biasing component 5, a coil 6, a columnar component 7, and a buffer connector 8.

[0029] To more clearly describe the embodiments of this disclosure, reference is now made to... Figure 2A and Figure 2B To describe in detail Figure 1 The working principle of each component is shown in the figure. Figure 2A and Figure 2B Side views of the tripping mechanism 100 in its closed and open states, respectively, are shown according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the magnetically conductive frame 1 can be a U-shaped magnetically conductive frame with magnetic surfaces at both ends, thereby forming a closed magnetic circuit with the magnetically conductive plate 2. It should be understood that the magnetically conductive plate 2 is configured to be movable relative to the magnetically conductive frame 1. As an example, the side of the magnetically conductive plate 2 near the biasing member 5 can be rotatably connected to one end of the magnetically conductive frame 1, and the other side of the magnetically conductive plate 2 can be movably contacted or separated from the other end of the magnetically conductive frame 1.

[0031] In some embodiments, the permanent magnet 4 is configured to generate magnetic flux, which is transmitted through the magnetically conductive component 3 to a magnetic circuit formed by the magnetically conductive frame 1 and the magnetically conductive plate 2, thereby generating a magnetic attraction force that keeps one movable side of the magnetically conductive plate 2 in contact with one magnetic surface of the magnetically conductive frame 1. Figure 1 As shown, the permanent magnet 4 is not directly connected to the magnetic plate 2, but rather the magnetic flux is conducted through the magnetic conductive component 3. It should be noted that the magnetic conductive component 3 does not directly contact the magnetic plate 2 from below; rather, as shown... Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the magnetic conductive component 3 is configured to contact the magnetic conductive plate 2 from both sides.

[0032] Furthermore, the biasing component 5 in the tripping mechanism 100 can be an elastic component such as a spring, which is connected to one end of the magnetic plate 2 and can be configured to provide the magnetic plate 2 with a tripping force relative to the magnetic attraction force generated by the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet 4. As an example, such as Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the biasing component 5 can be coupled to a hook fixed to one end of the magnetic plate 2, thereby causing the movable side of the magnetic plate 2 to separate from the magnetic surface of one side of the magnetic frame 1 by the tension of the spring.

[0033] It should be understood that when the main circuit is working normally, considering the lever arm in the lever principle, the tripping force generated by the spring tension, which separates the movable side of the magnetic plate 2 from one side of the magnetic surface of the magnetic frame 1, will be less than the magnetic attraction force generated by the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet 4, which keeps the movable side of the magnetic plate 2 in contact with one side of the magnetic surface of the magnetic frame 1. Therefore, when the main circuit is normal, if... Figure 2A As shown, the magnetic circuit remains in the attracted state.

[0034] On the other hand, when leakage occurs in the main circuit, the leakage current passes through the coil 6 in the tripping mechanism 100, thereby generating a magnetic flux in the opposite direction to the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet 4, to at least partially cancel the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet 4. Thus, as... Figure 2B As shown, the magnetic attraction force generated by these two magnetic fluxes interacts with the aforementioned release force, causing the magnetic frame 1 to be detached from the magnetic plate 2.

[0035] Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the columnar member 7 in the tripping mechanism 100 is configured to connect to the magnetic plate 2. Furthermore, a buffer connector 8 is provided on the magnetic plate 2, through which the columnar member 7 can connect to the magnetic plate 2. The columnar member 7, the buffer connector 8, and the housing surrounding these components are all commonly used components in the art, and therefore will not be described in detail herein. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings mainly show components related to the embodiments of this disclosure, while omitting other devices to avoid obscuring the scope of the invention.

[0036] By implementing the tripping mechanism 100, the permanent magnet 4 can provide magnetic flux from both sides of the magnetic plate 2 (rather than from bottom to top) via the biasing component 5, thereby reducing or even eliminating the magnetic attraction force that hinders the opening action of the tripping mechanism 100, making the leakage protection function of the tripping mechanism 100 more sensitive.

[0037] To describe the tripping mechanism in more detail, especially the connection methods of its various components, please refer to the following: Figures 3A-3B as well as Figures 4A-4B The tripping mechanism of embodiments of this disclosure will continue to be described. Figure 3A and Figure 3B Detailed perspective and side views of the closed state of the tripping mechanism according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown respectively. Figure 4A and Figure 4B Detailed perspective and side views of the open state of the tripping mechanism according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown respectively.

[0038] like Figures 3A-3B as well as Figures 4A-4B As shown, in some embodiments, the magnetically conductive frame 1 may include two first branches 11, 12 and a first connecting portion 13 for connecting the two first branches 11, 12. As described above, both first branches 11, 12 have magnetic surfaces to form a closed loop with the magnetically conductive plate 2.

[0039] Furthermore, the magnetically conductive component 3 may include two second branches 31 and 32 and a second connecting portion 33 connecting these two second branches 31 and 32. It should be understood that the number of second branches may be more than two. These two second branches 31 and 32 are located on opposite sides of the magnetically conductive frame 1 or the magnetically conductive plate 2 in a first direction. It should be understood that, although not shown, this first direction is perpendicular to the plane containing the magnetic circuit.

[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figures 3A-3B as well as Figures 4A-4B As shown, the first end 41 of the permanent magnet 4 contacts the second connecting portion 33 of the magnetically conductive component 3. The two second branches 31 and 32 of the magnetically conductive component 3 are located on opposite sides of the magnetically conductive plate 2 in the first direction, and the second end 42 of the permanent magnet 4, opposite to the first end 41, can be configured to contact one of the two first branches 11 and 12 of the magnetically conductive frame 1. It should be understood that the second end 42 can also be configured to contact the other branch of the two first branches 11 and 12.

[0041] In some embodiments, although in Figures 3A-3B as well as Figures 4A-4B As not shown, the coil 6 can be configured to surround the first connection portion 13, and the tripping mechanism can be configured to generate another magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit with the opposite direction to the magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet 4 when a leakage current is passed through the coil 6, thereby at least partially canceling the magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet.

[0042] In some embodiments, when there is no current in coil 6, the magnetic attraction force generated by the permanent magnet interacts with the tripping force generated by the biasing component, so that the magnetic frame 1 and the magnetic plate 2 are in an attracted state. When there is current in coil 6, that is, when leakage occurs in the main circuit, the magnetic attraction force generated by the two magnetic fluxes in opposite directions interacts with the tripping force, so that the magnetic frame 1 and the magnetic plate 2 are in a disengaged state.

[0043] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the magnetic flux inside the tripping mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. (As...) Figure 5 As indicated by the arrows, the magnetic flux output from the permanent magnet 4 is split into two paths via the second connecting portion 33 of the magnetically conductive component, and transmitted to the magnetically conductive plate 2 through the second branch 31 and the second branch 32, respectively. The magnetic flux then travels within the magnetic circuit containing the magnetically conductive plate 2 until it returns to the permanent magnet 4. It should be understood that since the magnetic flux is transmitted in opposite directions by the first branch 31 and the second branch 32, no or almost no longitudinal force is exerted on the magnetically conductive plate 2. Therefore, the tripping mechanism of this embodiment significantly reduces the magnetic attraction force of the permanent magnet on the magnetically conductive plate while achieving magnetic flux transmission, thereby triggering the tripping mechanism even when a small amount of leakage current is detected.

[0044] It should be understood that, in addition to the above arrangement, other arrangements can be used to arrange the positional relationship between the magnetic conductive component 3 and the permanent magnet 4 relative to the magnetic conductive frame 1 and the magnetic conductive plate 2. Figure 6A and Figure 6B Perspective views of the closed and open states of the tripping mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure are shown respectively.

[0045] like Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the two second branches 31 and 32 of the magnetically conductive component 3 can also be positioned on either side of one of the two first branches 11 and 12 of the magnetically conductive frame 1 in the first direction, and the second end 42 of the permanent magnet 4 contacts the first connecting portion 13 or the magnetically conductive plate 2. It should be understood that any arrangement of the magnetically conductive component 3 and the permanent magnet 4 relative to the magnetically conductive frame 1 and the magnetically conductive plate 2 is applicable in this disclosure, as long as it can be ensured that the second branches 31 and 32 are located on either side of a certain part of the magnetic circuit in the first direction, and that the magnetic flux output by the permanent magnet 4 can return to the permanent magnet 4 through the magnetic circuit.

[0046] In some embodiments, the magnetic frame 1, the magnetic plate 2, and the magnetic component 3 are all made of magnetically conductive materials such as pure iron.

[0047] Because the magnetically conductive component is configured to transmit magnetic flux relatively from a direction perpendicular to the magnetic circuit, the transmission of magnetic flux by the permanent magnet in the plane of the magnetic circuit is essentially eliminated, thereby significantly reducing the additional magnetic attraction force of the permanent magnet. With this magnetic attraction force eliminated, the tripping mechanism can be triggered with less energy should a leakage occur in the main circuit. This improves the sensitivity of the tripping mechanism.

[0048] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a residual current device (RCD) is provided, comprising: the tripping mechanism 100 described above; and a switching mechanism coupled to the magnetic plate 2 of the tripping mechanism 100. The coil 6 of the tripping mechanism 100 is electrically connected to the main circuit to which the RCD is connected. The tripping mechanism 100 is configured such that when a leakage current occurs in the main circuit, the coil 6 is energized to trigger the magnetic plate 2 and the switching mechanism to operate, thereby disconnecting the main circuit.

[0049] Because the sensitivity of the tripping mechanism is significantly improved, the residual current device (RCD) containing this tripping mechanism can effectively provide protection for the main circuit.

[0050] Furthermore, although the operations are described in a specific order, this should be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the specific order shown or in sequential order, or requiring that all illustrated operations be performed to achieve the desired result. In certain environments, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple implementations.

[0051] Although the subject matter has been described using language specific to structural features and / or methodological logic, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are merely illustrative examples of implementing the claims.

[0052] The various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or technical improvements to the embodiments in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A tripping mechanism (100), comprising: A magnetically conductive frame (1) has two first branches (11, 12) and a first connecting portion (13) connecting the two first branches (11, 12), both of which have magnetic surfaces; The magnetic plate (2) is movably disposed relative to the magnetic frame (1) and configured to contact the magnetic surface to form a closed magnetic circuit with the magnetic frame (1); The magnetic conductive component (3) has at least two second branches (31, 32) and a second connecting portion (33) connecting the at least two second branches (31, 32). The at least two second branches (31, 32) are respectively located on both sides of the magnetic conductive frame (1) or the magnetic conductive plate (2) in a first direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the plane where the magnetic circuit is located. A permanent magnet (4), the first end (41) of which contacts the second connection portion (33) of the magnetic conductive component (3) to provide a magnetic attraction force that keeps the magnetic plate (2) in contact with the magnetic surface by generating a first magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit; as well as A biasing component (5) is connected to one end of the magnetic plate (2) to provide a tripping force to the magnetic plate (2) that is opposite to the magnetic attraction force.

2. The tripping mechanism (100) according to claim 1 further includes: The coil (6), surrounding the first connecting portion (13), is configured to generate a second magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit that is opposite in direction to the first magnetic flux when a current is passed through the coil (6).

3. The tripping mechanism (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least two second branches (31, 32) of the magnetic conductive component (3) are respectively located on both sides of the magnetic conductive plate (2) in the first direction, and the second end (42) of the permanent magnet (4) opposite to the first end (41) is in contact with one of the two first branches (11, 12) of the magnetic conductive frame (1).

4. The tripping mechanism (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least two second branches (31, 32) of the magnetic conductive component (3) are respectively located on both sides of one of the two first branches (11, 12) of the magnetic conductive frame (1) in the first direction, and the second end (42) of the permanent magnet (4) opposite to the first end (41) is in contact with the first connecting portion (13) or the magnetic conductive plate (2).

5. The tripping mechanism (100) according to claim 1 further includes: The columnar member (7) is connected to the magnetic plate (2).

6. The tripping mechanism (100) according to claim 5, wherein the magnetic plate (2) is provided with a buffer connector (8), and the columnar member (7) is connected to the magnetic plate (2) through the buffer connector (8).

7. The tripping mechanism (100) according to claim 2, wherein when there is no current in the coil (6), the magnetic attraction force interacts with the tripping force to keep the magnetic frame (1) and the magnetic plate (2) in an attracted state.

8. The tripping mechanism (100) according to claim 2, wherein when there is current in the coil (6), the magnetic attraction force generated by the first magnetic flux and the second magnetic flux interacts with the tripping force to cause the magnetic guide frame (1) and the magnetic guide plate (2) to be in a disengaged state.

9. The tripping mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the magnetic frame (1), the magnetic plate (2) and the magnetic component (3) are made of magnetic materials.

10. A residual current device (RCD), comprising: The tripping mechanism (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, and The switching mechanism is coupled to the magnetic plate (2) of the tripping mechanism (100); The coil (6) of the tripping mechanism (100) is electrically connected to the main circuit to which the leakage current protector is connected; wherein, The tripping mechanism (100) is configured such that when leakage occurs in the main circuit, the coil (6) is energized to trigger the magnetic plate (2) and the switching mechanism to operate, thereby cutting off the main circuit.

Images