Contact structure and vacuum circuit breaker

Abstract

This application relates to a contact structure and a vacuum circuit breaker. The contact structure includes: a contact cup having a receiving cavity; a contact plate covering the receiving cavity and contacting the contact cup; and a deformation component located in the receiving cavity and connected to the contact cup. The deformation component has an initial state and a deformed state. In the initial state, a preset distance exists between the deformation component and the contact plate. In the deformed state, the deformation component can abut against the contact plate. The deformation component can switch from the initial state to the deformed state after the temperature rise reaches above a temperature threshold, and can switch from the deformed state to the initial state after the temperature drop reaches below the temperature threshold. Thus, when the deformation component abuts against the contact plate, it increases the heat transfer path, improves the heat dissipation efficiency of the contact structure, and also supports the contact plate, preventing damage to the contact cup due to excessive deformation when the vacuum circuit breaker closes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vacuum switch technology, and in particular to a contact structure and a vacuum circuit breaker. Background Technology

[0002] In power distribution networks, switchgear plays a crucial role in control and protection. Therefore, switchgear is an essential piece of equipment used in circuits, responsible for closing and opening circuits. In recent years, vacuum circuit breakers have gained a dominant position in medium-voltage applications due to their significant advantages, including high breaking capacity, environmental friendliness with no explosion hazard, small contact gaps, and extremely long electrical life.

[0003] Vacuum circuit breakers have advantages such as being environmentally friendly, having a long service life, and requiring less space. They can be widely used in medium and low voltage fields and are gradually developing towards higher voltage levels and larger currents. A vacuum circuit breaker includes at least moving contacts and stationary contacts. The opening and closing operations of a vacuum circuit breaker are accomplished by an operating mechanism located outside the vacuum circuit breaker, which closes or separates a pair of opposing contacts (moving and stationary contacts) inside the vacuum circuit breaker.

[0004] On the one hand, when the electric arc burns, the contact plate temperature rises, and heat can only be dissipated through the contact area between the contact cup and the contact plate, resulting in low heat dissipation efficiency. Furthermore, under high current conditions, the accumulation of high temperature can easily cause contact plate melting and splashing, making it difficult to complete the breaking process and causing irreversible damage to the contact plate. Therefore, the heat dissipation problem of vacuum circuit breakers is one of the bottlenecks in the development of vacuum circuit breakers towards higher voltage levels and higher currents.

[0005] On the other hand, during the reclosing process, that is, when the contact cups re-close, if the supporting force provided by the contact cups exceeds their capacity, the rigid material is forced to undergo significant deformation, which can easily cause irreversible damage to the contact cups. Therefore, current high-voltage, high-current vacuum circuit breakers suffer from poor heat dissipation and excessive impact force on the contact cups during reclosing, leading to damage. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to address the problems of poor heat dissipation and easy replacement of contact cups in current high-voltage, high-current vacuum circuit breakers by providing a contact structure and vacuum circuit breaker that can increase the heat transfer path when the temperature rises, improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the contact structure, and at the same time, prevent the contact cups from being damaged due to large deformation when the vacuum circuit breaker is closed, thus ensuring the performance of the contact structure.

[0007] A contact structure, comprising:

[0008] A contact cup having a receiving cavity;

[0009] A contact piece, disposed above the receiving cavity and in contact with the contact cup; and

[0010] A deformable component is located in the receiving cavity and connected to the contact cup. The deformable component has an initial state and a deformed state. When the deformable component is in the initial state, there is a preset distance between the deformable component and the contact piece. When the deformable component is in the deformed state, the deformable component can abut against the contact piece.

[0011] The deformation component can switch from the initial state to the deformation state after the temperature rise reaches above the temperature threshold, and can switch from the deformation state to the initial state after the temperature drops below the temperature threshold.

[0012] In one embodiment of this application, the deformable component includes a connecting portion and a supporting portion. The connecting portion is connected to the contact cup and extends toward the contact piece. The supporting portion is disposed on the connecting portion and has a preset distance from the contact piece.

[0013] When the deformable component is heated, the support portion can abut against the contact piece.

[0014] In one embodiment of this application, the support portion is circular and the connecting portion is annular;

[0015] One side of the connecting part is connected to the periphery of the support part, and the other side is connected to the contact cup.

[0016] In one embodiment of this application, there is one connecting portion, which supports and connects the supporting portion and the contact cup;

[0017] Alternatively, there may be multiple connecting parts, which are spaced apart around the periphery of the connecting part, and each connecting part supports and connects the support part and the contact cup.

[0018] In one embodiment of this application, the longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the connecting portion is arc-shaped;

[0019] Alternatively, the connecting portion may have at least one bend in the longitudinal direction.

[0020] In one embodiment of this application, the deformable component is made of shape memory alloy material;

[0021] And / or, the deformable component is an integral structure.

[0022] In one embodiment of this application, the contact structure is applied in a vacuum circuit breaker;

[0023] The deformation of the deformation component is adapted to the breaking capacity of the vacuum circuit breaker and the measured temperature threshold of the corresponding breaking capacity.

[0024] The deformation of the deformable component is adjusted by the curvature of the deformable component and / or the material of the deformable component.

[0025] In one embodiment of this application, the contact structure further includes an iron core, which is located in the receiving cavity and connected to the contact cup, and the deformation component is connected to the iron core;

[0026] And / or, the contact structure further includes a guide rod disposed at one end of the contact cup away from the contact piece and electrically connected to the contact cup.

[0027] In one embodiment of this application, the outer wall of the contact cup has a plurality of spiral grooves spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and the plurality of spiral grooves penetrate the contact cup radially and communicate with the receiving cavity;

[0028] The spiral angle of the spiral groove is in the range of 30° to 75°, and / or the contact cup further includes a plurality of connecting grooves, each of the connecting grooves being disposed at one end of the spiral groove away from the contact piece, and the connecting grooves penetrating the contact cup in both the axial and radial directions.

[0029] A vacuum circuit breaker includes an operating mechanism and a vacuum interrupter, the vacuum interrupter comprising two contact structures as described in any of the above technical features;

[0030] Of the two contact structures, one is a stationary contact and the other is a moving contact;

[0031] The operating mechanism is located on the outside of the vacuum interrupter chamber and is used to make the moving contact contact or separate from the stationary contact so as to close or open the vacuum circuit breaker.

[0032] By adopting the above technical solution, this application has at least the following technical effects:

[0033] The contact structure and vacuum circuit breaker of this application include a deformable component located in and in contact with the contact cup within the receiving cavity of the contact cup, and a contact plate covering the receiving cavity and in contact with the contact cup. When the heat of the contact structure reaches a temperature threshold or higher, the deformable component is in its initial state, with a preset distance between it and the contact plate. When the heat of the contact structure falls below the temperature threshold, the deformable component is in a deformed state, deforming and abutting against the contact plate.

[0034] This contact structure uses a deformation component that switches between an initial state and a deformed state based on temperature changes. When the contact structure temperature rises, the deformation component is in the deformed state and presses against the contact piece, increasing the heat transfer path, improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the contact structure, and preventing damage to the contact piece. This facilitates the application of the contact structure in high-current vacuum circuit breakers. Simultaneously, the deformation component also supports the contact piece, preventing excessive deformation of the contact cup during vacuum circuit breaker closing and ensuring the performance of the contact structure. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a contact structure according to an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the contact structure.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of the two contact structures.

[0038] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the contact structure in its initial state.

[0039] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The enlarged view of the contact structure at point A is shown.

[0040] Figure 6 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the contact structure in a deformed state.

[0041] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The enlarged view of the contact structure at point B is shown.

[0042] Figure 8 for Figure 4 The diagram shows the heat transfer path of the contact structure.

[0043] Figure 9 for Figure 6 The diagram shows the heat transfer path of the contact structure.

[0044] Figure 10 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the deformable component in the contact structure shown.

[0045] Figure 11 for Figure 10 The cross-sectional view of the deformed component shown.

[0046] Figure 12 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the contact cup in the contact structure shown.

[0047] Wherein: 100, contact structure; 110, contact cup; 111, receiving cavity; 112, cup wall; 113, base; 114, spiral groove; 115, connecting groove; 120, contact piece; 130, deformable component; 131, connecting part; 132, supporting part; 140, iron core; 150, guide rod. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0049] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0050] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0051] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0052] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact, or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0053] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0054] Understandably, vacuum circuit breakers function to close and open circuits, and are widely used in low- and medium-voltage applications, gradually evolving towards higher voltage levels and larger currents. When an electric arc burns in a vacuum circuit breaker, the contact plates heat up. Heat dissipation relies solely on the contact area between the contact cup and the contact plates, resulting in low heat dissipation efficiency. Furthermore, under high current conditions, the accumulated high temperature can easily cause contact plate melting and spattering, making it difficult to complete the opening process and causing irreversible damage to the contact plates.

[0055] Meanwhile, in the contact design, an increased helical angle in the grooved wall of the contact cup reduces its mechanical strength. During reclosing, i.e., when the contact cups re-close, if the supporting force provided by the contact cup exceeds its tolerance, the rigid material is forced to undergo significant deformation, easily causing irreversible damage to the contact cup. Therefore, current high-voltage, high-current vacuum circuit breakers suffer from poor heat dissipation and excessive impact force on the contact cups during reclosing, leading to damage.

[0056] For this reason, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application provides a novel contact structure 100. Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a contact structure 100 according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the contact structure 100 shown. This contact structure 100 is used in a vacuum circuit breaker.

[0057] A vacuum circuit breaker is a switching device (protective device) used in a power system. The contact structure 100 is the core component of the vacuum circuit breaker. The contact structure 100 enables the vacuum circuit breaker to close or open, thereby disconnecting or connecting current in the circuit to protect electrical equipment and ensure the safe operation of the power system.

[0058] To better illustrate the specific structure of the contact structure 100, the structure of the vacuum circuit breaker is briefly described here. The vacuum circuit breaker includes an operating mechanism and a vacuum interrupter. The vacuum interrupter includes at least two contact structures 100 as described in this application, and the two contact structures 100 are arranged opposite each other, such as... Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of two contact structures 100.

[0059] In the two contact structures 100, one is a moving contact and the other is a stationary contact. The circuit is broken at the moving and stationary contacts, which are respectively connected to the two ends of the broken circuit. When the moving contacts touch, the vacuum circuit breaker closes, and the circuit is made conductive, allowing current to flow.

[0060] When the moving contact disengages from the stationary contact, the vacuum circuit breaker opens, the circuit is broken, and no current flows. The operating mechanism is located outside the vacuum interrupter. By operating the mechanism, the moving contact can be made to contact or disengage from the stationary contact, thereby realizing the closing or opening of the vacuum circuit breaker.

[0061] Understandably, when a vacuum circuit breaker is interrupted, the moving contact will generate a certain temperature rise (heat) between the moving and stationary contacts the instant the moving contact separates from the stationary contact. When the vacuum circuit breaker is fully interrupted, the temperature rise will accumulate to its maximum value, and the moving and stationary contacts themselves can conduct heat to reduce their temperature.

[0062] It is worth noting that in one embodiment of this application, the moving contact and the stationary contact have the same structure, both being the contact structure 100 of this application, such as... Figure 3 As shown. Of course, in other embodiments of this application, the moving contact and the stationary contact may be different, one of which is the contact structure 100 of this application, and the other is a conventional contact.

[0063] It should be noted that the focus of this application is on the structure of the contact structure 100 and its heat transfer. The path of current transfer in the contact structure 100 will not be described in detail later. The structure and working principle of the vacuum circuit breaker will also not be described in detail later.

[0064] This application only uses the contact structure 100, in which both the moving contact and the stationary contact are the same as described in this application, as an example. Furthermore, the structures of the moving contact and the stationary contact are substantially the same. This application only uses the contact structure 100 to replace the moving contact and the stationary contact in its description.

[0065] The contact structure 100 of this application can increase the heat transfer path when the temperature rises, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the contact structure 100. At the same time, it can also prevent the contact cup 110 from being damaged due to large deformation when the vacuum circuit breaker is closed, thus ensuring the performance of the contact structure 100. The specific structure of the contact structure 100 of one embodiment is described below.

[0066] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figures 4 to 7 In one embodiment, the contact structure 100 includes a contact cup 110, a contact plate 120, and a deformation component 130. The contact cup 110 has a receiving cavity 111. The contact plate 120 covers the receiving cavity 111 and contacts the contact cup 110. The deformation component 130 is located in the receiving cavity 111 and connected to the contact cup 110. The deformation component 130 has an initial state and a deformed state. When the deformation component 130 is in the initial state, there is a preset distance between the deformation component 130 and the contact plate 120. When the deformation component 130 is in the deformed state, the deformation component 130 can abut against the contact plate 120.

[0067] The deformation component 130 can switch from the initial state to the deformation state after the temperature rise reaches above the temperature threshold, and can switch from the deformation state to the initial state after the temperature drops below the temperature threshold. Figure 4 for Figure 1 The cross-sectional view shown is of the contact structure 100 in its initial state. Figure 5 for Figure 4 The enlarged view of the contact structure 100 at point A is shown. Figure 6 for Figure 1 The cross-sectional view shown is of the contact structure 100 in a deformed state. Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of the contact structure 100 at point B.

[0068] The contact cup 110 is the component connecting the contact structure 100 to the circuit. The contact piece 120 is disposed at the end of the contact cup 110 away from the circuit, that is, the contact piece 120 is located above the contact cup 110, and the contact piece 120 can contact the contact cup 110. When the vacuum circuit breaker is closed, the contact pieces 120 of the two contact structures 100 are in contact. At this time, the contact piece 120 and the contact cup 110 can conduct electricity.

[0069] Furthermore, the contact cup 110 is hollow, and the hollow cavity of the contact cup 110 is a receiving cavity 111, which accommodates components such as the iron core 140 (mentioned later). The contact cup 110 includes an annular cup wall 112 and a base 113. The cup wall 112 is disposed on the base 113 and together with the base 113, they form the receiving cavity 111.

[0070] Heat is transferred through the contact structure 100 via the contact plate 120, the cup wall 112 of the contact cup 110 and the base 113, and the guide rod 150 (mentioned later). Furthermore, in this application... Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 The directions shown are the reference, and the vertical directions are the axial direction, top and bottom direction, and height direction of the contact structure 100, which will not be described again later.

[0071] Understandably, when the two contact structures 100 of the vacuum circuit breaker are just opened, the temperature rise of the contact structure 100 is small. At this time, the heat can be transferred to the contact plate 120 and then conducted to the contact cup 110 through the contact plate 120, thereby achieving heat dissipation of the contact structure 100 and ensuring the performance of the contact structure 100.

[0072] When both contact structures 100 of the vacuum circuit breaker are fully open, the temperature rise of the contact structure 100 will reach its maximum value. At this time, the heat can be transferred to the contact piece 120 and then conducted to the contact cup 110. However, the heat transfer path between the contact piece 120 and the contact cup 110 alone cannot achieve effective heat dissipation of the contact structure 100, which will damage the contact piece 120.

[0073] Therefore, this application adds a deformation member 130 to the contact cup 110. The deformation member 130 is located in the receiving cavity 111 and contacts the base 113 of the contact cup 110. The deformation member 130 has an initial state and a deformed state. When the deformation member 130 is in the initial state, there is a preset gap between the top of the deformation member 130 and the bottom of the contact piece 120, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown.

[0074] For example, the preset spacing is 1 mm. It is worth noting that the preset spacing between the bottom of the deformable component 130 and the contact piece 120 must be determined in conjunction with the actual temperature rise under the current as a specific experimental setup. The above is only one example of the preset spacing. The preset spacing of the vacuum circuit breaker can also be other under different operating conditions.

[0075] At this time, the deformable component 130 will not contact the contact piece 120. When the contact piece 120 is in a deformed state, it can deform upwards, and the top of the deformable component 130 contacts the bottom of the contact piece 120. There is no gap between the deformable component 130 and the contact piece 120. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown.

[0076] Furthermore, the deformation component 130 can switch between an initial state and a deformation state due to temperature changes. When the temperature of the contact structure 100 is below the temperature threshold, the deformation component 130 remains in the initial state and will not contact the bottom of the contact piece 120.

[0077] When the temperature rise of the contact structure 100 reaches or exceeds the temperature threshold, the deformation component 130 can switch from the initial state to the deformation state. The deformation component 130 can abut against the bottom of the contact piece 120. At this time, after the deformation component 130 deforms, it can increase the heat dissipation path of the contact structure 100 and improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the contact structure 100.

[0078] When the contact piece 120 cools down below the temperature threshold, the deformation component 130 can switch from the deformed state to the initial state, and the deformation component 130 can detach from the bottom of the contact piece 120. It is worth noting that the temperature threshold is set according to the specific structure of the vacuum circuit breaker, and the specific numerical range of the temperature threshold will not be elaborated here.

[0079] The following describes the state of the deformable component 130 in conjunction with the opening or closing of the circuit breaker.

[0080] When the circuit breaker is first opened, the temperature rise of the contact structure 100 is low and has not reached the temperature threshold, meaning there is little heat inside the contact structure 100. The deformation component 130 is in its initial state and will not deform. At this time, the heat of the contact structure 100 is conducted through the contact piece 120, through the cup wall 112 of the contact cup 110, to the base 113 of the contact cup 110, and then through the guide rod 150.

[0081] Furthermore, since the deformation component 130 does not deform, it can maintain a preset distance from the bottom of the contact piece 120, that is, the deformation component 130 does not contact the bottom of the contact piece 120. This will not affect the generation of the longitudinal magnetic field of the contact cup 110, and will not hinder the effect of the longitudinal magnetic field in promoting the uniform diffusion of the arc, which is beneficial to the disconnection of the vacuum circuit breaker.

[0082] After the vacuum circuit breaker completes its interruption, the temperature rise of the contact structure 100 reaches its maximum value, meaning there is a significant amount of heat in the contact structure 100. Upon heating, the deformation component 130 switches from its initial state to a deformed state. After deformation, the deformation component 130 moves upward and contacts the bottom of the contact piece 120. At this time, the heat from the contact structure 100 is conducted through the contact piece 120, via the cup wall 112 of the contact cup 110, to the base 113 of the contact cup 110 and the guide rod 150.

[0083] Meanwhile, since the deformable component 130 is in contact with the bottom of the contact piece 120, the heat of the contact structure 100 is also conducted to the base 113 of the contact cup 110 through the contact piece 120 and the deformable component 130. That is, after the deformable component 130 deforms, it can increase the heat dissipation path of the contact structure 100 and improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the contact structure 100.

[0084] Furthermore, even if the current of the vacuum circuit breaker is large, the deformation component 130 can increase the heat dissipation path of the contact structure 100, reduce the temperature of the contact piece 120, prevent heat from accumulating at the contact piece 120, and thus prevent the contact piece 120 from melting and splashing, enabling the vacuum circuit breaker to perform the breaking operation, preventing damage to the contact piece 120, and ensuring the performance of the contact piece 120.

[0085] When a vacuum circuit breaker is reclosed, the mechanical strength of the contact cup 110 decreases. If the supporting force provided by the contact cup 110 exceeds its bearing capacity, the contact cup 110 will deform, causing damage to the contact cup 110. However, the deformation component 130 of this application can abut against the contact piece 120 when deformed, and the deformation component 130 can provide supporting force for the contact piece 120.

[0086] When the vacuum circuit breaker completes the breaking process and the two contact structures 100 re-engage and close, the contact pieces 120 of the two contact structures 100 will touch. The deformation component 130 can provide support for the contact pieces 120. At this time, the deformation component 130 can disperse the impact force of the contact cup 110 on the cup wall 112 of the contact cup 110, so as to avoid damage to the cup wall 112 of the contact cup 110 due to excessive pressure and ensure the performance of the contact cup 110.

[0087] When the contact structure 100 re-engages, the deformation component 130 remains in contact with the contact piece 120 to increase the heat transfer path. After a period of heat dissipation, the temperature of the contact structure 100 drops below the temperature threshold, and the deformation component 130 gradually deforms, separating from the contact piece 120 and returning to its initial state, without affecting the breaking performance of the vacuum circuit breaker in the next operation.

[0088] contrast Figure 8 and Figure 9 , Figure 8 for Figure 4 The heat transfer path diagram of the contact structure 100 shown is as follows. Figure 9 for Figure 6 The diagram shows the heat transfer path of the contact structure 100. When the deformable component 130 is not in contact with the contact piece 120, in... Figure 8 The contact structure 100 shown has only one heat transfer path. As indicated by the solid arrow, the contact plate 120 transfers heat and dissipates heat through the cup wall 112 of the contact cup 110, the base 113 of the contact cup 110, and the guide rod 150.

[0089] After the deformable component 130 contacts the contact piece 120, Figure 9 The contact structure 100 shown has two heat transfer paths, as indicated by the solid arrows. One heat transfer path is from the contact plate 120 through the cup wall 112 of the contact cup 110 to the base 113 of the contact cup 110. The other heat transfer path is from the contact plate 120 through the deformation component 130, the base 113 of the contact cup 110, and the guide rod 150 (which will not be mentioned again later). This increases the number of heat transfer paths and improves heat transfer efficiency. Furthermore, in Figure 9 In the middle, the deformable component 130 can also support the contact piece 120, such as Figure 9 The dashed arrow shown.

[0090] The contact structure 100 of the above embodiment switches between an initial state and a deformed state according to temperature changes via a deformation component 130. When the temperature of the contact structure 100 rises, the deformation component 130 is in the deformed state and abuts against the contact piece 120, increasing the heat transfer path, improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the contact structure 100, and preventing damage to the contact piece 120. This facilitates the application of the contact structure 100 in high-current vacuum circuit breakers. Simultaneously, the deformation component 130 also supports the contact piece 120, preventing excessive deformation of the contact cup 110 during vacuum circuit breaker closing and ensuring the performance of the contact structure 100.

[0091] See Figure 10 and Figure 11 In one embodiment, the deformable component 130 includes a connecting portion 131 and a supporting portion 132. The connecting portion 131 is connected to the contact cup 110 and extends toward the contact piece 120. The supporting portion 132 is disposed on the connecting portion 131 and has a predetermined distance from the contact piece 120. When the deformable component 130 is heated, the supporting portion 132 can abut against the contact piece 120. Figure 10 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the deformable component 130 in the contact structure 100 shown. Figure 11 for Figure 10 The cross-sectional view of the deformable component 130 shown.

[0092] The connecting portion 131 is a component that connects the deformable component 130 and the contact cup 110, and the supporting portion 132 is a component that contacts and supports the contact piece 120. The connecting portion 131 is disposed in the receiving cavity 111 in a generally axial manner, and extends from the base 113 of the contact cup 110 toward the contact piece 120. The bottom of the connecting portion 131 is connected to the contact cup 110, and the top of the connecting portion 131 is connected to the supporting portion 132.

[0093] In this way, the connecting part 131 can support the support part 132 in the receiving cavity 111 of the contact cup 110. When the deformable part 130 is heated and switches from the initial state to the deformed state, the connecting part 131 can deform and extend upward, thereby driving the support part 132 to move toward the contact plate 120 and abut against the bottom of the contact plate 120.

[0094] Thus, the contact structure 100 forms a heat transfer path through the contact piece 120, the support portion 132, the connecting portion 131, and the base 113 of the contact cup 110, thereby increasing the heat transfer path of the contact structure 100 and improving its heat dissipation effect. Simultaneously, the base 113, connecting portion 131, and support portion 132 of the contact cup 110 also support the contact piece 120, reducing the stress on the cup wall 112 of the contact cup 110 and preventing damage to the contact cup 110.

[0095] See Figure 10 and Figure 11 In one embodiment of this application, the support portion 132 is circular, and the connecting portion 131 is annular. One annular edge of the connecting portion 131 is connected to the periphery of the support portion 132, and the other annular edge is connected to the contact cup 110.

[0096] In other words, the support portion 132 is circular in the top view, and the connecting portion 131 is annular in the top view. The upper annular edge of the connecting portion 131 is connected to the edge of the support portion 132, and the lower annular edge of the connecting portion 131 is connected to the contact cup 110. Thus, the deformable component 130 is roughly bowl-shaped.

[0097] The bowl-shaped deformation component 130 is inverted and located in the receiving cavity 111. When the deformation component 130 is heated, the annular connecting portion 131 can evenly drive the supporting portion 132 to abut against the contact piece 120. In this way, the annular connecting portion 131 can increase the heat transfer area, ensuring the heat dissipation effect of the contact structure 100. At the same time, it can also ensure that the supporting portion 132 is subjected to uniform force, thereby evenly supporting the contact piece 120.

[0098] In another embodiment of this application, there is one connecting portion 131, which supports and connects the support portion 132 and the contact cup 110. The connecting portion 131 can be supported in the middle region of the support portion 132. When the support portion 132 abuts against the contact piece 120, the connecting portion 131 can also achieve heat transfer and support the contact piece 120 at the same time.

[0099] In another embodiment of this application, there are multiple connecting portions 131, and the multiple connecting portions 131 are arranged at intervals around the periphery of the connecting portion 131, and each connecting portion 131 supports and connects the support portion 132 and the contact cup 110.

[0100] Multiple connecting parts 131 are spaced apart and supported at the edge of the support part 132, forming a roughly mesh-like structure. In this way, the multiple connecting parts 131 can realize heat transfer of the contact structure 100, increase the heat transfer area, and at the same time, ensure that the support part 132 is subjected to uniform force, thereby uniformly supporting the contact piece 120.

[0101] It is worth noting that the above examples illustrate several possible implementations of the deformable component 130. However, the structure of the deformable component 130 is not limited to the above and can also be in other structural forms, as long as it can achieve heat transfer of the contact piece 120 when heated and support the contact piece 120.

[0102] See Figures 4 to 7 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 In one embodiment, the longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the connecting portion 131 is arc-shaped. For example... Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the longitudinal section of the connecting part 131 has an arc-shaped profile. The arc-shaped connecting part 131 facilitates the longitudinal deformation of the deformable component 130, thereby facilitating the support part 132 to abut against or disengage from the contact piece 120.

[0103] When the deformable component 130 is in its initial state, the connecting portion 131 maintains its arc-shaped state. When the deformable component 130 switches from its initial state to its deformed state, the connecting portion 131 deforms and extends upward, causing the support portion 132 to move upward, allowing the support portion 132 to abut against the contact piece 120. When the deformable component 130 switches from its deformed state to its initial state, the connecting portion 131 deforms and shortens downward, causing the support portion 132 to move downward, allowing the support portion 132 to detach from the contact piece 120.

[0104] Of course, in other embodiments of this application, the connecting portion 131 has at least one curved portion in the longitudinal direction. That is, the middle part of the connecting portion 131 is provided with an arc-shaped or straight-line bent portion, which allows the connecting portion 131 to undergo longitudinal deformation, thereby facilitating the support portion 132 to abut against or disengage from the contact piece 120.

[0105] In one embodiment, the deformable component 130 is made of a shape memory alloy. It is understood that a shape memory alloy is an alloy with special memory properties. When the deformable component 130 deforms, it can return to its initial state by being placed under specific temperature conditions.

[0106] The deformation component 130 is made of shape memory alloy material, which has temperature deformation characteristics. When the deformation component 130 is heated, it can deform and come into contact with the contact plate 120. When the deformation component 130 dissipates heat, it can deform and detach from the contact plate 120.

[0107] In this way, by utilizing the temperature deformation characteristics of shape memory alloy materials, the pressure of the contact structure 100 in the vacuum circuit breaker can be improved. At the same time, the resistance between the contact piece 120 and the contact cup 110 during heat dissipation can be reduced, thereby improving the safety of the vacuum circuit breaker and reducing energy consumption.

[0108] Optionally, the deformable component 130 is made of nickel-titanium alloy. Of course, in other embodiments of this application, the deformable component 130 may also be made of other titanium alloys or other materials with shape memory function.

[0109] In one embodiment, the deformable component 130 is an integral structure. That is, the connecting part 131 and the supporting part 132 are integral structures, meaning that the connecting part 131 and the supporting part 132 are integrally formed. This ensures the structural strength of the deformable component 130 while simplifying the assembly process.

[0110] In one embodiment, the deformation of the deformation component 130 is adapted to the breaking capacity of the vacuum circuit breaker and the measured temperature threshold corresponding to the breaking capacity. The deformation of the deformation component 130 is adjusted by the curvature of the deformation component 130 and / or the material of the deformation component 130.

[0111] In other words, the deformation design of the shape memory alloy needs to be closely matched with the actual high current breaking capacity of the vacuum circuit breaker, and different deformation components 130 can be designed based on the measured temperature under the heating condition of the current capacity.

[0112] Understandably, the higher the current of the vacuum circuit breaker, the higher its breaking capacity and the greater its measured temperature threshold, which in turn requires a larger deformation of the deformation component 130. If the deformation of the deformation component 130 is small, it will prematurely disconnect from the contact piece 120. The current will flow directly through the deformation component 130 with lower resistance, suppressing the generation of cycloidal current and thus hindering the generation of the longitudinal magnetic field, which is detrimental to arc breaking.

[0113] Furthermore, the deformation of the deformable component 130, the curvature of the connecting part 131, and the composition ratio of the shape memory alloy material are all considered. Thus, the corresponding deformable component 130 can be designed based on the actual high-current breaking capacity of the vacuum circuit breaker and the measured temperature threshold under the corresponding heating condition, to meet the actual usage requirements of the vacuum circuit breaker.

[0114] See Figures 4 to 7 , Figure 12 In one embodiment, the contact structure 100 further includes an iron core 140, which is located in the receiving cavity 111 and connected to the contact cup 110, and the deformation member 130 is connected to the iron core 140. Figure 12 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the contact cup 110 in the contact structure 100 shown.

[0115] The iron core 140 enhances the strength of the longitudinal magnetic field, thereby promoting the uniform diffusion of the electric arc and facilitating the breaking of the vacuum circuit breaker. The iron core 140 is disposed on the base 113 of the contact cup 110 and there is a certain gap between it and the cup wall 112 of the contact cup 110. The deformation component 130 is disposed on the top of the iron core 140 and is disposed on the contact cup 110 through the iron core 140, that is, the deformation component 130 does not directly contact the contact cup 110.

[0116] See Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment, the contact structure 100 further includes a guide rod 150, which is disposed at one end of the contact cup 110 away from the contact piece 120 and is electrically connected to the contact cup 110. The guide rod 150 is disposed at the bottom of the contact cup 110 and is an electrical connecting rod.

[0117] The contact structure 100 is connected to the circuit via a guide rod 150, facilitating its integration into the circuit. Figure 3 In this circuit, two opposing contact structures 100 are connected to the circuit through corresponding guide rods 150, so that the vacuum circuit breaker can perform opening and closing operations through the two contact structures 100.

[0118] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 12In one embodiment, the outer wall of the contact cup 110 has a plurality of spiral grooves 114 spaced apart circumferentially. The spiral grooves 114 penetrate the contact cup 110 radially and connect to the receiving cavity 111. The spiral grooves 114 extend obliquely from the top to the bottom of the contact cup 110. The spiral grooves 114 can enhance the longitudinal magnetic field and facilitate the uniform diffusion of the electric arc.

[0119] In this embodiment, there are four spiral grooves 114, which are evenly distributed on the outer wall of the contact cup 110. Of course, in other embodiments of this application, the number of spiral grooves 114 may be three, five, or even other numbers.

[0120] In one embodiment, the helix angle of the spiral groove 114 is in the range of 30° to 75°. It can be understood that when the helix angle of the spiral groove 114 of the cup wall 112 of the contact cup 110 is within the above range, it can enhance the longitudinal magnetic field and facilitate the uniform diffusion of the electric arc.

[0121] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 12 In one embodiment, the contact cup 110 further includes a plurality of connecting grooves 115, each of the connecting grooves 115 being disposed at one end of a spiral groove 114 away from the contact piece 120, and the connecting groove 115 penetrating the contact cup 110 along the axial and radial directions.

[0122] Each spiral groove 114 has a connecting groove 115 at its bottom. The connecting groove 115 can penetrate the contact cup 110 radially or axially, which facilitates the connection between the contact cup 110 and the guide rod 150.

[0123] The contact structure 100 of this application adds a deformation component 130 to the contact cup 110. When the temperature of the contact structure 100 rises, the deformation component 130 is in a deformed state and abuts against the contact piece 120, increasing the heat transfer path, improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the contact structure 100, and preventing damage to the contact piece 120. This facilitates the application of the contact structure 100 in high-current vacuum circuit breakers. Simultaneously, the deformation component 130 also supports the contact piece 120, preventing damage to the cup wall 112 of the contact cup 110 due to excessive deformation when the vacuum circuit breaker closes, thus ensuring the performance of the contact structure 100.

[0124] The contact structure 100 of this application can be applied to high-voltage, high-current vacuum circuit breakers. Through the optimized design of the deformation component 130, due to the cumulative effect of temperature, when the temperature of the vacuum circuit breaker reaches a good level after breaking, the shape component deforms and comes into contact with the bottom of the contact piece 120, providing a new heat conduction path along the deformation component 130 and promoting heat dissipation of the contact structure 100.

[0125] Furthermore, after the vacuum circuit breaker completes its interruption and the two contact structures 100 re-close, the deformation component 130, together with the contact cup 110, provides support for the contact piece 120, preventing damage to the cup wall 112 of the contact cup 110 due to excessive pressure. After the contact structures 100 re-contact and undergo a period of heat dissipation, the deformation component 130 gradually returns to its initial state, without affecting the next interruption of the vacuum circuit breaker, and can be reused.

[0126] This application also provides a vacuum circuit breaker, including an operating mechanism and a vacuum interrupter, the vacuum interrupter including two contact structures 100 as described in any of the above embodiments. One of the two contact structures 100 is a stationary contact and the other is a moving contact. The operating mechanism is disposed outside the vacuum interrupter for separating or closing the moving contact relative to the stationary contact.

[0127] After adopting the contact structure 100 of the above embodiment, the vacuum circuit breaker of this application can increase the heat transfer path when the vacuum circuit breaker is opened, improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the contact structure 100, and at the same time, avoid damage to the cup wall 112 of the contact cup 110 due to large deformation when the vacuum circuit breaker is closed, thus ensuring the performance of the contact structure 100.

[0128] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0129] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A contact structure, characterized in that, include: A contact cup having a receiving cavity; A contact piece is disposed above the receiving cavity and contacts the contact cup; as well as A deformable component is located in the receiving cavity and connected to the contact cup. The deformable component has an initial state and a deformed state. When the deformable component is in the initial state, there is a preset distance between the deformable component and the contact piece. When the deformable component is in the deformed state, the deformable component can abut against the contact piece. The deformation component can switch from the initial state to the deformation state after the temperature rise reaches above the temperature threshold, and can switch from the deformation state to the initial state after the temperature drops below the temperature threshold.

2. The contact structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The deformable component includes a connecting part and a supporting part. The connecting part is connected to the contact cup and extends toward the contact piece. The supporting part is disposed on the connecting part and has a preset distance from the contact piece. When the deformable component is heated, the support portion can abut against the contact piece.

3. The contact structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The supporting part is circular, and the connecting part is annular. One side of the connecting part is connected to the periphery of the support part, and the other side is connected to the contact cup.

4. The contact structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The number of the connecting parts is one, and it supports and connects the supporting part and the contact cup; Alternatively, there may be multiple connecting parts, which are spaced apart around the periphery of the connecting part, and each connecting part supports and connects the support part and the contact cup.

5. The contact structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the connecting part is arc-shaped; Alternatively, the connecting portion may have at least one bend in the longitudinal direction.

6. The contact structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The deformation component is made of shape memory alloy material; And / or, the deformable component is an integral structure.

7. The contact structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The contact structure is used in vacuum circuit breakers; The deformation of the deformation component is adapted to the breaking capacity of the vacuum circuit breaker and the measured temperature threshold of the corresponding breaking capacity. The deformation of the deformable component is adjusted by the curvature of the deformable component and / or the material of the deformable component.

8. The contact structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The contact structure also includes an iron core, which is located in the receiving cavity and connected to the contact cup, and the deformation component is connected to the iron core; And / or, the contact structure further includes a guide rod disposed at one end of the contact cup away from the contact piece and electrically connected to the contact cup.

9. The contact structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The outer wall of the contact cup has multiple spiral grooves spaced apart circumferentially, and the multiple spiral grooves penetrate the contact cup radially and connect to the receiving cavity; The spiral angle of the spiral groove is in the range of 30° to 75°, and / or the contact cup further includes a plurality of connecting grooves, each of the connecting grooves being disposed at one end of the spiral groove away from the contact piece, and the connecting grooves penetrating the contact cup in both the axial and radial directions.

10. A vacuum circuit breaker, characterized in that, It includes an operating mechanism and a vacuum interrupter, the vacuum interrupter comprising two contact structures as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; Of the two contact structures, one is a stationary contact and the other is a moving contact; The operating mechanism is located on the outside of the vacuum interrupter chamber and is used to make the moving contact contact or separate from the stationary contact so as to close or open the vacuum circuit breaker.

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