Contact module, switching device and control circuit

Abstract

The invention relates to a contact module, a switching device and a control circuit. The contact module comprises a moving contact, a static contact, an arc extinguishing structure and an arc pushing structure. The moving contact and the static contact are respectively provided with a moving contact point and a static contact, and the moving contact point can abut against the static contact. The arc extinguishing structure comprises an arc extinguishing chamber which is arranged at the side part of the static contact. The arc pushing structure comprises a push rod, an upper connecting rod and a lower connecting rod, one end of the upper connecting rod is hinged to the push rod, and the other end of the upper connecting rod is hinged to the moving contact. When the movable contact abuts against the static contact, the push rod is located on the side, away from the arc extinguish chamber, of the static contact. When the moving contact drives the moving contact to be away from the static contact, the moving contact can drive the push rod to move towards the arc extinguish chamber in the first direction through the upper connecting rod and the lower connecting rod. According to the contact module, the arc extinguishing speed can be further improved on the basis of the existing arc extinguishing structure, the contact time of a high-temperature arc and structures such as a static contact is shortened, and the protection effect on the structures such as the contact is improved.

Description

A contact module, a switching device and a control circuit Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electrical equipment technology, specifically to a contact module, a switching device, and a control circuit. Background Technology

[0002] In electrical circuits, switching devices are crucial equipment nodes. They control the on / off state of corresponding circuits to achieve functions such as circuit protection and current shunting control. Among them, circuit breakers and contactors are common switching devices. Circuit breakers are mainly used to implement functions such as overload protection of circuits, while contactors are mainly used to achieve remote control of circuits.

[0003] In practical applications, circuit breakers and contactors generally control the opening and closing of circuits by using moving and stationary contacts. During this process, especially the opening phase, a high-temperature arc is generated between the moving and stationary contacts. When this arc comes into contact with the contacts, it causes erosion, leading to contact deformation and, in severe cases, rendering the contacts unusable. This not only affects the lifespan of the switching equipment but also reduces its reliability.

[0004] In existing technologies, some solutions incorporate an arc-extinguishing module on the side of the contacts, specifically including an arc-extinguishing chamber. The high-temperature arc is extinguished by blowing it into the chamber using magnetic or air blowing methods, thus protecting the contacts and other structures. However, for certain critical low-current applications, due to the low energy of the arc itself, the arc enters the arc-extinguishing chamber slowly. Even with the assistance of magnetic or air blowing devices, the arc can still remain in contact with the contact module for an extended period, leading to severe contact erosion.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a switchgear equipped with an arc-extinguishing structure, which can further improve the arc-extinguishing speed based on the existing arc-extinguishing structure, reduce the contact time between the high-temperature arc and the stationary contact and other structures, and further enhance the protection effect on the contact and other structures. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a contact module, switching device and control circuit that can further improve the arc extinguishing speed based on the existing arc extinguishing structure, reduce the contact time between the high temperature arc and the stationary contact and other structures, and further improve the protection effect on the contact and other structures.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, this application provides a contact module, comprising a moving contact and a stationary contact, an arc-extinguishing structure, and an arc-pushing structure. The moving contact and stationary contact are respectively provided with a moving contact point and a stationary contact, the moving contact point being able to move with the moving contact and abut against the stationary contact. The arc-extinguishing structure includes an arc-extinguishing chamber disposed on the side of the stationary contact point. The arc-pushing structure includes a push rod, an upper connecting rod, and a lower connecting rod. One end of the upper connecting rod is hinged to the push rod, and the other end is hinged to the moving contact. One end of the lower connecting rod is hinged to the push rod, and the other end is indirectly hinged to the stationary contact. When the moving contact point abuts against the stationary contact point, the push rod is located on the side of the stationary contact point away from the arc-extinguishing chamber. When the moving contact point moves away from the stationary contact point, the moving contact point, through the cooperation of the upper and lower connecting rods, can drive the push rod to move towards the arc-extinguishing chamber in a first direction, the first direction corresponding to the direction from the stationary contact point to the arc-extinguishing chamber.

[0008] Based on the above embodiments of this application, when the contact module is in use, and the moving contact and the stationary contact are in the closed state, the moving contact is in contact with the stationary contact. At this time, the push rod is arranged on the side of the stationary contact away from the arc-extinguishing chamber without affecting the opening and closing of the circuit. Subsequently, when the contact module begins to open the circuit, the moving contact moves and gradually moves away from the stationary contact. At this time, a high-temperature arc is generated between the stationary contact and the moving contact.

[0009] With the aforementioned configuration of this application, as the moving contact moves away from the stationary contact, it drives the upper connecting rod to move as well, which in turn drives the lower connecting rod and propels the movement. Specifically, the upper and lower connecting rods gradually open, meaning the angle between them gradually increases, thus driving the push rod towards the arc-extinguishing chamber. During this movement, the push rod moves along the first direction from the side of the stationary contact away from the arc-extinguishing chamber towards it. In this process, the push rod passes between the stationary and moving contacts, thus pushing the high-temperature arc between them towards the arc-extinguishing chamber. This allows the high-temperature arc to enter the arc-extinguishing chamber more quickly, thereby extinguishing the arc faster and reducing the contact time between the high-temperature arc and the stationary and moving contacts, reducing the erosion of the stationary contact and other structures by the high-temperature arc. Simultaneously, the push rod's movement along the first direction drives the airflow, which in turn propels the arc towards the arc-extinguishing chamber.

[0010] Furthermore, the arc-pushing structure in this application can be used in conjunction with existing magnetic or pneumatic arc-extinguishing methods. The two structures work together to further increase the rate at which the high-temperature arc enters the arc-extinguishing chamber, shorten the contact time between the high-temperature arc and the moving and stationary contacts, and reduce ablation.

[0011] In summary, this application, based on existing magnetic blowout or pneumatic blowout arc extinguishing structures, further incorporates an arc-pushing structure. During circuit breaking, the movement of the moving contact, in conjunction with the upper and lower connecting rods, drives the push rod towards the arc-extinguishing chamber. This push rod movement propels the high-temperature arc towards the arc-extinguishing chamber, thereby increasing the rate at which the high-temperature arc enters the chamber, further enhancing the arc-extinguishing speed, reducing the contact time between the high-temperature arc and the stationary contact and other structures, and further improving the protection effect on the contacts and other structures.

[0012] In some embodiments, the hinged end of the upper connecting rod to the moving contact is closer to the arc-extinguishing chamber along the first direction than the hinged end of the upper connecting rod to the push rod. The indirect hinged end of the lower connecting rod to the stationary contact is closer to the arc-extinguishing chamber along the first direction than the hinged end of the lower connecting rod to the push rod.

[0013] Based on the above embodiments of this application, when the moving contact and the stationary contact are open, the moving contact moves away from the stationary contact, causing the upper and lower connecting rods to open, which in turn causes the push rod to move towards the arc-extinguishing chamber along the first direction. When the moving contact and the stationary contact are closed again, the moving contact needs to push the push rod along the first direction away from the arc-extinguishing chamber through the cooperation of the upper and lower connecting rods, so that the push rod returns to the side of the stationary contact away from the arc-extinguishing chamber.

[0014] During this process, to ensure that the push rod moves away from the arc-extinguishing chamber, rather than continuing to move closer to it, the component of the force exerted by the moving contact on the push rod through the upper connecting rod in the first direction needs to move away from the arc-extinguishing chamber. The direction of the force exerted by the moving contact on the push rod is related to their relative positions, specifically to the upper connecting rod (which serves as the force transmission structure between them) and their hinged ends. When the hinged end of the upper connecting rod and the moving contact is closer to the arc-extinguishing chamber than the hinged end of the upper connecting rod and the push rod, the force exerted by the moving contact on the push rod through the upper connecting rod will have a component moving away from the arc-extinguishing chamber in the first direction, thus pushing the push rod away from the arc-extinguishing chamber in the first direction. Conversely, when the hinged end of the upper connecting rod and the push rod is closer to the arc-extinguishing chamber, the force exerted by the moving contact on the push rod will have a component moving closer to the arc-extinguishing chamber in the first direction, causing the push rod to continue moving closer to the arc-extinguishing chamber, affecting the opening and closing of the moving and stationary contacts.

[0015] At the same time, the situation of the lower link is similar to that of the upper link. The lower link then remains stationary at the end away from the push rod, but as the upper link pushes, a reaction force will also act on the push rod from the lower link.

[0016] In summary, through the above restrictions, during the closing process of the moving contact and the stationary contact, the component of the thrust force on the push rod along the first direction can be directed away from the arc-extinguishing chamber, so that the push rod can be reset to the side of the stationary contact away from the arc-extinguishing chamber during the closing process, thus avoiding affecting the closing process of the moving contact and the stationary contact.

[0017] In some embodiments, the upper connecting rod includes a first segment and a second segment, which are connected to form a V-shaped structure, with the opening of the V-shaped structure facing the arc-extinguishing chamber. The lower connecting rod also forms a V-shaped structure, with the opening of the V-shaped structure facing the arc-extinguishing chamber. The push rod is arranged along a first direction, with the upper and lower connecting rods located on both sides of the push rod.

[0018] Based on the embodiments described above, by configuring the upper and lower connecting rods as two bent sections, compared to a single straight rod structure, it is possible to push the upper and lower connecting rods away from the arc-extinguishing chamber during closing, thereby avoiding the problem of the push rod continuing to move closer to the arc-extinguishing chamber and affecting the closing process. Simultaneously, in order for the push rod to better push the high-temperature arc, the push rod needs to pass through the location where the high-temperature arc is generated, i.e., between the moving contact and the stationary contact. At this time, the upper and lower connecting rods are respectively located on both sides of the push rod, pulling or pushing the push rod from both sides to better control the direction of the push rod's movement.

[0019] In some embodiments, the push rod includes a connecting portion and a pushing portion, the pushing portion being directly or indirectly connected to the connecting portion. An upper connecting rod and a lower connecting rod are respectively hinged to the connecting portion, and the pushing portion is configured as a plate-like structure perpendicular to a first direction. The push rod is made of an insulating, high-temperature resistant material.

[0020] Based on the embodiments described above, the connecting part is used for hinged connection with the upper and lower connecting rods, while the pushing part is used to directly push the high-temperature arc into the arc-extinguishing chamber. Furthermore, by setting the pushing part as a plate-like structure perpendicular to the first direction, the pushing area of ​​the push rod can be increased, thereby improving the pushing effect of the push rod on the high-temperature arc. Simultaneously, by limiting the material of the push rod, a high-temperature resistant material can reduce the ablation damage to the push rod caused by the high-temperature arc, while an insulating material can prevent the push rod from conducting between the moving and stationary contacts during opening, thereby improving the electrical safety of the contact module.

[0021] In some embodiments, the contact module further includes a base, a stationary contact is fixedly disposed on the base, and the end of the lower connecting rod away from the push rod is hinged to the base.

[0022] Based on the embodiments described above, the base provides a foundation for the installation of structures such as stationary contacts. Furthermore, by directly hinged the lower connecting rod to the base, both the relative position of the lower connecting rod and the stationary contact can be fixed, and electrical safety issues caused by direct contact between the lower connecting rod and the stationary contact can be avoided.

[0023] In some embodiments, the base is provided with a receiving area, and the push rod is located within the receiving area when the moving contact abuts against the stationary contact. A guide surface is provided on the side of the receiving area near the arc-extinguishing chamber, the guide surface is inclined, and the inclination direction is from the arc-extinguishing chamber to the receiving area. The edge of the pushing part near the base is provided as a mating surface, the mating surface is configured with an arc-shaped structure, and the mating surface can abut against the guide surface as the push rod moves away from the arc-extinguishing chamber in a first direction.

[0024] Based on the embodiments described above, by providing a receiving area, the push rod, upper connecting rod, and lower connecting rod are accommodated and placed when the moving contact and stationary contact close, thus avoiding obstruction of the closing of the moving contact and stationary contact. Simultaneously, by providing a guide surface and cooperating with the arc-shaped structure of the pushing part, a guiding function is provided during the process of the push rod being retracted into the receiving area, making the retraction of the push rod smoother and preventing jamming that could affect the closing process.

[0025] In some embodiments, the contact module includes an insulating baffle, the hinge point between the lower connecting rod and the base, and the stationary contact, which are located on both sides of the insulating baffle.

[0026] Based on the above embodiments of this application, by setting an insulating baffle, the creepage distance between the stationary contact and the lower connecting rod is increased when the stationary contact and the moving contact are in the open state, thereby improving the electrical safety of the contact module.

[0027] In some embodiments, an arc-quenching port is provided directly opposite the stationary contact in the arc-quenching chamber, and multiple arc-quenching grids are provided at intervals inside the arc-quenching chamber. A U-shaped notch is provided in the middle of the arc-quenching grid, and the end of the push rod can be partially located in the U-shaped notch.

[0028] Based on the embodiments described above in this application, by providing an arc initiation port, it is convenient for a high-temperature electric arc to enter the arc-extinguishing chamber, where the arc-extinguishing grid plates divide and extinguish the high-temperature electric arc. The U-shaped notch allows the push rod to penetrate deeper into the arc-extinguishing chamber, thereby pushing the high-temperature electric arc further into the chamber, increasing the arc-extinguishing rate, and improving the protection effect on structures such as stationary contacts.

[0029] According to a second aspect of this application, a switching device is provided, the switching device including a housing and the aforementioned contact module, the contact module being at least partially fixed within the housing.

[0030] Based on the above embodiments of this application, the switching device provided by this application includes the aforementioned contact module. Through the above configuration, based on existing magnetic blowout or pneumatic blowout arc extinguishing structures, an arc-pushing structure is further added. During opening, the movement of the moving contact, in conjunction with the upper and lower connecting rods, drives the push rod towards the arc-extinguishing chamber. During the push rod's movement, it pushes the high-temperature arc towards the arc-extinguishing chamber, thereby increasing the rate at which the high-temperature arc enters the arc-extinguishing chamber, further improving the arc-extinguishing speed, reducing the contact time between the high-temperature arc and the stationary contact and other structures, and further enhancing the protection effect on the contacts and other structures. This improves the safety of the switching device and extends its service life.

[0031] According to a third aspect of this application, a control circuit is provided, the control circuit including the aforementioned switching device.

[0032] Based on the above embodiments of this application, the control circuit provided by this application includes the above-mentioned switching electrical appliance, and therefore also has the above-mentioned beneficial effects. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0033] Other features and advantages of this application will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present application and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the present application, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a contact module provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 2 is an enlarged schematic diagram of part A in Figure 1.

[0036] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the arc-pushing structure in the contact module provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the arc-pushing structure, moving contact, and stationary contact in the open state of the contact module provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the arc-pushing structure, moving contact, and stationary contact in the contact module provided in the embodiment of this application under the closed state.

[0039] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the switching device provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Moving contact; 11. Moving contact point; 2. Stationary contact; 21. Stationary contact point; 3. Arc extinguishing structure; 31. Arc extinguishing chamber; 32. Arc extinguishing grid plate; 4. Arc pushing structure; 41. Push rod; 411. Connecting part; 412. Pushing part; 413. Mating surface; 42. Upper connecting rod; 421. First rod segment; 422. Second rod segment; 43. Lower connecting rod; 44. Hinge segment; 5. Base; 51. Receiving area; 52. Guide surface; 6. Insulating baffle; 7. Housing. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0043] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0044] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0045] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the terms "inner," "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. They are used 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 on this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0046] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "setup" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0047] In practical applications, circuit breakers and contactors generally control the opening and closing of circuits by using moving and stationary contacts. During this process, especially the opening phase, a high-temperature arc is generated between the moving and stationary contacts. When this arc comes into contact with the contacts, it causes erosion, leading to contact deformation and, in severe cases, rendering the contacts unusable. This not only affects the lifespan of the switching equipment but also reduces its reliability.

[0048] In existing technologies, some solutions incorporate an arc-extinguishing module on the side of the contacts, specifically including an arc-extinguishing chamber. The high-temperature arc is extinguished by blowing it into the chamber using magnetic or air blowing methods, thus protecting the contacts and other structures. However, for certain critical low-current applications, due to the low energy of the arc itself, the arc enters the arc-extinguishing chamber slowly. Even with the assistance of magnetic or air blowing devices, the arc can still remain in contact with the contact module for an extended period, leading to severe contact erosion.

[0049] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a switchgear equipped with an arc-extinguishing structure, which can further improve the arc-extinguishing speed based on the existing arc-extinguishing structure, reduce the contact time between the high-temperature arc and the stationary contact and other structures, and further enhance the protection effect on the contact and other structures.

[0050] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, this application provides a contact module. Referring to Figures 1 to 5, the contact module includes a moving contact 1 and a stationary contact 2, an arc-extinguishing structure 3, and an arc-pushing structure 4. Moving contact 11 and stationary contact 2 are respectively provided on the moving contact 1 and stationary contact 2. The moving contact 11 can move with the moving contact 1 and abut against the stationary contact 2. The arc-extinguishing structure 3 includes an arc-extinguishing chamber 31, disposed on the side of the stationary contact 21. The arc-pushing structure 4 includes a push rod 41, an upper connecting rod 42, and a lower connecting rod 43. One end of the upper connecting rod 42 is hinged to the push rod 41, and the other end is hinged to the moving contact 1. One end of the lower connecting rod 43 is hinged to the push rod 41, and the other end is indirectly hinged to the stationary contact 2. When the moving contact 11 abuts against the stationary contact 21, the push rod 41 is located on the side of the stationary contact 21 away from the arc-extinguishing chamber 31. When the moving contact 1 drives the moving contact 11 away from the stationary contact 21, the moving contact 1 can cooperate with the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43 to drive the push rod 41 to move towards the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 in the first direction. The first direction corresponds to the direction from the stationary contact 21 to the arc-extinguishing chamber 31.

[0051] Based on the above embodiments of this application, when the contact module is in use, when the moving contact 1 and the stationary contact 2 are in the closed state, the moving contact 11 is in contact with the stationary contact 21. At this time, the push rod 41 is arranged on the side of the stationary contact 21 away from the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 without affecting the opening and closing of the circuit. Subsequently, when the contact module begins to open the circuit, the moving contact 1 moves and gradually moves away from the stationary contact 2. At this time, a high-temperature arc will be generated between the stationary contact 2 and the moving contact 1.

[0052] With the above-described configuration of this application, as the moving contact 1 moves away from the stationary contact 2, it drives the upper connecting rod 42 to move together, which in turn drives the lower connecting rod 43 and propels the movement. Specifically, the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43 gradually open, meaning the angle between them gradually increases, thus driving the push rod 41 towards the arc-extinguishing chamber 31. During this movement, the push rod 41 moves along the first direction from the side of the stationary contact 21 away from the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 towards the arc-extinguishing chamber 31. In this process, the push rod 41 passes between the stationary contact 21 and the moving contact 11, thereby pushing the high-temperature arc between the stationary contact 21 and the moving contact 11 towards the arc-extinguishing chamber 31. This allows the high-temperature arc to enter the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 more quickly, thus extinguishing the arc faster, reducing the contact time between the high-temperature arc and the stationary contact 2 and the moving contact 1, and reducing the erosion of the stationary contact 2 and other structures by the high-temperature arc. At the same time, as the push rod 41 moves along the first direction, it will drive the airflow to move together, which can jointly push the electric arc toward the arc-extinguishing chamber 31.

[0053] Furthermore, the arc-pushing structure 4 in this application can be used in conjunction with existing magnetic blowout or air blowout arc-extinguishing schemes. The two structures work together to further increase the rate at which the high-temperature arc enters the arc-extinguishing chamber 31, shorten the contact time between the high-temperature arc and structures such as the moving contact 1 and the stationary contact 2, and reduce ablation.

[0054] In summary, based on existing magnetic blowout or air blowout arc extinguishing structures, this application further incorporates an arc-pushing structure 4. When the circuit is opened, the movement of the moving contact 1, in conjunction with the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43, drives the push rod 41 to move towards the arc-extinguishing chamber 31. During the movement of the push rod 41, the high-temperature arc is pushed towards the arc-extinguishing chamber 31, thereby increasing the rate at which the high-temperature arc enters the arc-extinguishing chamber 31, further improving the arc extinguishing speed, reducing the contact time between the high-temperature arc and the stationary contact 2 and other structures, and further enhancing the protection effect on the contacts and other structures.

[0055] Meanwhile, this application further incorporates an arc-pushing structure 4 on top of the existing arc-extinguishing structure 3 to propel the high-temperature arc into the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 more quickly to complete the arc-extinguishing process. In practical use, this application can be used in conjunction with various existing arc-extinguishing structures 3, such as the magnetic blowout arc-extinguishing structure 3 and the air blowout arc-extinguishing structure 3. Taking the magnetic blowout arc-extinguishing structure 3 as an example, the specific structure of the magnetic blowout arc-extinguishing structure 3 and its coordination with the arc-pushing structure 4 can be configured according to actual conditions. During configuration, interference with the movement trajectory of the push rod 41 should be avoided to ensure that the push can achieve movement along the first direction from the side of the stationary contact 2 away from the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 to the side closer to the arc-extinguishing chamber 31.

[0056] Furthermore, it should be noted that the indirect hinge of the other end of the lower connecting rod 43 to the stationary contact 2 in this application refers to the end of the lower connecting rod 43 being hinged to another structure near and relatively fixed to the stationary contact 2. Since a high-temperature electric arc is generated between the stationary contact 2 and the moving contact 1, by hinged the lower connecting rod 43 to another structure near and relatively fixed to the stationary contact 2, the movement trajectory of the push rod 41 can be better controlled. The specific hinge position can be set according to the specific structure of the contact module. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, in an exemplary embodiment provided in this application, the contact module may further include a base 5, the stationary contact 2 is fixedly disposed on the base 5, and the end of the lower connecting rod 43 away from the push rod 41 can be hinged to the base 5.

[0057] Based on the above embodiments of this application, the base 5 provides a foundation for the installation of structures such as the stationary contact 2. Simultaneously, by directly hinged the lower connecting rod 43 to the base 5, both the relative position of the lower connecting rod 43 and the stationary contact 2 can be fixed, and electrical safety issues caused by direct contact between the lower connecting rod 43 and the stationary contact 2 can be avoided.

[0058] In practical use, the base 5 serves as a protective structure and mounting base for the stationary contact 2, and can be made of insulating materials such as plastic. The stationary contact 2 is then fixed to the base 5 by riveting or bolting. The lower end of the lower connecting rod 43 is hinged and fixed to the base 5 near the stationary contact 2.

[0059] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, in some embodiments of this application, the hinged end of the upper connecting rod 42 with the moving contact 1 is closer to the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 along the first direction than the hinged end of the upper connecting rod 42 with the push rod 41. The indirect hinged end of the lower connecting rod 43 with the stationary contact 2 is closer to the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 along the first direction than the hinged end of the lower connecting rod 43 with the push rod 41.

[0060] Based on the above embodiments of this application, when the moving contact 1 and the stationary contact 2 are open, the moving contact 1 moves away from the stationary contact 2, causing the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43 to open, thereby causing the push rod 41 to move towards the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 in the first direction. When the moving contact 1 and the stationary contact 2 are closed again, the moving contact 1 needs to push the push rod 41 in the first direction away from the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 through the cooperation of the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43, so that the push rod 41 returns to the side of the stationary contact 21 away from the arc-extinguishing chamber 31.

[0061] During this process, in order to ensure that the push rod 41 moves away from the arc-extinguishing chamber 31, rather than continuing to move closer to it, the component of the force exerted by the moving contact 1 on the push rod 41 through the upper connecting rod 42 in the first direction needs to move away from the arc-extinguishing chamber 31. The direction of the force exerted by the moving contact 1 on the push rod 41 is related to their relative positions, specifically to the upper connecting rod 42, which serves as the force transmission structure between them, and their hinged ends. When the hinged end of the upper connecting rod 42 and the moving contact 1 is closer to the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 than the hinged end of the upper connecting rod 42 and the push rod 41, the force exerted by the moving contact 1 on the push rod 41 through the upper connecting rod 42 will have a component moving away from the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 in the first direction, thus pushing the push rod 41 away from the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 in the first direction. Conversely, when the hinged end of the upper connecting rod 42 and the push rod 41 is closer to the arc-extinguishing chamber 31, the force applied by the moving contact 1 to the push rod 41 will have a component force along the first direction that approaches the arc-extinguishing chamber 31, thereby causing the push rod 41 to continue to approach the arc-extinguishing chamber 31, affecting the opening and closing of the moving contact 1 and the stationary contact 2.

[0062] Meanwhile, the situation of the lower link 43 is similar to that of the upper link 42. Subsequently, the lower link 43 remains stationary at the end away from the push rod 41. However, as the upper link 42 pushes, a reaction force will also act on the push rod 41 from the lower link 43.

[0063] In summary, through the above restrictions, during the closing process of the moving contact 1 and the stationary contact 2, the component of the thrust force on the push rod 41 along the first direction can be directed away from the arc-extinguishing chamber 31, so that the push rod 41 can be reset to the side of the stationary contact 21 away from the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 during the closing process, thus avoiding affecting the closing process of the moving contact 1 and the stationary contact 2.

[0064] Specifically, referring further to Figures 4 and 5, the hinged end between the upper connecting rod 42 and the moving contact 1 is designated as the first end, the hinged end between the lower connecting rod 43 and the base 5 is designated as the second end, and the hinged end between the push rod 41 and the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43 is designated as the third end. At this time, when the moving contact 1 opens and drives the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43 to open to their maximum angle, the third end and the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 should be located on opposite sides of the line connecting the first and second ends.

[0065] When the third end and the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 are on the same side of the line connecting the first end and the second end, that is, the third end is closer to the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 along the first direction than the first end and the second end, when the moving contact 1 closes, the force applied by the moving contact 1 to the upper connecting rod 42 is transmitted to the push rod 41. At this time, a component force towards the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 is generated, which pushes the push rod 41 to continue moving towards the arc-extinguishing chamber 31, so that the push rod 41 is stuck between the moving contact 1 and the stationary contact 2, thus hindering the closing.

[0066] When the third end is exactly on the line connecting the first and second ends, when the moving contact 1 closes, the push rod 41 may continue to move toward the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 or it may reset and move away from the arc-extinguishing chamber 31. At this time, there is still a possibility of blocking the closing.

[0067] Furthermore, in some embodiments of this application, referring to FIG3, the upper connecting rod 42 may include a first rod segment 421 and a second rod segment 422, the first rod segment 421 and the second rod segment 422 being connected to form a V-shaped structure, and the opening direction of the V-shaped structure facing the arc-extinguishing chamber 31. The lower connecting rod 43 may also form a V-shaped structure, and the opening direction of the V-shaped structure facing the arc-extinguishing chamber 31. The push rod 41 is arranged along a first direction, and the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43 are arranged on both sides of the push rod 41.

[0068] Based on the above embodiments of this application, by setting the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43 as two bent structures, compared to a single straight rod structure, it is possible to push the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43 away from the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 during closing, thereby avoiding the problem of the push rod 41 continuing to move closer to the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 during closing and affecting the closing process. At the same time, in order for the push rod 41 to better push the high-temperature arc, the push rod 41 needs to pass through the location where the high-temperature arc is generated, that is, between the moving contact 11 and the stationary contact 21. At this time, the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43 are respectively set on both sides of the push rod 41, and pull or push the push rod 41 from both sides to better control the movement direction of the push rod 41.

[0069] Specifically, taking the upper connecting rod 42 as an example, when both the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43 are set as straight rod structures, once the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43 are pulled to the maximum opening angle, that is, when the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43 form a straight line and the third end is located on the line connecting the first end and the second end, the probability of the push rod 41 approaching or moving away from the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 when the circuit is closed again is basically the same.

[0070] By setting the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43 as a structure with both ends bent, and the bending direction is away from the arc-extinguishing chamber 31, when the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43 are opened to the maximum angle, during subsequent closing, the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43 are easily deformed along the bending direction, that is, away from the arc-extinguishing chamber 31, due to the pressure of the moving contact 1. At this time, the deformation will cause the push rod 41 to deviate in a direction away from the arc-extinguishing chamber 31, thereby causing the push rod 41 to reset in a direction away from the arc-extinguishing chamber 31, so as to avoid affecting the closing process.

[0071] Furthermore, it should be noted that the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43 in this application can be hinged to the push rod 41 and the moving contact 1 in any suitable manner. Referring to FIG3, in an exemplary embodiment of this application, both ends of the upper connecting rod 42 are bent to form hinge segments 44. Taking the hinge between the upper connecting rod 42 and the push rod 41 as an example, the hinge segment 44 is inserted into the push rod 41 and rotatably connected to the push rod 41 to realize the hinge between the upper connecting rod 42 and the push rod 41. At the same time, the lower connecting rod 43 is basically the same as the upper connecting rod 42, and can also be hinged by bending the end to form a hinge segment 44.

[0072] In this application, the push rod 41 can be configured with any suitable structure. Referring to Figures 3 to 5, in an exemplary embodiment of this application, the push rod 41 may include a connecting portion 411 and a pushing portion 412, with the pushing portion 412 directly or indirectly connected to the connecting portion 411. The upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43 are respectively hinged to the connecting portion 411, and the pushing portion 412 is configured as a plate-like structure perpendicular to the first direction. The push rod 41 is made of an insulating and high-temperature resistant material.

[0073] Based on the embodiments described above, the connecting part 411 is used for hinged connection with the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43, while the pushing part 412 is used to directly push the high-temperature arc into the arc-extinguishing chamber 31. Furthermore, by setting the pushing part 412 as a plate-like structure perpendicular to the first direction, the pushing area of ​​the push rod 41 can be increased, thereby improving the pushing effect of the push rod 41 on the high-temperature arc. Simultaneously, by limiting the material of the push rod 41, a high-temperature resistant material can reduce the erosion damage to the push rod 41 caused by the high-temperature arc, while an insulating material can prevent the push rod 41 from conducting between the moving contact 1 and the stationary contact 2 during opening, thereby improving the electrical safety of the contact module.

[0074] Specifically, in actual production and processing, the pushing part 412 can be directly connected to the connecting part 411 or indirectly connected to the connecting part 411, that is, other connecting structures are provided between the pushing part 412 and the connecting part 411. Referring further to FIG3, in an exemplary embodiment of this application, a connecting rod is provided between the pushing part 412 and the connecting part 411. By providing the connecting rod, the pushing part 412 can extend an additional distance toward the arc-extinguishing chamber 31, so as to better achieve the pushing effect on the high-temperature electric arc.

[0075] Meanwhile, in this application, the connecting part 411 is used to hinge with the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43. Taking the example where the ends of the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43 are both bent to form hinge segments 44, as shown in Figure 3, the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43 are both inserted into the connecting part 411 through the hinge segments 44 and are rotatably connected to the connecting part 411. At this time, the axial directions of the two hinge segments 44 can be staggered. When the two hinge segments 44 are coaxially arranged, the push rod 41 can rotate about the hinge segment 44 as the axis. At this time, the pushing part 412 at the front end of the push rod 41 will swing downward naturally under the action of gravity, affecting the arc pushing effect. However, by setting the two hinge segments 44 to be staggered, the two hinge segments 44 can cooperate to limit the push rod 41, so that the push rod 41 can stably point towards the arc extinguishing chamber 31 in the first direction.

[0076] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments of this application, a receiving area 51 may be provided on the base 5. When the moving contact 11 abuts against the stationary contact 21, the push rod 41 is located within the receiving area 51. A guide surface 52 may be provided on the side of the receiving area 51 near the arc-extinguishing chamber 31. The guide surface 52 is inclined, and the inclination direction is from the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 to the receiving area 51. The pushing part 412 is provided with a mating surface 413 near the edge of the base 5. The mating surface 413 is an arc-shaped structure, and the mating surface 413 can abut against the guide surface 52 as the push rod 41 moves away from the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 in a first direction.

[0077] Based on the above embodiments of this application, by providing a receiving area 51, the push rod 41, upper connecting rod 42, and lower connecting rod 43 are accommodated and placed when the moving contact 1 and the stationary contact 2 are closed, thus avoiding obstruction of the closing of the moving contact 1 and the stationary contact 2. Simultaneously, by providing a guide surface 52 and cooperating with the arc-shaped structure of the pushing part 412, a guiding function is provided during the process of the push rod 41 being retracted into the receiving area 51, making the retraction of the push rod 41 smoother and preventing jamming that could affect the closing process.

[0078] In this application, the specific location and structure of the receiving area 51 can be adaptively set according to the location and size of the push-arc structure 4. Further referring to Figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments of this application, the receiving area 51 is formed below the moving contact 1. After the moving contact 1 and the stationary contact 2 are closed, the receiving area 51 is formed between the moving contact 1 and the base 5. At this time, the push rod 41 is guided into the receiving area 51 by the guide surface 52.

[0079] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments of this application, the contact module may further include an insulating baffle 6, with the hinge point between the lower connecting rod 43 and the base 5 and the stationary contact 2 located on both sides of the insulating baffle 6.

[0080] Based on the above embodiments of this application, by setting an insulating baffle 6, when the stationary contact 2 and the moving contact 1 are in the open state, the creepage distance between the stationary contact 2 and the lower connecting rod 43 is increased, thereby improving the electrical safety of the contact module.

[0081] Specifically, the structure and shape of the insulating baffle 6 in this application can be selected and set arbitrarily according to the actual situation. Referring further to Figure 2, in some embodiments of this application, the insulating baffle 6 can be integrally set with the base 5, and both can be made of insulating materials such as plastic. In specific processing, they can be integrally formed by injection molding or other methods.

[0082] In this application, the arc extinguishing structure 3 can be configured in any suitable manner with reference to the prior art. Referring to FIG1, in an exemplary embodiment of this application, the arc extinguishing chamber 31 can be provided with an arc initiation port facing the stationary contact 21, and a plurality of arc extinguishing grid plates 32 are provided at intervals inside the arc extinguishing chamber 31. A U-shaped notch is provided in the middle of the arc extinguishing grid plate 32, and the end of the push rod 41 can be partially located in the U-shaped notch.

[0083] Based on the above embodiments of this application, by providing an arc initiation port, it is convenient for the high-temperature arc to enter the arc-extinguishing chamber 31, and the arc-extinguishing grid 32 inside the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 divides and extinguishes the high-temperature arc. The U-shaped notch allows the push rod 41 to enter the arc-extinguishing chamber 31 more deeply, thereby pushing the high-temperature arc deeper into the arc-extinguishing chamber 31, increasing the arc-extinguishing rate, and improving the protection effect on structures such as the stationary contact 2.

[0084] Furthermore, it should be noted that this application uses a push rod 41 to drive the high-temperature arc towards the arc-extinguishing chamber 31, thereby increasing the rate at which the high-temperature arc enters the arc-extinguishing chamber 31, and thus reducing the contact time between the high-temperature arc and structures such as the stationary contact 2, reducing erosion damage to these structures. The push rod 41 is driven by the moving contact 1 in conjunction with the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43. In practical applications, the moving contact 1 can either swing towards or away from the stationary contact 2, or it can move towards or away from the stationary contact 2 in a linear motion. When the moving contact 1 moves towards or away from the stationary contact 2 in a linear motion, it can also drive the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43 to swing, thereby pushing the push rod 41 towards the first direction. The specific choice can be made according to the actual situation, and this application does not impose any specific restrictions on this.

[0085] According to a second aspect of this application, a switching device is provided, as shown in FIG6, the switching device including a housing 7 and the aforementioned contact module, the contact module being at least partially fixed within the housing 7.

[0086] Based on the above embodiments of this application, the switching device provided by this application includes the aforementioned contact module. Through the above configuration, based on existing magnetic blowout or air blowout arc extinguishing structures, an arc-pushing structure 4 is further provided. When the circuit is opened, the movement of the moving contact 1, in conjunction with the upper connecting rod 42 and the lower connecting rod 43, drives the push rod 41 to move towards the arc-extinguishing chamber 31. During the movement of the push rod 41, it pushes the high-temperature arc towards the arc-extinguishing chamber 31, thereby increasing the rate at which the high-temperature arc enters the arc-extinguishing chamber 31, further increasing the arc-extinguishing speed, reducing the contact time between the high-temperature arc and the stationary contact 2 and other structures, and further improving the protection effect on the contacts and other structures. This improves the safety of the switching device and extends its service life.

[0087] Specifically, the switching devices can include various switching devices such as circuit breakers and contactors. Furthermore, the above-described technical solution of this application can also be applied to other electrical equipment including contact structures to increase the rate at which a high-temperature arc enters the arc-extinguishing chamber 31, thereby achieving the technical effect of protecting the contact structure. Specific adaptations can be made according to actual circumstances, and this application does not impose specific limitations in this regard.

[0088] According to a third aspect of this application, a control circuit is provided, the control circuit including the aforementioned switching device.

[0089] Based on the above embodiments of this application, the control circuit provided by this application includes the above-mentioned switching electrical appliance, and therefore also has the above-mentioned beneficial effects. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0090] The preferred embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of this application, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solution of this application, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0091] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, this application will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

[0092] Furthermore, various different implementations of this application can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this application, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed in this application.

Claims

1. A contact module, characterized in that, The contact module includes: a moving contact and a stationary contact, each with a moving contact point and a stationary contact, the moving contact point moving with the moving contact and abutting against the stationary contact; an arc-extinguishing structure including an arc-extinguishing chamber disposed on the side of the stationary contact; and an arc-pushing structure including a push rod, an upper connecting rod, and a lower connecting rod, one end of the upper connecting rod hinged to the push rod and the other end hinged to the moving contact, one end of the lower connecting rod hinged to the push rod and the other end indirectly hinged to the stationary contact; when the moving contact point abuts against the stationary contact point, the push rod is located on the side of the stationary contact point away from the arc-extinguishing chamber; when the moving contact point moves away from the stationary contact point, the moving contact point can cooperate with the upper connecting rod and the lower connecting rod to drive the push rod to move towards the arc-extinguishing chamber in a first direction, the first direction corresponding to the direction from the stationary contact point to the arc-extinguishing chamber.

2. The contact module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hinged end of the upper connecting rod to the moving contact is closer to the arc-extinguishing chamber along the first direction than the hinged end of the upper connecting rod to the push rod; the indirect hinged end of the lower connecting rod to the stationary contact is closer to the arc-extinguishing chamber along the first direction than the hinged end of the lower connecting rod to the push rod.

3. The contact module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper connecting rod includes a first rod segment and a second rod segment, the first rod segment and the second rod segment are connected to form a V-shaped structure, and the opening direction of the V-shaped structure faces the arc-extinguishing chamber; the lower connecting rod also forms a V-shaped structure, and the opening direction of the V-shaped structure faces the arc-extinguishing chamber; the push rod is arranged along the first direction, and the upper connecting rod and the lower connecting rod are arranged on both sides of the push rod.

4. The contact module according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The push rod includes a connecting part and a pushing part, the pushing part being directly or indirectly connected to the connecting part; the upper connecting rod and the lower connecting rod are respectively hinged to the connecting part; the pushing part is configured as a plate-shaped structure and is perpendicular to the first direction; the push rod is made of an insulating and high-temperature resistant material.

5. The contact module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The contact module also includes a base, the stationary contact is fixedly mounted on the base, and the end of the lower connecting rod away from the push rod is hinged to the base.

6. The contact module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The base is provided with a receiving area. When the moving contact abuts against the stationary contact, the push rod is located within the receiving area. A guide surface is provided on the side of the receiving area near the arc-extinguishing chamber. The guide surface is inclined, and the inclination direction is from the arc-extinguishing chamber to the receiving area. The pushing part is provided with a mating surface near the edge of the base. The mating surface is provided with an arc-shaped structure, and the mating surface can abut against the guide surface as the push rod moves away from the arc-extinguishing chamber along the first direction.

7. The contact module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The contact module includes an insulating baffle, and the hinge point between the lower connecting rod and the base and the stationary contact are located on both sides of the insulating baffle.

8. The contact module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The arc-extinguishing chamber is provided with an arc-initiating port facing the stationary contact. Multiple arc-extinguishing grid plates are arranged at intervals inside the arc-extinguishing chamber. A U-shaped notch is provided in the middle of the arc-extinguishing grid plate, and the end of the push rod can be partially located within the U-shaped notch.

9. A switching device, characterized in that, The switching device includes: a housing; and a contact module as claimed in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the contact module is at least partially fixed within the housing.

10. A control circuit, characterized in that, The control circuit includes the switching device as described in claim 9.

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