Action signal series transmission device of surge protector and lightning protection branching cabinet

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of lightning protection equipment, in particular to an action signal series transmission device of a surge protector and a lightning protection branching cabinet. The invention provides an action signal series transmission device of surge protectors. The action signal series transmission device comprises a signal circuit and a plurality of surge protectors, each surge protector comprises a monitoring module, the monitoring module is connected with a thermal tripping assembly of the surge protector, the monitoring module can control opening and closing of the signal circuit at the surge protector, and the multiple surge protectors are arranged on the signal circuit in series.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of lightning protection equipment, and in particular to a surge protector action signal serial transmission device and a lightning protection distribution cabinet. Background Technology

[0002] Existing surge protectors have the function of transmitting signals to the outside. The base or module head of the surge protector is equipped with a corresponding circuit structure that can convert thermal trip action signals, such as displacement, and lightning strike action signals, such as temperature changes, into electrical signals. These signals are then converted into digital signals by the monitoring module and transmitted out, thereby enabling external monitoring of the surge protector's status.

[0003] In some situations, a large number of surge protectors are required. For example, in places like railways where there are many signal cables, it is often necessary to branch the signal cables. Specifically, each core of the signal cable is connected to a branch terminal, and the cables are branched through the branch terminal. Each branch terminal corresponds to a surge protector, and one of the output ports of the branch terminal is connected to the surge protector through a cable, thereby achieving lightning protection for the cables branched by that branch terminal. Therefore, a large number of surge protectors are installed in the lightning protection branch cabinet. When the status of these surge protectors needs to be monitored, if each surge protector transmits its status signal to the host computer through an independent signal channel, a large number of cables need to be connected in the lightning protection branch cabinet. This not only affects the core of the railway signal cable and the layout of the branched cables in the lightning protection branch cabinet, but also increases the wiring process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] On the one hand, the present invention provides a surge protector action signal serial transmission device, which can simplify the wiring for surge protector status monitoring in the case of multiple surge protectors;

[0005] The surge protector action signal serial transmission device provided by the present invention includes a signal circuit and multiple surge protectors; each surge protector includes a monitoring module, the monitoring module is connected to the thermal trip assembly of the surge protector, the monitoring module is capable of controlling the opening and closing of the signal circuit at the surge protector, and the multiple surge protectors are connected in series on the signal circuit.

[0006] Furthermore, the monitoring module includes a first switch element that cooperates with the actuating lever of the thermal trip assembly.

[0007] Furthermore, the first switching element includes two metal plates located on the signal circuit, and the actuating lever is movable to separate the two metal plates.

[0008] Furthermore, the first switching element includes two metal plates located on the signal circuit. The actuating rod has a conductive section and an insulating section along the moving direction. The conductive section is located between and abuts against the two metal plates. The actuating rod can be moved until the insulating section is located between and abuts against the two metal plates.

[0009] Furthermore, the monitoring module also includes a second switch that cooperates with the lightning protection element of the lightning strike assembly. The first switch and the second switch are connected in series on the signal circuit. The second switch includes a first engaging member and a second engaging member. The first engaging member is fixedly disposed relative to the grounding circuit of the lightning protection element. A support spring is provided between the first engaging member and the second engaging member. The first engaging member and the second engaging member are disposed around the grounding circuit. The signal circuit is provided with a contact structure. The second engaging member can approach the first engaging member and disengage from the contact structure under the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the grounding circuit.

[0010] Furthermore, the conductive segment is formed by a tube with a conductive structure fitted onto the actuating rod.

[0011] Furthermore, the signal circuit includes a power supply and an indicator.

[0012] Furthermore, the second suction member engages with the ratchet assembly.

[0013] Furthermore, the ratchet assembly includes a rim, a pawl, and a rotating shaft. The rim is fixedly disposed relative to the grounding circuit component. The inner ring surface of the rim is provided with internal teeth. The second engaging component has a rotating end and a free end. The rotating end of the second engaging component is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft. The pawl is located at one end of the rotating shaft and meshes with the internal teeth.

[0014] On the other hand, the lightning protection distribution cabinet provided by the present invention includes a cabinet body, wherein the cabinet body is provided with a plurality of distribution terminals and surge protectors corresponding one-to-one with the distribution terminals, and all of the surge protectors are connected in series to the signal circuit of the surge protector action signal series transmission device as described in any of the above claims.

[0015] Beneficial effects

[0016] This solution connects multiple surge protectors in series to the signal circuit. If all surge protectors connected to the signal circuit are in normal condition, the entire signal circuit is in a conducting state because the position corresponding to each surge protector on the signal circuit is in a closed state. When one of the surge protectors connected to the signal circuit is in an abnormal state, i.e., a thermal trip occurs, the monitoring module causes the signal circuit to switch to an open state at the position of that surge protector, and the entire signal circuit switches to an open state. The indicator light goes out when the power is off.

[0017] Therefore, this solution uses a single signal circuit to monitor the status of multiple surge protectors. By monitoring the on / off state of this signal circuit, information can be obtained about whether any surge protectors connected to this signal circuit are in an abnormal state, and further operations can be performed based on this information. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall circuit of the surge protector connected in series with the signal circuit according to Embodiments 1 to 3 of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 These are circuit diagrams of the surge protectors provided in Embodiments 1 and 3 of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram of the surge protector provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal trip assembly's actuating rod cooperating with the first switching element in the surge protector provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second switching element provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0024] Reference numerals: 1-Surge protector; 2-Signal circuit; 3-Power supply; 4-Indicator; 5-Thermal trip assembly; 6-First switch; 7-Circuit structure; 8-Lightning strike assembly; 9-Second switch; 10-Actuating lever; 11-Metal sheet; 12-Conductive section; 13-Insulating section; 14-Grounding circuit; 15-First engaging component; 16-Second engaging component; 17-Ratchet assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] A surge protector action signal serial transmission device includes a signal circuit 2 and multiple surge protectors 1; each surge protector 1 includes a monitoring module, the monitoring module is connected to the thermal trip component 5 of the surge protector 1, the monitoring module can control the opening and closing of the signal circuit 2 at the surge protector 1, and the multiple surge protectors 1 are connected in series on the signal circuit 2.

[0028] To avoid requiring numerous signal cables for transmitting status monitoring signals from a large number of surge protectors 1, the status monitoring of multiple surge protectors 1 in this solution is achieved through the on / off switching of a signal circuit 2. Specifically, the monitoring module of each surge protector 1 cooperates with the thermal trip component 5 of that surge protector 1. The surge protector 1 is connected to the signal circuit 2, thereby enabling the monitoring module to control the on / off switching of the signal circuit 2 at the position of the surge protector 1. When the surge protector 1 is in a normal state, i.e., no thermal tripping action has occurred, the monitoring module keeps the signal circuit 2 closed at the position of the surge protector 1. At this time, the signal circuit 2, powered by the external power supply 3, is in a conducting state, and the indicator 4 on the signal circuit 2 is energized. Preferably, the indicator 4 is an indicator light, which remains constantly lit when energized.

[0029] This solution connects multiple surge protectors 1 in series to the signal circuit 2. If all surge protectors 1 connected to the signal circuit 2 are in normal condition, the entire signal circuit 2 is in a conducting state because the position corresponding to each surge protector 1 on the signal circuit 2 is in a closed state. When one of the surge protectors 1 connected to the signal circuit 2 is in an abnormal state, i.e., a thermal trip occurs, the monitoring module causes the signal circuit 2 to switch to an open state at the position of that surge protector 1, the entire signal circuit 2 switches to an open state, and the indicator light goes out when the power is off.

[0030] Therefore, this solution uses a signal circuit 2 to monitor the status of multiple surge protectors 1. By monitoring the on / off status of the signal circuit 2, information can be obtained on whether there are any surge protectors 1 in abnormal status among all the surge protectors 1 connected to the signal circuit 2, and further operations can be performed based on this information.

[0031] In one alternative implementation, the monitoring module includes a first switch 6 that engages with the actuating lever 10 of the thermal trip assembly 5.

[0032] The surge protector 1 has a circuit structure 7 corresponding to the signal circuit 2. A first switch 6 is mounted on this circuit structure 7. This circuit structure 7 has two ports on the housing of the surge protector 1. The cables of the signal circuit 2 are connected to the two ports respectively, thereby enabling the first switch 6 to be connected to the signal circuit 2. The actuating rod 10 of the thermal trip assembly 5 directly controls the first switch 6. When the surge protector 1 does not send a thermal trip action, the first switch 6 remains closed. When the surge protector 1 experiences a thermal trip action, the first switch 6 opens. The first switch 6 includes two metal plates 11, which are located on the signal circuit 2. The actuating rod 10 can move to separate the two metal plates 11. Specifically, two metal plates 11 are spaced apart on the circuit structure 7 of the corresponding signal circuit 2 inside the surge protector 1. When the surge protector 1 does not thermally trip, the actuating rod 10 is not inserted between the two metal plates 11. At this time, the two metal plates 11 are in contact with each other, thereby achieving conductivity. When the surge protector 1 thermally trips, the actuating rod 10 moves to insert between the two metal plates 11, separating the two metal plates 11 to achieve the disconnection of the first switching element 6.

[0033] Alternatively, the actuating element may have a conductive section 12 and an insulating section 13 along the moving direction. When the surge protector 1 does not thermally trip, the conductive section 12 of the actuating rod 10 is located between the two metal plates 11, separating the two metal plates 11 while simultaneously making them conductive through the conductive section 12. When the surge protector 1 thermally trips, the actuating rod 10 moves until the conductive section 12 is pulled out from between the two metal plates 11, while the insulating section 13 moves into the space between the two metal plates 11, preventing conductivity between them and thus disconnecting the first switching element 6. Preferably, the conductive section 12 is formed by a conductive metal tube fitted onto the insulating actuating rod 10.

[0034] Example 2

[0035] Based on Embodiment 1, the monitoring module further includes a second switch 9 that cooperates with the lightning protection element of the lightning strike assembly 8. The first switch 6 and the second switch 9 are connected in series on the signal circuit 2. The second switch 9 includes a first attracting member 15 and a second attracting member 16. The first attracting member 15 is fixedly disposed relative to the grounding circuit member 14 at the output end of the lightning protection element. A supporting spring is provided between the first attracting member 15 and the second attracting member 16. The first attracting member 15 and the second attracting member 16 are disposed around the grounding circuit member 14. The signal circuit 2 is provided with a contact structure. The second attracting member 16 can approach the first attracting member 15 and disengage from the contact structure under the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the grounding circuit member 14.

[0036] The first switch 6 and the second switch 9 are connected in series on the circuit structure 7. The actuating rod 10 of the thermal trip assembly 5 directly controls the first switch 6, and the lightning protection element of the lightning strike assembly 8 also directly controls the second switch 9. When the surge protector 1 does not send a thermal trip or lightning strike action, both the first switch 6 and the second switch 9 remain closed. At this time, the signal circuit 2, which is powered by the external power supply 3, is in a conductive state, and the indicator 4 on the signal circuit 2 is energized. Preferably, the indicator 4 is an indicator light, which remains constantly lit when energized. When the surge protector 1 experiences a thermal trip, the first switch 6 is disconnected. Similarly, when the surge protector 1 experiences a lightning strike, the second switch 9 is disconnected. At this time, the signal circuit 2 is disconnected, and the indicator 4 on the signal circuit 2 is de-energized.

[0037] When a lightning strike current passes through the surge protector 1, the grounding circuit component 14 at the output terminal of the lightning protection element generates a magnetic field. Therefore, the first attracting component 15 and the second attracting component 16 are located within the magnetic field area generated by the grounding circuit component 14. The magnetic field magnetizes the first attracting component 15 and the second attracting component 16, causing them to generate a mutual magnetic attraction. This magnetic attraction allows the second attracting component 16 to move against the elastic force of the supporting spring. The second switching component 9 also includes two contact structures, which are spaced apart on the circuit structure 7 of the corresponding signal circuit 2 within the surge protector 1. When the surge protector 1 is not carrying a lightning strike current, the second attracting component 16 is located between the two contact structures, connecting them for conduction. When the surge protector 1 carries a lightning strike current, the second attracting component 16 moves out from between the two contact structures, preventing conduction between them and thus disconnecting the second switching component 9.

[0038] In one alternative embodiment, the second engaging member 16 engages with the ratchet assembly 17. The ratchet assembly 17 includes a rim, a pawl, and a rotating shaft. The rim is fixedly disposed relative to the grounding circuit member 14, and internal teeth are provided on the inner ring surface of the rim. The second engaging member 16 has a rotating end and a free end. The rotating end of the second engaging member 16 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft, and the pawl is located at one end of the rotating shaft and meshes with the internal teeth.

[0039] Lightning current is a transient high current. To ensure that the second contact 16 remains non-conductive between the two contact structures after the surge protector 1 has been subjected to lightning current, this design provides a rim and a toothed pawl between the second contact 16 and the housing of the surge protector 1. The second contact 16 is located inside the housing and connected to the housing via a rotating shaft. Utilizing the unidirectional rotation principle of the ratchet formed by the rim and toothed pawl, the second contact 16 can only rotate in the direction close to the first contact 15 under the action of magnetic attraction. After the surge protector 1 has been subjected to lightning current, the ratchet restricts the second contact 16 to reset under the elastic force of the support spring, thereby ensuring that the second switch 9 remains in the open state after being disconnected.

[0040] Example 3

[0041] A surge protection distribution cabinet includes a cabinet body, which contains multiple distribution terminals and surge protectors 1 corresponding to each distribution terminal. All surge protectors 1 are connected in series to the signal circuit 2 of the surge protector action signal series transmission device as described in Embodiment 1 above.

[0042] The cabinet contains three main functional modules: lightning protection, cable splitting, and signal circuits. The cable splitting module includes multiple splitting terminals. The cores of the railway signal cables are connected to the inlet of the splitting terminal, and then multiple cables are split off through the outlet, thus realizing cable splitting. The lightning protection module includes multiple surge protectors. Each splitting terminal corresponds to one surge protector. The cable from one outlet of the splitting terminal is connected to the corresponding surge protector, thus realizing lightning protection for the cables split off from that splitting terminal. Since it is necessary to monitor the status of surge protectors 1 inside the cabinet, to avoid the need for numerous signal cables for transmitting status monitoring signals from a large number of surge protectors 1, in this solution, the surge protectors 1 inside the cabinet are connected to the signal circuit 2. Specifically, the signal circuit 2 is powered by an external power supply 3. The surge protector 1 is equipped with an action signal transmission device as described in Embodiment 1. The surge protector 1 has two ports. The cable of the signal circuit 2 is connected to one of the two ports and then exits from the other, and is connected in series with each surge protector 1. The monitoring module of the surge protector 1 cooperates with the thermal trip component 5 of the surge protector 1. With the connection of the cable between the surge protector 1 and the signal circuit 2, the monitoring module inside the surge protector 1 is connected to... In signal circuit 2, the monitoring module can control the on / off state of signal circuit 2 at the position of surge protector 1. When surge protector 1 is in a normal state, that is, when no thermal tripping action has occurred, the monitoring module keeps signal circuit 2 closed at the position of surge protector 1. If all surge protectors 1 connected to signal circuit 2 are in a normal state, then since the position corresponding to each surge protector 1 on signal circuit 2 is in a closed state, the entire signal circuit 2 is in a conducting state, and the indicator 4 on signal circuit 2 is in a powered state. When one of the surge protectors 1 connected to signal circuit 2 is in an abnormal state, that is, when thermal tripping action has occurred, the monitoring module causes signal circuit 2 to switch to an open state at the position of surge protector 1, the entire signal circuit 2 switches to an open state, and the indicator 4 is de-energized.

[0043] It should be noted that any of the above embodiments are illustrative of the invention and not restrictive, and that those skilled in the art can devise alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not listed in the claims. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several different elements and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the unit claims enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by the same item of hardware. The use of the words first, second, preceding, and next, etc., does not indicate any order. These words can be interpreted as names.

[0044] The above embodiments are only suitable for illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical solutions also fall within the scope of the present invention, and the patent protection scope of the present invention should be defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A surge protector's action signal serial transmission device, characterized in that, It includes a signal circuit (2) and multiple surge protectors (1); each surge protector (1) includes a monitoring module, the monitoring module is connected to the thermal trip assembly (5) of the surge protector (1), the monitoring module is able to control the opening and closing of the signal circuit (2) at the surge protector (1), and multiple surge protectors (1) are connected in series on the signal circuit (2).

2. The surge protector's action signal serial transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The monitoring module includes a first switch (6) that cooperates with the actuating rod (10) of the thermal trip assembly (5).

3. The surge protector's action signal serial transmission device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first switching element (6) includes two metal plates (11) located on the signal circuit (2), and the actuating lever (10) is movable to separate the two metal plates (11).

4. The surge protector's action signal serial transmission device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first switching element (6) includes two metal plates (11) located on the signal circuit (2). The actuating rod (10) has a conductive section (12) and an insulating section (13) along the moving direction. The conductive section (12) is located between and abuts against the two metal plates (11). The actuating rod (10) can move until the insulating section (13) is located between and abuts against the two metal plates (11).

5. The surge protector's action signal serial transmission device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The monitoring module also includes a second switch (9) that cooperates with the lightning protection element of the lightning strike assembly (8). The first switch (6) and the second switch (9) are connected in series on the signal circuit (2). The second switch (9) includes a first attracting member (15) and a second attracting member (16). The first attracting member (15) is fixedly disposed relative to the grounding circuit member (14) at the output end of the lightning protection element. A support spring is provided between the first attracting member (15) and the second attracting member (16). The first attracting member (15) and the second attracting member (16) are disposed around the grounding circuit member (14). The signal circuit (2) is provided with a contact structure. The second attracting member (16) can approach the first attracting member (15) and disengage from the contact structure under the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the grounding circuit member (14).

6. The surge protector's action signal serial transmission device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The conductive segment (12) is formed by a tube with a conductive structure fitted onto the actuating rod (10).

7. The surge protector's action signal serial transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal circuit (2) includes a power supply (3) and an indicator (4).

8. The surge protector's action signal serial transmission device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second suction member (16) engages with the ratchet assembly (17).

9. The surge protector's action signal serial transmission device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The ratchet assembly (17) includes a rim, a toothed pawl, and a rotating shaft. The rim is fixedly disposed relative to the grounding circuit component (14). The inner ring surface of the rim is provided with internal teeth. The second engaging component (16) has a rotating end and a free end. The rotating end of the second engaging component (16) is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft. The toothed pawl is located at one end of the rotating shaft and meshes with the internal teeth.

10. A lightning protection distribution cabinet, comprising a cabinet body, characterized in that, The cabinet is provided with multiple branch terminals and surge protectors (1) corresponding to each branch terminal. All of the surge protectors (1) are connected in series to the signal circuit (2) of the surge protector action signal series transmission device as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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