Action signal 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 transmission device of a surge protector and a lightning protection branching cabinet. The invention provides an action signal transmission device of surge protectors. The action signal transmission device comprises a signal circuit and a plurality of surge protectors, each surge protector comprises a monitoring module, the monitoring module can monitor a thermal tripping assembly and / or a lightning stroke assembly of the surge protector and control the on-off 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 an action signal transmission device for a surge protector 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 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 transmission device provided by the present invention includes a signal circuit and a plurality of surge protectors; each surge protector includes a monitoring module, which is capable of monitoring the thermal trip component and / or lightning strike component of the surge protector and controlling the on / off state of the signal circuit at the surge protector, and the plurality of surge protectors are connected in series on the signal circuit.

[0006] Furthermore, the monitoring module works in conjunction with the thermal trip assembly via a monitoring circuit.

[0007] Furthermore, the monitoring circuit includes a switch structure or sensor that cooperates with the actuating lever of the thermal trip assembly.

[0008] Furthermore, the monitoring module includes a monitoring unit and a switch located on the signal circuit. When the monitoring unit receives a signal that the actuating rod has thermally tripped, the switch disconnects on the signal circuit.

[0009] Furthermore, the monitoring module works in conjunction with the thermal trip assembly and the lightning strike assembly via a monitoring circuit.

[0010] Furthermore, the monitoring circuit includes a switch structure or sensor that cooperates with the actuating lever of the thermal trip assembly.

[0011] Furthermore, the monitoring circuit also includes a temperature sensor that works in conjunction with the lightning protection element of the lightning strike assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, the monitoring module includes a monitoring unit and a switch located on the signal circuit. When the monitoring unit receives at least one of the signals of the action rod thermally tripping and the lightning protection element passing through the lightning strike current, the switch disconnects on the signal circuit.

[0013] Furthermore, the signal circuit includes a power supply and an indicator, and the signal circuit is electrically connected to the power supply module of the surge protector. The power supply module is used to supply power to the monitoring unit, the switching element, and the monitoring circuit.

[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 transmission device as described in any of the above claims.

[0015] Beneficial effects

[0016] This solution connects multiple surge protectors in series within a signal circuit. If all surge protectors in the signal circuit are functioning normally, the entire signal circuit is conductive because the positions corresponding to each surge protector are closed. When one surge protector malfunctions (i.e., thermal tripping), the monitoring module disconnects the signal circuit at that surge protector's position, thus disconnecting the entire signal circuit. Therefore, this solution utilizes a single signal circuit to monitor the status of multiple surge protectors. By monitoring the continuity of this signal circuit, it can identify any surge protectors in abnormal condition and perform further actions based on this information, such as maintenance or replacement of the surge protector's module connector. Attached Figure Description

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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;

[0019] Figure 2 These are circuit diagrams of the surge protectors provided in Embodiments 1 and 3 of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the actuating rod and the switch structure of the thermal trip assembly provided in Embodiments 1 to 3 of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram of the surge protector provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the lightning protection element of the lightning strike assembly provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention, in conjunction with a temperature sensor.

[0023] Reference numerals: 1-Surge protector; 2-Signal circuit; 3-Power supply; 4-Indicator; 5-Thermal trip assembly; 6-Monitoring unit; 7-Switch; 8-Circuit structure; 9-Actuating lever; 10-Switch structure; 11-Metal sheet; 12-Lightning strike assembly; 13-Lightning protection element; 14-Temperature sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0024] 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.

[0025] Example 1

[0026] A surge protector action signal transmission device includes a signal circuit 2 and multiple surge protectors 1; each surge protector 1 includes a monitoring module, which cooperates with the thermal trip component 5 of the surge protector 1. The monitoring module can control the on / off state 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.

[0027] 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 single signal circuit 2. Specifically, the monitoring module of each surge protector 1 works in conjunction 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., when no thermal tripping action has occurred, the monitoring module keeps the signal circuit 2 closed at the position of the surge protector 1.

[0028] 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, and the entire signal circuit 2 switches to an open state.

[0029] 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. Further operations can then be performed based on this information, such as maintenance or replacement of the module head of the surge protector 1.

[0030] In one alternative implementation, the monitoring module works in conjunction with the thermal trip assembly 5 via a monitoring circuit.

[0031] The monitoring circuit is a circuit structure 8 provided in the base or module head of the surge protector 1. This circuit structure 8 can convert thermal trip action signals, such as displacement, into electrical signals, and after being processed by the monitoring module, execute the signal circuit 2 to switch on and off at the position of the surge protector 1.

[0032] The monitoring circuit can refer to the circuit structure 8 inside the base or module head of the existing surge protector 1. Based on the function of the monitoring module in the traditional surge protector 1, this solution enables it to control the switching components 7, such as the electromagnetic trip unit, thereby realizing the on / off control of the signal circuit 2.

[0033] In one alternative embodiment, the monitoring circuit includes a switch structure 10 that cooperates with the actuating lever 9 of the thermal trip assembly 5. The monitoring module includes a monitoring unit 6 and a switch 7 located on the signal circuit 2. When the monitoring unit 6 receives a signal that the actuating lever 9 has thermally tripped, the switch 7 is disconnected on the signal circuit 2.

[0034] The switch structure 10 includes two metal plates 11, which are electrically connected to the monitoring unit 6 through corresponding circuits. When the surge protector 1 does not thermally trip, the actuating rod 9 of the thermal trip assembly 5 is located between the two metal plates 11, thereby separating the two metal plates 11. When the surge protector 1 thermally trips, the actuating rod 9 moves to be pulled away from between the two metal plates 11, and the two metal plates 11 return to their original state and contact each other, thereby making the corresponding circuit conductive. The monitoring unit 6 obtains the signal that the surge protector 1 has thermally tripped through the electrical signal of the corresponding circuit being conductive.

[0035] The surge protector 1 has a circuit structure 8 corresponding to the signal circuit 2. The switching element 7, such as an electromagnetic trip unit, is installed on the circuit structure 8. The circuit structure 8 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, so that the switching element 7 is connected to the signal circuit 2. The switching element 7 is controlled by the monitoring unit 6. Under normal circumstances, the switching element 7 is kept normally closed and conducting. When the monitoring unit 6 receives a signal that the action rod 9 has thermally tripped, the monitoring unit 6 controls the switching element 7 to open.

[0036] Alternatively, a displacement sensor or Hall sensor is located near the actuating rod 9 of the thermal trip assembly 5 and is electrically connected to the monitoring unit 6 through a corresponding circuit. When the surge protector 1 thermally trips, the actuating rod 9 moves, and the monitoring unit 6 obtains the electrical signal of the surge protector 1 thermally tripping through the displacement sensor or Hall sensor.

[0037] In one alternative implementation, the signal circuit 2 includes a power supply 3 and an indicator 4. The signal circuit 2 is electrically connected to the power supply module of the surge protector 1, which supplies power to the monitoring module, the switching element 7, and the monitoring circuit.

[0038] Signal circuit 2 is powered by an external power supply 3. When all surge protectors 1 connected to signal circuit 2 are in normal condition, all switches 7 on signal circuit 2 are closed, so signal circuit 2 is energized, and indicators 4 on signal circuit 2, such as indicator lights, remain constantly lit. When any surge protector 1 connected to signal circuit 2 experiences thermal tripping or lightning strike, the switch 7 of that surge protector 1 is disconnected, so signal circuit 2 is disconnected, and indicators 4 on signal circuit 2, such as indicator lights, are turned off. The overall status of surge protectors 1 connected to signal circuit 2 can be obtained externally through the status of indicators 4.

[0039] Example 2

[0040] Based on Embodiment 1, the monitoring module works in conjunction with the thermal trip assembly 5 and the lightning strike assembly 1212 of the surge protector 1, and the monitoring module can control the on / off state of the signal circuit 2 at the surge protector 1.

[0041] In order to simultaneously monitor the lightning strike action of surge protector 1 based on embodiment 1, the monitoring module of each surge protector 1 cooperates with the thermal trip component 5 and the lightning strike component 1212 of the surge protector 1. When the surge protector 1 is in a normal state, that is, when no thermal trip action or lightning strike action occurs, the monitoring module keeps the signal circuit 2 closed at the position of the surge protector 1.

[0042] If all surge protectors 1 connected to signal circuit 2 are in normal condition, then the entire signal circuit 2 is in a conducting state because the position corresponding to each surge protector 1 on signal circuit 2 is in a closed state. When one of the surge protectors 1 connected to signal circuit 2 is in an abnormal state, that is, a thermal trip or lightning strike occurs, the monitoring module causes signal circuit 2 to switch to an open state at the position of that surge protector 1, and the entire signal circuit 2 switches to an open state.

[0043] In one alternative implementation, the monitoring module works in conjunction with the thermal trip assembly 5 and the lightning strike assembly 1212 via a monitoring circuit.

[0044] The monitoring circuit can convert thermal tripping signals, such as displacement, and lightning strike signals, such as temperature changes, into electrical signals. After processing by the monitoring module, the signal circuit 2 is used to switch the surge protector 1 on and off at its position.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment, the monitoring circuit further includes a temperature sensor 14 that cooperates with the lightning protection element 13 of the lightning strike assembly 1212. When the monitoring unit 6 receives at least one of the signals of the action rod 9 thermally tripping and the lightning protection element 13 passing through the lightning strike current, the switch 7 is disconnected on the signal circuit 2.

[0046] Temperature sensor 14 is located near surge protection element 13 and is electrically connected to monitoring unit 6 via a corresponding circuit. When surge protector 1 experiences lightning current, surge protection element 13 heats up. Monitoring unit 6 receives an electrical signal indicating the temperature rise of surge protection element 13 through temperature sensor 14, thereby determining that surge protector 1 has experienced a lightning strike. Under normal circumstances, switch 7 remains normally closed. When monitoring unit 6 receives a signal indicating thermal tripping of action rod 9, monitoring unit 6 controls switch 7 to open. Similarly, when monitoring unit 6 receives a signal indicating lightning current passing through surge protection element 13, monitoring unit 6 also controls switch 7 to open.

[0047] Example 3

[0048] 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 operation signal transmission device as in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2.

[0049] 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.

[0050] Since it is necessary to monitor the status of surge protectors 1 inside the cabinet, and to avoid requiring numerous signal cables for transmitting status monitoring signals from a large number of surge protectors 1, this solution connects the surge protectors 1 inside the cabinet to the signal circuit 2. Specifically, the signal circuit 2 is powered by an external power supply 3. Each surge protector 1 has an action signal transmission device as described in Embodiment 1. Each 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 each surge protector 1 cooperates with its thermal trip assembly 5. As the cable of the surge protector 1 is connected to the signal circuit 2, the monitoring module inside the surge protector 1 is connected... 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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. An operating signal transmission device for a surge protector, characterized by comprising: It includes a signal circuit (2) and multiple surge protectors (1); each surge protector (1) includes a monitoring module, which is capable of monitoring the thermal trip assembly (5) and / or lightning strike assembly (12) of the surge protector (1) and controlling the on / off state 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 operating signal transmission device for a surge protector according to claim 1, wherein The monitoring module works in conjunction with the thermal trip assembly (5) via a monitoring circuit.

3. The surge protector's action signal transmission device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The monitoring circuit includes a switch structure (10) or a sensor that cooperates with the actuating lever (9) of the thermal trip assembly (5).

4. The surge protector's action signal transmission device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The monitoring module includes a monitoring unit (6) and a switch (7) located on the signal circuit (2). When the monitoring unit (6) receives a signal that the action rod (9) has thermally tripped, the switch (7) is disconnected on the signal circuit (2).

5. The surge protector's action signal transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The monitoring module works in conjunction with the thermal trip assembly (5) and the lightning strike assembly (12) via a monitoring circuit.

6. The surge protector's operation signal transmission device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The monitoring circuit includes a switch structure (10) or a sensor that cooperates with the actuating lever (9) of the thermal trip assembly (5).

7. The surge protector's action signal transmission device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The monitoring circuit also includes a temperature sensor (14) that works in conjunction with the lightning protection element (13) of the lightning strike assembly (12).

8. The surge protector's action signal transmission device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The monitoring module includes a monitoring unit (6) and a switch (7) located on the signal circuit (2). When the monitoring unit (6) receives at least one of the signals of the action rod (9) thermally tripping and the lightning protection element (13) passing through the lightning current, the switch (7) is disconnected on the signal circuit (2).

9. The surge protector's action signal transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal circuit (2) includes a power supply (3) and an indicator (4). The signal circuit (2) is electrically connected to the power supply module of the surge protector (1). The power supply module is used to supply power to the monitoring unit (6), the switching element (7), and the monitoring circuit.

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 transmission device as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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