Solid state circuit breaker
By introducing sensors and assist mechanisms into solid-state circuit breakers, the problem of inconsistent operator operation is solved, ensuring consistency of mechanical switches during the connection and disconnection process, and improving operational safety and efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing solid-state circuit breakers may exhibit inconsistent operating behaviors during mechanical switching due to varying operator habits, potentially resulting in intermediate states between connection and disconnection, which affects operational consistency and safety.
Design a solid-state circuit breaker comprising an electronic switch, a mechanical switch, a sensor, a control unit, and an assist mechanism. The sensor detects changes in the position of the mechanical switch, and the control unit activates the assist mechanism to provide assistance to the operator, ensuring consistency of the mechanical switch during the connection and disconnection process.
It achieves consistency in the operator's actions, avoids the mechanical switch from jamming in the middle state, and improves the safety and efficiency of operation.
Smart Images
Figure CN122117670A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a solid-state circuit breaker. Background Technology
[0002] Solid-state circuit breakers are becoming increasingly widespread. They can be configured as part of a solid-state hybrid control system. For such systems, a space is typically required for human operation at the isolating mechanism, i.e., the mechanical switch. Operators operate the mechanical switch by rotating, pushing, or pulling motions to open or close it. Due to differences in operating habits or force applied by different operators, their actions during the opening and closing processes often vary.
[0003] To ensure consistency in the operation of the isolation mechanism and to guarantee the user experience, a new type of solid-state circuit breaker needs to be designed, in which the mechanical switch can be assisted when manually operated. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This disclosure provides a solid-state circuit breaker with an assisted mechanical switch. The solid-state circuit breaker according to this disclosure provides assistance to the operator when manually connecting and disconnecting the mechanical switch, thereby ensuring consistency of the operator's actions and preventing intermediate states between the connected and disconnected states.
[0005] This disclosure provides a solid-state circuit breaker, comprising: an electronic switch; a mechanical switch configured to perform a connecting and disconnecting process by manual operation; a sensor configured to generate a trigger signal based on the position of the mechanical switch during the connecting or disconnecting process; a control unit configured to activate an assist mechanism based on the trigger signal; and the assist mechanism configured to provide assistance for the connecting or disconnecting process; wherein the electronic switch and the mechanical switch are connected in series.
[0006] In an embodiment according to this disclosure, the mechanical switch moves from an off position through an intermediate position during the on process to an on position; the sensor includes a first sensor; the first sensor is configured to generate a first trigger signal in response to the mechanical switch reaching the intermediate position during the on process; and the control unit is configured to activate the assist mechanism based on the first trigger signal.
[0007] In an embodiment according to this disclosure, the mechanical switch moves from an on position through an intermediate off position to an off position; the sensor includes a second sensor; the second sensor is configured to generate a second trigger signal in response to the mechanical switch reaching the intermediate off position; and the control unit is configured to activate the assist mechanism based on the second trigger signal.
[0008] In an embodiment according to this disclosure, the control unit is configured to control the opening of the electronic switch according to the second trigger signal and to activate the assist mechanism after a predetermined time interval.
[0009] In an embodiment according to this disclosure, controlling the disconnection of the electronic switch according to the second trigger signal includes: sending a disconnection signal to the electronic switch according to the second trigger signal and detecting whether the electronic switch has been successfully disconnected; and activating the assist mechanism after a predetermined time interval includes: activating the assist mechanism after a predetermined time interval in response to the successful disconnection of the electronic switch.
[0010] In an embodiment according to this disclosure, the mechanical switch is configured as a pressable knob; the sensor includes a third sensor; the third sensor is configured to generate a third trigger signal in response to the mechanical switch being pressed; and the control unit is configured to activate the assist mechanism based on the first trigger signal and the third trigger signal.
[0011] In an embodiment according to this disclosure, the first sensor is configured as a first micro switch; the first sensor generating a first trigger signal in response to the mechanical switch reaching the intermediate position during the on-process includes: the first micro switch generating the first trigger signal in response to the mechanical switch leaving the off-position.
[0012] In an embodiment according to this disclosure, the second sensor is configured as a second micro switch; the second sensor generating a second trigger signal in response to the mechanical switch reaching the intermediate position during the disconnection process includes: the second micro switch generating the second trigger signal in response to the mechanical switch leaving the on position.
[0013] In embodiments according to this disclosure, the predetermined time interval is set in the range of 3ms to 10ms.
[0014] In an embodiment according to this disclosure, the assist mechanism is designed as an electromagnetic assist mechanism, the electromagnetic assist mechanism comprising: a coil and an iron core; and wherein the iron core is linked to the mechanical switch; the control unit is configured to control the direction of the current flowing through the coil according to the trigger signal, the iron core providing assistance for the connection process in response to a positive current flowing through the coil, and the iron core providing assistance for the disconnection process in response to a negative current flowing through the coil.
[0015] In embodiments according to this disclosure, the mechanical switch includes a manual operating component, a transmission component, a moving contact, and a stationary contact. Attached Figure Description
[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other embodiments can be obtained based on these embodiments without creative effort.
[0017] Figure 1 A circuit diagram of a solid-state circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.
[0018] Figure 2 The schematic illustration shows the closing process of a mechanical switch configured as a knob in a solid-state circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] Figure 3 The schematic illustration shows the disconnection process of a mechanical switch configured as a knob in a solid-state circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] Figure 4 A timing diagram illustrating the switching process of a solid-state circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically.
[0021] Figure 5 A timing diagram illustrating the disconnection process of a solid-state circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically.
[0022] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the mechanical switch and assist mechanism in a solid-state circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation
[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure more apparent, exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.
[0024] In this specification and accompanying drawings, substantially the same or similar steps and elements are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of these steps and elements will be omitted. Furthermore, in the description of this disclosure, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or order.
[0025] In this specification and accompanying drawings, elements are described in singular or plural forms according to embodiments. However, the singular and plural forms are suitably chosen for the presented cases merely for ease of explanation and are not intended to limit the disclosure thereto. Thus, singular forms may include plural forms, and plural forms may include singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise clearly stated, "connection" does not necessarily mean "direct connection" or "direct contact," but only requires electrical connection.
[0026] Figure 1 A circuit diagram of a solid-state circuit breaker 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically. The assisted solid-state circuit breaker 100 includes: an electronic switch 170, a mechanical switch 110, and one or more sensors (in...). Figure 1 The diagram exemplarily illustrates sensors 120, 130, and 140, a control unit 150, and an assist mechanism 160. An electronic switch 170 and a mechanical switch 110 are connected in series and arranged on a power supply line from the power source to the load. The mechanical switch 110 is configured to manually operate to perform on / off processes, thereby connecting or disconnecting the load from the power source. Sensors 120, 130, and 140 are configured to generate trigger signals based on the position of the mechanical switch 110 during the on / off process. The control unit 150 is configured to activate the assist mechanism 160 based on the trigger signal. The assist mechanism 160 is configured to provide assistance for the on / off process of the mechanical switch 110.
[0027] In embodiments according to this disclosure, the assist mechanism 160 may in particular be designed as an electromagnetic assist mechanism. When energized, the electromagnetic assist mechanism can move components mechanically associated with the mechanical switch 110, thereby providing assistance for the opening or closing process of the mechanical switch 110. This will be discussed later. Figure 6 The embodiments shown are described in detail.
[0028] Figure 1 A solid-state circuit breaker 100 is illustrated as an example in a single-phase power supply line. Those skilled in the art can also apply the solid-state circuit breaker 100 to three-phase power supply lines or DC power supply lines by analogy.
[0029] Electronic switch 170 can be, for example, a known electronic switch such as a MOSFET or IGBT. When disconnecting the power supply line, electronic switch 170 must be disconnected first, followed by mechanical switch 110, which serves as an isolation mechanism. The operating sequence of electronic switch 170 and mechanical switch 110 is as follows: Figure 5 The details will be explained in detail later.
[0030] In embodiments according to this disclosure, the mechanical switch 110 may be configured as, for example, a knob or a handle. The mechanical switch 110 can be in an on position and an off position, and can be in an intermediate position when actuated, such as the intermediate on and off positions mentioned below. In other embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the mechanical switch 110 may include, for example, a manual operating component 111, a transmission component 112, a moving contact 113, and a stationary contact 114. The manual operating component 111 may be configured as a knob, for example. The rotational movement of the manual operating component 111 is converted into the translational movement of the moving contact 113 via the transmission component 112, such as one or more transmission rods, thereby causing the moving contact 113 to contact or separate from the stationary contact 114. Due to the mechanical coupling of the manual operating component 111, the transmission component 112, and the moving contact 113, their on-position corresponds to each other, and their off-position also corresponds to each other.
[0031] Figure 2 and Figure 4 The example shown is a mechanical switch 110 configured as a knob. Figure 2 and Figure 4 The manual operating component of the mechanical switch 110 is shown in particular. It should be noted that the mechanical switch 110, its manual operating component, and the on and off positions of the moving contact correspond to each other according to this disclosure.
[0032] Figure 2 The schematic illustration shows the activation process of a mechanical switch 110 configured as a knob according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. During activation, the knob is turned clockwise, moving from an Activated position (e.g., angle 0°) through an Intermediate Activated position (e.g., angle 15°) to an Activated position (e.g., angle 90°).
[0033] One of the sensors, such as the first sensor 120, may be configured to generate a first trigger signal in response to the mechanical switch (knob) reaching an intermediate position during the on / off process (e.g., angle 15°). The control unit 150 is configured to activate the assist mechanism 160 based on the first trigger signal. The assist mechanism 160 provides assistance to the on / off process, allowing the operator to more easily and quickly turn the knob to the on / off position, thereby shortening the duration of the intermediate process and preventing the mechanical switch from being intentionally or unintentionally stuck in the intermediate position.
[0034] In another embodiment according to this disclosure, the mechanical switch may require pressing and twisting to activate. For this purpose, one of the sensors, such as a third sensor 140, may be configured to generate a third trigger signal in response to the mechanical switch being pressed. The control unit 150 may, for example, be configured to activate the assist mechanism 160 based on the first and third trigger signals. In other words, the assist mechanism 160 only provides assistance for the manual operation of the mechanical switch when the knob is pressed and twisted to an intermediate position during activation (e.g., an angle of 15°).
[0035] Figure 3 The diagram schematically illustrates the disconnection process of a mechanical switch 110 configured as a knob in a solid-state circuit breaker 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. During the disconnection process, the knob is turned counterclockwise, moving from an on position (e.g., angle 90°) through an intermediate position during the disconnection process (e.g., angle 85°) to an off position (e.g., angle 0°).
[0036] One of the sensors, such as the second sensor 130, may be configured to generate a second trigger signal in response to the mechanical switch (knob) reaching an intermediate position during the disconnection process (e.g., an angle of 85°). The control unit 150 is configured to activate the assist mechanism 160 based on the second trigger signal. The assist mechanism 160 provides assistance to the disconnection process, allowing the operator to more easily and quickly turn the knob to the disconnection position, thereby shortening the duration of the intermediate process and preventing the mechanical switch from being intentionally or unintentionally stuck in the intermediate position.
[0037] Figure 4 A timing diagram illustrating the switching process of a solid-state circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically. In this embodiment, the mechanical switch 110 is configured as a pressable knob. The operator presses the knob at time t1 and rotates the knob clockwise from 0° (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (As shown). The knob remains pressed throughout the on-state, so the third sensor 140 remains triggered (high level) from time t1, thus generating a third trigger signal. At time t2, the operator turns the knob to 15°, at which point, assuming the mechanical switch 110 is out of the off position, the first sensor 120 (associated with the off position) is thus triggered (changing from high level to low level), thus generating a first trigger signal.
[0038] In an embodiment according to this disclosure, at time t2, the control unit 150 sends a start signal to the assist mechanism 160 based on a first trigger signal (triggered by the first sensor 120) and a third trigger signal (triggered by the third sensor 140). The assist mechanism 160 can start immediately and provide assistance. In another embodiment, the assist mechanism 160 can also start and provide assistance after a period of time. Figure 4 The image shows a delayed start-up of the 160-degree assist mechanism.
[0039] With the assistance of the assist mechanism 160, the mechanical switch 110 is rotated to 90° at time t3, at which point the mechanical switch 110 reaches the ON position. The second sensor 130 (associated with the ON position) is triggered, indicating that the ON position has been reached. The assistance of the assist mechanism 160 ends (goes low). Based on the conduction of the mechanical switch 110, the voltage Udet on the non-power supply side of the mechanical switch 110 goes high. At some point after time t3, the operator stops pressing the knob, and the third sensor 140 is no longer triggered, changing from high to low.
[0040] Figure 5 A timing diagram illustrating the disconnection process of a solid-state circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically. At time t4, the operator rotates the knob counterclockwise (e.g., starting from 90°). Figure 3 (As shown). During the disconnection process, the operator does not need to press the knob, so the third sensor 140 is never triggered (remains at a low level). At time t5, the operator turns the knob to 85°, at which point, assuming the mechanical switch 110 is away from the ON position, the second sensor 130 (associated with the ON position) is thus triggered (from high level to low level), and a second trigger signal is generated.
[0041] In an embodiment according to this disclosure, at time t5, the control unit 150 first controls the electronic switch 170 to open based on the second trigger signal. The electronic switch 170 changes from a high level to a low level. The control unit 150 controls the activation of the assist mechanism 160 after a predetermined time interval, i.e., a delay. This is to ensure that the mechanical switch 110 is opened only after the electronic switch 170 has successfully opened. This is because only the electronic switch 170 can disconnect the circuit and cut off the current, while the mechanical switch 110 itself cannot cut off the current. In an embodiment according to this disclosure, the predetermined time interval can be set, for example, in the range of 3 ms to 10 ms. Those skilled in the art can also extend or shorten the predetermined time interval according to the actual situation. Figure 5 As shown, the assist mechanism 160 is delayed until time t6, at which point the knob may be in the range of 80° to 60°.
[0042] In embodiments according to this disclosure, control unit 150 may, for example, send a disconnect signal to electronic switch 170 based on a second trigger signal, and detect whether the electronic switch has been successfully disconnected. This detection may be achieved, for example, by detecting the voltage across electronic switch 170. In response to electronic switch 170 being successfully disconnected, control unit 150 activates assist mechanism 160 after a predetermined time interval.
[0043] With the assistance of the assist mechanism 160, the mechanical switch 110 is rotated to 0° at time t7. The first sensor 120 (associated with the open position) is triggered, indicating that the open position has been reached. The assistance of the assist mechanism 160 ends (goes low). Based on the opening of the mechanical switch, the voltage Udet on the non-power supply side of the mechanical switch goes low.
[0044] In embodiments according to this disclosure, the first sensor 120, the second sensor 130, and the third sensor 140 may, for example, be configured as microswitches. The microswitches include a first microswitch, a second microswitch, and a third microswitch.
[0045] The first microswitch is associated with the off position of the mechanical switch 110. For example, when the mechanical switch 110 leaves the off position, the first microswitch generates a first trigger signal. The second microswitch is associated with the on position of the mechanical switch 110. For example, when the mechanical switch 110 leaves the on position, the second microswitch generates a second trigger signal. In embodiments according to this disclosure, for example, a predetermined travel threshold or rotation angle threshold may be set, so that when the mechanical switch 110 deviates from the on or off position by more than the travel threshold or rotation angle threshold, the microswitch can determine that the mechanical switch 110 has left the on or off position. The third microswitch is associated with the pressed position of the mechanical switch 110; for example, when the mechanical switch is pressed, the third microswitch generates a third trigger signal.
[0046] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrates the structure of a mechanical switch 110 and an auxiliary structure 160 in a solid-state circuit breaker 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The mechanical switch 110 includes a manual operation component 111, a transmission component 112, a moving contact 113, and a stationary contact 114. The manual operation component 111 can be configured as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 3 The knob shown. The rotational motion of the manual operating component 111 is converted into the translational motion of the moving contact 113 via the transmission component 112, thereby causing the moving contact 113 to contact or separate from the stationary contact 114. Figure 6 In this configuration, the transmission component 112 includes a first transmission rod 1121 and a second transmission rod 1122. The first transmission rod 1121 is fixedly connected to the manual operation component 111 and rotates synchronously. The first transmission rod 1121 and the second transmission rod 1122 are coupled, such that the rotation of the first transmission rod 1121 causes the translation of the second transmission rod 1122. The second transmission rod 1122 is fixedly connected to the moving contact 113, and the translation of the second transmission rod 1122 causes the translation of the moving contact 113, thereby causing the moving contact 113 to contact or separate from the stationary contact 114.
[0047] In this disclosure, the solid-state circuit breaker 100 also includes an assist mechanism 160. Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the assist mechanism is designed as an electromagnetic assist mechanism, comprising a coil 161 and an iron core 162. The coil 161 is a hollow cylinder. The iron core 162 is arranged within the cavity of the coil 161. The iron core 162 is linked to a mechanical switch 110, and in particular, is fixedly connected to the second transmission rod 1122 of the mechanical switch 110. The magnetic field generated by the coil 161 can assist the translational movement of the second transmission rod 1122 and the moving contact 113.
[0048] The first sensor 120 and the second sensor 130 mentioned in the above embodiments of this disclosure are fixedly connected to the first transmission rod 1121. Forward rotation (connection process) of the manual operating component 111 triggers the first sensor 120, and reverse rotation (disconnection process) of the manual operating component 111 triggers the second sensor 130. The third sensor 140 mentioned in the above embodiments of this disclosure is arranged at the free end of the first transmission rod 1121, and pressing the manual operating component 111 triggers the third sensor 140. The triggering mechanisms of the first sensor 120, the second sensor 130, and the third sensor 140 are as follows: Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The embodiments shown have been described in detail.
[0049] For example, during the connection process, trigger signals from the first sensor 120 and the third sensor 140 are sent to the control unit 150. The control unit 150 controls the drive module 163 in the assist mechanism 160 to generate a positive current. This positive current generates a magnetic field in the coil 161 along a first direction, which drives or assists the moving contact 113 to move to the left and contact the stationary contact 114. During the disconnection process, a trigger signal from the second sensor 130 is sent to the control unit 150. The control unit 150 controls the drive module 163 in the assist mechanism 160 to generate a reverse current. This reverse current generates a magnetic field in the coil 161 along a second direction, which drives or assists the moving contact 113 to move to the right and separate from the stationary contact 114.
[0050] The block diagrams of circuits, units, devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems disclosed herein are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that connections, arrangements, or configurations must be made in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these circuits, units, devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner that achieves the desired purpose. The circuits, units, devices, and apparatuses disclosed herein can be implemented in any suitable manner, such as using application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or using general-purpose processors in conjunction with programs.
[0051] Those skilled in the art should understand that the specific embodiments described above are merely examples and not limitations. Various modifications, combinations, partial combinations, and substitutions can be made to the embodiments of this disclosure according to design requirements and other factors, as long as they are within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents, and thus fall within the scope of the rights to be protected by this disclosure.
Claims
1. A solid-state circuit breaker, comprising: Electronic switch; Mechanical switches are configured to be manually operated to complete the opening and closing processes; The sensor is configured to generate a trigger signal based on the position of the mechanical switch during the connection or disconnection process; The control unit is configured to activate the assist mechanism according to the trigger signal; as well as The assist mechanism is configured to provide assistance for the connection or disconnection process; The electronic switch is connected in series with the mechanical switch.
2. The solid-state circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein, The mechanical switch starts from the off position, passes through the intermediate position during the connection process, and arrives at the on position; The sensor includes a first sensor; The first sensor is configured to generate a first trigger signal in response to the mechanical switch reaching an intermediate position during the energizing process; and The control unit is configured to activate the assist mechanism according to the first trigger signal.
3. The solid-state circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein... The mechanical switch starts from the ON position, passes through the intermediate position during the disconnection process, and reaches the OFF position; The sensor includes a second sensor; The second sensor is configured to generate a second trigger signal in response to the mechanical switch reaching an intermediate position during the disconnection process; and The control unit is configured to activate the assist mechanism according to the second trigger signal.
4. The solid-state circuit breaker according to claim 3, wherein, The control unit is configured to control the electronic switch to open according to the second trigger signal, and to activate the assist mechanism after a predetermined time interval.
5. The solid-state circuit breaker according to claim 4, wherein, Controlling the disconnection of the electronic switch according to the second trigger signal includes: sending a disconnection signal to the electronic switch according to the second trigger signal, and detecting whether the electronic switch has been successfully disconnected; and Activating the assist mechanism after a predetermined time interval includes: activating the assist mechanism after a predetermined time interval in response to the successful disconnection of the electronic switch.
6. The solid-state circuit breaker according to claim 2, wherein... The mechanical switch is configured as a pressable knob; The sensor includes a third sensor; The third sensor is configured to generate a third trigger signal in response to the mechanical switch being pressed; and The control unit is configured to activate the assist mechanism according to the first trigger signal and the third trigger signal.
7. The solid-state circuit breaker according to claim 2, wherein, The first sensor is configured as a first micro switch; The first sensor generates a first trigger signal in response to the mechanical switch reaching the intermediate position during the connection process, including: the first micro switch generates the first trigger signal in response to the mechanical switch leaving the disconnect position.
8. The solid-state circuit breaker according to claim 3, wherein, The second sensor is configured as a second micro switch; The second sensor generates a second trigger signal in response to the mechanical switch reaching the intermediate position during the disconnection process, including: the second micro switch generates the second trigger signal in response to the mechanical switch leaving the on position.
9. The solid-state circuit breaker according to claim 5, wherein, The predetermined time interval is set in the range of 3ms to 10ms.
10. The solid-state circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein, The assisting mechanism is designed as an electromagnetic assisting mechanism, which includes: a coil and an iron core; The iron core is linked to the mechanical switch; The control unit is configured to control the direction of the current flowing through the coil according to the trigger signal; and In response to a positive current flowing through the coil, the iron core provides assistance for the connection process; in response to a negative current flowing through the coil, the iron core provides assistance for the disconnection process.
11. The solid-state circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein, The mechanical switch includes a manual operating component, a transmission component, a moving contact, and a stationary contact.