Transmission assembly and automatic transfer switch

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of low-voltage electrical apparatus, in particular to a transmission assembly and an automatic transfer switch, which comprises a four-bar linkage mechanism, a first connecting rod and a rotating output piece; the first end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the rotating output piece, and the second end is hinged to the four-bar linkage mechanism; the rotating output piece is connected with a moving contact of the automatic transfer switch; the four-bar linkage mechanism is driven to rotate the rotating output piece through the first connecting rod; and the rotating output piece drives the moving contact to move. The application can effectively improve the arc extinguishing performance by improving the transmission mechanism, and can avoid the short circuit risk of the equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of low-voltage electrical technology, and more specifically, to a transmission component and an automatic transfer switch. Background Technology

[0002] An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is a device used to automatically switch between a primary power supply and a backup power supply, ensuring that the load can quickly and safely switch to the backup power supply to maintain continuous power supply in the event of a primary power failure. ATSs are widely used in data centers, hospitals, industrial facilities, and other locations with extremely high requirements for power supply reliability. Existing technologies typically keep the switch size small to meet assembly requirements. To ensure safety and prevent breakdown of the primary and backup power supplies, the contact switching time generally needs to be greater than 20 milliseconds. However, due to the size limitations of the switch housing, the small radius of rotation of the moving contact results in a low linear velocity, poor arc extinguishing effect, and severe contact erosion. Directly increasing the contact switching speed, however, could lead to a short circuit between the primary and backup power supplies if the arc extinguishing on one side is not yet complete before the other side is switched on. Therefore, existing technologies suffer from poor arc extinguishing and severe contact erosion, which not only reduces product lifespan but also poses safety risks. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a transmission component and an automatic transfer switch, which can effectively improve arc extinguishing performance through improvements in the transmission mechanism and avoid the risk of short circuit in the equipment.

[0004] The embodiments of this application are implemented as follows:

[0005] On one hand, this application provides a transmission component configured in an automatic transfer switch; the transmission component includes a four-bar linkage, a first link, and a rotary output component; a first end of the first link is hinged to the rotary output component, and a second end is hinged to the four-bar linkage; the rotary output component is connected to the moving contact of the automatic transfer switch, and the four-bar linkage is driven to rotate the rotary output component through the first link, and the rotary output component drives the moving contact to move.

[0006] As an optional implementation, the four-bar linkage includes a second link, a crank, and a rocker arm; the second link has three spaced-apart connecting parts; the crank is hinged to the first connecting part, the rocker arm is hinged to the second connecting part, and the first link is hinged to the third connecting part; wherein the second connecting part is located between the first connecting part and the third connecting part.

[0007] As an optional implementation, the length of the first link is less than the length of the second link.

[0008] As an optional implementation, the first connecting part and the third connecting part are located at both ends of the second connecting rod, respectively.

[0009] As an optional implementation, it also includes a frame; the end of the crank away from the second connecting rod, the end of the rocker arm away from the second connecting rod, and the rotation output component are all mounted on the frame.

[0010] As an optional implementation, the frame includes a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate spaced parallel to each other; a drive module is disposed between the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate; the drive module is used to drive the crank to move.

[0011] As an optional implementation, the four-bar linkage is located on the side of the first mounting plate closer to the moving contact; or, the four-bar linkage and the moving contact are respectively located on both sides of the first mounting plate.

[0012] As an optional implementation, the frame is provided with an arc-shaped guide structure; a pin is inserted into the second connecting part of the second connecting rod; one end of the pin is slidably connected to the arc-shaped guide structure.

[0013] As an optional implementation, the arc-shaped guide structure includes an arc-shaped guide groove formed on the frame; one end of the pin is inserted into the arc-shaped guide groove, and the pin can be driven to move along the arc-shaped guide groove.

[0014] As an optional implementation, an energy storage spring mechanism is installed on the frame, and the energy storage spring mechanism is linked to the crank through a transmission module.

[0015] As an optional implementation, the transmission module includes a large sector gear rotatably mounted on the frame; a small gear meshing with the large sector gear is provided on the crank; and the energy storage spring mechanism is connected to the large sector gear and can drive the large sector gear to rotate by releasing elastic potential energy.

[0016] On the other hand, this application embodiment also provides an automatic changeover switch, including a housing, a moving contact, and the aforementioned transmission assembly; the moving contact and the transmission assembly are both installed inside the housing, and the moving contact and the transmission assembly are linked.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application include:

[0018] On one hand, this application provides a transmission assembly configured in an automatic transfer switch. The transmission assembly includes a four-bar linkage, a first link, and a rotary output component. The first end of the first link is hinged to the rotary output component, and the second end is hinged to the four-bar linkage. The rotary output component is connected to the moving contact of the automatic transfer switch. The four-bar linkage is driven to rotate the rotary output component via the first link, and the rotary output component drives the moving contact. This application increases the linear velocity of the moving contact at the moment of opening and closing, ensuring better arc-extinguishing performance while maintaining the required contact switching time. This results in higher performance indicators for the product. The transmission assembly provided in this application can generate higher opening and closing speeds, which not only helps protect the contacts from severe ablation but also reduces the wear of the entire switching device, thereby extending the product's service life.

[0019] On the other hand, this application also provides an automatic transfer switch, including a housing, a moving contact, and the aforementioned transmission assembly; both the moving contact and the transmission assembly are installed within the housing, and the moving contact and the transmission assembly are linked. This application enables more precise speed control of the moving contact, thereby improving the overall performance of the automatic transfer switch, including improving arc extinguishing effect, extending product life, and enhancing the safety and reliability of equipment operation. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the transmission assembly in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a second schematic diagram of the transmission assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 This is the third schematic diagram of the transmission assembly in the embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 This is the fourth schematic diagram of the transmission assembly in the embodiments of this application.

[0025] icon:

[0026] 100-Four-bar linkage; 101-First link; 102-Rotating output component; 103-Connecting rod; 104-Moving contact; 105-Second link; 106-Crank; 107-Rock arm; 108-Connecting part; 109-Frame; 110-First mounting plate; 111-Second mounting plate; 112-Energy storage spring mechanism; 113-Sector gear; 114-Pin gear. Detailed Implementation

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] It should be noted that similar reference numerals 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. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" 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 mechanical connection or an electrical 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 based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is a device used to automatically switch between a primary power supply and a backup power supply, ensuring that the load can quickly and safely switch to the backup power supply to maintain continuous power supply in the event of a primary power failure. ATSs are widely used in data centers, hospitals, industrial facilities, and other locations with extremely high requirements for power supply reliability. Existing technologies typically keep the switch size small to meet assembly requirements. To ensure safety and prevent breakdown of the primary and backup power supplies, the contact switching time generally needs to be greater than 20 milliseconds. However, due to the size limitations of the switch housing, the small radius of rotation of the moving contact results in a low linear velocity, poor arc extinguishing effect, and severe contact erosion. Directly increasing the contact switching speed, however, could lead to a short circuit between the primary and backup power supplies if the arc extinguishing on one side is not yet complete before the other side is switched on. Therefore, existing technologies suffer from poor arc extinguishing and severe contact erosion, which not only reduces product lifespan but also poses safety risks.

[0032] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of this application provide a transmission component and an automatic transfer switch.

[0033] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown in the embodiment of this application, the transmission assembly is configured in an automatic transfer switch; the transmission assembly includes a four-bar linkage 100, a first link 101, and a rotation output member 102; the first end of the first link 101 is hinged to the rotation output member 102, and the second end is hinged to the four-bar linkage 100; the rotation output member 102 is connected to the moving contact 104 of the automatic transfer switch, and the four-bar linkage 100 is driven to rotate the rotation output member 102 through the first link 101, and the rotation output member 102 drives the moving contact 104 to move.

[0034] It should be noted that the transmission assembly in this embodiment includes a four-bar linkage 100 and a first link 101. The four-bar linkage 100 can achieve complex trajectory control through the relative movement of its various hinge points. One end of the first link 101 is connected to the rotation output member 102, and the other end is connected to the four-bar linkage 100.

[0035] In this embodiment, the rotation output component 102 is directly connected to the moving contact 104 of the automatic transfer switch, and is responsible for converting the motion of the four-bar linkage 100 into the rotation action of the moving contact 104.

[0036] It should be noted that, in the above-mentioned technical issues, if the contact switching speed is directly increased, the power supply on the other side will be turned on before the arc extinguishing on one side is finished, which will cause a short circuit between the power supply on the normal and standby sides.

[0037] This application utilizes the transmission ratio of the connecting rod to change the speed output characteristics of the moving contact 104, which enables precise speed control of the linear velocity of the moving contact 104. This results in the moving contact 104 having a slower speed in the middle of the movement path and a faster speed at both ends of the movement path, i.e., when opening and closing the circuit.

[0038] Specifically, the moving contact 104 moves relatively slowly in the middle of its path; however, its speed increases significantly when it begins to open or close, i.e., when it rapidly moves from one position to another. This can be understood as the moving contact 104 rotating slowly in the middle of its arc-shaped path and rapidly at both ends.

[0039] This embodiment of the application can greatly increase the linear velocity of the moving contact 104 during opening and closing by setting the rapid movement at both ends of the motion path. The deceleration movement of the moving contact 104 in the middle of the motion path can ensure that the arc is extinguished, preventing the risk of a short circuit caused by the arc not being extinguished on one side and the circuit being closed on the other side.

[0040] The embodiments of this application have the following advantages:

[0041] This application embodiment ensures the arc-extinguishing effect by guaranteeing the linear velocity of the moving contact 104 at the moment of opening and closing. Secondly, the speed output characteristics of the linkage structure reduce the speed of the moving contact when it is in the middle position to avoid the risk of short circuit caused by the power being turned on on the other side before the arc extinguishing on one side is finished. While ensuring the time required for contact switching, the linear velocity of the initial contact opening is increased to ensure better arc-extinguishing performance, thereby giving the product higher performance indicators.

[0042] The transmission assembly provided in this application can generate a high opening and closing speed, which not only helps protect the contacts from severe burning, but also reduces the wear of the entire switching device, thereby extending the service life of the product.

[0043] In addition, the embodiments of this application not only reduce the safety risks such as short circuits caused by electric arcs, but also improve the safety and reliability of equipment operation, which is especially important for places with extremely high requirements for the stability of power supply.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, in one optional embodiment, the four-bar linkage 100 includes a second link 105, a crank 106, and a rocker arm 107; the second link 105 is provided with three spaced-apart connecting portions 108; the crank 106 is hinged to the first connecting portion 108, the rocker arm 107 is hinged to the second connecting portion 108, and the first link 101 is hinged to the third connecting portion 108; wherein, the second connecting portion 108 is located between the first connecting portion 108 and the third connecting portion 108.

[0045] It should be noted that the four-bar linkage 100 in this embodiment is a crank-rocker mechanism. The crank 106 is driven to rotate, and under the constraint of the rocker arm 107, it drives the first link 101 to move along a preset path through the second link 105, thereby realizing motion control of the rotation output component 102.

[0046] The crank-rocker mechanism, as a planar hinge mechanism, consists of four rigid links connected sequentially via revolute joints. Depending on the length and configuration of each link, it can achieve various complex motion transformations. The shortest link, crank 106, can rotate a full circle around a fixed axis. Driven by the drive module, crank 106 serves as the power input, providing continuous rotational motion. Rocker 107, connected to the second link 105, is the end that cannot perform a full circular motion; instead, it oscillates back and forth within a certain angular range. The movement of rocker 107 depends on the rotation of crank 106 and the overall geometric layout of the mechanism.

[0047] It should be noted that the second connecting rod 105 in this embodiment differs from the conventional crank 106 and rocker arm 107 mechanism. It has an extension arm based on the conventional connecting rod, and the extension arm is connected to the first connecting rod 101. That is, the second connecting rod 105 has a third connecting part 108, and the first connecting rod 101 is hinged to the third connecting part 108.

[0048] Specifically, during operation, the rotational motion of the crank 106 is first introduced into the system as a power source. This rotational motion is converted into the oscillation of the rocker arm 107 via the second connecting rod 105. Simultaneously, due to the arrangement of the three connecting parts 108, an acceleration effect is provided when the moving contact 104 requires rapid opening and closing. The first connecting rod 101 is hinged to the rotational output component 102, directly controlling the rotational speed of the moving contact 104, effectively controlling the switching time and improving the arc-extinguishing effect.

[0049] It should be noted that the rotating output component 102 has a connecting rod 103 that is connected to the first connecting rod 101.

[0050] Among them, reference Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the length of the first link 101 is less than the length of the second link 105.

[0051] It should be noted that those skilled in the art can customize the specific structures of the first connecting rod 101, the second connecting rod 105, the crank 106, and the rocker arm 107 as needed, and no special limitations are imposed on them.

[0052] This embodiment of the application achieves precise control over the movement speed of the moving contact 104 by adjusting the positions of the three connecting portions 108 on the second link 105. In particular, it can provide faster speeds during critical opening and closing phases, reducing the duration of arcing and the risk of contact erosion.

[0053] Compared to existing technologies, this application embodiment utilizes the mechanical linkage mechanism of the crank 106, rocker arm 107, second connecting rod 105, and rotating output component 102 to ensure a highly efficient and reliable power switching motion mechanism even in a compact space. This application embodiment not only solves the problems caused by space limitations in traditional designs but also improves the overall system stability and reliability.

[0054] This application embodiment enhances the safety of the automatic transfer switch. Its rapid and smooth switching process reduces power outage time, lowers the risk of short circuits caused by electric arcs, and enhances the safety of the application environment. Furthermore, this application embodiment reduces the burning and wear of the moving contact 104 and the stationary contact, thus helping to extend the service life of the automatic transfer switch and reducing maintenance costs and frequency.

[0055] In summary, the embodiments of this application, through the meticulous design of the internal structure of the four-bar linkage 100, achieve more precise speed control of the moving contact 104, thereby improving the overall performance of the automatic transfer switch, including but not limited to improving the arc extinguishing effect, extending product life, and enhancing the safety and reliability of equipment operation.

[0056] As an optional implementation method, refer to Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the first connecting part 108 and the third connecting part 108 are located at both ends of the second connecting rod 105, respectively.

[0057] In this embodiment, the first connecting part 108 and the third connecting part 108 are respectively placed at both ends of the second link 105, meaning that these two key points are distributed at the maximum possible distance. This design can maximize the use of the length of the second link 105 to affect the power transmission efficiency and motion trajectory of the entire mechanism.

[0058] The second connecting part 108 is located between the first connecting part 108 and the third connecting part 108, but it is not centered; rather, it is adjusted according to specific requirements. The motion characteristics of the moving contact 104, especially the speed change curve, can be optimized by changing the relative distance between the three connecting parts 108.

[0059] This embodiment of the application, by reasonably setting the positions of the three connecting parts 108, especially by placing the crank 106, which serves as the power input end, and the first connecting rod 101, which serves as the output end, at both ends of the second connecting rod 105, can effectively amplify the force of the drive module, while ensuring a higher linear speed throughout the entire operation, especially at critical moments of opening and closing the circuit breaker.

[0060] As an optional implementation method, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, it also includes a frame 109; the end of the crank 106 away from the second connecting rod 105, the end of the rocker arm 107 away from the second connecting rod 105, and the rotation output component 102 are all mounted on the frame 109.

[0061] It should be noted that the frame 109 is used to support and fix one end of the crank 106, rocker arm 107 and rotary output component 102, ensuring that these components can rotate or oscillate stably around their respective axes.

[0062] Fixing the crank 106, rocker arm 107, and rotary output component 102 to the frame 109 provides a more stable support structure, reduces unnecessary movement caused by external vibration or other interference factors, and improves the stability and reliability of the entire transmission system.

[0063] This application embodiment optimizes the layout and connection of various components, particularly by utilizing a four-bar linkage 100, to achieve efficient action switching within a limited space. This not only ensures the contact switching speed but also improves the arc extinguishing effect and reduces damage caused by electric arc.

[0064] Specifically, the frame 109 includes a first mounting plate 110 and a second mounting plate 111 spaced in parallel; a drive module is disposed between the first mounting plate 110 and the second mounting plate 111; the drive module is used to drive the crank 106 to move.

[0065] It should be noted that the drive module can be either a drive motor or a spring energy storage device, and those skilled in the art can configure it as needed.

[0066] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, as an optional implementation, the four-bar linkage 100 is located on the side of the first mounting plate 110 near the moving contact 104;

[0067] Unlike the above embodiments, the four-bar linkage 100 and the moving contact 104 are respectively disposed on both sides of the first mounting plate 110.

[0068] Those skilled in the art can select the specific installation location of the four-bar linkage 100 as needed.

[0069] As an optional implementation, the frame 109 is provided with an arc-shaped guide structure; a pin is inserted into the second connecting part 108 of the second connecting rod 105; one end of the pin is slidably connected to the arc-shaped guide structure.

[0070] For example, the arc-shaped guide structure includes an arc-shaped guide groove formed on the frame 109; one end of the pin is inserted into the arc-shaped guide groove, and the pin can be driven to move along the arc-shaped guide groove.

[0071] Reference Figure 4 As shown, as an optional implementation, an energy storage spring mechanism 112 is installed on the frame, and the energy storage spring mechanism 112 is linked with the crank 106 through a transmission module.

[0072] The transmission module includes a large sector gear 113 rotatably mounted on the frame; a small gear 114 meshing with the large sector gear 113 is provided on the crank 106; and an energy storage spring mechanism 112 is connected to the large sector gear 113 and can drive the large sector gear 113 to rotate by releasing elastic potential energy.

[0073] It should be noted that the sector gear 113 is provided with a gear connecting part, which is hinged to the energy storage spring mechanism 112. The energy storage spring mechanism 112 compresses the spring and stores elastic potential energy through external force.

[0074] In this embodiment, the transmission ratio can be increased by using the large sector gear 113 and the small gear 114, thereby effectively amplifying the rotation angle output by the energy storage spring mechanism 112 and ensuring that the rocker arm 107 can move stably and reliably.

[0075] This application embodiment also provides an automatic changeover switch, including a housing, a moving contact 104, and the aforementioned transmission assembly; both the moving contact 104 and the transmission assembly are installed inside the housing, and the moving contact 104 and the transmission assembly are linked.

[0076] The embodiments of this application enable more precise speed control of the moving contact 104, thereby improving the overall performance of the automatic transfer switch. This includes increasing the initial contact velocity while ensuring the required contact switching time, thus guaranteeing better arc extinguishing performance. Consequently, the product has higher performance indicators, improved arc extinguishing effect, extended product life, and enhanced safety and reliability of equipment operation.

[0077] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A transmission component, characterized in that, The transmission assembly is configured in an automatic transfer switch. The transmission assembly includes a four-bar linkage (100), a first link (101), and a rotary output component (102). The first end of the first link (101) is hinged to the rotary output component (102), and the second end is hinged to the four-bar linkage (100). The rotary output component (102) is connected to the moving contact (104) of the automatic transfer switch. The four-bar linkage (100) is driven to rotate the rotary output component (102) through the first link (101), and the rotary output component (102) drives the moving contact (104) to move.

2. The transmission assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The four-bar linkage (100) includes a second link (105), a crank (106), and a rocker arm (107); the second link (105) is provided with three spaced-apart connecting parts (108); the crank (106) is hinged to the first connecting part (108), the rocker arm (107) is hinged to the second connecting part (108), and the first link (101) is hinged to the third connecting part (108); wherein, the second connecting part (108) is located between the first connecting part (108) and the third connecting part (108).

3. The transmission assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The length of the first link (101) is less than the length of the second link (105).

4. The transmission assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first connecting part (108) and the third connecting part (108) are located at both ends of the second connecting rod (105).

5. The transmission assembly according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, It also includes a frame (109); the end of the crank (106) away from the second connecting rod (105), the end of the rocker arm (107) away from the second connecting rod (105) and the rotation output component (102) are all mounted on the frame (109).

6. The transmission assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The frame (109) includes a first mounting plate (110) and a second mounting plate (111) spaced in parallel; a drive module is provided between the first mounting plate (110) and the second mounting plate (111); the drive module is used to drive the crank (106) to move.

7. The transmission assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The four-bar linkage (100) is located on the side of the first mounting plate (110) near the moving contact (104); or, the four-bar linkage (100) and the moving contact (104) are respectively located on both sides of the first mounting plate (110).

8. The transmission assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, An energy storage spring mechanism (112) is installed on the frame (109), and the energy storage spring mechanism (112) is linked with the crank (106) through a transmission module.

9. The transmission assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The transmission module includes a large sector gear (113) rotatably mounted on the frame (109); a small gear (114) meshing with the large sector gear (113) is provided on the crank (106); the energy storage spring mechanism (112) is connected to the large sector gear (113) and can drive the large sector gear (113) to rotate by releasing elastic potential energy.

10. An automatic transfer switch, characterized in that, It includes a housing, a moving contact (104), and a transmission assembly as described in any one of claims 1-8; the moving contact (104) and the transmission assembly are both installed inside the housing, and the moving contact (104) is linked with the transmission assembly.

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