An electrical switch

Abstract

The application relates to an electrical switch and belongs to the field of low-voltage electrical appliances. The switch comprises a shell, a driving device, a moving contact support, an elastic member, a moving contact assembly, a static contact assembly, a first power supply end and a second power supply end. The moving contact support is driven by the driving device to make linear reciprocating motion and is connected with the moving contact assembly through the elastic member to form a triangular force transmission structure, so that the linear motion is converted into the rotating reciprocating motion of the moving contact assembly, and the opening and closing of the contacts are realized. The elastic member is designed flexibly, the contact opening distance can be enlarged by adjusting the force arm ratio, the arc extinguishing performance is improved, the optional current type electromagnetic attraction device can inhibit the contact bounce and drive the arc motion, and the electrical life is prolonged. The application adopts a single-breakpoint structure, simplifies the number of parts, reduces the amount of noble metal, and has the characteristics of low cost and high performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of low-voltage electrical appliances, and more particularly to an electrical switch, especially a single-break electrical switch with an innovative mechanical structure. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of electrical switches, double-break switches have long been widely accepted by the market due to their superior arc-extinguishing performance and electrical life. However, the complex structure and numerous parts of double-break switches, along with the need for a large amount of precious metal silver as the contact material, result in high manufacturing costs. In recent years, the continuous rise in silver prices has further exacerbated the cost pressure on double-break switches, significantly reducing their competitiveness in price-sensitive markets.

[0003] While existing single-break structures can reduce the amount of precious metals used and manufacturing costs, they still have shortcomings in terms of contact spacing and arc-extinguishing performance. For example, CN109326463A discloses an electrical assembly that achieves the rotation of the moving contact through a limiting structure. Although this solution improves the arc-extinguishing effect to some extent, it still has the following technical defects: Mechanical structure: The elastic element uses a columnar spring, and there is no gap between the moving contact assembly and the through hole, making it impossible to install a current-type electromagnetic attraction device. When interrupting a large current, it is impossible to generate an electromagnetic attraction force to counteract the Holm force to suppress contact bounce, nor can it generate the Lorentz force to drive the arc movement, affecting contact life and arc extinguishing effect; 2. Amplification of distance: The moving contact must complete a linear motion before it can contact the limiting structure and rotate. This segmented motion method results in a limited rotation angle and insufficient amplification of distance. 3. Insufficient reliability: Relying on the mechanical cooperation between the contact support and the limiting structure, the product is prone to wear and tear after long-term use, which can lead to a decrease in accuracy and affect product performance.

[0004] To address these technical challenges, there is an urgent need to develop an innovative electrical switch solution. This solution needs to maintain the cost advantages of a single-break structure while optimizing the mechanical transmission structure and introducing electromagnetic auxiliary devices to achieve a larger contact gap, better arc extinguishing effect, and longer electrical life. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides an electrical switch that can effectively solve the technical problems of complex structure leading to a large number of parts and difficult assembly; large amount of precious metal silver leading to high manufacturing cost; contact bounce phenomenon affecting electrical life; and difficulty in balancing arc extinguishing performance and cost.

[0006] This electrical switch, through innovative mechanical design, significantly improves the opening distance and arc-extinguishing performance of the moving and stationary contacts while maintaining the low-cost advantage of a single-break structure, thereby extending the electrical life of the product. The specific solution is as follows: This invention discloses an electrical switch, comprising a housing and a driving device, a moving contact support, an elastic element, a moving contact assembly, a stationary contact assembly, a first power terminal, and a second power terminal disposed within the housing. The moving contact assembly is provided with at least a moving contact conductor, with a moving contact point at its front end and a moving contact rotation support portion directly or indirectly disposed at its rear end. The moving contact support is provided with at least one through hole, and the moving contact assembly is sleeved within the through hole. An elastic element driving portion is disposed above the through hole of the moving contact support, and an elastic element connecting portion is disposed above the moving contact point. The elastic element is connected between the elastic element driving portion and the elastic element connecting portion. A shaft is provided on the housing, and the moving contact rotation support portion is movably disposed on the shaft. The moving contact support performs vertical linear motion under the drive of the driving device.

[0007] In some embodiments, the moving contact rotational motion support portion, the elastic element driving portion, and the elastic element connecting portion form a triangular force transmission structure, which converts the vertical linear motion of the moving contact support portion into the rotational reciprocating motion of the moving contact assembly.

[0008] In the above embodiments, the triangular force transmission structure, through the lever amplification principle, increases the rotation angle of the moving contact under the same electromagnetic stroke, and the opening distance between the moving and stationary contacts is 1.5-2 times larger than that of the traditional single-break structure.

[0009] In some embodiments, the movement of the elastic element is either one-dimensional or two-dimensional.

[0010] In the above embodiments, single-dimensional motion or two-dimensional motion can be flexibly selected according to the needs of structure and function.

[0011] In some embodiments, at least one gap is provided between the moving contact assembly and the through hole of the moving contact support, and a current-type electromagnetic attraction device may or may not be provided on the moving contact conductor and the moving contact support.

[0012] In the above embodiments, the gap between the moving contact assembly and the through hole leaves room for the installation of a current-type electromagnetic attraction device, which can be flexibly selected or not to be installed as needed.

[0013] In some embodiments, the moving contact conductor is connected to the first power supply terminal or the second power supply terminal via a flexible wire or a hard plane.

[0014] In the above embodiments, the flexible wire or hard plane connection can ensure the flexible rotation of the moving contact assembly.

[0015] In some embodiments, the current-type electromagnetic attraction device includes a first magnetic conductor disposed on the moving contact conductor and a second magnetic conductor disposed on the moving contact support. When current flows through the moving contact conductor, the generated electromagnetic field can drive the electric arc generated when the moving contact and stationary contact separate to move towards the arc extinguishing chamber.

[0016] In the above embodiments, the electromagnetic field generated by the current-type electromagnetic attraction device drives the arc to move towards the arc-extinguishing chamber, reducing the residence time of the arc in the contact, significantly improving the arc-extinguishing effect, reducing contact burn-out, and extending service life.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first magnetic conductor is a U-shaped groove structure with a U-shaped cross-section; the moving contact conductor passes through the U-shaped groove.

[0018] In the above embodiments, the U-shaped cross-section can enhance the concentration of the magnetic field, optimize the distribution of electromagnetic attraction, and improve electromagnetic efficiency.

[0019] In some embodiments, when the moving contact assembly and the stationary contact assembly are in contact, the air gap between the electrode surfaces of the current-type electromagnetic attraction device is 0.1 to 5 mm.

[0020] In the above embodiments, when current flows through the moving contact conductor, the electromagnetic attraction generated by the 0.1-5mm air gap can increase the final pressure of the contact, counteract most of the Holm repulsion between the moving and stationary contacts, suppress contact bounce, and extend the contact service life.

[0021] In some embodiments, the elastic element includes a first lever arm and a second lever arm arranged at an angle, wherein the angle between the first lever arm and the second lever arm is an obtuse angle or an acute angle.

[0022] In the above embodiments, adjusting the length ratio of the first lever arm to the second lever arm can increase the gap between the moving contact and the stationary contact, making the arc longer and easier to extinguish.

[0023] In some embodiments, the elastic element further includes at least a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the elastic element driving portion and the second end is connected to the elastic element connecting portion.

[0024] In the above embodiments, the connection relationship between the first end and the second end is clearly defined.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first end is rotatably connected to the elastic element driving part; the second end is slidably connected to the elastic element connecting part.

[0026] In the above embodiment, the first end is rotatably connected to the elastic element driving part, and the moving contact support moves up and down one dimension; the second end is slidably connected to the elastic element connecting part, and the elastic deformation of the elastic element caused by the driving device is absorbed by the sliding of the elastic element connecting part.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first end is rotatably and slidably connected to the elastic element drive portion; the second end is fixedly or slidably connected to the elastic element connection portion.

[0028] In the above embodiment, the first end is rotatably and slidably connected to the elastic element driving part, and the moving contact support elastic element driving part generates two-dimensional motion along the Y-axis (up and down) and along the X-axis.

[0029] In some embodiments, the elastic element is made of elastic steel wire or elastic metal plate.

[0030] In the above embodiments, both the elastic steel wire and the elastic metal plate are easy-to-process and form materials, with low cost, and are suitable for mass production.

[0031] In some embodiments, the moving contact rotational support is rotatably connected to or slidably connected to the shaft.

[0032] In the above embodiments, the rotating support of the moving contact is rotatably connected to the shaft or can be rotatably and slidably connected, which is simple to match and has a mature structure; the sliding connection can absorb the elastic deformation of the elastic element.

[0033] In some embodiments, the driving device is an electromagnetic driving device or a motor driving device.

[0034] In the above embodiments, both electromagnetic drive devices and motor drive devices are widely used solutions and can be selected as needed.

[0035] This invention achieves the performance advantages of a double-break point in a single-break point structure through the innovative design of the elastic element, while also taking into account low cost, easy processing and high reliability.

[0036] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. Reduce costs: The innovative single-breakpoint structural design reduces the amount of precious metal silver used by 40-50%, significantly lowering material costs; the simplified mechanical transmission structure reduces the number of parts by more than 20%, and improves assembly efficiency by 15%.

[0037] 2. Improve arc extinguishing performance: The triangular force transmission structure, through the lever amplification principle, increases the rotation angle of the moving contact under the same electromagnetic stroke, and the opening distance between the moving and stationary contacts is 1.5-2 times larger than that of the traditional single-break structure.

[0038] 3. Increase contact pressure: The current-type electromagnetic attraction device generates electromagnetic attraction when energized, which increases the final contact pressure, effectively counteracts the Holm repulsion force, suppresses contact bounce, and extends electrical life.

[0039] 4. Add arc drive: The directional Lorentz force generated by the U-shaped magnetic conductor structure drives the arc to move towards the arc-extinguishing chamber, shortening the arc dwell time and reducing contact burn-out.

[0040] This invention achieves the performance advantages of a double-breakpoint structure in a single-breakpoint structure, while also possessing the characteristics of low cost and high reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0041] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the electrical switch disclosed in this invention; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the electrical switch disclosed in this invention; Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the lower housing of the electrical switch disclosed in this invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the moving contact support and the arrangement of the moving and stationary contact assembly of the electrical switch disclosed in this invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of driving arc motion using a current-type holding device for an electrical switch disclosed in this invention. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the moving contact assembly structure of the electrical switch disclosed in this invention; Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the first magnetic conductor of the electrical switch disclosed in this invention; Figure 8-12 These are structural diagrams of different elastic elements of the electrical switch disclosed in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of this invention.

[0044] The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example

[0046] like Figure 1-6 As shown, this invention discloses an electrical switch, including a housing 100 and a drive device 200, a moving contact support 300, an elastic element 400, a moving contact assembly 500, a stationary contact assembly 600, a first power supply terminal 6004, and a second power supply terminal 6005 disposed within the housing 100. The housing 100 is injection molded from flame-retardant engineering plastic and consists of a three-layer structure: an upper housing 1001, a middle housing 1002, and a lower housing 1003, with each layer fixedly connected by fasteners. The drive device 200 is disposed within the cavity of the lower housing 1003, and the moving contact support 300 is partially located within the cavity of the lower housing 1003 and partially extends into the middle housing 1002. The main functional components, such as the moving contact assembly 500, the stationary contact assembly 600, and the elastic element 400, are all disposed within the middle housing 1002, while the upper housing 1001 serves to enclose and protect the internal structure.

[0047] The moving contact assembly 500 is composed of a moving contact conductor 5001 and a first magnetic conductor 5005 fixedly connected. The moving contact conductor 5001 is a long strip structure with a moving contact 5002 at the front end and a rear end connected to a first power supply terminal 6004 or a second power supply terminal 6005 via a flexible wire or a hard plane 6006. The first magnetic conductor 5005 has a U-shaped groove structure, in which the moving contact conductor 5001 passes. The U-shaped structure can enhance the concentration of the magnetic field. Its front end has an elastic connecting part 5004 with a through hole or blind hole 5006, and its rear end has a moving contact rotation support part 5003. The support part 5003 is movably connected to the housing 100 via a shaft 1004 to realize rotational movement. The rotation angle can be adjusted between 0° and 70° according to the required opening distance.

[0048] The stationary contact assembly 600 is fixed to the middle housing 1002 by fasteners. The stationary contact assembly 600 includes a stationary contact conductor 6001 and a stationary contact 6002, which corresponds to and cooperates with the moving contact 5002.

[0049] The moving contact support 300 is injection molded from flame-retardant engineering plastic and has a square through hole 3003. The moving contact assembly 500 is fitted inside the through hole 3003 with a clearance fit. An elastic element drive part 3001 is provided above the through hole 3003. The elastic element drive part 3001 includes two sliding grooves 3004 and a rotating shaft 3005, with both ends of the rotating shaft placed in the sliding grooves.

[0050] The two ends of the elastic element 400 are connected to the elastic element driving part 3001 and the elastic element connecting part 5004 respectively, forming a triangular force transmission structure, which converts the linear motion of the driving device 200 into the rotational motion of the moving contact assembly 500.

[0051] Please refer to Figures 4 to 7 A second magnetic conductor 3002 is disposed below the through hole 3003 of the moving contact support 300 and is fixed by a fixing groove or adhesive process. The first magnetic conductor 5005 and the second magnetic conductor 3002 are arranged correspondingly, and the air gap between their pole faces is 0.1-5mm, forming a closed magnetic circuit. When current flows through the moving contact conductor 5001, the electromagnetic attraction generated by the first and second magnetic conductors increases the final pressure of the contact, counteracts the Holm repulsion between the moving and stationary contacts, and can suppress contact bounce; the electromagnetic field applies a Lorentz force to the arc, driving the arc to move towards the arc-extinguishing chamber, reducing the residence time in the moving head, thereby effectively reducing contact burn-out and improving arc-extinguishing performance. The U-shaped groove structure of the first magnetic conductor 5005 can optimize the distribution of electromagnetic attraction, further improving arc-extinguishing efficiency and switching breaking capacity.

[0052] The working process of this invention is as follows: The driving device 200 drives the moving contact support 300 to move linearly up and down along the Y-axis. Through the elastic element 400 and the triangular force transmission structure, the moving contact assembly 500 rotates around the moving contact rotation support 5003, realizing the contact or disconnection between the moving contact 5002 and the stationary contact 6002. When current flows through the moving contact conductor 5001, the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic attraction device can suppress contact bounce and drive arc movement, extending electrical life.

[0053] like Figures 8 to 12 As shown, the elastic element 400 has various structural forms. Figure 8The elastic element 400 shown moves in a single dimension. It is integrally wound from elastic steel wire and includes a first lever arm 4001 and a second lever arm 4002 arranged at an obtuse angle. The first end 4003 is rotatably connected (without sliding) to the rotating shaft 3005 of the elastic drive unit 3001; the second end 4004 is slidably connected to the sliding hole 5006 of the elastic element connecting part 5004; and the third end 4005 and the moving contact rotation support part 5003 are coaxially fixed to the shaft 1004, achieving coaxial rotation. The drive device 200 pushes the moving contact support 300 to move linearly along the Y-axis. Through the single-dimensional deformation of the elastic element 400, the linear motion is converted into the rotational motion of the moving contact assembly 500, achieving contact opening and closing.

[0054] In other embodiments, the elastic element 400 can also move in a two-dimensional manner. The first end 4003 is rotatably and slidably connected to the rotating shaft 3005 of the elastic drive part 3001 (it can move laterally within the slide groove 3004); the second end 4004 is fixedly connected to the blind hole 5006 of the drive connection part 5004; the third end 4005 is still coaxially rotatably connected to the moving contact rotation support part 5003 and the shaft 1004. When the drive device 200 pushes the moving contact support 300 to move along the Y-axis, the rotating shaft 3005 slides laterally (X-axis direction) synchronously within the slide groove 3004. The elastic element 400 adaptively adjusts its angle through two-dimensional motion, reducing friction loss and improving the smoothness of the movement.

[0055] The present invention can increase the opening distance of the moving contact 5002 by adjusting the length ratio of the first lever arm 4001 and the second lever arm 4002, thereby enhancing the arc extinguishing capability and extending the service life.

[0056] Figure 9 The elastic element shown is Figure 8 The elastic elements shown have the same function, but the positions of the first end 4003 and the second end 4005 are interchanged to adapt to different spatial layout requirements.

[0057] like Figure 10 The third end 4005 of the elastic element shown is an open hook structure, which is rotatably and slidably connected to the rotating support part 5003 of the moving contact, and can absorb the elastic deformation generated when the elastic element 400 is subjected to force. The second end 4004 is fixedly connected to the blind hole 5006. Figure 11 The elastic element structure shown has two lever arms forming an acute angle, with the first lever arm 4001 fixedly connected to the moving contact conductor 5001. Figure 12 The elastic element structure shown is made of an elastic metal plate and is suitable for scenarios requiring higher rigidity.

[0058] The driving device 200 of the present invention can be an electromagnetic driving device or a motor driving device. The electromagnetic driving device consists of a third magnetic conductor, a fourth magnetic conductor and an electromagnetic coil, and drives the moving contact support 300 to move linearly through electromagnetic force. The motor driving device consists of a motor and a transmission mechanism, and realizes the movement of the moving contact support through mechanical transmission.

[0059] In a simplified version of this invention that omits the electromagnetic engagement device, the moving contact assembly 500 includes only a moving contact conductor 5001 and a rotating support 5007. One end of the rotating support 5007 is provided with a moving contact rotation support 5003, and the other end is fixedly connected to the moving contact conductor 5001, serving only a supporting function and having no magnetic conduction function. This structure further reduces costs and is suitable for scenarios where arc extinguishing performance requirements are not high.

[0060] This invention may be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit and essential characteristics. The present embodiments are to be regarded in all respects as exemplary rather than limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications falling within the meaning of the claims and their equivalents are thus included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An electrical switch, comprising a housing (100) and a drive device (200), a moving contact support (300), an elastic member (400), a moving contact assembly (500), a stationary contact assembly (600), a first power supply terminal (6004), and a second power supply terminal (6005) disposed within the housing (100); The moving contact support (300) moves up and down linearly under the drive of the driving device (200); the moving contact assembly (500) is provided with at least a moving contact conductor (5001), the front end of the moving contact conductor (5001) is provided with a moving contact (5002), and the rear end is provided directly or indirectly with a moving contact rotation support (5003). The moving contact support (300) is provided with at least one through hole (3003), and the moving contact assembly (500) is sleeved in the through hole (3003); An elastic element driving part (3001) is provided above the through hole of the moving contact support (300), and an elastic element connecting part (5004) is provided above the moving contact (5002). The elastic element (400) is connected between the elastic element driving part (3001) and the elastic element connecting part (5004). A shaft (1004) is provided on the housing (100), and the rotating motion support (5003) of the moving contact is movably disposed on the shaft (1004).

2. The electrical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The moving contact rotation support (5003), together with the elastic element drive (3001) and the elastic element connection (5004), form a triangular force transmission structure, which converts the vertical linear motion of the moving contact support (300) into the rotational reciprocating motion of the moving contact assembly (500).

3. The electrical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The movement mode of the elastic element (400) is either single-dimensional or two-dimensional.

4. The electrical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one gap is provided between the moving contact assembly (500) and the through hole (3003) of the moving contact support (300), and a current-type electromagnetic attraction device (700) may or may not be provided on the moving contact conductor (5001) and the moving contact support (300).

5. The electrical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The moving contact conductor (5001) is connected to the first power supply terminal (6004) or the second power supply terminal (6005) via a flexible wire or a hard plane (6006).

6. The electrical switch according to claim 4, characterized in that: The current-type electromagnetic attraction device (700) includes a first magnetic conductor (5005) disposed on the moving contact conductor (5001) and a second magnetic conductor (3002) disposed on the moving contact support (300). When current flows through the moving contact conductor (5001), the generated electromagnetic field can drive the electric arc generated when the moving contact and stationary contact separate to move towards the arc extinguishing chamber.

7. The electrical switch according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first magnetic conductor (5005) has a U-shaped groove structure with a U-shaped cross-section; the moving contact conductor (5001) passes through the U-shaped groove.

8. The electrical switch according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: When the moving contact and stationary contact assembly of the current-type electromagnetic attraction device (700) are in contact, the air gap between the pole surfaces is 0.1 to 5 mm.

9. The electrical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic element (400) includes a first lever arm (4001) and a second lever arm (4002) arranged at an angle, wherein the angle between the first lever arm (4001) and the second lever arm (4002) is an obtuse angle or an acute angle.

10. The electrical switch according to claim 9, characterized in that: The elastic element (400) further includes at least a first end (4003) and a second end (4004), the first end (4003) being connected to the elastic element driving part (3001) and the second end (4004) being connected to the elastic element connecting part (5004).

11. The electrical switch according to claim 10, characterized in that: The first end (4003) is rotatably connected to the elastic element driving part (3001); the second end (4004) is slidably connected to the elastic element connecting part (5004).

12. The electrical switch according to claim 10, characterized in that: The first end (4003) is rotatably and slidably connected to the elastic element drive part (3001); the second end (4004) is fixedly or slidably connected to the elastic element connection part (5004).

13. The electrical switch according to claim 9, characterized in that: The elastic element (400) is made of elastic steel wire or elastic metal plate.

14. The electrical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The moving contact rotational support (5003) is rotatably connected to the shaft (1004) or rotatably and slidably connected.

15. The electrical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving device (200) is an electromagnetic driving device or a motor driving device.

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