Surge protection device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a surge protection device. The surge protection device comprises a surge protector, a backup protection switch, a driving mechanism, a transmission mechanism, a first temperature sensor, a temperature sampler and a single-chip microcomputer. According to the utility model, when the piezoresistor is overheated, the transmission mechanism driven by the driving mechanism can be used for placing the backup protection switch in an off state, so that the surge protector is temporarily separated from a power supply loop, and the surge protector is protected; and after the temperature of the piezoresistor returns to normal, the backup protection switch can be in a connected state by means of the transmission mechanism driven by the driving mechanism, so that the surge protector is connected into the power supply loop again, and the surge protection on the electrical equipment in the power supply loop is recovered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of power devices and surge protection, in particular to a surge protection device. Background Art

[0002] A surge protector (SPD), also known as a lightning arrester or lightning arrester, is a device used to protect electrical equipment from sudden surges in the power supply circuit. A surge protector typically contains a varistor, such as an MOV (Metal Oxide Varistor). The SPD is installed in the power supply circuit. When a sudden surge current is generated in the power supply circuit, the impedance of the SPD's varistor decreases rapidly in a very short time, thereby directing the surge current through the varistor to ground, preventing the surge current from damaging the electrical equipment in the power supply circuit.

[0003] Surge protectors typically also have a mechanical disconnector inside, which is soldered to the varistor electrodes using low-temperature solder. When the power line experiences a surge or transient overvoltage, the varistor exhibits low impedance, providing a path for discharging the surge energy. This causes the varistor to heat up and heat up. If the varistor heats up more than it dissipates, the temperature gradually rises. Simultaneously, the line voltage exacerbates the varistor's continued heating, causing the temperature to continue to rise. When the temperature rises to a point where the solder in the mechanical disconnector melts, the mechanical disconnector, through tension or deformation, causes the varistor to trip, causing the surge protector to fail.

[0004] In order to avoid further temperature increase caused by line voltage when the varistor heats up and extend the service life of the surge protector, the surge protector itself needs to be protected to prevent failure of the surge protector due to overheating of the varistor. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The starting point of the present utility model is to provide a surge protection device to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] The embodiment of the present utility model provides a surge protection device, which includes a surge protector, a backup protection switch, a driving mechanism, a transmission mechanism, a first temperature sensor, a temperature sampler and a single chip microcomputer, wherein:

[0007] The backup protection switch is electrically connected between the power supply and the surge protector. When the backup protection switch is in the on state, the electrical connection between the power supply and the surge protector is conducted. When the backup protection switch is in the off state, the electrical connection between the power supply and the surge protector is disconnected.

[0008] The transmission mechanism is mechanically connected to the drive mechanism and the backup protection switch respectively, so that the backup protection switch is driven to switch between the connected state and the disconnected state by means of mechanical energy generated by the drive mechanism.

[0009] The surge protector is provided with a varistor inside, the first temperature sensor is provided in the heat radiation area of the varistor, and the first temperature sensor is electrically connected to the signal input end of the temperature sampler.

[0010] The signal input end of the single chip microcomputer is electrically connected to the signal output end of the temperature sampler, and the signal output end of the single chip microcomputer is electrically connected to the driving mechanism.

[0011] Optionally, the backup protection switch has a handle, the driving mechanism is a motor, and the transmission mechanism is mechanically connected to the output shaft of the motor and the handle of the backup protection switch respectively.

[0012] Optionally, the transmission mechanism includes at least one of the following: a gear transmission mechanism, a belt transmission mechanism, a chain transmission mechanism, a spiral transmission mechanism, and a compound transmission mechanism.

[0013] Optionally, the first temperature sensor is arranged on the surface of the varistor of the surge protector.

[0014] Optionally, the surge protection device further includes a switch status sensor, which monitors the status of the backup protection switch, and the signal input terminal of the single-chip microcomputer is also electrically connected to the switch status sensor.

[0015] Optionally, the single chip microcomputer receives a first temperature signal indicating the temperature of the varistor from the temperature sampler via a signal input end, and sends a control signal to the driving mechanism through a signal output end to control the driving mechanism to drive the transmission mechanism to move, thereby switching the state of the backup protection switch.

[0016] Optionally, when the first temperature rises to a level higher than a set first temperature threshold, the single-chip microcomputer controls the driving mechanism to drive the transmission mechanism to operate, thereby switching the state of the backup protection switch from the connected state to the disconnected state; when the first temperature drops to a level lower than a set second temperature threshold, the single-chip microcomputer controls the driving mechanism to drive the transmission mechanism to operate, thereby switching the state of the backup protection switch from the disconnected state to the connected state.

[0017] Optionally, the surge protection device further includes a second temperature sensor, which is arranged at a position away from the heat radiation area of the pressure-sensitive element, and the signal input end of the temperature sampler is also electrically connected to the second temperature sensor.

[0018] Optionally, the single chip microcomputer receives a first temperature signal indicating the temperature of the varistor and a second temperature signal indicating the ambient temperature from the temperature sampler via a signal input end, and sends a control signal to the driving mechanism through a signal output end to control the driving mechanism to drive the transmission mechanism to operate, thereby switching the state of the backup protection switch.

[0019] Optionally, when the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature rises to above a set first temperature difference threshold, the single-chip microcomputer controls the driving mechanism to drive the transmission mechanism to operate, thereby switching the state of the backup protection switch from the connected state to the disconnected state; when the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature drops to below a set second temperature difference threshold, the single-chip microcomputer controls the driving mechanism to drive the transmission mechanism to operate, thereby switching the state of the backup protection switch from the disconnected state to the connected state.

[0020] The surge protection device of the present invention has at least the following advantages:

[0021] In the present invention, a first temperature sensor is provided within the heat radiation zone of the varistor of the surge protector, and a second temperature sensor is optionally provided at a position away from the heat radiation zone of the varistor. A backup protection switch driven by a drive mechanism and a transmission mechanism is provided between the power supply and the surge protector. The transmission mechanism is mechanically connected to the drive mechanism and the backup protection switch, respectively, so as to drive the backup protection switch to switch between a connected state and a disconnected state. Thus, when the varistor overheats, the backup protection switch can be placed in an disconnected state by means of the transmission mechanism driven by the drive mechanism, so that the surge protector is temporarily disconnected from the power circuit to protect the surge protector; after the temperature of the varistor returns to normal, the backup protection switch can be placed in a connected state by means of the transmission mechanism driven by the drive mechanism, so that the surge protector is reconnected to the power circuit, thereby restoring surge protection for electrical equipment in the power circuit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Other details and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided below. It should be understood that the following drawings are merely schematic and not drawn to scale, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the present invention. The following detailed description will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 The figure schematically shows a surge protection device according to a first specific embodiment of the present utility model.

[0024] Figure 2A surge protection device according to a second specific embodiment of the present utility model is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, many specific details are set forth so that those skilled in the art can more fully understand and implement the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be implemented without some of these specific details. In addition, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described. On the contrary, any combination of the features and elements described below may be considered to implement the present invention, regardless of whether they relate to different embodiments. Therefore, the following aspects, features, embodiments and advantages are for illustrative purposes only and should not be regarded as elements or limitations of the claims unless expressly set forth in the claims.

[0026] The core inventive concept of the present invention is that: a first temperature sensor is provided within the heat radiation zone of the varistor of the surge protector and a second temperature sensor is optionally provided at a position away from the heat radiation zone of the varistor; a backup protection switch driven by a drive mechanism and a transmission mechanism is provided between the power supply and the surge protector, and the transmission mechanism is mechanically connected to the drive mechanism and the backup protection switch, respectively, so as to drive the backup protection switch to switch between a connected state and a disconnected state. Thus, when the varistor overheats, the backup protection switch can be placed in an disconnected state by means of the transmission mechanism driven by the drive mechanism, so that the surge protector is temporarily disconnected from the power circuit to protect the surge protector; after the temperature of the varistor returns to normal, the backup protection switch can be placed in a connected state by means of the transmission mechanism driven by the drive mechanism, so that the surge protector is reconnected to the power circuit, thereby restoring surge protection for electrical equipment in the power circuit.

[0027] Now refer to Figure 1 , shows a surge protection device of a specific embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 1 As shown, the surge protection device includes a surge protector 1, a backup protection switch 2, a driving mechanism 3, a transmission mechanism 4, a first temperature sensor 5, a temperature sampler 6, a switch state sensor 7 and a single chip computer 8.

[0028] The backup protection switch 2 is electrically connected between the power supply and the surge protector 1. When the backup protection switch 2 is in the on state, the electrical connection between the power supply and the surge protector 1 is conducted. When the backup protection switch 2 is in the off state, the electrical connection between the power supply and the surge protector 1 is disconnected.

[0029] The transmission mechanism 4 is mechanically connected to the driving mechanism 3 and the backup protection switch 2 respectively, so as to drive the backup protection switch 2 to switch between the connected state and the disconnected state by means of the mechanical energy generated by the driving mechanism 3 .

[0030] A varistor (not shown) is provided within the surge protector 1. A first temperature sensor 5 is provided within the heat radiation zone of the varistor to sense the temperature of the varistor. Preferably, the first temperature sensor 5 is provided on the surface of the varistor. The first temperature sensor 5 is electrically connected to the signal input terminal of the temperature sampler 6.

[0031] The switch status sensor 7 monitors the status of the backup protection switch 2 .

[0032] The signal input terminal of the single-chip microcomputer 8 is electrically connected to the signal output terminal of the temperature sampler 6 and to the switch state sensor 7. The signal output terminal of the single-chip microcomputer 8 is electrically connected to the drive mechanism 3. Specifically, the single-chip microcomputer 8 can receive a first temperature signal indicating the temperature of the varistor from the temperature sampler 6 and a switch state signal from the switch state sensor 7 via the signal input terminal, and send a control signal to the drive mechanism 3 via the signal output terminal to control the drive mechanism 3 to drive the transmission mechanism 4 to operate, thereby switching the state of the backup protection switch 2.

[0033] Thus, the surge protection device of the first specific embodiment of the present invention can monitor the temperature of the varistor of the surge protector through the first temperature sensor. When the temperature of the varistor is too high (for example, the temperature value of the varistor exceeds a set first temperature threshold, which may be lower than the trip temperature of the surge protector), the single-chip microcomputer can send a control signal to the driving mechanism to place the backup protection switch in the off state and determine whether the state switching of the backup protection switch is successful based on the switch state signal from the switch state sensor, thereby temporarily disconnecting the surge protector from the power circuit to protect the surge protector. After the temperature of the varistor returns to normal (for example, the temperature value of the varistor is lower than a set second temperature threshold, which may be close to the ambient temperature), the single-chip microcomputer can send a control signal to the driving mechanism to place the backup protection switch in the on state and determine whether the state switching of the backup protection switch is successful based on the switch state signal from the switch state sensor, thereby reconnecting the surge protector to the power circuit, thereby restoring surge protection for electrical equipment in the power circuit.

[0034] Those skilled in the art will understand that when the single-chip microcomputer 8 can obtain the status of the backup protection switch by other means or when the single-chip microcomputer 8 does not need to determine whether the status switching of the backup protection switch is successful, the switch status sensor 7 may not be provided. These variations do not exceed the protection scope of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 The figure schematically shows a surge protection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the surge protection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the surge protection device according to the first embodiment is that: Figure 2 The surge protection device in further includes a second temperature sensor 9. The second temperature sensor 9 is arranged at a position away from the heat radiation zone of the varistor, for example, on the outer surface of the shell of the surge protector 1, for monitoring the ambient temperature. The signal input end of the temperature sampler 6 is also electrically connected to the second temperature sensor 9. Accordingly, the single-chip microcomputer 8 receives the first temperature signal indicating the temperature of the varistor and the second temperature signal indicating the ambient temperature from the temperature sampler 6 and the switch state signal from the switch state sensor 7 via the signal input end, and sends a control signal to the drive mechanism 3 through the signal output end to control the drive mechanism 3 to drive the transmission mechanism 4 to operate, thereby switching the state of the backup protection switch 2.

[0036] Thus, the surge protection device of the second specific embodiment of the present invention can monitor the varistor temperature and ambient temperature of the surge protector through the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor. When the varistor temperature is too high (for example, the temperature difference between the varistor temperature and the ambient temperature exceeds a set first temperature difference threshold), the single-chip microcomputer can send a control signal to the driving mechanism to place the backup protection switch in the off state and determine whether the state switching of the backup protection switch is successful based on the switch state signal from the switch state sensor, thereby temporarily disconnecting the surge protector from the power circuit to protect the surge protector. After the varistor temperature returns to normal (for example, the temperature difference between the varistor temperature and the ambient temperature is lower than the set second temperature difference threshold), the single-chip microcomputer can send a control signal to the driving mechanism to place the backup protection switch in the on state and determine whether the state switching of the backup protection switch is successful based on the switch state signal from the switch state sensor, thereby reconnecting the surge protector to the power circuit, thereby restoring surge protection for electrical equipment in the power circuit.

[0037] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the first and second temperature sensors in the present invention may employ any suitable type of temperature sensing element, such as a thermistor, thermocouple, etc., and such variations do not exceed the scope of protection of the present invention. Furthermore, the temperature sampler in the present invention may be implemented using any suitable circuit structure depending on the specific type of temperature sensing element, and such variations do not exceed the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0038] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the backup protection switch in the present invention can employ any suitable type of backup protection switch known in the art. For example, the backup protection switch can include a handle that can be actuated (e.g., by toggling or rotating the handle) to switch the backup protection switch between an on and off state. Accordingly, any suitable transmission mechanism can be mechanically connected to the drive mechanism and the backup protection switch, thereby actuating the backup protection switch using the mechanical energy generated by the drive mechanism. The specific form of the drive mechanism can be selected based on practical needs, such as a motor, and such variations are within the scope of the present invention. The specific form of the transmission mechanism can be configured based on practical needs, such as a gear transmission mechanism, a belt transmission mechanism, a chain transmission mechanism, a screw transmission mechanism, or a more complex composite transmission mechanism, and such variations are within the scope of the present invention. In one specific embodiment, the transmission mechanism can be mechanically connected to the output shaft of the motor and the handle of the backup protection switch, respectively, so that actuating the handle changes the state of the backup protection switch. Accordingly, a switch state sensor can monitor the position of the handle of the backup protection switch, thereby monitoring the state of the backup protection switch.

[0039] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes and modifications made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be based on the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A surge protection device, characterized in that: The surge protection device includes a surge protector, a backup protection switch, a driving mechanism, a transmission mechanism, a first temperature sensor, a temperature sampler and a single chip microcomputer, wherein: The backup protection switch is electrically connected between the power supply and the surge protector. When the backup protection switch is in the on state, the electrical connection between the power supply and the surge protector is conducted. When the backup protection switch is in the off state, the electrical connection between the power supply and the surge protector is disconnected. The transmission mechanism is mechanically connected to the drive mechanism and the backup protection switch respectively, so that the backup protection switch is driven to switch between the connected state and the disconnected state by means of mechanical energy generated by the drive mechanism. The surge protector is provided with a varistor inside, the first temperature sensor is provided in the heat radiation area of the varistor, and the first temperature sensor is electrically connected to the signal input end of the temperature sampler. The signal input end of the single chip microcomputer is electrically connected to the signal output end of the temperature sampler, and the signal output end of the single chip microcomputer is electrically connected to the driving mechanism.

2. The surge protection device according to claim 1, wherein: The backup protection switch has a handle, the driving mechanism is a motor, and the transmission mechanism is mechanically connected to the output shaft of the motor and the handle of the backup protection switch respectively.

3. The surge protection device according to claim 1, wherein: The transmission mechanism includes at least one of the following: a gear transmission mechanism, a belt transmission mechanism, a chain transmission mechanism, a spiral transmission mechanism, and a compound transmission mechanism.

4. The surge protection device according to claim 1, wherein: The first temperature sensor is arranged on the surface of the varistor of the surge protector.

5. The surge protection device according to claim 1, wherein: The surge protection device further includes a switch status sensor, which monitors the status of the backup protection switch. The signal input terminal of the single-chip microcomputer is also electrically connected to the switch status sensor.

6. The surge protection device according to claim 1, wherein: The single chip microcomputer receives a first temperature signal indicating the temperature of the varistor from the temperature sampler via a signal input end, and sends a control signal to the driving mechanism through a signal output end to control the driving mechanism to drive the transmission mechanism to operate, thereby switching the state of the backup protection switch.

7. The surge protection device according to claim 6, wherein: When the first temperature rises to a value higher than a set first temperature threshold, the single-chip microcomputer controls the driving mechanism to drive the transmission mechanism to operate, thereby switching the state of the backup protection switch from the connected state to the disconnected state; when the first temperature drops to a value lower than a set second temperature threshold, the single-chip microcomputer controls the driving mechanism to drive the transmission mechanism to operate, thereby switching the state of the backup protection switch from the disconnected state to the connected state.

8. The surge protection device according to claim 1, wherein: The surge protection device further includes a second temperature sensor, which is arranged at a position away from the heat radiation area of the varistor. The signal input end of the temperature sampler is also electrically connected to the second temperature sensor.

9. The surge protection device according to claim 8, wherein: The single chip microcomputer receives a first temperature signal indicating the temperature of the varistor and a second temperature signal indicating the ambient temperature from the temperature sampler via a signal input end, and sends a control signal to the driving mechanism through a signal output end to control the driving mechanism to drive the transmission mechanism to operate, thereby switching the state of the backup protection switch.

10. The surge protection device according to claim 9, wherein: When the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature rises to above a set first temperature difference threshold, the single-chip microcomputer controls the driving mechanism to drive the transmission mechanism to operate, thereby switching the state of the backup protection switch from the connected state to the disconnected state; when the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature drops to below a set second temperature difference threshold, the single-chip microcomputer controls the driving mechanism to drive the transmission mechanism to operate, thereby switching the state of the backup protection switch from the disconnected state to the connected state.

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