Switching device
By introducing independent first and second protection modules into the switching device, adjustable thermal tripping and magnetic tripping thresholds are achieved, solving the problems of high cost and non-adjustability in the prior art, providing fast tripping function and reducing design and manufacturing difficulty.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423273359.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-02
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-27
AI Technical Summary
Adding thermal trip functionality to existing switching devices requires redesign and manufacturing, which is costly and time-consuming, and the thresholds for magnetic trip and thermal trip are not adjustable.
Design a switching device comprising independent first and second protection modules. The first module implements magnetic tripping, and the second module implements thermal tripping. The two modules are linked by a connector and a tripping trigger. The second module has adjustable temperature and current thresholds.
It achieves adjustable thermal and magnetic tripping thresholds, reduces design and manufacturing costs, and the switching device is reusable and has a fast tripping function.
Smart Images
Figure CN223624914U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to the electrical field, and more specifically to a switching device. Background Technology
[0002] Using electromagnetic force for circuit protection is a common technique. When a short circuit occurs, the current increases sharply. The electromagnetic force generated by the electromagnet overcomes the tension of the reaction spring, attracting the armature. This, through a transmission mechanism, actuates the free-switching device to release the main contacts. The main contacts then separate under the action of the opening spring, cutting off the circuit and providing short-circuit protection. This is especially useful when short-circuit protection is required. By detecting changes in the current in the circuit, when the current exceeds a predetermined value, the circuit is quickly cut off, protecting equipment and personnel safety.
[0003] Thermal tripping is an overload tripping mechanism that operates based on the thermal effect of the current flowing through the thermal protection module. For example, according to existing technology, when the circuit carries a normal current, the heating element causes the bimetallic strip to bend to a certain extent and reach a dynamic balance. If an overload occurs, the current in the circuit increases, the bimetallic strip continues to bend, and then the transmission mechanism actuates the free-switching device to release the main contacts. The main contacts separate under the action of the opening spring, thereby achieving the overload protection function.
[0004] For some switching devices with magnetic tripping functionality, some users also desire to add thermal tripping functionality in addition to the existing magnetic tripping function, especially since the thermal threshold of this thermal tripping function is also adjustable. Furthermore, the resistance that the electromagnetic tripping mechanism of these switching devices needs to overcome to achieve tripping may be constant, meaning the threshold current corresponding to the tripping action is constant. However, some users prefer that the magnetic tripping be adjustable. Adding thermal protection functionality and making both thermal and magnetic tripping thresholds adjustable would require redesigning and remanufacturing the entire existing switching device structure, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly.
[0005] Therefore, a new switching device is needed to solve these problems. Utility Model Content
[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to at least address the shortcomings of existing technologies. This disclosure proposes a switching device, including a trip trigger, which can be actuated to trigger a trip operation, causing the switching device to open; a first protection module configured to actuate the trip trigger; a second protection module having a thermomagnetic trip member and a latching member configured to engage with each other. When the temperature of the second protection module exceeds a temperature threshold and / or a second protection current flowing through the second protection module exceeds a second protection current threshold, the latching member moves, causing the thermomagnetic trip member to disengage from the latching member and move away from the latching member from an engaged position to a disengaged position; and a connecting member having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion cooperates with the thermomagnetic trip member, causing the movement of the thermomagnetic trip member from the engaged position to the disengaged position to move the connecting member from the first position to the second position. The second portion cooperates with the trip trigger, causing the movement of the connecting member from the first position to the second position to actuate the trip trigger. The second protection module is independent of the first protection module.
[0007] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the second protection module includes an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the magnitude of the temperature threshold and the second protection current threshold.
[0008] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the thermomagnetic tripping member is further provided with a biasing member that biases the thermomagnetic tripping member toward the release position.
[0009] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the movement of the connector from the second position to the first position causes the thermomagnetic release member to move from the unfastened position to the fastened position, so as to re-fasten with the latching member.
[0010] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, an operating handle is pivotally mounted to the housing of the switching device. The operating handle moves between a closed position and an open position to close or open the switching device. The operating handle is provided with a reset portion. The connecting member further includes a third portion that can abut against the reset portion. When the operating handle moves towards the open position in a direction from the closed position to the open position, the reset portion abuts against the third portion to move the connecting member from a second position to a first position.
[0011] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the connector is configured to move linearly along a first direction, the thermomagnetic release member is configured to pivot, and the first portion and the second portion are respectively disposed at both ends of the connector in the first direction.
[0012] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the third part has an inclined surface, and the reset part abuts against the inclined surface as the operating handle pivots, so as to drive the connector to move linearly in a first direction.
[0013] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the first protection module is configured to actuate the trip trigger when the current flowing through the first protection module exceeds a first protection current threshold.
[0014] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the first protection current threshold of the first protection module is a fixed value.
[0015] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the switching device is a circuit breaker. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 A first-view plan view of a switching device in a normal closed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0017] Figure 2 A plan view of a switching device in the unlocked state of the thermomagnetic release member and the latching member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, shown from a first perspective;
[0018] Figure 3 A first-view plan view of a switching device after the trip trigger element of an embodiment of the present disclosure has been actuated;
[0019] Figure 4 A plan view of a switching device in which a reset part abuts against a connector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown from a second perspective opposite to the first perspective.
[0020] Figure 5 A second-view plan view of a switching device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the operating handle is... Figure 4 The position moves to the open position, causing the thermomagnetic tripping component and the latching component to re-engage;
[0021] Figure 6 A second-view plan view of a switching device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the operating handle is... Figure 5 The circuit breaker moves from the open position to the closed position as shown.
[0022] Figure 7 A perspective view of the connector is shown.
[0023] Figure Labels
[0024] 1. Shell,
[0025] 2. Second protection module,
[0026] 21. Thermomagnetic tripping element,
[0027] 211 Hook,
[0028] 212 abutment,
[0029] 22 fasteners,
[0030] 3 connectors
[0031] 31 Part 1,
[0032] 32 Part Two,
[0033] 33 Part Three,
[0034] 331 inclined surface,
[0035] 4. Operating handles
[0036] 41 Reset section,
[0037] 5. Tripping trigger element, Detailed Implementation
[0038] To make the objectives, solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise stated, the terms used herein have their ordinary meanings in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same parts.
[0039] In the description of this disclosure, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linkage" 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 between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure based on the specific circumstances.
[0040] This disclosure proposes a switching device, which may include a first protection module (not shown) and a second protection module 2, as well as a connector 3 for connecting the two modules, such as... Figure 1As shown. In particular, the first protection module and the second protection module 2 can be two independent modules, meaning that they can complete their respective functions independently of each other. Furthermore, the first protection module and the second protection module 2 can be manufactured independently of each other; in particular, both are modules that have already been manufactured and used. Thus, by incorporating two existing independent modules into a single switching device through a mechanical structure, they independently complete their tripping functions, thereby realizing a parallel design of multiple tripping modules. In addition, this disclosure combines the functions of existing switching devices and existing first and second protection modules to meet new requirements, using a large number of existing parts. Only the newly added connectors need to be designed and manufactured, without the need to remanufacture a large number of new parts, greatly reducing costs and development cycles.
[0041] The switching device according to this disclosure may include a housing 1, a stationary contact (not shown) fixed to the housing, and a moving contact (shown) movable relative to the stationary contact. When the switching device is in the closed state, the moving contact and the stationary contact remain in contact, and the switching device is electrically connected; when the switching device is in the open state, the moving contact and the stationary contact remain separated, and the switching device is electrically disconnected.
[0042] The switching device may further include a trip trigger 5 mounted on the housing 1, which can be actuated to trigger a trip operation, that is, thereby causing the moving contact and the stationary contact to separate through the rest of the switching device (not shown). For example, the trip trigger 5 may be pivotally mounted on the housing 1, and when the trip trigger 5 is in such a position... Figure 1 When the position shown is such that the tripping operation is not triggered, the tripping operation is triggered when the tripping trigger 5 is actuated and pivots, for example as shown in 3, causing the switching device to open.
[0043] The first protection module can be configured to actuate the trip trigger 5 to trigger a trip operation. The first protection module may be, for example, an existing module or part of the switching device, through which the switching device can already realize, for example, a magnetic trip function, especially a fast trip function.
[0044] For example, when the current flowing through the first protection module exceeds a first protection current threshold, the trip trigger 5 is actuated. For example, the first protection module may include an electromagnetic device (not shown) and a moving member (not shown) movable relative to the electromagnetic device. The moving member may have at least a portion that can be magnetically attracted, such as a ferromagnetic metal or a permanent magnet. When the current through the electromagnetic device exceeds the first protection current threshold, the electromagnetic device can generate sufficient electromagnetic force to attract the moving member, thereby triggering the trip trigger 5, causing the moving contact and stationary contact to separate.
[0045] Furthermore, the first protection current threshold of this first protection module can be a fixed, non-adjustable value. For example, the resistance to the movement of the moving part of the first protection module is fixed, thus requiring a constant minimum electromagnetic force to drive the moving part. For example, this first protection module can achieve a fast tripping function, particularly faster than the magnetic tripping speed of the second protection module 2. The first protection module can also, for example, have a backup protection function.
[0046] The second protection module 2 may include a thermomagnetic release element 21, a latching element 22, a magnetic braking device (not shown), and a thermal actuation device (not shown). The thermomagnetic release element 21 can engage and disengage with the latching element 22.
[0047] When the temperature of the second protection module 2 exceeds the temperature threshold, for example, when the current flowing through the switching device is large and continues for a period of time (e.g., corresponding to an overload of the electrical circuit), the thermal actuator generates more heat, causing the bimetallic strip to deform and bend, thereby actuating the latching member 22, causing the latching member 22 to disengage from the thermomagnetic release member 21. Other thermal protection structures or thermal release structures in the art will also be applicable, as long as they can actuate the latching member 22 when the temperature of the structure exceeds the temperature threshold.
[0048] When the current in the second protection module 2 exceeds the second protection current threshold, for example, when the current flowing through the switching device momentarily exceeds the second protection current threshold (e.g., in the case of a short circuit in the electrical circuit), the electromagnetic device attracts the moving parts within the second protection module 2 to move, thereby actuating the latching member 22 and causing the latching member 22 to disengage from the thermomagnetic release member 21. Other magnetic protection structures or magnetic release structures in the art will also be applicable, as long as they can actuate the latching member 22 when the current of the structure exceeds the second protection current threshold.
[0049] The second protection module 2 can be an existing module already in use, such as an existing thermal-magnetic protection module, which can independently implement thermal tripping and magnetic tripping functions independent of the first protection module.
[0050] Furthermore, in particular, the second protection module 2 includes an adjustment mechanism (not shown) configured to adjust the magnitude of the temperature threshold and the second protection current threshold. For example, this adjustment structure can be used to adjust the resistance that the actuating latch 22 needs to overcome, such as the elastic force of the elastic bias member. By adjusting the structure, the degree of deformation of the elastic bias member can be changed, or the required stroke of the actuating latch member can be changed, etc. Adjustable structures for thermomagnetic tripping modules are also prior art in the art and will not be further elaborated here.
[0051] For example, such as Figures 1-6 As shown, the thermomagnetic release element 21 can be configured to pivot between an engaged position and a latched position. In the engaged position, as... Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the thermomagnetic release element 21 can engage with the latching element 22. In the unfastened position, as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the thermomagnetic release member 21 and the latching member 22 are spaced apart. The thermomagnetic release member 21 may include a hook portion 211, through which the thermomagnetic release member 21 engages with the latching member 22.
[0052] In particular, the thermomagnetic release member 21 may be provided with a biasing member (not shown), which is configured to bias the thermomagnetic release member 21 toward the release position. Thus, once the latching member 21 is actuated to release itself from the thermomagnetic release member 22, the thermomagnetic release member 21 moves away from the latching member 22 to the release position under the biasing action of the biasing member.
[0053] The switching device disclosed herein also includes a connector 3, which is used to connect the aforementioned trip trigger 5 and the second protection module 2, so that the release of the second protection module 2 can trigger a trip operation.
[0054] like Figure 7 As shown, the connector 3 may be provided with a first part 31, a second part 32, and a third part 33. The first part 31 and the second part 32 may be respectively provided at both ends of the connector 3 in the first direction D1, while the third part 33 may be provided close to the second part 32 and offset from the second part 32 laterally in the first direction D1. The connector 3 may be configured for linear movement, for example, movement along the first direction D1, to a first position (e.g., Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 (as shown) and the second position (as shown) Figure 3 and Figure 4 The movement is between (as shown). In the first position, the first part 31 can cooperate with the thermomagnetic trip member 21, particularly with the abutment portion 212 of the thermomagnetic trip member 21, and the second part 32 of the connecting member 3 is spaced apart from the trip trigger member 5. In the second position, the first part 31 is spaced apart from the thermomagnetic trip member 21 and abuts against the trip trigger member 5, actuating the trip trigger member 6 to trigger the trip operation, such as... Figure 3 As shown.
[0055] Furthermore, the movement of the thermomagnetic tripping member 21 can cause the connecting member 3 to move from the first position to the second position. For example, the thermomagnetic tripping member 21 pivots toward the connecting member 3 under the biasing action of the biasing member, and the abutting portion 212 of the thermomagnetic tripping member 21 abuts against the first part of the connecting member 3 (e.g., Figure 2 As shown), and further pivots to the unfastened position to drive the connector 3 to move along the first direction D1 from the first position to the second position (as shown). Figure 3(As shown). When the connector 3 moves to the second position, it abuts against the actuation trip trigger 3 to trigger the trip operation.
[0056] Therefore, by moving the connector 3, the release of the second protection module 2 can be used to actuate the trip trigger 5 to trigger the trip operation.
[0057] Furthermore, such as Figures 4 to 5 As shown, the movement of the connector 3 from the second position to the first position can drive the thermomagnetic tripping member 21 from the unlocked position to the engaged position, so as to re-engage with the latching member 22. This allows the second protection module 2 to be reset for the next tripping operation, making the thermomagnetic tripping function of the second protection module 2 reusable. Therefore, the switching device according to this disclosure is reversible, and thermal tripping protection and magnetic tripping protection can be repeatedly implemented.
[0058] Specifically, the movement of the connecting member 3 from the second position to the first position can be achieved by the movement of the operating handle 4. The switching device according to this disclosure includes an operating handle 4, which is pivotally mounted to the housing 1 to operate in the closed position (e.g., ...). Figure 1 and Figure 6 (as shown) and trip position (as shown) Figure 5 The operating handle 4 moves between the moving contact and the stationary contact (as shown). The operating handle 4 is connected to the moving contact via an intermediate transmission assembly to control the moving contact. When the operating handle 4 moves to the closed position, it causes the moving contact to contact the stationary contact, closing the switch. When the operating handle 4 moves to the open position, it causes the moving contact to separate from the stationary contact, opening the switch. Furthermore, the operating handle 4 may also include a trip position (e.g., ...). Figure 3 As shown, the tripping position is located between the closed position and the open position. When the switch device performs a tripping operation, it will drive the operating handle 4 from the closed position to the open position.
[0059] Since it is necessary to operate the operating handle 4 to reclose the switch, it is preferable to reset the second protection module 2 by operating the operating handle 4, so that the operator does not need to operate another component to achieve the reset after tripping.
[0060] Specifically, a reset part 41 is provided near the connector 3 on the operating handle 4. The connector 3 includes a third part 33, and the reset part 41 can abut against the third part 33. During the movement of the operating handle 4 from the closed position to the open position (e.g., from the tripped position to the open position), the reset part 41 abuts against the third part 33, causing the connector 3 to move from the second position to the first position, thus causing the latching member 22 to re-engage with the thermomagnetic tripping member 21. Figure 4 The state of motion to Figure 5The process of the state. For example, the third part 33 has an inclined surface 331, such as Figure 7 As shown, the inclined surface 331 faces the reset part 41. The reset part 41 can abut against the inclined surface 331 as the operating handle 4 pivots, so as to drive the connecting member 3 to move from the second position to the first movement along the first direction.
[0061] When the operating handle 4 moves to the open position, causing the latching member 22 to re-engage with the thermal-magnetic tripping member 21, the thermal-magnetic tripping member 21 is held in place, and the operating handle 4 can move from the open position to the closed position, that is, from... Figure 5 The state becomes Figure 6 The state causes the switching device to reclose and return to normal. Figure 1 The normal closing state is shown.
[0062] The switching device according to this disclosure can be a circuit breaker.
[0063] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The functions or performance of the various elements or modules described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are by no means limiting, but merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents.
[0064] In the appended claims, the terms “comprising” and “wherein” are used as simple English equivalents to the corresponding terms “including” and “in which”. Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used merely as notations and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.
Claims
1. A switching device, characterized in that, include A trip trigger, which can be actuated to trigger a trip operation, causing the switching device to open. The first protection module is configured to actuate the trip trigger. The second protection module has a thermomagnetic release element and a latching element configured to engage with each other. When the temperature of the second protection module exceeds a temperature threshold and / or the second protection current flowing through the second protection module exceeds a second protection current threshold, the latching element moves, causing the thermomagnetic release element to disengage from the latching element and move away from the latching element from the engaged position to the disengaged position. The connector comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion cooperates with the thermomagnetic tripping member, such that the movement of the thermomagnetic tripping member from the engaged position to the disengaged position causes the connector to move from the first position to the second position. The second portion cooperates with the tripping trigger member, such that the movement of the connector from the first position to the second position actuates the tripping trigger member. The second protection module is independent of the first protection module.
2. The switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second protection module includes an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the magnitude of the temperature threshold and the second protection current threshold.
3. The switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermomagnetic tripping component is further provided with a biasing component, which biases the thermomagnetic tripping component toward the release position.
4. The switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movement of the connector from the second position to the first position causes the thermomagnetic release component to move from the unfastened position to the fastened position, so as to re-fasten with the buckle component.
5. The switching device according to claim 4, characterized in that, An operating handle is pivotally mounted to the housing of the switching device. The operating handle moves between a closed position and an open position to close or open the switching device. The operating handle is provided with a reset part. The connector further includes a third part, which can abut against the reset part. As the operating handle moves from the closed position to the open position in the direction from the closed position to the open position, the reset part abuts against the third part to drive the connecting member to move from the second position to the first position.
6. The switching device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connector is configured to move linearly along a first direction, and the thermomagnetic release component is configured to pivot. The first part and the second part are respectively located at both ends of the connector in the first direction.
7. The switching device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The third part has an inclined surface, and the reset part abuts against the inclined surface as the operating handle pivots, so as to drive the connector to move linearly along the first direction.
8. The switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first protection module is configured to actuate the trip trigger when the current flowing through the first protection module exceeds a first protection current threshold.
9. The switching device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first protection current threshold of the first protection module is a fixed value.
10. The switching device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The switching device is a circuit breaker.