Tripping mechanism and electrical device

Abstract

The present disclosure proposes a trip mechanism comprising a trip module having an actuation lever and a trigger trip lever that cooperate such that movement of the actuation lever causes movement of the trigger trip lever from a rest position to a trigger position, the tripping module is configured to enable the actuating rod to move when the current flowing through the tripping mechanism exceeds a current threshold value; the thermal protection module is provided with a thermal tripping piece, and when the temperature of the thermal protection module exceeds a temperature threshold value, the thermal tripping piece moves; a connector provided with a first portion and a second portion, the first portion cooperating with the thermal trip such that movement of the thermal trip causes movement of the connector from a first position to a second position, the second portion cooperating with the actuation lever such that movement of the thermal trip causes movement of the connector from the first position to the second position; the thermal protection module is configured such that movement of the connector from the first position to the second position causes movement of the actuation lever, where the thermal protection module is independent of the trip module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the electrical field, and more specifically to a tripping mechanism and an electrical device including the tripping mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Quick-tripping mechanisms, such as those utilizing electromagnetic force, provide circuit protection. 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, pushes the free-tripping mechanism to release the main contacts. The main contacts then separate under the action of the tripping spring, cutting off the circuit and providing short-circuit protection. This is particularly useful when short-circuit protection is required. Quick-tripping modules detect changes in current within the circuit; when the current exceeds a set value, they rapidly cut off the circuit, 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 tripping 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 pushes the free tripping mechanism to release the main contacts. The main contacts separate under the action of the opening spring, thus achieving the overload protection function.

[0004] In energy storage power distribution systems, circuit breakers are typically only required to trip quickly in the event of a short circuit, without the need for thermal protection. However, in conventional power distribution systems, both rapid tripping and thermal protection are required. Therefore, to meet the requirements of conventional power distribution systems, such as 1500V MCCBs, thermal protection is also necessary. Adding thermal protection would require redesigning and remanufacturing the entire circuit breaker, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly.

[0005] Therefore, a new tripping mechanism 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 tripping mechanism, including a tripping module with an actuating rod and a triggering tripping rod. The actuating rod and the triggering tripping rod cooperate to cause the actuating rod to move from a rest position to a trigger position. The tripping module is configured to cause the actuating rod to move when the current flowing through the tripping mechanism exceeds a current threshold. A thermal protection module has a thermal tripping element, which moves when the temperature of the thermal protection module exceeds a temperature threshold. A connector has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion cooperates with the thermal tripping element, causing the movement of the thermal tripping element to move the connector from a first position to a second position. The second portion cooperates with the actuating rod, causing the movement of the connector from the first position to the second position to move the actuating rod. The thermal protection module is independent of the tripping module.

[0007] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the connector is further provided with a connector biasing member that biases the connector toward a second position.

[0008] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the thermal release member cooperates with the first portion to place the connector in the first position, and when the thermal release member moves, the thermal release member separates from the first portion of the connector.

[0009] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the actuating rod is configured to move between a tripped position and a reset position, and the movement of the connector from a first position to a second position causes the actuating rod to move from the reset position to the tripped position.

[0010] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the movement of the actuating rod from the disengaged position to the reset position causes the connector to move from the second position to the first position.

[0011] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the actuating rod is provided with an actuating rod biasing member that biases the actuating rod toward the reset position, and the trigger trip rod is provided with a trigger trip rod biasing member that biases the trigger trip rod toward the resting position. When the connector is in the second position, the force applied to the actuating rod by the connector biasing member via the connector is greater than the resultant force of the force applied to the actuating rod by the actuating rod biasing member and the force applied to the actuating rod by the trigger trip rod biasing member via the trigger trip rod.

[0012] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the connector is configured for pivoting motion, the actuating rod is configured for linear motion, the trigger release rod is configured for pivoting motion, the actuating rod is provided with a first actuating part and a second actuating part to cooperate with the trigger release rod and the second part of the connector, respectively, and the trigger release rod can drive the actuating rod to move, thereby driving the connector to move from the second position to the first position.

[0013] This disclosure also proposes an electrical device comprising a tripping mechanism according to any embodiment; a tripping device configured to cooperate with a trigger tripping lever of the tripping mechanism such that the trigger tripping lever moves to the trigger position to trigger the tripping device to perform a tripping operation; a moving contact and a stationary contact cooperating with the tripping device, the tripping operation causing the moving contact and the stationary contact to separate.

[0014] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the electrical device further includes an operating handle connected to the moving contact, such that the operating handle can drive the moving contact to contact or separate from the stationary contact. The operating handle also includes a handle reset part that cooperates with the trigger trip lever. When the operating handle drives the moving contact from separating from the stationary contact to contacting the stationary contact, the handle reset part drives the trigger trip lever to move, thereby driving the connector from the second position to the first position via the actuation part.

[0015] For example, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, the electrical device is a circuit breaker. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an electrical device including a tripping mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0017] Figure 2 A perspective view showing a partial engagement between the tripping mechanism and the tripping device in the closed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 3 A perspective view showing a partial engagement between the tripping mechanism and the tripping device in a magnetic tripping state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 4 A perspective view showing a partial engagement between the tripping mechanism and the tripping device in a hot-tripping state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 5 A perspective view showing a partial engagement between the tripping mechanism and the tripping device in the open state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure Labels

[0022] 1. Tripping module,

[0023] 11 Actuating rod,

[0024] 111 First Action Department,

[0025] 112 Second Actuator

[0026] 113 Actuator Offset

[0027] 12 trigger trip levers,

[0028] 121 First Arm

[0029] 122 Second Arm,

[0030] 1221 trigger unit,

[0031] 1222 Reset Part

[0032] 123 triggers the trip lever offset component.

[0033] 2 thermal protection modules

[0034] 21. Hot release fastener,

[0035] 3 connectors,

[0036] 31 Part 1,

[0037] 32 Part Two,

[0038] 33 connector biasing component,

[0039] 4. Operating handles

[0040] 41. Handle reset section

[0041] 51 First release component,

[0042] 52 Second release component Detailed Implementation

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] This disclosure discloses a tripping mechanism that can be used in electrical devices requiring tripping protection. The mechanism may include a tripping module 1 and a thermal protection module 2, and a connector 3 for connecting the two modules, such as... Figure 1 As shown. Specifically, the tripping module 1 and the thermal protection module 2 are two independent modules, each capable of performing its full function independently of the other. Furthermore, the tripping module 1 and the thermal protection module 2 can be manufactured independently of each other; in particular, both are already manufactured and used, for example, in other electrical installations. Thus, by combining two existing independent modules into a new tripping mechanism through a mechanical structure, combining the functions of both modules to meet new requirements, and using a large number of existing parts, only requiring the design and manufacture of additional connectors, without the need to remanufacture a large number of new parts, costs and development cycles are significantly reduced.

[0046] The trip module 1 may have an actuating rod 11 and a trigger trip rod 12. The trigger trip rod 12 may, for example, be configured to pivot to a rest position ( Figure 2 and Figure 5 (as shown) and trigger position ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 (as shown) move between. Figures 2-5 Only the first tripping member 51 and the second tripping member 52 of the tripping device of the electrical device are shown; the rest of the tripping device is not shown. When the first tripping member 51 and the second tripping member 52 are engaged or in contact, the tripping device does not operate. When the first tripping member 51 and the second tripping member 52 are disengaged or separated, the tripping device triggers a tripping operation, causing the moving contact and stationary contact (not shown) in the electrical device to separate through the rest of the tripping device (not shown). In the triggered position, the trigger tripping lever 12 pushes the first tripping member 51 of the tripping device in the electrical device, causing the first tripping member 51 and the second tripping member 52 to disengage (e.g., ...). Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown), this triggers the tripping device to perform a tripping operation, which causes the moving contact and stationary contact (not shown) in the electrical device to separate. In the resting position, the tripping lever 12 is spaced apart from the first tripping member 51 of the tripping device, and the first tripping member 51 and the second tripping member 52 are engaged (as shown). Figure 2 As shown), the tripping device is not triggered.

[0047] For example, the trigger lever 12 may include a first arm 121 and a second arm 122 set at a certain angle, such as Figure 3 As shown. Figures 2-5 As shown, the first arm 121 can be used to cooperate with the actuating rod 11, particularly with the first actuating part 111 that cooperates with the actuating rod 11 as described later. The second arm 122 can be used to cooperate with the first tripping member 51 of the tripping device, and can also cooperate with the handle reset part 41 of the operating handle 4 as described later. Specifically, the second arm 122 may include a trigger part 1221 and a reset part 1222, the trigger part 1221 cooperating with the first tripping member 51 of the tripping device (e.g., Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown), the reset part 1222 cooperates with the handle reset part 41 of the operating handle 4 (as shown). Figure 5 (As shown).

[0048] In addition, the trigger trip lever 12 may be provided with a trigger trip lever biasing member 123, which can bias the trigger trip lever 12 towards the resting position to ensure that the trigger trip lever 12 will not move to the trigger position by accident, thereby causing accidental tripping.

[0049] For example, the actuator 11 can be configured for linear motion to be in the tripped position ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 (as shown) and reset position ( Figure 2 and Figure 5 The actuator 11 and the trigger trip lever 12 can be coordinated such that movement of the actuator 11 causes the trigger trip lever 12 to move from the rest position to the trigger position. In particular, movement of the actuator 11 from the reset position to the trip position can cause the trigger trip lever 12 to move from the rest position to the trigger position, for example from... Figure 2 The state transition is Figure 3 or Figure 4 The state.

[0050] Specifically, such as Figure 2-5 As shown, the actuating lever 11 may include a first actuating part 111 and a second actuating part 112, which are arranged, for example, opposite to each other. During the process of the actuating lever 11 moving from the reset position to the tripped position (from... Figure 2 The state transition is Figure 3 or Figure 4 In the state of ( ), the first actuating part 111 abuts against the first arm 121 and drives the first arm 121 to move, thereby converting the linear motion of the actuating rod 11 into the pivoting motion of the trigger release rod 12.

[0051] Furthermore, the trip module 1 can be configured to cause the actuating rod 11 to move when the current flowing through the trip mechanism exceeds a current threshold (which can be set and adjusted according to actual needs). For example, the trip module 1 may include an electromagnetic device (not shown), and the actuating rod 11 may be provided with at least a portion of a magnetically attractable section, which is made of, for example, a ferromagnetic metal or a permanent magnet. When the current through the electromagnetic device exceeds the current threshold, the electromagnetic device can generate sufficient electromagnetic force to attract the actuating rod 11 from the reset position to the trip position, thereby driving the trigger trip rod 12 from the rest position to the trigger position, that is, from... Figure 2 The closing state shown is converted to Figure 3 The magnetic tripping state shown further triggers the tripping device, causing the moving and stationary contacts in the electrical device to separate.

[0052] In addition, the actuator 11 may be provided with an actuator biasing member 113, which biases the actuator 11 toward the reset position to ensure that the actuator 11 will not move to the trip position by accident, thereby driving the tripping rod 12 to cause accidental tripping.

[0053] The tripping module 1 can be, for example, an existing module in the electrical device, through which the electrical device can already realize, for example, a quick tripping function.

[0054] The thermal protection module 2 may include a thermal trip unit 21 and a thermal actuator (not shown), the thermal trip unit 21 being compatible with the connector 3. When the temperature of the thermal protection module 2 exceeds a temperature threshold, for example, when the current flowing through the tripping mechanism is large and continues for a period of time (corresponding to an electrical overload), the thermal actuator generates more heat, causing the bimetallic strip to deform and bend, thereby causing the thermal trip unit 21 to move. Other thermal protection structures or thermal tripping structures in the art will also be applicable, as long as they can cause the thermal trip unit 21 to move when the temperature of the structure exceeds a temperature threshold.

[0055] The thermal protection module 2 can be an existing module already in use, such as an existing thermomagnetic trip module, which can function independently of the trip module 1, at least with thermal tripping functionality.

[0056] Connector 3 is used to connect the tripping module 1 and the thermal protection module 2 to combine their independent functions to form a new composite function, that is, to enable the electrical device that originally only had fast tripping or magnetic tripping to have thermal tripping function.

[0057] Combination Figures 2-5 As shown, connector 3 may be provided with a first portion 31 and a second portion 32. Connector 3 may, for example, be pivotally configured to a first position (e.g., Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5(as shown) and second position (as shown) Figure 4 The movement is between (as shown). In the first position, the first part 31 can engage with the thermal release member 21, particularly by hooking together at their respective ends. In the second position, the first part 31 is disengaged from the thermal release member 21.

[0058] Furthermore, the movement of the thermal release member 21 can cause the connector 3 to move from the first position to the second position. That is, the movement of the thermal release member 21 causes the engagement (hook) between the first part 31 and the thermal release member 21 to be released, resulting in the separation of the first part 31 from the thermal release member 21. For example, this can be achieved by the connector bias member 33 of the connector 3, which can bias the connector 3 towards the second position. In the engaged state between the first part 31 and the thermal release member 21, the connector bias member 33 elastically deforms. Once the thermal release member 21 moves, the first part 31 separates from the thermal release member 21, and the connector bias member 33 causes the connector 3 to move to the second position, that is, from the first position to the second position. Figure 2 The state shown is transformed into Figure 4 The state shown.

[0059] The second part 32 is used to cooperate with the actuating rod 11, particularly with the second actuating part 112 of the actuating rod 11 (e.g., abutting), such that the movement of the connector 3 from the first position to the second position causes the actuating rod to move from the reset position to the tripped position, that is, from... Figure 2 The state shown is transformed into Figure 4 The state is shown. In particular, after the thermal tripping element 21 moves, the connector 3, under the action of the connector biasing element 33, causes the actuating rod to move from the reset position to the tripping position. This further triggers the tripping device, causing the moving contact and stationary contact in the electrical device to separate.

[0060] Furthermore, since the biasing of the brake lever biasing member 113 and the trigger tripping rod 123 both hinder the actuator of the connector biasing member 33 from moving the actuating connector 3 to the second position, in order to ensure that the connector 3 can cause the actuating rod 11 to move from the reset position to the tripped position under the action of the connector biasing member 33, the connector biasing member 33, the brake lever biasing member 113, and the trigger tripping rod 123 need to be configured such that when the connector 3 is in the second position, the force applied to the actuating rod 11 by the connector biasing member 33 through the connector 3 is greater than the resultant force of the force applied to the actuating rod 11 by the actuating rod biasing member 113 and the force applied to the actuating rod 11 by the trigger tripping rod biasing member 123 through the trigger tripping rod 12. This ensures that when the connector 3 and the thermal tripping member 21 are disengaged, the connector 3 is ultimately held in the second position under the action of the connector biasing member 33, the actuating rod 11 is held in the tripped position, and the trigger tripping rod 12 is held in the triggered position, ensuring that the trigger tripping device performs the tripping operation, such as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0061] The movement of the thermal trip lever 21 in the aforementioned thermal trip module 2 can be transmitted to the trigger trip lever 12 in the trip module 1 via the connector 3. However, as described above, ultimately, under the action of the connector biasing member 33, the connector 3, the actuator 11, and the trigger trip lever 12 are all held in the same position. Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, this location prevents further thermal or magnetic tripping protection. Therefore, the tripping mechanism of this disclosure also includes a reset mechanism.

[0062] Specifically, in contrast to the aforementioned thermal tripping process, the trigger tripping lever 12 can conversely drive the actuating lever 11 to move, thereby moving the connector 3 to the first position. Specifically, the reset portion 1222 of the second arm 122 of the actuating lever 12 can cooperate with the handle reset portion 41 of the operating handle 4 of the electrical device, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, when operating handle 4 from Figure 4 Position moved to Figure 5 When the handle reset part 41 is in the triggered position, it can cause the trigger release lever 12 to move from the triggered position to the rested position. Then, the trigger release lever 12 can drive (through the first arm 121 and the first actuation part 111) the actuation lever 11 from the released position to the reset position, and further drive (through the second part 32 and the second actuation part 112) the connector from the second position to the first position. Finally, in the first position, the first part 31 re-engages with the thermal release member 21. In particular, Figure 5 The components in the tripping mechanism have a certain overtravel, which allows the first part 21 to be stably connected with the thermal tripping component 31, ensuring that there is no accidental tripping or failure to close the circuit.

[0063] Next, move the operating handle 4 from... Figure 5 The state shown moves to Figure 2 As shown, the moving and stationary contacts reclose, and the entire operating mechanism returns to normal. Figure 2 The state shown is such that the tripping mechanism according to this disclosure is reversible and can repeatedly achieve thermal tripping protection and magnetic tripping protection.

[0064] This disclosure also proposes an electrical device, which may be, for example, a circuit breaker. This electrical device may include the tripping mechanism, tripping device, operating handle 4, moving contact, and stationary contact (not shown).

[0065] Figures 2-5Only the first tripping member 51 and the second tripping member 52 of the tripping device of the electrical device are shown; the rest of the tripping device is not shown. When the first tripping member 51 and the second tripping member 52 are engaged or in contact, the tripping device does not operate. When the first tripping member 51 and the second tripping member 52 are disengaged or separated, the tripping device triggers a tripping operation. The tripping device, through the rest of its components (not shown), causes the moving contact and stationary contact (not shown) in the electrical device to separate. The tripping device is configured to cooperate with the triggering tripping lever 12 of the tripping mechanism. In particular, the first tripping member 51 of the tripping device cooperates with the triggering portion 1221 of the second arm 122 of the triggering tripping lever 12, such that the movement of the triggering tripping lever 12 to the triggering position can trigger the tripping device to perform a tripping operation. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown. This tripping device can be connected to the moving contact, so that the tripping operation can cause the moving contact and the stationary contact to separate.

[0066] The operating handle 4 can be connected to the moving contact, allowing the operating handle 4 to drive the moving contact to contact or separate from the stationary contact. The operating handle 4 may also include a handle reset part 41, which is configured to cooperate with the reset part 1222 of the second arm 122 of the trigger trip lever 12. When the operating handle 4 drives the moving contact from separation from the stationary contact to contact with the stationary contact, that is, when the operating handle 4 moves from... Figure 4 Move to the position shown Figure 5 When the position is shown, the handle reset part 41 drives the trigger release lever 12 to move from the trigger position to the rest position, and then drives the connector 3 to move from the second position to the first position via the actuator 11.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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 tripping mechanism, characterized in that, include The tripping module includes an actuating rod and a triggering tripping rod. The actuating rod and the triggering tripping rod cooperate to move the actuating rod, causing the triggering tripping rod to move from a rest position to a trigger position. The tripping module is configured to cause the actuating rod to move when the current flowing through the tripping mechanism exceeds a current threshold. The thermal protection module has a thermal trip component. When the temperature of the thermal protection module exceeds a temperature threshold, the thermal trip component moves. The connector has a first part and a second part. The first part cooperates with the thermal release member, such that movement of the thermal release member causes the connector to move from a first position to a second position. The second part cooperates with the actuating rod, such that movement of the connector from the first position to the second position causes movement of the actuating rod. The thermal protection module is independent of the tripping module.

2. The tripping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector is further provided with a connector biasing element that biases the connector toward a second position.

3. The tripping mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The thermal release member cooperates with the first part to place the connector in the first position, and when the thermal release member moves, the thermal release member separates from the first part of the connector.

4. The tripping mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The actuating rod is configured to move between a tripped position and a reset position, and the movement of the connector from a first position to a second position causes the actuating rod to move from the reset position to the tripped position.

5. The tripping mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The movement of the actuator rod from the disengaged position to the reset position causes the connector to move from the second position to the first position.

6. The tripping mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The actuating rod is provided with an actuating rod biasing member, which biases the actuating rod toward the reset position. The trigger trip lever is provided with a trigger trip lever biasing member, which biases the trigger trip lever toward the resting position. When the connector is in the second position, the force applied to the actuating rod by the connector bias member via the connector is greater than the resultant force of the force applied to the actuating rod by the actuating rod bias member and the force applied to the actuating rod by the trigger trip rod bias member via the trigger trip rod.

7. The tripping mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connector is configured for pivoting motion, the actuator is configured for linear motion, and the trigger release lever is configured for pivoting motion. The actuator is provided with a first actuation part and a second actuation part to cooperate with the trigger release lever and the second part of the connector, respectively. The trigger release lever can drive the actuator to move, thereby driving the connector to move from the second position to the first position.

8. An electrical device, characterized in that, include The tripping mechanism according to any one of claims 1-6, A tripping device is configured to cooperate with a trigger tripping lever of the tripping mechanism, such that the trigger tripping lever moves to the trigger position to trigger the tripping device to perform a tripping operation. The moving contact and the stationary contact cooperate with the tripping device, and the tripping operation causes the moving contact and the stationary contact to separate.

9. The electrical device according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes An operating handle is connected to the moving contact, enabling the operating handle to drive the moving contact to contact or separate from the stationary contact. The operating handle also includes a handle reset part, which cooperates with the trigger release lever. When the operating handle drives the moving contact from separating from the stationary contact to contacting the stationary contact, the handle reset part drives the trigger release lever to move, which in turn drives the connector from the second position to the first position via the actuating rod.

10. The electrical device according to any one of claims 8-9, characterized in that, The electrical device is a circuit breaker.

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