A switch life cycle health detection device in a switch cabinet

By designing a switch life cycle health detection device, the number of times the switch is opened and closed is automatically recorded, which solves the problem of inaccurate switch life detection, realizes accurate recording and efficient management, and reduces resource waste and safety hazards.

CN224383400UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-19CHINA YANGTZE POWER +1

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CHINA YANGTZE POWER
Filing Date
2025-06-26
Publication Date
2026-06-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the existing technology, the lifespan detection of switch components in switch cabinets relies on manual estimation, which has large errors, waste of resources and safety hazards, and the detection is inaccurate.

Method used

Design a switch life cycle health detection device, including a housing, a detection switch, a display screen, a microcontroller, a trigger rod, a step-down circuit, a wireless communication module, and a storage module. It automatically records the number of times the switch is opened and closed, and uses a slotted photoelectric switch and a wireless communication module to achieve real-time data monitoring and centralized management.

Benefits of technology

It enables accurate recording and real-time monitoring of the number of times the switch is opened and closed, reduces maintenance costs, improves the accuracy and efficiency of detection, extends the service life of the device, and ensures the integrity and security of the data.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN224383400U_ABST
    Figure CN224383400U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A switch life cycle health detection device for switch cabinets includes a housing disposed on one side of the switch inside the cabinet. A detection switch and a display screen are located on the front of the housing. A microcontroller is housed inside the housing. A trigger rod is connected to one end of the switch handle inside the cabinet. The trigger rod is used to trigger the detection switch. The detection switch is connected to the input terminal of the microcontroller, and the output terminal of the microcontroller is connected to the display screen. This invention aims to solve the problem of inaccurate switch life cycle detection.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a health detection device for the life cycle of switches inside a switch cabinet. Background Technology

[0002] In power systems and industrial equipment, switching components such as air switches, circuit breakers, and residual current devices (RCDs) in switchgear are key elements for circuit control and protection. These switching components open or close circuits through mechanical movement, and their service life is closely related to the number of times the switch is opened and closed. In a dry, dust-free environment, the lifespan of a switch can typically reach around 5,000 cycles; however, in a humid environment, the lifespan drops to around 3,000 cycles. To ensure reliable equipment operation and avoid production interruptions or safety accidents caused by switch failures, switches that have reached their service life need to be replaced promptly. However, current common methods for detecting switch lifespan mainly rely on manual estimation. For example, the lifespan of a switch is calculated by estimating the number of times it is opened and closed each day. This method has many drawbacks: First, enterprises have a large number of switches, and different switches are used at varying frequencies and under different environmental conditions, making manual recording and estimation prone to errors; second, replacing new switches before they reach their lifespan limit leads to resource waste; while failing to replace switches that have reached their lifespan limit in a timely manner may result in equipment failure or even safety accidents. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a switch life cycle health detection device for switch cabinets, which solves the problem of inaccurate switch life detection.

[0004] To solve the above problems, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0005] A switch life cycle health detection device for a switch cabinet includes a housing disposed on one side of the switch inside the cabinet. A detection switch and a display screen are provided on the front of the housing. A microcontroller is disposed inside the housing. A trigger rod is connected to one end of the switch handle inside the cabinet. The trigger rod is used to trigger the detection switch. The detection switch is connected to the input terminal of the microcontroller, and the output terminal of the microcontroller is connected to the display screen.

[0006] Furthermore, a step-down circuit is installed inside the casing. The input terminal of the step-down circuit is connected to the switch input terminal inside the cabinet via a wire, and the output terminal of the step-down circuit is connected to a microcontroller.

[0007] Furthermore, a reset button is provided on the outer casing, and the reset button is connected to the microcontroller through a reset circuit.

[0008] Furthermore, the detection switch is a slotted photoelectric switch, and one end of the trigger rod has a trigger piece for triggering the slotted photoelectric switch.

[0009] Furthermore, a guide rail slot is provided on the back of the casing.

[0010] Furthermore, a wireless communication module is installed inside the casing, through which the microcontroller connects wirelessly to the terminal.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a storage module, which is connected to the microcontroller.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0013] 1. Precise Recording and Real-time Monitoring: By detecting the interaction between the switch and the trigger lever, the device can accurately record every opening and closing action of the switch and display the data on the screen in real time. Compared with traditional manual estimation methods, the data provided by this device is more accurate and reliable, providing staff with intuitive information on switch usage.

[0014] 2. Reduced maintenance costs and increased efficiency: By accurately recording the number of times switches are used, staff can accurately determine whether switches need to be replaced, avoiding resource waste caused by prematurely replacing switches before they have reached the end of their lifespan. It also prevents equipment failures and safety hazards caused by switches exceeding their service life. Furthermore, the device's wireless communication function can centrally transmit usage data from multiple switches to terminal equipment, facilitating unified management and monitoring, significantly reducing the workload of manual inspections and improving maintenance efficiency.

[0015] 3. Extend device lifespan: The detection switch adopts a slot-type photoelectric switch, which has a longer lifespan than traditional micro switches. This effectively reduces the risk of the device failing to work properly due to detection switch failure, thereby extending the overall lifespan of the device and reducing maintenance costs.

[0016] 4. Easy Installation and High Stability: The back of the device housing has a guide rail slot, allowing for quick and easy installation onto the guide rails inside the switch cabinet without the need for additional fixing devices. The installation process is simple and fast. Furthermore, the tight fit between the device and the switch ensures stability during operation, preventing inaccurate detection due to loosening.

[0017] 5. Data Security and Reliability Guarantee: The device has a built-in storage module that can save the last usage data when the switch loses power, ensuring that the data is not lost. When power is restored, the device can read the data from the storage module and continue to operate, further ensuring the integrity and reliability of the data. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 3 This is the circuit diagram of the microcontroller in this utility model.

[0022] Figure 4 This is the circuit diagram of the display screen of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 5 This is the circuit diagram of the step-down circuit of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram of the storage module, reset circuit, wireless communication module and photoelectric switch of this utility model.

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Housing; 2. Detection switch; 3. Trigger plate; 4. Trigger rod; 5. Handle; 6. Air switch; 7. Display screen; 8. Power supply wire; 9. Reset button; 10. Guide rail slot. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0027] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, a switch life cycle health detection device in a switch cabinet includes a housing 1 disposed on one side of the switch (e.g., an air switch) inside the cabinet. The front of the housing 1 is provided with a detection switch 2 and a display screen 7 (e.g., an LCD1602 display). A microcontroller (e.g., an STC89C52) is disposed inside the housing 1. A trigger rod 4 is connected to one end of the switch handle 5 inside the cabinet. The trigger rod 4 is used to trigger the detection switch 2. The detection switch 2 is connected to the input terminal of the microcontroller, and the output terminal of the microcontroller is connected to the display screen 7.

[0028] In use, when the switch handle 5 inside the cabinet is activated (opened or closed), the trigger rod 4 connected to it moves synchronously, triggering the detection switch 2 on the front of the outer casing 1. The detection switch 2 transmits the trigger signal to the input terminal of the microcontroller, which performs counting processing on the signal. The microcontroller transmits the counting result to the display screen 7, which displays the number of times the switch has been opened and closed in real time.

[0029] This system automates the counting of switch opening and closing times, replacing the traditional manual date estimation method and improving the accuracy and reliability of the counting. Staff can intuitively view the switch count information on display screen 7, facilitating timely judgment of whether the switch needs replacement and avoiding premature replacement waste or the risk of exceeding the expiration date due to chaotic manual recording.

[0030] Furthermore, a step-down circuit (e.g., an HRB-1205S-1W switching power supply module) is installed inside the casing 1. The input terminal of the step-down circuit is connected to the switch input terminal inside the cabinet via a wire, and the output terminal of the step-down circuit is connected to the microcontroller. The input terminal of the step-down circuit is connected to the switch input terminal inside the cabinet via a wire to obtain 220V AC mains power. The step-down circuit converts the high-voltage AC mains power into a low-voltage power supply (such as 5V or 3.3V) suitable for the microcontroller's operation and outputs it to power the microcontroller. The device directly utilizes the switch's own power supply, eliminating the need for additional batteries or external power sources, simplifying the installation process and reducing maintenance costs. The power connection is integrated with the switch input terminal, ensuring that the device and the switch are powered on synchronously, guaranteeing the continuity and stability of the counting process.

[0031] Furthermore, a reset button 9 is provided on the housing 1. The reset button 9 is connected to the microcontroller via a reset circuit (e.g., an RC reset circuit). When a new switch needs to be replaced, the reset button 9 on the housing 1 is pressed. The reset button 9 sends a reset signal to the microcontroller through the reset circuit. Upon receiving the signal, the microcontroller clears the count data to zero. The device can be reused for life testing of different switches, improving the utilization rate of the equipment. It avoids residual count data caused by switch replacement, ensuring that the count of a new switch starts from zero, thus guaranteeing data accuracy.

[0032] Furthermore, the detection switch 2 is a slot-type photoelectric switch, and one end of the trigger rod 4 has a trigger piece for triggering the slot-type photoelectric switch. The trigger piece at one end of the trigger rod 4 moves with the switch handle 5, inserting into or leaving the slot of the slot-type photoelectric switch. When the trigger piece blocks the light path of the slot-type photoelectric switch, the photoelectric switch generates a trigger signal and transmits it to the microcontroller. The slot-type photoelectric switch has a service life of approximately 11 years, far exceeding the 20,000 uses of a microswitch, significantly improving the durability of the detection device. The non-contact triggering method reduces mechanical wear, lowers the probability of failure, and ensures the reliability of long-term counting.

[0033] Furthermore, a guide rail slot 10 is provided on the back of the housing 1. The guide rail slot 10 on the back of the housing 1 matches the standard guide rail structure inside the switch cabinet. This enables quick installation and disassembly of the device without the need for additional tools, improving construction efficiency. The installation structure is consistent with the switch, ensuring a compact layout of the device within the cabinet and not occupying extra space.

[0034] Furthermore, a wireless communication module (e.g., an ESP8266-01s WiFi module) is installed inside the outer casing 1. The microcontroller connects wirelessly to a terminal, which is a computer, via this module. After each switch operation, the microcontroller transmits the switch count data to the terminal via the wireless communication module. The terminal then compiles and manages the data from each detection device. When there are multiple switches in a company, and their locations are scattered, centralized management and monitoring of multiple detection devices can be achieved, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of switch usage by staff. This reduces the workload of manual inspections, improves work efficiency, and also facilitates the analysis and processing of switch data, providing a more scientific basis for equipment maintenance and management within the company.

[0035] Furthermore, it includes a storage module (e.g., an AT24Co2 EEPROM chip), which connects to the microcontroller. Even in the event of a power outage at the switch input, the storage module retains the last data. When power is restored, the microcontroller can read the data from the storage module and continue operating. This ensures data security and integrity, preserving counting information even during power outages. It provides continuous historical data for switch lifespan analysis, facilitating subsequent fault tracing and maintenance strategy optimization.

[0036] The embodiments described in this specification are merely examples of implementations of the inventive concept. The scope of protection of this utility model should not be considered as limited to the specific forms described in the embodiments. The scope of protection of this utility model also extends to equivalent technical means that can be conceived by those skilled in the art based on the inventive concept.

Claims

1. A switch life cycle health detection device in a switch cabinet, characterized in that: It includes a housing (1) set on one side of the switch inside the cabinet. The front of the housing (1) is provided with a detection switch (2) and a display screen (7). A microcontroller is provided inside the housing (1). A trigger rod (4) is connected to one end of the switch handle (5) inside the cabinet. The trigger rod (4) is used to trigger the detection switch (2). The detection switch (2) is connected to the input end of the microcontroller. The output end of the microcontroller is connected to the display screen (7).

2. The switch life cycle health detection device in a switch cabinet according to claim 1, characterized in that: A step-down circuit is provided inside the outer casing (1). The input terminal of the step-down circuit is connected to the switch input terminal inside the cabinet through a wire, and the output terminal of the step-down circuit is connected to a microcontroller.

3. The switch life cycle health detection device in a switch cabinet according to claim 1, characterized in that: A reset button (9) is provided on the outer casing (1), and the reset button (9) is connected to the microcontroller through a reset circuit.

4. A switch life cycle health detection device for switch cabinets according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The detection switch (2) is a slotted photoelectric switch, and one end of the trigger rod (4) has a trigger piece (3) for triggering the slotted photoelectric switch.

5. A switch life cycle health detection device for switch cabinets according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A guide rail slot (10) is provided on the back of the outer casing (1).

6. A switch life cycle health detection device for switch cabinets according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A wireless communication module is provided inside the outer casing (1), and the microcontroller is wirelessly connected to the terminal through the wireless communication module.

7. A switch life cycle health detection device for switch cabinets according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: It also includes a storage module, which is connected to the microcontroller.