A trip unit and switchgear

Abstract

This utility model relates to a tripping mechanism and a switchgear having the same mechanism. The tripping mechanism includes: an elastic element, one end of which is a movable end. The elastic element is selectively in an energy-storing deformation state or an energy-releasing reset state through the reciprocating motion of the movable end; an actuating element, which has a mating part disposed on the movement path of the movable end during the energy-releasing reset process of the elastic element. During the energy-releasing reset movement, the movable end drives the mating part, thereby causing the actuating element to perform a tripping action; and a triggering element, which has a latching part selectively disposed in the energy-releasing reset direction of the movable end of the elastic element or deviating from that direction. By changing the movement of the triggering element, the latching part abuts against or disengages from the movable end, thereby selectively switching the energy-storing deformation state or the energy-releasing reset state of the elastic element. This utility model offers faster and more efficient tripping action and allows for more flexible structural design of the disconnecting switch, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of disconnecting switches and other switchgear.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of switchgear technology, and specifically to an improvement in the tripping mechanism of switchgear. Background Technology

[0002] Switchgear refers to the switching devices defined in GB / T 5226.1-2019 / IEC 60204-1:2016, namely, electrical appliances used to connect or disconnect the current in one or more circuits. Specific component forms can include circuit breakers, relays, disconnecting switches, etc. Circuit breakers and disconnecting switches typically have tripping mechanisms for opening, especially miniature disconnecting switches. Due to size limitations, the requirements for the size and layout of each structural component are high. Existing disconnecting switch tripping mechanisms, with their numerous components and complex connection structures, are not conducive to miniaturization of disconnecting switches, nor to the reliability of tripping operations. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a tripping mechanism and a switching device, improve the structure of the tripping mechanism, facilitate the miniaturization of the switching device, and improve the reliability of the tripping operation.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model includes:

[0005] A tripping mechanism, comprising:

[0006] An elastic element, one end of which is a movable end, is selectively placed in an energy-storing deformation state or an energy-releasing reset state through the reciprocating motion of the movable end.

[0007] An actuator is provided with a mating part, which is located on the movement path of the movable end during the energy release and reset process of the elastic element. Thus, as the movable end moves in the direction of energy release and reset, it drives the mating part and thereby drives the actuator to perform a tripping action.

[0008] and

[0009] A trigger is provided with a latching part, which is selectively positioned in the energy release and reset direction of the movable end of the elastic member or deviated from that direction. By changing the action of the trigger, the latching part abuts against or disengages from the movable end, thereby selectively switching the energy storage deformation state or the energy release and reset state of the elastic member.

[0010] In one embodiment, the direction of movement of the actuator when performing the tripping action is defined as the tripping direction, and the elastic element is configured such that, during the process of switching from the energy storage deformation state to the energy release reset state, the elastic force of the movable end acting on the mating part has a component force along the tripping direction.

[0011] In one embodiment, the mating part is disposed in the tripping direction of the movable end and the two abut against each other on one side in the tripping direction, so that the movable end pushes against the mating part during the movement in the direction of energy release and reset.

[0012] In one embodiment, the actuator is a rotating member, including a turntable portion and a rotating shaft portion. The turntable portion is disposed axially on the rotating shaft portion and extends radially outward from the rotating shaft portion. The mating portion is a protruding structure disposed on the turntable portion. The elastic member is a torsion spring sleeved on the rotating member. The torsion spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft portion, and one end of the torsion spring extends radially outward to form the movable end.

[0013] In one embodiment, the snap-fit ​​portion is offset relative to the mating portion in the axial direction of the rotating shaft portion, and the movable end is a bent structure, including a radial segment extending radially and an axial segment extending axially. The radial segment of the movable end abuts against the mating portion, and the axial segment of the movable end abuts against the snap-fit ​​portion.

[0014] In one embodiment, the latching portion includes intersecting inclined sides and limiting sides. The limiting sides are used to abut against the movable end to limit the movable end. The inclined sides extend obliquely in the direction of the movable end to form a motion guide for the movable end during the process of the elastic element switching to the energy storage deformation state.

[0015] In one embodiment, the limiting edge is perpendicular to the elastic force direction of the elastic member in the energy storage deformation state.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first end of the trigger is oscillatingly connected to a base, the second end of the trigger is connected to a shunt trip unit, and the latching part is disposed between the first end and the second end of the trigger. The shunt trip unit drives the trigger to oscillate, thereby the latching part abutting against or disengaging from the movable end.

[0017] The technical solution of this utility model also includes:

[0018] A switching device includes the tripping mechanism described above.

[0019] In one embodiment, the switching device is a disconnecting switch or a circuit breaker.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0021] 1. When the latching part abuts against the movable end to form a reset limit on the movable end, the elastic element cannot reset and remains in an energy-storing deformed state. Upon tripping, the latching part moves to release the limit on the movable end, and the elastic force generated by the reset of the elastic element acts on the mating part, causing the mating part to move, thereby pushing the actuator to move in the tripping direction, driving the contact system to actuate and open the circuit. When the elastic element is in an energy-storing deformed state before tripping, the latching part acts directly on the movable end of the elastic element, making the force transmission simpler and the energy-storing state of the elastic element more stable. Upon tripping, the elastic element switches to the energy-releasing reset state, and the movement of the movable end directly drives the actuator to actuate. The structure is simple, the force transmission is simpler, and the tripping action is faster and more efficient, thereby improving the reliability of the tripping operation and making the structural design of the disconnecting switch more flexible, which is conducive to the miniaturization of disconnecting switches and other switching electrical appliances.

[0022] 2. The mating part and the movable end form a one-sided abutment in the tripping direction. When the movable end is limited by the latching part, the mating part can move independently along the tripping direction. When the tripping mechanism is not required to operate, the actuator can move freely with the contact system, making the connection and operation of the actuator more flexible.

[0023] 3. The limiting edge perpendicular to the tripping direction provides more reliable limiting for the moving end. The inclined edge can guide the movement of the moving end, making it easier for the moving end to be re-limited by the latching part when the circuit is closed again after tripping. The trigger does not need to wait for the circuit to close again before returning to the position that limits the moving end, making the timing of the trigger's action more flexible.

[0024] 4. The radial and axial sections allow the movable end to form a bend structure, which can simultaneously abut against the mating part and the snap-fit ​​part, thereby placing the trigger and rotating parts closer together, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of the switching device. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a top view of Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a partial rear view of the structure of Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0029] The components are: 1. Actuator, 11. Mating part, 12. Turntable part, 13. Rotating shaft part, 2. Elastic part, 21. Movable end, 211. Radial section, 212. Axial section, 22. Fixed end, 3. Trigger, 31. Buckling part, 311. Inclined edge, 312. Limiting edge, 32. Rotating shaft, 4. Base, 5. Shunt trip unit, 6. Handle, R. Tripping direction. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To further illustrate the various embodiments, the present invention provides accompanying drawings. These drawings are part of the disclosure of the present invention and are mainly used to illustrate the embodiments, and can be used in conjunction with the relevant descriptions in the specification to explain the operating principles of the embodiments. With reference to these drawings, those skilled in the art should be able to understand other possible implementations and the advantages of the present invention. Components in the drawings are not drawn to scale, and similar component symbols are generally used to represent similar components.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] See Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this utility model discloses a tripping mechanism, which is used to connect to a contact system and cause the contact system to open when the tripping mechanism is activated. It includes an actuator 1, an elastic element 2, and a trigger element 3. The actuator 1 is used to connect to the contact system to drive the contact system to operate.

[0033] In this embodiment, the actuator 1 is a rotating component, used to drive the moving contact of the contact system to rotate, thereby realizing the closing and opening actions of the contact system. However, the tripping mechanism is only used to drive the actuator 1 to open the contact system; the closing action is driven by other means. Correspondingly, the elastic force of the elastic element 2 acting on the actuator 1 has a component along the tangential direction of the actuator 1. Specifically, the elastic element 2 can be a torsion spring coaxial with the rotating component (the elastic force of the torsion spring is parallel to the tangential direction of the actuator 1), or it can be a helical spring arranged along the tangential direction of the actuator 1 (the elastic force of the spring has a component along the tangential direction of the actuator 1). In other embodiments, the actuator 1 can also be a translational component, thereby driving the contact system to reciprocate and translate to realize the closing and opening actions. Correspondingly, the elastic force of the elastic element 2 acting on the actuator 1 has a component along the translational direction of the actuator 1. In this case, the elastic element 2 can be a helical spring, a leaf spring, etc. The following explanation uses the example of the actuator 1 being a rotating component and the elastic element 2 being a torsion spring.

[0034] One end of the elastic element 2 is a movable end 21, and the other end is a fixed end 22. In this embodiment, the fixed end 22 is fixedly connected to the base 4. The elastic element 2 is selectively in an elastic energy storage state or an energy release and reset state through the reciprocating motion of the movable end 21. The actuator 1 is provided with a mating part 11, which is located on the movement path of the movable end 21 during the energy release and reset process of the elastic element. Thus, as the movable end 21 moves in the direction of energy release and reset, it drives the mating part 11, thereby driving the actuator 1 to perform a tripping action, realizing the tripping of the actuator 1 with the contact system. The trigger 3 is provided with a latching part 31, which is selectively located in the energy release and reset direction of the movable end 21 of the elastic element 2 or deviates from this direction. By changing the action of the trigger 3, the latching part 31 abuts against or disengages from the movable end 21, thereby selectively switching the energy storage deformation state or the energy release and reset state of the elastic element 2. Specifically, when the latching part 31 is positioned in the energy release and reset direction of the movable end 21, the latching part 31 abuts against the movable end 21, keeping the elastic element 2 in an elastic energy-storing state. At this time, the latching part 31 forms a reset limit for the elastic element 2. When the latching part 31 deviates from the energy release and reset direction of the movable end 21, the latching part 31 disengages from the movable end 21, causing the elastic element 2 to release energy and reset, thus entering the energy release and reset state. The direction of movement of the actuator 1 driving the contact system to perform the opening action is defined as the tripping direction R. With the aid of the reset force of the elastic element 2, the movable end 21 pushes the mating part 11 to move in the tripping direction R, thereby realizing the actuator 1 driving the contact system to open the circuit. (See also...) Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the tripping direction R is the rotation direction. Figure 2 The perspective is specifically reflected in the counterclockwise direction. The dotted line indicates that the active end 21 is in a state where it is limited by the latching part 31 and has not been triggered. At this time, the elastic element 2 is in an elastic energy storage state. The solid line indicates that the active end 21 is in the reset position. At this time, the elastic element 2 is in the energy release and reset state. During this process, the actuator 1 moves to drive the contact system to open.

[0035] When not disengaged, both the latching part 31 and the mating part 11 are positioned along the movement path of the movable end 21 during the energy release and reset process of the elastic member 2. More specifically, the latching part 31 and the mating part 11 are positioned on one side of the movable end 21 relative to its disengagement direction, so that the movable end 21 maintains an elastic energy-storing state under the abutment action of the latching part 31. During disengagement, the latching part 31 releases its abutment against the movable end 21, and the movable end 21 pushes the mating part 11 to move, thereby pushing the actuator 1 to move. Therefore, the force exerted by the movable end 21 on the mating part 11 is a thrust, and the reset member 2 is a compression spring in this case. In other embodiments, the movable end 21 can also drive the actuator 1 and its mating part 11 to move by a tension force, in which case the reset member 2 is a tension spring.

[0036] In order to ensure that the elastic force of the elastic element 2 can reliably drive the movement of the actuator 1, the elastic element is configured such that during the process of switching from the elastic energy storage state to the energy release and reset state, the elastic force of the movable end 21 acting on the mating part 11 has a component force along the tripping direction R.

[0037] The oscillating element 3 is connected to the base 4. The trigger element 3 is also connected to a shunt trip unit 5, and its oscillation is driven by the shunt trip unit 5, causing the latching part 31 to move closer to or further away from the movable end 21, thereby selectively abutting the movable end 21. In this embodiment, the shunt trip unit 5 is remotely controlled to facilitate remote control of the tripping operation. In other embodiments, the trigger element 3 can be controlled in other ways, such as manual control or a dedicated control circuit. Whether driven by a shunt trip unit or other control methods, the principles and methods are conventional techniques in the art and will not be elaborated here.

[0038] The trigger 3 includes a first end and a second end opposite to it. The latching part 31 is disposed between the first end and the second end. The first end of the trigger 3 is rotatably connected to the base 4 through the rotating shaft 32. The second end of the trigger 3 is disposed at the shunt trip 5 and is located at a position where the shunt trip 5 can function, so that the second end of the trigger 3 can approach or move away from the shunt trip 5 under the action of the shunt trip 5, driving the trigger 3 to rotate around its rotating shaft 32, thereby causing the latching part 31 to approach or move away from the movable end 21, so as to selectively abut against the movable end 21.

[0039] When the latching part 31 forms the reset limit of the movable end 21, the elastic element 2 cannot reset and remains in an elastically deformed state. During tripping, the latching part 31 moves to release the limit on the movable end 21, and the elastic force generated by the reset of the elastic element 2 acts on the mating part 11 to push the mating part 11 to move, thereby pushing the actuator 1 to move in the tripping direction R, driving the contact system to operate and open the circuit. When the elastic element 2 is in an elastically deformed state before tripping, the latching part 31 acts directly on the elastic element 2, making the force transmission simpler and the energy storage state of the elastic deformation of the elastic element 2 more stable. During tripping, the reset of the elastic element 2 directly pushes the actuator 1 to move, which is simple in structure and makes the force transmission simpler, making the tripping action faster and more efficient, thereby improving the reliability of the tripping operation and making the structural design of switchgear such as disconnect switches and circuit breakers more flexible, which is conducive to the miniaturization of switchgear.

[0040] The mating part 11 is located in the tripping direction R of the movable end 21, and the two abut against each other on one side in the tripping direction R. Thus, the movable end 21 pushes against the mating part 11 as it moves in the direction of energy release and reset. The mating part 11 and the movable end 21 form a one-sided abutment in the tripping direction R. When the movable end 21 is limited by the locking part 31, the mating part 11 can move independently along the tripping direction R. When the tripping mechanism is not required to operate, the actuator 1 can move freely with the contact system, and the elastic member 2 will not deform accordingly, making the connection and operation of the actuator 1 more flexible.

[0041] The mating part 11 is disposed radially offset from the axis of rotation of the actuator 1, so that the rotating member 1 can rotate around its axis of rotation under the push of the elastic member 2. Specifically, the actuator 1 includes a turntable part 12 and a shaft part 13. The turntable part 12 is disposed axially on the shaft part 13. The mating part 11 is a protruding structure disposed on the turntable part 12. A torsion spring is sleeved on the shaft part, and one end of the torsion spring extends radially outward to form a movable end 21. The snap-fit ​​part 31 is disposed offset relative to the mating part 11 axially on the shaft part 13. The movable end 21 of the torsion spring includes a radial segment 211 extending radially and an axial segment 212 extending axially, so that the movable end 21 is formed into a bent structure. The radial segment 211 of the movable end 21 abuts against the mating part 11, and the axial segment 212 of the movable end 21 abuts against the snap-fit ​​part 31. The movable end 21 is configured as a bent structure, simultaneously abutting against the mating part 11 and the snap-fit ​​part 31. This ensures the radial dimension of the actuator 1, i.e., the length of the lever arm, so that the actuator 1 receives sufficient torque. Furthermore, the bent structure of the movable end 21 is simple and easy to manufacture. One end of the torsion spring extends outward to form the movable end 21, which is located radially outside the rotating shaft part 13. The mating part 11 and the snap-fit ​​part 31 can be arranged along the axial direction of the rotating shaft part 13. The space radially outside the rotating shaft part 13 is used to arrange the snap-fit ​​part 31, bringing the trigger 3 and the actuator 1 closer together. The rotating shaft part 13 can then extend axially to connect to other components, such as a handle or motor for driving the actuator 1 to rotate. This optimizes the layout of the tripping mechanism, making the structure of the switchgear more compact and facilitating its miniaturization.

[0042] The latching part 31 includes an intersecting inclined side 311 and a limiting side 312. The limiting side 312 is perpendicular to the release direction R and is used to abut against the movable end 21 to limit the movable end 21. The inclined side 311 is located relative to the limiting side 312 in the release direction of the limiting side 312. The inclined side 311 extends obliquely in the direction of the movable end 21 to guide the movement of the movable end 21 during the process of the elastic member 2 switching to the elastic energy storage state. In this embodiment, the limiting side 312 is a straight side. The intersecting inclined side 311 and the limiting side 312 make the latching part 31 form a triangular structure. The limiting side 312 is perpendicular to the elastic force direction of the elastic member 2 in the elastic energy storage state, making the limiting of the movable end 21 more reliable and preventing the movable end 21 from automatically resetting due to vibration or other reasons, thus avoiding undesirable release. Of course, it is not required that the limiting edge 312 be strictly perpendicular to the tripping direction R. A small deviation is acceptable, that is, it can be approximately perpendicular to the tripping direction R, as long as it provides sufficient limitation for the movable end 21. In other embodiments, the limiting edge 312 can also be a non-straight edge structure, such as an arc-shaped edge recessed towards the tripping direction or a straight edge with a recess in the middle, similar to a straight edge, thereby providing sufficient limitation for the movable end 21, so that the latching part 31 is formed into a triangular structure.

[0043] The limiting edge 312 perpendicular to the direction of the elastic force provides more reliable limiting of the movable end 21. The inclined edge 311 facilitates the movable end 21 to be limited by the latching part 31 again when it is re-closed after tripping. The trigger 3 does not need to wait for the re-closing before returning to the position that limits the movable end 21, making the timing of the trigger 3's action more flexible.

[0044] The workflow of this utility model is as follows:

[0045] When tripping is required, the shunt trip unit 5 moves the second end of the trigger 3 away from the shunt trip unit 5, and the trigger 3 swings away from the elastic member 2, causing the latching part 31 to release its restriction on the movable end 21. The elastic member 2 then resets, causing the movable end 21 to move away from the elastic member 2. Figure 2 The tripping direction R is rotated, that is, from the position indicated by the dashed line to the position indicated by the solid line, which pushes the mating part 11 to rotate in the same direction, thereby causing the actuator 1 to rotate in the tripping direction R, driving the contact system to open. After the trip is completed, the shunt trip unit 5 causes the trigger element 3 to swing and reset, in preparation for the next trip.

[0046] When reclosing is required, the operator drives the actuator 1 to rotate in the opposite direction of tripping R. The mating part 11 pushes the movable end 21 to rotate in the same direction until the movable end 21 exceeds the inclined edge of the latching part 31. The limiting edge 312 of the latching part 31 abuts against the movable end 21 again, forming a limit on the movable end 21. The elastic member 2 remains in the deformed and energy-storing state.

[0047] Example 2

[0048] This utility model also discloses a switching device, including the tripping mechanism of Embodiment 1. The specific structure and principle of the tripping mechanism have been described in Embodiment 1 and will not be repeated here. See also... Figure 4 As shown, the switching device in this embodiment is a disconnecting switch, more specifically a multi-pole disconnecting switch. In other embodiments, the switching device can also be a circuit breaker. The handle 6 is connected to the actuator 1 and is used to rotate the actuator 1 after tripping to achieve reclosing.

[0049] Although the present invention has been specifically shown and described in conjunction with preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the remaining undescribed parts are prior art, and that all changes in form and detail made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tripping mechanism, characterized in that, include: An elastic element, one end of which is a movable end, is selectively placed in an energy-storing deformation state or an energy-releasing reset state by the reciprocating motion of the movable end. An actuator is provided with a mating part, which is located on the movement path of the movable end during the energy release and reset process of the elastic element. Thus, as the movable end moves in the direction of energy release and reset, it drives the mating part and thereby drives the actuator to perform a tripping action. and A trigger is provided with a latching part, which is selectively positioned in the energy release and reset direction of the movable end of the elastic member or deviated from that direction. By changing the action of the trigger, the latching part is made to abut against or disengage from the movable end, thereby selectively switching the energy storage deformation state or the energy release and reset state of the elastic member.

2. The tripping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The direction of movement of the actuator when performing the tripping action is defined as the tripping direction. The elastic element is configured such that, during the process of switching from the energy storage deformation state to the energy release reset state, the elastic force of the movable end acting on the mating part has a component force along the tripping direction.

3. The tripping mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mating part is located in the tripping direction of the movable end, and the two abut against each other on one side in the tripping direction, so that the movable end pushes against the mating part during the movement in the direction of energy release and reset.

4. The tripping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The actuator is a rotating component, including a turntable portion and a rotating shaft portion. The turntable portion is disposed axially on the rotating shaft portion and extends radially outward from the rotating shaft portion. The mating portion is a protruding structure disposed on the turntable portion. The elastic component is a torsion spring sleeved on the rotating component. The torsion spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft portion, and one end of the torsion spring extends radially outward to form the movable end.

5. A tripping mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The snap-fit ​​portion is offset from the mating portion in the axial direction of the rotating shaft portion. The movable end has a bent structure, including a radial segment extending radially and an axial segment extending axially. The radial segment of the movable end abuts against the mating portion, and the axial segment of the movable end abuts against the snap-fit ​​portion.

6. A tripping mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The latching part includes intersecting inclined sides and limiting sides. The limiting sides are used to abut against the movable end to limit the movable end. The inclined sides extend obliquely in the direction of the movable end to form a motion guide for the movable end during the process of the elastic element switching to the energy storage deformation state.

7. A tripping mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The limiting edge is perpendicular to the direction of the elastic force of the elastic element in the energy storage deformation state.

8. The tripping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first end of the trigger is oscillatingly connected to a base, and the second end of the trigger is connected to a shunt trip unit. The latching part is disposed between the first end and the second end of the trigger. The shunt trip unit drives the trigger to oscillate, thereby the latching part abuts against or disengages from the movable end.

9. A switching device, characterized in that: Includes the tripping mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A switching device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The switching device is a disconnecting switch or a circuit breaker.

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