Accessories for main switches

Abstract

The utility model relates to an accessory (100) for main switch, including handle (22), clutch (52), connecting piece (51), handle (22) can move between first position and second position, connecting piece (51) is used to gather the trip signal of main switch, clutch (52) cooperation handle (22)'s movement can realize the separation and contact with connecting piece (51). According to the accessory of the utility model, can adapt to multiple types of main switch through the introduction clutch structure, has promoted the versatility of accessory product, and the number of parts of clutch structure is few, only relies on handle and the clutch action of bias force application can realize clutch, has simplified the structure of accessory product greatly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of low-voltage electrical technology, and more specifically to an accessory for a main switch (such as a circuit breaker, a residual current device, etc.). Background Technology

[0002] Signal contacts (or alarm contacts) are common accessories for circuit protectors. They can be used with various main switches, such as miniature circuit breakers and residual current devices (RCDs), which are capable of connecting, carrying, and disconnecting current circuits. Functionally, signal contacts only issue alarm signals to indicate the occurrence of faults, such as short circuits or overloads, by connecting and disconnecting the moving and stationary contacts in the circuit where the main switch is located.

[0003] As industry requirements become more stringent, the demand for main switches across various sectors is increasing, and the design methods of different main switches vary greatly. Main switches can generally be divided into two types of design schemes: 1. The main switch handle and trip lever are mechanically linked, with the trip lever moving when the handle moves (see, for example, the structure disclosed in FR2980908B1); 2. There is no mechanical link between the main switch handle and trip lever, and the trip lever does not move when the handle moves (see, for example, the structure disclosed in DE102012001336B4).

[0004] When the first type of main switch is in the open position, the trip lever is in the first position. When the handle is turned to close the circuit, the trip lever will move to the second position due to its mechanical linkage with the handle. Similarly, when the handle is turned from the closed position to the open position, the trip lever will move from the second position to the first position in conjunction with the handle. Furthermore, when a fault occurs in the circuit containing the main switch, the trip lever moves from the second position to the first position, the main switch trips internally, and the handle automatically returns to the open position.

[0005] Regardless of whether the second type of main switch is in the open or closed position, the trip lever is always in the second position. Similarly, when a fault occurs in the circuit where the main switch is located, the trip lever moves from the second position to the first position, the main switch trips internally, and the handle automatically returns to the open position.

[0006] Traditional signal contacts either reference the motion relationship of a first-type main switch, ensuring that the handle and trip lever of the signal contact move in the same trajectory as the handle and trip lever of the main switch (this type of signal contact can be correspondingly called a first-type signal contact); or they reference a second-type main switch, ensuring that the trip lever of the signal contact is always in the second position, only moving from the second position to the first position when internal tripping occurs (this type of signal contact can be correspondingly called a second-type signal contact). This results in first-type signal contacts being unsuitable for second-type main switches, or second-type signal contacts being unsuitable for first-type main switches.

[0007] More specifically, the handle and trip lever of the signal contact are fixedly linked to the handle and trip lever of the corresponding main switch. Thus, when the first type of signal contact is used with the second type of main switch, when the main switch handle is manually opened, the signal contact handle also opens accordingly. Because of the mechanical linkage between the signal contact and its handle (since it is a first type signal contact), the trip lever of the signal contact moves from the second position to the first position. The trip lever of the main switch also moves from the second position to the first position along with the signal contact's trip lever, causing the main switch to trip. This results in the main switch tripping as soon as its handle is manually opened, preventing it from functioning like a normal second type main switch. When the second type of signal contact is used in conjunction with the first type of main switch, when the main switch handle is manually opened, it will cause the main switch's trip lever to move from the second position to the first position (because it is a first type of main switch). Consequently, the trip lever of the signal contact will also move from the second position to the first position along with the main switch's trip lever, causing the signal contact to trip and generate an alarm. However, this is a false alarm because the main switch is not tripped due to a circuit fault but is only manually opened. Therefore, the signal contact should not have issued an alarm. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this utility model is to solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems and / or other defects in the prior art, and in particular to provide a signal contact or other accessory that can be adapted to the first and second types of main switches.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an accessory for a main switch, including a handle, a clutch, and a connector. The handle can move between a first position and a second position. The connector is used to collect the tripping signal of the main switch. The clutch, in conjunction with the movement of the handle, can achieve separation and contact with the connector.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the movement of the handle, the clutch, and the connector is perpendicular to the axis of the handle.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the clutch is movable between a contact position and a disengagement position, and the movement of the handle from the first position to the second position can actuate the clutch to move it from the disengagement position to the contact position; the connector is movable in response to the tripping signal and actuates the clutch in the contact position but cannot actuate the clutch in the disengagement position.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the clutch is not actuated by the connecting member, it is supported by a fulcrum on the accessory housing and can pivot around the fulcrum.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fulcrum is a fixed pivot in the accessory housing, and the clutch includes a C-shaped mounting portion with an opening. When the clutch is not actuated by the connecting member, the fixed pivot is received in the C-shaped mounting portion, allowing the clutch to pivot around the fixed pivot. When the clutch is actuated by the connecting member, the C-shaped mounting portion can disengage from the fixed pivot through the opening. Alternatively, the fulcrum is a movable pivot in the accessory housing, and the clutch is fitted onto the movable pivot. When the clutch is not actuated by the connecting member, the clutch can pivot around the movable pivot. When the clutch is actuated by the connecting member, the clutch can drive the movable pivot to move together.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the clutch is in the disengaged position due to the biasing force, and the handle drives the clutch to overcome the biasing force and reach its contact position when moving from the first position to the second position.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the biasing force on the clutch is provided by a reset elastic element installed in the accessory housing or by a reset elastic arm of the clutch itself, or by a magnetic force.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the handle is pivotally movable between a first position and a second position, and includes a handle protrusion that engages and disengages with the clutch via pivoting motion when the handle is in the second position and the first position, respectively, so that the clutch is in the contact position and the disengaged position, respectively.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the handle protrusion is either flexible or rigid.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the handle protrusion and the accessory housing together define a movement channel for receiving the clutch member in a contact position, the clutch member moving along the movement channel when actuated by the connector.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connector includes a connecting end capable of engaging with the clutch member, the clutch member having a clutch end capable of engaging with the connecting end, a first protrusion being provided on the clutch end, the connecting end overlapping the first protrusion when engaging with the clutch end to prevent the clutch member from moving to its disengaged position with a predetermined resistance.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a second protrusion is provided on the surface of the clutch member facing the handle. When the handle protrusion pivots from a state engaged with the clutch member to a state disengaged from the clutch member, it can push the second protrusion to assist the clutch member in moving to its disengaged position.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the handle is operatively connected to the contact mechanism of the accessory via a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism includes a drive member. When the clutch is actuated by the connecting member to switch the on / off state of the contact mechanism, the handle drives the drive member back to its original position, and the drive member pushes the clutch member to the disengaged position.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the accessory further includes a conversion element pivotally fixed in the accessory housing, the conversion element including at least two arms extending radially outward and capable of synchronous pivoting, one arm being pivotable by the clutch element, and the other arm being operatively connected to the contact mechanism of the accessory.

[0023] In the accessory for a main switch according to this utility model, a novel clutch structure is designed and introduced. In this clutch structure, the clutch element, in conjunction with the movement of the accessory handle between a first position (e.g., non-closed position) and a second position (e.g., closed position), can separate from and contact the connecting piece used to collect the main switch tripping signal. Furthermore, the clutch element can be designed to be operatively connected to the contact mechanism in the accessory. Thus, only when the handle is in the closed position can the connecting piece, which moves in response to the main switch tripping signal, contact and actuate the clutch element, thereby actuating the contact mechanism to correctly indicate the main switch tripping. When the handle is in the non-closed position (normal open position or manual open state after the main switch is closed), the connecting piece separates from the clutch element and does not contact other components, thus preventing malfunction of the contact mechanism. The clutch element, through the handle and the connecting piece connected to the main switch tripping lever, can both create a linkage effect and separate from each other. Therefore, the accessory according to this utility model, by introducing a clutch structure, can be adapted to various types of main switches, improving the versatility of the accessory product. Moreover, the clutch mechanism has few parts, and the clutch action can be achieved by relying only on the handle and the clutch component that applies bias force, which greatly simplifies the structure of accessory products. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The various features and advantages of this utility model will become clear from the following detailed description provided with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following drawings are merely schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale, and therefore should not be considered as limitations on this utility model, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1This is a perspective view of an accessory for a main switch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the housing assembly shown in the attached document;

[0027] Figures 3 to 6 yes Figure 1 The attached document shows front views of its internal structure in different states.

[0028] Figure 7 and 8 They are Figure 1 The attached document shows the front view and exploded perspective view of the closing assembly;

[0029] Figure 9 and 10 They are Figure 1 The attached document shows a front view and a perspective view of the tripping assembly;

[0030] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 and 10 A perspective view of the clutch component in the trip assembly from another angle;

[0031] Figures 12 to 14 This is a front view of the internal structure of an accessory for a main switch in different states according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 15 yes Figures 12 to 14 An exploded 3D view of part of the internal structure of the attached part. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to enable those skilled in the art to more fully understand and implement the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that implementations of the present invention may not include some of these specific details. Furthermore, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described. Rather, the present invention can be conceived to be implemented with any combination of the features and elements described below, regardless of whether they relate to different embodiments. Therefore, the aspects, features, embodiments, and advantages described below are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as elements or limitations of the claims unless expressly set forth in the claims.

[0034] Where terms such as “first” and “second” are used below to describe the various elements of this application, these terms are used only to distinguish the elements and not to limit the nature, order or number of the elements. Terms such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and “having” are used to indicate open-ended inclusion and mean that there may be other elements / components besides those listed.

[0035] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, terms such as "connection," "linking," and "coupling" 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 direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. In this application, "operationally connected" means that the two objects are directly connected or indirectly connected through one or more intermediate media, so that the action of one object can cause the action of the other object. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] Figures 1 to 11 An embodiment of an accessory 100 for a main switch according to the present invention is shown. The main switch may be, for example, a miniature circuit breaker, and the accessory 100 in this embodiment may be, for example, a signal contact. The accessory 100 mainly includes a housing assembly, a closing assembly, and a tripping assembly.

[0037] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the housing assembly specifically includes a base 11, a cover plate 12, and four terminals 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d. The base 11 and cover plate 12, collectively referred to as the accessory housing in this application, can be pre-positioned and pre-fixed, for example, by multiple snap-fit ​​mechanisms 14 respectively provided on them, and then melted and fixed by, for example, multiple welding posts 15 provided on the base 11 protruding above the cover plate 12 passing through multiple corresponding mounting holes 16 opened on the cover plate 12, thereby achieving mutual fastening of the base 11 and cover plate 12. The four terminals 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d are pressed and fixed by the fastened base 11 and cover plate 12. Figure 2 As shown, Attachment 100 has an upper terminal 13a and a lower terminal 13c on the right side, and an upper terminal 13b and a lower terminal 13d on the left side.

[0038] like Figures 3 to 8 Especially Figure 7 and 8 As shown, the closing assembly includes a signal indicator 21, a handle 22, a handle connector 23, a drive component 24, a connecting rod 25, a moving contact bracket 26, a contact bridge 27, a handle torsion spring 31, a contact pressure spring 32, a bracket return spring 33, and a connecting rod return spring 34, etc.

[0039] Handle 22 can be fixedly linked with the handle of the main switch, and can be, for example, in the open position (e.g.) Figure 3 (as shown in the image) and the closing position (e.g.) Figure 4 The handle 22 can move between the positions shown. In this embodiment, the handle 22 may be generally annular and stacked with the signal indicator 21 having a central through hole 211, and both are fitted onto an axis 17 fixed to the base 11 and perpendicular to the plane defined by the base 11 as a whole (see Figure 17). Figure 2 The handle 22 is pivotable about axis 17 (which defines the axis of the handle 22) so as to move between the open and closed positions. The handle 22 can move the signal indicator 21 along the axis 17. Figures 3 to 8 The mechanism pivots counterclockwise around axis 17 in one direction, while the signal indicator 21 can drive the handle 22 to rotate along the same direction. Figures 3 to 8 The handle pivots unidirectionally about axis 17 in a clockwise direction. A handle torsion spring 31 is disposed in the signal indicator 21, one end fixed to the base 11, and the other end capable of applying an elastic biasing force to the signal indicator 21, causing it to rotate clockwise about axis 17 as shown in the figure. One end of the handle connector 23 ( Figures 3 to 8 The upper end of the handle connector 23 is inserted into the hole 212 on the signal indicator 21 and can rotate freely therein. Figures 3 to 8The lower end of the connecting rod 25 is inserted into the head opening 241 of the drive member 24 and can rotate freely therein. The drive member 24 can move freely up and down in a slot on the base 11, for example. The connecting rod 25 is fitted at its middle 253 onto a protruding shaft 242 extending from approximately the middle of the drive member 24 and can rotate freely about the protruding shaft 242. The connecting rod head 251 on the right side of the connecting rod 25 engages with the moving contact bracket 26, and the connecting rod tail 252 on the left side of the connecting rod 25 engages with the locking rod 54 in the tripping assembly described below. The connecting rod 25 also has a connecting rod reset portion 254 that engages with the connecting rod reset spring 34 and is subjected to an upward reset force applied by the connecting rod reset spring 34 at the connecting rod reset portion 254. The moving contact bracket 26 can also move freely up and down in another slot on the base 11 and has a bracket head 261. A bracket reset spring 33 is disposed between the bracket head 261 and the base 11 to apply an upward reset force to the moving contact bracket 26. The moving contact support 26 is equipped with, for example, two contact bridges 27, one above the other, each carrying two moving contacts. A contact pressure spring 32 is provided between each contact bridge 27 and the moving contact support 26 to provide contact holding force. The moving contacts on each contact bridge 27 are driven by the moving contact support 27 to move up and down, selectively connecting or disconnecting with terminals 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d, thereby forming the contact mechanism of accessory 100. In general, the handle 22 is operatively connected to the contact mechanism via a transmission mechanism consisting of, but not limited to, components such as the handle connector 23, drive member 24, connecting rod 25, and moving contact support 26.

[0040] like Figures 3 to 6 and Figure 9 and 10 As shown, the tripping assembly includes a connector 51, a clutch 52, a conversion component 53, a locking rod 54, and tripping torsion springs 61, clutch torsion springs 62, and locking torsion springs 64.

[0041] The connector 51 can be used to acquire the trip signal of the main switch, for which it is connected and linked to, for example, the trip lever or trip mechanism of the main switch, and thus can move in response to the trip signal of the main switch. In this regard, the connector 51 can be considered as the "tripping component" of accessory 100. The connector 51 can slide within a slot opened in the base 11, and within the tripping torsion spring 61 (see...) Figure 3 Under the action of the torsion spring 61, it is biased towards an upward position. In this embodiment, the connector 51 can be configured to be generally arc-shaped and slide within the arc-shaped groove. When a trip signal from the main switch is received, the connector 51, for example, in conjunction with the trip lever of the main switch, overcomes the biasing force of the trip torsion spring 61 along the direction of the trip. Figures 3 to 6 It slides counterclockwise as in position 9 (i.e., moves from the upper position to the lower position). In this embodiment, the connector 51 is provided with a connecting end 511 at its upper end.

[0042] Especially refer to Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the clutch element 52 has a clutch end 521 on its right side. The clutch element 52 can be in the contact position (e.g., Figure 4 (as shown in the image) and separation position (e.g.) Figure 3 The clutch 521 moves between the positions shown. In the contact position, the clutch end 521 is positioned lower (i.e., sunken), so that when the connector 51 moves counterclockwise in response to the trip signal of the main switch, the connector end 511 can contact or engage with the clutch end 521 and thus actuate the clutch 52, for example, pushing the clutch 52 as a whole to move approximately to the left in this embodiment. In the disengaged position, the clutch end 521 is positioned higher (i.e., tilted up), so that when the connector 51 moves in response to the trip signal of the main switch, the connector end 511 cannot contact the clutch end 521 and any other part of the clutch 52, and therefore the clutch 52 is not actuated.

[0043] To facilitate movement of the clutch 52 between the contact and disengagement positions, the clutch 52 may, for example, be configured to be supported by a fulcrum in the accessory housing (e.g., on the base 11) when not actuated by the connecting member 51, and to be pivotable about this fulcrum. In this embodiment, the fulcrum may be a fixed pivot 18 in the accessory housing (e.g., provided on the base 11). (Refer to...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 In contrast, the clutch 52 can switch between an engaged position and a disengaged position by pivoting around a fulcrum in the form of a fixed pivot 18. Furthermore, especially as... Figure 9 and 10 As shown, the clutch 52, for example, includes a C-shaped mounting portion 522 with an opening 5221 at a position slightly to the left of its center. When the clutch 52 is not actuated by the connector 51, a fulcrum in the form of a fixed pivot 18 is received in the C-shaped mounting portion 522 so that the clutch 52 can pivot about this fulcrum (see [reference]). Figure 3 , 4 And 6). When the clutch 52 is actuated by the connector 51, the C-shaped mounting portion 522 can disengage from the fixed pivot 18 via the opening 5221 (see 6). Figure 5 ).

[0044] The clutch 52 is normally biased in its disengaged position. For this purpose, a biasing force can be applied to the clutch 52 to bias it toward the disengaged position. This biasing force can be provided, for example, by a reset spring mounted in the accessory housing. In this embodiment, a clutch torsion spring 62 is used as the reset spring. The clutch torsion spring 62 is mounted, for example, on the shift member 53 and is always engaged with the clutch tail 523 on the left side of the clutch 52 to apply a biasing force to the clutch 52 that tends to bias it toward the disengaged position. In other embodiments, the biasing force can also be a mechanical force applied to the clutch 52 by other objects, or other forms of force. For example, the clutch 52 itself can have a reset arm extending from it and, for example, abutting against a suitable location on the accessory housing, by which the biasing force biasing the clutch 52 toward the disengaged position is provided. In another embodiment, the biasing force can be a magnetic force acting on the clutch 52. For this purpose, the clutch 52 can be made of, for example, a magnetic material, and a magnet is provided in the accessory housing near the clutch 52, for example, capable of applying a magnetic repulsive force or magnetic attraction to it. This magnetic repulsive force or magnetic attraction can then be used as a biasing force to bias the clutch 52 toward the disengaged position. When biased in the disengaged position, the clutch 52 can abut against a suitable structure in the accessory housing; as an example, the clutch 52 can abut against the handle 22 or the signal indicator 21, for example, via the clutch end 521.

[0045] The movement of the clutch 52 from the disengaged position to the engaged position can be caused by the handle 22. More specifically, the handle 22 can move between a first position and a second position, and the movement of the handle 22 from the first position to the second position can drive the clutch 52 to overcome the aforementioned biasing force and move from the disengaged position to the engaged position. The handle 22 is designed to move between an open position and a closed position, for example, pivoting between these two positions in this embodiment. The first position of the handle 22 can be the open position, and the second position can be the closed position, but is not limited thereto. The first position and the second position can also be, for example, any two positions between the open and closed positions of the handle 22, wherein the first position is closer to the open position and the second position is closer to the closed position, as long as the handle 22 can drive or actuate the clutch 52 to switch it from the disengaged position to the engaged position during the movement from the first position to the second position. In other words, when the handle 22 is in the first position, the clutch 52 is in the disengaged position, and when the handle 22 moves to the second position, the clutch 52 has correspondingly reached the engaged position.

[0046] During movement from a first position to a second position, the handle 22 can drive the clutch 52 toward its contact position via any portion of it. After the clutch 52 is driven to the contact position, the handle 22 (e.g., the portion actuating the clutch 52) together with the accessory housing (e.g., a protrusion on the base 11 located below the clutch 52) defines a movement channel that receives the clutch 52 in the contact position, so that the clutch 52, when actuated by the connector 51, can only move in a controlled manner along a path or trajectory defined by the movement channel. In this embodiment, the handle 22 may have a handle protrusion 221 extending from its outer periphery, through which the clutch 52 is driven. The handle protrusion 221 pivots with the pivoting of the handle 22 and, in this embodiment, may include a flexible elastic arm and a cam-shaped end located at the free end of the elastic arm that can directly engage the clutch 52. When the handle protrusion 221 is in the first position, it disengages from the clutch 52, and the clutch 52 is thus in its disengaged position under the biasing force acting on it (e.g., Figure 3 As shown), when the handle 22 pivots to the second position, the handle protrusion 221 also pivots accordingly to engage with the clutch 52, thereby driving the clutch 52 to its contact position (e.g., as shown). Figure 4 (As shown). After the clutch 52 is driven to the contact position, the handle protrusion 221, together with the accessory housing, defines the aforementioned movement channel for controlled movement of the clutch 52 when actuated by the connected member 51. As the handle protrusion 221 engages with the clutch 52 as the handle 22 pivots from the first position to the second position, the elasticity of its elastic arm allows its cam-shaped end to flexibly push against the clutch 52, thereby eliminating the fit clearance between the handle 22, the clutch 52, and related components, thus improving the product performance of the accessory 100. Of course, the handle protrusion 221 does not necessarily have to be a flexible structure including the elastic arm as described above, but can also be constructed as rigid (e.g., including a rigid arm and a cam-shaped end located at the free end of the rigid arm), as long as it can drive the clutch 52 to the contact position.

[0047] Reference Figures 3 to 6 and especially Figures 9 to 11As shown, the clutch tail 523 of the clutch member 52, in addition to always engaging with the clutch torsion spring 62, can also engage with the converter 53 when the clutch member 52 is actuated by the connector 51. The converter 53 is pivotally fixed in the accessory housing, for example, pivotally mounted on a fixed pivot extending from the base 11. The converter 53 includes at least two arms extending radially outward and capable of synchronous pivoting, wherein the first arm 531 is engaged and driven to pivot by the clutch tail 523 when the clutch member 52 is actuated by the connector 51, and the second arm 532 is operatively connected to the contact mechanism of the accessory 100. In this embodiment, the converter 53 may also include a third arm 533 on which the clutch torsion spring 62 can be mounted.

[0048] A protruding shaft 541 on the locking rod 54 (see Figure 10 The locking lever 54 is inserted into a corresponding hole on the base 11, allowing it to rotate about the protruding axis. The upper part of the locking lever 54 engages with the second arm 532 of the conversion member 53, and the lower part engages with the locking torsion spring 64, receiving a force from the locking torsion spring 64 that tends to rotate it counterclockwise.

[0049] The following is especially relevant Figures 3 to 6 Explanation of the working process and principle of Annex 100 according to this embodiment:

[0050] Figure 3 The diagram shows that Attachment 100 is in the open state. At this time, the handle 22 and signal indicator 21 are positioned to the right, indicating the open position; the moving contact bracket 26 is positioned higher, and the moving contact of the upper contact bridge 27 is separated from the upper terminals 13a and 13b, thus not forming a energized circuit and therefore no signal is output. Simultaneously, the moving contact of the lower contact bridge 27 is in contact with the lower terminals 13c and 13d, forming a energized circuit, jointly indicating the corresponding state of the main switch. In this embodiment, the moving contact of the contact mechanism of Attachment 100 is designed as a single-open, single-closed type; however, this invention is not limited to this, and the contact mechanism can also be designed as a double-open, double-closed, or other forms according to specific needs. Figure 3 In the open position shown, the connecting piece 51 is positioned higher under the action of the tripping torsion spring 61, while the clutch piece 52, under the biasing force of the clutch torsion spring 62, has its right clutch end 521 raised and abutting against the handle 22, thus being in its disengaged position.

[0051] Next, the handle 22 rotates counterclockwise towards the closed position, simultaneously causing the signal indicator 21 to rotate counterclockwise to the left. The handle connector 23 is correspondingly driven by the signal indicator 21, synchronously pressing down the drive member 24. The drive member 24 then drives the connecting rod 25 to overcome the force of the connecting rod return spring 34 and press down. At this time, the connecting rod tail 252 on the left side of the connecting rod 25 engages with the locking rod 54, thus fixing the left side of the connecting rod 25. Continuing to rotate the handle 22 and signal indicator 21 counterclockwise allows the handle connector 23, drive member 24, and connecting rod 25 to further overcome the force of the bracket return spring 33 by means of the connecting rod head 251 on the right side of the connecting rod 25, thus pressing down the moving contact bracket 26. Once the handle 22 has rotated counterclockwise to its final position, the handle 22 and signal indicator 21 are in position. Figure 4 In the closed position shown, the upward thrust on the handle connector 23 maintains the stability of the entire transmission mechanism. The moving contact bracket 26 is pressed down, causing the moving contact of the upper contact bridge 27 to contact the upper terminals 13a and 13b to form an energized circuit. At the same time, the moving contact of the lower contact bridge 27 separates from the lower terminals 13c and 13d and does not output a signal, thus the accessory 100 is in the closed state and indicates that the main switch is in the corresponding state. During the process of rotating the handle 22 from the open position to the closed position as described above, the handle protrusion 221 pivots from disengaging from the clutch 52 to engaging with the clutch 52 and pressing down on the clutch 52, causing the clutch 52 to overcome the biasing force of the clutch torsion spring 62 and pivot about the fulcrum in the form of a fixed pivot 18. As a result, the clutch end 521 sinks and separates from the handle 22, thereby driving the clutch 52 to its position as shown by the handle protrusion 221. Figure 4 The contact position shown indicates that the handle protrusion 221, together with the accessory housing, defines a movement channel for receiving the clutch 52.

[0052] When Attachment 100 is in Figure 4 In the closed state shown, if the main switch trips, the connecting member 51 will pivot towards a lower position in response to the trip signal, overcoming the force of the trip torsion spring 61. Consequently, the connecting member 51 will engage with the clutch end 521 of the clutch member 52, which is in the contact position, via its connecting end 511, causing the entire clutch member 52 to move to the left within the aforementioned movement channel. Here, when the connecting end 511 engages with the clutch end 521 and pushes the clutch member 52 to the left, the biasing force of the clutch torsion spring 62 tends to cause the clutch end 521 to tilt upwards, thus posing a risk that the clutch end 521 may slip upwards relative to the connecting end 511, causing the clutch member 52 to move towards the disengaged position. Therefore, as... Figure 11As shown, an optional first protrusion 5211 can be provided on the clutch end 521, and the connecting end 511 can overlap the first protrusion 5211 when engaging with the clutch end 521, thereby preventing the clutch end 521 from tilting up and causing the clutch member 52 to move to its disengaged position with predetermined resistance. When the clutch member 52 moves to the left in the aforementioned movement channel, its left clutch tail 523 engages with the first arm 531 of the conversion member 53 and drives the arm and the entire conversion member 53 to pivot counterclockwise. The second arm 532 of the conversion member 53 also pivots counterclockwise synchronously accordingly. As described above, the second arm 532 of the conversion member 53 is operatively connected to the contact mechanism of the accessory 100. By way of example and not limitation, in this embodiment, the counterclockwise pivoting of the second arm 532 of the converter 53 will push the locking rod 54, which cooperates with it, to overcome the force of the locking torsion spring 64 and pivot clockwise around the protruding shaft 541 of the locking rod 54. The clockwise pivoting of the locking rod 54 will cause the connecting rod tail 252, which was originally engaged with the locking rod 54, to separate from the locking rod 54. As a result, the connecting rod head 251 will be unable to suppress the upward restoring force of the support return spring 33 via the moving contact support 26. As a result, the moving contact support 26 moves upward under the action of the support return spring 33, thereby driving the connecting rod 25 to pivot counterclockwise around the protruding shaft 242 on the drive member 24. This will cause the connecting rod reset part 254 to compress the connecting rod return spring 34. The upward movement of the moving contact support 26 causes the moving contact of the upper contact bridge 27 to separate from the upper terminals 13a and 13b, thus preventing the formation of a energized circuit and preventing signal output. Simultaneously, the moving contact of the lower contact bridge 27 contacts the lower terminals 13c and 13d, forming a energized circuit (i.e., each moving contact moves from...). Figure 4 The on / off state shown has been switched back to Figure 3 (As shown in the on / off state), a fault signal is output. At this time, accessory 100 arrives. Figure 5 The tripped state is shown.

[0053] When the moving contact bracket 26 moves upward and drives the connecting rod 25 to pivot counterclockwise, the upward thrust exerted by the connecting rod 25 on the driving member 24 and the handle connecting member 23 decreases. Consequently, the force exerted by the handle connecting member 23 on the signal indicator 21 to keep it stably in place decreases. Therefore, under the elastic biasing force of the handle torsion spring 31, the signal indicator 21 drives the handle 22 to rotate clockwise and eventually returns to its original position. Figure 1The circuit breaker position is shown. When the signal indicator 21 and handle 22 are rotated clockwise, they drive the drive member 24 upward via the handle connector 23, and the return drive member 24 then drives the connecting rod 25 upward. Simultaneously, the connecting rod return spring 34 pushes the connecting rod 25 upward, while the passive contact bracket 26 of the connecting rod head 251 abuts against its original position, thereby raising the connecting rod tail 252 to re-engage with the locking lever 54. When the drive member 24 moves upward to its final stage, the top protrusion 243 of the drive member 24 (see...) Figure 8 This will engage with clutch element 52 and lift its clutch end 521, thereby pushing clutch element 52 to help it reach its disengaged position. Finally, all components in Annex 100 return to their original positions. Figure 1 The circuit breaker is shown in the tripped state.

[0054] The following is especially referenced Figure 6 This describes the manual tripping state of Appendix 100. In this state, handle 22 is... Figure 4 The closed position shown is pivoted clockwise to the right open position (this state is generally triggered by the main switch, which cooperates with accessory 100, being manually opened), while the signal indicator 21 is not moved by the handle 22 and remains on the left. Therefore, the positions of the moving contact bracket 26 and the contact bridge 27, which are operatively connected to the signal indicator 21, and the corresponding moving contact will not be relative to the position of the open position. Figure 4 When the state changes, accessory 100 will no longer output a fault signal. Because handle 22 pivots clockwise, handle protrusion 221 also pivots clockwise, thus changing from being engaged with clutch 52 to disengaging from clutch 52. Consequently, clutch 52, under the biasing force of clutch torsion spring 62, will spontaneously move to its disengaged position, causing clutch end 521 to lift up. Here, especially as... Figure 11 As shown, the clutch 52 may also have an optional second protrusion 524 on its surface facing the handle 22. When the handle protrusion 221 pivots from the engaged state to the disengaged state of the clutch 52, it pushes against the second protrusion 524 (i.e., the cam-shaped end of the handle protrusion 221 presses down on the second protrusion 524 as it passes by). This helps the clutch end 521 to tilt upwards first, thereby assisting the clutch 52 in moving towards its disengaged position. (As shown in Appendix 100...) Figure 6In the manual tripping state shown, this means that the main switch handle has been manually tripped. For the first type of main switch, the manual tripping operation of its handle will cause its trip lever to move from the second position to the first position. This movement will cause the connecting piece 51 connected to the main switch trip lever to move to a lower position. However, no part of the connecting piece 51, including its connecting end 511, can contact the clutch 52 in the disengaged position. Therefore, the clutch 52 cannot be actuated, and thus the changeover piece 53 and the contact mechanism operatively connected to it will not be actuated. This effectively prevents the contact mechanism from erroneously issuing a fault alarm signal due to the manual tripping operation of the main switch.

[0055] As can be seen from the above, in the accessory 100 for the main switch according to this utility model, only when the handle 22 is in the second position or the closed position can the connecting member 51, which moves in response to the main switch tripping signal, contact the clutch member 52 and actuate the clutch member 52, thereby actuating the contact mechanism through the clutch member to correctly indicate the tripping of the main switch. When the handle 22 is in the first position or the non-closed position (normal open position or manual open state after the main switch is closed), the connecting member 51 is separated from the clutch member 52 and will not contact other components, thus preventing malfunction of the contact mechanism. The clutch member 52 can be linked with the connecting member 51 connected to the main switch tripping lever by means of the handle 22, and can also be separated from each other. Therefore, the accessory 100 according to this utility model can be adapted to various types of main switches by introducing a clutch structure, improving the versatility of the accessory product. Moreover, the clutch structure has few components, and the clutch action can be achieved by only the handle and the clutch member with applied bias force, greatly simplifying the structure of the accessory product.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the clutch 52 is supported by a fulcrum in the form of a fixed pivot 18 in the accessory housing and is capable of pivoting about this fulcrum. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Figures 12 to 15 In another embodiment shown, the fulcrum may be a movable pivot 19 in the accessory housing. See especially... Figure 15 A slider 191 can be connected to the movable pivot 19, and the slider 191 is embedded in a slide rail 192 formed on the base 11 and can slide along the slide rail 192, thereby realizing the mobility of the movable pivot 19. The slide rail 192 can be, for example, in the form of... Figure 15The clutch 52 is mounted on the movable pivot 19, for example, through a through hole 525 provided in its left side portion, and is capable of pivoting about the movable pivot 19. For example, when the clutch 52 is not actuated by the connecting member 51, the clutch 52 can switch between a disengaged position and an engaged position by pivoting about the movable pivot 19. When the clutch 52 is actuated by the connecting member 51, the clutch 52 can drive the movable pivot 19 to move along the slide 192, thereby actuating the switching member 53, etc. In addition to the movable pivot 19, the slider 191 and the slide 192, and the mounting method of the clutch 52 relative to the movable pivot 19, Figures 12 to 15 The other embodiment shown is similar to Figures 3 to 11 The embodiments shown are identical in all other respects. Figures 12 to 14 The open, closed, and tripped states of Annex 100 according to this other embodiment are shown respectively, corresponding to the states in the above embodiments. Figures 3 to 5 The states shown will not be described in detail here.

[0057] In the above embodiments, the handle 22, clutch 52, and connector 51 are all designed such that their movement is perpendicular to the axis defined by shaft 17 of the handle 22. This facilitates the configuration of the accessory 100 with a smaller dimension in the direction of this axis of the handle 22, thereby providing a compact accessory 100. Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto; the movement of the handle, clutch, and connector in any plane in three-dimensional space is possible, as long as their respective basic functions as described above are achieved.

[0058] In the above embodiments, the handle 22 is capable of pivoting between the open and closed positions or between the first and second positions. However, other movement paths or trajectories of the handle 22 besides pivoting, as well as corresponding shapes / structures, are also possible. In the above embodiments, the generally arc-shaped connector 51 moves along an arc-shaped trajectory. However, the connector 51 can also be designed to have other forms of movement trajectories and corresponding shapes / structures, as long as it can move in response to the tripping signal of the main switch.

[0059] In the above embodiments, a biasing force is applied to the clutch 52 to enable it to automatically bias into the disengaged position; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it is conceivable that the clutch 52 may also be designed to have a linkage with the handle 22, so that when the handle 22 moves from the second position to the first position, the movement of the handle 22 drives the clutch 52 from the contact position to the disengaged position; or, the clutch 52 may even be designed to be connected to a manual operating mechanism, so that the clutch 52 can be moved to the disengaged position manually when it is in the contact position.

[0060] The above description uses a signal contact as an example to illustrate the accessories according to this utility model, but the utility model is not limited thereto. Accessories according to this utility model can also be auxiliary contacts or auxiliary signal combination contacts, shunt trip units, over / under voltage protectors, etc. Furthermore, the main switch to which the accessories according to this utility model are applicable is not limited to miniature circuit breakers, but can also be other types of circuit breakers (such as molded case circuit breakers) or residual current devices, or any electrical device with a tripping mechanism capable of sending a tripping signal to the accessories.

[0061] Various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments disclosed above without departing from the scope or spirit of this invention. Other embodiments of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the practice of this invention disclosed in this specification. This specification and the examples disclosed herein should be considered illustrative only, and the true scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An accessory (100) for a main switch, characterized in that... The device includes a handle (22), a clutch (52), and a connector (51). The handle (22) can move between a first position and a second position. The connector (51) is used to collect the tripping signal of the main switch. The clutch (52), in conjunction with the movement of the handle (22), can separate from and contact the connector (51). The clutch (52) is movable between a contact position and a disengagement position. The movement of the handle (22) from the first position to the second position can actuate the clutch (52) to move it from the disengagement position to the contact position. The connector (51) is movable in response to the trip signal and actuates the clutch (52) in the contact position but cannot actuate the clutch (52) in the disengagement position.

2. The accessory (100) for the main switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movement of the handle (22), the clutch (52) and the connector (51) is perpendicular to the axis of the handle (22).

3. The accessory (100) for the main switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, When not actuated by the connector (51), the clutch (52) is supported by a fulcrum on the accessory housing and is able to pivot around the fulcrum.

4. The accessory (100) for the main switch according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fulcrum is a fixed pivot (18) in the accessory housing. The clutch (52) includes a C-shaped mounting portion (522) with an opening (5221). When the clutch (52) is not actuated by the connector (51), the fixed pivot (18) is received in the C-shaped mounting portion (522), allowing the clutch (52) to pivot about the fixed pivot (18). When the clutch (52) is actuated by the connector (51), the C-shaped mounting portion (522) can disengage from the fixed pivot (18) through the opening (5221). or The fulcrum is the movable pivot (19) in the accessory housing. The clutch (52) is fitted on the movable pivot (19). When the clutch (52) is not actuated by the connector (51), the clutch can pivot around the movable pivot (19). When the clutch (52) is actuated by the connector (51), the clutch can drive the movable pivot (19) to move together.

5. The accessory (100) for the main switch according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The clutch (52) is in the disengaged position due to the biasing force, and the handle (22) drives the clutch (52) to overcome the biasing force and reach its contact position when moving from the first position to the second position.

6. The accessory (100) for the main switch according to claim 5, characterized in that, The biasing force on the clutch (52) is provided by the reset elastic force provided by the reset elastic element (62) installed in the accessory housing or by the reset elastic arm of the clutch itself, or by magnetic force.

7. The accessory (100) for the main switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The handle (22) is pivotally movable between the first position and the second position, and includes a handle protrusion (221) that engages and disengages with the clutch (52) by pivoting motion when the handle (22) is in the second position and the first position, respectively, so that the clutch is in the contact position and the disengaged position, respectively.

8. The accessory (100) for the main switch according to claim 7, characterized in that, The handle protrusion (221) can be flexible or rigid.

9. The accessory (100) for the main switch according to claim 7, characterized in that, The handle protrusion (221) together with the accessory housing defines a movement channel for receiving the clutch (52) in the contact position, the clutch (52) moving along the movement channel when actuated by the connector (51).

10. The accessory (100) for the main switch according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connector (51) includes a connecting end (511) capable of engaging with the clutch (52), the clutch (52) having a clutch end (521) capable of engaging with the connecting end (511), a first protrusion (5211) provided on the clutch end, the connecting end (511) overlapping the first protrusion (5211) when engaging with the clutch end (521) to prevent the clutch (52) from moving to its disengaged position with a predetermined resistance.

11. The accessory (100) for the main switch according to claim 9, characterized in that, The clutch (52) has a second protrusion (524) on its surface facing the handle (22). When the handle protrusion (221) pivots from a state engaged with the clutch (52) to a state disengaged from the clutch, it can push the second protrusion (524) to assist the clutch in moving to its disengaged position.

12. The accessory (100) for the main switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The handle (22) is operatively connected to the contact mechanism of the accessory (100) via a transmission mechanism, the transmission mechanism including a drive member (24). When the clutch member (52) is actuated by the connector (51) to switch the on / off state of the contact mechanism, the handle (22) drives the drive member (24) back to its original position, and the drive member (24) pushes the clutch member (52) to its disengaged position.

13. The accessory (100) for the main switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also includes a conversion element (53) pivotally fixed in the accessory housing, the conversion element comprising at least two arms extending radially outward and capable of synchronous pivoting, one arm being pivotable by the clutch (52), and the other arm being operatively connected to the contact mechanism of the accessory (100).

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