Switching device

Abstract

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to the electrical field, specifically to a switching device. The disclosure provides a switching device, including: a tripping trigger member; a first protection module, configured to be able to actuate the tripping trigger member; a second protection module, provided with a thermo-magnetic tripping member and a latch member configured to engage with each other, wherein, upon a temperature of the second protection module exceeding a temperature threshold and / or a second protection current flowing through the second protection module exceeding a second protection current threshold, the latch member moves, so that the thermo-magnetic tripping member disengages from the latch member and moves away from the latch member from a latched position in which the thermo-magnetic tripping member is latched with the latch member to a tripped position; a connection member, provided with a first part and a second part, the first part is matched with the thermo-magnetic tripping member, so that a movement of the thermo-magnetic tripping member from the latched position to the tripped position drives the connection member to move from a first position to a second position, and the second part is matched with the tripping trigger member, so that a movement of the connection member from the first position to the second position actuates the tripping trigger member, the second protection module is independent of the first protection module.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the electrical field, specifically to a switching device.BACKGROUND

[0002] Using electromagnetic force to realize circuit protection is a common technical means. When there is a short-circuit fault in the circuit, the current will increase sharply. In this case, the electromagnetic force generated by the electromagnet will overcome the tension of the reaction spring, so that the armature will be attracted, and the free switching device will be actuated by a transmission mechanism to release the main contact, so that the main contact will be separated under the action of the opening spring, which will cut off the circuit and play the role of short-circuit protection. Especially, if the circuit needs short-circuit protection. By detecting the current change in the circuit, when the current exceeds the predetermined value, the circuit is quickly cut off to protect the equipment and personal safety.

[0003] Thermal tripping is an overload tripping that acts according to the thermal effect of the current flowing through the thermal protection module. For example, according to the existing technical solution, when the circuit passes normal current, the heating element bends the bimetal to a certain extent and reaches a dynamic equilibrium state. If overload occurs, the current in the line increases, the bimetal continues to bend, and then the free switching device is actuated by the transmission mechanism to release the main contact, and the main contact is separated under the action of the opening spring, thus playing the role of overload protection.

[0004] For some switching device with magnetic tripping function, some users also want to add thermal tripping function to the existing magnetic tripping function, especially the thermal threshold of the thermal tripping function can be adjusted. Moreover, the resistance to be overcome by the electromagnetic tripping mechanism of these switching devices may be constant, that is, the threshold current corresponding to the tripping action is constant. For some users, it is desirable that the magnetic tripping is adjustable. However, if the thermal protection function is added and the thresholds corresponding to thermal tripping and magnetic tripping are adjustable, it is needed to redesign and manufacture the structure of the whole existing switching device, which is time-consuming, laborious and costly.

[0005] Therefore, a new switching device is needed to solve these problems.SUMMARY

[0006] The purpose of the present disclosure is to at least solve the defects in the existing art. The present disclosure provides a switching device, including: a tripping trigger member, being able to be actuated to trigger a tripping operation to cause the switching device to open; a first protection module, configured to be able to actuate the tripping trigger member; a second protection module, provided with a thermo-magnetic tripping member and a latch member configured to engage with each other, upon a temperature of the second protection module exceeding a temperature threshold and / or a second protection current flowing through the second protection module exceeding a second protection current threshold, the latch member moves, so that the thermo-magnetic tripping member disengages from the latch member and moves away from the latch member from a latched position in which the thermo-magnetic tripping member is latched with the latch member to a tripped position, a connection member, provided with a first part and a second part, the first part is matched with the thermo-magnetic tripping member, so that a movement of the thermo-magnetic tripping member from the latched position to the tripped position drives the connection member to move from a first position to a second position, and the second part is matched with the tripping trigger member, so that a movement of the connection member from the first position to the second position actuates the tripping trigger member, the second protection module is independent of the first protection module.

[0007] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second protection module includes an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust values of the temperature threshold and the second protection current threshold.

[0008] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the thermo-magnetic tripping member is further provided with a biasing member, and the biasing member biases the thermo-magnetic tripping member to the tripped position.

[0009] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a movement of the connection member from the second position to the first position drives the thermo-magnetic tripping member to move from the tripped position to the latched position to re-engage with the latch member.

[0010] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the switching device further includes: an operating handle, pivotally installed to a housing of the switching device, the operating handle moves between a closed position and an open position to cause the switching device to close or open, and the operating handle is provided with a reset part, the connection member further includes a third part, the third part is able to abut against the reset part, upon the operating handle moving to the open position in a direction from the closed position to the open position, the reset part abuts against the third part to drive the connection member to move from the second position to the first position.

[0011] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the connection member is configured to move linearly along a first direction, the thermo-magnetic tripping member is configured to move pivotally, and the first part and the second part are respectively arranged at two ends of the connection member in the first direction.

[0012] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the third part includes an inclined surface, and the reset part abuts against the inclined surface with pivoting of the operating handle to drive the connection member to move linearly in the first direction.

[0013] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first protection module is configured to actuate the tripping trigger member upon the current flowing through the first protection module exceeding a first protection current threshold.

[0014] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first protection current threshold of the first protection module is a fixed value.

[0015] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the switching device is a circuit breaker.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Fig. 1 shows a schematic plan view of a switching device in a normally closed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from a first perspective; Fig. 2 shows a schematic plan view of a switching device in a tripping state of a thermo-magnetic tripping member and a latch member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from a first perspective; Fig. 3 shows a schematic plan view of a switching device after a tripping trigger member is actuated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from a first perspective; Fig. 4 shows a schematic plan view of a switching device in which a reset part abuts against a connection member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from a second perspective opposite to the first perspective; Fig. 5 shows a schematic plan view of a switching device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from a second perspective, where a movement of an operating handle from a position of Fig. 4 to an open position causes the thermo-magnetic tripping member to re-engage with a latch member; Fig. 6 shows a schematic plan view of a switching device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from a second perspective, where an operating handle moves from an open position shown in Fig. 5 to a closed position; and Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a connection member. Reference numerals :

[0017] 1-shell, 2-second protection module, 21-thermo-magnetic release latch member, 211-hook part, 212-abutting part, 22-latch member, 3-connection member, 31-first part, 32-second part, 33-third part, 331-inclined surface, 4-operating handle, 41-reset part, 5-tripping trigger member DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In order to make the purpose, technical details and advantages of the technical solution of the present disclosure more clear, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described clearly and completely with the accompanying drawings of specific embodiments of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, the terms used herein have the ordinary meaning in the art. Like reference numerals in the drawings represent like parts.

[0019] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connecting" and "connection" should be broadly understood, for example, they can be fixed connection, detachable connection or integrated connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected, can also be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and can be connected inside two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood in specific situations.

[0020] The present disclosure provides a switching device, which may include a first protection module (not shown) and a second protection module 2, and a connection member 3 for connecting the two modules, as shown in Fig. 1. In particular, the first protection module and the second protection module 2 can be independent of each other, where the independence refers to that they can complete their respective complete functions independently of each other. Further, the first protection module and the second protection module 2 can be manufactured independently of each other, in particular, they are both modules that have been manufactured and used. Therefore, by combining the existing two independent modules into a switching device through mechanical structure, the two modules independently complete the tripping function, thus realizing the parallel design of multiple tripping modules. In addition, the present disclosure combines the functions of the existing switching device and the existing first protection module and second protection module to meet new requirements, uses a large number of existing parts, only needs to design and manufacture new connection members, and does not need to manufacture a large number of new parts again, thus greatly reducing the cost and development cycle.

[0021] A switching device according to the present disclosure may include a housing 1, a stationary contact (not shown) fixed on the housing, and a movable contact (shown) being movable relative to the stationary contact. When the switching device is in the closed state, the movable contact and the stationary contact keep in contact, and the switching device is electrically conducted; when the switching device is in the open state, the movable contact and the stationary contact remain separated, and the switching device is electrically isolated.

[0022] The switching device may further include a tripping trigger member 5 installed on the housing 1, and the tripping trigger member 5 may be actuated to trigger a tripping operation, that is, to further separate the movable contact from the stationary contact through the rest part of the switching device (not shown). For example, the tripping trigger member 5 is pivotally installed on the housing 1, and when the tripping trigger member 5 is in a position shown in Fig. 1, the tripping operation is not triggered. When the tripping trigger member 5 is actuated to pivot, as shown in Fig. 3, for example, the tripping operation is triggered, causing the switching device to open.

[0023] The first protection module can be configured to actuate the tripping trigger member 5 to trigger the tripping operation. The first protection module can be, for example, an existing module or part in the switching device, and the switching device can already realize, for example, a magnetic tripping function, especially a quick tripping function through the first protection module.

[0024] For example, when the current flowing through the first protection module exceeds a first protection current threshold, the tripping trigger member 5 is actuated. For example, the first protection module may include an electromagnetic device (not shown) and a moving part (not shown) that can move relative to the electromagnetic device, and the moving part may be provided with at least a part of magnetically attracted sections, which are made of ferromagnetic metal or permanent magnets, for example. When the current passing through the electromagnetic device exceeds the first protection current threshold, the electromagnetic device can generate enough electromagnetic force to attract the moving part to move, and then the moving part triggers the tripping trigger member 5, so that the movable contact and the stationary contact are separated.

[0025] In addition, for the first protection module, the first protection current threshold can be an unadjusted fixed value. For example, the resistance force encountered by the moving part of the first protection module during the movement is fixed, so a constant minimum electromagnetic force is needed to drive the moving part. For example, the first protection module can realize a quick tripping function, especially, it is faster than the magnetic trip speed of the second protection module 2. The first protection module may also have a backup protection function, for example.

[0026] The second protection module 2 may include a thermo-magnetic tripping member 21, a latch member 22, a magnetic braking device (not shown) and a thermal actuation device (not shown). The thermo-magnetic tripping member 21 can be engaged and disengaged with the latch member 22.

[0027] When the temperature of the second protection module 2 exceeds a temperature threshold, for example, when the current flowing through the switching device is large and lasts for a period of time (for example, corresponding to the overload of the power circuit), the thermal actuating device generates more heat, which causes a bimetal to deform and bend, and then actuates the latch member 22, so that the latch member 22 is released from the thermo-magnetic tripping member 21. Other thermal protection structures or thermal tripping structures in the field will be equally applicable, as long as the latch member 22 can be actuated when the temperature of the structure exceeds the temperature threshold.

[0028] When the current of the second protection module 2 exceeds the second protection current threshold, for example, the current flowing through the switching device instantaneously exceeds the second protection current threshold (for example, corresponding to the short circuit of the power consumption circuit), the moving part in the second protection module 2 are attracted to move by the electromagnetic device, and then the latch member 22 is actuated, so that the latch member 22 is released from the thermo-magnetic tripping member 21. Other magnetic protection structures or magnetic tripping structures in the field will be equally applicable, as long as the current of the structure exceeds the second protection current threshold, the latch member 22 can be actuated.

[0029] The second protection module 2 can be an existing module that has been put into use, for example, an existing thermo-magnetic protection module, which can realize thermal tripping and magnetic tripping functions independently of the first protection module.

[0030] Further, in particular, the second protection module 2 includes an adjustment mechanism (not shown) configured to adjust values of the temperature threshold and the second protection current threshold. For example, the adjustment mechanism can be used to adjust a resistance force to be overcome when actuating the latch member 22. For example, the resistance force is an elastic force of the elastic biasing member. By adjusting the structure, the deformation degree of the elastic biasing member can be changed, or the stroke required for actuating the latch member can be changed. The adjustable structure of thermo-magnetic trip module is also existing art in this field, and will not be further developed here.

[0031] For example, as shown in Figs. 1- 6, the thermo-magnetic tripping member 21 can be configured for pivotal movement to move between a latched position and a tripping position. In the latched position, as shown in Figs. 1, 5 and 6, the thermo-magnetic tripping member 21 can engage with the latch member 22, and in the tripping position, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the thermo-magnetic tripping member 21 is spaced apart from the latch member 22. The thermo-magnetic tripping member 21 may include a hook part 211, and the thermo-magnetic tripping member 21 is engaged with the latch member 22 through the hook part 211.

[0032] In particular, the thermo-magnetic tripping member 21 may be provided with a biasing member (not shown) configured to bias the thermo-magnetic tripping member 21 toward the tripped position. Thus, once the latch member 21 is actuated to be released from the thermo-magnetic tripping member 21, the thermo-magnetic tripping member 21 moves away from the latch member 22 to the tripped position under the bias of the biasing member.

[0033] The switching device of the present disclosure further includes a connection member 3 for connecting the tripping trigger member 5 and the second protection module 2, so that the tripping of the second protection module 2 can trigger the tripping operation.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 7, the connection member 3 may be provided with a first part 31, a second part 32 and a third part 33, which may be respectively arranged at both ends of the connection member 3 in the first direction D1, and the third part 33 may be arranged close to the second part 32 and offset from the second part 32 transversely to the first direction D1. For example, the connection member 3 can be configured to move linearly, for example, in the first direction D1, so as to move between a first position (as shown in Figs. 1, 2, 5 and 6) and a second position (as shown in Figs. 3 and 4). In the first position, the first part 31 can cooperate with the thermo-magnetic tripping member 21, especially an abutting part 212 of the thermo-magnetic tripping member 21, and the second part 32 of the connection member 3 is spaced apart from the tripping trigger member 5. In the second position, the first part 31 is spaced apart from the thermo-magnetic trip member 21, and abuts against the tripping trigger member 5 and actuates the tripping trigger member 6 to trigger the tripping operation, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0035] Further, the movement of the thermo-magnetic tripping member 21 can cause the connection member 3 to move from the first position to the second position. For example, the thermo-magnetic tripping member 21 pivots towards the connection member 3 under the bias of the biasing member, and the abutting part 212 of the thermo-magnetic tripping member 21 abuts against the first part of the connection member 3 (as shown in Fig. 2) and further pivots to the tripped position to drive the connection member 3 to move from the first position to the second position in the first direction D1 (as shown in Fig. 3). When the connection member 3 moves to the second position, the tripping trigger member 3 is abutted to trigger the tripping operation.

[0036] Thus, by moving the connection member 3, the tripping of the second protection module 2 can be realized for actuating the tripping trigger member 5 to trigger the tripping operation.

[0037] Further, as shown in Figs. 4 to 5, the movement of the connection member 3 from the second position to the first position can drive the thermo-magnetic tripping member 21 to move from the tripped position to the latched position, so as to re-engage with the latch member 22. Therefore, the second protection module 2 can be reset for the next trip, which enables the thermo-magnetic tripping function of the second protection module 2 to be reused. Therefore, the switching device according to the present disclosure is reversible, and thermal tripping protection and magnetic tripping protection can be repeatedly realized.

[0038] Specifically, the movement of the connection member 3 from the second position to the first position can be realized by the movement of the operating handle 4. The switching device according to the present disclosure includes an operating handle 4 pivotally installed to the housing 1 to move between a closed position (as shown in Figs. 1 and 6) and an open position (as shown in Fig. 5). The operating handle 4 is connected with the movable contact through an intermediate transmission assembly to realize the operation of the movable contact, so that when the operating handle 4 moves to the closed position, the movable contact is driven to contact with the stationary contact, and the switching device is closed; when the operating handle 4 moves to the open position, the movable contact is driven to separate from the stationary contact, and the switching device is opened. In addition, the operating handle 4 can also include a trip position (as shown in Fig. 3), which is located between the closed position and the open position. When the switching device trips, it will drive the operating handle 4 to move from the closed position to the open position.

[0039] Because it is needed to operate the operating handle 4 to re-close the switching device, it is a preferred setting to reset the second protection module 2 through the operation of the operating handle 4, and it is not needed for the operator to operate other components after tripping.

[0040] Specifically, the operating handle 4 is provided with a reset portion 41 close to the connection member 3, and the connection member 3 includes a third portion 33, and the reset portion 41 can abut against the third portion 33. When the operating handle 4 moves to the open position in the direction from the closed position to the open position (for example, from the tripped position to the open position), the resetting part 41 abuts against the third part 33 to drive the connection member 3 to move from the second position to the first position, so that the latch member 22 and the thermo-magnetic tripping piece 21 are re-engaged, that is, the process of moving from the state in Fig. 4 to the state in Fig. 5. For example, the third part 33 has an inclined surface 331, as shown in Fig. 7, which faces the reset part 41, and the reset part 41 can abut against the inclined surface 331 with the pivoting of the operating handle 4, so as to drive the connection member 3 to move from the second position to the first movement in the first direction.

[0041] However, when the operating handle 4 moves to the open position, so that the latch member 22 and the thermo-magnetic tripping member 21 are re-engaged, the thermo-magnetic tripping member 21 is held, and the operating handle 4 can move from the open position to the closed position, that is, from the state shown in Fig. 5 to the state shown in Fig. 6, so that the switching device is re-closed and returns to the normal closing state shown in Fig. 1.

[0042] The switching device according to the present disclosure may be a circuit breaker.

[0043] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. The functions or performances of various elements or modules described herein are only for illustration and are in no way restrictive, but only exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0044] In the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "wherein" are used as simple English equivalents of the corresponding terms "comprising" and "wherein". Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms "first", "second" and "third" are only used as labels, and no numerical requirements are intended to be imposed on their objects.

Claims

1. A switching device, comprising a tripping trigger member, being able to be actuated to trigger a tripping operation to cause the switching device to open, a first protection module, configured to be able to actuate the tripping trigger member, a second protection module, provided with a thermo-magnetic tripping member and a latch member configured to engage with each other, wherein, upon a temperature of the second protection module exceeding a temperature threshold and / or a second protection current flowing through the second protection module exceeding a second protection current threshold, the latch member moves, so that the thermo-magnetic tripping member disengages from the latch member and moves away from the latch member from a latched position in which the thermo-magnetic tripping member is latched with the latch member to a tripped position, a connection member, provided with a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is matched with the thermo-magnetic tripping member, so that a movement of the thermo-magnetic tripping member from the latched position to the tripped position drives the connection member to move from a first position to a second position, and the second part is matched with the tripping trigger member, so that a movement of the connection member from the first position to the second position actuates the tripping trigger member, wherein the second protection module is independent of the first protection module.

2. The switching device according to claim 1, wherein, the second protection module comprises an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust values of the temperature threshold and the second protection current threshold.

3. The switching device according to claim 1, wherein, the thermo-magnetic tripping member is further provided with a biasing member, and the biasing member biases the thermo-magnetic tripping member to the tripped position.

4. The switching device according to claim 1, wherein, a movement of the connection member from the second position to the first position drives the thermo-magnetic tripping member to move from the tripped position to the latched position to re-engage with the latch member.

5. The switching device according to claim 4, further comprising: an operating handle, pivotally installed to a housing of the switching device, wherein the operating handle moves between a closed position and an open position to cause the switching device to close or open, and the operating handle is provided with a reset part, the connection member further comprises a third part, wherein the third part is able to abut against the reset part, wherein, upon the operating handle moving to the open position in a direction from the closed position to the open position, the reset part abuts against the third part to drive the connection member to move from the second position to the first position.

6. The switching device according to claim 5, wherein, the connection member is configured to move linearly along a first direction, the thermo-magnetic tripping member is configured to move pivotally, and the first part and the second part are respectively arranged at two ends of the connection member in the first direction.

7. The switching device according to claim 6, wherein, the third part comprises an inclined surface, and the reset part abuts against the inclined surface with pivoting of the operating handle to drive the connection member to move linearly in the first direction.

8. The switching device according to claim 1, wherein, the first protection module is configured to actuate the tripping trigger member upon the current flowing through the first protection module exceeding a first protection current threshold.

9. The switching device according to claim 8, wherein, the first protection current threshold of the first protection module is a fixed value.

10. The switching device according to claim 1, wherein, the switching device is a circuit breaker.

Images