Switchgear operating mechanism

Abstract

The present invention relates to an operating mechanism for a switchgear, the operating mechanism comprising: a rotatable output shaft (11) configured to realize opening and closing operations of the switchgear by rotation; a rotatable energy storage lever (13) and a spring (4), wherein the energy storage lever (13) is configured to be rotated by a motor (1) to drive the spring (4) so ​​that the spring (4) is compressed for energy storage; and a rotatable drive lever (12) torque-resistant connected to the output shaft (11), rotatably connected to the energy storage lever (13), and freewheeling-connected to the spring (4) to allow a rotatability of 60° or less between the drive lever (12) and the spring (4) to realize opening and closing operations of the switchgear, wherein the spring (4) is configured to release energy to rotate the drive lever (12) after passing a dead center position of the spring (4) during at least one of the opening and closing operations of the switchgear.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Technical Field The present invention relates to an operating mechanism for a switchgear, the operating mechanism comprising a rotatable output shaft configured to realize opening and closing operations of the switchgear by rotation, and a rotatable energy storage lever and spring, the energy storage lever configured to be rotated by a motor to drive the spring which is compressed to store energy. [Background technology]

[0002] Background technology The electric spring operated mechanism is one of the important components of the switchgear, which is used to store the energy provided by the power module in the spring and release the energy during the opening and closing process of the switchgear to drive the movable contact to quickly perform the opening and closing operation.

[0003] However, the existing electric spring operated mechanism cannot actually realize high-speed opening and closing operations due to its structural problems, i.e., the spring is driven to be compressed by the motor to store energy during the opening and closing process and before the spring passes through its dead center position to release the energy, and at the same time, the movable contact is driven to move slowly by the output shaft; or the existing electric spring operated mechanism has high component costs and low reliability due to its complex structure, so it cannot actually realize high-speed opening and closing operations. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Summary of the Invention It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a simple, labor-saving, and reliable electric spring operating mechanism that can realize anticipated modes of movement of a movable contact of a switching device, such as "fast open / fast close," "fast close slow open," and "fast open slow close" operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The object of the present invention is solved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are detailed in the dependent claims.

[0006] Therefore, this object is solved by an operating mechanism for a switchgear, the operating mechanism comprising: a rotatable output shaft that rotates to perform opening and closing operations of the switchgear; a rotatable energy storage lever and spring, the energy storage lever configured to be rotated by a motor to drive the spring to be compressed to store energy; an optionally rotatable drive lever torque-resistantly connected to the output shaft, rotatably connected to the energy storage lever, and freewheeling connected to the spring to allow a rotational possibility of 120° or less between the drive lever and the spring to realize an opening or closing operation of the switchgear; The spring is configured to release energy to rotate the output shaft, preferably directly or via a drive lever, after passing a dead center position of the spring during at least one of the opening and closing operations of the switchgear.

[0007] The key to the proposed solution is the implementation of freewheeling in the operating mechanism, so that the spring energy storage system of the respective spring can be used for the opening and closing operation of the switchgear. This allows the kinematic characteristics of the operating mechanism and the switchgear to be kept within a compact scale. Freewheeling allows the geometrically driven coupling of the linkage towards the movable contact of the switchgear and the spring providing the energy for operation, respectively, to be decoupled. Depending on the selected geometry of the coupled / connected components, the kinematic characteristics of the respective operating mechanism of the switchgear can be advantageously defined as required.

[0008] Thus, the operating mechanism allows for fast opening operations using a spring-loaded lever, i.e., a rotatable drive lever. While slow-speed movement for spring charging can be achieved using a spindle drive, high-speed operation preferably requires low-friction movement to accelerate the contacts of the switching device. In general, the proposed freewheeling principle can be integrated into the operating mechanism or into the linkage to the movable contact of the switching device. Furthermore, the bearing of the operating mechanism and the linkage to the movable contact can be designed completely independently or partially dependently. By passing through the dead center position of the spring, the spring energy is quickly released, thus rapidly opening and closing the switching device.

[0009] Preferably, the output shaft, the energy storage lever, and the drive lever share a common axis, i.e., the output shaft, also referred to as the output hub or main hub. Preferably, the rotatability between the drive lever and the spring is 90° or less, 60° or less, or 30° or less, and / or 10° or more, 20° or more, or more than 30°. Preferably, the output shaft is rotatably and / or mechanically connected to the switching device for connecting and / or disconnecting at least one movable contact with another contact of the switching device.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the drive lever is torque-resistant connected to the energy storage lever or the drive lever is freewheeling connected to the energy storage lever to allow a rotatability of 120° or less between the drive lever and the energy storage lever. Preferably, the rotatability between the drive lever and the energy storage lever is 90° or less, 60° or less, or 30° or less and / or 10° or more, 20° or more, or more than 30°. The drive lever is preferably torque-resistant connected to the energy storage lever by an axially extending pin.

[0011] In a further preferred embodiment, the energy storage lever is pivotally connected to the spring by a connecting pin, and the drive lever is configured to be rotated by the connecting pin. The connecting pin is preferably attached to the spring, more preferably attached to one end of the spring, and / or extends axially. The term axially preferably refers to the output shaft. The connecting pin preferably slides freewheelingly within an opening in the drive lever.

[0012] According to another preferred embodiment, the drive lever has an arcuate drive lever slot extending over an angle of 120° or less, the drive lever slot being preferably implemented as an arcuate slot. The drive lever slot preferably extends over an angle of 90° or less or 60° or less and / or over 10°, 20° or more or more than 30°. In a further preferred embodiment, the contact pin slides freewheelingly in the drive lever slot.

[0013] According to another preferred embodiment, the output shaft and the drive lever are provided integrally. In this way, only one lever is required, and the freewheel function can be realized with only one lever and output shaft. As mentioned above, in the case of two levers, a distance ring is preferably provided between the two levers.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment, the energy storage lever comprises at least one, preferably three, arcuate energy storage lever slots extending over an angle of 120° or less, preferably 90° or less, more preferably 60°, and / or over 10°, 20° or more or more than 30°, the energy storage lever slots preferably being provided as arcuate elongated holes. According to another preferred embodiment, the drive lever and / or the output shaft comprises a pin which slides in the energy storage lever slot on the freewheeling. Preferably, the pin extends axially to guide and restrict the freewheeling in this manner.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment, the energy storage lever has a Y-shape with two spaced apart pressing arms, preferably arranged at an angle of 120° or less, 90° or less, or 60° or less, and / or 10° or more, 20° or more, or more than 30° from each other. Preferably, the energy storage lever has holes for corresponding to respective contact pins. The holes are preferably arranged opposite the two pressing arms. The drive lever preferably has a V-shape with two arms with a drive lever slot arranged between the arms.

[0016] According to another preferred embodiment, the operating mechanism includes two drive levers and / or two energy storage levers arranged on either side of the spring. In this regard, "on either side of the spring" preferably means that one end of the spring is arranged between the two drive levers and / or the two energy storage levers. Preferably, the spring includes two connecting pins arranged at one end and extending axially away from the one end in opposite directions. When two drive levers and / or two energy storage levers are provided, the operating mechanism becomes very robust.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment, the operating mechanism comprises a motor, a threaded rod connected to the motor and configured to be rotated by the motor, and a nut sleeved on the threaded rod and configured to move linearly along the threaded rod as the threaded rod rotates, the nut being provided with a protrusion configured to press against the energy storage lever.

[0018] According to another preferred embodiment, the operating mechanism comprises an absorber and a damping arm fixedly connected to one end of the output shaft for contacting the absorber during the final stage of opening or closing operation of the switchgear.

[0019] This object is further achieved by a switchgear comprising a movable contact and an operating mechanism for the switchgear as described above, configured to drive the movable contact to achieve the opening and closing operation. The switchgear can comprise two contacts, one of which is movable relative to the other and is arranged below the movable contact. The movable contact can be movable between a closed position in which the contacts are electrically connected and an open position in which the contacts are not connected. The movable contact can be provided as a tulip contact and the other contact, e.g., the fixed contact, can be provided as a plug contact, or vice versa. Also, both contacts can be arranged to be movable relative to each other.

[0020] According to another preferred embodiment, the switchgear is provided as a grounding switch, a disconnector, an insulating grounding switch, and a fast-acting grounding switch of a gas-insulated switchgear. The grounding switch, the respective fast-acting grounding switch for interrupting a non-short-circuit current, is preferably provided as a device designed to interrupt only a non-short-circuit current, in particular as a disconnector, more specifically as a high-voltage disconnector, or as a grounding switch, more specifically as a current-bearing grounding switch, or as a medium- or high-voltage gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) comprising such a device. The term "short-circuit current," in contrast to a non-short-circuit current, can be understood as a current established in the first transient phase at most approximately 3 seconds after the connection from a grid operating under high voltage to ground under high voltage. According to this definition, the term "non-short-circuit current" preferably relates to any current that does not fall within the above definition of "short-circuit current."

[0021] Generally, disconnectors or grounding switches, also known as earthing switches, are often understood as protective devices included in switchgear components such as circuit breakers and isolators. When a circuit breaker is removed and racked out, the grounding switch automatically grounds a portion of the busbar adjacent to the circuit breaker. In the case of an isolator, the grounding switch contacts the busbar when the isolator separates the circuit, discharging any charge that may have accumulated there.

[0022] For example, earthing switches in switchgear are used to earth any residual charge on a power line after the line has been disconnected from its source. Residual charge often remains in a circuit after it has been disconnected or opened by circuit breakers and isolators. An earthing switch is usually provided to discharge the charge.

[0023] Such disconnectors or earthing switches are usually designed to withstand short circuits. Disconnectors or earthing switches in substations often have the ability to create a short circuit to protect other electrical equipment from damage. Disconnectors or earthing switches are often used with some high-voltage switchgear and also serve as protective devices in overhauls of high-voltage electrical equipment.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, there is provided an operating mechanism for a switchgear, comprising a base support and a power module, an energy storage module, and a drive module attached to the base support. The energy storage module comprises an energy storage lever and a spring, the energy storage lever being pivotally connected to the spring by a connecting pin and adapted to be driven to rotate by the power module so as to drive the spring to rotate and compress and store energy. The drive module comprises a drive lever and an output shaft, the drive lever being sleeved on the output shaft and non-rotatable relative to the output shaft and adapted to be driven to rotate by the connecting pin so as to drive the output shaft to rotate and realize opening and closing operations of the switchgear. The operating mechanism is configured to allow the spring to release energy during at least one of opening and closing operations of the switchgear, and to drive the drive lever to rotate by the connecting pin only after the spring has rotated past its dead center position.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment, the operating mechanism is configured to allow the spring to release energy during each opening and closing operation of the switchgear, and to drive the drive lever to rotate by the connecting pin only after the spring has rotated past its dead center position.

[0026] According to an alternative embodiment, the energy storage lever is configured to present a Y-shape and / or the drive lever is configured to present a V-shape.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment, the drive lever is sleeved onto the output shaft by means of splines.

[0028] According to an alternative embodiment, the energy storage lever is sleeved on the output shaft and is rotatable relative to the output shaft by means of a bearing.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment, the energy storage module comprises two energy storage levers arranged on either side of the drive lever.

[0030] According to an alternative embodiment, the drive module comprises a motor, a threaded rod connected to the motor and driven in rotation by the motor, and a nut sleeved on the threaded rod and adapted to move linearly along the threaded rod as the latter rotates, the nut being provided with a protrusion adapted to press against the energy storage lever.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment, the operating mechanism further comprises a damping module comprising an absorber mounted on the base support, and a damping arm fixedly connected to one end of the output shaft so as to contact the absorber during a final stage of opening or closing operation of the switchgear.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, the proposed operating mechanism for switchgear according to the present disclosure has various beneficial effects, particularly by providing an energy storage lever and a drive lever that are independent of each other, so that at least one of the energy storage operation and the opening / closing operation does not affect each other, and the movable contact of the switchgear does not have a low-speed operating stage in which the movable contact is driven by the power module before the spring passes its dead center position, thereby enabling the operating mechanism to have better acceleration performance. In addition, the shape of the parts and the overall structure of the operating mechanism are low-cost, simple and reliable, promote modular design, and can be widely used in various types of switchgear.

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a partial structure of an operating mechanism according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic view of a partial structure of the operating mechanism of FIG. 1 as seen from another angle. [Figure 3]1. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a partial structure of the operating mechanism of FIG. 1, seen from yet another angle. [Figure 4A] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the operation process of the operation mechanism according to a preferred embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4B] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the operation process of the operation mechanism according to a preferred embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4C] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the operation process of the operation mechanism according to a preferred embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4D] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the operation process of the operation mechanism according to a preferred embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4E] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the operation process of the operation mechanism according to a preferred embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a partial structure of an operating mechanism according to another preferred embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a schematic view of a part of the operating mechanism of FIG. 5, seen from another angle. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a partial structure of an operating mechanism according to yet another preferred embodiment. [Figure 8] 7 is a schematic view of a part of the operating mechanism of FIG. 6, seen from another angle. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a partial structure of an operating mechanism according to yet another preferred embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Description of the Preferred Embodiments The implementation and use of the proposed solution is described in detail below. However, it is understood that the specific embodiments described herein are intended only to illustrate specific ways of implementing and using the proposed solution, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the proposed solution.

[0036] When describing the structure and position of components, directional expressions such as "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise" are not absolute but relative. These directional expressions are appropriate when each component is positioned as shown in the drawings, but if the positions of these components in the drawings are changed, these directional expressions should be changed accordingly.

[0037] Furthermore, terms such as "attached" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense unless otherwise specified and defined. For example, "connected" may be "fixedly connected," "detachably connected," or "integrally connected," or it may be "mechanically connected" or "electrically connected," or it may be "directly connected," "indirectly connected," or "related to (something) under some influence." For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0038] The switchgear 601 to which the electric spring operating mechanism is applied may include, but is not limited to, a grounding switch of a gas insulated switchgear (GIS), a disconnector, an insulating grounding switch, and a fast acting grounding switch.

[0039] The specific structure of the operating mechanism according to a preferred embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 3. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the operating mechanism mainly includes a base support part 8, and a power module, a power storage module, and a drive module attached to the base support part 8.

[0040] The power module mainly comprises a motor 1 and a threaded rod-nut transmission device connected to the motor 1. More specifically, the motor 1 used to provide power is fixedly mounted to a base support 8 and configured to transmit power to the threaded rod-nut transmission device by a first transmission gear 101 fixedly sleeved on an output shaft of the motor 1 and a second transmission gear 6 engaged with the first transmission gear 101.

[0041] The threaded rod-nut transmission device includes components such as a threaded rod 701, a nut 702, a protrusion 703, a limit rod 704, and a microswitch 705. Both ends of the threaded rod 701 are rotatably attached to a base support 8, for example, by bearings. The second transmission gear 6 is sleeved onto the threaded rod 701 and is non-rotatable relative to the threaded rod 701 to drive the threaded rod 701 to rotate under the driving of the motor 1. The type of the threaded rod 701 may include, but is not limited to, a ball screw rod or a trapezoidal screw rod. The nut 702 is sleeved onto the threaded rod 701 and can move linearly along the threaded rod 701 when the threaded rod 701 rotates.

[0042] Additionally, the top and bottom surfaces of the nut 702 are provided with protrusions 703, e.g., protruding pins integrally formed on the nut 702, for pressing the energy storage lever 13 (see below). Limit rods 704 are attached to the base support 8 and parallel to the threaded rod 701 so as to limit the position of the nut 702 as it moves along the threaded rod 701, thereby preventing the nut 702 from rotating. Microswitches 705 are attached to the limit rods 704 and adjacent to the two ends of the threaded rod 701 so as to send a control signal, such as a stop signal, to the motor 1 when the nut 702 moves and comes into contact with the microswitch 705.

[0043] The energy storage module comprises two energy storage levers 13 and an energy storage spring 4 attached to a spring support. More specifically, each energy storage lever 13 is sleeved to an output shaft 11 (see below), for example by a first bearing / shaft sleeve 5, and is rotatable relative thereto, and is configured to have a generally Y-shape. That is, the energy storage levers 13 comprise a first pressing arm 131 and a second pressing arm 132 arranged symmetrically to each other in a generally V-shape and rotatable when pressed by a protrusion 703 of a nut 702, and an opening is provided at the end of the energy storage lever 13 opposite the two pressing arms, through which the connecting pin 2 passes.

[0044] The spring support includes a first spring support 301 attached to the base support 8 and a second spring support 302 facing the first spring support 301 and movable toward or away from the first spring support 301. The spring 4 is spirally arranged on a guide rod 304 between the first spring support 301 and the second spring support 302 and is compressed between the first spring support 301 and the second spring support 302 to store energy. The second spring support 302 is integrally provided with two connection plates 303 protruding away from the first spring support 301. Each connection plate 303 is provided with an opening for a connecting pin 2 to pass through so that two energy storage levers 13 are pivotally connected to the spring 4 by the connecting pin 2.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the two connection plates 303 are disposed between the two energy storage levers 13, and the shaft sleeve 14 disposed between the two connection plates 303 is sleeved onto the connection pin 2. That is, the connection pin 2 passes through the lower energy storage lever 13, the lower connection plate 303, the shaft sleeve 14, the upper connection plate 303, and the upper energy storage lever 13 in this order from bottom to top. Therefore, when the energy storage lever 13 is pushed by the nut 702 and rotates under the driving of the power module, the spring support and the spring 4 can be driven to rotate by the connection pin 2 so that the spring 4 is compressed and stores energy.

[0046] The drive module includes a drive lever 12 and an output shaft 11. More specifically, both ends of the output shaft 11 are rotatably mounted to the base support 8 by, for example, second bearings 15, and the output shaft 11 is connected to a movable contact 602 of the switching device 601 such that rotation of the output shaft 11 drives and moves the movable contact 602 to realize opening and closing operations of the switching device 601. The drive lever 12 is sleeved onto the output shaft 11 by a spline 111, such as an external spline formed on the output shaft 11 and an internal spline formed on the drive lever 12, to drive and rotate the output shaft 11, and is configured to be non-rotatable relative to the output shaft and to have a substantially V-shape.

[0047] That is, the drive lever 12 comprises a third pressing arm 121 and a fourth pressing arm 122 that are arranged symmetrically to each other in a substantially V-shape and can be pressed to rotate by the connecting pin 2, specifically by a shaft sleeve 14 arranged on the connecting pin 2. In the illustrated embodiment, two energy storage levers 13 sleeved onto the output shaft 11 are arranged on either side of the drive lever 12. That is, the output shaft 11 passes through the lower energy storage lever 13, the drive lever 12 and the upper energy storage lever 13 in this order from bottom to top.

[0048] The damping module includes two absorbers 9 attached to the base support 8 and a damping arm 10 fixedly connected to one end of the output shaft 11. The damping arm 10 contacts the corresponding absorber 9 during the final stage of the opening and closing operation of the switching device 601, thereby reducing the moving speed of the movable contact 602 in the final stage and realizing the limit of its position.

[0049] By adjusting parameters such as the angle between the two pressing arms of the energy storage lever 13, the angle between the two pressing arms of the drive lever 12, and the position of the screw rod-nut transmission device and the output shaft 11, the spring 4 releases energy during at least one of the opening and closing operations of the switchgear 601, and only after the spring 4 has rotated until it has passed its dead center position can the drive lever 12 be driven to rotate by the connecting pin 2.

[0050] Hereinafter, the operation process of the operating mechanism that can realize the "quick-close / slow-open" operation of the opening and closing device 601 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4E.

[0051] The initial position of the operating mechanism is the "open" position, and referring to Fig. 4A, the nut 702 is located at one end of the threaded rod 701. After the "closing" operation starts, the motor 1 drives the second transmission gear 6 to rotate the threaded rod 701 so that the nut 702 starts to move linearly along the threaded rod 701 until the protrusion 703 of the nut 702 contacts the first pressing arm 131 of the energy storage lever 13 (see Fig. 4B).

[0052] The nut 702 then continues to move linearly along the threaded rod 701, pushing the first pressing arm 131 with the protrusion 703, driving the energy storage lever 13 to start rotating counterclockwise. Because the energy storage lever 13 is pivotally connected to the spring 4 by the connecting pin 2, the rotation of the energy storage lever 13 drives the spring 4 to rotate clockwise, and the spring 4 is compressed and stores energy until it reaches its dead center position (see FIG. 4C ), thereby ending the energy storage.

[0053] 4C , the "dead center" position refers to the position where the central axis of the spring 4 coincides with the central axis of the energy storage lever 13, i.e., the center line of the angle between the first pressing arm 131 and the second pressing arm 132, which is also the axis of symmetry of the energy storage lever 13. At this point, if the spring 4 is no longer subjected to a force perpendicular to its central axis, for example, if the protrusion 703 of the nut 702 no longer presses against the energy storage lever 13, the spring 4 may remain stationary.

[0054] 4A to 4C , during the energy storage process of the spring 4, the connection pin 2 moves from a position in contact with the third pressing arm 121 of the drive lever 12 to a position in contact with the fourth pressing arm 122 of the drive lever 12. However, the drive lever 12 remains stationary during the energy storage process of the spring 4, and therefore the output shaft 11 and the movable contact 602 of the switching device 601 remain stationary during the energy storage process of the spring 4.

[0055] Then, the nut 702 continues to move linearly along the threaded rod 701, causing the spring 4 to quickly release energy after passing its dead center position, thereby allowing the connecting pin 2 to push the drive lever 12 by the shaft sleeve 14 to quickly rotate counterclockwise until it reaches the "closed" position (see FIG. 4D). The rotation of the drive lever 12 can drive the output shaft 11 to rotate quickly, thereby driving the movable contact 602 of the switchgear 601 to complete the high-speed "closed" operation.

[0056] During the final stage of the operation, the damping arm 10 connected to the output shaft 11 contacts the corresponding absorber 9, reducing the moving speed of the movable contact. During the "close" operation, before the spring 4 passes through the dead center position, the movable contact 602 of the switchgear 601 does not have a low-speed operation stage in which the movable contact 602 is driven by the motor 1, so that the operating mechanism can have better acceleration performance.

[0057] During an "open" operation, which is the reverse of the above-mentioned "close" operation, the motor 1 drives the threaded rod 701 to rotate in the reverse direction via the second transmission gear 6 so that the nut 702 starts to move linearly in the reverse direction along the threaded rod 701, causing the protrusion 703 to press the second pressing arm 132 of the energy storage lever 13, allowing the energy storage lever 13 to start rotating clockwise.

[0058] The rotation of the energy storage lever 13 drives the spring 4 to rotate counterclockwise, which can compress and store energy. Due to the specific arrangement of the angle between the third pressing arm 121 and the fourth pressing arm 122 of the driving lever 12, the spring 4 does not reach its dead center position when the connecting pin 2 moves from the position where the connecting pin 2 is in contact with the fourth pressing arm 122 of the driving lever 12 (see FIG. 4D) to the position where the connecting pin 2 is in contact with the third pressing arm 121 of the driving lever 12 (see FIG. 4E).

[0059] The nut 702 then continues to move linearly along the threaded rod 701, pushing the energy storage lever 13 to rotate clockwise, and compressing the spring 4 to drive it to store energy. At the same time, the connecting pin 2 pushes the drive lever 12 by the shaft sleeve 14, causing it to slowly rotate clockwise. The rotation of the drive lever 12 can drive the output shaft 11 to rotate slowly, thereby driving the movable contact 602 of the switchgear 601 to start a delayed "open" operation. The delayed "open" operation continues until the spring 4 passes its dead center position, and then quickly releases energy, thereby driving the movable contact 602 to complete the entire "open" operation.

[0060] Similarly, during the final stage of operation, the damping arm 10 connected to the output shaft 11 contacts the corresponding absorber 9, slowing down the moving speed of the movable contact. Thus, the operating mechanism actually realizes a "fast close, slow open" operation of the switchgear 601.

[0061] It will be understood that a "quick-open / slow-close" operation of the switching device 601 can also be achieved by an operating mechanism having a similar structure. It will also be understood that due to the modular design of the operating mechanism, by simply changing the dimensions and positions of some components, such as increasing the angle between the third pressing arm 121 and the fourth pressing arm 122 of the drive lever 12, and / or by simply changing the relative positions among at least some of the components, such as the threaded rod 701, the nut 702, the energy storage lever 13, the connecting pin 2, the spring 4, the drive lever 12, and the output shaft 11, it can be configured to allow the spring 4 to quickly release energy during each of the "open" and "close" operations of the switching device 601, and to allow the connecting pin 2 to rotate the drive lever 12 only after the spring 4 has rotated until it has passed its dead center position, thereby achieving a "fast-open / slow-close" operation of the switching device 601.

[0062] Figures 5, 7 and 9 are each schematic diagrams showing a partial structure of an operating mechanism according to another preferred embodiment, and Figures 6 and 8 are schematic diagrams showing parts of the operating mechanism of Figures 5 and 7. As in the previous embodiments, the operating mechanism of the switching device 601 is only shown very diagrammatically in Figure 5 together with its movable contact 602 and comprises a rotatable output shaft 11, also called output to hub or main hub, configured to realize the opening and closing operation of the switching device 601 by rotation.

[0063] The operating mechanism further comprises a rotatable energy storage lever 13, also referred to as a spring storage lever, and a spring 4. The Y-shaped energy storage lever 13 is configured to be rotated by the motor 1 as described above, i.e., via the threaded rod 701, by linearly moving the nut 702 along the threaded rod 701, so that the first and second pressing arms 131 and 132 of the energy storage lever 13 are actuated by the protrusions 703, respectively. More precisely, the threaded rod 701 is connected to the motor 1 and configured to be rotated by the motor 1, so that the nut 702 is sleeved on the threaded rod 701 and is configured to linearly move along the threaded rod 701 as the threaded rod 701 rotates. The nut 702 is provided with the protrusion 703 that presses against the energy storage lever 13. In this way, the springs 4 are respectively driven and compressed to store energy.

[0064] The operating mechanism further comprises a rotatable drive lever 12 torque-proof connected to the output shaft 11. The drive lever 12 is rotatably connected to the energy storage lever 13 either with a torque-proof as shown in Figure 7 or with a drive lever 12 as shown in Figure 8, or with a freewheeling connection to the energy storage lever 13, thus allowing rotatability of up to 60° between the drive lever 12 and the energy storage lever 13 as shown in Figure 5 with the drive lever 12 as shown in Figure 6.

[0065] 6, to enable freewheeling rotatability, the energy storage lever 13 includes three arcuate energy storage lever slots 502, each extending over 60° and each provided as an arcuate slot, and the drive lever 12 includes three axially extending pins 3 that slide within the energy storage lever slots 502 to enable freewheeling rotatability.

[0066] The drive lever 12 is further connected to the spring 4 in a freewheeling manner, thereby allowing a rotational possibility of up to 60° between the drive lever 12 and the spring 4 to realize the opening and closing operation of the opening / closing device 601. Similar to the energy storage lever 13, the drive lever 12 has one arc-shaped drive lever slot 501 extending over 60° and provided as an arc-shaped elongated hole, as can be seen in detail in Figures 6 and 8.

[0067] To operate the spring 4, the energy storage lever 13 is pivotally connected to the spring 4 by an axially extending connecting pin 2 that is rigidly connected to one end of the spring. The drive lever 12 is configured to be rotated by the connecting pin 2 sliding within the drive lever slot 501 to allow freewheeling rotatability between the drive lever 12 and the spring 4. When the spring 4 passes its dead center position, it releases energy to rotate the drive lever 12 during at least one of the opening and closing operations of the switching device 601.

[0068] Figure 9 shows a further embodiment in which the output shaft 11 and the drive lever 12 are provided integrally. In this way, the pin 3 is attached to the output shaft 11 while sliding in the energy storage lever slot 502. All three embodiments of Figures 5, 7 and 9 each comprise two drive levers 12 provided integrally in Figure 9 and two energy storage levers 13 to which one end of the spring 4 is connected via two oppositely extending connecting pins 2.

[0069] While the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive, and the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In particular, even though FIGS. 5-9 are other preferred embodiments and differ slightly in this respect from the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-4, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these are not separate embodiments, i.e., these embodiments can be combined. For example, the discussion regarding the "dead center" or threaded rod 701 in FIGS. 1-4 applies equally to the embodiment of FIGS. 7-9.

[0070] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims are not to be interpreted as limiting the scope. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] List of Reference Numbers 1 motor 2 connecting pins 3-pin 4 Energy storage spring 5 First bearing / shaft sleeve 6 Second transmission gear 8 Base support 9 Absorber 10 damping arm 11 Output shaft, main hub 12 Drive lever, operating lever 13 Energy storage lever, spring storage lever 14 Shaft sleeve 101 First Transmission Gear 111 Spline 121 Third pressing arm 122 Fourth pressing arm 131 first pressing arm 132 second pressing arm 301 First spring support 302 Second spring support 303 Connecting Plate 304 Guide Rod 501 Drive lever slot 502 Energy Storage Lever Slot 601 Switchgear 602 Movable Contact 701 Threaded Rod 702 Nut 703 Protrusion 704 Restriction Rod 705 Microswitch

Claims

1. An operating mechanism for an opening and closing device (601), a rotatable output shaft (11) configured to realize opening and closing operations of the opening and closing device (601) by rotation; a rotatable energy storage lever (13) and a spring (4), wherein the energy storage lever (13) is configured to be rotated by a motor (1) to drive the spring (4) to be compressed for energy storage; a rotatable drive lever (12) that is torque-resistant connected to the output shaft (11), rotatably connected to the energy storage lever (13), and freewheeling-connected to the spring (4) to allow a rotational possibility of 120° or less between the drive lever (12) and the spring (4) to realize the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing device (601); The spring (4) is configured to release energy to rotate the drive lever (12) after passing a dead center position of the spring (4) during at least one of the opening and closing operations of the opening and closing device (601).

2. 10. An operating mechanism according to the preceding claim, wherein the drive lever (12) is torque-resistantly connected to the energy storage lever (13) or the drive lever (12) is freewheeling-connected to the energy storage lever (13) so as to allow a rotational possibility of up to 120° between the drive lever (12) and the energy storage lever (13).

3. 10. An operating mechanism according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the energy storage lever (13) is pivotally connected to the spring (4) by a connecting pin (2), and the drive lever (12) is configured to be rotated by the connecting pin (2).

4. 10. An operating mechanism according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating lever (12) comprises an arcuate actuating lever slot (501) extending over an angle of not more than 120°, the actuating lever slot (501) being preferably provided as an arcuate slot.

5. An operating mechanism according to the two preceding claims, wherein the connecting pin (2) slides freewheelingly in the drive lever slot (501).

6. An operating mechanism according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the output shaft (11) and the drive lever (12) are provided integrally.

7. 10. An operating mechanism according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the energy storage lever (13) comprises at least one, preferably three, arc-shaped energy storage lever slots (502) extending over an angle of 120° or less, the energy storage lever slots being preferably provided as arc-shaped elongated holes.

8. 10. An operating mechanism according to the preceding claim, wherein the drive lever (12) and / or the output shaft (11) comprises a pin (3) which slides freewheelingly in the energy storage lever slot (502).

9. 10. An operating mechanism according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the energy storage lever (13) comprises a Y-shape.

10. 10. An operating mechanism according to any of the preceding claims, comprising two drive levers (12) and / or two energy storage levers (13) arranged on either side of the spring (4).

11. 10. An operating mechanism according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a motor (1), a threaded rod (701) connected to said motor (1) and configured to be rotated by said motor (1), and a nut (702) sleeved on said threaded rod (701) and configured to move linearly along said threaded rod (701) as said threaded rod (701) rotates, said nut (702) being provided with a protrusion (703) configured to press against said energy storage lever (13).

12. 10. An operating mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an absorber (9) and a damping arm (10) fixedly connected to one end of the output shaft (11) for contacting the absorber (9) during a final stage of the opening or closing operation of the switching device (601).

13. A switching device (601) comprising a movable contact (602) and an operating mechanism for a switching device (601) according to any of the preceding claims, configured to drive the movable contact (602) to achieve said opening and closing operations.

14. The switchgear (601) according to the preceding claims, wherein the switchgear (601) is provided as an earthing switch, a disconnector, an insulating earthing switch and a fast acting earthing switch of a gas insulated switchgear.

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