Switch operating mechanism, switch, and method for operating a switch

Abstract

To provide: an operation mechanism of a circuit breaker, capable of preventing an unintentional opening of a main contact point in a manual input state of the circuit breaker, and holding an input state of the main contact point; the circuit breaker; and an operation method of the circuit breaker.SOLUTION: An operation mechanism 30 is mainly constituted of: a driving mechanism 40; an output transmission mechanism 60; and a latch mechanism 70. The latch mechanism 70 has a first latch part 71 and a second latch part 72, When an electromagnetic repulsive force is acted at a main contact point in a state where the circuit breaker 1 is input to the main contact point in a manual state, an engagement part 721 of the second latch part 72 is engaged to an engagement target part 711 of the first latch part 71 at a main engagement position. Therefore, even if the electromagnetic repulsive force exceeds an energization force by a power excitation spring 52, an unintentional opening of the main contact point can be prevented because the main contact point can be mechanically held by the latch mechanism 70.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating mechanism of a switch, a switch, and an operating method of a switch. More specifically, it relates to an operating mechanism of a switch, a switch, and an operating method of a switch that can prevent accidental opening of a main contact in a manual input state of the switch and can maintain the closed state of the main contact.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, high-voltage power distribution lines drawn from a substation are stretched in a mesh pattern by a large number of utility poles erected in the city and supply power to consumers. Such switches for the responsibility demarcation point at the entrance of the consumer or for separating the distribution line section for the work section and the accident section are installed everywhere on each utility pole. For example, when an abnormality occurs, during inspection of electrical equipment, and during repair work, etc., this switch is operated to temporarily cut off the flow of current.

[0003] As this type of switch, there is known one that automatically controls the opening and closing operation of the main contact between a fixed contact and a movable contact by using an electromagnetic repulsive force by an electromagnetic actuator (Patent Document 1). The electromagnetic actuator disclosed in Patent Document 1 mainly includes a yoke forming a magnetic path, an armature provided to be movable within the yoke, a permanent magnet for moving or holding the armature in place, a solenoid coil for increasing or decreasing the magnetic flux within the yoke, and an operating rod.

[0004] A potential energy spring provided for pressing the fixed contact and the movable contact during closing is attached to the operating rod, and the tip thereof is connected to the movable shaft of the vacuum valve. Further, a force for maintaining the open state when the movable contact of the vacuum valve is opened is applied to the armature by an opening spring.

[0005] In this electromagnetic actuator's opening and closing operation, when the valve is closed, the magnetic flux from the permanent magnet, along with the magnetic flux from the excitation of the solenoid coil, is generated in the same direction as the magnetic flux from the permanent magnet, causing the armature to be attracted in a direction that reduces the gap. As a result, the operating rod, which is connected to the vacuum valve's movable shaft along with the armature, is pushed up, closing the valve. In the closed state, the solenoid coil is unexcited, and the closed state is maintained solely by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet.

[0006] On the other hand, in the open state, when the solenoid coil is excited, a magnetic flux is generated in the opposite direction to the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet. This reduces the magnetic flux in the yoke, and the load in the opening direction from the energy storage spring and the opening spring causes the armature to move in the opening direction. As a result, the operating rod is pulled down along with the armature, resulting in the open state. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-270423 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Incidentally, while switches are normally controlled to close and close automatically as described above, in the event of a power outage or periodic inspection of power distribution equipment, it is necessary to operate the manual handle to switch from the automatic operation state to the manual operation state. When switching from the automatic operation state to the manual operation state, the main contacts are held closed by the biasing force of the energy-storing spring of the operating mechanism. However, if the electromagnetic repulsive force acting on the main contacts when a short-circuit current flows exceeds the holding force of the energy-storing spring, the main contacts will open, and a switch that does not have the ability to interrupt short-circuit currents may be destroyed.

[0009] To prevent such malfunctions, one could consider strengthening the biasing force of the energy storage spring. However, in the automatic control of a switch, the closing and holding forces of the main contacts must exceed the biasing force of the energy storage spring. This necessitates a larger electromagnetic actuator, which creates space and layout constraints within the switch, as well as leading to increased equipment costs.

[0010] The present invention was conceived in view of the above points, and aims to provide a switch operating mechanism, a switch, and a method for operating a switch that can prevent the main contact from opening unintentionally when the switch is manually closed and maintain the closed state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To achieve the above objective, the operating mechanism of the switch of the present invention comprises a switch whose main contacts are composed of a fixed contact electrically connected to a fixed electrode and a movable contact electrically connected to a movable electrode positioned opposite to the fixed electrode, and includes a manual handle for rotation by manual operation, an energy storage spring for storing the driving force from the manual handle, a handle arm connected to one end of the energy storage spring and connected to a handle shaft that outputs the operating force from the manual handle, a toggle mechanism having a toggle arm connected to the other end of the energy storage spring and outputting the discharge force from the energy storage spring, and a mechanism for transmitting the discharge force from the energy storage spring. The device includes an output transmission mechanism having a main shaft, one end of which is connected to the movable contact and the other end to the main shaft, and a rod that is held so as to be movable in a direction that moves the movable contact toward and toward the fixed contact by converting the rotational force of the main shaft into reciprocating motion, and a latch mechanism having a first latch portion that has an engaged portion and is pivotally supported on the main shaft, and a second latch portion that is connected to the handle arm via a link and has an engaging portion formed thereon that can engage with the engaged portion, and the latch mechanism is movable between an engagement position in which the engaging portion can engage with the engaged portion and a release position in which the engaging portion disengages from the engaged portion in response to the operation of the manual handle.

[0012] In this case, the switch's operating mechanism includes a manual handle that is rotated manually. In a manually operated switch, the main contacts can be opened and closed by operating the manual handle. In an automatically operated switch, the manual handle is normally set to an automatically operated state to automatically control the opening and closing of the main contacts. However, in the event of a power outage or periodic inspection of the power distribution equipment, the manual handle can be operated to switch from the automatically operated state to the manually operated state, allowing the opening and closing of the main contacts to be controlled.

[0013] Furthermore, by providing a handle arm connected to the handle shaft that outputs the operating force of the manual handle, the position of the handle arm can be switched in accordance with the operation of the manual handle, and a latch mechanism linked to the handle arm can be operated, as described later.

[0014] Furthermore, it has a power-storage spring that stores the driving force from the manual handle, and a toggle mechanism that uses the released force from the power-storage spring to close the main contacts. This allows the main contacts to be closed and opened at a constant speed, regardless of the operating speed of the handle arm.

[0015] Furthermore, by providing an output transmission mechanism having a main shaft that transmits the discharge force of the energy storage spring, the operating force of the manual handle or the electromagnetic operating force of the electromagnetic actuator can be transmitted to the movable contact via the main shaft, enabling the opening and closing operation of the main contact between the fixed contact and the movable contact.

[0016] Furthermore, the output transmission mechanism includes a rod, one end of which is connected to a movable contact and the other end to the main shaft. This rod is held so as to be movable in a direction that moves the movable contact toward and away from the fixed contact by converting the rotational force of the main shaft into reciprocating motion. By converting the rotational motion of the main shaft into reciprocating motion, the opening and closing operation of the main contact between the fixed contact and the movable contact can be performed.

[0017] Furthermore, the device includes a latch mechanism comprising a first latch portion pivotally supported on the main shaft and having an engaged portion, and a second latch portion connected to the handle arm via a link and having an engaging portion that can engage with the engaged portion. The latch mechanism is movable between an engaged position in which the engaging portion can engage with the engaged portion and a released position in which the engaging portion disengages from the engaged portion in response to the operation of the manual handle, thereby allowing the engagement or disengagement of the first latch portion and the second latch portion to be switched in response to the operation of the manual handle.

[0018] By engaging the first latch portion and the second latch portion, the rotation of the main shaft is locked, mechanically maintaining the closed state of the fixed contact and the movable contact, preventing the main contact from opening unintentionally due to electromagnetic repulsion or the like, and maintaining the closed state of the main contact. Furthermore, because the latch mechanism has a simple configuration consisting of an engaged portion and an engaging portion, it can be placed with ample space even within a switch with layout constraints.

[0019] Furthermore, the second latch portion is slidably connected to an elongated hole formed in the link, and when the engagement position or release position of the first latch portion and the second latch portion is switched by the reciprocating movement of the link which is linked to the operation of the manual handle, the engagement position and release position of the first latch portion and the second latch portion can be switched by operating the manual handle.

[0020] Furthermore, the switch can be switched between a manually operated state and an automatically operated state using a manual handle. In the latch mechanism, when the manual handle is operated to the manually operated state, the engaging portion of the second latch engages with the engaged portion of the first latch, and when the manual handle is operated to the automatically operated state, the engagement between the engaged portion of the first latch and the engaging portion of the second latch is released. In the case of an automatically operated switch, when switching from the automatically operated state to the manually operated state, an electromagnetic repulsive force acts on the main contact while the main contact is held closed by the biasing force of the energy storage spring, and even if this electromagnetic repulsive force exceeds the biasing force of the energy storage spring, the engagement of the latch mechanism can prevent the main contact from opening unintentionally.

[0021] Furthermore, the switch can be switched between a manually on state and a manually off state using a manual handle. In the latch mechanism, when the manual handle is operated to the manually on state, the engaging portion of the second latch engages with the engaged portion of the first latch, and when the manual handle is operated to the manually off state, the engagement between the engaged portion of the first latch and the engaging portion of the second latch is released. In the case of a manually operated switch, the first latch and the second latch engage in sync with the closing of the main contacts by the operation of the manual handle. Furthermore, even if an electromagnetic repulsive force acts on the main contacts while they are held closed by the biasing force of the energy storage spring, and this electromagnetic repulsive force exceeds the biasing force of the energy storage spring, the engagement of the latch mechanism can prevent the main contacts from opening unintentionally.

[0022] To achieve the above objective, the switch of the present invention comprises a fixed contact electrically connected to a fixed electrode, a movable contact which constitutes a main contact with the fixed contact and is electrically connected to a movable electrode positioned opposite to the fixed electrode, and an operating mechanism which includes a manual handle for rotation by manual operation, an energy storage spring for storing the driving force from the manual handle, and an output transmission mechanism which includes a main shaft for transmitting the discharge force from the energy storage spring to the movable contact, wherein one end of the operating mechanism is connected to the movable contact and the other end is connected to the main shaft, and the rotational force of the main shaft The device comprises a rod that is converted into reciprocating motion and holds the movable contactor so as to be movable in a direction toward and toward the fixed contactor; a handle arm connected to a handle shaft that outputs the operating force of the manual handle; and a latch mechanism having a first latch portion that has an engaged portion and is pivotally supported on the main shaft, and a second latch portion that is connected to the handle arm via a link and has an engaging portion formed thereon that can engage with the engaged portion, and the latch mechanism is movable between an engagement position in which the engaging portion can engage with the engaged portion and a release position in which the engaging portion disengages from the engaged portion in response to the operation of the manual handle.

[0023] With the above configuration, in an automatic operation type switch, during normal times, the opening and closing operation of the main contacts is automatically controlled in an automatically operable state. On the other hand, during a power outage or during regular inspection of power distribution equipment, it is possible to switch from the automatically operable state to the manual input state by operating the manual handle. Then, in conjunction with the switching to the manual input state, the first latch portion and the second latch portion engage with each other. Therefore, even if an electromagnetic repulsive force acts on the main contacts and the electromagnetic repulsive force exceeds the biasing force of the energy storage spring in a state where the main contacts are held closed by the biasing force of the energy storage spring, the engagement of the latch mechanism can prevent the inadvertent opening of the main contacts.

[0024] Also, in a manually operated switch, when operating from the manual off state to the manual on state to close the main contacts, in conjunction with the switching to the manual input state, the first latch portion and the second latch portion engage with each other. Therefore, even if an electromagnetic repulsive force acts on the main contacts and the electromagnetic repulsive force exceeds the biasing force of the energy storage spring in a state where the main contacts are held closed by the biasing force of the energy storage spring, the engagement of the latch mechanism can prevent the inadvertent opening of the main contacts.

[0025] To achieve the above object, an operating method for a switch of the present invention comprises a fixed contact electrically connected to a fixed side electrode and a movable contact electrically connected to a movable side electrode disposed opposite to the fixed side electrode to form main contacts, and an operating method for a switch that performs the closing operation of the main contacts using the releasing force of an energy storage spring. The method includes a step of operating a manual handle to switch to a manual input state for manually closing the main contacts, a step of, in conjunction with the operation of the manual handle, using the releasing force of the energy storage spring to close the movable contact to the main contacts, a step of holding the closing of the main contacts by the energy storage spring, and a step of engaging an engaging portion and an engaged portion of a latch mechanism.

[0026] With the above configuration, when the manual handle is operated to switch to the manual input state, the engaging portion of the latch mechanism engages with the engaged portion in conjunction therewith. Therefore, even if an electromagnetic repulsive force acts on the main contact while the main contact is held in the closed state by the biasing force of the energy storage spring and the electromagnetic repulsive force exceeds the biasing force of the energy storage spring, inadvertent opening of the main contact can be prevented by the engagement of the latch mechanism.

[0027] Also, when the manual handle is switched from the manual input state to the manual cut state where the main contact is opened in conjunction with the operation of the manual handle or to the automatic operation state where the closing operation of the main contact can be automatically controlled, in the case of having a process of releasing the engaged state by the latch mechanism and opening the main contact, in a manually operated switch, by operating to the manual cut state, the main contact whose engaged state by the latch mechanism has been released can be opened. Also, in an automatically operated switch, the main contact after being switched to the automatic operation state is released from the engaged state by the latch mechanism and is held in the closed state by automatic control by the electromagnetic actuator.

[0028] Also, when the process of engaging the engaging portion and the engaged portion of the latch mechanism includes switching from a temporary engagement position where a predetermined gap is formed between the engaging portion and the engaged portion when a predetermined electromagnetic repulsive force is generated in the main contact and the movable contact moves to the open side to engagement at the main engagement position where the gap is closed, it can be firmly engaged at the main engagement position only when the electromagnetic repulsive force acts, and the latch mechanism can realize smooth movement from the non-engaged position to the temporary engagement position due to the formation of the gap.

Advantages of the Invention

[0029] The switch operating mechanism, switch, and switch operating method according to the present invention can prevent inadvertent opening of the main contact in the manual input state of the switch and can hold the closed state of the main contact.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] It is an overall view of a switch according to an embodiment of the present invention, (a) is a plan view, and (b) is a front view. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the operating mechanism of a switch according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows the relationship between the closing operation of the main contacts and the latch mechanism in the manually closed state of a switch according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows the relationship between the closing operation of the main contact and the latch mechanism in the automatically operable state of the switch according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] The following describes the operating mechanism, the switch, and the method of operating the switch according to an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the drawings, to facilitate understanding of the present invention. In each drawing, for the sake of explanation, the direction from the bottom surface to the top surface is defined as the upward direction when the switch is installed, the direction opposite to the upward direction is defined as the downward direction, and the axial direction represented by the upward and downward directions is defined as the vertical direction.

[0032] First, the overall configuration of the switch 1 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described using Figures 1 and 2. The switch 1 is a pole-mounted switch installed on a utility pole as a point of responsibility demarcation at the entrance of a consumer's premises, and various power supply equipment 20 are housed in a metal case 10.

[0033] Here, switch 1 does not necessarily have to be a pole-mounted switch. For example, any switch that can switch the load current under normal conditions and also close the abnormal current in the case of a short circuit in the circuit can be used for any purpose.

[0034] On one side of the case 10, a power supply side bushing 21a is provided, which has a power supply side connection terminal 22 that connects to a power distribution line in the power distribution system. On the other side of the case 10, a load side bushing 21b is provided, which has a load side connection terminal 23 that connects to a power distribution line (hereinafter, the power supply side bushing 21a and the load side bushing 21b are collectively referred to as "bushing 21"). A fixed contact 24 is connected to and fixed to the power supply side bushing 21a, and a movable contact 25 is provided to the load side bushing 21b.

[0035] Here, Figure 1 shows a case where there are three bushings 21 in a pair, i.e., a total of six bushings 21. However, the bushings 21 may consist of one, two, or four or more bushings in a pair, or two or more pairs.

[0036] The movable contact 25 is pivotally supported on a rotating shaft so as to be able to move toward and away from the fixed contact 24. The state in which the movable contact 25 is in contact with the fixed contact 24 is defined as the closed state of the main contact (circuit), and the state in which the movable contact 25 is separated from the fixed contact 24 is defined as the open state of the main contact (circuit). The opening and closing of the main contact between the fixed contact 24 and the movable contact 25 is achieved by the operating mechanism 30. The operating mechanism 30 mainly consists of a drive mechanism 40 for generating driving force (rotational force), an output transmission mechanism 60 for outputting the driving force generated by the drive mechanism 40, and a latch mechanism 70 for mechanically maintaining the closed state of the movable contact 25 relative to the fixed contact 24.

[0037] The drive mechanism 40 consists of a first drive unit 41 and a second drive unit 42. The first drive unit 41 is a manual handle 411 attached to the front side of the case 10 of the switch 1, which is connected to a handle shaft 412. The manual handle 411 can be rotated by an operator by gripping it and moving it to one side or the other, switching between an "automatic" position (automatic operation enabled state) where automatic control by the second drive unit 42 (described later) is possible, and a "manual-on" position (manual-on state) where manual operation is possible.

[0038] Here, the switch 1 does not necessarily have to be an automatically operated switch that can be switched between a manually operated state by the first drive unit 41 and an automatically operated state by the second drive unit 42. For example, the drive mechanism 40 may consist only of the first drive unit 41, and the switch may be a manually operated switch in which the main contacts of the movable contact 25 relative to the fixed contact 24 are opened and closed by operating the manual handle 411. For the sake of explanation, the switch 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described based on an automatically operated switch.

[0039] The operating force from the manual handle 411 is transmitted to the movable contact 25 via the output transmission mechanism 60 as a discharge force from the toggle mechanism 50. Here, the toggle mechanism 50 has a well-known structure and mainly consists of a handle arm 51 that outputs the operating force from the manual handle 411, an energy-storing spring 52 that stores the driving force of the handle arm 51, and a toggle arm 53 that outputs the discharge force of the energy-storing spring 52 to the output transmission mechanism 60.

[0040] The second drive unit 42 is a drive mechanism that automatically opens and closes the main contact when the manual handle 411 is in the "automatic" position. The second drive unit 42 includes a plunger 421 and a solenoid 422 that attracts the plunger 421, and is fixed in a predetermined position inside the case 10 by a fixing device.

[0041] When an on command is input via an operating switch (not shown), the solenoid 422 is energized, and the plunger 421 is attracted into the solenoid 422, rotating the connected toggle arm 53 and simultaneously storing energy in the energy storage spring 52. The attraction action of the solenoid 422 and the release force of the stored energy storage spring 52 rotate the toggle arm 53, thereby opening and closing the main contact.

[0042] In the embodiment of the present invention, the solenoid 422 employs a continuously energized solenoid that is energized at all times while an on-off command is input. However, it is also possible to employ an instantaneous energized solenoid that is energized instantaneously only when an on-off command is issued.

[0043] The output transmission mechanism 60 is a mechanism for transmitting the driving force from the first drive unit 41 and the second drive unit 42 to the movable contact 25, and consists of a main shaft 61 that transmits the driving force as rotational force, and a rod 62 that converts the rotational force of the main shaft into reciprocating motion and transmits it to the movable contact 25.

[0044] The main spindle 61 is pivotally supported by a first latch portion 71 which constitutes the latch mechanism 70 described later, and one end of this first latch portion 71 is connected to the toggle arm 53 by a connecting bolt 63. The rod 62 is elongated, with one end connected to the main spindle 61 via a connecting arm 64 and the other end connected to the movable contact 25.

[0045] The driving force output by the drive mechanism 40 is transmitted from the toggle arm 53 to the first latch portion 71 via the connecting bolt 63, and the rotational force of the first latch portion 71 is transmitted to the main shaft 61. The rotational force transmitted to the main shaft 61 is converted into reciprocating motion of the rod 62 via the connecting arm 64, and this reciprocating motion of the rod 62 drives the movable contact 25 toward and toward the fixed contact 24, enabling the opening and closing operations of the main contact.

[0046] The latch mechanism 70 consists of a substantially V-shaped first latch portion 71 having an engaged portion 711, and a substantially V-shaped second latch portion 72 having an engaging portion 721 that engages with the engaged portion 711. As described above, the first latch portion 71 has a through hole (not indicated by a reference numeral) formed in its approximate middle portion, and the main shaft 61 is pivotally supported in this through hole. One end of the first latch portion 71 is the engaged portion 711, and the other end, which is different from the engaged portion 711, is connected to the connecting bolt 63.

[0047] Here, the first latch portion 71 and the second latch portion 72 do not necessarily have to be approximately V-shaped; they can be appropriately changed to approximately L-shaped or I-shaped shapes, as long as the first latch portion 71 and the second latch portion 72 can engage with each other.

[0048] The second latch portion 72 has an engaging portion 721 at one end that engages with the engaged portion 711, and the other end is connected to the handle arm 51 via a link 73. The link 73 has an elongated hole in the portion that connects to the second latch portion 72, and the connecting portion of the second latch portion 72 is slidably connected by a predetermined distance according to the movement of the link 73.

[0049] Next, the relationship between the closing operation of the main contact and the latch mechanism 70 will be explained based on Figures 3 and 4. Note that the lower diagrams in Figures 3 and 4 are mainly extracted diagrams of the latch mechanism 70 and the output transmission mechanism 60 from the upper diagrams. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the embodiments of the present invention are explained assuming the operation of an automatically operated switch, but in the case of a manually operated switch, the "automatic" position shall be read as "manual off" in the following explanation.

[0050] <Manual insertion operation: Open state → Inserted state> As shown in Figure 3(a), when the manual handle 411 is in the "automatic" position and the solenoid 422 of the second drive unit 42 is de-energized, the movable contact 25 is spaced apart from the fixed contact 24 and the main contact is open.

[0051] When the manual handle 411 is rotated from the "automatic" position to the "manual" position (clockwise towards the paper), the handle arm 51 and the energy storage spring 52 also rotate clockwise in conjunction with the handle arm 51, compressing the energy storage spring 52. The energy storage spring 52 is compressed to its maximum extent when it forms a dead point where the handle arm 51 and the energy storage spring 52 are in a straight line.

[0052] Furthermore, by rotating the manual handle 411 clockwise, the compressed energy storage spring 52 is released immediately after it passes its dead center, causing the toggle arm 53 to move quickly. At this time, the released force of the energy storage spring 52 rotates the toggle arm 53 counterclockwise, and this rotational force is transmitted to the movable contact 25 through the output transmission mechanism 60.

[0053] Then, the movable contact 25 rotates toward the fixed contact 24, and as shown in Figure 3(b), the main contact is closed, closing the switch 1. This toggle mechanism 50 allows the toggle arm 53 to be quickly moved when the energy storage spring 52 passes dead center, regardless of the operating speed of the manual handle 411, and the movable contact 25 to be immediately closed toward the fixed contact 24.

[0054] Furthermore, the force released by the energy-storing spring 52 pushes the connecting bolt 63 connected to the toggle arm 53 downwards, causing the first latch portion 71 to rotate clockwise. This rotational force is transmitted from the main shaft 61 through the connecting arm 64 and the rod 62 to the movable contact 25, causing the movable contact 25 to engage with the fixed contact 24.

[0055] Meanwhile, in conjunction with the quick movement of the energy storage spring 52, the handle arm 51 rotates clockwise. Due to the rotation of the handle arm 51, the second latch portion 72, which is connected to the handle arm 51 via the link 73, rotates clockwise while sliding along the elongated hole 731 of the link 73. At this time, the engaged portion 711 of the first latch portion 71, which also rotates clockwise, engages with the engaging portion 721 of the second latch portion 72, and the latch mechanism 70 becomes engaged (see the lower part of Figure 3(b)).

[0056] The latch mechanism 70 is engaged in a temporary engagement position where a predetermined gap (clearance) is formed immediately after the switching operation by the manual handle 411. When an electromagnetic repulsive force is generated at the main contact, the first latch portion 71 moves in a direction that closes the gap it engages in, and is configured to firmly engage at the permanent engagement position. Therefore, even if an electromagnetic repulsive force acts on the main contact while it is being held by the biasing force of the energy storage spring 52, and the electromagnetic repulsive force exceeds the biasing force of the energy storage spring 52, the engagement by the latch mechanism 70 can prevent the main contact from opening unintentionally.

[0057] Here, the latch mechanism 70 does not necessarily need to be engaged in this engagement position when an electromagnetic repulsive force acts on the main contact. For example, it may be configured so that the engaging portion 721 of the second latch portion 72 is firmly and securely fixed to the engaged portion 711 of the first latch portion 71 without any gaps, in conjunction with the operation of the manual handle 411.

[0058] Furthermore, it is not necessarily required that the first latch portion 71 move in a direction that closes the gap when an electromagnetic repulsive force is generated at the main contact; the second latch portion 72 may be configured to move in a direction that closes the gap.

[0059] <Manual release operation: Closed state → Open state> The main contacts can be opened by performing the reverse operation of the above-described operation. Specifically, by rotating the manual handle 411 counterclockwise from the "manual on" position to the "automatic" position, the handle arm 51 also rotates counterclockwise. At this time, the handle arm 51 rotates counterclockwise and the toggle arm 53 rotates clockwise, causing the first latch portion 71 and the second latch portion 72 to rotate counterclockwise and release their engagement. At this time, the rotational force of the first latch portion 71 is transmitted to the movable contact 25 via the rod 62, and the movable contact 25 moves in a direction away from the fixed contact 24 (Figure 3(c)).

[0060] <Automatic dispensing operation: Open state → Dispensed state> In the automatically operated switch 1, the manual handle 411 is switched to the "automatic" position, which enables automatic operation, and the second drive unit 42 is driven to close and open the main contacts. When the main contacts are closed in the automatically operated state, as shown in Figure 4(a), an energizing command is sent to the solenoid 422, causing the plunger 421 to pull and rotate the toggle arm 53 counterclockwise, and the energy storage spring 52 to store energy. At this time, the connecting bolt 63 pushes down the first latch part 71, causing the main shaft 61 to rotate clockwise, and this rotational force drives the movable contact 25 relative to the fixed contact 24 through the rod 62, thereby achieving the closed state shown in Figure 4(b).

[0061] <Automatic release operation: Operated state → Released state> In the automatic operation enabled state, when opening the main contact from the state shown in Figure 4(b), a command to stop the energization is output to the solenoid 422, causing the suction force of the plunger 421 to be lost. This allows the main contact to be opened by an operation in the reverse direction of the automatic closing operation described above. Specifically, the release force of the energy storage spring 52 rotates the toggle arm 53 clockwise, and consequently, the first latch part 71 and the main shaft 61 also rotate counterclockwise. Then, the rod 62 connected to the main shaft 61 is pushed up, driving the movable contact 25 away from the main contact, thereby opening the main contact.

[0062] As described above, in an automatically operated switch, when the manual handle 411 is in the "automatic" position and the switch is in an automatically operated state, the latch mechanism 70 is always in a released state, and the mechanical holding force of the main contact is eliminated, making it possible for the second drive unit 42 to close and open the main contact. Furthermore, by operating the manual handle 411 to the "manual on" position to put it in a manually on state, the latch mechanism 70 engages in a temporary engagement position and is configured to engage in the permanent engagement position when an electromagnetic repulsive force acts on the main contact. As a result, even if the electromagnetic repulsive force exceeds the biasing force of the energy storage spring 52, the mechanical holding force of the latch mechanism 70 can prevent the main contact from opening unintentionally.

[0063] As described above, the switch operating mechanism, switch, and switch operating method according to the present invention prevent the main contact from opening unintentionally when the switch is manually closed, and can maintain the closed state of the main contact. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1 Switch 10 cases 20 Power equipment 21 Bushing 21a Power supply side bushing 21b Load-side bushing 22 Power supply side connection terminals 23 Load-side connection terminal 24 Fixed contact 25 Movable contactor 30 Operating mechanism 40 Drive mechanism 41 First drive unit 411 Manual handle 412 Handle shaft 42 Second drive unit 421 Plunger 422 Solenoid 50 Toggle Mechanism 51 Handle arm 52 Energy storage spring 53 Toggle Arm 54 Connecting plate 60 Output transmission mechanism 61 Spindle 62 rods 63 Connecting bolts 64 Connecting Arms 70 Latch mechanism 71 First latch 711 Engaged portion 72 Second latch section 721 Engaging part 73 links 731 long hole

Claims

1. In an operating mechanism for a switch, the main contact is composed of a fixed contact electrically connected to a fixed electrode and a movable contact electrically connected to a movable electrode positioned opposite to the fixed electrode, A manual handle that rotates manually, A toggle mechanism having an energy-storing spring that stores the driving force from the manual handle, a handle arm connected to a handle shaft that outputs the operating force from the manual handle and is connected to one end of the energy-storing spring, and a toggle arm connected to the other end of the energy-storing spring that outputs the force released by the energy-storing spring, An output transmission mechanism having a main shaft that transmits the discharge force of the energy storage spring, and a rod having one end connected to the movable contact and the other end connected to the main shaft, which is held so as to be movable in a direction that moves the movable contact toward and toward the fixed contact by converting the rotational force of the main shaft into reciprocating motion, The latch mechanism comprises a first latch portion having an engaging portion and pivotally supported on the main shaft, a second latch portion connected to the handle arm via a link and having an engaging portion formed thereon that can engage with the aforementioned engaging portion, and the latch mechanism being movable between an engagement position in which the engaging portion can engage with the engaging portion and a release position in which the engaging portion disengages from the engaging portion in response to the operation of the manual handle. The operating mechanism of a switch.

2. The second latch portion is slidably connected to an elongated hole formed in the link, In accordance with the reciprocating motion of the link, which is linked to the operation of the manual handle, the second latch portion slides along the elongated hole, thereby switching between the engaged position and the disengaged position of the first latch portion and the second latch portion. The operating mechanism for the switch according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned manual handle allows the switch to be switched between a manually operated state and an automatically operated state. The latch mechanism is When the manual handle is operated to the manual engaged position, the engaging portion of the second latch engages with the engaged portion of the first latch. When the manual handle is operated to the automatic operation state, the engagement between the engaged portion of the first latch and the engaged portion of the second latch is released. An operating mechanism for a switch according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The aforementioned manual handle allows the switch to be switched between a manually on state and a manually off state. The latch mechanism is When the manual handle is operated to the manual engaged position, the engaging portion of the second latch engages with the engaged portion of the first latch. When the manual handle is operated to the manual off position, the engagement between the engaged portion of the first latch and the engaged portion of the second latch is released. An operating mechanism for a switch according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. A fixed contact electrically connected to the fixed electrode, A movable contact which constitutes the main contact with the fixed contact and is electrically connected to a movable electrode positioned opposite to the fixed electrode, A switch comprising an operating mechanism having a manual handle for rotation by manual operation, an energy-storing spring for storing the driving force from the manual handle, and an output transmission mechanism including a main shaft for transmitting the discharge force from the energy-storing spring to the movable contact, The aforementioned operating mechanism is A rod is provided, with one end connected to the movable contact and the other end connected to the main shaft, and the rod is held so as to be able to move the movable contact toward and toward the fixed contact by converting the rotational force of the main shaft into reciprocating motion, A handle arm connected to the handle shaft that outputs the operating force of the manual handle, The latch mechanism comprises a first latch portion having an engaging portion and pivotally supported on the main shaft, a second latch portion connected to the handle arm via a link and having an engaging portion formed thereon that can engage with the engaging portion, and the latch mechanism being movable between an engagement position in which the engaging portion can engage with the engaging portion and a release position in which the engaging portion disengages from the engaging portion in response to the operation of the manual handle. Switch.

6. In a method for operating a switch, in which a main contact is formed by a fixed contact electrically connected to a fixed electrode and a movable contact electrically connected to a movable electrode positioned opposite to the fixed electrode, and the closing operation of the main contact is performed using the force released by an energy storage spring, A process of switching to the manual-on state by operating a manual handle to manually close the main contact, The process of using the energy release force of the energy storage spring to move the movable contact into the main contact in conjunction with the operation of the manual handle, The process of holding the main contact closed by the energy-storing spring, The process includes engaging the engaging portion and the engaged portion of the latch mechanism. Instructions for operating a switch.

7. The process involves switching the manual handle from a manually engaged state to a manually disengaged state in which the main contact is opened in conjunction with the operation of the manual handle, or to an automatically operated state in which the closing operation of the main contact can be automatically controlled, thereby releasing the engagement state by the latch mechanism and opening the main contact. A method for operating a switch according to claim 6.

8. The step of engaging the engaging portion and the engaged portion of the latch mechanism is as follows: The process includes a step in which, when a predetermined electromagnetic repulsive force is generated at the main contact and the movable contact moves to the open side, the engagement switches from a temporary engagement position in which a predetermined gap is formed between the engaging portion and the engaged portion to a permanent engagement position in which the gap is closed. A method for operating a switch according to claim 6 or claim 7.

Images