Electric charging mechanism and air circuit breaker

Abstract

Provided is an electric charge mechanism that accumulates energy for a closing spring that is used for operation of a contact. The electric charge mechanism comprises: a driving motor (55) that outputs power; an eccentric cam (57) that rotates upon receiving power from the driving motor (55); an advancement pawl (30) that is rotatably connected at a position offset from the rotational axis of the eccentric cam (57), and that rocks with rotation of the eccentric cam (57); a ratchet gear that is advanced by the rocking advancement pawl (30) and that rotates one tooth at a time; an energy accumulation mechanism transmits rotational motion of the ratchet gear to a closing spring to accumulate energy; and an assist member (64) that assists rotation of the eccentric cam (57) when energy is being accumulated in the closing spring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electric charging mechanism and an air circuit breaker.

Background Art

[0002] In an air circuit breaker with a large breaking capacity, the operation of the contacts is performed using the force of a charged closing spring. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an air circuit breaker that charges a closing spring by means of an electric charging mechanism having a drive motor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the future, in order to cope with a further increase in the breaking current, it is necessary to increase the energy accumulated in the closing spring. For this purpose, it is necessary to increase the output power of the electric charging mechanism. On the other hand, the electric charging mechanism has a problem that it becomes larger in size when the output power is increased, and it is difficult to incorporate it into an air circuit breaker with space constraints.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a small and high-output electric charging mechanism and an air circuit breaker having this electric charging mechanism.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The electric charging mechanism according to the present disclosure is a mechanism for charging a closing spring used for the operation of contacts, and includes a drive motor that outputs power, and a rotation that receives the power from the drive motor and rotates. ru Ka mu ,mosquito is rotatably connected to a position offset from the rotation axis of mu ,mosquitoA feed pawl that oscillates as the oscillating feed pawl moves, a ratchet gear that rotates one tooth at a time as it is fed out by the oscillating feed pawl, an energy storage mechanism that stores energy by transmitting the rotational motion of the ratchet gear to the input spring, and when the input spring stores energy ,mosquito It includes an auxiliary member that assists in the rotation of the motor. The operation in which the cam rotates and oscillates the feed pawl includes a feed operation in which the feed pawl pushes the ratchet gear one tooth at a time, causing the ratchet gear to rotate, and a free-spinning operation in which the feed pawl rotates freely relative to the ratchet gear. The auxiliary member applies a torque to the cam in the same direction as the cam's rotation during the feed operation, and applies a torque to the cam in the opposite direction to the cam's rotation during the free-spinning operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, the electric charging mechanism includes an auxiliary member that assists the rotation of the eccentric cam when storing energy in the closing spring, thereby reducing the load on the drive motor. This makes it possible to provide a compact and high-output electric charging mechanism, and an air circuit breaker having this electric charging mechanism. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Side cross-sectional view of an air circuit breaker having an electric charging mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure in the off state. [Figure 2] Side cross-sectional view of an air circuit breaker having an electric charging mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure in the ON state. [Figure 3] Partial bottom view of the air circuit breaker shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows a diagram focusing on the mechanical system portion of the air circuit breaker. [Figure 5] Figure 2 shows a diagram focusing on the mechanical system portion of the air circuit breaker. [Figure 6] A diagram focusing on the ratchet mechanism and feed pawl of the electric charging mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 7] Front view focusing on the motor drive portion of the electric charging mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 8] Side view of the motor drive portion of the electric charging mechanism shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9A] This figure shows the charging operation of the electric charging mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure in order of operation. [Figure 9B] Continuing from Figure 9A, this diagram shows the charging operation of the electric charging mechanism in sequence. [Figure 10A] Figure showing the charging operation of the electric charging mechanism in order of operation, continuing from Figure 9B [Figure 10B] Figure showing the charging operation of the electric charging mechanism in order of operation, continuing from Figure 10A [Figure 11] Figure showing the charging operation of the electric charging mechanism, continuing from Figure 10B [Figure 12] Front view focusing on the motor drive part of the electric charging mechanism according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure [Figure 13] Figure showing the state where the feed pawl starts to press the ratchet gear in the electric charging mechanism according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure [Figure 14] Figure showing the state where the feed pawl is idling in the electric charging mechanism according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure [Figure 15] Side view of the motor drive part of the electric charging mechanism according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure [Figure 16] Side view of the motor drive part of the electric charging mechanism according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure [Figure 17] Side view of the motor drive part of the electric charging mechanism according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, the electric charging mechanism and the air circuit breaker according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) First, the basic configuration of the air circuit breaker 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the main components of the air circuit breaker 1 are housed in a housing 4 including a mold case 2 and a mold cover 3. Inside the housing 4, on the right side in the drawing, components of the electrical system mainly for opening and closing the main circuit are arranged, and on the left side, components of the mechanical system mainly for opening and closing the main circuit are arranged.

[0011] First, let's explain the electrical components. For electrical connections to the power supply and load sides, a pair of conductors 5 and 6 protrude from the molded case 2, separated into upper and lower sections in the diagram. A fixed contact 7 is attached to the end of conductor 5, which protrudes from the upper side in the diagram, inside the molded case 2. A movable contact 8, opposite the fixed contact 7, is fixed to a movable element 9 so that it can contact and separate from the fixed contact 7. The base end of the movable element 9 is electrically connected to conductor 6 via a flexible conductor 10. The movable element 9 is held in a movable element holder 11.

[0012] The lower end of the movable element holder 11 is rotatably supported by a shaft 12 fixed to the mold case 2. The upper end of the movable element holder 11 is connected by a connecting pin 13 to the end of an insulating link 14 of the mechanical system, which will be described later. The movable element 9 is biased away from the inner wall surface (to the left in the figure) by a contact pressure spring 15 provided between it and the inner wall surface on the right side of the mold case 2 in the figure. In the off state, when the contact is open as shown in Figure 1, the contact pressure spring 15 biases the movable contact 8 away from the fixed contact 7. On the other hand, in the on state, as shown in Figure 2, due to its relationship with the insulating link 14, the contact pressure spring 15 rotates the movable element 9 clockwise around the connecting pin 13 in Figure 2, biasing the movable contact 8 against the fixed contact 7. The arc extinguishing chamber 16, which cuts the arc generated when the movable contact 8 is separated from the fixed contact 7, is located in the upper right of Figures 1 and 2.

[0013] As shown in Figure 3, the components of the mechanical system are positioned between the left frame 19 and the right frame 20, which are connected at a distance from each other by shafts 17 and nuts 18. The fixing method is not limited to using nuts 18; known fixing methods such as riveting and welding may also be used. Unless otherwise specified, each shaft in the mechanical system is parallel to shaft 17.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the cam mechanism 61 comprises a ratchet gear 23 and a cam 22 connected to and driven by the ratchet gear 23. The ratchet gear 23 and the cam 22 are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to Figure 1. As shown in Figure 6, the ratchet gear 23 is pushed out by the feed pawl 30 and rotates one tooth at a time. The cam-side roller 24 is provided between the cam 22 and the ratchet gear 23 shown in Figure 1. The energy storage arm 25 is located above the cam mechanism 61 in the figure and rotates around the cam shaft 26 as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The arm-side roller 27 is provided at one end of the energy storage arm 25. The energy storage arm 25 is rotationally driven by the sliding of the arm-side roller 27 along the outer edge of the cam 22 of the cam mechanism 61. A cam surface 28 that pushes up the input toggle link mechanism, which will be described later, is formed on the middle section of the energy storage arm 25.

[0015] As shown in Figure 4, the spring attachment pin 31 is fixed to or held at the other end of the energy storage arm 25. The spring attachment pin 31 also holds the upper end of the input spring 21 in the figure. The spring attachment pin 31 is inserted into the guide slots formed in the left frame 19 and the right frame 20 shown in Figure 3, and the input spring 21 is charged by moving the spring attachment pin 31 downwards to the right in the figure along the long axis of the guide slot. In Figure 4, the guide slot 19a formed in the left frame 19 is shown. Then, as will be described later, the energy stored in the input spring 21 causes the spring attachment pin 31 to move upwards to the left in the figure along the long axis of the guide slot, causing the movable contact 8 to turn on the fixed contact 7.

[0016] The close latch portion 32 is rotatably held on the rotating shaft 33, has a latch-side roller 34 in its middle section, and one end engages with the cam-side roller 24. The close latch 35 rotates around the shared fixed shaft 36. In the figure, the lower end of the close latch 35 engages with the latch-side roller 34, and the upper end engages with the close bar 37. The close bar 37 is operated manually or by a solenoid (not shown).

[0017] The main shaft 38 is rotatably supported in the housing 4 shown in Figure 1. Three arms 39 are fixed to the main shaft 38 at equal intervals. As shown in Figure 1, an insulating link 14 is connected to each arm 39 via a connecting pin 40.

[0018] The closing toggle link mechanism, as shown in Figure 4, has a lower link 41 and an upper link 42 connected by a center pin 46. The lower link 41 is connected to the arm 39 by a connecting pin (not shown, hidden behind the connecting pin 40 in the figure). The upper link 42 is connected to the link lever 44 by a link connecting pin (not shown).

[0019] As shown in Figure 5, the link-side central roller 45 is rotatably supported by the central pin 46 of the input toggle link mechanism and contacts the cam surface 28 of the energy storage arm 25. The input toggle link mechanism also bends around the central pin 46. The link lever 44 is rotatably supported by the link fixing shaft 47, and one end is connected to the upper link 42 via the central pin 46. The link lever-side roller 48 is rotatably positioned in the middle of the link lever 44.

[0020] The trip latch 49 is rotatably supported by a shared fixed shaft 36. As shown in Figure 4, the trip latch 49 has a recess 50 in its middle section that engages with the link lever side roller 48, and its upper end engages with the trip bar 51. The trip bar 51 is turned off manually or by a solenoid, although this is not shown.

[0021] Details of the electric charging mechanism 29 will be described later; here, we will provide an overview. As shown in Figure 7, the electric charging mechanism 29 includes a drive motor 55, a reduction gear train 56 connected to the output shaft of the drive motor 55, an eccentric cam 57 rotated by the reduction gear train 56, and a feed pawl 30 connected to the eccentric cam 57. The power output by the drive motor 55 is transmitted to the feed pawl 30 via the reduction gear train 56 and the eccentric cam 57, causing the ratchet gear 23 shown in Figure 6 to rotate one tooth at a time.

[0022] Next, the basic operation of the air circuit breaker 1 will be explained. Figure 5 shows the case where the closing spring 21 is in the released state and the air circuit breaker 1 is in the off state. In the state shown in Figure 5, the drive motor 55 shown in Figure 7 is operated. This causes the feed pawl 30 shown in Figure 6 to swing, and the ratchet gear 23 to rotate counterclockwise in the figure. As the ratchet gear 23 rotates, the cam 22 shown in Figure 5 also rotates counterclockwise in the figure. As a result, the arm-side roller 27 provided at one end of the energy storage arm 25 slides along the outer edge of the cam 22 of the cam mechanism 61, and the energy storage arm 25 is driven to rotate clockwise in the figure. Eventually, the energy storage arm 25 rotates to the position shown in Figure 4, and the spring-hanging pin 31 pushes down the closing spring 21 to store energy. In this way, the closing spring 21 reaches the state where energy storage is complete. Thus, the mechanism that transmits the rotational motion of the ratchet gear 23 to store energy in the closing spring 21, namely the mechanism including the cam 22, the energy storage arm 25, and the spring attachment pin 31, is called the energy storage mechanism. When energy storage is complete, the cam-side roller 24 of the cam mechanism 61 engages with the close latch portion 32, preventing the rotation of the cam mechanism 61. Furthermore, the latch-side roller 34 of the close latch portion 32 engages with the close latch 35, preventing the rotation of the close latch portion 32. The close latch 35 is locked by the close bar 37.

[0023] Next, we will explain the operation of closing the contacts to turn on the device from the state where the charge storage is complete. First, the close bar 37 in the state shown in Figure 4 is rotated clockwise in the figure by manual means or by a solenoid (not shown). This causes the close latch 35 to rotate clockwise in the figure, and the engagement of the latch-side roller 34 with respect to the close latch 35 is released. As a result, the close latch part 32 rotates counterclockwise in the figure, so the lock on the cam mechanism 61 is released and the cam mechanism 61 begins to rotate counterclockwise in the figure.

[0024] When the cam mechanism 61 rotates counterclockwise in the figure, the arm-side roller 27 drops from the cliff portion of the cam mechanism 61 into the recess 62, as shown in Figure 5, and the energy storage arm 25 becomes free. As a result, the energy stored in the input spring 21 is released, and the energy storage arm 25 rotates counterclockwise in the figure and springs up from the position shown in Figure 4 to the position shown in Figure 5. When the energy storage arm 25 springs up in this way, the link-side central roller 45 comes into contact with the cam surface 28 of the energy storage arm 25. Then, the input toggle link mechanism is extended by the springing force of the energy storage arm 25, as shown in Figure 2, and the contacts are turned on.

[0025] Next, we will explain the operation when the contact transitions from the ON state to the OFF state. When the contact is in the ON state, rotating the trip bar 51 shown in Figure 2 counterclockwise causes the trip latch 49 shown in Figure 4 to rotate counterclockwise. This disengages the link lever side roller 48 from the recess 50 in the middle of the trip latch 49, causing the link lever 44 to rotate clockwise around the link fixing shaft 47, and the closing toggle link mechanism bends to the OFF state. The above operation is then repeated.

[0026] As described above, when closing the contacts of the air circuit breaker 1, the elastic energy of the closing spring 21, which is charged by the electric charging mechanism 29 having a drive motor 55, is utilized. Next, the details of the electric charging mechanism 29 that charges the closing spring 21 and its operation will be explained.

[0027] As shown in Figure 7, the electric charging mechanism 29 has a left frame 52 and a right frame 53 connected at a distance in the X-axis direction. The left frame 52 and the right frame 53 are fitted with various components of the electric charging mechanism 29, including a drive motor 55, a reduction gear train 56 to which the output of the drive motor 55 is transmitted, an eccentric cam 57 connected to the output shaft of the reduction gear train 56, a feed pawl 30 rotatably mounted at a position offset from the rotation axis of the eccentric cam 57, a biasing spring 54, and an auxiliary spring 64. The right frame 53 is fixed to the side of the left frame 19 shown in Figure 3. This allows the feed pawl 30 to engage with the ratchet gear 23, as shown in Figure 6.

[0028] The drive motor 55 is, for example, a DC motor, but other well-known motors such as stepping motors can be used. As shown in Figure 7, the drive motor 55 is mounted on the side of the left frame 52 facing the -Y side.

[0029] The reduction gear train 56 has multiple gears that mesh with each other. The reduction gear train 56 is located between the left frame 52 and the right frame 53 and reduces the output of the drive motor 55 before transmitting it to the eccentric cam 57.

[0030] As shown in Figure 6, the eccentric cam 57 is disc-shaped, and the output shaft (not shown) of the reduction gear train 56 is connected to its center C. As a result, the eccentric cam 57 rotates counterclockwise around its center C as an axis in the figure. In other words, the center C of the eccentric cam 57 is also the axis of rotation C. The eccentric cam 57 also has an auxiliary shaft 65 that protrudes in the +X direction, as shown in Figure 7, at a position offset from the center C.

[0031] As shown in Figure 6, the feed pawl 30 is rotatably mounted on an auxiliary shaft 65 that protrudes from an eccentric cam 57. As the eccentric cam 57 rotates, the feed pawl 30 oscillates, rotating the ratchet gear 23 one tooth at a time. The feed pawl 30 has a protruding portion 30a that extends from its outer edge and a feed portion 30b that feeds the engaged ratchet gear 23 counterclockwise in the figure, positioned on either side of the auxiliary shaft 65. One end of a biasing spring 54 is attached to the protruding portion 30a of the feed pawl 30.

[0032] The biasing spring 54 is, for example, a tension coil spring. The other end of the biasing spring 54 is attached to a projection 53a that protrudes from the right frame 53, as shown in Figure 7. The biasing spring 54 applies torque to the feed pawl 30 in the counterclockwise direction in Figure 6. As a result, the feed portion 30b of the feed pawl 30 is pressed against the outer edge of the ratchet gear 23.

[0033] The auxiliary spring 64 is, for example, a tension coil spring. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, one end of the auxiliary spring 64, acting as an auxiliary member, is attached to an auxiliary shaft 65 provided on the eccentric cam 57. This auxiliary shaft 65 is the connection point where the feed claw 30 is connected to the eccentric cam 57. The other end of the auxiliary spring 64 is attached to a fixed shaft 66 provided on the right frame 53, which is the frame body of the electric charging mechanism 29. As will be described later, the auxiliary spring 64 applies a portion of the power to store energy in the input spring 21, thereby reducing the load on the drive motor 55.

[0034] As shown in Figure 6, a toothless section 63 is formed on the outer edge of the ratchet gear 23, where teeth are not provided in a certain area. When the ratchet gear 23 rotates due to the push of the feed pawl 30 and the charging of the engaging spring 21 is complete, the feed pawl 30 is positioned in the toothless section 63. Even when the drive motor 55 receives a stop command from a control unit (not shown), it may not stop immediately due to inertia, and the feed pawl 30 may continue to operate. Even in such cases, the toothless section 63 on the ratchet gear 23 can prevent over-rotation of the ratchet gear 23.

[0035] A reverse-reverse prevention pawl 58 is provided around the ratchet gear 23 to prevent the ratchet gear 23 from rotating clockwise. The reverse-reverse prevention pawl 58 has an engaging portion 59 that engages with the outer edge of the ratchet gear 23. The engaging portion 59 is pressed against the outer edge of the ratchet gear 23 by a compression spring 60 that presses against the reverse-reverse prevention pawl 58. The compression spring 60 is, for example, a compression coil spring.

[0036] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the right frame 53 is provided with a limit switch 67 for detecting the rotation angle of the ratchet gear 23. The ratchet gear 23 rotates due to the output of the drive motor 55, which charges the closing spring 21 shown in Figure 4. When the control unit (not shown) determines that the charging of the closing spring 21 is complete based on the rotation angle of the ratchet gear 23 detected by the limit switch 67, it stops the drive motor 55.

[0037] Next, the operation within the electric charging mechanism 29 when storing energy in the input spring 21 will be explained. Figures 9A to 11 show the operation in order of rotation, in which the eccentric cam 57 is rotated once to rotate the ratchet gear 23 by one tooth. In Figures 9A to 11, the biasing spring 54 and auxiliary spring 64 are shown as straight lines so that the operation of each component within the electric charging mechanism 29 can be understood. In each figure, the auxiliary shaft 65 is sequentially numbered a to e and is shown as a rectangle. Furthermore, in Figures 9A to 11, a hypothetical line L1 passing through the rotation axis C of the eccentric cam 57 and the fixed axis 66 is shown as a dashed line. As will be described later, the direction of the torque T2 due to the force F1 of the auxiliary spring 64 changes depending on whether the auxiliary shaft 65 is in the first region 80 or the second region 81 separated by line L1.

[0038] Figure 9A shows the state in which the feed pawl 30 begins to push the ratchet gear 23 during the charging operation. The output from the drive motor 55 shown in Figure 7 is transmitted to the eccentric cam 57 via the reduction gear train 56. As a result, a counterclockwise torque T1 acts on the eccentric cam 57, as shown in Figure 9A. Thus, the torque T1 is generated by the output of the drive motor 55. On the other hand, the auxiliary spring 64 acts a force F1 toward the fixed shaft 66 on the auxiliary shaft 65a. At this time, the auxiliary shaft 65a is in the first region 80 in the upper left of the figure along line L1, and the force F1 acts on the eccentric cam 57, a counterclockwise torque T2. Thus, the torque T2 is generated by the force F1 of the auxiliary spring 64, and the direction in which it acts is the same as the direction of torque T1.

[0039] The eccentric cam 57 rotates counterclockwise, as indicated by arrow R1 in the figure, due to torques T1 and T2 acting in the same direction. As a result, the feed pawl 30 rotates the ratchet gear 23 counterclockwise, as indicated by arrow R2 in the figure, and the engaging spring 21 shown in Figure 5 begins to accumulate energy. In this way, the auxiliary spring 64 applies a portion of the torque that starts rotating the ratchet gear 23 to the eccentric cam 57.

[0040] Figure 9B shows the state after the eccentric cam 57 has rotated approximately 45 degrees counterclockwise from the state shown in Figure 9A. At this time, the ratchet gear 23 is being pushed and rotated by the feed pawl 30. Also, the auxiliary shaft 65b, to which one end of the auxiliary spring 64 is fixed, is in the first region 80, as in the state shown in Figure 9A. As a result, a counterclockwise torque T2 acts on the eccentric cam 57 due to the force F1 shown in the figure. In this way, while the feed pawl 30 is driving the ratchet gear 23, a counterclockwise torque T2 continues to act on the eccentric cam 57, thus suppressing the output of the drive motor 55. Note that the auxiliary shaft 65b is closer to the fixed shaft 66 than the auxiliary shaft 65a in the state shown in Figure 9A, which is indicated by a dashed line, as shown in Figure 9B. As a result, the auxiliary spring 64 gradually shortens as it releases energy while acting with a counterclockwise torque T2.

[0041] Figure 10A shows the state after the eccentric cam 57 has rotated approximately 60 degrees counterclockwise from the state shown in Figure 9B. This completes the rotation of one tooth of the ratchet gear 23 by the feed pawl 30. At this time, the auxiliary shaft 65c, to which one end of the auxiliary spring 64 is fixed, lies on the line L1 passing through the rotation axis C. Therefore, the distance between the force F1 acting on the auxiliary shaft 65 and the rotation axis C disappears, and no torque is generated on the eccentric cam 57 due to the force F1. Thus, when the drive of the ratchet gear 23 ends, the counterclockwise torque T2 from the auxiliary spring 64 ceases to act. Note that, as shown in Figure 10A, the auxiliary shaft 65c is closer to the fixed axis 66 than the auxiliary shaft 65b in the state shown by the dashed line in Figure 9B. In this way, from the start to the end of the drive of the ratchet gear 23, the auxiliary spring 64 gradually shortens as it releases energy while acting a counterclockwise torque T2.

[0042] From the state shown in Figure 10A, when the drive motor 55 rotates the eccentric cam 57 counterclockwise in the figure, the feed pawl 30 slips and rotates freely on the ratchet gear 23. Figure 10B shows the state when the eccentric cam 57 has rotated approximately another 90 degrees counterclockwise. At this time, the auxiliary shaft 65a is located in the second region 81 in the lower right of the figure along line L1. As a result, a clockwise torque T2 acts on the eccentric cam 57 due to the force F1 of the auxiliary spring 64. In this way, as the auxiliary shaft 65 moves from the first region 80 to the second region 81 and crosses line L1, the direction of the torque T2 generated by the force F1 of the auxiliary spring 64 is reversed. The eccentric cam 57 receives a clockwise torque T2 from the auxiliary spring 64, and also receives a larger torque T1 from the drive motor 55 in the opposite direction, causing it to rotate counterclockwise.

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10B, the auxiliary shaft 65d is further from the fixed shaft 66 than the auxiliary shaft 65c in the state shown by the dashed line in Figure 10A. In this way, while the feed pawl 30 is free-rotating and the ratchet gear 23 is stopped, the auxiliary spring 64 gradually lengthens and stores energy while acting with a clockwise torque T2.

[0044] From the state shown in Figure 10B, when the drive motor 55 further rotates the eccentric cam 57 counterclockwise in the figure, the feed pawl 30 continues to spin freely, and the ratchet gear 23 remains stopped. Eventually, as shown in Figure 11, the auxiliary shaft 65e comes to be positioned on line L1. As a result, no torque is generated due to force F1. At this time, the auxiliary spring 64 is at its longest length, and the energy storage of the auxiliary spring 64 is complete.

[0045] From the state shown in Figure 11, when the drive motor 55 further rotates the eccentric cam 57 counterclockwise in the figure, the auxiliary shaft 65 returns to the position of the first region 80, and the counterclockwise torque T2 due to the force F1 of the auxiliary spring 64 begins to act. Eventually, the electric charging mechanism 29 returns to the state shown in Figure 9A, and the feed pawl 30 begins to push the ratchet gear 23. In this way, the operation described with reference to Figures 9A to 11 is repeated until the charge accumulation of the closing spring 21 shown in Figure 5 is complete.

[0046] As described above, according to Embodiment 1, when the drive motor 55 drives the eccentric cam 57 by causing the feed claw 30 to perform a feeding operation in order to store energy in the input spring 21, the auxiliary spring 64 applies a torque T2 to the eccentric cam 57 to assist the drive motor 55. This reduces the load on the drive motor 55, enabling miniaturization and increased output of the electric charging mechanism 29.

[0047] Furthermore, when the input spring 21 is not being charged, that is, when the feed pawl 30 is rotating freely, the output of the drive motor 55 can gradually lengthen the auxiliary spring 64 and charge it. This allows the auxiliary spring 64 to act as a torque T2 to assist the drive motor 55 in conjunction with the charging of the input spring 21.

[0048] (Embodiment 2) Next, the electric charging mechanism and air circuit breaker according to Embodiment 2 will be described. In Embodiment 1, a tension coil spring was used for the auxiliary spring 64 that assists the drive motor 55, but in this embodiment, an auxiliary spring 70 made of a leaf spring is used. Many of the other components are common to those of Embodiment 1, so the same reference numerals are used for common components and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0049] As shown in Figure 12, the electric charging mechanism 129 includes a drive motor 55, a reduction gear train 56 connected to the output shaft of the drive motor 55, an auxiliary cam 69 and an eccentric cam 57 that rotate when power from the reduction gear train 56 is transmitted to them, and a feed pawl 30 connected to the eccentric cam 57. The electric charging mechanism 129 also includes an auxiliary spring 70 that presses against the outer edge of the auxiliary cam 69. The power output by the drive motor 55 is transmitted to the feed pawl 30 via the reduction gear train 56, the auxiliary cam 69, and the eccentric cam 57, causing the ratchet gear 23 shown in Figure 13 to rotate one tooth at a time.

[0050] The auxiliary cam 69 is located between the left frame 52 and the right frame 53. The output shaft of the reduction gear train 56 is connected to the rotating shaft (not shown) of the auxiliary cam 69. The rotating shaft of the auxiliary cam 69 is also connected to the rotating shaft C of the eccentric cam 57 shown in Figure 13. As shown in Figure 13, the auxiliary cam 69 has a disc-shaped disc portion 69a and a protruding portion 69b that extends radially from a portion of the outer edge of the disc portion 69a. The protruding portion 69b is formed in a range, for example, 120° from the outer edge of the disc portion 69a. Tracing the protruding portion 69b in a counterclockwise direction in the figure, a cliff portion 69c that rises abruptly to the outside of the disc portion 69a and a curved portion 69d that connects to the cliff portion 69c and approaches the center of the auxiliary cam 69 as it proceeds in a counterclockwise direction are formed. In other words, the outer edge of the auxiliary cam 69 has a curved surface whose distance from the rotation axis C is not constant due to the formation of an overhang 69b.

[0051] The auxiliary spring 70 is, for example, a leaf spring and, as shown in Figure 13, has a mounting portion 72 with a mounting hole 72a, an arm portion 75 extending from the mounting portion 72, and a pressing portion 71 that bends from the arm portion 75 and presses against the auxiliary cam 69. The mounting portion 72 is fixed to an intermediate plate 74 positioned between the left frame 52 and the right frame 53 via a screw 73 inserted through the mounting hole 72a (Figure 13), as shown in Figure 12. The pressing portion 71 contacts the outer edge of the auxiliary cam 69 and applies a force F2, as shown in Figure 13.

[0052] Next, the operation of the auxiliary spring 70 to assist the drive motor 55 in the electric charging mechanism 129 will be explained with reference to Figures 13 and 14. In Figures 13 and 14, the ratchet gear 23 is shown with a dashed line to make it easy to understand the movement of each component in the electric charging mechanism 129.

[0053] Figure 13 shows the state in which the feed pawl 30 has begun to push the ratchet gear 23. At this time, the pressing portion 71 of the auxiliary spring 70 is pressing against the protruding portion 69b of the auxiliary cam 69. The output from the drive motor 55 shown in Figure 12 is transmitted to the eccentric cam 57 via the reduction gear train 56 and the auxiliary cam 69. As a result, a counterclockwise torque T3 acts on the eccentric cam 57, as shown in Figure 13. Thus, the torque T3 is generated by the output of the drive motor 55. On the other hand, the auxiliary spring 70 acts a force F2 toward the inside of the auxiliary cam 69 at point P1 on the outer edge of the protruding portion 69b. The direction in which this force F2 acts is shifted to the upper right in the figure with respect to the rotation axis C of the eccentric cam 57. As a result, a counterclockwise torque T4 acts on the eccentric cam 57. Thus, torque T4 is generated by the force F2 of the auxiliary spring 70, and its direction of action is the same as that of torque T3.

[0054] The eccentric cam 57 rotates counterclockwise, as indicated by arrow R1 in the figure, due to torques T3 and T4 acting in the same direction. This causes the feed pawl 30 to push the ratchet gear 23 and rotate counterclockwise, as indicated by arrow R2 in the figure, and the engaging spring 21 shown in Figure 5 begins to accumulate energy. In this way, the auxiliary spring 70 applies a portion of the torque that starts rotating the ratchet gear 23 to the eccentric cam 57.

[0055] From the state shown in Figure 13, the eccentric cam 57 continues to rotate counterclockwise due to the output of the drive motor 55 shown in Figure 12, and while the pressing part 71 is pressing against the protruding part 69b, a counterclockwise torque T4 acts on the eccentric cam 57 due to the force F2. As the eccentric cam 57 rotates counterclockwise, the point of pressure of the pressing part 71 gradually approaches the center C of the eccentric cam 57, and the energy stored in the auxiliary spring 70 is gradually released. When the pressing part 71 comes to press against point P2 on the outer edge of the protruding part 69b, the feed of one tooth of the ratchet gear 23 by the feed pawl 30 is completed. While the ratchet gear 23 is being fed out in this way, the pressing part 71 continues to press against the protruding part 69b, and a counterclockwise torque T4 in the figure continues to act on the eccentric cam 57, so the output of the drive motor 55 can be suppressed.

[0056] Furthermore, when the drive motor 55 rotates the eccentric cam 57 counterclockwise in the figure, the pressing portion 71 begins to press against the outer edge of the disc portion 69a, as shown in Figure 14. As a result, the direction of force F2 applied by the pressing portion 71 changes from when it was pressing against the protruding portion 69b, and shifts downward and to the left in the figure relative to the rotation axis C of the eccentric cam 57. Consequently, a clockwise torque T4 acts on the eccentric cam 57. At this time, the feed pawl 30 is free-rotating, and the ratchet gear 23 is stopped.

[0057] From the state shown in Figure 14, if the eccentric cam 57 is further rotated counterclockwise in the figure by the output of the drive motor 55, the pressing part 71 will overcome the cliff portion 69c of the auxiliary cam 69. As a result, the auxiliary spring 70 will open outward and store energy. Then, if the eccentric cam 57 is rotated counterclockwise in the figure again, it will return to the state shown in Figure 13. In this way, the operation described with reference to Figures 13 and 14 is repeated until the energy storage of the closing spring 21 shown in Figure 5 is complete.

[0058] As described above, the outer edge of the auxiliary cam 69 has a first section in which a counterclockwise torque T3 is applied to the eccentric cam 57 by being pressed by the auxiliary spring 70, and a second section in which a clockwise torque T3 is applied. Here, the first section includes the outer edge of the protruding portion 69b, and the second section includes the outer edge of the disc portion 69a. The shape of the auxiliary cam 69 can be any shape as long as it has an outer edge that includes the first section and the second section. For example, the first section may be shaped such that the pressing position of the pressing portion 71 gradually approaches the center C as the eccentric cam 57 rotates, similar to Embodiment 2, and the second section may be shaped such that the pressing position of the pressing portion 71 gradually moves away from the center C as the eccentric cam 57 rotates.

[0059] As described above, according to Embodiment 2, when the drive motor 55 drives the eccentric cam 57 to store energy in the input spring 21, the auxiliary spring 70 applies a torque T4 to the eccentric cam 57 to assist the drive motor 55. The effect of the action of the auxiliary spring 70 is the same as the effect of Embodiment 1 described above.

[0060] Furthermore, when the input spring 21 is not energized, that is, when the feed claw 30 is free-rotating, the pressing portion 71 of the auxiliary spring 70 can be moved over the cliff portion 69c to store energy. This allows the auxiliary spring 70 to apply torque T4 to assist the drive motor 55 in conjunction with the energy storage of the input spring 21.

[0061] (Embodiment 3) Next, the electric charging mechanism and air circuit breaker according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figure 15. In Embodiment 1, a tension coil spring was used as an auxiliary member to support the drive motor 55, but in this embodiment, an auxiliary rubber 83 is used as an auxiliary member. Many of the other components are common to those of Embodiment 1, so the same reference numerals are used for common components and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0062] The auxiliary rubber 83 is formed, for example, in a ring shape and made of a stretchable rubber material. The auxiliary rubber 83 can be selected from various rubber materials such as natural rubber, chloroprene rubber, and styrene rubber. When stretched, the auxiliary rubber 83 is hooked onto the auxiliary shaft 65 provided on the eccentric cam 57 and the fixed shaft 66 provided on the right frame 53. In this way, the auxiliary rubber 83 connects the auxiliary shaft 65 and the fixed shaft 66, similar to the auxiliary spring 64 shown in Figure 8, and applies a force F3 to the auxiliary shaft 65 toward the fixed shaft 66.

[0063] The operation of the electric charging mechanism 229 when storing energy in the input spring 21 is the same as in Embodiment 1. That is, in order to store energy in the input spring 21, when the drive motor 55 causes the feed claw 30 to perform a feeding operation and drives the eccentric cam 57, the auxiliary rubber 83 applies torque to the eccentric cam 57 to assist the drive motor 55. Also, when the input spring 21 is not stored energy, that is, when the feed claw 30 is rotating freely, the auxiliary rubber 83 can be gradually lengthened by the output of the drive motor 55 to store energy.

[0064] The auxiliary member that applies torque to assist the drive motor 55 may be formed from a single ring-shaped auxiliary rubber 83, or from a bundle of multiple ring-shaped auxiliary rubbers 83. Alternatively, the auxiliary member may have a configuration having ring-shaped portions at both ends for hooking onto the auxiliary shaft 65 and the fixed shaft 66, and connecting portions for connecting the ring-shaped portions at both ends. In this case, the ring-shaped portions at both ends may be formed from string or from rubber. On the other hand, the connecting portions for connecting the ring-shaped portions may be formed from rubber. Thus, the auxiliary member may be configured in such a way that rubber is used in at least a part of it.

[0065] As described above, according to Embodiment 3, the effect of the auxiliary rubber 83 is the same as the effect of the auxiliary spring 64 described in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, at least a portion of the auxiliary member uses rubber, which offers greater design freedom in terms of elongation and tension than a coil spring. This makes it possible to place an auxiliary member using rubber even when it is difficult to place an auxiliary member due to the design constraints of a coil spring.

[0066] (Embodiment 4) Next, the electric charging mechanism and air circuit breaker according to Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Figure 16. In Embodiment 2, as shown in Figure 12, a leaf spring was used for the auxiliary spring 70 as an auxiliary member to assist the drive motor 55, but in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 16, a push member 84 and an auxiliary sphere 90 are used as auxiliary members. Many of the other components are common to those of Embodiment 2, so the same reference numerals are used for common components and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0067] The pressing member 84 is made of metal, for example, and has a greater plate thickness and rigidity than the auxiliary spring 70 shown in Figure 12. The pressing member 84 has a mounting portion 86 through which the rotating shaft 85 passes, an arm portion 87 extending from the mounting portion 86, and a pressing portion 88 that bends from the arm portion 87 and presses the auxiliary cam 69. The mounting portion 86 is mounted so as to be rotatable about the Y axis between the intermediate plate 74 and the left frame 52 shown in Figure 12, through which the rotating shaft 85 passes.

[0068] The auxiliary sphere 90 is formed in a spherical shape and is made of, for example, rubber. However, the material of the auxiliary sphere 90 is not limited to rubber, as it is an elastic body that can be elastically deformed, and can be formed from any material. The auxiliary sphere 90 is sandwiched between the immovable fixed part 89 and the arm part 87 of the push member 84 which is rotatable around the rotation axis 85, and undergoes elastic deformation. The fixed part 89 is erected on the left frame 52 shown in Figure 12 in the -Y direction, but it may also be formed on the intermediate plate 74. As the auxiliary sphere 90 elastically deforms, the push member 84 receives a force F5 in the counterclockwise direction in the figure. As a result, the pressing part 88 of the push member 84 presses the outer edge of the auxiliary cam 69 with a force F4.

[0069] The relationship between the auxiliary cam 69 and the pressing portion 88 is the same as the relationship between the auxiliary cam 69 and the pressing portion 71 of the auxiliary spring 70 in Embodiment 2, with the only difference being that the structure that exerts elastic force has been changed from a leaf spring to an auxiliary sphere 90. Therefore, the operation within the electric charging mechanism 329 when storing energy in the input spring 21 is the same as in Embodiment 2. That is, when the drive motor 55 drives the eccentric cam 57 by causing the feed claw 30 to perform a feeding operation in order to store energy in the input spring 21, the auxiliary sphere 90 applies torque to the eccentric cam 57 to assist the drive motor 55. Also, when the input spring 21 is not stored energy, i.e., when the feed claw 30 is rotating freely, the auxiliary sphere 90 can be elastically deformed and stored energy by causing the pressing portion 88 to overcome the cliff portion 69c. The effects of the actions of the pressing member 84 and the auxiliary sphere 90 are the same as those of Embodiment 2 described above.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the function of applying force F4 to the auxiliary cam 69 is assigned to the pressing member 84, and the function of generating force F4 is assigned to the auxiliary sphere 90, thus dividing the functions. This improves the design freedom of the structure that generates torque T4 as shown in Figures 13 and 14, and makes it easier to arrange auxiliary members even when it is difficult to arrange them under the design constraints of the above embodiment.

[0071] (Embodiment 5) Next, the electric charging mechanism and air circuit breaker according to Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to Figure 17. In Embodiment 4, as shown in Figure 16, a push member 84 and an auxiliary sphere 90 were used as auxiliary members to assist the drive motor 55, but in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 17, an auxiliary cylindrical tube 91 is used instead of the auxiliary sphere 90. Many of the other components are common to those of Embodiment 4, so the same reference numerals are used for common components and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0072] The auxiliary circular tube 91 is a columnar body having an annular cross-section when cut from a direction perpendicular to the axis, and is made of rubber, for example. However, the material of the auxiliary circular tube 91 is not limited to rubber, as it is an elastic body that can be elastically deformed, and can be formed from any material. The auxiliary circular tube 91 is positioned between the intermediate plate 74 and the left frame 52 shown in Figure 12, with its axis aligned with the Y-axis. As shown in Figure 17, the auxiliary circular tube 91 is elastically deformed by being sandwiched between the immovable fixed part 89 and the arm part 87 of the push member 84, which is rotatable around the rotation axis 85. As the auxiliary circular tube 91 is pressed inward with its outer surface facing inward and elastically deformed, the push member 84 receives a force F7 in the counterclockwise direction in the figure. As a result, the pressing part 88 of the push member 84 presses the outer edge of the auxiliary cam 69 with a force F6.

[0073] In this embodiment, the only difference is that the component that exerts elastic force is changed from the auxiliary sphere 90 of Embodiment 4 to the auxiliary cylindrical tube 91. Therefore, the operation within the electric charging mechanism 429 when storing energy in the input spring 21 is the same as in Embodiment 4. Consequently, the effects of the actions of the auxiliary members, the push member 84 and the auxiliary cylindrical tube 91, are the same as those in Embodiment 4.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as in Embodiment 4, the functions are divided between the push member 84, which applies force F6 to the auxiliary cam 69, and the auxiliary circular pipe 91, which generates force F6. This improves the design freedom of the structure that generates torque T4 as shown in Figures 13 and 14, and makes it easier to arrange auxiliary members even when it is difficult to arrange them under the design constraints of the above embodiment.

[0075] Although the elastic member that generates the elastic force was described as an auxiliary circular tube 91 with a circular cavity, a cylindrical elastic member without a cavity may also be used. Alternatively, a columnar body with a semicircular cross-section when cut in the axial direction may be used. The cross-section of the columnar body can be any shape as long as the force F7 can be appropriately applied to the pressing member 84.

[0076] This disclosure allows for various embodiments and modifications without departing from its broad spirit and scope. Furthermore, the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. In other words, the scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims, not by the embodiments. And any modifications made within the scope of the claims and equivalent disclosures are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure.

[0077] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-010205, filed on 26 January 2023. The entire specification, claims, and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-010205 are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 1 Air circuit breaker, 2 Molded case, 3 Molded cover, 4 Housing, 5,6 Conductor, 7 Fixed contact, 8 Movable contact, 9 Movable element, 10 Flexible conductor, 11 Movable element holder, 12 Shaft, 13 Connecting pin, 14 Insulating link, 15 Contact pressure spring, 16 Arc extinguishing chamber, 17 Shaft, 18 Nut, 19 Left frame, 19a Guide slot, 20 Right frame, 21 Closing spring, 22 Cam, 23 Ratchet gear, 24 Cam-side roller, 25 Energy storage arm, 26 Cam shaft, 27 Arm-side roller, 28 Cam surface, 29 Electric charging mechanism, 30 Feed pawl, 30a Protrusion, 30b Discharge section, 31 Spring hook pin, 32 Close latch section, 34 Latch-side roller, 35 Close latch, 36 Shared fixed shaft, 37 Close bar, 38 Main shaft, 39 Arm, 40 Connecting pin, 41 Lower link, 42 ​​Upper link, 44 Link lever, 45 Link-side center roller, 46 Center pin, 47 Link fixing shaft, 48 Link lever-side roller, 49 Trip latch, 50 Recess, 51 Trip bar, 52 Left frame, 53 Right frame, 53a Projection, 54 Biasing spring, 55 Drive motor, 56 Reduction gear train, 57 Eccentric cam, 58 Reverse prevention pawl, 59 Engaging part, 60 Compression spring, 61 Cam mechanism, 62 Recess, 63 Toothless part, 64 Auxiliary spring (auxiliary member), 65, 65a, 65b, 65c, 65d, 65e Auxiliary shaft, 66 Fixed shaft, 67 Limit switch, 69 Auxiliary cam, 69a Disc part, 69b Protruding part, 69c Cliff part, 69d Curved section, 70 Auxiliary spring, 71 Pressing section, 72 Mounting section, 72a Mounting hole, 73 Screw, 74 Intermediate plate, 75 Arm section, 80 First area, 81 Second area, 83 Auxiliary rubber, 84 Push-in member, 85 Rotating shaft, 86 Mounting section, 87 Arm section, 88 Pressing section, 89 Fixing section, 90 Auxiliary sphere, 91 Auxiliary cylindrical tube, 129, 229, 329, 429 Electric charging mechanism, C Center (rotating shaft), F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7 Force, L1 Line, P1, P2 Points, T1, T2, T3, T4 Torque.

Claims

1. An electric charging mechanism for storing energy in the closing spring used for the operation of the contacts, A drive motor that outputs power, A cam, which rotates in response to power from the aforementioned drive motor, has a connection position set at a position offset from the axis of rotation, A feed pawl is rotatably connected to the connection position of the cam and swings as the cam rotates, A ratchet gear that is fed out by the oscillating feed pawl and rotates one tooth at a time, A power storage mechanism that transmits the rotational motion of the ratchet gear to the input spring to store energy, The system includes an auxiliary member that assists the rotation of the cam when storing energy in the aforementioned input spring, The operation by which the cam rotates and the feed pawl swings includes a feed operation in which the feed pawl pushes the ratchet gear one tooth at a time, causing the ratchet gear to rotate, and a free-spinning operation in which the feed pawl spins freely relative to the ratchet gear. The auxiliary member applies a torque to the cam in the same direction as the rotation direction of the cam during the feeding operation, and applies a torque to the cam in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the cam during the free-spinning operation. Electric charging mechanism.

2. The auxiliary member is a tension coil spring, One end of the tension coil spring is connected to the connection point between the cam and the feed pawl. The other end of the tension coil spring is connected to the frame of the electric charging mechanism. The electric charging mechanism according to claim 1.

3. The operation by which the cam rotates and the feed pawl swings includes a feed operation in which the feed pawl pushes the ratchet gear one tooth at a time, causing the ratchet gear to rotate, and a free-spinning operation in which the feed pawl spins freely relative to the ratchet gear. The tension coil spring stores energy during the free-running operation. The electric charging mechanism according to claim 2.

4. The auxiliary member includes rubber in at least a portion of it. One end of the auxiliary member is connected to the connection point between the cam and the feed claw. The other end of the auxiliary member is connected to the frame of the electric charging mechanism. The electric charging mechanism according to claim 1.

5. An electric charging mechanism for storing energy in a closing spring used for operating a contact, A drive motor that outputs power, A cam that rotates in response to power from the aforementioned drive motor, A feed pawl is rotatably connected to the cam at a position offset from the rotation axis of the cam, and swings as the cam rotates, A ratchet gear that is fed out by the oscillating feed pawl and rotates one tooth at a time, A power storage mechanism that transmits the rotational motion of the ratchet gear to the input spring to store energy, The system includes an auxiliary member that assists the rotation of the cam when storing energy in the aforementioned input spring, The auxiliary member is a tension coil spring, One end of the tension coil spring is connected to the connection point between the cam and the feed pawl. The other end of the tension coil spring is connected to the frame of the electric charging mechanism. The operation by which the cam rotates and the feed pawl swings includes a feed operation in which the feed pawl pushes the ratchet gear one tooth at a time, causing the ratchet gear to rotate, and a free-spinning operation in which the feed pawl spins freely relative to the ratchet gear. The tension coil spring stores energy during the free-running operation. Electric charging mechanism.

6. An electric charging mechanism for storing energy in a closing spring used for operating a contact, A drive motor that outputs power, A cam that rotates in response to power from the aforementioned drive motor, A feed pawl is rotatably connected to the cam at a position offset from the rotation axis of the cam, and swings as the cam rotates, A ratchet gear that is fed out by the oscillating feed pawl and rotates one tooth at a time, A power storage mechanism that transmits the rotational motion of the ratchet gear to the input spring to store energy, The system includes an auxiliary member that assists the rotation of the cam when storing energy in the aforementioned input spring, The rotation axis of the cam is aligned with the rotation axis of the cam, and the system further comprises an auxiliary cam that rotates together with the cam, The auxiliary member is a leaf spring that presses against the outer edge of the rotating auxiliary cam. Electric charging mechanism.

7. The operation of the cam rotating to swing the feed pawl includes a feed operation in which the feed pawl pushes the ratchet gear one tooth at a time to rotate the ratchet gear, and a free-spinning operation in which the feed pawl spins freely relative to the ratchet gear, The auxiliary member applies a torque to the cam in the same direction as the rotation direction of the cam during the feeding operation, and applies a torque to the cam in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the cam during the free-spinning operation. The electric charging mechanism according to claim 6.

8. The outer edge of the auxiliary cam has a curved surface whose distance from the axis of rotation is not constant, and has a first section in which a torque acting in the same direction as the rotation direction of the cam acts when pressed by the leaf spring, and a second section in which a torque acting in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the cam acts. The electric charging mechanism according to claim 6.

9. An electric charging mechanism for storing energy in a closing spring used for operating a contact, A drive motor that outputs power, A cam that rotates in response to power from the aforementioned drive motor, A feed pawl is rotatably connected to the cam at a position offset from the rotation axis of the cam, and swings as the cam rotates, A ratchet gear that is fed out by the oscillating feed pawl and rotates one tooth at a time, A power storage mechanism that transmits the rotational motion of the ratchet gear to the input spring to store energy, The system includes an auxiliary member that assists the rotation of the cam when storing energy in the aforementioned input spring, The rotation axis of the cam is aligned with the rotation axis of the cam, and the system further comprises an auxiliary cam that rotates together with the cam, The auxiliary member comprises an auxiliary sphere which is an elastic sphere, and a pressing member which receives an elastic force from the auxiliary sphere and presses the outer edge of the rotating auxiliary cam. Electric charging mechanism.

10. The operation of the cam rotating to swing the feed pawl includes a feed operation in which the feed pawl pushes the ratchet gear one tooth at a time to rotate the ratchet gear, and a free-spinning operation in which the feed pawl spins freely relative to the ratchet gear, The auxiliary member applies a torque to the cam in the same direction as the rotation direction of the cam during the feeding operation, and applies a torque to the cam in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the cam during the free-spinning operation. The electric charging mechanism according to claim 9.

11. The outer edge of the auxiliary cam has a curved surface whose distance from the axis of rotation is not constant, and has a first section in which a torque acting in the same direction as the rotation direction of the cam acts when pressed by the pressing member, and a second section in which a torque acting in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the cam acts. The electric charging mechanism according to claim 9.

12. An electric charging mechanism for storing energy in a closing spring used for operating a contact, A drive motor that outputs power, A cam that rotates in response to power from the aforementioned drive motor, A feed pawl is rotatably connected to the cam at a position offset from the rotation axis of the cam, and swings as the cam rotates, A ratchet gear that is fed out by the oscillating feed pawl and rotates one tooth at a time, A power storage mechanism that transmits the rotational motion of the ratchet gear to the input spring to store energy, The system includes an auxiliary member that assists the rotation of the cam when storing energy in the aforementioned input spring, The rotation axis of the cam is aligned with the rotation axis of the cam, and the system further comprises an auxiliary cam that rotates together with the cam, The auxiliary member comprises an auxiliary circular tube which is an elastic circular tube, and a pressing member which receives an elastic force from the auxiliary circular tube and presses the outer edge of the rotating auxiliary cam. Electric charging mechanism.

13. The operation of the cam rotating to swing the feed pawl includes a feed operation in which the feed pawl pushes the ratchet gear one tooth at a time to rotate the ratchet gear, and a free-spinning operation in which the feed pawl spins freely relative to the ratchet gear, The auxiliary member applies a torque to the cam in the same direction as the rotation direction of the cam during the feeding operation, and applies a torque to the cam in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the cam during the free-spinning operation. The electric charging mechanism according to claim 12.

14. The outer edge of the auxiliary cam has a curved surface whose distance from the axis of rotation is not constant, and has a first section in which a torque acting in the same direction as the rotation direction of the cam acts when pressed by the pressing member, and a second section in which a torque acting in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the cam acts. The electric charging mechanism according to claim 12.

15. An electric charging mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 14, The contact provided to be openable and closable, The system includes the following: an opening spring which stores energy via the energy storage mechanism and uses the stored energy to operate the contact; Air circuit breaker.

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