PRESS TYPE MECHANICAL SWITCHING MECHANISM AND CIRCUIT BREAKER

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a press type mechanical switching mechanism and a circuit breaker. The switching mechanism comprising: a first and a second mechanical contact capable of switching between an on state and an off state; a first pressing member configured to switch the first and second mechanical contacts from the off state to the on state in a case that the first and second mechanical contacts are in the off state and the first pressing member is pressed down; a second pressing member configured to switch the first and second mechanical contacts from the on state to the off state in a case that the first and second mechanical contacts are in the on state and the second pressing member is pressed down; an electromagnetic assembly configured to switch the first and second mechanical contacts from the on state to the off state in a case that the first and second mechanical contacts are in the on state and the first pressing member is not pressed down and in a case that the first and second mechanical contacts are in the on state and the first pressing member is kept pressed down.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the technical field of electrical equipment, and more particularly, to a press type mechanical switching mechanism and a circuit breaker comprising the press type mechanical switching mechanism.

BACKGROUND

Solid-state circuit breakers require mechanical switching mechanisms, also known as mechanical breakpoint mechanisms, to ensure insulation and isolation requirements. Usually, mechanical switching mechanisms need to have three basic functions, namely manual closing, manual opening, and electric opening. Since the mechanical switching mechanisms in conventional solid-state circuit breakers achieve closing and opening without power, the requirements for contact opening and closing speed and contact pressure do not need to be particularly high.

In some cases, there is a demand for free tripping of the mechanical switching mechanism, that is, the mechanical switching mechanism still maintains the closing action after completing the manual closing, and during this period, it is still hoped that the mechanical switching mechanism can achieve opening operation. Conventional solid-state circuit breakers cannot meet this demand.

SUMMARY

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a press type mechanical switching mechanism and a circuit breaker comprising the press type mechanical switching mechanism to at least partially solve the above problems.

In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a press type mechanical switching mechanism, comprising: a first mechanical contact and a second mechanical contact capable of switching between an on state and an off state; a first pressing member configured to switch the first mechanical contact and the second mechanical contact from the off state to the on state in a case that the first mechanical contact and the second mechanical contact are in the off state and the first pressing member is pressed down; a second pressing member configured to switch the first mechanical contact and the second mechanical contact from the on state to the off state in a case that the first mechanical contact and the second mechanical contact are in the on state and the second pressing member is pressed down; and an electromagnetic assembly configured to switch the first mechanical contact and the second mechanical contact from the on state to the off state in a case that the first mechanical contact and the second mechanical contact are in the on state and the first pressing member is not pressed down and in a case that the first mechanical contact and the second mechanical contact are in the on state and the first pressing member is kept pressed down.

In some embodiments, the press type mechanical switching mechanism further comprises: a contact support member supporting the first mechanical contact; a transmission member configured to rotate under driving of the first pressing member in a case that the first pressing member is pressed down and drive the contact support member to move, such that the first mechanical contact moves towards the second mechanical contact in a first predefined direction; and a position limiting member configured to lock the contact support member in a case that the first mechanical contact and the second mechanical contact are in the on state, and unlock the contact support member in a case that the second pressing member is pressed down or the electromagnetic assembly is triggered.

In some embodiments, the first pressing member comprises a first pressing part and a rotating part rotatably connected to the first pressing part, wherein before the first pressing part is pressed to a first predefined position with respect to the rack, the rotating part is capable of moving together with the first pressing part in a pressing direction with respect to the rack to drive the transmission member to rotate, and after the first pressing part is pressed to the first predefined position with respect to the rack, the rotating part is capable of rotating with respect to the first pressing part and stop driving the transmission member to rotate.

In some embodiments, the first pressing part is connected to the rack via an elastic member and is limited by the rack in an initial position without being pressed.

In some embodiments, the transmission member comprises a first transmission part and a second transmission part, the first transmission part is actively connected to the first pressing member and capable of rotating under driving of the first pressing member, the second transmission part is configured to drive the contact support member to move under driving of the first transmission part such that the first mechanical contact moves towards the second mechanical contact in the first predefined direction.

In some embodiments, the contact support member comprises: a sliding member capable of moving with respect to the rack in the first predefined direction in a case that the first pressing member is pressed down; a support part connected to the sliding member and supporting the first mechanical contact; a third transmission part connected to the sliding member and capable of being driven by the transmission member such that the sliding member moves in the first predefined direction with respect to the rack; and a first mating part connected to the sliding member and capable of being locked by the position limiting member.

In some embodiments, the sliding member is connected to the rack via an elastic member and capable of pulling the sliding member towards a direction opposite to the first predefined direction in a case that the position limiting member unlocks the contact support member.

In some embodiments, the contact support member further comprises: an indicating part connected to the sliding member and capable of indicating a connection state between the first mechanical contact and the second mechanical contact.

In some embodiments, the position limiting member is rotatably connected to the rack and comprises a fourth transmission part and a second mating part, the fourth transmission part is capable of being driven by the second pressing member or the electromagnetic assembly to cause the position limiting member to rotate in a second predefined direction with respect to the rack, wherein the second mating part locks the contact support member before the position limiting member rotates to a second predefined position in the second predefined direction with respect to the rack, and the second mating part unlocks the contact support member after the position limiting member rotates to the second predefined position in the second predefined direction with respect to the rack.

In some embodiments, the position limiting member is provided with a torsional spring, and in a case that the second pressing member is released or the electromagnetic assembly is not triggered, the torsional spring drives the position limiting member to rotate in a direction opposite to the second predefined direction.

In some embodiments, the electromagnetic assembly comprises an iron core, wherein in a case that the electromagnetic assembly is triggered, the iron core extends out and is capable of driving the position limiting member to unlock the contact support member.

In some embodiments, the second pressing member is connected to the rack via an elastic member and is limited in an initial position by the rack without being pressed.

In some embodiments, the second mechanical contact is connected to the rack via an elastic member.

In some embodiments, the first mechanical contact is connected to the contact support member via an elastic member.

In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a solid-state circuit breaker comprising a press type mechanical switching mechanism of the first aspect of the present disclosure.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, switching between two stable states including the on state and the off state of the first mechanical contact and the second mechanical contact can be achieved only by simple pressing actions. In addition, the mechanical switching mechanism of embodiments of the present disclosure can achieve the free tripping of the circuit breaker, that is, even after the mechanical switching mechanism completes manual closing and maintains the closing action, the opening operation can still be realized, so that the circuit breaker can be freely tripped.

It should be understood that the content described in this section is not intended to define critical or important features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become easier to be understood through the following description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments described here. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure more thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

The term “comprise” and its variants used herein indicate open inclusion, that is, “including but not limited to”. Unless otherwise stated, the term “or” should be interpreted as “and/or”. The term “based on” should be interpreted as “based at least in part on”. The terms “an exemplary embodiment” and “an embodiment” should be interpreted as “at least one exemplary embodiment”. The term “another embodiment” should be interpreted as “at least one other embodiment”. The terms “first”, “second”, and so on may refer to different or identical objects.

FIG.1shows an operation flowchart of turning on and off a main loop by a conventional solid-state circuit breaker. As shown inFIG.1, at block101, the solid-state circuit breaker is in the opened state. At block102, a mechanical contact of the solid-state circuit breaker is switched on, so that the solid-state circuit breaker is in a standby state, and no current flows through the solid-state circuit breaker at this time. At block103, an electronic switch of the solid-state circuit breaker is switched on, so that there is current flowing through the solid-state circuit breaker. At block104, the solid-state circuit breaker is in the closed state with both the mechanical contact and the electronic switch switched on. At block105, the electronic switch is switched off, so that the solid-state circuit breaker is in the standby state, and no current flows through the solid-state circuit breaker at this time. At block106, the mechanical contact is switched off. In a case that both the mechanical contact and the electronic switch are switched off, the solid-state circuit breaker is in the off state. Since the mechanical switching mechanisms in conventional solid-state circuit breakers realize closing and opening without power, the requirements for contact opening and closing speed and contact pressure do not need to be particularly high.

In some cases, there is a demand for free tripping of the mechanical switching mechanism, that is, the mechanical switching mechanism still maintains the closing action after completing the manual closing, and during this period, it is still hoped that the mechanical switching mechanism can realize opening operation. The conventional solid-state circuit breaker cannot meet this demand. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a press type mechanical switching mechanism (also referred to as a press type mechanical breakpoint mechanism herein), which can switch between the two stable states, i.e., an on state and an off state, and can achieve free tripping of the circuit breaker. Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in conjunction withFIGS.2to8E.

FIG.2shows an operation flowchart of the press type mechanical switching mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.2, at block201, a first pressing member (e.g., an on button) is pressed down to manually close the press type mechanical switching mechanism. At block202, a second pressing member (e.g., an off button) is pressed down to manually open the press type mechanical switching mechanism. At block203, an electromagnetic assembly is triggered by power, thereby realizing the electric opening of the press type mechanical switching mechanism. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, in a case that the first pressing member is pressed down, the triggering of the electromagnetic assembly may also open the press type mechanical switching mechanism, thereby achieving the free tripping.

FIG.3shows a schematic structural diagram of the press type mechanical switching mechanism in the closed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.4shows a schematic structural diagram of the press type mechanical switching mechanism shown inFIG.3in the opened state.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIGS.3and4, the press type mechanical switching mechanism described herein generally includes a rack10, a first pressing member21, a second pressing member22, a transmission member30, a contact support member40, a position limiting member50, an electromagnetic assembly60, a first mechanical contact81and a second mechanical contact82.

The rack10mainly plays a supporting role for supporting at least a portion of other components in the press type mechanical switching mechanism. For example, one or more of the first pressing member21, the second pressing member22, the transmission member30, the contact support member40, the position limiting member50, the electromagnetic assembly60, the first mechanical contact81and the second mechanical contact82may be directly connected to the rack10or connected to the rack10via one or more intermediate connectors.

The first pressing member21is used to realize the manual closing operation of the press type mechanical switching mechanism. In a case that the press type mechanical switching mechanism is in the opened state, by pressing the first pressing member21, the press type mechanical switching mechanism can be switched to the closed state.

The second pressing member22is used to realize the manual opening operation of the press type mechanical switching mechanism. In a case that the press type mechanical switching mechanism is in the closed state, by pressing the second pressing member22, the press type mechanical switching mechanism can be switched to the opened state. The opened state and the closed state are two stable states of the press type mechanical switching mechanism. The press type mechanical switching mechanism will be in one of the opened state and the closed state under stable conditions.

In a case that the first pressing member21is pressed, the transmission member30can move with respect to the rack10under driving of the first pressing member21, and drive the contact support member40to move with respect to the rack10along a first predefined direction (e.g., leftwards in the figures).

The contact support member40is used to support the first mechanical contact81, and can move with respect to the rack10along the first predefined direction (e.g., leftwards in the figures) and a direction opposite to the first predefined direction (e.g., rightwards in the figures), so that the first mechanical contact81and the second mechanical contact82is switched on or off. The first mechanical contact81may also be referred to as a moving contact herein, the second mechanical contact82may also be referred to as a fixed contact herein.

The position limiting member50is used to lock the contact support member40in a case that the first mechanical contact81and the second mechanical contact82are in the on state, to prevent the contact support member40from moving with respect to the rack10, so that the first mechanical contact81and the second mechanical contact82are held in the on state.

The electromagnetic assembly60is used to realize the electric opening operation of the press type mechanical switching mechanism. When the press type mechanical switching mechanism is in the closed state and the first pressing member21is not pressed down, by powering the electromagnetic assembly60, the electromagnetic assembly60can drive the position limiting member50to move to unlock the contact support member40, so that the first mechanical contact81is separated from the second mechanical contact82, and the press type mechanical switching mechanism is switched to the opened state. In addition, in a case that the press type mechanical switching mechanism is in the closed state and the first pressing member21is kept pressed down, by powering the electromagnetic assembly60, the electromagnetic assembly60can also drive the position limiting member50to move to unlock the contact support member40, so that the first mechanical contact81is separated from the second mechanical contact82, achieving the free tripping of the solid-state circuit breaker.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS.3and4, the first pressing member21includes a first pressing part211and a rotating part212. The rotating part212can be rotatably connected to the first pressing part211via a hinge or any suitable connecting structure. The first pressing part211can be connected to the rack10via a compression spring71.

In a case that the first pressing part211is pressed, the compression spring71can be compressed and shortened. Before the first pressing part211is pressed to a predefined position with respect to the rack10, the rotating part212will be limited by the rack10and will move with respect to the rack10together with the first pressing part211, without rotating with respect to the first pressing part211. In this case, the rotating part212can drive the transmission member30to move with respect to the rack10. After the first pressing part211is pressed to the predefined position with respect to the rack10, the rotating part212is no longer limited by the rack10, so the rotating part212will rotate with respect to the first pressing part211and bend.

In a case that the first pressing part211is released (i.e., not pressed), the compression spring71may be restored to an elongated state, and the rack10may prevent movement of the first pressing part211, so that the first pressing part211is held in an initial position at which the first pressing part211is not pressed.

In some embodiments, the first pressing part211may also be connected to the rack10via a tension spring. In such embodiments, in a case that the first pressing part211is pressed, the tension spring may be stretched and elongated. In a case that the first pressing part211is released (i.e., not pressed), the tension spring may be restored to its initial state. In this way, the pressing operation of the first pressing part211can also be realized in a simple manner.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS.3and4, the transmission member30may be rotatably connected to the rack10via a hinge or any suitable connecting structure. In a case that the first pressing member21is pressed down, the transmission member30may rotate with respect to the rack10under driving of the first pressing member21, and drive the contact support member40to move with respect to the rack10.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS.3and4, the transmission member30includes a first transmission part301and a second transmission part302. The first transmission part301can be actively connected to the first pressing member21, for example, connected to the rotating part212. During the process of the first pressing member21being pressed with respect to the rack10, the first pressing member21can generate a force on the first transmission part301, thereby driving the transmission member30to rotate with respect to the rack10. At this time, the second transmission part302can drive the contact support member40to move with respect to the rack10under driving of the first transmission part301.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS.3and4, in a case that the first pressing member21is not pressed, the second transmission part302may be separated from the contact support member40. In some embodiments, in a case that the first pressing member21is not pressed, the second transmission part302may be in contact with the contact support member40to some extent, embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS.3and4, the contact support member40includes a sliding member401, a support part402, a third transmission part403, and a first mating part404. The sliding member401is movable with respect to the rack10in a predefined direction (e.g., leftwards or rightwards). The support part402is connected to the sliding member401so as to support the first mechanical contact81. In a case that the sliding member401slides with respect to the rack10in a predefined direction, the support part402can drive the first mechanical contact81close to or away from the second mechanical contact82, so that the two contacts are switched on or off. The third transmission part403is connected to the sliding member401and is arranged in correspondence to the second transmission part302. The first mating part404is connected to the sliding member401and can mate with the position limiting member50to achieve locking on the contact support member40by the position limiting member50.

During the process of the first pressing member21being pressed with respect to the rack10, the transmission member30can rotate with respect to the rack10, so that the second transmission part302applies a force to the third transmission part403, thereby driving the sliding member401to move leftwards. In this way, the first mechanical contact81can be made in contact with the second mechanical contact82.

The sliding member401is also connected to the rack10via a tension spring72. In a case that the first pressing member21is not pressed and the position limiting member50unlocks the contact support member40, the tension spring72may pull the sliding member401, such that the first mechanical contact81moves rightwards along a direction away from the second mechanical contact82, thereby separating the first mechanical contact81from the second mechanical contact82. In some embodiments, the rack10may limit the movement range of the contact support member40in a direction away from the second mechanical contact82.

In some embodiments, the sliding member401may also be connected to the rack via a compression spring. For example, the compression spring is provided on the left side of the sliding member401. In a case that the first pressing member21is not pressed and the position limiting member50unlocks the contact support member40, the compression spring can push the sliding member401so that the first mechanical contact81moves rightwards in a direction away from the second mechanical contact82, thereby separating the first mechanical contact81from the second mechanical contact82.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS.3and4, the contact support member40further includes an indicating part405. The indicating part405can indicate the state of the press type mechanical switching mechanism. Specifically, the indicating part405can indicate the connection state between the first mechanical contact81and the second mechanical contact82. As shown inFIG.3, when the first mechanical contact81contacts the second mechanical contact82, the indicating part405can indicate that the two contacts are in the ON state. As shown inFIG.4, when the first mechanical contact81is separated from the second mechanical contact82, the indicating part405can indicate that the two contacts are in the OFF state.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIGS.3and4, the second mechanical contact82is connected to the rack10via a compression spring71. In a case that the first mechanical contact81and the second mechanical contact82are in the on state, the compression spring71is compressed and shortened, thereby increasing the contact force between the two contacts, so that the contact is more stable and reliable.

In some embodiments, the second mechanical contact82is also connected to the rack10via a tension spring. For example, the tension spring can be arranged on the right side of the second mechanical contact82. In a case that the first mechanical contact81and the second mechanical contact82are in the on state, the tension spring is stretched and elongated, and the contact force between the two contacts can also be increased, so that the contact is more stable and reliable.

In some embodiments, the first mechanical contact81may be connected to the contact support member40via an elastic member. The elastic member may be a compression spring or a tension spring. With such an arrangement, it is also able to increase the contact force between the two contacts, so that the contact is more stable and reliable.

The second pressing member22is used to implement the manual opening operation of the press type mechanical switching mechanism. In a case that the second pressing member22is pressed down, the second pressing member22can drive the position limiting member50to rotate with respect to the rack10, thereby unlocking the contact support member40.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIGS.3and4, the second pressing member22may be connected to the rack10via a compression spring71. In a case that the second pressing member22is pressed down, the compression spring71may be compressed and shortened. In a case that the second pressing member22is released (i.e., not pressed), the compression spring71may be restored to the elongated state, and the rack10may limit the movement range of the second pressing member22, so that the second pressing member22is held in the initial position at which the second pressing member22is not pressed.

In some embodiments, the second pressing member22may also be connected to the rack10via a tension spring. In such embodiments, in a case that the second pressing member22is pressed, the tension spring may be stretched and elongated. In a case that the second pressing member22is released (i.e., not pressed), the tension spring may be restored to its initial state. In this manner, the pressing operation on the second pressing member22can also be achieved.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIGS.3and4, the electromagnetic assembly60may include an iron core601. In a case that the electromagnetic assembly60is triggered, the iron core601may extend, thereby driving the position limiting member50to rotate with respect to the rack10to unlock the contact support member40.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIGS.3and4, the position limiting member50may be rotatably connected to the rack10via a hinge or any suitable connecting structure. In a case that the second pressing member22is pressed down or the electromagnetic assembly60is triggered, the position limiting member50may rotate with respect to the rack10in a second predefined direction (e.g., counterclockwise direction in the figures) under driving of the second pressing member22or under driving of the electronic component60, thereby unlocking the contact support member40.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIGS.3and4, the position limiting member50includes a fourth transmission part501and a second mating part502. In a case that the second pressing member22is pressed down, the second pressing member22can generate a force on the fourth transmission part501, thereby driving the position limiting member50to rotate with respect to the rack10, for example, in the counterclockwise direction as shown in the figure. Similarly, in a case that the electromagnetic assembly60is triggered, the iron core601of the electromagnetic assembly60can extend, thereby generating a force on the fourth transmission part501, driving the position limiting member50to rotate with respect to the rack10, for example, in the counterclockwise direction as shown in the figure. The second mating part502is used to mate with the contact support member40to lock the contact support member40in a case that the first mechanical contact81and the second mechanical contact82are in the on state.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIGS.3and4, the position limiting member50is provided with a torsional spring73. In a case that the second pressing member22is released or the iron core601of the electromagnetic assembly60is retracted, the torsional spring73may drive the position limiting member50to rotate with respect to the rack10, for example, in a clockwise direction as shown in the figures. In the process of the first pressing member21being pressed, the movement of the contact support member40to the left can drive the position limiting member50to rotate in a counterclockwise direction as shown in the figures. In a case that the first pressing member21is released, the torsional spring73may drive the position limiting member50to rotate with respect to the rack10, for example, in a clockwise direction as shown in the figures to a position at which the position limiting member50locks the contact support member40.

Next, the manual closing, the manual opening, the electric opening and the free tripping process of the press type mechanical switching mechanism will be described in conjunction withFIGS.5A to8E.

FIGS.5A to5Dillustrate a manual closing process of the press type mechanical switching mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.5A, the press type mechanical switching mechanism is in the process of being closed, that is, in the process of being switched from the opened state to the closed state. The first pressing member21moves in a negative direction of Y under the action of an external force F. The first pressing member21transmits a driving force to the transmission member30through a contact point between the rotating part212and the first transmission part301, so that the transmission member30rotates in the clockwise direction with respect to the rack10. The transmission member30transmits a driving force to the contact support member40through a contact point between the second transmission part302and the third transmission part403, so that the contact support member40moves in a negative direction of X, thereby driving the first mechanical contact81to move towards the second mechanical contact82. The contact support member40drives the position limiting member50to rotate in the counterclockwise direction through a first contact point between the first mating part404and the second mating part502, and the position limiting member50has not yet locked the contact support member40at this time.

As shown inFIG.5B, the first pressing member21continues to be pressed in the negative direction of Y, so that the contact support member40further moves in the negative direction of X until the first contact point between the first mating part404and the second mating part502is separated. At this time, the position limiting member50rotates in the clockwise direction under the action of the torsional spring73, buckles the contact supporting member40to form a second contact point between the first mating part404and the second mating part502. The first mating part404and the second mating part502limit each other to achieve the locking of the position limiting member50on the contact support member40, so that the first mechanical contact81and the second mechanical contact82are held in the on state.

As shown inFIG.5C, the first pressing member21continues to be pressed in the negative direction of Y, the rotating part212is no longer limited by the rack10, and thus the rotating part212rotates with respect to the first pressing part211and is bent.

As shown inFIG.5D, the external force F is removed, and the first pressing member21returns to the initial position when no external force F is applied under the action of the compression spring71.

Through the manual closing process shown inFIGS.5A to5D, the mechanical switching mechanism can be reliably switched from the opened state to the closed state through simple operation.

FIGS.6A to6Dillustrate a manual opening process of the press type mechanical switching mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

An shown inFIG.6A, in a case that the mechanical switching mechanism is in the closed state, an external force F is applied to the second pressing member22in the negative direction of Y. The second pressing member22moves in the negative direction of Y, and drives the position limiting member50to rotate in the counterclockwise direction through the contact point between the second pressing member22and the fourth transmission part501, so that the first mating part404and the second mating part502start to be separated from each other from the second contact point.

An shown inFIG.6B, the second pressing member22continues to be pressed in the negative direction of Y, so that the separation between the first mating part404and the second mating part502from the second contact point is completed. At this time, the position limiting member50unlocks the contact support member40.

An shown inFIG.6C, the contact support member40is subjected to a tensile force of the tension spring72in the X direction, therefore moving in a positive direction of X. The contact support member40may move in the positive direction of X to a position where the contact support member40is limited by the rack10, so that the first mechanical contact81is separated from the second mechanical contact82.

An shown inFIG.6D, the external force F is removed, and the second pressing member22returns to the initial position when no external force F is applied under the action of the compression spring71. The position limiting member50rotates in the clockwise direction under the action of the torsional spring73, restoring to the first contact point between the first mating part404and the second mating part502.

Through the manual opening process shown inFIGS.6A to6D, the mechanical switching mechanism can be reliably switched from the closed state to the opened state through the simple operation.

FIG.7illustrates an electric opening process of the press type mechanical switching mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.7, in a case that the mechanical switching mechanism is in the closed state, the electromagnetic assembly60is triggered, so that the iron core601is pushed out and in contact with the position limiting member50at the contact point between the iron core601and the fourth transmission part501. Under the thrust of the iron core601, the position limiting member50will rotate in the counterclockwise direction, so that the position limiting member50is disengaged from the contact support member40from the second contact point, that is, a buckle latch between the position limiting member50and the contact support member40is disengaged. At this time, the contact support member40moves in the positive direction of X under the action of the tension spring72, so that the first mechanical contact81is separated from the second mechanical contact82. The contact support member40moves to the position where the contact support member40is limited by the rack10, and a trigger instruction of the electromagnetic assembly60is removed, so that the iron core601is retracted, and the position limiting member50is also restored to the position where the position limiting member50has the first contact point with the contact support member40under the action of the torsional spring73.

As described above, in a case that the press type mechanical switching mechanism is in the closed state and the first pressing member21is kept pressed down, by powering the electromagnetic assembly60, the electromagnetic assembly60can also drive the position limiting member50to move to unlock the contact support member40, so that the first mechanical contact81is separated from the second mechanical contact82, achieving the free tripping of the solid-state circuit breaker.FIGS.8A to8Eillustrate a free tripping process of the press type mechanical switching mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.8A, after the first pressing part211is pressed to a predefined position with respect to the rack10, the rotating part212is no longer limited by the rack10, and thus the rotating part212will rotate with respect to the first pressing part211and is bent.

As shown inFIG.8B, the electromagnetic assembly60is triggered, so that the iron core601is pushed out and in contact with the position limiting member50at the contact point between the iron core601and the fourth transmission part501. Under the thrust of the iron core601, the position limiting member50will rotate in the counterclockwise direction, so that the position limiting member50is disengaged from the contact support member40from the second contact point, that is, a buckle latch between the position limiting member50and the contact support member40is disengaged.

As shown inFIG.8C, in a case that the position limiting member50unlocks the contact support member40, the contact support member40moves in the positive direction of X under the action of the tension spring72, so that the first mechanical contact81is separated from the second mechanical contact82. The contact support member40moves to the position where the contact support member40is limited by the rack10.

As shown inFIG.8D, a trigger instruction of the electromagnetic assembly60is removed, so that the iron core601is retracted, and the position limiting member50is also restored to the position where the position limiting member50has the first contact point with the contact support member40under the action of the torsional spring73.

As shown inFIG.8E, the external force F applied to the first pressing member21is removed, so that the first pressing member21is restored to the initial position. Thus, the free tripping process of the mechanical switching mechanism is completed.

Through the approaches as shown inFIGS.8A to8E, even when the press type mechanical switching mechanism is in the closed state and the first pressing member21is kept pressed down, the free tripping can be achieved, further improving the safety performance of the circuit breaker.

Embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a circuit breaker, comprising any of the press type mechanical switching mechanism described above. As an example, the circuit breaker may comprise a solid-state circuit breaker. It should be understood that the press type mechanical switching mechanism may also be applied to other types of circuit breakers, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited in this respect.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, which are exemplary, not exhaustive, and are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Without deviating from the scope and spirit of the various embodiments explained, many modifications and changes are apparent for those skilled in the art. The selection of terms used herein is intended to best explain the principles, practical applications, or technological improvements in the market of each embodiment, or to enable those skilled in the art to understand the disclosed embodiments.