JP7807977B2 - Switching device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a switching device.

A switching switchgear is known that switches the power source that supplies power to a load device between a commercial power source (first power source) and a distributed power source (second power source). This switching switchgear is typically switched by a solenoid, as described in Patent Document 1. For example, a known configuration is one in which a crossbar is connected to a solenoid coil that is magnetized by energizing the coil, causing a movable iron core to be attracted into the coil, thereby switching the switching switchgear.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-272077

When current is passed through the coil, the movable core moves as it is attracted to the inside of the magnetized coil. However, if the diameter of the movable core is approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the diameter of the inside of the coil, the attractive force is greater, and the movable core is attracted with greater force. On the other hand, if the diameter of the movable core is approximately the same from the end on the connecting member side to the end on the solenoid side, the diameter of the end of the movable core on the connecting member side will also be larger, which means that the connecting member to which the movable core is connected and other parts related to the connecting member will also become larger. Ultimately, this will result in the entire changeover switchgear becoming larger.

The inventors of this invention have thoroughly investigated this issue and attempted to solve it. The problem that this invention aims to solve is to ensure the attractive force of the coil to the movable core without increasing the size of the connecting member or the changeover switchgear.

To solve the above problem, a switching switch device is provided which includes a first power supply side terminal portion connectable to a first power supply, a second power supply side terminal portion connectable to a second power supply, a load side terminal portion connectable to a load device, a main circuit unit which can switch the power supply supplied to the load device between the first power supply and the second power supply, and a control unit which can control the switching of the power supply supplied to the load device, wherein the control unit controls a first solenoid having a coil and a movable iron core, a second solenoid having a coil and a movable iron core, and a switching circuit between the coil of the first solenoid and the coil of the second solenoid. The switching device comprises a connecting member that connects the movable iron core of the first solenoid and the movable iron core of the second solenoid, and each of the movable iron cores of the first solenoid and the second solenoid has a main section that is the largest diameter, an arm section that is closer to the connecting member than the main section and has a smaller diameter than the main section, and a groove section in the arm section for connecting the connecting member to the arm section. By passing current through the coil and moving the movable iron core so that at least a portion of the main section moves within the coil, the switching device can switch the power source supplied to the load equipment.

It is also preferable that a portion of the main part of the movable core always remains inside the coil.

It is also preferable that the maximum diameter of the movable core be approximately the same as the maximum inner diameter of the coil.

This invention ensures the attractive force of the coil to the movable core without increasing the size of the connecting member or switching device.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a changeover switching device according to an embodiment. 2 is a front view of the changeover switchgear shown in FIG. 1, with the cover open. 2 is a front view of the changeover switchgear shown in FIG. 1 in a disassembled state into a switch and a control unit, with the cover closed. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the changeover switchgear shown in FIG. 1 disassembled into a switch and a control unit, with the cover closed. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example in which some cases of three lined-up switches are removed. FIG. 2 is a side view of a switch showing an example in which a part of the case is removed. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example before and after connecting the connecting members. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating an example of the connecting members before and after being connected, as viewed from a different direction from FIG. 7 . FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the switcher switch device with the second case removed. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a main circuit unit, a first case, and a switching unit. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the switching unit shown in FIG. 10 . FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the switching portion shown in FIG. 11 . 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of how the switching unit moves. FIG. 12 is a diagram of the first solenoid shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the first solenoid shown in FIG. 14 . FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a movable core. FIG. 17 is a side view of the movable core shown in FIG. 16 .

The following describes an embodiment of the invention. In the following description of the diverter switchgear 1, the side that faces the installation location when installed is referred to as the installation surface side, and the side opposite the installation surface side is referred to as the front side. The diverter switchgear 1 of this embodiment can automatically switch the power source that supplies power to the load equipment between a first power source and a second power source during a power outage or other event. Therefore, as can be seen from Figures 1 to 4, the diverter switchgear 1 of this embodiment includes a main circuit unit 10 that can switch the power source that supplies power to the load equipment between the first power source and the second power source, and a control unit 30 that controls the switching of the power source that supplies power to the load equipment.

As can be seen from Figures 5 and 6, this changeover switchgear 1 includes a main circuit unit 10 having a first power source side terminal 11 connectable to a first power source, a second power source side terminal 12 connectable to a second power source, and a load side terminal 13 connectable to a load device. More specifically, the main circuit unit 10 includes a first power source side terminal 11 to which a first power source (e.g., a commercial power source) located on one side is connected, a second power source side terminal 12 to which a second power source (e.g., a distributed power source) located on the other side is connected, and a load side terminal 13 to which a load device is connected. In the example shown in Figure 1, the end of the first power source side terminal 11 (the end where terminal screw 11c is attached), the end of the second power source side terminal 12 (the end where terminal screw 12c is attached), and the end of the load side terminal 13 (the end where terminal screw 13c is attached) are covered with a terminal cover 19 to prevent inadvertent contact with them. Examples of distributed power sources include those that use renewable energy sources such as solar power and wind power, as well as fuel cells and storage batteries.

The main circuit unit 10 of this embodiment is also provided with a switch 14, which houses the first fixed contact 11a of the first power supply side terminal portion 11, the second fixed contact 12a of the second power supply side terminal portion 12, and the movable contact 13a of the load side terminal portion 13 in a case 14a. It is sufficient to connect as many switches 14 as necessary for the number of poles, but in the example shown in Figures 1 to 4, three switches 14 are connected, forming a three-pole main circuit unit 10.

As can be seen from Figure 6, the first power supply side terminal portion 11 of this embodiment has a first fixed contact 11a at one end and a screw hole 11b at the other end into which a terminal screw 11c for connecting an electric wire is screwed. The second power supply side terminal portion 12 has a second fixed contact 12a at one end and a screw hole 12b at the other end into which a terminal screw 12c for connecting an electric wire is screwed.

The load side terminal portion 13 of this embodiment includes a movable contactor 13e having two movable contacts 13a used to make contact with the first fixed contact 11a of the first power source side terminal portion 11 and the second fixed contact 12a of the second power source side terminal portion 12; a rotating member 13d that can rotate to switch the contact destination of the held movable contact 13a between the first fixed contact 11a and the second fixed contact 12a; and a terminal 13f having one end electrically connected to the movable contactor 13e via an electrical circuit member and the other end having a screw hole 13b into which a terminal screw 13c for connecting an electric wire is threaded.

When the movable contact 13a comes into contact with the first fixed contact 11a of the first power source terminal 11, the first power source terminal 11 and the load terminal 13 are electrically connected via the movable contact 13a, making it possible to supply power from the first power source connected to the first power source terminal 11 to the load device connected to the load terminal 13. Furthermore, when the movable contact 13a comes into contact with the second fixed contact 12a of the second power source terminal 12, for the same reason, power can be supplied from the second power source to the load device.

When switching between the first power source and the second power source for supplying power to the load device, the rotating member 13d is rotated to rotate the movable contactor 13e. In this way, the contact point of the movable contact 13a can be switched between the first fixed contact 11a and the second fixed contact 12a, and the source of power supply to the load device can be switched between the first power source and the second power source.

In this embodiment, the case 14a forming the outer casing of the switch 14 houses the first fixed contact 11a of the first power supply side terminal 11, the second fixed contact 12a of the second power supply side terminal 12, and the movable contact 13a of the load side terminal 13. The main circuit unit 10 can be constructed by connecting multiple switches 14 each equipped with such a case 14a. When adjacent switches 14 are connected to each other, the rotating members 13d of each switch 14 are also connected, resulting in a structure in which all of the connected rotating members 13d move in unison.

For this reason, the case 14a of the switch 14 is provided with an opening 14b that allows part of the rotating member 13d to protrude outside the case 14a. Furthermore, at least one of the switches 14 adjacent to this switch 14 has an opening 14c in its case 14a that allows part of the rotating member 13d of the adjacent switch 14 to enter. Openings 14b and 14c need only be located in positions that allow the rotating members 13d of adjacent switches 14 to engage and rotate with each other.

Openings 14b and 14c may be large enough to cover the entire surface of case 14a, but from the perspective of preventing foreign matter from entering the interior of switch 14, it is preferable that openings 14b and 14c be approximately the same size as the portion of rotating member 13d that protrudes from case 14a in a side view. If they were the same size, rotating member 13d would rub against case 14a when rotated, so it is preferable to leave a slight gap. It is also preferable that openings 14b and 14c be circular.

In any case, for a changeover switching device 1 equipped with multiple "switches 14 each having a first power source side terminal portion 11, a second power source side terminal portion 12, a load side terminal portion 13, and a case 14a," it is preferable that the load side terminal portion 13 is equipped with a rotating member 13d that rotatably holds the movable contact 13e, and that for at least one switch 14, a portion of the rotating member 13d protruding from an opening 14b in the case 14a of the switch 14 engages with a rotating member 13d located within the case 14a of an adjacent switch 14.

More specifically, it comprises: "a first power source side terminal portion 11 connectable to a first power source and having a first fixed contact 11a; a second power source side terminal portion 12 connectable to a second power source and having a second fixed contact 12a; a load side terminal portion 13 connectable to a load device and having a movable contactor 13e with a movable contact 13a; and a case 14a that houses the first fixed contact 11a, the second fixed contact 12a, and the movable contact 13a, and the contact point of the movable contact 13a is arranged between the first fixed contact 11a and the second fixed contact 12a. The diverter switchgear 1 is equipped with a plurality of switches 14 that can switch the power source supplied to the load equipment between a first power source and a second power source by switching between them. The load-side terminal section 13 preferably has a rotating member 13d that rotatably holds the movable contact 13e, and at least one switchgear 14 has a portion of the rotating member 13d protruding from an opening 14b in the case 14a of the switchgear 14 that engages with the rotating member 13d located inside the case 14a of an adjacent switchgear 14. This configuration makes it possible to simultaneously switch multiple switches 14 (multiple poles) of the diverter switchgear 1 without having to insert small connecting parts to fill the gaps between the rotating members when switching the switches 14 of the diverter switchgear 1.

In addition, a control unit 30 capable of controlling the switching of the power source supplying power to the load device by applying a load to the rotating member 13d is preferably arranged adjacent to the switch 14, and this control unit 30 is preferably configured to engage with the rotating member 13d protruding from an opening 14b provided in the case 14a of the adjacent switch 14.

To facilitate the connection of the rotating members 13d of adjacent switches 14, it is preferable to provide recesses or protrusions on the connecting portions 13g of the rotating members 13d so that the rotating members 13d can be connected together by inserting the protrusion of one rotating member 13d into the recess of the other rotating member 13d (see Figures 7 and 8). It is also preferable to provide recesses or protrusions on the connecting portions 13g so that the contact area is larger than when they are flat. This is because it makes it easier to transmit force.

As can be seen from the above, the main circuit unit 10 preferably includes a plurality of switches 14 each having a first power supply side terminal portion 11, a second power supply side terminal portion 12, a load side terminal portion 13, and a case 14a, and the rotating members 13d of each switch 14 are connected in a fitted state, allowing the switches 14 to move in conjunction with each other when switching power sources. This makes it easy to connect the rotating members 13d to each other, and also makes it easy to connect the switches 14.

In this embodiment, in order to standardize parts, the rotating members 13d of the three switches 14 are made the same shape, and a convex portion on one side of the rotating member 13d can be inserted into a concave portion on the other side of the rotating member 13d. In this way, it is preferable that the shape of one side of the rotating member 13d has concaves and convexes that correspond to the shape of the other side.

Of course, the shape of the rotating member 13d may be different for each switch 14, or the shape of the rotating member 13d of one switch 14 may be different from the shape of the rotating member 13d of the other switches 14. For example, in a configuration in which three switches 14 are connected, the rotating member 13d of the central switch 14 may be provided with both a recessed portion and a protruding portion, while the rotating members 13d of the switches 14 at both ends may be provided with either a recessed portion or a protruding portion.

In this embodiment, the rotating member 13d of the switch 14 adjacent to the control unit 30 has a recess on its side into which the connecting member 41 provided on the control unit 30 is inserted. In this embodiment, the connecting member 41 and the rotating member 13d are designed to rotate integrally. Therefore, by rotating the connecting member 41, the rotating member 13d rotates, and the contact point of the movable contact 13a of the movable contactor 13e can be switched between the first fixed contact 11a and the second fixed contact 12a.

In this embodiment, the rotating member 13d has an engaging portion with a substantially rectangular recess when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis. To connect using this engaging portion, the connecting member 41 has an engaged portion at its end that is substantially rectangular and has a shape that corresponds to the engaging portion of the rotating member 13d. However, the engaging portion and engaged portion may have any shape as long as they can engage with each other.

In addition, in this embodiment, in order to increase the load from the connecting member 41 to the rotating member 13d while reducing the size of the control unit 30, the cross section of the connecting member 41 perpendicular to the rotation axis is configured so that the cross section of the end of the connecting member 41 on the rotating member 13d side is larger than the cross section of the central part of the connecting member 41, thereby increasing the contact area between the rotating member 13d and the connecting member 41.

Regarding the connection between the rotating members 13d, even if the structure connects the rotating members 13d only by engaging the connecting portions 13g, the load of the connecting member 41 can be applied to the rotating members 13d, but a small gap will occur between the rotating members 13d that are engaged with each other.

This gap can have an impact when multiple rotating members 13d are connected. Specifically, a misalignment may occur between the movement of a rotating member 13d located away from the connecting member 41 and the movement of the connecting member 41, which could prevent the load of the connecting member 41 from being applied properly.

It is therefore preferable to provide insertion holes in the rotating members 13d, and to configure the insertion members 15 to be inserted into the insertion holes of the rotating members 13d of adjacent switches 14. By providing insertion holes in the rotating members 13d and configuring the insertion members 15 to be inserted into the insertion holes so as to connect the rotating members 13d that are being coupled, it is possible to restrict movement of the rotating members 13d in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the insertion members 15. Therefore, the effects of misalignment between the connecting member 41 and the rotating members 13d caused by gaps that occur between the rotating members 13d can be reduced.

The insertion hole of the rotating member 13d may be located in any position that allows the insertion member 15 to be inserted to connect the rotating members 13d that are connected to each other, but it is preferable to configure the insertion hole so that the insertion member 15 passes through the center of rotation of the rotating member 13d. For example, if the rotating member 13d rotates around the engaging portion and/or engaged portion, it is preferable to form the insertion hole in the engaging portion and/or engaged portion that is the center of rotation.

By inserting the insertion member 15 into an insertion hole provided in the engaging portion and/or engaged portion, it becomes easier to restrict movement of the rotating member 13d in directions perpendicular to the axial direction of the insertion member 15 in all directions, making it easier to accommodate misalignment between the connecting member 41 and the rotating member 13d. Furthermore, by positioning the insertion member 15 at the center of gravity of the rotating member 13d, it is expected that misalignment of the movement of the rotating member 13d will be further suppressed.

In this embodiment, a recess is provided on one side of the rotating member 13d, and a protrusion is provided on the other side. The protrusion of the rotating member 13d of one switch 14 is inserted into the recess of the rotating member 13d of another switch 14, and a connecting pin is inserted as an insertion member 15 into an insertion hole provided in the rotating member 13d. By inserting the protrusion of the rotating member 13d into the recess of the rotating member 13d and using the connecting pin inserted into the insertion hole to prevent the rotating members 13d from shifting apart, the rotating members 13d can be prevented from separating. Note that, in cases where the connection between the rotating members 13d is not visible from the outside of the switching device 1, as in this embodiment, being able to prevent the rotating members 13d from shifting apart is particularly preferable.

Furthermore, the load side terminal portion 13 preferably includes a rotating member 13d that rotates to switch the power source supplied to the load device between the first power source and the second power source, and the control unit 30 preferably includes a connecting member 41 that fits with the rotating member 13d and a handle attachment portion 42 that can be used to attach a handle 81 to the connecting member 41. In this way, the connecting member 41 having the handle attachment portion 42 fits with the rotating member 13d and moves in conjunction with it, making it possible to switch power sources.

Furthermore, when the handle 81 is attached to the handle attachment portion 42, moving the handle 81 allows the connecting member 41 and the rotating member 13d to work together to switch the power source; and when the handle 81 is not attached to the handle attachment portion 42, it is preferable to move the connecting member 41 with an electrical force generated by the control unit 30, allowing the connecting member 41 and the rotating member 13d to work together to switch the power source. In this way, the connecting member 41 can be moved whether electrically or manually, thereby reducing the number of parts.

The control unit 30 will now be described in detail. The control unit 30 is connected to the main circuit unit 10 and is connected to the side of the main circuit unit 10. This control unit 30 can control the switching of the power source to the load side terminal section 13 of the main circuit unit 10 between the first power source and the second power source.

The control unit 30 of this embodiment has a main outer shell formed by a case member 31. The case member 31 of this embodiment is box-shaped and made up of a first case 31a and a second case 31b, and houses a switching unit 32 and a switch unit 33 (see Figure 9). However, the switch unit 33 is not essential to the control unit 30; it is sufficient if it houses at least the switching unit 32.

In this embodiment, the main circuit unit 10 and the control unit 30 can be fixed together by fastening the first case 31a of the control unit 30 to the switch 14 adjacent to the first case 31a with screws or the like. In this embodiment, the switches 14 are also fixed together by using screws that pass through all of the switches 14 that make up the main circuit unit 10 and the first case 31a.

In this embodiment, the switching unit 32 provided in the control unit 30 includes a switching section 32a, a first solenoid 32b, a second solenoid 32c, a first relay unit 32d, and a second relay unit 32e (see Figures 10 and 11).

In this embodiment, the first relay unit 32d includes a circuit board 32dc to which a relay 32db is connected via a connector 32da. The second relay unit 32e includes at least a circuit board 32ec to which a relay 32eb is connected via a connector 32ea. These relay units, together with the switch unit 33 described below, control the flow of electricity to the solenoid coil.

The switching unit 32a of this embodiment has an operating pin 32aa inserted through its center and includes a support base 32ab that supports the various components, a connecting member 32ac that can connect the first movable iron core 32ba of the first solenoid 32b and the second movable iron core 32ca of the second solenoid 32c to its ends, an operating pin 32aa that is inserted through the connecting member 32ac, a switching member 32ad through which the operating pin 32aa is inserted together with the connecting member 32ac, a connecting member 41 that is inserted through the switching member 32ad, and an indicator member 32ae through which the connecting member 41 is inserted together with the switching member 32ad (see Figures 11 to 13).

In this embodiment, the first solenoid 32b includes a first coil 32bb, a first fixed core provided within the coil, a first movable core 32ba that moves with a portion inserted within the first coil 32bb, and a frame 32bc that covers the first coil 32bb. The second solenoid 32c includes a second coil, a second fixed core provided within the second coil, a second movable core 32ca that moves with a portion inserted within the second coil, and a frame 32cc that covers the second coil. In each solenoid, the movable core is positioned so that it protrudes from the end of the coil opposite the end where the fixed core is provided.

The automatic switching performed by the diverter switchgear 1 of this embodiment is performed using two solenoids (first solenoid 32b and second solenoid 32c). Each solenoid has at least a coil, a movable iron core, and a fixed iron core. When electricity is applied to the coil of a solenoid, the inside of the coil is magnetized, and an attractive force is generated that moves the movable iron core toward the inside of the coil.

The difference between the outer diameter of the movable core and the inner diameter of the coil affects the strength of the force that attracts the movable core. For example, the attracting force can be strengthened by making the outer diameter of the movable core located inside the coil approximately the same size as the inner diameter of the coil.

On the other hand, the switching device 1 of this embodiment has a connecting member 32ac arranged between the opposing first and second solenoids 32b and 32c, and is equipped with a mechanism that moves the connecting member 32ac toward the solenoid (e.g., first solenoid 32b) that includes the coil on one side of the connecting member 32ac when current is applied to the coil, and moves the connecting member 32ac toward the solenoid (e.g., second solenoid 32c) that includes the coil when current is applied to the coil on the other side (see Figure 13). This configuration makes it possible to switch the power source that is applied to the load.

With this configuration, when the connecting member 32ac moves toward one solenoid (for example, the first solenoid 32b), the movable iron core on the other solenoid (for example, the second solenoid 32c) is pulled by the connecting member 32ac and pops out of the coil.

Movement of the linking member 32ac moves the connecting member 41 connected to the rotating member 13d, but if the portion of the movable iron core near the linking member 32ac is large, it becomes difficult to make the mechanism for achieving this movement compact. More specifically, if the portion of the movable iron core near the linking member 32ac is large, it becomes difficult to make compact the size of components located between the first solenoid 32b and the second solenoid 32c, such as the linking member 32ac, and the components that cover them. As a result, it becomes difficult to make the size of the control unit 30 compact. For this reason, it is preferable to make the portion of the movable iron core near the linking member 32ac smaller. However, if the entire movable iron core is made smaller, it becomes difficult to ensure a large force to attract the movable iron core.

In order to maintain the strength of the force that attracts the movable iron core while maintaining a compact configuration, it is preferable to configure the movable iron core to include a main portion 321 that is the largest diameter portion and at least a portion of which is movable within the coil, an arm portion 322 that is configured to be smaller in diameter than the main portion 321 and closer to the connecting member 32ac, and a groove portion 323 provided in the arm portion 322 for connecting the connecting member 32ac to the arm portion 322.

More specifically, the switching switch device 1 includes a first power supply side terminal portion 11 connectable to a first power supply, a second power supply side terminal portion 12 connectable to a second power supply, a load side terminal portion 13 connectable to a load device, a main circuit unit 10 capable of switching the power supply for powering the load device between the first power supply and the second power supply, and a control unit 30 capable of controlling the switching of the power supply for powering the load device. The control unit 30 controls a first solenoid 32b having a coil and a movable iron core, a second solenoid 32c having a coil and a movable iron core, and a second solenoid 32c having a coil and a movable iron core between the coil of the first solenoid 32b and the coil of the second solenoid 32c. Preferably, the changeover switchgear 1 includes a connecting member 32ac that connects to the movable core of the solenoid 32c, and each of the movable cores of the first solenoid 32b and the second solenoid 32c includes a main portion 321, which is the largest diameter portion, an arm portion 322 that is configured to have a smaller diameter than the main portion 321 on the connecting member 32ac side of the main portion 321, and a groove 323 provided in the arm portion 322 for connecting the connecting member 32ac to the arm portion 322. By passing current through the coil, the movable core moves so that at least a portion of the main portion 321 moves within the coil, thereby switching the power source supplied to the load device. This configuration ensures the attractive force of the coil to the movable core without increasing the size of the connecting member 32ac or the changeover switchgear 1.

Furthermore, it is preferable to configure the main portion 321 of the movable iron core so that a portion of it always remains inside the coil. This makes it easier to ensure the magnitude of the force at the timing when current is passed through the coil and the movable iron core begins to move.

It is also preferable to configure the maximum diameter of the movable core so that it is approximately the same as the maximum inner diameter of the coil. This makes it easier to ensure the magnitude of the force required to move the movable core when current is passed through the coil.

It is preferable that when the movable core moves to its maximum extent toward the coil, more than half of the area of the movable core that protrudes from the coil be arm portion 322. It is even more preferable that when the movable core moves to its maximum extent toward the coil, more than 70% or more than 90% of the area of the movable core that protrudes from the coil be arm portion 322.

Furthermore, when a frame body covering the coil is provided outside the coil, it is preferable to configure it so that when the movable core moves to its maximum extent toward the coil, 80% or more of the area of the movable core that protrudes from the frame body toward the connecting member 32ac is arm portion 322. It is even more preferable to configure it so that when the movable core moves to its maximum extent toward the coil, 90% or more or all of the area of the movable core that protrudes from the frame body toward the connecting member 32ac is arm portion 322 (see Figures 14 and 15).

In the embodiment, the movable core has a groove 323 in the arm 322, which has a smaller outer diameter than the remaining portion and into which a portion of the connecting member 32ac is inserted (see Figures 14 to 17). In the embodiment, the outer diameter of the arm 322 excluding the groove 323 is substantially the same, but the outer diameter of a portion of the arm 322 other than the groove 323 may also be different, such as by making the outer diameter of the portion that engages with the connecting member 32ac larger than the remaining portion in order to increase the contact area with the connecting member 32ac. However, it is preferable to make the outer diameter of the arm 322 excluding the groove 323 substantially the same, as this makes it easier to reduce the size of parts between the two solenoids (see Figures 16 and 17).

However, the main portion 321 of the movable core in this embodiment does not extend all the way to the end on the coil side. The movable cores shown in Figures 16 and 17 are configured so that their outer diameter gradually decreases toward the end on the coil side. More specifically, the movable cores shown in Figures 16 and 17 have a truncated cone-shaped end on the coil side. This shape corresponds to the shape of the fixed core located within the coil.

Here, we will explain the energization signal to the coil. Energization to the coil can be triggered by the relay unit detecting whether or not there is electricity from the first power source or the second power source, or by the relay unit detecting that a set predetermined time has elapsed. For example, when there is electricity from the first power source but not from the second power source, electricity is applied to the first coil 32bb, and switching occurs to the first power source. When there is no electricity from the first power source but there is electricity from the second power source, electricity is applied to the second coil, and switching occurs to the second power source.

Normally, the first power source, which is a commercial power source, is configured to take priority over the second power source, which is a distributed power source. For example, when there is current from both the first power source and the second power source, the current from the first power source takes priority, current is passed to the first coil 32bb, and the system switches over to the first power source. Therefore, the second power source is used when there is no current from the first power source but there is current from the second power source.

However, if current continues to flow through the coil as long as the relay unit continues to detect current from each power source, there is a risk that the coil will burn out. If the coil burns out, the control unit 30 will no longer be able to switch automatically. For this reason, it is preferable to configure the coil so that current is only flowing through it for a certain period of time after the relay unit detects current from each power source. In this embodiment, the switch unit 33 plays a role in ensuring that current is only flowing through the coil for a certain period of time after the relay unit detects current from each power source.

For example, a switch can be connected to each relay unit, and when the switch is pressed by the operating pin 32aa, which moves as a result of the connecting member 32ac moving due to the attraction of the movable iron core after the coil is energized, the mechanism stops the flow of electricity to the coil. In this case, when the switch is not pressed, the flow of electricity to the coil is permitted, so if the coil is energized on the side where the switch is not pressed, the switch will switch to that side.

Here, we will explain an example of switching using the control unit 30. However, we will explain an example in which the power source supplied to the load device by the control unit 30 is switched from the second power source to the first power source. Note that the operational flow is similar when switching from the first power source to the second power source, so we will not explain that example again.

First, an example of electrical switching will be described. When switching using electricity, current is passed through the first coil 32bb of the first solenoid 32b. This generates a magnetic field inside the first coil 32bb, which causes the magnetized first movable core 32ba to be attracted to the first fixed core. As the first movable core 32ba is attracted, the connecting member 32ac, to which the tip of the first movable core 32ba is connected, moves toward the first power source (see Figure 13).

This movement of the connecting member 32ac causes the operating pin 32aa inserted through the connecting member 32ac to move toward the first power source. When the operating pin 32aa moves, the angle of the switching member 32ad through which the operating pin 32aa is inserted changes. This change in the angle of the switching member 32ad changes the angle of the connecting member 41 connected to the switching member 32ad. This change in the angle of the connecting member 41 causes the rotating member 13d of the switch 14, which is fitted to the connecting member 41, to rotate. The rotation of the rotating member 13d causes the movable contact 13a of the load side terminal 13, which contacts the second fixed contact 12a of the second power source side terminal 12, to contact the first fixed contact 11a of the first power source side terminal 11. Furthermore, the change in the angle of the connecting member 41 changes the angle of the indicator member 32ae, which is connected to the connecting member 41. By changing the angle of the indicator member 32ae, it is possible to indicate that the load side terminal portion 13 is connected to the first power supply side terminal portion 11.

Next, an example of manual switching will be described. When switching manually, switching is performed using a handle 81 that can be attached to and detached from the changeover switch device 1. The connecting member 41 has a handle attachment part 42 on the end opposite the end where the switch 14 is fitted. It is preferable that unused handles 81 can be fixed to the side of the changeover switch device 1, etc., so that the handle 81 is not lost after being removed from the handle attachment part 42. In the example shown in Figure 1, the handle 81 can be inserted into a protrusion on the control unit 30 and fixed.

To manually switch the power supply, first attach the handle 81 to the handle mounting portion 42. Then, tilt the handle 81 from the second power supply side to the first power supply side. Tilt the handle 81 to change the angle of the connecting member 41. Changing the angle of the connecting member 41 rotates the rotating member 13d of the switch 14 fitted to the connecting member 41. Rotating the rotating member 13d brings the movable contact 13a of the load side terminal 13, which contacts the second fixed contact 12a of the second power supply side terminal 12, into contact with the first fixed contact 11a of the first power supply side terminal 11. Changing the angle of the connecting member 41 also changes the angle of the indicator member 32ae, which is connected to the connecting member 41. As with the example above, changing the angle of the indicator member 32ae indicates that the load side terminal 13 is connected to the first power supply side terminal 11. When the work is complete, simply remove the handle 81 from the handle mounting portion 42. Then, move the cover 38 so that it covers the handle attachment portion 42.

The switching device 1 of this embodiment is attached to a box for storing electrical and electronic equipment. The box for storing electrical and electronic equipment is used to store electrical and electronic equipment such as circuit breakers, switches 14, transformers, relays, communication devices, measuring devices, control devices, sensor devices, air conditioning equipment, and servers in the box body, and refers to, for example, distribution boards, switchboards, control panels, high-voltage power receiving equipment (including cubicle-type high-voltage power receiving equipment), and system racks.

The present invention has been described above using exemplary embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various forms.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Changeover switch device 10 Main circuit unit 11 First power supply side terminal portion 12 Second power supply side terminal portion 13 Load side terminal portion 30 Control unit 32ac Connecting member 32b First solenoid 32c Second solenoid 321 Main portion 322 Arm portion 323 Groove portion

Claims (3)

A changeover switchgear including a first power source side terminal portion connectable to a first power source, a second power source side terminal portion connectable to a second power source, a load side terminal portion connectable to a load device, a main circuit unit capable of switching a power source for supplying power to the load device between the first power source and the second power source, and a control unit capable of controlling the switching of the power source for supplying power to the load device,
The control unit
a first solenoid having a coil and a movable core;
a second solenoid having a coil and an armature;
a connecting member that connects the movable iron core of the first solenoid to the movable iron core of the second solenoid between the coil of the first solenoid and the coil of the second solenoid;
Equipped with
The movable core of the first solenoid and the movable core of the second solenoid are
The connector includes a main portion having a maximum diameter, an arm portion configured to have a smaller diameter than the main portion on the connecting member side, and a groove portion provided in the arm portion for connecting the connecting member to the arm portion,
A switching switch that can switch the power source supplying power to a load device by passing current through the coil and moving the movable core so that at least a part of the main part moves within the coil. The changeover switchgear described in claim 1, wherein a portion of the main part of the movable core always remains inside the coil. The changeover switchgear according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the maximum diameter of the movable core is approximately the same as the maximum inner diameter of the coil.