A circuit breaker

Abstract

The application discloses a circuit breaker, wherein the circuit breaker shell has a first space; an operating mechanism is used to switch the working state of the circuit breaker; a release is used to trigger the operating mechanism when the release is actuated; the operating mechanism and the release are both located in the first space and are sequentially arranged in a first direction; and an insulation barrier is located in the first space and is arranged on the side of the release close to the operating mechanism to separate the two.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of low-voltage electrical equipment, specifically to a circuit breaker or isolating circuit breaker. Background Technology

[0002] Molded case circuit breakers include single-pole, three-pole, and four-pole types. Taking the three-pole or four-pole type as an example, it comprises three or four pole spaces, each containing a thermal-magnetic trip unit. The operating mechanism of the molded case circuit breaker is located in one of these pole spaces; therefore, there are cases where the thermal-magnetic trip unit and the operating mechanism share the same pole space. Similarly, in the single-pole type, the operating mechanism and the thermal-magnetic trip unit are also located in the same pole space.

[0003] The operating mechanism of a molded case circuit breaker is primarily composed of metal components (such as the frame, locking mechanism, and re-locking mechanism) and is conductive. In existing molded case circuit breaker structures, due to the relatively low voltage requirements of the application scenarios, even if the operating mechanism and a thermal-magnetic trip unit are located within the same pole space (arranged sequentially along the length of the pole space), maintaining only a standard assembly spacing provides sufficient creepage distance. Therefore, electricity from the thermal-magnetic trip unit is not easily transferred to the operating mechanism. The structure disclosed in CN119069316A employs this type of design.

[0004] However, with the increasing performance requirements for molded case circuit breakers, such as the ability to withstand greater voltage requirements within the same frame size, it is clear that the creepage distance is insufficient relying solely on the assembly spacing between the operating mechanism and the thermomagnetic trip unit.

[0005] Therefore, how to design a structure with better creepage distance is a question worth considering. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to provide a circuit breaker.

[0007] This application provides: a circuit breaker, wherein... The circuit breaker housing has a first space; Operating mechanism, used to switch the operating state of the circuit breaker; A trip unit, which triggers the operating mechanism when actuated; The operating mechanism and the trip unit are both located in the first space, and the two are arranged sequentially in the first direction; An insulating barrier, located within the first space, is positioned on the side of the trip unit closest to the operating mechanism to separate the two.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the operating mechanism has a traction rod, which is at least a component with insulating properties on its surface; the trip unit has a trigger end, and the traction rod has a driven end, and when the trip unit is actuated, it touches the driven end through the trigger end; both the trigger end and the driven end are exposed at the upper end of the insulating blocking member, or the insulating blocking member has a clearance structure to avoid the trigger end and the driven end.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the insulating barrier includes a first insulating stop and a second insulating stop; in a first direction, the first insulating stop is located between the operating mechanism and the trip unit, and the second insulating stop extends from the direction of the first insulating stop toward the direction of the operating mechanism; it also includes a main circuit conductor adapted to the trip unit, a portion of the main circuit conductor being closer to the operating mechanism than the trip unit, and the second insulating stop at least separating this portion of the main circuit conductor from the operating mechanism.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the main circuit conductor includes a first conductive element, which is at least partially located within the area where the operating mechanism is located; the second insulating barrier includes a second body and a first protruding edge disposed on the lower surface of the second body, the first protruding edge forming a third interleaved structure with the circuit breaker housing, the second insulating barrier at least covers the portion of the first conductive element located within the area where the operating mechanism is located, and the second body and the third interleaved structure together separate the first conductive element from the operating mechanism.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the main circuit conductor includes a stationary contact, which is fixed to a wall of the circuit breaker housing by a second fastener, and the stationary contact and the operating mechanism are located on two opposite surfaces of the housing wall; the second insulating stop includes a second body and a second protruding edge disposed on the lower surface of the second body, the second protruding edge forming a fourth interlaced structure with the circuit breaker housing; at least a portion of the second fastener is located in the area where the operating mechanism is located, the second insulating stop covers the portion of the second fastener, and the second body and the fourth interlaced structure together separate the operating mechanism from the second fastener.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the insulating barrier includes a first insulating stop and a second insulating stop; in a first direction, the first insulating stop is located between the operating mechanism and the trip unit, and the second insulating stop extends into the operating mechanism and has an intersecting portion with the operating mechanism; the first insulating stop and the second insulating stop together form a first receiving space facing the operating mechanism; the operating mechanism includes a locking assembly, the locking assembly is at least partially located within the first receiving space, and the locking assembly includes at least two levels of locking.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the dimension of the first insulating barrier in the first direction is smaller than the dimension of the second insulating barrier in the first direction, and the dimension of the second insulating barrier in the second direction is smaller than the dimension of the first insulating barrier in the second direction; the dimension of the first insulating barrier in the third direction is not smaller than the dimension of the second insulating barrier in the third direction; the first, second, and third directions are perpendicular to each other.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the circuit breaker housing further includes a breaking space, which is separated from the first space by the shell wall of the circuit breaker housing; it also includes a moving contact assembly and an arc-extinguishing chamber, the rotating shaft of the moving contact assembly being connected to the operating mechanism; the breaking space is at least used to accommodate the moving contact of the moving contact assembly and the arc-extinguishing chamber; in a first direction, the first space is located on one side of the rotating shaft; in a second direction, both the first space and the rotating shaft are located above the arc-extinguishing chamber.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the circuit breaker housing includes a first housing having a first cavity, which is part of a first space; the first cavity includes two sidewalls spaced apart in a third direction; an operating mechanism, a trip unit, and an insulating barrier are disposed within the first cavity; in a second direction, the insulating barrier extends beyond the sidewalls; the first, second, and third directions are perpendicular to each other.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the operating mechanism has a traction rod, which is at least a component with insulating properties on its surface. The traction rod and the insulating blocking member form a second staggered structure in a second direction. In the first direction, the second staggered structure is located between the metal component inside the operating mechanism and the trip unit. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the operating mechanism has a traction rod, which is at least a component with insulating properties on its surface. The traction rod and the insulating blocking member form a first staggered structure that intersects in a first direction. The first staggered structure at least partially blocks the trip unit on one or both sides in a third direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the insulating barrier has a second extension that at least partially blocks the trip unit on one or both sides in a third direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the operating mechanism includes a traction rod and a locking assembly. The locking assembly includes a second lock, and the traction rod includes a fastening part and a blocking part. The second lock is fixed to the fastening part by a third fastener. The blocking part and the insulating blocking member are alternately arranged, and in a first direction, the alternate position is located between the third fastener and the tripping device.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, the operating mechanism includes a traction rod and a locking assembly, the locking assembly including a second locking buckle; the traction rod is at least a component with insulating properties on its surface, and the traction rod includes a fastening part; the second locking buckle is fixed to the fastening part by a third fastener; the insulating blocking member includes a first body, and the second locking buckle and the release device are separated on both sides of the first body in a first direction.

[0021] The advantages of this application compared to the prior art are: Compared to existing technologies that rely solely on assembly gaps, this application employs an insulating barrier separating the operating mechanism and the trip unit, significantly increasing the creepage distance. This provides a possibility for circuit breakers to be used in higher voltage or high-altitude environments. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a circuit breaker (underground arc-extinguishing chamber type) according to an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 2 This application shows a schematic diagram of the circuit breaker housing, trip unit, operating mechanism, and insulating blocking element according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the circuit breaker housing, trip unit, operating mechanism, and insulating barrier of an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the insulating barrier element in an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 5 This paper shows a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between some operating mechanisms and insulating barriers in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 An axial view of the traction rod, the second latch, and the insulating barrier in an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 7 This paper shows an axial view of the traction rod, the second latch, and the insulating barrier in another direction, according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 Partial cross-sectional views of the third and fourth interlacing structures in embodiments of this application are shown; Figure 9 A partial schematic diagram of the first housing in an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 10A schematic diagram of a circuit breaker (with conventional arc-extinguishing chamber) according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0027] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "electrical connection," and "fixation," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed electrical connection, a detachable electrical connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical-electrical connection or an electro-electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature. Example

[0029] like Figure 1-10 As shown in the figure, an embodiment of this application is a circuit breaker, specifically a molded case circuit breaker, comprising: The circuit breaker housing 100 has a first space 110a.

[0030] Here, the first space 110a accommodates at least the operating mechanism 200 and the trip unit 300.

[0031] Here, the operating mechanism 200 is a four- or five-bar linkage mechanism for a molded case circuit breaker, including a frame, handle, lever, trip latch, upper linkage, lower linkage, main tension spring, locking assembly 220, traction rod 210, etc. The locking assembly 220 includes both two-stage and three-stage locking methods. The handle serves as the input end of the operating mechanism 200 and can receive external force; the lower linkage serves as the output end of the operating mechanism 200 and connects to the rotating shaft 600 of the moving contact assembly.

[0032] Taking a two-stage locking method as an example, it includes a first locking and a second locking 220a. The second locking 220a is fixed to the traction rod 210. When the operating mechanism 200 is in the re-locking state (loaded locking state), the first locking and the jump locking are abutted, and the second locking 220a is abutted against the first locking, thus forming a steady state.

[0033] Taking the three-level locking method as an example, it includes a first locking, a second locking 220a and a third locking; when the operating mechanism 200 is in the re-locking state (loaded locking state), the first locking is abutted against the jump locking, the second locking 220a is abutted against the first locking, the third locking is abutted against the second locking 220a, and the third locking is abutted against the traction rod 210, thereby forming a steady state.

[0034] Regardless of whether it's a two-stage or three-stage locking system, when the locking assembly 220 is in the re-locked state (loaded state), the operating mechanism 200 can perform opening and closing operations. In other words, whether the operating mechanism 200 is in the opening or closing state, the locking assembly 220 is always in the re-locked state (loaded state). When the re-locked state (loaded state) is released, the operating mechanism 200 transitions to the released state. The basic principles of this mechanism are common knowledge and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0035] Among the aforementioned components of the operating mechanism 200, such as the locking assembly 220, frame, lever, jump catch, upper connecting rod, lower connecting rod, and main tension spring, are metal components. The traction rod 210 is at least a component with surface insulation properties, including: a solid component made of pure insulating material, and a composite insulating component with a metal core embedded within the insulating material. Regardless of the structural form used, it is acceptable as long as it ensures that the traction rod 210 does not become a current carrier.

[0036] The trip unit 300 is activated when an overcurrent occurs in the circuit where the circuit breaker is located, triggering the traction rod 210 of the operating mechanism 200, causing the operating mechanism 200 to switch to the tripped state. After the operating mechanism 200 trips, a re-tripping operation (re-tripping operation) is required before the next closing operation. Of course, this re-tripping operation is a conventional technology in this field and will not be described in detail here.

[0037] The trip unit 300 here includes both a thermal trip unit 300 and a magnetic trip unit 300. Of course, alternatively, only a thermal trip unit 300 or only this trip unit 300 may be used.

[0038] The thermal trip unit 300 is a bimetallic type, which is actuated when the overcurrent is an overload condition. It can be a side-heated type (the bimetallic part is in contact with the main circuit conductor and is heated by the heat generated by the main circuit conductor) or a direct-heated type (the bimetallic part is a part of the main circuit conductor that carries the current and is directly heated).

[0039] The magnetic trip unit 300 is actuated when the overcurrent is a short circuit. It can be a snap-action type magnetic trip unit 300 or a solenoid type magnetic trip unit 300.

[0040] The operating mechanism 200 and the trip unit 300 are both located in the first space 110a, and are arranged sequentially in the length direction (first direction X).

[0041] An insulating barrier 400 is located within the first space 110a and is disposed on the side of the trip unit 300 near the operating mechanism 200, separating the two by the insulating barrier 400.

[0042] By adding this insulating barrier 400, the creepage distance between the operating mechanism 200 and the trip unit 300 will be greater than that of the existing technology that relies solely on the assembly gap, providing a possibility for the application of circuit breakers in high-voltage or high-altitude scenarios.

[0043] This arrangement of the insulating barrier 400 is applicable to conventional molded case circuit breakers (where the arc-extinguishing chamber 700, contact structure, operating mechanism 200, and trip unit 300 are arranged sequentially along the first direction X, such as...). Figure 8 As shown), it is also applicable to molded case circuit breakers with the arc-extinguishing chamber 700 located below (where the operating mechanism 200 and trip unit 300 are higher in height than the arc-extinguishing chamber 700, such as...). Figure 1 (As shown).

[0044] The trip unit 300 has a trigger end 300a (if it is a bimetallic trip unit, it is the active end of the bimetallic trip unit; if it is a magnetic trip unit 300, it is the armature). The traction rod 210 has a driven end 210a that is adapted to the trigger end 300a. When the trip unit 300 is actuated, the trigger end 300a contacts the driven end 210a, thereby causing the traction rod 210 to rotate. Here, both the trigger end 300a and the driven end 210a are exposed at the upper end of the insulating barrier 400. Both the trigger end 300a and the driven end 210a are higher than the insulating barrier 400 in the height direction, so they are not interfered with by the insulating barrier 400.

[0045] Alternatively, an avoidance structure can be provided on the insulating barrier 400 to avoid interference between the trigger end 300a and the driven end 210a, thus preventing the insulating barrier 400 from interfering with the actuation of the trip unit 300. This avoidance structure can be a through slot or a through hole. Providing an avoidance structure means that, theoretically, the insulating barrier 400 can be set higher, further improving insulation performance.

[0046] Here, for the pull rod 210 and the insulating barrier 400, there is a second staggered structure S2 that intersects in the second direction Z (height direction). This second staggered structure S2 is located in the first direction X (length direction) between the metal components inside the trip unit 300 and the operating mechanism 200. This second staggered structure S2 and its positioning further improves the creepage distance between the trip unit 300 and the operating mechanism 200. There are many ways to form this second staggered structure S2. For example, the pull rod 210 may have a shielding portion 210c, and the insulating barrier 400 may have a first body 410a. The first body 410a and the shielding portion 210c intersect in the second direction Z (height direction) to form the second staggered structure S2. Since the shielding portion 210c is on the side of the first body 410a closest to the operating mechanism 200, this second staggered structure S2 can further improve the creepage distance.

[0047] Here, for the two-stage locking assembly 220, the second lock 220a is fixed to the fastening portion 210b of the pull rod 210 by a third fastener 230 (e.g., a rivet or screw). In the first direction X, the fastening portion 210b is further away from the insulating barrier 400 than the shielding portion 210c. Therefore, the staggered arrangement formed by the shielding portion 210c and the insulating barrier 400 is located between the third fastener 230 and the trip unit 300, which can increase the creepage distance between the third fastener 230 and the trip unit 300.

[0048] For this second latch 220a, in the first direction X, the second latch 220a and the trip unit 300 are essentially separated by the first body 410a, that is, the creepage distance between the two can be increased by using the first body 410a.

[0049] Here, the insulating barrier 400 has a second extension 410b, which at least partially blocks one or both sides of the trip unit 300 in the third direction Y, which is perpendicular to the first direction X. By blocking one or both sides of the trip unit 300 in the third direction Y through the second extension 410b, the creepage distance between the trip unit 300 and the operating mechanism 200 can be further increased.

[0050] Here, for the pull rod 210 and the insulating barrier 400, there is a first staggered structure S1 in the first direction X. The first staggered structure S1 at least partially blocks one or both sides of the trip unit 300 in the third direction Y, which is perpendicular to the first direction X. This staggered structure can further improve the creepage distance. There are many ways to form this first staggered structure S1. It can be a staggered structure formed by the pull rod 210 extending toward the insulating barrier 400, or a staggered structure formed by the insulating barrier 400 extending toward the pull rod 210. Taking the case where the pull rod 210 extends toward the insulating barrier 400 as an example, the insulating barrier 400 has a second extension 410b that blocks one or both sides of the trip unit 300 in the third direction Y. The traction rod 210 has a side plate portion 210d that corresponds one-to-one with the second extension portion 410b. The side plate portion 210d extends to intersect with the corresponding second extension portion 410b to form a first interlacing structure S1, which can further improve the creepage distance between the trip unit 300 and the operating mechanism 200.

[0051] The insulating barrier 400 includes a first insulating barrier 410 and a second insulating barrier 420. In the first direction X, the first insulating barrier 410 is located between the operating mechanism 200 and the trip unit 300, and the second insulating barrier 420 extends from the direction of the first insulating barrier 410 toward the direction of the operating mechanism 200. Since the trip unit 300 is generally matched (i.e., adapted) with the main circuit conductor, for example, the double metal part needs to be connected (directly heated) or attached (side-heated) to a part of the main circuit conductor; for example, the magnetic trip unit 300 needs to be connected to a part of the main circuit conductor. This part of the main circuit conductor is generally closer to the operating mechanism 200 than the trip unit 300. The second insulating barrier 420 can separate the main circuit conductor from the operating mechanism 200. This can effectively increase the creepage distance between the main circuit conductor and the operating mechanism 200, and further increase the creepage distance between the trip unit 300 and the operating mechanism 200.

[0052] This combination of the first insulating baffle 410 and the second insulating baffle 420 is applicable to both conventional molded case circuit breakers (where the arc-extinguishing chamber 700, contact structure, operating mechanism 200, and trip unit 300 are arranged sequentially along the first direction X) and molded case circuit breakers with the arc-extinguishing chamber 700 positioned below it (where the operating mechanism 200 and trip unit 300 are higher than the arc-extinguishing chamber 700 in the height direction).

[0053] The effect is even better when applied to the molded case circuit breaker scheme with the arc-extinguishing chamber 700 at the bottom. The reason is that in this layout, a part of the main circuit conductor (such as the mounting part of the stationary contact 510 or the connection part between the stationary contact 510 and the trip unit 300) will be located in the area where the operating mechanism 200 is located. It can be said that the two intersect in the first direction X. Therefore, the second insulating barrier 420 can be used to separate the main circuit conductor from the operating mechanism 200.

[0054] Taking the connection between the stationary contact 510 and the trip unit 300 extending into the area where the operating mechanism 200 is located as an example, the main circuit conductor includes a first conductive element 500. A portion of the first conductive element 500 is located within the area where the operating mechanism 200 is located, that is, exposed within the operating mechanism 200 (here, "exposed" means exposed if the second insulating stop 420 is not installed). The second insulating stop 420 covers this exposed portion. The second insulating stop 420 includes a second body 420a and a first protruding edge 420b disposed on the lower surface of the second body 420a. The first protruding edge 420b and the circuit breaker housing 100 form a third interleaved structure S3. In this way, by isolating the upper surface of the first conductive element 500 from the metal components of the operating mechanism 200 through the second body 420a, and by using the third interleaved structure S3 to increase the creepage distance around the first conductive element 500, the creepage distance between the first conductive element 500 and the operating mechanism 200 can be greatly improved.

[0055] Here, the third staggered structure S3 in the second direction Z (height direction) can be the same height as the first conductive element 500; or it can be higher than the first conductive element 500 in the second direction Z (height direction) (this embodiment adopts this higher structure setting because the installation position of the first conductive element 500 is lower than the third staggered structure S3); or it can be lower than the first conductive element 500 in the second direction Z (height direction). In any case, as long as the creepage distance can be increased around the first conductive element 500, it is acceptable.

[0056] Furthermore, the third staggered structure S3 can be formed in the form that the first protruding edge 420b is embedded in the corresponding groove on the circuit breaker housing 100, or in the form that the first protruding edge 420b intersects with the protrusion on the circuit breaker housing 100. Regardless of the method, as long as staggering can be formed and the creepage distance is increased, it is acceptable.

[0057] Furthermore, the third interleaving structure S3 can be single-level or multi-level interleaving. Theoretically, the more interleaving structures there are, the better the creepage performance will be.

[0058] As a preferred embodiment, the circuit breaker housing 100 has four recessed first mounting positions M, each used to mount four first fasteners (screws or rivets) of the frame. The periphery of the mounting location of the first conductive element 500 (peripheral in the second direction Z and the third direction Y) has a first rib S30. The circuit breaker housing 100 has second ribs S32 at the four first mounting positions M corresponding to the positions of the first ribs S30. The second ribs S32 are located around the periphery of the first ribs S30 (peripheral in the second direction Z and the third direction Y). A first protruding edge 420b is inserted into the gap between the first ribs S30 and the second ribs S32, together forming a third staggered structure S3. This third staggered structure S3 is equivalent to a two-stage staggered structure.

[0059] Regardless of which type of third interleaved structure S3 is used, combining the third interleaved structure S3 with the second main body 420a can significantly improve the creepage distance between the first conductive element 500 and the operating mechanism 200.

[0060] Taking the installation portion of the stationary contact 510 located within the area where the operating mechanism 200 is located as an example, the circuit breaker housing 100 includes a first housing wall 110b, with the stationary contact 510 and the operating mechanism 200 respectively disposed on two opposing surfaces of the first housing wall 110b. A second through hole is provided on the first housing wall 110b for the second fastener 510a (rivet or screw) to pass through. The second fastener 510a is partially located within the area where the operating mechanism 200 is located, meaning it is exposed within the operating mechanism 200 (exposed here means exposed when the second insulating stop 420 is not installed). The second insulating stop 420 covers this exposed portion. The second insulating stop 420 includes a second body 420a and a second protruding edge 420c disposed on the lower surface of the second body 420a. The second protruding edge 420c and the circuit breaker housing 100 (first housing wall 110b) form a fourth staggered structure S4. In this way, by isolating the upper surface of the second fastener 510a from the metal components of the operating mechanism 200 through the second main body 420a, and by increasing the creepage distance around the second fastener 510a using the fourth staggered structure S4, the creepage distance can be greatly improved.

[0061] Here, the fourth interlacing structure S4 can be formed in two ways: either the second protruding edge 420c is embedded in the corresponding groove on the circuit breaker housing 100, or the second protruding edge 420c intersects with the protrusion on the circuit breaker housing 100. Regardless of the method, as long as interlacing is achieved, the creepage distance can be increased.

[0062] Furthermore, the fourth interleaving structure S4 can be a single-level interleaving or a multi-level interleaving. Theoretically, the more interleaving structures there are, the better the creepage performance will be.

[0063] As a preferred embodiment, the first shell wall 110b forms a first annular protrusion S40 around the second through hole, and the second protruding edge 420c surrounds the periphery of the first annular protrusion S40, forming a fourth staggered structure S4.

[0064] By setting the fourth staggered structure S4, it is suitable for circuit breakers where the static contact 510 mounting structure is relatively close to the operating mechanism 200. This can greatly improve the insulation performance while ensuring a more compact internal structure of the circuit breaker.

[0065] Here, it is more preferable that the third interleaved structure S3 is positioned around the fourth interleaved structure S4, which further increases the creepage distance between the stationary contact 510 mounting structure and the operating mechanism 200.

[0066] Here, in the first direction X (length direction), the first insulating stop 410 is located between the operating mechanism 200 and the trip unit 300, and the second insulating stop 420 extends into the operating mechanism 200 and has an overlapping portion with the operating mechanism 200. The side of the first insulating stop 410 and the second insulating stop 420 facing the operating mechanism 200 can form a first receiving space M1. Here, a portion of the metal components of the operating mechanism 200 can be accommodated, such as the latch assembly 220, which can be a two-stage latch or a three-stage latch.

[0067] For the locking assembly 220, a metal structure is generally used to achieve better mechanical performance. The first accommodating space M1 formed by the first insulating stop 410 and the second insulating stop 420 not only allows for a more compact arrangement of the operating mechanism 200 and the trip unit 300, but also greatly ensures the insulation performance.

[0068] Regardless of the method described above, the dimension of the first insulating stop 410 in the first direction X is smaller than the dimension of the second insulating stop 420 in the first direction X, and the dimension of the second insulating stop 420 in the second direction Z is smaller than the dimension of the first insulating stop 410 in the second direction Z; the dimension of the first insulating stop 410 in the third direction Y is not smaller than the dimension of the second insulating stop 420 in the third direction Y.

[0069] Here, the first insulating baffle 410 and the second insulating baffle 420 can be integrally injection molded, or they can be assembled separately. For the separate structure, in order to ensure insulation performance, the splicing gaps of the two are formed by an interlocking structure in an alternating manner, or a labyrinthine splicing gap structure.

[0070] Here, the circuit breaker housing 100 also has a breaking space 110c. The breaking space 110c is separated from the first space 110a by the shell wall of the circuit breaker housing 100, for example, by the first shell wall 110b.

[0071] The stationary contact 510, the moving contact of the moving contact assembly, and the arc-extinguishing chamber 700 are disposed within the breaking space 110c. Of course, the breaking space 110c here is designed to at least accommodate the moving contact of the moving contact assembly and the arc-extinguishing chamber 700. If better sealing performance is desired, the entire moving contact assembly can also be housed within the breaking space 110c.

[0072] In the first direction X (length direction), the first space 110a is located on one side of the rotating shaft 600. That is, if the circuit breaker housing 100 and the insulating barrier 400 are ignored, and only the orientation between the components is considered, in the first direction X, the operating mechanism 200 is located between the rotating shaft 600 and the trip unit 300.

[0073] In the second direction Z (height direction), the first space 110a and the rotating shaft 600 are both located above the arc-extinguishing chamber 700. That is to say, if the circuit breaker housing 100 and the insulating barrier 400 are ignored, the rotating shaft 600, the operating mechanism 200, and the trip unit 300 are all set above the arc-extinguishing chamber 700.

[0074] This arrangement allows the operating mechanism 200, rotating shaft 600, trip unit 300, etc. to be arranged more compactly, realizing the lower placement of arc-extinguishing chamber 700 and increasing the space for accommodating arc-extinguishing chamber 700 (theoretically, it can accommodate more arc-extinguishing grid plates), providing a possibility for application in high-voltage scenarios.

[0075] There are many ways to form the circuit breaker housing 100 that creates the breaking space 110c.

[0076] It can be that two sub-shells are assembled in the width direction (that is, the third direction Y) to form a structure (for example, a left half-shell and a right half-shell, where the left half-shell and the right half-shell can be the outer shell of the circuit breaker or the inner shell of the circuit breaker, that is, there is an outer shell in addition to the inner shell).

[0077] Alternatively, the two sub-shells can be assembled in the height direction of the circuit breaker (i.e., the second direction Z). Taking this embodiment as an example, the base 130 and the first shell 110 (not the outer shell of the circuit breaker) are assembled together. Of course, in addition, the middle cover (the outer shell of the circuit breaker) and the base 130 (the outer shell of the circuit breaker) can also be assembled together, or the upper cover 120 (the outer shell of the circuit breaker) and the base 130 (the outer shell of the circuit breaker) can be assembled together.

[0078] Here, the circuit breaker housing 100 includes a base 130, a first housing 110, and a top cover 120. The base 130 and the first housing 110 form the aforementioned breaking space 110c, and the base 130 and the first housing 110 form a first space 110a. The first housing 110 has a first cavity 110a1, which is part of the first space 110a. The first housing 110 has two spaced sidewalls 110d in the third direction Y, and the operating mechanism 200, trip unit 300, and insulating barrier 400 are all disposed within the first cavity 110a1. In the second direction Z, the insulating barrier 400 partially extends beyond the sidewall 110d; this extension further increases the creepage distance.

[0079] The above structure is applicable to both single-pole circuit breakers and multi-pole circuit breakers. It is suitable for multi-pole circuit breakers where each pole has an operating mechanism 200, as well as multi-pole circuit breakers that share a single operating mechanism 200.

[0080] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0081] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A circuit breaker, characterized in that: The circuit breaker housing has a first space; Operating mechanism, used to switch the operating state of the circuit breaker; A trip unit, which triggers the operating mechanism when actuated; The operating mechanism and the trip unit are both located in the first space, and the two are arranged sequentially in the first direction; An insulating barrier, located within the first space, is positioned on the side of the trip unit closest to the operating mechanism and separates the two.

2. A circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The operating mechanism has a traction rod, which is at least a component with insulating properties on its surface; the trip unit has a trigger end, and the traction rod has a driven end. When the trip unit is actuated, it touches the driven end through the trigger end; both the trigger end and the driven end are exposed at the upper end of the insulating blocking member, or the insulating blocking member has a clearance structure to avoid the trigger end and the driven end.

3. A circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating barrier includes a first insulating stop and a second insulating stop; in a first direction, the first insulating stop is located between the operating mechanism and the trip unit, and the second insulating stop extends from the direction of the first insulating stop toward the direction of the operating mechanism; it also includes a main circuit conductor adapted to the trip unit, a portion of the main circuit conductor being closer to the operating mechanism than the trip unit, and the second insulating stop at least separating this portion of the main circuit conductor from the operating mechanism.

4. A circuit breaker according to claim 3, characterized in that: The main circuit conductor includes a first conductive element, which is at least partially located within the area where the operating mechanism is located; the second insulating barrier includes a second main body and a first protruding edge disposed on the lower surface of the second main body, the first protruding edge forming a third interleaved structure with the circuit breaker housing; the second insulating barrier at least covers the portion of the first conductive element located within the area where the operating mechanism is located, and the second main body and the third interleaved structure together separate the first conductive element from the operating mechanism.

5. A circuit breaker according to claim 3, characterized in that: The main circuit conductor includes a stationary contact, which is fixed to a wall of the circuit breaker housing by a second fastener, and the stationary contact and the operating mechanism are located on two opposite surfaces of the housing wall; the second insulating stop includes a second body and a second protruding edge disposed on the lower surface of the second body, the second protruding edge forming a fourth interlaced structure with the circuit breaker housing; at least a portion of the second fastener is located in the area where the operating mechanism is located, the second insulating stop covers this portion of the second fastener, and the second body and the fourth interlaced structure together separate the operating mechanism from the second fastener.

6. A circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating barrier includes a first insulating stop and a second insulating stop; in a first direction, the first insulating stop is located between the operating mechanism and the trip unit, and the second insulating stop extends into the operating mechanism and has an intersecting portion with the operating mechanism; the first insulating stop and the second insulating stop together form a first receiving space on the side facing the operating mechanism; the operating mechanism includes a locking assembly, the locking assembly is at least partially located within the first receiving space, and the locking assembly includes at least two levels of locking.

7. A circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circuit breaker housing includes a first housing, the first housing having a first cavity, the first cavity being part of a first space; the first cavity includes two sidewalls spaced apart in a third direction; an operating mechanism, a trip unit, and an insulating barrier are disposed within the first cavity; in a second direction, the insulating barrier extends beyond the sidewalls; the first, second, and third directions are perpendicular to each other.

8. A circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circuit breaker housing also has a breaking space, which is separated from the first space by the housing wall; it also includes a moving contact assembly and an arc-extinguishing chamber, the rotating shaft of the moving contact assembly being connected to the operating mechanism; the breaking space is at least used to accommodate the moving contact of the moving contact assembly and the arc-extinguishing chamber; in a first direction, the first space is located on one side of the rotating shaft; in a second direction, both the first space and the rotating shaft are located above the arc-extinguishing chamber.

9. A circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The operating mechanism has a traction rod, which is at least a component with insulating properties on its surface. The traction rod and the insulating blocking component form a second staggered structure in a second direction. In the first direction, the second staggered structure is located between the metal component inside the operating mechanism and the trip unit. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. And / or, the operating mechanism has a traction rod, the traction rod being at least a component with insulating properties on its surface, the traction rod and the insulating blocking member forming a first staggered structure in a first direction, the first staggered structure at least partially blocking the trip unit on one or both sides in a third direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction; And / or, the insulating barrier has a second extension that at least partially blocks the trip unit on one or both sides in a third direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction.

10. A circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The operating mechanism includes a pull rod and a locking assembly. The locking assembly includes a second lock. The pull rod includes a fastening part and a blocking part. The second lock is fixed to the fastening part by a third fastener. The blocking part and the insulating blocking member are alternately arranged. In the first direction, the alternate position is between the third fastener and the trip unit. And / or, the operating mechanism includes a pull rod and a locking assembly, the locking assembly including a second lock; the pull rod is at least a component with insulating properties on its surface, the pull rod includes a fastening part; the second lock is fixed to the fastening part by a third fastener; the insulating barrier includes a first body, the second lock and the release device are separated on both sides of the first body in a first direction.

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