Circuit breaker with reduced number of components

Abstract

A circuit breaker (CB) with a reduced number of components comprises: a fixed contact (100); a moving contact (200); a circuit breaker mechanism (300) that moves the moving contact (200) between an open state and a closed state of the circuit breaker, wherein the moving contact (200) is isolated from the fixed contact (100) in the open state, and the moving contact (200) is electrically connected to the fixed contact (100) in the closed state. The circuit breaker mechanism (300) comprises an actuating element (10) to manually switch the circuit breaker between the open state and the closed state. The circuit breaker mechanism (300) comprises a plurality of elements (3, 4, 7) coupled to each other to provide a compliant structure, the compliant structure deforming according to the movement of the actuating element (10) and causing the movement of the moving contact (200).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with an application date of October 5, 2017, application number 201780078421.8, and invention name “Circuit breaker with reduced number of components”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a circuit breaker, such as a low voltage miniature circuit breaker, having a reduced number of components. Background Art

[0003] A circuit breaker is an automatically operated electrical switch used to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by the presence of a short circuit or by a large current that is lower than the current in a short circuit situation but large enough to damage the circuit. Figure 1 The function of the circuit breaker is shown. The circuit breaker includes a movable contact that can move in a closed and an open state. In the closed state, the movable contact is electrically in contact with the fixed / stationary contact of the circuit breaker, so that the circuit breaker allows the flow of current from the input terminal to the output terminal of the circuit breaker. In the open state of the circuit breaker, the movable contact is separated from the fixed contact, so that the flow of current between the input terminal and the output terminal of the circuit breaker is interrupted.

[0004] The block diagram shows the main input and output ports of the mechanism. The manual input port represents the force / displacement input from the user for the circuit breaker opening and closing operations. The trip input port represents the force / displacement input from the actuator (such as solenoid and bimetallic strip) used to open the circuit breaker contacts during short circuit or overload conditions.

[0005] In order to control the movement of the movable contact with the help of manual input or trip input, a kinematic chain is provided inside the circuit breaker to transfer force between the moving contact and the manual input such as an actuating arm and between the trip input such as a solenoid or a bimetallic strip and the moving contact. The kinematic chain is usually composed of a large number of components such as levers, joints, springs, etc.

[0006] It is desirable to provide a circuit breaker having a reduced number of components, in particular with reference to the kinematic chain of the circuit breaker. Summary of the invention

[0007] This object and other objects that will become apparent hereinafter are achieved by a circuit breaker as defined in claim 1. The circuit breaker comprises a fixed contact, a moving contact and a circuit breaker mechanism to move the moving contact between an open state and a closed state of the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker mechanism serves as a kinematic chain between the moving contact and the fixed contact. In the open state of the circuit breaker, the moving contact is isolated from the fixed contact. In the closed state, the moving contact is electrically connected to the fixed contact. The circuit breaker mechanism also comprises an actuating element to manually switch the circuit breaker between an open state and a closed state. The circuit breaker mechanism comprises a plurality of elements coupled to each other to provide a compliant structure. The compliant structure of the circuit breaker mechanism is arranged between the actuating element and the moving contact. The compliant structure of the circuit breaker mechanism is configured to transfer force from the actuating element to the moving contact to move the moving contact between an open state and a closed state.

[0008] The compliant structure is deformed so that when the actuating element moves, the moving contact moves between the closed state and the open state. The compliant structure is effective as a force transmission device between the actuating element and the moving contact.

[0009] The circuit breaker mechanism can be configured as a compliant integral structure that incorporates key features of the circuit breaker such as manual opening, manual closing, tripping, automatic tripping operation, snap-opening, snap-closing and locking and facilitates the main functions of the circuit breaker mechanism. The proposed embodiment of the circuit breaker uses a compliant four-bar mechanism to control the movement of the moving contacts through manual and trip inputs.

[0010] A conventional rigid body four-bar mechanism consists of three links connected with four pin joints or revolute joints. These three links are the input link, the coupling link and the output link. In order to simplify this rigid body four-bar mechanism, it is proposed to combine two or three links by removing the revolute joints between them. As a result, a fixed connection, i.e. a fixed joint, is obtained between the combined links. In order to give some "mobility" to this mechanism, one or more links are configured as compliant (i.e. flexible) links.

[0011] As explained in detail later, according to a possible embodiment of the circuit breaker, compliant structures with optimal stiffness are used at critical joint locations in order to obtain the desired functionality with respect to various inputs. According to another possible embodiment, ball joints are used at critical joints. According to another embodiment of the circuit breaker, a multi-material based concept is provided to obtain the desired functionality, wherein materials with very good compliance are used in areas of high deflection.

[0012] The compliant structure may provide ease of manufacturing and assembly for the circuit breaker mechanism. Injection molding and rapid prototyping based processes may be preferred for manufacturing plastic / polymer based compliant structures. Stamping and die cutting operations may be preferred for manufacturing metal based compliant structures. Using plastic / polymer for compliant structures provides new solutions for better design and manufacturing processes regarding complex shapes and structures.

[0013] Plastics / polymers offer good opportunities to obtain the desired dielectric properties through the addition of the appropriate amount and type of filler material. The addition of filler material can also help improve other properties and can provide added benefits. The use of plastics / polymers with better dielectric properties can provide new solutions for smaller designs as this can potentially reduce the required mounting distance of live parts. Compliant structures combined with smart materials (such as shape memory polymers / alloys) and piezoelectric materials can add new opportunities to reduce the number of assembled parts and simplify the overall circuit breaker mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 Shows the function of the circuit breaker.

[0015] Figure 2A Presents a basic block diagram of a circuit breaker.

[0016] Figure 2B An embodiment of a circuit breaker mechanism of a circuit breaker is shown.

[0017] Figure 2C Show Figure 2B The various components of the circuit breaker mechanism are shown.

[0018] Figure 3 Shown for Figure 2B The four-bar configuration of the circuit breaker mechanism is shown.

[0019] Figure 4 A first topology of a circuit breaker mechanism of a circuit breaker is shown.

[0020] Figure 5 A practical implementation of a first topology of a circuit breaker mechanism of a circuit breaker is shown.

[0021] Figure 6 A first embodiment of a circuit breaker mechanism of a circuit breaker is shown.

[0022] Figure 7 A circuit breaker including a compliant circuit breaker mechanism is shown.

[0023] Fig. 8A The compliant circuit breaker mechanism of the circuit breaker is shown in the open state.

[0024] Figure 8BThe compliant circuit breaker mechanism of the circuit breaker is shown in a closed state.

[0025] Fig. 9 A second embodiment of a compliant circuit breaker mechanism of a circuit breaker is shown.

[0026] Fig.10 A third embodiment of a compliant circuit breaker mechanism of a circuit breaker is shown.

[0027] Fig.11 A fourth embodiment of a circuit breaker mechanism of a circuit breaker using a ball joint is shown.

[0028] Fig.12 A fifth embodiment of a circuit breaker mechanism using a circuit breaker based on the concept of multiple materials is shown.

[0029] Fig.13 A second embodiment of a circuit breaker mechanism of a circuit breaker is shown.

[0030] Fig.14 A third embodiment of a circuit breaker mechanism of a circuit breaker is shown.

[0031] Fig.15 A fourth embodiment of a circuit breaker mechanism of a circuit breaker is shown.

[0032] Fig.16 A fifth embodiment of a circuit breaker mechanism of a circuit breaker is shown.

[0033] Fig.17 A sixth embodiment of a circuit breaker mechanism of a circuit breaker is shown.

[0034] Fig.18 A practical realization of a sixth embodiment of a circuit breaker mechanism of a circuit breaker is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Figure 2A An embodiment of an automatic circuit breaker CB is shown. The circuit breaker comprises a stationary / fixed contact 100 and a moving contact 200. In the open configuration of the circuit breaker, the moving contact 200 is electrically isolated from the fixed contact 100. In the closed configuration, the moving contact 200 is electrically in contact with the fixed contact 100.

[0036] The circuit breaker includes terminals 800 and 900 for fixing electric wires to connect the circuit breaker to the circuit. In the closed state of the circuit breaker, the current flows from one of the terminals 800, 900 to the other of the terminals 800, 900 through the circuit breaker via the connection of the fixed and moving contacts. In the event of a short circuit in the circuit to which the circuit breaker is connected, the high current flowing through the circuit breaker is interrupted by separating the moving contact 200 from the fixed contact 100. In this case, an arc is generated.

[0037] To provide a propagation path for the arc, the circuit breaker includes an arc runner 700 coupled to the arc extinguishing chamber 500. The arc extinguishing chamber 500 includes a stack of mutually insulated parallel metal plates that divide and cool the arc. By dividing the arc into smaller arcs within the arc extinguishing chamber, the arc is cooled down while the arc voltage increases and acts as an additional impedance, which limits the current passing through the circuit breaker.

[0038] In order to manually control the movement of the moving contact 200 between the open and closed states of the circuit breaker, a knob 400 is provided. The knob 400 is coupled to the circuit breaker mechanism 300'. In the event of a short circuit in the circuit connected to the circuit breaker, the solenoid 1000 provides a magnetic field of an excitation force to the moving contact 200, so that the moving contact 200 moves away from the fixed contact 100 and the current flow between the end terminals 800 and 900 is interrupted.

[0039] The circuit breaker also includes a bimetallic strip 600 that heats up when a high current flows through the circuit breaker. This current is large enough to damage the circuit coupled to the circuit breaker, but too low to open the movable contact by means of the solenoid 1000. The thermal trip actuator 1100 connects the bimetallic strip 600 to the circuit breaker mechanism 300'. The expansion of the bimetallic strip 600 when a high current flows through the circuit breaker enables the moving contact 200 to move into the open position, so that the electrical path between the fixed contact 100 and the moving contact 200 is interrupted.

[0040] Figure 2B The circuit breaker mechanism 300' is shown, which provides a coupling structure / kinematic chain between the knob 400 and the moving contact 200 to apply force to the moving contact 200 through the movement of the knob 400 to control the movement of the movable contact 200. The different parts of the circuit breaker mechanism 300' and the knob 400 are shown in FIG. Figure 2C are shown as separate components. Figure 2C The large number of components shown results in high production costs, difficulties in assembly and complexity of design, high sensitivity to operating tolerances and possible play and vibrations.

[0041] Figure 3 Shown for Figure 2A , 2B2C and 2C show a four-bar mechanism of a circuit breaker mechanism 300' of a circuit breaker. The four-bar mechanism is composed of three links C1, C2 and C4 and four joints O1, O2, P1 and P2. Three links C1, C2 and C3 are formed between the four joints. Link C1 is an input link, link C2 is a coupling link, and link C3 is an output link C3. The fourth link C4 is a virtual link between the joints O1 and O2 and is always grounded. One end of the input link C1 is connected to the ground by a pin joint O1, and the other end is connected to the coupling link by a pin joint P1. The output link C3 is connected to the ground by a pin joint O2, and the other end of the output link C3 is connected to the coupling link C2 by a pin joint P2.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the circuit breaker according to the present invention, Figure 3 The number of joints and links in the illustrated four-bar mechanism is reduced in the following manner: two different links can be combined with a flexure hinge; two different links can be combined with a rigid joint and a flexible element; and two different links can be combined with a flexible element.

[0043] according to Figure 4 and 13 17, the circuit breaker CB includes a fixed contact 100, a movable contact 200 and a circuit breaker mechanism 300. The circuit breaker mechanism 300 is configured to move the movable contact 200 between the disconnected state and the closed state of the circuit breaker. The movable contact 200 is isolated from the fixed contact 100 in the disconnected state of the circuit breaker. In the closed state of the circuit breaker, the movable contact 200 is electrically connected to the fixed contact 100. The circuit breaker CB also includes an actuating element 10 to manually switch the circuit breaker between the disconnected state and the closed state.

[0044] As per Figure 4 and 13 As shown in the different topologies of Figures 1 to 17, the circuit breaker mechanism CB includes a plurality of elements / links 3, 4 and 7, which are coupled to each other to provide a compliant structure. The compliant structure of the circuit breaker mechanism 300 is arranged between the actuating element 10 and the moving contact 200. The compliant structure of the circuit breaker mechanism 300 is configured to transfer force from the actuating element 10 to the moving contact to move the moving contact between the open state and the closed state. When the actuating element 10 moves between the open position and the closed position, the force is transferred from the actuating element 10 to the moving contact 200.

[0045] The compliant structure of the circuit breaker mechanism is configured such that at least one of the plurality of elements / links 3, 4, and 7 deforms when subjected to mechanical stress to switch the circuit breaker between a closed state and an open state. The compliant structure is implemented as a force transmission device between the actuating element 10 and the moving contact 200. For example, when at least one of the plurality of elements 3, 4, and 7 is subjected to mechanical stress applied to the circuit breaker mechanism 300 by moving the actuating element 10, the compliant structure deforms.

[0046] and Figure 3 The configuration shown is opposite to Figure 4 and 13 The embodiments shown in Figure 17 simplify the four-bar circuit breaker mechanism by combining two or three links and removing the rotating joints P1 and P2 between them. Instead of connecting the links between the rotating joints, at least two of the links are connected by a fixed connection (i.e., a fixed joint). In order to obtain some mobility to the circuit breaker mechanism, one or more links are configured as compliant / flexible links.

[0047] according to Figure 4 In the embodiment of the circuit breaker mechanism CB shown, the circuit breaker mechanism 300 includes a first lever L1 constituted by a single body, which includes an input link 3 coupled to an actuating element 10. The actuating element 10 is coupled to the input link 3 by a joint 1. The input link 3 is configured as a rigid part of the first lever L1. The circuit breaker mechanism 300 includes a second lever L2 constituted by a single body, which includes a coupling link 4 and an output link 7 coupled to each other by a fixed joint 6. The coupling link 4 includes at least a flexible portion, and the output link 7 is configured as a rigid part of the second lever L2. The output link of the second lever L2 is coupled to a moving contact 200. The moving contact 200 is coupled to the output link 7 by a joint 2.

[0048] The input link 3 and the actuating element 10 pivot about a joint 1, which is configured as one of a rotary joint and a slider joint / prismatic joint. The output link 7 and the moving contact 200 pivot about a joint 2, which is configured as one of a rotary joint and a slider joint / prismatic joint. The rotary joints 1 and 2 are virtually coupled by a ground connection C1. The circuit breaker mechanism 300 also includes a joint 5 that can be configured as a rotary joint. The input link 3 of the first lever L1 is coupled to the coupling link 4 of the second lever L2 by the joint 5. The rotary joint 5 can optionally be replaced by a flexible hinge to further reduce the number of components.

[0049] Figure 5 Shown based on Figure 4The embodiment of the circuit breaker mechanism shown is a practical implementation of the components of the circuit breaker. The configuration includes an actuating element 10 which may be configured as an actuating arm. The actuating element 10 is connected to an input link / element 3. The actuating element 10 and the input link / element 3 are pivotally mounted to a rotary joint 1. The input link / element 3 is configured as a compliant torsion spring and includes compliant stays 3a and 3b. The input link / element 3 is coupled to a coupling element / link 4 by a rotary joint 5 at position P1. The coupling link / element 4 represents Figure 4 The flexible portion of the second lever L2 is shown.

[0050] The coupling link / element 4 comprises a coupling arm 13, a flexible hinge 6, 8 and a coupling element 11. The coupling arm 13 is coupled to the coupling element 11 by the flexible hinge 6 at a position P2. The flexible hinge 6 provides rotational and translational degrees of freedom. The coupling element 11 is coupled to the locking element 21 at a latching point P3. The coupling element 6 is coupled to the output link / element 7 by the flexible hinge 8. The output link / element 7 is configured as a rigid part of the second lever. The output link / element 7 is coupled to the locking element 21 via a rotary joint 2 fixed to the ground. The output link 7 and the locking element 21 are coupled to the rotary joint 2 by means of a flexible beam 9. The movable contact is coupled (e.g., riveted) to the output link 7 at a position P4. The solenoid force input point at the coupling element 8 is marked by P5.

[0051] Figure 6 Show Figure 4 The circuit breaker mechanism 300 is shown as a cross-sectional illustration of a practical implementation of an embodiment. The circuit breaker comprises a blocking element 21. The coupling link 4 of the circuit breaker mechanism 300 comprises an output link 7, an engagement element 11, a flexible joint 12 and a coupling arm 13. Figure 6 It is not shown that Figure 5 The input link is shown implemented with a compliant torsion spring.

[0052] The coupling arm 13 has a first end E13a coupled to the input link 3 by the rotary joint 5. The second end E13b of the coupling arm 13 is coupled to the engagement element 11 and the flexible joint 12. The engagement element 11 has a first end E11a configured to engage in the locking element 21. The engagement element 11 has a second end E11b connected to the first end E12a of the flexible joint 12. The flexible joint 12 has a second end E12b connected to the output link 7. The output link 7 is arranged between the flexible joint 12 and the movable contact 200. The movable contact 200 is connected to the output link 7. According to Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment of the circuit breaker mechanism, the flexible joint 12 is configured as a C-shaped structure.

[0053] The output link 7 is fixed to ground by a swivel joint 14. The output link 7 is coupled to the latching element 21 by means of a flexible beam / flexure hinge 15. The flexible / flexure hinge 15 can be configured as a stay beside the swivel joint 14. Reference symbol P6 marks the contact point from the thermal trip actuator 1100 to the bimetallic strip 600. Reference symbol P5 marks the contact point of a short-circuit actuator, such as a solenoid 1000. The movable contact 200 can be connected to the output link 7 by riveting at point P4. The guide element 16 is used to couple the thermal trip actuator 1100, which is in mechanical contact with the bimetallic strip, to the circuit breaker mechanism.

[0054] Figure 7 Shown including as in Figure 2A Implementation of a circuit breaker CB with the main components shown in FIG. Figure 2A In contrast to the embodiment of the circuit breaker shown, the circuit breaker mechanism 300' is composed of Figure 6 The circuit breaker mechanism 300 is replaced. The coupling link / element 4 of the circuit breaker mechanism 300 is coupled to the input link / element 3 by a rotating joint 5. The coupling link / element 4 is coupled to the output link / element 7 by means of a flexible joint 12. The output link / element 7 is connected to the movable contact 200.

[0055] In contrast to the embodiment of the circuit breaker mechanism 300', Figure 6 and 7 The illustrated circuit breaker mechanism 300 is implemented as a compliant unitary structure that incorporates the key features of a circuit breaker, namely, manual opening, manual closing, tripping, automatic tripping operation, snap-opening, snap-closing, and locking.

[0056] Fig. 8A and 8B A circuit breaker mechanism 300 is shown arranged between the actuating element 10 and the moving contact 200. The output link 7 is coupled to the movable contact 200. The output link 7 is further coupled to the coupling arm 13 via the flexible joint 12. The engagement element 11 is engaged to the blocking element 21 at the latching point P3. The input link 3 is coupled to the coupling arm 13 by the rotary joint 5.

[0057] When the actuating element 10 moves, the movable contact 200 can move by deformation of the compliant structure (ie, the flexible joint 12) of the circuit breaker mechanism 300, so that the movable contact 200 is separated from the fixed contact 100. Fig. 8A shown. Fig. 8A The configuration shown shows the disconnected state of the circuit breaker. If the actuating element 10 is moved in the counterclockwise direction, as shown in FIG. Figure 8B As shown, the compliant structure of the circuit breaker mechanism (particularly the flexible joint 12 ) is deformed, causing the movable contact 200 to move toward the fixed contact 100 . Figure 8BA closed state of the circuit breaker is shown, in which the movable contact 200 is electrically in contact with the fixed contact 100 .

[0058] Fig. 9 Show Figure 4 1 is a cross-sectional view of another implementation of an embodiment of a circuit breaker mechanism 300. The circuit breaker mechanism 300 includes a coupling link 4 and an output link 7. The coupling link 4 includes a coupling element 11, a flexible joint 12, a coupling arm 13, and a compliant element 17. Fig. 9 The input connecting rod 3 is not shown.

[0059] The coupling arm 13 has a coupling to the Fig. 9 The first end E13a of the input link 3 is shown in FIG. The coupling arm 13 can be coupled to the input link 3 by means of a rotary joint 5. The input link 3 can be configured as follows Figure 5 The torsion spring shown. The coupling arm 13 includes an end E13b coupled to the compliant element 17. The compliant element 17 couples the engagement element 11 and the flexible joint 12 to the coupling arm 13. The engagement element 11 is configured to be engaged in the locking element 21. The flexible joint 12 has a first end E12a connected to the compliant element 17 and a second end E12b connected to the output link 7. The output link 7 is connected to the moving contact 200. The flexible joint 12 can be configured as a c-shaped structure between its first end E12a and its second end E12b.

[0060] The output link 7 is fixed to the ground by a swivel joint 14. The output link 7 is coupled to the latching element 21 by means of a flexible beam / flexure hinge 15. The flexible / flexure hinge 15 can be configured as a stay beside the swivel joint 14. The movable contact 200 can be connected to the output link 7 by riveting at point P4. Reference symbol P5 marks the contact point of a short-circuit actuator, such as a solenoid 1000. Reference symbol P6 marks the contact point from the thermal trip actuator 1100 to the bimetallic strip 600. The guide element 16 is used to couple the coupling arm 1100, which is in mechanical contact with the bimetallic strip, to the circuit breaker mechanism.

[0061] Fig.10 Show Figure 4 A further implementation of a circuit breaker 4 is shown in cross section. Fig.10 The circuit breaker mechanism 300 shown is similarly configured as Fig. 9 The circuit breaker mechanism is shown. Fig.10 The same reference symbols used in designating Fig. 9 The same components of the circuit breaker mechanism are shown. Fig.10 The circuit breaker mechanism 300 and Fig. 9 The circuit breaker mechanism of FIG. 1 is different in the configuration of the flexible joint 12 arranged between the coupling arm 13 and the output link 7 .

[0062] according to Fig.10 In an embodiment of the circuit breaker mechanism 300, the flexible joint 12 includes a first portion 12a and a second portion 12b. The first portion 12a of the flexible joint 12 extends between the first end E12a of the flexible joint and the second portion 12b of the flexible joint. The first portion 12a of the flexible joint 12 is configured as an s-shaped structure. The second portion 12b of the flexible joint 12 extends between the second end E12b of the flexible joint and the first portion 12a of the flexible joint and is configured as a c-shaped structure.

[0063] Fig.11 Show according to Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of another implementation of the circuit breaker mechanism of the illustrated embodiment. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The circuit breaker mechanism shown is similarly embodied. The same reference symbols are designated as in reference Fig. 9 The same parts as explained.

[0064] Fig.11 The circuit breaker mechanism 300 shown is different from Fig. 9 and 10 The embodiment of the circuit breaker mechanism shown, because the coupling link 4 includes a hinge element 18. The hinge element 18 is arranged between the compliant element 17 and the output link 7. The hinge element 18 has a first portion 18a and a second portion 18b, which are configured as a ball joint to pivotally couple the coupling link 4 to the output link 7. The output link 7 is arranged between the hinge element 18 and the moving contact 200.

[0065] Fig.12 Show according to Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of another implementation of a circuit breaker mechanism 300 of the illustrated embodiment. Fig.12 The same reference symbols used in the Figure 6 The same components and their functions are explained.

[0066] The coupling link 4 includes a coupling arm 13, a joint element 11, a first flexible element 19 and a second flexible element 20. The coupling arm 13 has a coupling Fig.12 The first end E13a of the input connecting rod 3 is not shown in the figure. The input connecting rod 3 can be configured as follows Figure 5 The torsion spring shown. The first end E13a of the coupling arm 13 can be coupled to the input link 3 by the rotary joint 5. The coupling arm 13 has a second end E13b coupled to the engagement element 11 by the first flexible element 19. The engagement element 11 has a first end E11a configured to engage in the blocking element 21 and a second end E11b coupled to the output link 7 by the second flexible element 20.

[0067] The first flexible element 19 and the second flexible element 20 can be configured as rubber bands, respectively. The flexible element 19 extends between the end E13b of the coupling arm 13 and the first nose of the coupling element 11. The first flexible element 19 abuts against the nose of the coupling element 11. The coupling element 11 may include another nose at the second end E11b. The second flexible element 20 extends between the other nose of the coupling element 11 and the output connecting rod 7, so that the flexible element 20 abuts against the output connecting rod 7.

[0068] Figures 13 to 17 Different embodiments of a circuit breaker mechanism 300 are shown for controlling the movement of a moving contact 200 between an open state of a circuit breaker and a closed state of the circuit breaker, in which the moving contact 200 is electrically isolated from a fixed contact 100, and in which the moving contact 200 is electrically connected to the fixed contact 100 in a closed state. The circuit breaker mechanism is arranged between an actuating element 10 and the moving contact 200. The circuit breaker mechanism 300 includes a compliant structure configured to transfer a force from the actuating element 10 to the moving contact 200 to move the moving contact between the open state and the closed state. When the actuating element 10 moves between the open position and the closed position, the force is transferred from the actuating element 10 to the moving contact 200 by deformation of the compliant structure of the circuit breaker mechanism.

[0069] The circuit breaker mechanism 300 includes an input link 3, a coupling link 4 and an output link 7 coupled to each other to provide a compliant structure that deforms when subjected to mechanical stress, such as by moving an actuating element 10, to switch the circuit breaker between a closed state and an open state.

[0070] according to Fig.13 In the illustrated embodiment, the circuit breaker mechanism 300 includes a first lever L1 formed of a single body, which includes an input link 3 and a coupling link 4 coupled to each other by a fixed joint 6. The input link 3 is configured as a rigid part of the first lever L1. The coupling link 4 is configured as a flexible part of the first lever L1. The input link 3 is coupled to the actuating element 10. The circuit breaker mechanism also includes a second lever L2, also formed of a single body, which includes an output link 7 configured as a rigid part. The moving contact 200 is coupled to the output link 7.

[0071] The input link 3 and the actuating element 10 pivot about a joint 1, which is configured as one of a rotary joint and a slider joint / prismatic joint. The output link 7 and the moving contact 200 pivot about a joint 2, which is configured as one of a rotary joint and a slider joint / prismatic joint. Fig.13In the embodiment of the circuit breaker mechanism shown, the coupling link 4 of the first lever L1 is coupled to the output link 7 of the second lever L2 by a joint 5 which can be configured as a revolute joint. According to an alternative embodiment, the revolute joint 5 can be replaced by a flexible hinge. The circuit breaker mechanism includes a virtual link C1 between joint 1 and joint 2. This fourth link is grounded.

[0072] Fig.14 Another embodiment of a circuit breaker mechanism 300 is shown, which includes a compliant structure between the actuating element 10 and the moving contact 200. The compliant structure is deformed by the movement of the actuating element 10 and causes the moving contact to move between the closed position and the open position. The circuit breaker mechanism also includes a first lever L1 composed of a single body, which includes an input link 3 and a coupling link 4 coupled to each other by a fixed joint 6. The input link 3 is configured as a flexible part of the first lever L1. The coupling link 4 is configured as a rigid part of the first lever L1. The input link 3 is coupled to the actuating element 10. The circuit breaker mechanism 300 also includes a second lever L2 composed of a single body, which includes an output link 7 configured as a rigid part. The moving contact 200 is coupled to the output link 7.

[0073] The input link 3 and the actuating element 10 pivot about a joint 1 that can be configured as a rotary joint. The output link 7 and the moving contact 200 pivot about a joint 2 that can be configured as a rotary joint. The coupling link 4 of the first lever L1 is coupled to the output link 7 of the second lever L2 by a joint 5 that can be configured as a rotary joint. The joint 1 of the actuating element 10 and the joint 2 of the moving contact are virtually connected by the grounding link C1. All rotary joints 1, 2 and 5 can be replaced by flexible hinges to further reduce the number of components. The rotary joints 1 and 2 can also be replaced by prismatic joints / slider joints.

[0074] Fig.15 Another embodiment of a circuit breaker mechanism 300 including a compliant structure is shown, which deforms to move the moving contact 200 between the open position and the closed position when the actuating element 10 moves between the open position and the closed position. The circuit breaker mechanism includes a joint 5, a first lever L1 and a second lever L2. The first lever L1 is composed of a single body, which includes an input link 3 coupled to the actuating element 10. The input link 3 is configured as a rigid part of the first lever L1. The second lever L2 is composed of a single body, which includes a coupling link 4 and an output link 7 coupled to each other by a fixed joint 6. The coupling link 4 is configured as a rigid part of the second lever L2, and the output link 7 is configured as a flexible part of the second lever L2.

[0075] The input link 3 and the actuating element 10 pivot around a joint 1, which is configured as one of a rotary joint and a slider joint / prismatic joint. The output link 7 and the moving contact 200 pivot around a joint 2, which is configured as one of a rotary joint and a slider joint / prismatic joint. The moving contact 200 is coupled to the output link 7 of the second lever L2. The input link 3 of the first lever L1 is coupled to the output link 4 of the second lever L2 by a joint 5 that can be configured as a rotary joint. The actuating element 10 and the moving contact 1 are virtually connected by a fourth link C1 between the joint 1 and the joint 2. All joints 1, 2 and 5 can be replaced by flexible hinges to reduce the number of components.

[0076] Fig.16 Another embodiment of a circuit breaker mechanism 300 is shown in which the moving contact 200 is moved by appropriate movement of the actuating element 10 around the joint 1. The circuit breaker mechanism includes a compliant structure that deforms according to the movement of the actuating element 10. The deformation of the compliant structure causes the moving contact 200 to move between the open state and the closed state. The circuit breaker mechanism 300 includes a lever L composed of a single body, which includes an input link 3, a coupling link 4 and an output link 7. The input link 3 is configured as a first flexible portion 3. The output link 7 is configured as a second flexible portion, and the coupling link 4 is configured as a rigid portion.

[0077] The input link 3 is coupled to the coupling link 4 by a first fixed joint 6a. The coupling link 4 is coupled to the output link 7 by a second fixed joint 6b. The input link 3 is coupled to the actuating element 10. The moving contact 200 is coupled to the output link 7. The input link 3 and the actuating element 10 pivot about a joint 1 that can be configured as a rotary joint. The output link 7 and the moving contact 200 pivot about a joint 2 that can be configured as a rotary joint. The actuating element 10 and the moving contact 200 are virtually coupled by a grounding link C1 arranged between the joint 1 and the joint 2. The rotary joints 1 and 2 can be replaced by flexible hinges or by prismatic joints / slider joints.

[0078] Fig.17Another embodiment of a circuit breaker mechanism 300 is shown, which uses a compliant structure between the actuating element 10 and the moving contact 200 to move the moving contact 200 between the open state and the closed state by deformation of the compliant structure. The circuit breaker mechanism 300 includes a lever L composed of a single body, which includes an input link 3, a coupling link 4, and an output link 7. Each of the input link 3 and the coupling link and the output link is configured as a flexible portion. The input link 3 is coupled to the actuating element 10 by a joint 1. The input link 3 is further coupled to the coupling link 4 by a first fixed joint 6a. The coupling link 4 is coupled to the output link 7 by a second fixed joint 6b. The moving contact 200 is coupled to the output link 7 via a joint 2. The input link 3 and the actuating element 10 pivot around the joint 1 that can be configured as a rotary joint. The output link 7 and the moving contact 200 pivot around the joint 2 that is configured as a rotary joint. The joint 1 and the joint 2 are virtually coupled by the grounding link C1. The revolute joints 1 and 2 may be replaced by flexure hinges to further reduce the number of parts or may alternatively be replaced by prismatic joints / slider joints.

[0079] Fig.18 Show Fig.17 A practical realization of an embodiment 300 of a circuit breaker mechanism is shown. The circuit breaker mechanism comprises an actuating element 10 configured as an actuating arm which is rotationally movable about a rotating joint 1. The actuating element 10 is coupled to an input link 3 configured as a compliant torsion spring by means of stays 3a and 3b. The input link 3 is coupled to a coupling link 4 by a flexure hinge / fixed joint 6. The coupling link 4 comprises a coupling arm 13 coupled to an engagement element 11 of the coupling link 4 by another fixed joint / flexure hinge 6. The flexure hinges at positions P1 and P2 provide rotational and translational degrees of freedom.

[0080] The engaging element 11 is coupled to the locking element 21 at the latching point P3. The engaging element 11 is further coupled to the output link 7 by means of a pre-compression mechanism 8, which provides a pre-compression force and assists in locking. The output link 7 and the locking element 21 are coupled to the rotary joint 2 by means of a stay 9. The stay 9 provides displacement amplification as well as rotational freedom. Fig.18 The moving contact shown in FIG. 1 can be connected to the output link 7 at position P4, for example by riveting.

[0081] List of reference symbols

[0082] 1,2 Connectors

[0083] 3 Input connecting rod

[0084] 4 Coupling rod

[0085] 5 Rotary joint

[0086] 6 Fixed joints / flexible hinges

[0087] 7 Output connecting rod

[0088] 8 Pre-compression mechanism

[0089] 9 stays

[0090] 10 Actuating element

[0091] 11. Joining elements

[0092] 12 Flexible joint

[0093] 13 Coupling arm

[0094] 14 Rotary joint

[0095] 15 Flexible beam / flexible hinge

[0096] 16 Guide element

[0097] 17 Compliant Components

[0098] 18 hinge element

[0099] 19 Flexible elements

[0100] 20 Flexible elements

[0101] 21. Joining elements

[0102] 100 Fixed contacts

[0103] 200 Moving contacts

[0104] 300 Circuit breaker mechanism

[0105] 400 Knob

[0106] 500 Interrupter

[0107] 600 Bimetallic Strip

[0108] 700 Arc Roller

[0109] 800,900 End Terminals

[0110] 1000 Solenoid

[0111] 1100 Thermal Trip Actuator

[0112] CB Circuit Breaker

Claims

1. A circuit breaker having a reduced number of components, comprising: - a fixed contact (100), - a moving contact (200), - a circuit breaker mechanism (300) which moves the moving contact (200) between an open state and a closed state of the circuit breaker, wherein in the open state the moving contact (200) is isolated from the fixed contact (100), and in the closed state the moving contact (200) is electrically connected to the fixed contact (100), - wherein the circuit breaker mechanism (300) comprises an actuating element (10) to manually switch the circuit breaker between the open state and the closed state, - wherein the circuit breaker mechanism (300) comprises a plurality of elements coupled to each other to provide a compliant structure, - wherein the compliant structure of the circuit breaker mechanism (300) is arranged between the actuating element (10) and the moving contact (200), - wherein the compliant structure of the circuit breaker mechanism (300) is configured to transfer a force from the actuating element (10) to the moving contact (200) to move the moving contact (200) between the open state and the closed state, - wherein the circuit breaker mechanism (300) comprises a first lever (L1) constituted by a single body, comprising an input link (3) and a coupling link (4) coupled to each other by a fixed joint (6), wherein the input link (3) is configured as a rigid part of the first lever (L1), and the coupling link (4) is configured as a flexible part of the first lever (L1), - wherein the input connecting rod (3) is coupled to the actuating element (10), - wherein the circuit breaker mechanism (300) comprises a second lever (L2) constituted by a single body, which comprises an output link (7) configured as a rigid part, - wherein the moving contact (200) is coupled to the output connecting rod (7), - wherein the input link (3) and the actuating element (10) pivot about a first joint (1), the first joint (1) being configured as one of a revolute joint and a slider joint, - wherein the output link (7) and the moving contact (200) pivot about a second joint (2), the second joint (2) being configured as one of a rotary joint and a slider joint, - wherein the coupling link (4) of the first lever (L1) is coupled to the output link (7) of the second lever (L2) by a third joint (5), and the third joint (5) is configured as one of a rotation joint and a flexure hinge.

2. A circuit breaker having a reduced number of components, comprising: - a fixed contact (100), - a moving contact (200), - a circuit breaker mechanism (300) which moves the moving contact (200) between an open state and a closed state of the circuit breaker, wherein in the open state the moving contact (200) is isolated from the fixed contact (100), and in the closed state the moving contact (200) is electrically connected to the fixed contact (100), - wherein the circuit breaker mechanism (300) comprises an actuating element (10) to manually switch the circuit breaker between the open state and the closed state, - wherein the circuit breaker mechanism (300) comprises a plurality of elements coupled to each other to provide a compliant structure, - wherein the compliant structure of the circuit breaker mechanism (300) is arranged between the actuating element (10) and the moving contact (200), - wherein the compliant structure of the circuit breaker mechanism (300) is configured to transfer a force from the actuating element (10) to the moving contact (200) to move the moving contact (200) between the open state and the closed state, - wherein the circuit breaker mechanism (300) comprises a first lever (L1) constituted by a single body, comprising an input link (3) and a coupling link (4) coupled to each other by a fixed joint (6), wherein the input link (3) is configured as a flexible part of the first lever (L1), and the coupling link (4) is configured as a rigid part of the first lever (L1), - wherein the input connecting rod (3) is coupled to the actuating element (10), - wherein the circuit breaker mechanism (300) comprises a second lever (L2) constituted by a single body, which comprises an output link (7) configured as a rigid part, - wherein the moving contact (200) is coupled to the output connecting rod (7), - wherein the input link (3) and the actuating element (10) pivot about a first joint (1), the first joint (1) being configured as one of a revolute joint and a slider joint, - wherein the output link (7) and the moving contact (200) pivot about a second joint (2), the second joint (2) being configured as one of a rotary joint and a slider joint, - wherein the coupling link (4) of the first lever (L1) is coupled to the output link (7) of the second lever (L2) by a third joint (5), and the third joint (5) is configured as one of a rotation joint and a flexure hinge.

3. A circuit breaker having a reduced number of components, comprising: - a fixed contact (100), - a moving contact (200), - a circuit breaker mechanism (300) which moves the moving contact (200) between an open state and a closed state of the circuit breaker, wherein in the open state the moving contact (200) is isolated from the fixed contact (100), and in the closed state the moving contact (200) is electrically connected to the fixed contact (100), - wherein the circuit breaker mechanism (300) comprises an actuating element (10) to manually switch the circuit breaker between the open state and the closed state, - wherein the circuit breaker mechanism (300) comprises a plurality of elements coupled to each other to provide a compliant structure, - wherein the compliant structure of the circuit breaker mechanism (300) is arranged between the actuating element (10) and the moving contact (200), - wherein the compliant structure of the circuit breaker mechanism (300) is configured to transfer a force from the actuating element (10) to the moving contact (200) to move the moving contact (200) between the open state and the closed state, - wherein the circuit breaker mechanism (300) comprises a first lever (L1) consisting of a single body, comprising an input link (3) coupled to the actuating element (10), wherein the input link (3) is configured as a rigid part of the first lever (L1), - wherein the circuit breaker mechanism (300) comprises a second lever (L2) constituted by a single body, comprising a coupling link (4) and an output link (7) coupled to each other by a fixed joint (6), wherein the coupling link (4) is configured as a rigid part of the second lever (L2), and the output link (7) is configured as a flexible part of the second lever (L2), - wherein the moving contact (200) is coupled to the output link (7) of the second lever (L2), - wherein the input link (3) and the actuating element (10) pivot about a first joint (1), the first joint (1) being configured as one of a revolute joint and a slider joint, - wherein the output link (7) and the moving contact (200) pivot about a second joint (2), the second joint (2) being configured as one of a rotary joint and a slider joint, - wherein the input link (3) of the first lever (L1) is coupled to the coupling link (4) of the second lever (L2) by a third joint (5), the third joint (5) being configured as one of a rotation joint and a flexure hinge.

4. A circuit breaker having a reduced number of components, comprising: - a fixed contact (100), - a moving contact (200), - a circuit breaker mechanism (300) which moves the moving contact (200) between an open state and a closed state of the circuit breaker, wherein in the open state the moving contact (200) is isolated from the fixed contact (100), and in the closed state the moving contact (200) is electrically connected to the fixed contact (100), - wherein the circuit breaker mechanism (300) comprises an actuating element (10) to manually switch the circuit breaker between the open state and the closed state, - wherein the circuit breaker mechanism (300) comprises a plurality of elements coupled to each other to provide a compliant structure, - wherein the compliant structure of the circuit breaker mechanism (300) is arranged between the actuating element (10) and the moving contact (200), - wherein the compliant structure of the circuit breaker mechanism (300) is configured to transfer a force from the actuating element (10) to the moving contact (200) to move the moving contact (200) between the open state and the closed state, - wherein the circuit breaker mechanism (300) comprises a lever (L) constituted by a single body, comprising an input link (3), a coupling link (4) and an output link (7), wherein the input link (3) is configured as a first flexible portion, wherein the output link (7) is configured as a second flexible portion, and wherein the coupling link (4) is configured as a rigid portion, - wherein the input link (3) is coupled to the coupling link (4) by a first fixed joint (6a), - wherein the coupling link (4) is coupled to the output link (7) by a second fixed joint (6b), - wherein the input connecting rod (3) is coupled to the actuating element (10), - wherein the moving contact (200) is coupled to the output connecting rod (7), - wherein the input link (3) and the actuating element (10) pivot about a first joint (1), the first joint (1) being configured as one of a revolute joint and a slider joint, - wherein the output link (7) and the moving contact (200) pivot about a second joint (2), the second joint (2) being configured as one of a rotary joint and a slider joint.

5. A circuit breaker having a reduced number of components, comprising: - a fixed contact (100), - a moving contact (200), - a circuit breaker mechanism (300) which moves the moving contact (200) between an open state and a closed state of the circuit breaker, wherein in the open state the moving contact (200) is isolated from the fixed contact (100), and in the closed state the moving contact (200) is electrically connected to the fixed contact (100), - wherein the circuit breaker mechanism (300) comprises an actuating element (10) to manually switch the circuit breaker between the open state and the closed state, - wherein the circuit breaker mechanism (300) comprises a plurality of elements coupled to each other to provide a compliant structure, - wherein the compliant structure of the circuit breaker mechanism (300) is arranged between the actuating element (10) and the moving contact (200), - wherein the compliant structure of the circuit breaker mechanism (300) is configured to transfer a force from the actuating element (10) to the moving contact (200) to move the moving contact (200) between the open state and the closed state, - wherein the circuit breaker mechanism (300) comprises a lever (L) constituted by a single body, which comprises an input link (3), a coupling link (4) and an output link (7), wherein each of the input link (3), the coupling link (4) and the output link (7) is configured as a flexible portion, - wherein the input link (3) is coupled to the coupling link (4) by a first fixed joint (6a), - wherein the input connecting rod (3) is coupled to the actuating element (10), - wherein the coupling link (4) is coupled to the output link (7) by a second fixed joint (6b), - wherein the moving contact (200) is coupled to the output connecting rod (7), - wherein the input link (3) and the actuating element (10) pivot about a first joint (1), the first joint (1) being configured as one of a revolute joint and a slider joint, - wherein the output link (7) and the moving contact (200) pivot about a second joint (2), the second joint (2) being configured as one of a rotary joint and a slider joint.

6. The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The compliant structure of the circuit breaker mechanism (300) is configured such that at least one of the plurality of elements of the circuit breaker mechanism (300) deforms when subjected to mechanical stress to switch the circuit breaker between the closed state and the open state.

Images