Switch module in molded housing for circuit breaker and circuit breaker in modular molded housing

Abstract

A single-pole switch module (4, 9, 10, 11) made of insulating material is disclosed, wherein the switch module (4, 9) comprises a built-in thermomagnetic tripping unit (4r, 9r), or the module (10, 11) comprises a current measurer and power supply device (10h, 11i) for an electronic controller (W); or a multi-pole circuit breaker (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) for low voltage in a molded housing is disclosed, wherein the low-voltage circuit breaker (1a, 1b) comprises a single-pole switch module (4, 4', 4'', 9, 9', 9'') which interacts with the operating and tripping mechanism (2) in association with a release unit (8), or a circuit breaker (1c, 1d) for low voltage comprising the single-pole switch module (10, 10', 10'', 11, 11', 11'') is disclosed, wherein the current measurer and power supply device (10h, 11i) interacts in association with the operating and tripping mechanism (2').

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electrical protection switches, in particular to a single-pole switch module operated by an operating handle or a multi-pole low-voltage circuit breaker using said single-pole switch module, said single-pole switch module comprising an insulating housing consisting of two parts, included in a main housing or separately, each of said single-pole switch modules of said circuit breaker comprising a rotary contact system able to establish and interrupt the conduction of the electric current in the electric power line, an arc extinguishing system and, preferably, a thermal-magnetic tripping device or an electronic tripping device. BACKGROUND

[0002] As known in the prior art, the operation of the molded housing circuit breakers can take place by moving the electrical contacts, which can be used mainly to protect the electric circuits subjected to short circuits and / or electric overloads generated by current levels exceeding the nominal limits previously established, by joining the input and output terminals connected to the electric power lines to be protected, based on thermal, magnetic, thermal-magnetic or even electronic principles.

[0003] Thus, as known in the prior art, the circuit breakers operate essentially in a manner similar to that of an electrical switch, i.e., they operate in a manner that changes the conductive state of the electric circuit between the "on" and "off" operating states. In addition to the automatic action, the conventional circuit breakers also comprise an operating handle that can be operated by the user. In this configuration of the molded housing, the current load capacity generally supports a relatively high value of approximately 1600 A or even higher.

[0004] It is generally observed in the prior art that most of these models and configurations of molded housing circuit breakers are provided with a combined thermal-magnetic tripping unit for automatic operation in predetermined fault conditions.

[0005] In many of these cases existing in the prior art, the tripping unit is constructed in a removable and replaceable manner.

[0006] In other cases, the switch module is constructed in a removable and replaceable manner, interchangeable between a module comprising a state / electronic tripping device and another module comprising an electromagnetic tripping device, including all the triggers required for the poles of the device inside the circuit breaker.

[0007] Although this replaceable tripping device piece has advantages due to its own operational flexibility, these components require complex docking elements to ensure the coupling between the module and the molded base of the molded housing circuit breaker, and the tripping module is constructed in a three-pole arrangement, which ultimately increases the initial acquisition cost.

[0008] Another type of molded case circuit breaker construction teaches the separate construction of switch modules, which are installed side by side, with the aim of obtaining separate insulation of the switch system for each pole.

[0009] Similarly, the construction of a shell in two parts of individual switch modules is known in the art, in which the modules are installed side by side, with the aim of obtaining separate isolation of the switch system for each pole, including double isolation achieved by the shell that includes the individual switch modules.

[0010] These constructions are well known to those skilled in the art, however, all these solutions contain a gap in order to include in the combined thermomagnetic tripping device pieces or electronic tripping devices these individual switch modules in two parts, since it is possible to provide the advantage of the arrangement in order to obtain flexibility in the application or in other ways in the original manufacture (as is often the case), which brings advantages in terms of economy of time, inventory management and use of standardized components, benefits in terms of simplicity, avoiding complex assemblies, which would necessarily mean managing more components and their controls, increasing the final cost of the product.

[0011] Description of the prior art

[0012] One solution of the prior art, patent US 4,037,183 of date 1976, proposes a multi-pole molded case circuit breaker provided with a solid-state tripping unit, which is removable and replaceable, inside a common housing, in which all the current fault detection elements are built. For each pole of the circuit breaker, the unit includes the input of a current transformer and a power supply circuit, the current transformer being mounted on a board, arranged inside the housing. The output circuit is connected to operate a permanent magnet trigger mechanism for actuating a mechanical lock, which normally keeps the contact operating mechanism in the initial position. The invention also teaches a two-transformer arrangement, which is used inside the removable module, positioned at right angles, seeking a favorable compactness of the dimensions of the replaceable block. Patent US 4,037,183, as well as US 4,064,469 of 1977, present interchangeability between them in the use of both thermomagnetic and electronic state modules.

[0013] Another solution is proposed in patent EP 0177438, initially filed in 1984, in which a multi-pole molded case circuit breaker has 3 single-pole groups installed side by side, in which a handle group is included together with a movable contact group with a crossbar, coupled to the other two lateral modules, which are connected to the first arm of the contact group, in which the arm ensures the movement synchronization of the individual movable contact groups during normal operation. Each pole includes a mechanism capable of tripping the circuit breaker.

[0014] Another solution is proposed in the documents EP 0542636 and EP 0538149 of 1991, which propose a multi-pole low voltage circuit breaker device with a double housing, each pole comprising a single pole switching unit having a parallelepiped plastic box with two extended sides. A contact is additionally provided and is associated with an arc chute housed in the single pole switching unit. Several units are installed side by side in the parallelepiped box to form a multi-pole circuit breaker. Another patent is taught in a similar way in the patent EP 0591073 of 1992, which contains interchangeable trip units for use in a molded housing circuit breaker.

[0015] The patent US 6,222,433 proposes a molded housing circuit breaker comprising single pole circuit breaker modules called boxes, in which a handle and operating mechanism are mounted on a central box and a single thermal magnetic trip device is mounted on the terminals of the single pole box inserted inside a second housing.

[0016] These proposed documents and others in the prior art seek to improve the breaking capacity through the construction of single pole trip modules and also to simplify the assembly process in manufacturing or the flexibility of product application, which currently has several options for building such devices. From the first interchangeable model between trip electromagnetic / electronic modules to double housing modules, various solutions are established in terms of seeking efficiency in the manufacturing process, in other terms of enhancing operating conditions and service life. SUMMARY

[0017] A first object of the present invention is to provide a single pole switching module configured to facilitate the assembly of components of a low voltage molded housing circuit breaker.

[0018] A second object of the present invention is to use the same housing for several single pole switching modules and the same outer housing for packaging the thermal magnetic single pole switching modules.

[0019] A third object of the present invention is to use the same housing for several single pole switching modules and the same outer housing for packaging the electronic single pole switching modules.

[0020] A fourth object of the present invention is to use the same outer housing for both electronic trip and thermal magnetic boxes in different nominal current ranges.

[0021] A fifth object of the present invention is to provide a switching device with fewer components than the prior art.

[0022] A sixth object of the present invention is to provide a switching device that meets the above requirements, which is compact and simplified in its longitudinal dimensions, maintaining structural rigidity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1A low-voltage molded housing circuit breaker and its operating handle, which are the subject of this invention, are illustrated in an isometric perspective view.

[0024] Figure 2 The first and second preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by exploded schematic isometric perspective views. Figure 1 Parts for molded housing circuit breakers.

[0025] Figure 3 A single-pole switching module for a circuit breaker according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in a top perspective view.

[0026] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view illustrates the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The internal components of a thermomagnetic trip molded housing circuit breaker include a single-pole switch module.

[0027] Figure 5 An angled top view illustrates the first preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 Internal parts of a molded housing circuit breaker.

[0028] Figure 6 A side view illustrates the first preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 The cavity of a single-pole switch module used in a molded housing circuit breaker.

[0029] Figure 7 A central sectional view illustrates the second preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 The internal components of a single-pole switching module with a double rotary contact system in a thermomagnetic trip molded housing circuit breaker.

[0030] Figure 8 A central sectional view illustrates the third preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 10 The internal components of a single-pole switching module with a single rotating contact system in an electronic trip molded housing circuit breaker.

[0031] Figure 9 A central sectional view illustrates the fourth preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 10 The internal components of a single-pole switching module with a double rotary contact system in an electronic trip molded housing circuit breaker.

[0032] Figure 10 The third and fourth preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by exploded schematic isometric perspective views. Figure 1 Parts for molded housing circuit breakers.

[0033] Figure 11is a top perspective view, schematically detailed, of the operating arrangement "off' of the trip mechanism according to the third and fourth preferred embodiments of the present application, which includes a handle, a trip support rod, a repositioning latch and its interaction with the side frame of the trip coil and the actuator.

[0034] Figure 12 is a top perspective view, schematically detailed, of the operating arrangement "off' of the trip mechanism according to the third and fourth preferred embodiments of the present application, which includes a handle, a trip support rod, a repositioning latch and its interaction with the side frame of the trip coil and the actuator. Figure 1 is an isometric perspective view of the molded case circuit breaker of the present application, presenting details for coupling the trip coil to the seat of the molded case circuit breaker. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Figure 1 is an isometric perspective view of the molded case circuit breaker of the present application, presenting details for coupling the trip coil to the seat of the molded case circuit breaker.

[0036] Figure 2 is an isometric perspective view of the molded case circuit breaker of the present application, presenting details for coupling the trip coil to the seat of the molded case circuit breaker. Figure 1 is an isometric perspective view of the molded case circuit breaker of the present application, presenting details for coupling the trip coil to the seat of the molded case circuit breaker. Figure 4The center axis (2b) and the two positioning axes (2c) of the best seen in the middle rotating contact system (4q) are fixed on the center single pole switch module (4) together with preferably the same two side single pole switch modules (4', 4") in addition to the tripping device (8) and the base housing (3a), the single pole switch modules comprising a housing (4ab). The single pole switch modules (4, 4', 4") configured in the form of a parallelepiped comprise a shell (4ab) comprising a first cavity (4a) and a second cavity (4b) made of insulating material, preferably oppositely identical made of insulating material, forming a housing (4ab) comprising a front side (4c), a rear side (4d), a bottom side (4e), a top side (4f) comprising a recess (4m) and a recess (4x), side positioning holes (4h, 4g, 4h, 4j), a curved hole (4i), a vertical positioning rail (4l) and a fastening element (4k) between the first and second insulating cavities (4b). It can also be seen that internal components protruding through the first and second insulating cavities (4a, 4b), such as a first electrical connection terminal (4n), a thermomagnetic tripping device (4r) comprising a magnetic tripping lever (4ra), a support hole (4rb) for a return spring (not represented), a bimetallic strip (4rc) comprising an adjustment element (4rd). The Figure 2 The tripping device (8) is also presented, comprising a thermomagnetic tripping lever (8a), a thermal adjustment button (8d), an adjustment lever (8c) of the magnetic tripper comprising a magnetic adjustment button (8b) and an engagement hook (8e) for the return spring (not represented) of the magnetic tripping lever (4ra), a guide rail (8f), a transverse seat (8g), a seat base (8h) and a tripping trigger (8i) for the operation and tripping mechanism (2) of the best seen in the middle tripping of the tripping trigger (8i) of the return spring (8k) and the side locking axis (8j) for the single pole circuit switch module (4', 4"). Figure 4 The tripping device (8) is also presented, comprising a thermomagnetic tripping lever (8a), a thermal adjustment button (8d), an adjustment lever (8c) of the magnetic tripper comprising a magnetic adjustment button (8b) and an engagement hook (8e) for the return spring (not represented) of the magnetic tripping lever (4ra), a guide rail (8f), a transverse seat (8g), a seat base (8h) and a tripping trigger (8i) for the operation and tripping mechanism (2) of the best seen in the middle tripping of the tripping trigger (8i) of the return spring (8k) and the side locking axis (8j) for the single pole circuit switch module (4', 4"). Figure 7 The double rotating contact system (9d) is also best seen in the middle, also in Figure 3 The center axis is also represented in the middle, and the operation mechanism comprises two positioning axes (2c') in addition to the tripping device (8) and the base housing (3a), the positioning axes being fixed on the center single pole switch module (9) together with preferably the same two side single pole switch modules (9', 9").

[0037] The single-pole switch module (9, 9', 9"), constructed in a parallelepiped form, includes a first cavity (9a) and a second cavity (9b), which are made of insulating material, preferably in opposite directions, forming a housing (9ab). Details are in... Figure 7 To observe more effectively.

[0038] Figure 3 An isometric right-side perspective view illustrates the fixing to the first and second preferred embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 The operating mechanism (2, 2') and the tripping device (8) of the center single-pole switch module (4, 9) of the molded housing circuit breaker (1a, 1b) observed in the image, wherein the operating mechanism (2, 2') includes Figure 4 The balance shaft (2b) of the simple rotary contact system (4q) seen in the diagram, and also, Figure 3 It indicates that by Figure 7 The centerline of the dual rotary contact system (9d) shown in the image represents the second balance shaft (2b'), locking shaft, and parallel flanges (2d, 2d'). The tripping device (8) more specifically includes the locking shaft (8j), the vertical positioning rod (8l), the thermomagnetic tripping rod (8a) including the contact surface (8aa), and the transverse seat (8g) positioned and supported on the top surface (4f) of the central single-pole switch module (4, 9).

[0039] Figure 4 A cross-section in the "XY" plane illustrates the molded housing circuit breaker (1a) according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, comprising an insulating base housing (3a), an insulating intermediate housing (3b), and an insulating cover (3c) in the form of a parallelepiped. The insulating base housing, the insulating intermediate housing, and the insulating cover comprise a first cavity (4a) of the housing (4ab), the first cavity comprising: a first electrical connection terminal (4n) electrically connected to a thermomagnetic trip device (4r) via a fastening element (4rg), the thermomagnetic trip device comprising a shunt bar (4re), a fixed... The system includes a magnetic yoke (4rf) fixed to the diverter bar (4re), a bimetallic strip (4rc) including the adjusting element (4rd), a magnetic trip lever (4ra), a wire strand (4t), and a simple rotary contact system (4q) comprising a rotating crossbar (4qa) including a movable contact portion (4qb) and a spring (4qc) included in a pivot support chamber (4qd), the pivot support chamber including a pivot shaft (4qe) and a through hole (4qf) to the balance shaft (2b) of the rotary contact system (4q), the balance shaft (2b) being in... Figure 2 and Figure 3in which the rotating contact system (4q) is associated with the arc extinguishing system (4u), the grid (4ua) and the fixed contact (4v) electrically connected to the second electrical connection terminal (4p); the trip device (8) comprising the contact face (8aa) of the thermomagnetic trip lever (8a), the magnetic adjustment button (8b) and the trip trigger (8i) for triggering the operation and trip mechanism (2); and other components, in which the operating handle (2a) of the molded case circuit breaker (1a) is seen in the "open" position.

[0040] Figure 5 the parts of the molded case circuit breaker (1a, 1b) according to the first and second preferred embodiments of the present application in the "open" position are illustrated in inclined top view, in which the operating and trip mechanism (2, 2'), the trip device (8) comprising the thermomagnetic trip lever (8a), the thermal adjustment button (8d), the magnetic trip adjustment lever (8c) comprising the magnetic adjustment button (8b), the central single-pole switch module (4, 9) and the single-pole side switch module (4', 4", 9', 9"), the base housing (3a), the grid (4ua, 9fa) and the second electrical connection terminal (4p, 9g) are presented. Figure 1

[0041] Figure 6 the first cavity (4a) of the housing (4ab) of the single-pole switch module (4, 4', 4") according to the first preferred embodiment of the present application is illustrated in front view, comprising the inlet hole (4aa) of the first electrical connection terminal (4n) seen in Figure 2 and Figure 4 the guide channel for the magnetic trip lever (4ra) seen in Figure 2 the non-through hole (4ad) for the pivot shaft (4qe) seen in Figure 4 the curved guide (4ae) for the movement of the pivot support chamber (4qd) of the rotating contact system (4q) seen in Figure 4 the structural reinforcement (4af), the outlet hole (4ag) of the passage through the magnetic trip lever (4ra) and the bimetallic strip (4rc) of the thermomagnetic trip device (4r) and the side positioning hole (4h, 4j) and the curved hole (4i) for the locking shaft of the mechanism and the balancing shaft (2b) of the rotating contact system (4q) seen in Figure 2 and Figure 4 the outlet hole (4ac) of the second electrical connection terminal (4p) seen in Figure 2 and Figure 4 the side positioning hole (4h, 4j) and the curved hole (4i) for the locking shaft of the mechanism and the balancing shaft (2b) of the rotating contact system (4q) seen in Figure 2 ​As seen in the image, a second cavity (4b) is provided in the opposite direction, which on the other side includes an equivalent reverse concave cavity (not shown) that is the same as that of the first cavity (4a) on the inner surface of the second cavity (4b).

[0042] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view illustrates a single-pole switching module (9) of the multi-pole molded housing circuit breaker (1b) according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, particularly representing the center single-pole switching module (9), wherein the modules (9, 9', 9") are preferably identical and laterally coupled to each other, comprising: in Figure 2 The first cavity (9a) and the second cavity (9b) in the opposite direction are seen in the image; a first electrical connection terminal (9n) including a terminal extension (9ca) having a first fixed contact (9c); a double rotary contact system (9d) including a first movable contact (9da), a rotating crossbar (9db), a second movable contact (9dc), springs (9dd, 9de), a pivot support chamber (9df), and the double rotary contact system (9d) associated with the arc extinguishing system (9e, 9f). The balance shaft (2b) and the second balance shaft (2b') have through holes (9dg); grids (9ea, 9fa); a second fixed contact (9ga) of the second electrical connection terminal (9g), the first electrical connection terminal (9n) being electrically coupled to the thermomagnetic trip device (9r) via a fastening element (9rg), the thermomagnetic trip device including a shunt bar (9re), a magnetic yoke (9rf), a magnetic trip rod (9ra), and a bimetallic strip (9rc) including an adjusting screw (9rd). The single-pole switch module (9, 9', 9”) in the form of a parallelepiped includes a housing (9ab), the housing including Figure 2 The first cavity (9a) and the second cavity (9b) in the opposite direction are seen in the image. The first cavity and the second cavity are made of insulating material and include a front side (9v), a front side (9o), a bottom surface (9s), a top surface (9t) including a recess (9u) and a recess (9x), and an outlet hole (9ag) for the channel leading to the magnetic trip rod (9ra) and the bimetallic strip (9rc) of the thermomagnetic trip device (9r).

[0043] Figure 8In cross-sectional view, a single-pole switch module (10) of the multi-pole molded case circuit breaker (1c) according to the third preferred embodiment of the present application is illustrated, in particular a representation of the central single-pole switch module (10), wherein the modules (10, 10', 10") are preferably identical and laterally coupled to each other, comprising: a first side electrical connection terminal (10n); a strand (10c); a simple rotary contact system (10d) comprising a rotary crossbar (10da) comprising a movable contact (10db) and a spring (10dc) comprised in a pivoting support chamber (10dd) comprising a pivot axis (10de) and a through hole (10df) to the balancing shaft (2b) of the rotary contact system (10d), the balancing shaft (2b) being in Figure 2 and Figure 3 The rotary contact system (10d) is associated with an arc extinguishing system (10e), a grid (10ea) and a fixed contact (10ga) electrically connected to a second electrical connection terminal (10g), as best seen in Figure 1 The current measurer and power supply device (10h) of the electronic controller (W) seen in Figure 10 comprises a current sensor (10ha), a current transformer group (10hb) comprising a magnetic core (10hc) and power supply current coil (10hd) power supply terminals (10k) accessed through a through exit hole (10ka). The single-pole switch module (10, 10', 10") in the form of a parallelepiped comprises an insulating housing (10ab) comprising

[0044] Figure 9A cross-sectional view illustrates a single-pole switching module (11) of the multi-pole molded housing circuit breaker (1d) according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, particularly the representation of the center single-pole switching module (11), wherein the modules (11, 11', 11") are preferably identical and laterally connected to each other, comprising: a first electrical connection terminal (11n) including a first fixed contact (11j); a double rotary contact system (11d) including a first movable contact (11da), a rotating crossbar (11db), a second movable contact (11dc), springs (11dd, 11de), a pivot support chamber (11df), and a through hole (11dg), wherein the double rotary contact system (11d) and the arc extinguishing system (11e, 11dc) are connected. The second fixed contact (11ha) of the grid (11ea, 11fa) and the second electrical connection terminal (11h) is associated, and the current measuring device and power supply device (11i) of the electronic controller (W) are magnetically coupled to the first electrical connection terminal (11n). The current measuring device and power supply device (11i) includes a current sensor (11ia) and a current transformer assembly (11ib), which includes a magnetic core (11ic), a power terminal (11pa), and a power current coil (11id), and is connected through a through outlet hole (11pa). The single-pole switch module (11, 11', 11") in the form of a parallelepiped includes an insulating housing (11ab), which includes Figure 10 The first cavity (11a) and the second cavity (11b) opposite to the cavity (11a) are seen in the middle. The first cavity and the second cavity are made of insulating material and include a front side (11k), a rear side (11l), a bottom surface (11m), and a top surface (11g) including a recess (11o).

[0045] Figure 10 The third and fourth preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by exploded schematic isometric perspective views. Figure 1 The molded housing circuit breaker (1c, 1d) includes an operating and tripping mechanism (2), which includes an operating handle (2a) of the circuit breaker (1c, 1d) as standard in the prior art. For the third preferred embodiment of the present invention of the electronic circuit breaker (1c), the operating and tripping mechanism (2) includes... Figure 8In the best observed rotation contact system (10d) the balancing axis (2b) and the two positioning axes (2c) are fixed to the central monopolar switch module (10) together with preferably the same other two lateral monopolar switch modules (10', 10") of said central monopolar switch module (10), the monopolar switch modules comprising a housing (10ab) and a base housing (3a). Said monopolar switch modules (10, 10', 10") configured in the form of a parallelepiped comprise a housing (10ab) comprising preferably inversely identical first and second cavities (10a, 10b) made of insulating material comprising a front side (10u), a rear side (10v), a bottom side (10x), a top side (10t) comprising a recess (10za), a positioning lateral hole (10q), a curved hole (10r) and a fastening element (10s) between said first and second insulating cavities. It can also be seen that inside components protrude through the first and second insulating cavities such as first lateral connection terminals (10n) and Figure 8 In the fourth preferred embodiment of the application, the power supply terminals (10k) of the power supply current coil (10hd) are seen through the through outlet hole (10ka), said power supply current coil (10hd) being connected to Figure 1 In the fourth preferred embodiment of the application, the power supply terminals (10k) of the power supply current coil (10hd) are seen through the through outlet hole (10ka), said power supply current coil (10hd) being connected to Figure 9 In the best observed rotation contact system (10d) the balancing axis (2b) and the two positioning axes (2c) are fixed to the central monopolar switch module (10) together with preferably the same other two lateral monopolar switch modules (10', 10") of said central monopolar switch module (10), the monopolar switch modules comprising a housing (10ab) and a base housing (3a). Said monopolar switch modules (10, 10', 10") configured in the form of a parallelepiped comprise a housing (10ab) comprising preferably inversely identical first and second cavities (10a, 10b) made of insulating material comprising a front side (10u), a rear side (10v), a bottom side (10x), a top side (10t) comprising a recess (10za), a positioning lateral hole (10q), a curved hole (10r) and a fastening element (10s) between said first and second insulating cavities. It can also be seen that inside components protrude through the first and second insulating cavities such as first lateral connection terminals (10n) and Figure 2 and Figure 10 In the fourth preferred embodiment of the application, the power supply terminals (10k) of the power supply current coil (10hd) are seen through the through outlet hole (10ka), said power supply current coil (10hd) being connected to

[0046] Figure 11 The trip device (12) according to the third and fourth preferred embodiments of the application is presented in a top perspective view, comprising a trip coil (13) which is schematically coupled to the Figure 10The operating and tripping mechanism (2, 2') seen in the figures, comprising the handle (2a, 2a'), the flange (2d, 2d'), the repositioning latch (2e), the shaft (2f), the tripping coil (13) comprises, in addition to the armature which encloses a magnet with a shell and a cylindrical core, a side frame (13a), a lever (13b), an actuator latch (13c) and a trigger support (13d) connected to the actuator (13f), power supply terminals (13e) of the coil winding, the armature comprising a compression spring, and other components (not represented).

[0047] Figure 12 The circuit breaker (1c, 1d) without the top cover (3c') is shown in isometric view, for presenting the components of the single-pole circuit breaker module (4, 4', 4", 9, 9', 9") according to the first and second preferred embodiments of the application, which are used in the assembly of the low-voltage molded case circuit breaker. Figure 11 Detail of the seat (14a) of the tripping coil (13) seen in the figures, the top cover is fixed on the seat (14a) of the circuit breaker (1c, 1d) by the cooperation between the snap fittings (14b, 14c). In this figure, according to the third and fourth preferred embodiments of the application, without the cover (3c') of the circuit breaker (1c, 1d), it can also be noted that the repositioning latch (2e) is mounted on the outer housing (3'), the trigger support (13d) comprising the actuator latch (13c), the lever (13b).

[0048] Operation of the application

[0049] In the state of the art, advantageous arrangements are constantly being researched both in terms of operation and manufacture. Despite this, the assembly arrangements that have not been achieved to date involve assembly preparation, the use of synergic components of both known thermomagnetic and electronic technologies, but these technologies allow greater flexibility in assembly and the use of standardized components between them, without burdening the cost or leading to the use of specific components for each selection of arrangement. In this way, the proposed solution seeks to solve this problem in such a way that, using the same philosophy and preparation, several configurations are permissible, thus facilitating the pre-assembly and management of a series of components in an organized way and allowing the use of various components throughout the range in a standardized and universal way.

[0050] The molded case circuit breakers (1a, 1b) according to the first and second preferred embodiments of the application, now detailed, fulfill the first object of the application in the sense of providing a single-pole circuit breaker module (4, 4', 4", 9, 9', 9") configured to facilitate the assembly of the components of a low-voltage molded case circuit breaker, with a different configuration concept from the state of the art, whose main basis is that the components of the single-pole circuit breaker module (4, 4', 4", 9, 9', 9") comprise at least one of the thermomagnetic tripping devices (4r, 9r), in Figure 4 and Figure 7The rotating contact system (4q, 9d) and the arc extinguishing system (4u, 9e, 9f) are best seen in the pre-set arrangement inside the first and second cavities (4a, 4b) which are identical in reverse, conceived to be used Figure 4 The simple rotating contact system (4q) seen in the middle is pre-positioning the internal working components through the holes (4h, 4j, 4i, 4ad), the guide (4ah) and other accommodating hollows of the monopolar switch module (4, 4', 4"). For the monopolar circuit switch module (9, 9', 9"), where the pre-positioning of the internal components is done using the same concept for the double rotating contact system (9d) through holes (not shown) equivalent to the holes (4h, 4j, 4i, 4ad), the guide (4ah) and other accommodating hollows similar to the monopolar switch module (4, 4', 4"), accommodating the internal components of the monopolar switch module (9, 9', 9") occurs in a similar way by pre-setting inside the first and second cavities (9a, 9b) which are similar to the first and second cavities (4a, 4b).

[0051] The second purpose achieved by the invention is the use of the same shell (4ab, 9ab) for the monopolar thermal-magnetic tripping switch module (4, 4', 4", 9, 9', 9"), where the second cavity (4b, 9b) is identical in reverse to the first cavity (4a, 9a), which together form the insulating housing of the monopolar thermal-magnetic switch module (4, 4', 4", 9, 9', 9") of the low voltage circuit breaker (1a, 1b), and also the second purpose achieved by the invention is the use of the same outer housing (3) consisting of the base housing (3a), the intermediate housing (3b) and the cover (3c), which serves all monopolar circuit switch modules (4, 4', 4", 9, 9', 9"), since their external configuration is identical to all modules for using the same fastening elements (4k, 10s), the balancing shaft (2b, 2b') and the positioning shaft (2c, 2c').

[0052] The third purpose achieved by the present application is to use the same housing (10ab, 11ab) for the single-pole electronic trip switch modules (10, 10', 10", 11, 11', 11"), wherein the second cavity (10b, 11b) is identical in reverse to the first cavity (10a, 11a), which together form the insulating housing (10ab, 11ab) of the single-pole electronic circuit switch module (10, 10', 10", 11, 11', 11") of the low-voltage circuit breaker (1c, 1d), and the second purpose achieved by the present application is also to use the same outer housing (3') comprising a base housing (3a), an intermediate housing (3b') and a cover (3c') which serves all single-pole switch modules (10, 10', 10", 11, 11', 11") since their external configuration is identical for all modules using the same fastening elements (4k, 10s), the balancing shaft (2b, 2b') and the positioning shaft (2c, 2c'), and the base housing (3a) is interchangeable between the single-pole thermal-magnetic trip switch modules (4, 4', 4", 9, 9', 9").

[0053] The fourth object of the present invention is achieved by the fact that, thanks to the proposed modular concept, the same external cavity is used in different nominal current ranges for the single-pole thermomagnetic / electronic trip switch modules (4, 4', 4", 9, 9', 9", 10, 10', 10", 11, 11') of the same size in the first, second, third and fourth preferred embodiments of the present invention, wherein it is possible to make previous assemblies with predetermined values of nominal current ranges, independently of the range of the thermomagnetic trip device (4r, 9r), which facilitates the inventory management for the subsequent final assembly, since the single-pole thermomagnetic trip switch modules (4, 4', 4", 9, 9', 9") and / or the single-pole electronic circuit switch modules (10, 10', 10", 11, 11') are stable, interchangeable, laterally fixed to each other by means of the balancing shaft (2b) and alternatively associated second balancing shaft (2b'), containing the rotary contact systems (4q, 9d, 10d, 11d) in balanced form, wherein the operating and tripping mechanism (2, 2') is fixed on the upper part (2) of the central single-pole switch module (4, 9, 10, 11), comprising two positioning shafts (2c, 2c') introduced into the side positioning holes (4h, 4j) of the first or second insulating cavity and between the single-pole side switch modules (4', 4", 9, 9', 9", 10, 10', 10", 11, 11'), which allows the balancing shaft (2b) and alternatively associated second balancing shaft (2b') of the rotary contact systems (4q, 9d, 10d, 11d) to command the action of any one of the rotary contact systems (4q, 9d, 10d, 11d) laterally coupled in the same way included in the single-pole switch modules (4', 4", 9', 9", 10', 10", 11', 11"), the operating and tripping mechanism (2, 2') is triggered by the operator in the "on / off" operation and in any abnormal pre-configuration situation caused by the thermomagnetic trip lever (8a) or magnetic trip lever (4ra, 9ra) pre-configured by the thermal adjustment button (8d), in any abnormal pre-configuration situation caused by the magnetic adjustment button (8b) together with the thermomagnetic trip lever (8a) of the trip device (8) and the current measurer and power supply device (10h, 11i) electrically coupled to the electronic controller (W) by means of the power supply terminals (10k, 11p) incorporated inside the molded case circuit breaker (1c, 1d) and capable of facilitating the electronic trip, which automatically triggers the opening of the rotary contact systems (10d, 11d) by means of the operating and tripping mechanism (2, 2').

[0054] The fifth object of the present application is achieved by providing a circuit breaker switching device with fewer components than the prior art, when attention is paid to the choice of using a single-pole switching module (4', 4", 9', 9", 10', 10", 11', 11"), since it does not require additional thermal-magnetic or electronic trippers in the specific module, when compared to the circuit breaker switching devices proposed in the prior art, which are located outside the switching module, which means the use of additional fastening elements, such as hooks and complex docking supports between each other.

[0055] The sixth object of the present application is achieved by providing a switching device, such as a low-voltage molded case circuit breaker (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d), which meets the above requirements, which is compact and simplified in its longitudinal dimension, since the factor of using fastening elements, such as hooks and complex docking supports, which weaken the structure due to their connecting nature, is eliminated, thus maintaining the structural rigidity.

[0056] In addition to the objects of the present application that have been achieved, which are now presented, a tripping device (8) is also provided, which can be easily coupled to the single-pole switching module (4, 4', 4", 9, 9', 9"), wherein the tripping device is positioned vertically through the seat base (8h) and the transverse seat (8g) on the top face (4f, 9t) and longitudinally through the vertical positioning rod (8l) that surrounds in the recess (4x, 9x), in any of the single-pole switching modules (4, 4', 4", 9, 9', 9"), the tripping device is additionally positioned vertically through the vertical positioning track (4l) and the guide track. Side locking shafts (8j) are additionally provided in the tripping device (8), which behave as a backup, and are positioned in the positioning holes (4g) of the first or second insulating cavity when the single-pole switching modules (4, 4', 4", 9, 9', 9") are positioned side by side, thus facilitating the quick locking of the tripper group in the 3 possible displacement axes of the tripping device (8).

[0057] Finally, the single-pole thermal-magnetic switching module (4, 4', 4", 9, 9', 9") or the electronic single-pole switching module (10, 10', 10", 11, 11', 11") coupled to the operating and tripping mechanism (2, 2') and the tripping device (8) or alternatively the electronic controller (W), according to the pre-arrangement selection made, is introduced into the outer housing (3, 3'), specifically at the base housing (3a), so as to form the low-voltage molded case circuit breaker (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) in common with the intermediate housing (3b, 3b') and the cover (3c, 3c'), constituting a double-insulated housing.

[0058] The operating and tripping mechanism (2, 2') comprises an operating handle (2a, 2a') which, in rotation, articulates the transmission of the force required to open and close to a balance shaft (2b) or alternatively to a second balance shaft (2b'), to the rotating contact system (4q, 9d, 10d, 11d) to command the action of any of the rotating contact systems (4q, 9d, 10d, 11d) of the circuit breaker (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) by means of handles, locking elements and springs (not represented) known in the state of the art. In addition, when a fault occurs, in particular an overcurrent or short circuit, the contacts are arranged to be automatically opened due to the action of a tripping device, preferably a thermomagnetic tripping device (4R), which acts jointly with the operating and tripping mechanism (2, 2').

[0059] Alternatively and according to third and fourth embodiments of the present application, from the current measurer and power supply device (10h, 11i) associated with the solid state electronic controller (W), the tripping coil (13) coupled to the operating and tripping mechanism (2, 2') can be controlled, which comprises a shaft (2f) associated with the lever (13b) capable of transmitting the displacement movement of the trigger support (13d) comprising an actuator latch (13c) from the actuator (13f), wherein the tripping coil (13), the coil winding of its power supply terminals (13e) is powered from the solid state electronic controller (W), wherein the tripping coil (13) comprises an armature that surrounds a magnet with a shell and a cylindrical core, comprising a compression spring and other components (not represented) that assist the movement of the actuator latch (13c) at the rate of the external components of the tripping coil (13), wherein the core (not represented) when excited from the signal of the solid state electronic controller (W) moves the actuator (13f) associated with the trigger support (13d) and lever (13b) to cause the displacement of the internal trigger and tripping mechanism (2, 2') and the release of the circuit breaker (1c, 1d) to reach an intermediate position between the closed position "on" and the open position "off" for the "trip" state of the circuit breaker (1c, 1d) to break the associated circuit.

[0060] After said "trip", a previous "opening" (resetting) movement to the restart is performed, in which, after the associated said associated circuit breaker (1c, 1d) has tripped, the associated said associated circuit breaker (1c, 1d) can be "closed" or "opened" (reset), in which the said side frame (13a) of the said trip coil (13) is associated with the said repositioning latch (2e) of the said handle (2a, 2a'), which, when the said handle (2a, 2a') of the said operating and tripping mechanism (2, 2') returns to the initial position after the trip and repositions the said trip coil (13) for a new trigger, guides the said lever (13b), trigger support (13d) and actuator (13f) to the initial position in which a new trip of the said trip coil (13) can be performed.

[0061] Circuit breakers (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) have been realized or proposed which comprise housed auxiliary tripping devices, which can be release devices, such as auxiliary trip coils of the sub-tension type or auxiliary remote trip coils.

[0062] Another proposal consists in designing a single-pole thermomagnetic switch module (4, 4', 4", 9, 9', 9") or a single-pole electronic tripping switch module (10, 10', 10", 11, 11', 11"). Such single-pole switch modules (4, 4', 4", 9, 9', 9", 10', 10", 11, 11', 11") generally comprise a certain number of parts which are common to both single-pole switch modules. However, other parts of the single-pole switch module are specific to the single-pole switch module (4, 4', 4", 9, 9', 9") and other different parts are specific to the electronic tripping single-pole switch module (10, 10', 10", 11, 11', 11"). In addition, certain parts are common to both modules, such as, preferably, the rotary contact system (4q, 9d, 10d, 11d) or the said arc extinction system (4u, 9e, 9f, 10e, 11f) and its grid (4ua, 9ea, 9fa, 10ea, 11fa), as well as the base housing (3a), etc.

[0063] The fact that a large number of parts are different in these two types of device is disadvantageous, since it leads to relatively high manufacturing costs and relatively high setting costs.

[0064] Another object of the present invention is to propose a circuit breaker (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) which can constitute a switch device comprising a single-pole thermomagnetic switch module (4, 4', 4", 9, 9', 9") or comprising a single-pole electronic tripping switch module (10, 10', 10", 11, 11', 11"), almost all of the parts constituting said circuit breaker (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) being identical, can be constructed.

[0065] It will be clearly understood that other modifications and changes can be made to the present application without departing from the scope thereof.

Claims

1. A single-pole switch module for use in a molded case in a molded case circuit breaker, wherein, The single-pole switch module comprises a housing made of insulating material, a rotary contact system associated with electrical connection terminals, an arc extinguishing system having an association with the rotary contact system, and a device; the rotary contact system is a single rotary contact system or a double rotary contact system, characterized in that the device is a thermomagnetic tripping device associated with one of the electrical connection terminals positioned in the inlet and outlet holes of the housing or a current measurer and power supply device associated with one of the electrical connection terminals positioned in the inlet and outlet holes of the housing, the thermomagnetic tripping device comprising a hole on the top surface of the housing for the passage of the magnetic tripping lever and bimetallic strip of the thermomagnetic tripping device, and the current measurer and power supply device comprising a magnetic core, power supply terminals and a current supply coil, accessed through a through hole on the top surface of the housing.

2. The single pole switch module for use in a molded case housing of a molded case circuit breaker of claim 1, wherein, The electrical connection terminals comprise fixed contact portions and the current measurer and power supply device is electrically coupled to an electronic controller.

3. The single pole switch module for use in a molded case housing of a molded case circuit breaker of claim 1, wherein, The operating and tripping mechanism of the circuit breaker can be jointly actuated by the magnetic tripping lever of the thermomagnetic tripping device and the thermomagnetic tripping lever of the tripping device of the circuit breaker.

4. The single pole switch module for use in a molded case housing of a molded case circuit breaker of claim 1, wherein, The housing comprises a first cavity and a second cavity made of insulating material, the first cavity and the second cavity comprising a front side, a rear side, a bottom surface and a top surface comprising a recess.

5. The single pole switch module for use in a molded case housing of a molded case circuit breaker of claim 1, wherein, When the rotary contact system is a single rotary contact system, the single rotary contact system comprises a rotary crossbar comprising a movable contact portion and a spring comprised in a pivoting support chamber comprising a pivot axis and a through hole for a balancing shaft of the rotary contact system.

6. The single pole switch module for use in a molded case housing of a molded case circuit breaker of claim 1, wherein, When the rotary contact system is a double rotary contact system, the double rotary contact system comprises a first movable contact portion, a rotary crossbar, a second movable contact portion, a spring, a pivoting support chamber and through holes for a balancing shaft and a second balancing shaft of the rotary contact system.

7. The single pole switch module for use in a molded case housing of a molded case circuit breaker of claim 1, wherein, The thermomagnetic tripping device comprises a shunt, a magnetic yoke, a bimetallic strip and a magnetic tripping lever, the thermomagnetic tripping device being electrically connected to an electrical connection terminal by a fastening element.

8. The single pole switch module for use in a molded case housing of a molded case circuit breaker of claim 7, wherein, The housing comprises a first cavity and a second cavity made of insulating material, each cavity being defined by an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer surface comprising a front side, a rear side, a bottom surface and a top surface comprising a recess, and the magnetic tripping lever being supported laterally on one side by a guide of the inner surface of the first cavity and on the other side by an equivalent reverse recess guide of the inner surface of the second cavity.

9. The single pole switch module for use in a molded case housing of a molded case circuit breaker of claim 1, wherein, The arc extinguishing system comprises a grid.

10. A modular molded case circuit breaker comprising an operating and tripping mechanism, a trip device and a single pole switch module according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the single-pole switch module selects a thermomagnetic tripping device, the thermomagnetic tripping device interacts with the operating and tripping mechanism in association with the tripping device, and when the single-pole switch module selects the current measurer and power supply device for an electronic controller, the electronic controller interacts with the operating and tripping mechanism in association with a tripping coil.

11. The modular molded case circuit breaker of claim 10, wherein, The operating and tripping mechanism can be actuated both by the operator in on / off operation and in any pre-configured abnormal situation, deriving from the thermal regulation knob pre-configuration, or from the magnetic tripping lever of the thermomagnetic tripping device, as well as from the thermomagnetic tripping lever of the tripping device.

12. The modular molded case circuit breaker of claim 11, wherein, The circuit breaker comprises a single-pole lateral circuit breaker module mounted side by side with respect to the single-pole switch module.

13. The modular molded case circuit breaker of claim 11, wherein, The circuit breaker comprises an outer housing body that houses it.

14. The modular molded case circuit breaker of claim 13, wherein, The outer housing body comprises an insulating base housing, an insulating intermediate housing and an insulating cover.

15. The modular molded case circuit breaker of claim 11, wherein, The tripping coil, comprising a shaft associated with a lever, can transmit a displacement movement of the trigger support, comprising the engagement of the actuator with the actuator latch, the coil winding of the tripping coil coming from the power supply terminals, powered by the electronic controller.

16. A single pole switch module for use in a molded case in a molded case circuit breaker, wherein, The single-pole switch module comprises a housing made of insulating material, a rotary contact system associated with the electrical connection terminals, an arc extinction system and a device, wherein the rotary contact system is at least one single rotary contact system comprising a rotary crossbar, a movable contact, a spring, a balancing shaft and a pivoting support chamber, wherein the rotary crossbar, the movable contact, the spring and the balancing shaft are at least partially housed inside the pivoting support chamber, wherein the pivoting support chamber comprises a pivoting shaft and a through hole for the balancing shaft; and a double rotary contact system comprising a first movable contact, a rotary crossbar, a second movable contact, a spring, a first balancing shaft, a second balancing shaft and a pivoting support chamber, wherein the first movable contact, the rotary crossbar, the second movable contact, the spring, the first balancing shaft and the second balancing shaft are at least partially housed inside the pivoting support chamber, and wherein the pivoting support chamber has through holes for the first and second balancing shafts, and wherein the device is a thermomagnetic tripping device associated with one of the electrical connection terminals or a current measurer and power supply device associated with one of the electrical connection terminals.

17. The single-pole switch module of claim 16, wherein, The thermomagnetic tripping device is electrically connected by strands to the associated contact system.

18. The single-pole switch module of claim 16, wherein, The thermomagnetic tripping device is electrically connected to a terminal extension comprising a first fixed contact associated with the double rotary contact system. The thermomagnetic tripping device is electrically connected to a terminal extension comprising a first fixed contact associated with the double rotary contact system.

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