A circuit protector

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of electrical appliances, and is a circuit protector, which comprises a shell, an entering terminal and an outgoing terminal penetrating through the shell, a movable contact plate in the shell, and a moving component connected with the movable contact plate, and an electric circuit is formed from the entering terminal, the movable contact plate to the outgoing terminal in use; the moving component comprises an electromagnetic mechanism and an instantaneous mechanism installed in the shell; when the current is too large, the current makes the electromagnetic coil generate more magnetic flux and act on the armature, the armature obtains more force to overcome the constraint of the tension spring, drive the pull bolt to move, and the clamping position and the clamping groove are separated, the pull rod breaks away from the pull bolt under the action of the reset spring, the pull rod moves to drive the movable contact plate to separate from the contact of the entering terminal and the outgoing terminal, and the protector is disconnected; such a circuit overload protector has the advantages of simple structure, low damage and high sensitivity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrical technology, and more specifically to circuit protectors. Background Technology

[0002] In a circuit, a stable current is crucial for the normal use of electrical appliances. A sudden surge of current can damage the appliance or even cause a fire and personal injury.

[0003] In existing technologies, thermal fuses are often used for protection. Their working principle is as follows:

[0004] A fusible alloy wire or sheet is connected between the two leads of a thermal fuse. The fusible alloy wire is coated with a special resin, allowing current to flow from one lead to the other. When the temperature around the thermal fuse rises to its operating temperature, the fusible alloy melts and, under the influence of surface tension and the special resin, contracts into a spherical shape, attaching to the ends of the two leads. In this way, the circuit is permanently disconnected.

[0005] Once the material and shape of a fuse are determined, its resistance R is relatively fixed (if its temperature coefficient of resistance is not considered). When current flows through it, it generates heat, and this heat increases over time. The magnitude of the current and resistance determines the rate of heat generation, while the fuse's construction and installation determine the rate of heat dissipation. If the rate of heat generation is less than the rate of heat dissipation, the fuse will not melt.

[0006] If the rate of heat generation equals the rate of heat dissipation, the fuse will not melt for a considerable period. If the rate of heat generation exceeds the rate of heat dissipation, then the generated heat will increase. Since it has a specific heat capacity and mass, this increase in heat manifests as a rise in temperature. When the temperature rises above the fuse's melting point, the fuse melts. This is the working principle of a fuse. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to address the above-mentioned shortcomings by providing a circuit protector that is simple in structure, not easily damaged, low in cost, and highly sensitive.

[0008] The technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows: a circuit protector includes a housing, and an inlet terminal and an outlet terminal passing through the housing, wherein one end of the inlet terminal and the outlet terminal is outside the housing and the other end is inside the housing; a movable contact plate is provided inside the housing, and an actuating component is connected to the movable contact plate, and a circuit is formed from the inlet terminal, the movable contact plate to the outlet terminal during use; characterized in that: the actuating component includes an electromagnetic mechanism and a momentary mechanism installed inside the housing;

[0009] The electromagnetic mechanism includes an electromagnetic coil, an armature, an iron core, a magnetic yoke, a tension spring, and a bolt. The electromagnetic coil is connected in series in the circuit. The iron core and the armature are placed coaxially. The iron core and the armature have a tension spring mounting position at their opposite midpoints, and the tension spring is installed thereon. The iron core is fixed to the magnetic yoke and installed inside the housing. The armature can move closer to or further away from the iron core. The iron core and the armature are installed inside the electromagnetic coil.

[0010] The instantaneous mechanism has a pull rod, a return spring, and a contact spring. The moving contact plate is installed at one end of the pull rod, and the contact spring is installed below the moving contact plate and sleeved on the pull rod. The pull rod also has a return spring, which is installed above the moving contact plate and sleeved on the pull rod. The other end of the pull rod also has a locking groove. The return spring is limited by the housing.

[0011] The bolt has a locking position, the locking position and the locking groove cooperate with each other, and the return spring has the force to reset the pull rod and break free of the bolt when the locking position and the locking groove are separated;

[0012] When the current is too large, the current causes the electromagnetic coil to generate more magnetic flux and act on the armature. The armature gains a greater force, which overcomes the restraint of the tension spring. That is, the armature moves closer to the iron core, which drives the pull bolt to move. The locking and slots disengage, and the pull rod breaks free from the pull bolt under the action of the return spring. The pull rod moves and drives the moving contact plate to disengage from the contact between the inlet terminal and the outlet terminal, thus realizing the disconnection of the protector.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are: such a circuit protector has the advantages of simple structure, not easy to be damaged, and high sensitivity.

[0014] This invention utilizes electromagnetic principles, resulting in rapid action and decisive, reliable interruption of fault current. Under normal use, due to its excellent contact performance, the contact resistance is extremely low, heat generation is minimal, and power consumption is very low. When a circuit fault occurs, the current surges to the tripping threshold, instantly generating electromagnetic force to trip the instantaneous mechanism, thereby interrupting the fault arc. This completely overcomes the time-sensitivity issues of traditional fuses, which rely on the fuse's resistance to heat up, requiring the fuse's heat generation to exceed its dissipation rate before melting and interrupting the fault arc, as well as the performance degradation issues caused by prolonged heating. Furthermore, the product of this invention is manufactured in a clean environment, whereas traditional hot-melt fuses often use quartz sand as the arc-extinguishing medium, resulting in harsh production environments and environmental pollution. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal section structure in the first case of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal section structure in the second case of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal section structure in the third case of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A top-down structural diagram.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of some components in the fourth case of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal section structure of the fourth case of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of some components in the fourth case of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram of the fifth scenario of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the sixth case of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention with an active mechanism installed.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an innovative embodiment.

[0027] The components include: 1. Housing; 2. Inlet terminal; 3. Outlet terminal; 4. Moving contact plate; 5. Electromagnetic mechanism; 51. Electromagnetic coil; 52. Iron core; 53. Armature; 54. Tension spring; 55. Pull bolt; 56. Locking position; 57. Magnetic yoke; 6. Instantaneous movement mechanism; 61. Pull rod; 62. Return spring; 63. Slot; 64. Contact spring. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] To better understand this invention, the following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will provide further details.

[0030] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 3, 5, 8, and 9, a circuit protector includes a housing 1, an inlet terminal 2, and an outlet terminal 3 passing through the housing. One end of the inlet terminal and the outlet terminal is outside the housing, and the other end is inside the housing. Inside the housing, there is a movable contact plate 4, and an actuating component connected to the movable contact plate. In use, a circuit is formed from the inlet terminal, the movable contact plate, to the outlet terminal. The actuating component includes an electromagnetic mechanism 5 and a momentary actuation mechanism 6 installed inside the housing.

[0031] The electromagnetic mechanism includes an electromagnetic coil 51, an armature 53, an iron core 52, a magnetic yoke 57, a tension spring 54, and a pull bolt 55. The electromagnetic coil is connected in series in the circuit. The iron core and the armature are placed coaxially. The iron core and the armature have a tension spring mounting position at their opposite midpoints and the tension spring is installed thereon. The iron core is fixed to the magnetic yoke and installed inside the housing. The armature can move closer to or further away from the iron core. The iron core and the armature are installed inside the electromagnetic coil.

[0032] The instantaneous mechanism includes a pull rod 61, a return spring 62, and a contact spring 64. The movable contact plate is installed at one end of the pull rod, and the contact spring is installed below the movable contact plate and sleeved on the pull rod. The pull rod also has a return spring, which is installed above the movable contact plate and sleeved on the pull rod. The other end of the pull rod also has a locking groove 63. The return spring is limited by the housing.

[0033] The bolt has a locking position 56, the locking position and the locking groove cooperate with each other, and the return spring has the force to reset the pull rod and break free of the bolt when the locking position and the locking groove are separated;

[0034] When the current is too large, the current causes the electromagnetic coil to generate more magnetic flux and act on the armature. The armature gains a greater force, which overcomes the restraint of the tension spring. That is, the armature moves closer to the iron core, which drives the pull bolt to move. The locking and slots disengage, and the pull rod breaks free from the pull bolt under the action of the return spring. The pull rod moves and drives the moving contact plate to disengage from the contact between the inlet terminal and the outlet terminal, thus realizing the disconnection of the protector.

[0035] The contact spring ensures good contact between the moving contact plate and the inlet terminal 2 and the outlet terminal 3.

[0036] Ideally, the shell should be a rigid shell, such as a phenolic plastic shell, but a partial iron shell can also be used.

[0037] The slot mentioned is, for example, an annular groove, as long as it can be locked in place.

[0038] The aforementioned locking position can be a locking plate or a component with holes, such as the side of the hole that can hold the locking slot.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] In the first embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the iron core is installed on the left side of the electromagnetic mechanism, the armature is installed on the right side of the electromagnetic mechanism, the pull bolt is connected to the right end of the armature, the upper end of the pull rod has a groove, and the pull bolt has a locking position to prevent the groove from falling off. The groove and the locking position cooperate; the locking position is inserted into the groove from the left to lock the pull rod. When there is a large current in the circuit, the armature overcomes the limitation of the tension spring and moves towards the iron core, driving the pull bolt to move to the left. The locking position of the pull bolt separates from the groove of the pull rod, and the pull rod breaks free from the restraint of the pull bolt. Under the action of the return spring, it drives the moving contact plate to disconnect the circuit.

[0041] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the bolt can have a small hole, and the locking position is on the left side of the small hole. The small hole is a structure that can pass through the upper end of the pull rod. When the bolt moves to the left, the upper end of the pull rod is released from the constraint of the small hole, and the pull rod falls down, thus separating the circuit protector.

[0042] Of course, the slot can also be on the left side of the pull rod, and the locking position can be the edge of the baffle that prevents the slot from falling off.

[0043] Example 2

[0044] In the second embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the armature is installed on the left side of the electromagnetic mechanism, and the iron core is installed on the right side of the electromagnetic mechanism. The iron core has a through hole in the middle, and a push rod 8 is installed in the through hole. The push rod is connected to the pull bolt on the right side. The tension spring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the push rod, pushing the iron core to the left. The upper end of the pull rod has a slot, and the pull bolt has a locking position to prevent the slot from falling off. The locking position is inserted into the slot from the right to lock the pull rod. When there is a large current in the circuit, the armature overcomes the limitation of the tension spring and moves towards the iron core, driving the push rod to move, which in turn pushes the pull bolt to the right. The locking position of the pull bolt separates from the slot, and the pull rod breaks free from the pull bolt's restraint. Under the action of the return spring, it drives the moving contact plate to disconnect the circuit.

[0045] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the bolt has a small hole, and the locking position is on the right side of the small hole. The small hole is a structure that allows the upper end of the pull rod to pass through. When the bolt moves to the right, the upper end of the pull rod is released from the constraint of the small hole, and the pull rod falls down, thus separating the circuit protector.

[0046] Of course, the slot can also be on the right side of the pull rod, and the locking position can also be a component with a baffle edge on the right side of the bolt that prevents the slot from falling out.

[0047] Example 3

[0048] In the third embodiment, as Figure 3 , 4 As shown, the armature has an inclined block 31A on its right side, and the pull rod is hinged to the housing by a rotating shaft 32A. The pull rod has an inclined groove 33A, and the inclined block and the inclined groove cooperate with each other. The pull rod also has a locking position, and the pull rod has a locking groove, which cooperates with the locking position. When there is a large current in the circuit, the armature overcomes the limitation of the tension spring and moves towards the iron core. The inclined block acts on the inclined groove, causing the pull rod to be subjected to a rotational torque, which drives the pull rod to rotate. The locking groove is released from the locking position, and under the action of the return spring, the moving contact plate is driven to disconnect the circuit.

[0049] like Figure 3 , 4 As shown, the present invention is configured such that when the current changes, the electromagnetic force changes, the iron core moves, and drives the tilting block to move. The tilting block acts on the inclined groove of the pull bolt. Since the pull bolt is hinged, that is, the pull bolt is hinged to the housing by a rotating shaft, the pull bolt rotates, the pull rod falls off the pull bolt, and the circuit protector is disconnected.

[0050] Figure 4 The direction of the middle arrow F is the direction of the bolt's rotation.

[0051] Example 4

[0052] like Figure 5 , 6 As shown in Figure 7, the armature has a conical inclined block 41B on one side, the left end of the pull bolt has an inclined surface 42B which is connected to the inclined block, the other end of the pull bolt has a locking position, and the pull rod has a locking groove, which is engaged with the locking position. When there is a large current in the circuit, the armature overcomes the limitation of the tension spring and moves towards the iron core. The inclined surface and the inclined block are subjected to mutual force, which pushes the pull bolt to move. The locking groove is released from the locking position. Under the action of the return spring, the moving contact plate is driven to disconnect the circuit.

[0053] In the fourth embodiment, when a fault occurs, the pull bolt acts on the pull rod to move, and the circuit protector disconnects.

[0054] Example 5

[0055] In the sixth embodiment, as Figure 8As shown, the device also includes a steering lever 51C, a locking spring 52C, and a push rod 53C mounted on the housing. The push rod is connected to an armature. The lever has a rotation center and two lever arms on both sides. The push rod pushes against one lever arm, and the other lever arm pushes against a pull bolt. The locking spring is installed behind the pull bolt. The other end of the pull bolt has a locking position. The pull rod has a locking groove, and the locking groove and locking position cooperate. When there is a large current in the circuit, the armature overcomes the limitation of the tension spring and moves towards the iron core. The push rod acts on the lever, the lever rotates, prying the pull bolt to move. The locking groove disengages from the locking position, and under the force of the return spring, it drives the moving contact plate to disconnect the circuit.

[0056] This invention features a more compact circuit protector structure.

[0057] Example 6

[0058] In the sixth embodiment, as Figure 8 , 9 As shown in Figure 10, the electromagnetic mechanism consists of two sets. The two sets of electromagnetic coils are respectively set on both sides of the instantaneous mechanism. The armatures of the two sets of electromagnetic mechanisms are connected to the pull rods through the pull bolts. When there is a large current in the circuit, the armatures of the two sets of electromagnetic mechanisms simultaneously overcome their respective tension springs, obtain motion force and move towards the iron core, thereby driving the pull bolts to move. This causes the pull rod's slot to break free from the pull bolt's restraint more quickly. Under the action of the return spring, the moving contact plate is driven to disconnect the circuit.

[0059] Working principle: When a fault occurs, the moving parts on both sides simultaneously push their respective levers, which in turn push the pull rod to move, causing the pull rod to break free from the pull rod's restraint and cut off the circuit. This is mainly used when the rated operating current is relatively large, but the fault current that needs to be cut off is not too large.

[0060] This invention features a more compact circuit protector structure.

[0061] Example 7

[0062] In the seventh embodiment, as Figure 11 As shown, the circuit protector is equipped with an active mechanism, which consists of a force-bearing arm 71D mounted on the pull bolt and a flame switch 72D mounted on the housing. The flame switch has a movable part 73D facing the force-bearing arm. The flame switch is connected to a control device. When the control device is operated, the force generated by the flame switch acts on the movable part, causing it to move rapidly and strike the force-bearing arm on the pull bolt, thus moving the pull bolt. This causes the pull rod to disengage from the pull bolt's locking position, and under the action of the return spring, the protector disconnects.

[0063] The present invention is configured such that when it is necessary to disconnect the circuit protector in an emergency, but the electromagnetic mechanism and the instantaneous mechanism cannot be disconnected, the active mechanism can be actively activated to disconnect the circuit protector.

[0064] The flame switch is a component in the prior art.

[0065] Example 8

[0066] In the above embodiments, such as Figure 12 As shown, the electromagnetic mechanism and the instantaneous mechanism are also within an airtight structure. The airtight structure is either formed by a shell or by an internal airtight membrane 81E. The airtight structure is also filled with inert gas, and permanent magnets 82E are provided on both sides of the pull rod.

[0067] The present invention is designed in this way because the current in the circuit is generally very large, and the arc needs to be extinguished in a very short time. The sealed cavity and the filling of it with inert gas are conducive to arc extinguishing. The setting of a permanent magnet is also conducive to extinguishing the arc, and the rapid release of the reset spring is also conducive to extinguishing the arc.

[0068] The above description is only a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the structural features of the present invention are not limited thereto. Any changes or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention are covered by the patent scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A circuit protector, comprising a housing, and an inlet terminal and an outlet terminal passing through the housing, wherein one end of the inlet terminal and the outlet terminal is outside the housing and the other end is inside the housing; a movable contact plate is provided inside the housing, and an actuating component is connected to the movable contact plate, wherein a circuit is formed from the inlet terminal, the movable contact plate, to the outlet terminal during use; characterized in that: The actuating components include an electromagnetic mechanism and a momentary mechanism installed inside the housing; The electromagnetic mechanism includes an electromagnetic coil, an armature, an iron core, a magnetic yoke, a tension spring, and a pull bolt. The electromagnetic coil is connected in series in the circuit. The iron core and the armature are placed coaxially. The iron core and the armature have a tension spring mounting position at their opposite midpoints, and the tension spring is installed thereon. The iron core is fixed to the magnetic yoke and installed inside the housing. The armature can move closer to or further away from the iron core. The iron core and the armature are installed inside the electromagnetic coil. The instantaneous mechanism includes a pull rod, a return spring, and a contact spring. The movable contact plate is installed at one end of the pull rod, and the contact spring is installed below the movable contact plate and sleeved on the pull rod. The pull rod also has a return spring, which is installed above the movable contact plate and sleeved on the pull rod. The other end of the pull rod also has a locking groove. The return spring is limited by the housing. The bolt has a locking position, the locking position and the locking groove cooperate with each other, and the return spring has the force to reset the pull rod and break free of the bolt when the locking position and the locking groove are separated; When the current is too large, the current causes the electromagnetic coil to generate more magnetic flux and act on the armature. The armature gains a greater force, which overcomes the restraint of the tension spring. That is, the armature moves closer to the iron core, which drives the pull bolt to move. The locking and slots disengage, and the pull rod breaks free from the pull bolt under the action of the return spring. The pull rod moves and drives the moving contact plate to disengage from the contact between the inlet terminal and the outlet terminal, thus realizing the disconnection of the protector.

2. The circuit protector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The iron core is installed on the left side of the electromagnetic mechanism, the armature is installed on the right side of the electromagnetic mechanism, the pull bolt is connected to the right end of the armature, and the slot is on the left side of the pull rod. The locking position is inserted into the slot from the left to bind the pull rod. When there is a large current in the circuit, the armature overcomes the limitation of the tension spring and moves towards the iron core, causing the pull bolt to move to the left. The locking position of the pull bolt separates from the slot of the pull rod, and the pull rod breaks free from the restraint of the pull bolt. Under the action of the return spring, it drives the moving contact plate to disconnect the circuit.

3. The circuit protector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The armature is installed on the left side of the electromagnetic mechanism, and the iron core is installed on the right side of the electromagnetic mechanism. The iron core has a through hole in the middle, and a push rod is installed in the through hole. The push rod is connected to the pull bolt on the right side. The tension spring is sleeved on the outer circumference of the push rod, pushing the iron core to the left. The slot is on the right side of the pull rod, and the locking position is inserted into the slot from the right to restrain the pull rod. When there is a large current in the circuit, the armature overcomes the limitation of the tension spring and moves towards the iron core, driving the push rod to move, which in turn pushes the pull bolt to the right. The locking position of the pull bolt separates from the slot, and the pull rod breaks free from the restraint of the pull bolt. Under the action of the return spring, it drives the moving contact plate to disconnect the circuit.

4. The circuit protector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The armature has an inclined block on its right side, and the pull bolt is hinged to the housing by a rotating shaft. The pull bolt has an inclined groove, and the inclined block and the inclined groove cooperate with each other. When there is a large current in the circuit, the armature overcomes the restriction of the tension spring and moves towards the iron core. The inclined block acts on the inclined groove, so that the pull bolt is subjected to a rotational torque, which drives the pull bolt to rotate. The slot is released from the restraint of the locking position, and under the action of the return spring, the moving contact plate is driven to disconnect the circuit.

5. The circuit protector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The armature has a conical inclined block on one side, and the left end of the pull bolt has an inclined surface that is connected to the inclined block. When there is a large current in the circuit, the armature overcomes the limitation of the tension spring and moves toward the iron core. The inclined surface and the inclined block exert force on each other, pushing the pull bolt to move. The slot is released from the restraint of the locking position, and under the action of the reset spring, the moving contact plate is driven to disconnect the circuit.

6. The circuit protector according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a steering lever, a locking spring, and a push rod mounted on the housing; the push rod is connected to an armature, the lever has a center of rotation and lever arms on both sides, the push rod pushes against one lever arm, the other lever arm pushes against a pull bolt, and the locking spring is mounted behind the pull bolt; when there is a large current in the circuit, the armature overcomes the limitation of the tension spring and moves towards the iron core, the push rod acts on the lever, the lever rotates, prying the pull bolt to move, the slot disengages from the locking position, and under the force of the return spring, the moving contact plate is driven to disconnect the circuit.

7. The circuit protector according to claim 6, characterized in that: The electromagnetic mechanism consists of two sets, with two sets of electromagnetic coils respectively located on both sides of the instantaneous mechanism. The armatures of the two sets of electromagnetic mechanisms are connected to the pull rods via bolts. When there is a large current in the circuit, the armatures of the two sets of electromagnetic mechanisms simultaneously overcome their respective tension springs, gain kinetic force, and move towards the iron core, thereby driving the bolts to move. This causes the pull rod's slot to break free from the bolt's restraint more quickly, and under the action of the return spring, it drives the moving contact plate to disconnect the circuit.

8. The circuit protector according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: The circuit protector is equipped with an active mechanism, which consists of a force arm mounted on a pull bolt and a flame switch mounted on the housing. The flame switch has a movable part facing the force arm. The flame switch is connected to a control device. Operating the control device generates a force that acts on the movable part, causing it to move rapidly and impact the force arm on the pull bolt, thus moving the pull bolt. This causes the pull rod to disengage from the pull bolt's locking position, and under the action of a return spring, the protector disconnects.

9. The circuit protector according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: The electromagnetic mechanism and the instantaneous mechanism are also located within an airtight structure, which is either formed by a shell or by an internal airtight membrane. The airtight structure is also filled with inert gas, and permanent magnets are provided on both sides of the pull rod.

10. The circuit protector according to claim 8, characterized in that: The electromagnetic mechanism and the instantaneous mechanism are also located within an airtight structure, which is either formed by a shell or by an internal airtight membrane. The airtight structure is also filled with inert gas, and permanent magnets are provided on both sides of the pull rod.

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