A circuit protector

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of electrical technology, and is specifically a circuit protector, comprising a housing, and entry terminals and lead-out terminals passing through the housing; the actuating component comprises an electromagnetic mechanism and a momentary action mechanism installed in the housing; the electromagnetic mechanism comprises an electromagnetic coil, an iron core, an armature, a magnetic yoke, a tension spring, and a pull bolt; the armature is hinged on the housing, and the armature is also connected to the pull bolt; the iron core faces the side of the armature and forms the armature and the pull bolt into a rotating component; one end of the tension spring is connected to the armature, and the other end of the tension spring is connected to the housing; the momentary action mechanism comprises a pull rod, a contact spring, and a reset spring; the other end of the pull rod also has a clamping slot; the reset spring is limited by the housing; such a circuit protector has the advantages of simple structure, not easy to damage, and high sensitivity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electrical appliances, in particular to a circuit protector. Background Art

[0002] In circuits, stable current is crucial to the normal use of electrical appliances. Instantaneous large currents can easily damage the appliances at best, or cause fires and personal accidents at worst.

[0003] In the prior art, thermal fuses are often used to provide protection, and their working principle is as follows:

[0004] A fusible alloy wire or sheet is connected between the two pins of a thermal fuse. A special resin coats the fusible alloy wire, allowing current to flow from one pin to the other. When the temperature around the thermal fuse rises to its operating temperature, the fusible alloy melts and, under the action of surface tension and the help of the special resin, shrinks into a ball and attaches to the ends of the two pins, thus permanently cutting off the circuit.

[0005] Once the fuse's material and shape are determined, its resistance R is relatively fixed (ignoring its temperature coefficient of resistance). When current flows through it, it generates heat, and this heat generation increases over time. The current and resistance determine the rate at which heat is generated, while the fuse's construction and installation conditions determine the rate at which heat is dissipated. If the rate of heat generation is slower than the rate of heat dissipation, the fuse will not blow.

[0006] If the rate at which heat is generated equals the rate at which it is dissipated, the fuse will not blow for a considerable period of time. If the rate at which heat is generated exceeds the rate at which it is dissipated, the amount of heat generated will continue to increase. Because the fuse has a certain specific heat capacity and mass, this increase in heat is reflected in a rise in temperature. When the temperature rises above the fuse's melting point, the fuse blows. This is how a fuse works.

[0007] In the prior art, thermal fuses are often used to provide protection. The working principle of the thermal fuse is as follows: the fuse is connected to the circuit. When the current increases, the temperature of the fuse rises and it melts, thus permanently cutting off the circuit.

[0008] Although there are some relays in the prior art that can control the magnitude of the applied current, many of the relays in the prior art have disadvantages such as complex structure, low sensitivity, or poor durability, which affect the use effect and cannot meet the requirements of some users. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of the present invention is to address the above shortcomings and provide a circuit protector with simple structure, not easy to damage, low cost and high sensitivity.

[0010] The technical solution of the present invention is achieved as follows: a circuit protector includes a housing, and an inlet terminal and an outlet terminal extending through the housing, wherein one end of the inlet terminal and the outlet terminal are located outside the housing and the other end is located inside the housing; a movable contact plate is located within the housing, and an actuating component is connected to the movable contact plate. When in use, a circuit is formed from the inlet terminal, through the movable contact plate, to the outlet terminal; the actuating component includes an electromagnetic mechanism and a snap-action mechanism mounted within the housing;

[0011] The electromagnetic mechanism includes an electromagnetic coil, an iron core, an armature, a yoke, a tension spring, and a pull bolt. The electromagnetic coil is connected in series in a circuit, the iron core is inside the electromagnetic coil, the yoke is outside the electromagnetic coil, the armature is hinged to the housing, and the armature is also connected to the pull bolt. The iron core faces the side of the armature and forms a rotating component with the armature and the pull bolt. One end of the tension spring is connected to the armature, and the other end of the tension spring is connected to the housing. The tension spring provides a force to overcome the armature's rotation toward the iron core.

[0012] The instantaneous mechanism comprises a pull rod, a contact spring, and a return spring. The movable contact plate is mounted on one end of the pull rod. The contact spring is mounted below the movable contact plate and sleeved on the pull rod. The return spring is mounted on the pull rod above the movable contact plate and provides the movable contact plate with a force to break free from the contact between the entry terminal and the lead-out terminal. The other end of the pull rod also has a clamping slot. The return spring is limited by the housing.

[0013] The pull bolt has a latching position, and the latching position and the latching slot cooperate with each other;

[0014] When the latching position and the slot are engaged, the pull bolt restrains the pull rod, and the moving contact plate is electrically connected to the input terminal and the output terminal;

[0015] When the card position does not match the card slot, the pull rod is released from the pull bolt, and the movable contact plate disconnects the electrical connection between the input terminal and the output terminal;

[0016] When the current is too large, the current causes the electromagnetic coil to generate more magnetic flux and act on the armature. The armature obtains a greater force to rotate closer to the iron core, overcoming the restraint of the tension spring, that is, the armature moves closer to the iron core, driving the pull bolt to move, and the card position and the card slot are disengaged. Under the action of the reset spring, the pull rod breaks free from the pull bolt, and the pull rod moves, driving the moving contact plate to break away from the contact between the entry terminal and the lead-out terminal, thereby disconnecting the protector.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the present invention are: such a circuit protector has the advantages of simple structure, not easy to be damaged, and high sensitivity.

[0018] The present invention, however, employs electromagnetic principles, resulting in rapid action and decisive and reliable interruption of fault currents. During normal use, due to excellent contact performance, the contact resistance and heat generation are very low, resulting in very low power consumption. When a circuit fault occurs, electromagnetic force is instantaneously generated when the current reaches the tripping threshold, driving the instantaneous mechanism to trip and thereby interrupt the fault arc. This overcomes the operational time constraints of conventional fuses, which rely on heating due to fuse resistance, and only melt when the heat generated by the fuse exceeds the heat dissipation rate, thereby interrupting the fault arc, as well as performance degradation caused by prolonged heating. Furthermore, the product of the present invention operates in a clean production environment, whereas conventional thermal fuses, which often use quartz sand as the arc-extinguishing medium, have a harsh production environment and pollute the environment.

[0019] Since the present invention adopts the above-mentioned structure on the shell, it also has the advantage of sensitive action. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of the first situation of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a structural diagram of the second situation of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 It is a structural diagram of the third situation of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the top view structure.

[0024] Figure 5 It is a structural diagram of the fourth situation of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the top view structure.

[0026] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the top view of the structure of Example 5 of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 It is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of Example 5 of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting buckle of the pull bolt in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a situation in which the latching position and the latching slot of the present invention cooperate with each other.

[0030] Figure 11 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another situation when the latching position and the latching slot of the present invention cooperate with each other.

[0031] Figure 12It is a structural diagram of Example 6 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 13 It is a structural diagram of Example 7 of the present invention.

[0033] Among them: 1. Entry terminal 2, lead-out terminal 3, moving contact plate 4, electromagnetic mechanism 41, electromagnetic coil 42, iron core 43, armature 44, yoke 45, tension spring 46, pull bolt 461, latch 47, hinged part 5, instantaneous mechanism 51, pull rod 511, latching slot 52, reset spring 53, contact spring 10, housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "disposed," "installed," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediary; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0035] In order to make the present invention more understandable, the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, a circuit protector includes a housing, an entry terminal 1 and an exit terminal 2 extending through the housing, wherein one end of the entry terminal and the exit terminal are located outside the housing and the other end is located inside the housing; a movable contact plate 3 is located within the housing, and an actuating component is connected to the movable contact plate. When in use, a circuit is formed from the entry terminal, the movable contact plate to the exit terminal; the actuating component includes an electromagnetic mechanism 4 and a snap-action mechanism 5 mounted within the housing;

[0037] The electromagnetic mechanism includes an electromagnetic coil 41, an iron core 42, an armature 43, a yoke 44, a tension spring 45, and a pull bolt 46. The electromagnetic coil is connected in series in a circuit, with the iron core inside the electromagnetic coil and the yoke outside the electromagnetic coil. The armature is hinged to the housing, with 47 in the figure indicating the hinged portion. The armature is also connected to the pull bolt. The iron core faces the side of the armature, forming a rotating component with the armature and the pull bolt. One end of the tension spring is connected to the armature, and the other end of the tension spring is connected to the housing. The tension spring provides a force that overcomes the armature's rotation toward the coil.

[0038] The instantaneous mechanism comprises a pull rod 51, a return spring 52, and a contact spring 53. The movable contact plate is mounted on one end of the pull rod. The contact spring is mounted below the movable contact plate and sleeved on the pull rod. The return spring is mounted on the pull rod above the movable contact plate and provides the force for the movable contact plate to break free from the contact between the entry terminal and the lead-out terminal. The other end of the pull rod also has a clamping slot 511. The return spring is limited by the housing.

[0039] The pull bolt has a latching position 461, and the latching position and the latching slot cooperate with each other;

[0040] When the latching position and the slot are engaged, the pull bolt restrains the pull rod, and the moving contact plate is electrically connected to the input terminal and the output terminal;

[0041] When the card position does not match the card slot, the pull rod is released from the pull bolt, and the movable contact plate disconnects the electrical connection between the input terminal and the output terminal;

[0042] When the current is too large, the current causes the electromagnetic coil to generate more magnetic flux and act on the armature, and the armature obtains a greater force to rotate closer to the iron core. The direction of the arrow F in the figure is the direction in which the armature obtains a greater force to rotate closer to the iron core, overcoming the restraint of the tension spring, that is, the armature moves closer to the iron core, driving the pull bolt to move, and the card position and the card slot are disengaged. Under the action of the reset spring, the pull rod breaks free from the pull bolt, and the pull rod moves, driving the moving contact plate to break away from the contact between the entry terminal and the lead-out terminal, thereby disconnecting the protector.

[0043] Preferably, the shell is a hard shell, such as a phenolic plastic shell, etc., of course, a partial iron shell can also be used.

[0044] The clamping groove is, for example, an annular groove, and it only needs to be able to clamp.

[0045] The clamping position can be a clamping plate, or a component with a hole, for example, the side of the hole can clamp the clamping slot.

[0046] Figure 10 、 11 The diagram shows a cross-section of the latch and slot when engaged.

[0047] Figure 1 、 3 , The dotted line in 5 defines the pull rod.

[0048] Example 1

[0049] In the first embodiment, if Figure 1 、 9 , as shown in 10;

[0050] The armature and the pull bolt have matching connecting buckle grooves and connecting buckles 7A, and the armature and the pull bolt are connected through the buckle grooves and the connecting buckles. The clamping slot is on the left side of the pull rod.

[0051] For another example, the pull bolt has a long slot hole, the locking position is the left side of the long slot hole, and the locking slot is locked in the left side of the long slot hole.

[0052] When the current increases, the electromagnetic coil generates more magnetic flux, the iron core exerts a greater force on the armature, the armature rotates toward the iron core, driving the pull bolt to move to the left, and the pull rod breaks free from the restraint of the pull bolt.

[0053] The armature and the pull bolt have matching connecting buckle grooves and connecting buckles 7A, such as Figure 9 , which shows a schematic diagram of the connecting buckle of the pull bolt.

[0054] like Figure 10 , which is a cross-sectional diagram of the engagement of the latching position and the latching slot. Under the action of the force F, the latching slot of the pull rod breaks free from the restraint of the latching position and falls off.

[0055] It is more helpful to understand the following embodiments based on the understanding of the first embodiment.

[0056] Example 2

[0057] In the second embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown;

[0058] A lever 7B is installed inside the shell, the armature is connected to one end of the lever (for example, there is a slide groove on the armature, and the lever has a slider installed in the slide groove), the other end of the lever is connected to the pull bolt, and the slot is on the right side of the pull rod; when the armature moves toward the electromagnetic coil, the lever is pulled, the lever pushes the pull bolt to the right, and the pull rod is freed from the restraint of the pull bolt.

[0059] For another example, the pull bolt has a long slot hole, the locking position is the right side of the long slot hole, and the locking slot is locked in the right side of the long slot hole.

[0060] When the current increases, the electromagnetic coil generates more magnetic flux, the iron core exerts a greater force on the armature, the armature rotates toward the iron core, driving the pull bolt to move to the left, the lever pushes the pull bolt to the right, and the pull rod is freed from the restraint of the pull bolt.

[0061] like Figure 11 , which is a cross-sectional diagram of the engagement of the latching position and the latching slot. Under the action of the force F, the latching slot of the pull rod breaks free from the restraint of the latching position and falls off.

[0062] Example 3

[0063] In a third embodiment, Figure 3 、 4 , 10, 11;

[0064] The pull bolt is slidably installed in the shell. The direction of arrow C in the figure is the sliding direction of the pull bolt. The armature presses against the pull bolt, and the slot is on the front side of the pull rod. When the current increases, the electromagnetic coil generates more magnetic flux, and the force of the iron core acting on the armature is greater. The armature rotates toward the iron core, driving the pull bolt to move forward, and the pull rod is freed from the restraint of the pull bolt.

[0065] Example 4

[0066] In the fourth embodiment, Figure 5 、 6 , 10, 11;

[0067] The pull bolt is installed in the shell through the rotating shaft 7D. The direction of the arrow J in the figure is the direction of rotation of the pull bolt. The armature can rotate against the side of the pull bolt. The slot is on the front side of the pull rod. When the current increases, the electromagnetic coil generates more magnetic flux, and the force of the iron core acting on the armature is greater. The armature rotates toward the iron core and rotates to the right against the pull bolt, and the pull rod is freed from the restraint of the pull bolt.

[0068] Example 5

[0069] In the fifth embodiment, Figure 7 、 8 , 10, and 11; it is based on the above embodiment and has two sets of the electromagnetic mechanisms, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the pull rod. When the current increases, the two sets of the electromagnetic mechanisms act together on the pull bolt, causing the pull bolt to move and the pull rod to break free from the restraint of the pull bolt.

[0070] That is, the electromagnetic mechanism consists of two sets, and the two sets of electromagnetic coils are respectively arranged on both sides of the instantaneous mechanism. The armatures of the two sets of electromagnetic mechanisms are respectively connected to the pull rods through 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 kinetic force and move toward the iron core, driving the pull bolt to move, so that the slot of the pull rod can break free from the restraint of the pull bolt more quickly, and under the action of the reset spring, drive the moving touch plate to disconnect the circuit.

[0071] Working principle: When a fault occurs, the moving parts on both sides simultaneously overcome their respective tension springs, pushing the pull bolt to move, so that the pull rod is freed from the restraint of the pull bolt and cuts off the circuit. This situation is mainly used in cases where the rated working current is large but the cut-off fault current is not too large.

[0072] The present invention is configured in this way, which has the advantage of better preventing failure of the circuit protector.

[0073] Example 6

[0074] In the sixth embodiment, Figure 12 As shown, the circuit protector is provided with an active mechanism, which is a force-bearing arm 7F installed on the pull bolt, and a flame 8F switch is installed on the housing 10. The flame switch has a movable part 81F, which faces the force-bearing arm. The flame switch is connected to a control device, which operates the control device. The motive force generated by the flame switch acts on the movable part, and the movable part moves rapidly, hitting the force-bearing arm on the pull bolt, driving the pull bolt to move, thereby realizing that the slot of the pull rod is separated from the restraint of the pull bolt. Under the action of the reset spring, the protector is disconnected.

[0075] The control device is the switch of the flame switch, and the flame switch is a component in the prior art.

[0076] The present invention is configured such that when the circuit protector needs to be disconnected in an emergency and the electromagnetic mechanism and the instantaneous mechanism cannot be disconnected, the flame switch can be actively operated to act on the active force-bearing arm, so that the pull rod is freed from the restraint of the pull bolt and the circuit protector is disconnected.

[0077] Example 7

[0078] In the seventh embodiment, Figure 13 As shown, in each of the above embodiments, the electromagnetic mechanism and the instantaneous action mechanism are also in an airtight structure. The airtight structure is formed by a shell or an airtight film 7G inside the shell. The airtight structure is also filled with inert gas, and permanent magnets are also provided on both sides of the pull rod.

[0079] The present invention is configured in this way because the current in the circuit is generally very large. In order to extinguish the arc in a very short time, the cavity needs to be sealed and filled with inert gas to facilitate arc extinguishing; the provision 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.

[0080] 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 any technician in this field within the scope of the present invention are included in the patent scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A circuit protector comprising a housing, and an inlet terminal and an outlet terminal extending through the housing, wherein one end of the inlet terminal and the outlet terminal are located outside the housing and the other end is located inside the housing; a movable contact plate is located within the housing, and an actuating member is connected to the movable contact plate. When in use, a circuit is formed from the inlet terminal, through the movable contact plate, to the outlet terminal; the circuit protector is characterized by: The actuating components include an electromagnetic mechanism and a snap-action mechanism installed in the housing; The electromagnetic mechanism includes an electromagnetic coil, an iron core, an armature, a yoke, a tension spring, and a pull bolt. The electromagnetic coil is connected in series in a circuit, the iron core is inside the electromagnetic coil, the yoke is outside the electromagnetic coil, the armature is hinged to the housing, and the armature is also connected to the pull bolt. The iron core faces the side of the armature and forms a rotating component with the armature and the pull bolt. One end of the tension spring is connected to the armature, and the other end of the tension spring is connected to the housing. The tension spring provides a force to overcome the armature's rotation toward the coil. The instantaneous mechanism comprises a pull rod, a contact spring, and a return spring. The movable contact plate is mounted on one end of the pull rod. The contact spring is mounted below the movable contact plate and sleeved on the pull rod. The return spring is mounted on the pull rod above the movable contact plate and provides the movable contact plate with a force to break free from the contact between the entry terminal and the lead-out terminal. The other end of the pull rod also has a clamping slot. The return spring is limited by the housing. The pull bolt has a latching position, and the latching position and the latching slot cooperate with each other; When the latching position and the slot are engaged, the pull bolt restrains the pull rod, and the moving contact plate is electrically connected to the input terminal and the output terminal; When the latching position does not match the latching slot, the pull rod is released from the pull bolt, and the movable contact plate disconnects the electrical connection between the input terminal and the output terminal; When the current is too large, the current causes the electromagnetic coil to generate more magnetic flux and act on the armature. The armature obtains a greater force to rotate closer to the iron core, overcoming the restraint of the tension spring, that is, the armature moves closer to the iron core, driving the pull bolt to move, and the position and slot are disengaged. Under the action of the reset spring, the pull rod breaks free from the pull bolt, and the pull rod moves, driving the movable contact plate to break away from the contact between the input terminal and the output terminal, realizing the disconnection of the protector; The armature and the pull bolt have matching connecting buckle grooves and connecting buckles, and the armature and the pull bolt are connected through the buckle grooves and the connecting buckles. The clamping slot is on the left side of the pull rod; A lever is installed inside the shell, the armature is connected to one end of the lever, and the other end of the lever is connected to the pull bolt, and the slot is on the right side of the pull rod; when the armature moves toward the iron core, the lever is pulled, the lever pushes the pull bolt to the right, and the pull rod is freed from the restraint of the pull bolt.

2. The circuit protector according to claim 1, wherein: The pull bolt is slidably installed in the shell, the armature presses against the pull bolt, and the slot is just in front of the pull rod. When the current increases, the electromagnetic coil generates more magnetic flux, and the force of the iron core acting on the armature is greater. The armature rotates toward the iron core, driving the pull bolt to move forward, and the pull rod is freed from the restraint of the pull bolt.

3. The circuit protector according to claim 1, wherein: The pull bolt is installed in the shell through the rotating shaft, and the armature rotates against the side of the pull bolt. The slot is just in front of the pull rod. When the current increases, the electromagnetic coil generates more magnetic flux, and the force of the iron core acting on the armature is greater. The armature rotates toward the iron core and rotates to the right against the pull bolt, and the pull rod is freed from the restraint of the pull bolt.

4. The circuit protector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: There are two sets of electromagnetic mechanisms, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the pull rod. When the current increases, the two sets of electromagnetic mechanisms act on the pull bolt together, causing the pull bolt to move and the pull rod to break free from the restraint of the pull bolt.

5. The circuit protector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The circuit protector is provided with an active mechanism, which is a force-bearing arm installed on the pull bolt, and a flame switch is installed on the shell. The flame switch has a movable part, which faces the force-bearing arm. The flame switch is connected to a control device. The control device is operated. The motive force generated by the flame switch acts on the movable part. The movable part moves rapidly and hits the force-bearing arm on the pull bolt, driving the pull bolt to move, thereby realizing that the slot of the pull rod is separated from the restraint of the pull bolt. Under the action of the reset spring, the protector is disconnected.

6. The circuit protector according to claim 4, wherein: The circuit protector is provided with an active mechanism, which is a force-bearing arm installed on the pull bolt, and a flame switch is installed on the shell. The flame switch has a movable part, which faces the force-bearing arm. The flame switch is connected to a control device. The control device is operated. The motive force generated by the flame switch acts on the movable part. The movable part moves rapidly and hits the force-bearing arm on the pull bolt, driving the pull bolt to move, thereby realizing that the slot of the pull rod is separated from the restraint of the pull bolt. Under the action of the reset spring, the protector is disconnected.

7. The circuit protector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The electromagnetic mechanism and instantaneous mechanism are also in an airtight structure. The airtight structure is formed by a shell or an airtight film inside the shell. The airtight structure is also filled with inert gas, and permanent magnets are also provided on both sides of the pull rod.

8. The circuit protector according to claim 4, wherein: The electromagnetic mechanism and instantaneous mechanism are also in an airtight structure. The airtight structure is formed by a shell or an airtight film inside the shell. The airtight structure is also filled with inert gas, and permanent magnets are also provided on both sides of the pull rod.

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