An operating mechanism for a circuit breaker

Abstract

An operating mechanism for a circuit breaker, belonging to the field of low-voltage electrical technology, includes a pair of side plates, a linkage assembly, a trip lever, and a trip half-shaft. The trip half-shaft engages with the trip lever, and the trip lever engages with the linkage assembly. The linkage assembly includes a first link, a second link, a locking rod, and a rocker arm. The two ends of the first link are hinged to the second link and the locking rod, respectively. The locking rod is located between the pair of side plates. The other end of the second link is hinged to the rocker arm, which is fixed to a main shaft. A key feature is the inclusion of a blocking device. This blocking device includes a blocking part located on either the locking rod or the trip lever, and a mating part located on the other. During tripping, the trip half-shaft unlocks the trip lever, and the locking rod pushes the trip lever to rotate until the locking rod is unlocked. Then, the blocking part collides with the mating part, preventing the trip lever from continuing to rotate. Advantages: Prevents the trip lever from rotating beyond its range, improving the safety of the operating mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of low-voltage electrical appliance technology, and specifically relates to an operating mechanism for a circuit breaker. Background Technology

[0002] Universal circuit breakers are widely used in low-voltage power supply and distribution systems due to their excellent protection characteristics. A circuit breaker includes an operating mechanism used to perform the opening and closing operations, and is the core component of the circuit breaker. With the increase in power system capacity, the use of large-capacity universal circuit breakers is increasing year by year. Large-capacity universal circuit breakers have significant contact energy; during opening, a portion of this contact energy is absorbed by the mechanism's impact.

[0003] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the operating mechanism 1 is installed at the front of the base 2, and provides the power for the opening and closing of the contact system inside the base 2. The operating mechanism 1 includes a pair of side plates 11 and a top plate 12 located on top of the operating mechanism 1, on which multiple components are installed. When inspecting the operating mechanism 1, it is often necessary to remove the top plate 12 and perform the opening and closing actions of the operating mechanism to observe where the problem is. At this time, during the opening process of the operating mechanism 1, the opening half shaft 16 of the operating mechanism 1 rotates, thereby causing the opening lever 15 of the operating mechanism 1 to rotate under force. The rotation of the opening lever 15 after unlocking can bring certain safety hazards to the operator. The linkage assembly 13 of the operating mechanism 1 includes a first link 131, a second link 132, a locking rod 133, and a swing rod 134. The two ends of the first link 131 are respectively hinged to one end of the second link 132 and the locking rod 133, and the other end of the second link 132 is hinged to the swing rod 134. The lever 134 is mounted and fixed on the main shaft 14 and can rotate with the main shaft 14. Since the trip lever 15 abuts against the locking rod 133 on the linkage assembly 13 of the operating mechanism 1 when the circuit is closed, the locking rod 133 applies rotational force to the trip lever 15. The greater the energy of the operating mechanism 1, the greater the rotational force applied by the locking rod 133 to the trip lever 15. The rotation of the trip lever 15 after unlocking poses a greater safety hazard to the operator.

[0004] In view of the aforementioned existing technology, it is necessary to make reasonable improvements to the operating mechanism of the existing circuit breaker. To this end, the applicant has made a beneficial design, and the technical solution described below is the result of this design. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The objective of this invention is to provide an operating mechanism for a circuit breaker, which has cooperating blocking devices on the locking rod and the trip lever to prevent the trip lever from continuing to rotate after unlocking, thereby improving the safety of the operating mechanism.

[0006] The present invention achieves its objective by providing an operating mechanism for a circuit breaker, comprising a pair of side plates, a linkage assembly, a trip lever, and a trip half-shaft; the trip half-shaft engages with the trip lever, and the trip lever engages with the linkage assembly; the linkage assembly comprises a first link, a second link, a locking rod, and a rocker arm, the two ends of the first link being hinged to the second link and the locking rod respectively, the locking rod being rotatably disposed between the pair of side plates, the other end of the second link being hinged to the rocker arm, and the rocker arm being fixed on a main shaft and rotating synchronously with the main shaft; the invention also includes a blocking device comprising a blocking portion located on either the locking rod or the trip lever, and a mating portion located on the other of the locking rod and the trip lever; during tripping, the trip half-shaft unlocks the trip lever, the locking rod pushes the trip lever to rotate until the locking rod is unlocked, and then the blocking portion collides with the mating portion to prevent the trip lever from continuing to rotate.

[0007] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the blocking part is located on the locking rod, and the cooperating part is located on the opening lever.

[0008] In another specific embodiment of the present invention, the blocking part is located on the opening lever, and the cooperating part is located on the locking rod.

[0009] In another specific embodiment of the present invention, the lever includes a mounting shaft and a pair of lever plates. The pair of lever plates are spaced apart, with one end of each lever plate rotatably disposed between a pair of side plates via the mounting shaft. A retaining shaft and a fixing shaft are provided between the pair of lever plates. The fixing shaft is used to ensure that the pair of lever plates are spaced apart. The retaining shaft is used to engage with the locking rod. The engaging part is located between the pair of lever plates.

[0010] In another specific embodiment of the present invention, the blocking part is hook-shaped.

[0011] In another specific embodiment of the present invention, the mating part is a round shaft located near the rotating end of the pair of levers.

[0012] In a further specific embodiment of the present invention, the locking rod further includes a latch portion, which is a recess, and the latch portion engages with the abutment shaft latch.

[0013] In a further specific embodiment of the present invention, a return spring is sleeved on the mounting shaft to provide a downward swinging return force for the brake lever.

[0014] In yet another specific embodiment of the present invention, the locking rod further has an outer edge surface. After the locking rod is unlocked, the outer edge surface contacts and engages with the abutment shaft. The inner side of the blocking part has an inner edge surface, which is used to block the engaging part. Both the outer edge surface and the inner edge surface are arc surfaces centered on the rotation center of the locking rod.

[0015] In yet another specific embodiment of the present invention, the first working angle between the abutment shaft and the mating part of the brake lever should be less than the second working angle of the outer edge surface of the locking rod.

[0016] The present invention has the following advantages due to the above-mentioned structure: the locking rod and the trip lever are provided with a matching blocking device, which prevents the trip lever from continuing to rotate after the locking rod is unlocked, thus greatly improving the safety of the operating mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a partial schematic diagram of a circuit breaker described in the prior art.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a partial schematic diagram of the circuit breaker operating mechanism described in the prior art.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal working mechanism in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the internal working mechanism in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the trip lever in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the locking rod in the linkage assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the operating mechanism in the closed state in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the operating mechanism in the process of tripping the circuit breaker in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the operating mechanism in the open state in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the parameters of the locking rod in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 11This is a schematic diagram showing the parameters of the locking rod and the trip lever in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the locking rod and the trip lever in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] In the diagram: 1. Operating mechanism, 11. Side plate, 12. Top plate, 13. Linkage assembly, 131. First link, 132. Second link, 133. Locking rod, 1331. Rotating hole, 1332. Hinge part, 13321. Hinge hole, 1333. Buckle part, 1334. Blocking part, 1335. Outer edge surface, 1336. Inner edge surface, 134. Swing rod, 135. Return spring, 14. Main shaft, 15. Opening lever, 151. Mounting shaft, 1511. Return spring, 152. Lever plate, 1521. Swing end, 153. Abutting shaft, 154. Fixed shaft, 155. Mating part, 16. Opening half shaft, 17. Spring assembly, 18. Energy storage lever, 19. Cam assembly, 20. Button assembly, 2. Base. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the description of the embodiments is not a limitation on the technical solution. Any formal but not substantive changes made based on the concept of the present invention should be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] In the following description, all directional or orientational concepts involving up, down, left, right, front, and back are based on the positions shown in the corresponding figures, and therefore should not be construed as a special limitation on the technical solutions provided by this invention.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 4 This embodiment is the first embodiment, which mainly relates to an operating mechanism of a circuit breaker, including a pair of side plates 11 and a top plate 12 located on top of the operating mechanism 1. The operating mechanism 1 also includes a linkage assembly 13, a main shaft 14 located in the direction of the operating mechanism 1 near the circuit breaker base, a trip lever 15, a trip half shaft 16, a spring assembly 17, an energy storage lever 18, a cam assembly 19, and a button assembly 20.

[0034] During the closing process, the cam assembly 19 unlocks the energy storage lever 18, the energy storage lever 18 unlocks the spring assembly 17, the spring assembly 17 extends and releases energy, driving the energy storage lever 18 to rotate. After the energy storage lever 18 rotates, it pushes the connecting rod assembly 13 to perform the closing action. The connecting rod assembly 13 drives the main shaft 14 to rotate, thereby driving the contact system of the circuit breaker to perform the closing action.

[0035] During the tripping process, the tripping half-shaft 16 is driven by the tripping electromagnet of the button assembly 20 or the operating mechanism 1, causing it to rotate and unlocking the tripping lever 15. Contact pressure and the tripping spring drive the connecting rod assembly 13 to perform the tripping action. The tripping lever 15 rotates under the drive of the locking rod 133 of the connecting rod assembly 13, unlocking the locking rod 133. The connecting rod assembly 13 performs the tripping action, driving the main shaft 14 to rotate, which in turn drives the circuit breaker's contact system to perform the tripping action.

[0036] The tripping action of the above-mentioned operating mechanism 1 can be triggered by the button assembly 20 or by triggering the tripping electromagnet of the operating mechanism by an external signal.

[0037] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figures 7 to 11 As shown, the linkage assembly 13 includes a first link 131, a second link 132, a locking rod 133, and a swing rod 134. The two ends of the first link 131 are respectively hinged to the second link 132 and the locking rod 133. The other end of the second link 132 is hinged to the swing rod 134 on the main shaft 14. The locking rod 133 is rotatably disposed between a pair of side plates 11. The swing rod 134 is fixed on the main shaft 14 and rotates synchronously with the main shaft 14.

[0038] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the trip lever 15 is rotatably mounted below the top plate 12 via a mounting shaft 151. A return spring 1511 is sleeved on the mounting shaft 151 to provide a restoring force for the trip lever 15 to swing downwards. The trip lever 15 engages with the locking rod 133, and also engages with the trip half-shaft 16, forming a two-stage engagement mechanism.

[0039] like Figure 5 As shown, the lever 15 includes a mounting shaft 151 and a pair of lever plates 152. The pair of lever plates 152 are spaced apart, with one end rotatably mounted between a pair of side plates 11 via the mounting shaft 151. A retaining shaft 153 and a fixing shaft 154 are provided between the pair of lever plates 152. The fixing shaft 154 ensures the spaced arrangement of the pair of lever plates 152, while the retaining shaft 153 engages with the locking rod 133. A mating part 155 is also provided between the pair of lever plates 152. Preferably, the mating part 155 is a round shaft. The mating part 155 hooks with the locking rod 133. Preferably, a bearing is mounted on the retaining shaft 153 to reduce friction and wear of parts when it engages with the locking rod 133. The mating part 155 is located near the rotating end of the pair of lever plates 152.

[0040] like Figure 6 As shown, the locking rod 133 is plate-shaped and includes a rotating hole 1331. The rotating hole 1331 engages with a shaft, thereby rotatably positioning the locking rod 133 between a pair of side plates 1. The locking rod 133 also includes a hinge portion 1332, which has a hinge hole 13321. The hinge hole 13321 is used for hinged connection with one end of the first connecting rod 131.

[0041] The locking lever 133 also includes a latching portion 1333, which is a recess. The latching portion 1333 engages with the abutment shaft 153 of the trip lever 15. The operating mechanism 1 includes a blocking device, which includes a blocking portion 1334 on the locking lever 133 and a mating portion 155 on the trip lever 15. The blocking portion 1334 and the mating portion 155 engage in a blocking engagement. That is, during the tripping process, as the trip lever 15 unlocks and rotates, the blocking portion 1334 blocks the mating portion 155, thereby preventing the trip lever 15 from impacting the top plate 12. Preferably, the blocking portion 1334 is hook-shaped, and it hooks the mating portion 155 to complete its blocking function.

[0042] like Figure 7 As shown, the swing ends 1521 of the pair of levers 152 are in a latched state with the opening half shaft 16, that is, the opening half shaft 16 locks the opening lever 15. The abutment shaft 153 and the latching part 1333 are in abutting state. The mating part 155 is located below the blocking part 1334, and the two are not in contact.

[0043] like Figure 8 As shown, the operating mechanism performs a tripping action. When the operating mechanism is driven, typically by a button or a tripping electromagnet, the tripping half-shaft 16 rotates, unlocking the tripping lever 15. The tripping lever 15 rotates under the push of the locking rod 133. At this moment, as the locking rod 133 begins to move, the engaging part 155, following the rotation of the tripping lever 15, is blocked by the blocking part 1334, thus preventing the tripping lever 15 from rotating further and avoiding rotation after unlocking. At this time, the kinetic energy of the tripping lever 15 is released through the blocking part 1334.

[0044] like Figure 3 , Figure 9As shown, the operating mechanism is in the open state. At this time, the linkage assembly 13 has moved to its position, and the locking lever 133 stops rotating after contacting the shaft to the left. The opening lever 15 rotates under the action of the return spring 1511 and abuts against the upper edge of the blocking part 1334. In the open state, the operating mechanism stores energy, and the return spring 135 on the linkage assembly 13 helps the locking lever 133 return to its position, entering the ready state.

[0045] like Figure 10 , Figure 11 The diagram shows the cooperation parameters of the trip lever 15 and the locking rod 133 in the first embodiment. As can be seen from the above scheme, the cooperation relationship between the two is as follows: when the trip half-shaft 16 is unlocked, firstly, the latch 1333 on the locking rod 133 drives the abutment shaft 153 on the trip lever 15, causing the trip lever 15 to rotate. Only after the abutment shaft 153 passes the top arc surface of the locking rod 133, i.e., after the trip lever 15 is unlocked, can the cooperating part 155 collide with or block the blocking part 1334. The aforementioned driving and blocking motion relationship must have a temporal sequence; otherwise, it will cause jamming. Furthermore, when the abutment shaft 153 disengages from the latch 1333, the locking rod 133 begins to move. During the movement of the locking rod 133, the cooperating part 155 collides with the blocking part 1334.

[0046] The outer edge surface 1335 of the locking rod 133 mates with the abutment shaft 153. Specifically, when the abutment shaft 153 disengages from the latch portion 1333, it moves along the outer edge surface 1335 during the leftward swing of the locking rod 133, and the two surfaces are tangent. The outer edge surface 1335 is an arc surface centered on the rotation center of the locking rod 133.

[0047] The inner edge surface 1336 of the blocking part 1334 is the surface that collides with the mating part 155. Preferably, the inner edge surface 1336 is also an arc surface with the rotation center of the locking rod 133 as the center. That is, the inner edge surface 1336 and the outer edge surface 1335 are concentric arc surfaces.

[0048] To ensure a more reliable engagement between the lever 15 and the locking rod 133, the first working angle α between the abutment shaft 153 and the mating part 155 of the lever 15 should be smaller than the second working angle β of the outer edge surface 1335 of the locking rod 133. Definition: The first working angle α is the angle between the abutment shaft 153 and the mating part 155, centered on the rotation center of the locking rod 133. The second working angle β is the included angle formed by the two ends of the arc surface of the outer edge surface 1335, centered on the rotation center of the locking rod 133.

[0049] Example 2

[0050] like Figure 12 As shown, the second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in that the mating part 155 is provided on the locking rod 133, while the blocking part 1334 is provided on the opening lever 15. Similarly, the collision between the blocking part 1334 and the mating part 155 prevents the opening lever 15 from rotating excessively.

[0051] Of course, based on the technical inspiration of this invention, any conventional means used to achieve the blocking of the latch lever 133 against the trip lever 15 are within the protection scope of this invention. Examples include the collision engagement between the boss and the stop block, and the collision engagement between the swing plate and the stop block.

Claims

1. An operating mechanism for a circuit breaker, comprising a pair of side plates (11), a linkage assembly (13), a trip lever (15), and a trip half-shaft (16); the trip half-shaft (16) is engaged with the trip lever (15), and the trip lever (15) is engaged with the linkage assembly (13); the linkage assembly (13) comprises a first linkage (131), a second linkage (132), a locking rod (133), and a swing rod (134), one end of the first linkage (131) is hinged to the second linkage (132), and the other end is hinged to the locking rod (133), the locking rod (133) is rotatably disposed between the pair of side plates (11), the other end of the second linkage (132) is hinged to the swing rod (134), and the swing rod (134) is fixed on a main shaft (14) and rotates synchronously with the main shaft (14); characterized in that: It also includes a blocking device, which includes a blocking part (1334) located on either the locking rod (133) or the trip lever (15) and a mating part (155) located on the other of the locking rod (133) and the trip lever (15). During the tripping process, the tripping half shaft (16) unlocks the trip lever (15), and the locking rod (133) pushes the trip lever (15) to rotate until the locking rod (133) is unlocked. Then, the blocking part (1334) collides with the mating part (155) to prevent the trip lever (15) from continuing to rotate.

2. The operating mechanism of a circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The blocking part (1334) is located on the locking rod (133), and the mating part (155) is located on the opening lever (15).

3. The operating mechanism of a circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The blocking part (1334) is located on the opening lever (15), and the mating part (155) is located on the locking rod (133).

4. The operating mechanism of a circuit breaker according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lever (15) includes a mounting shaft (151) and a pair of lever plates (152). The pair of lever plates (152) are spaced apart, and one end of each lever plate is rotatably mounted between a pair of side plates (11) via the mounting shaft (151). A retaining shaft (153) and a fixing shaft (154) are provided between the pair of lever plates (152). The fixing shaft (154) is used to ensure that the pair of lever plates (152) are spaced apart. The retaining shaft (153) is used to engage with the locking rod (133). The engaging part (155) is located between the pair of lever plates (152).

5. The operating mechanism of a circuit breaker according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that: The blocking part (1334) is hook-shaped.

6. The operating mechanism of a circuit breaker according to claim 4, characterized in that: The mating part (155) is a round shaft located near the rotating end of the pair of lever pieces (152).

7. The operating mechanism of a circuit breaker according to claim 4, characterized in that: The locking rod (133) also includes a latch (1333), which is a recess that latches with the abutment shaft (153).

8. The operating mechanism of a circuit breaker according to claim 4, characterized in that: A return spring (1511) is fitted on the mounting shaft (151) to provide a restoring force for the downward swing of the brake lever (15).

9. The operating mechanism of a circuit breaker according to claim 4, characterized in that: The locking rod (133) also has an outer edge surface (1335). After the locking rod (133) is unlocked, the outer edge surface (1335) contacts and engages with the abutment shaft (153). The inner side of the blocking part (1334) has an inner edge surface (1336). The inner edge surface (1336) is used to block the engaging part (155). Both the outer edge surface (1335) and the inner edge surface (1336) are arc surfaces with the rotation center of the locking rod (133) as the center.

10. The operating mechanism of a circuit breaker according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first working angle between the abutment shaft (153) and the mating part (155) of the brake lever (15) should be less than the second working angle of the outer edge surface (1335) of the locking rod (133).

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