A modular circuit breaker

CN117854996BActive Publication Date: 2026-10-27XIAN LINGYI INTELLIGENT ELECTRIC CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202311617309.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-11-29
Publication Date
2026-10-27
Estimated Expiration
2043-11-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

[0004]为了解决断路器自动化装配困难的问题,本申请提供一种模块化断路器

Benefits of technology

采用双断点触头结构,将操作机构与过载保护组件之间的电连接断开,不再使用导线(软连接)连接动触头、双金属片与进线端三者,实现操作机构自身可独立装配以及于断路器内的活动装配;而灭弧模块通过中壳高度集成灭弧室、磁吹组件和静触头等部件,实现组件模块化,对于断路器整体的装配来说简化了步骤、降低了难度,极大地方便自动化生产。

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Abstract

The application discloses a kind of modular circuit breaker, it is related to circuit breaker technical field, including shell, operating mechanism, handle assembly, arc extinguishing module, overload protection component, incoming line end and outgoing line end;The arc extinguishing module includes middle shell, arc extinguishing chamber, magnetic blow assembly;Two static contacts are further provided on the middle shell;The overload protection component includes bimetallic strip;The operating mechanism includes contact seat, the movable contact that is set on contact seat, and the movable contact is provided with two movable contact points that can be contacted with two static contacts respectively.This application adopts double-break contact structure, and the electrical connection between operating mechanism and overload protection component is disconnected, and the wire (soft connection) is no longer used to connect movable contact, bimetallic strip and incoming line end, to realize the independent assembly of operating mechanism itself and the movable assembly in circuit breaker;And arc extinguishing module realizes component modularization by middle shell, simplifies assembly step, reduces assembly difficulty, greatly facilitates automation production.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of circuit breaker technology, and in particular to a modular circuit breaker. Background Technology

[0002] A circuit breaker is an electrical device used to protect circuits. It primarily controls and protects load equipment in a circuit from damage caused by overloads, short circuits, and other abnormal conditions. It interrupts current in a circuit to allow for safe maintenance, repair, and replacement of electrical equipment. With the booming development of the new energy industry, rail transportation, photovoltaics, DC power transmission and distribution, and communication power supply industries, DC circuit breakers are taking up an increasingly larger share of the traditional power distribution market.

[0003] Existing circuit breakers have numerous components and complex assembly processes. In particular, the operating mechanism and overload protection components are typically connected using flexible wires. This is because the moving contact of the operating mechanism is movable, and the bimetallic strip of the overload protection component is susceptible to deformation due to temperature changes. Only a flexible connection can ensure circuit continuity during closing. Furthermore, the wires require manual soldering, making independent automated assembly of the operating mechanism difficult. In addition, the numerous scattered components within the circuit breaker, such as the arc-extinguishing chamber and magnetic blow-out assembly, further complicate the overall automated assembly of the circuit breaker. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the difficulty of automating circuit breaker assembly, this application provides a modular circuit breaker.

[0005] The modular circuit breaker provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: A modular circuit breaker includes a housing, an operating mechanism, a handle assembly, an arc-extinguishing module, an overload protection assembly, an inlet terminal, and an outlet terminal. The arc-extinguishing module includes a middle housing, an arc-extinguishing chamber disposed on the middle housing, and a magnetic blow-out assembly. The inner side of the housing has a mounting groove for embedding the middle housing. The middle housing also has two stationary contacts, each connected to a stationary arc plate, which are used to connect the inlet terminal and the outlet terminal, respectively. The overload protection assembly includes a bimetallic strip, and the inlet terminal is directly connected to the stationary contact used to connect to the inlet terminal or connected in series via the bimetallic strip. The stationary contacts have stationary contact points. The operating mechanism includes a contact base and a moving contact disposed on the contact base. The moving contact has two moving contacts that can respectively contact the two stationary contact points. When one of the moving contacts abuts against the corresponding stationary contact point, the other moving contact abuts against the corresponding stationary contact point.

[0006] By adopting the above technical solution and using a double-break contact structure, the electrical connection between the operating mechanism and the overload protection component is disconnected. The moving contact, bimetallic strip and incoming terminal are no longer connected by wires (flexible connections), which allows the operating mechanism to be assembled independently and to be moved within the circuit breaker. The arc extinguishing module integrates the arc extinguishing chamber, magnetic blow-out component and stationary contact through the high integration of the middle shell, realizing modularization of components. This simplifies the steps and reduces the difficulty of assembling the circuit breaker as a whole, greatly facilitating automated production.

[0007] Optionally, the stationary contact end for connecting the input terminal is provided with a conductive part, which is fixedly connected to the input terminal; the conductive part is provided with two protrusions, and the two ends of the bimetallic strip are electrically connected to the two protrusions respectively.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the conductive part and the input terminal are directly fixed instead of being connected by a bimetallic strip, which strengthens the connection stability between the structures and facilitates automated assembly. Alternatively, the bimetallic strip can be directly welded to the conductive part at both ends for parallel connection, generating a temperature rise through branch current, or it can be directly disconnected from the conductive part or the input terminal, using a bypass heating method to achieve overload protection, thus reducing the complexity of the manufacturing process.

[0009] Optionally, the middle shell is provided with two sets of arc-extinguishing chambers and two sets of magnetic blow-out assemblies. The two arc-extinguishing chambers face the opening direction of the two sets of moving contacts and stationary contacts, respectively. The two sets of magnetic blow-out assemblies are respectively located at the front end of the two arc-extinguishing chambers. The stationary contacts and moving contacts are separated and joined within the corresponding magnetic blow-out assemblies. The two stationary arc plates extend above the two arc-extinguishing chambers, respectively. An arc-inducing plate is provided below the arc-extinguishing chamber, extending towards the back of the corresponding magnetic blow-out assembly in the opening direction.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, corresponding arc-extinguishing chambers and magnetic blow-out components are set up for the two electric arcs respectively, so as to use the Lorentz force of the external magnetic field to press the two electric arcs into the two arc-extinguishing chambers respectively, thereby achieving the effect of efficient arc extinguishing.

[0011] Optionally, the magnetic blowout assembly includes two parallel magnetic plates and a permanent magnet; the two magnetic plates are spaced apart on both sides of the opening of the corresponding arc-extinguishing chamber, and the arc-initiating plate extends from below the two magnetic plates to the back side; the permanent magnet is disposed between the two magnetic plates, and the permanent magnet is located on the side of the arc-initiating plate away from the arc-extinguishing chamber.

[0012] By employing the above technical solution, a permanent magnet magnetizes the arc-starting plate and the magnetic plates on both sides, forming a magnetic field within the area enclosed between the arc-starting plate and the magnetic plates. This generates a Lorentz force that tends towards the arc-extinguishing chamber, propelling the arcs generated by the two sets of moving and stationary contacts stably into their respective arc-extinguishing chambers. Specifically, the N pole of the permanent magnet is brought close to or attached to the bottom of the arc-starting plate, magnetizing the side of the arc-starting plate facing away from the permanent magnet as the N pole, while the N pole of the arc-starting plate faces the inner side of the two magnetic plates, magnetizing the inner side of the magnetic plates as the S pole.

[0013] Optionally, a partition is provided in the middle of the shell, and mounting areas for installing two sets of arc-extinguishing chambers and magnetic blow-out components are formed on both sides of the partition; an upper limit groove for embedding the end of the stationary arc plate and a contact limit groove for embedding the bent part of the stationary contact are provided on the shell above the mounting areas; a lower limit groove for embedding the end of the arc-initiating plate is provided on the shell below the mounting areas; the upper and lower ends of any set of arc-extinguishing chambers are respectively press-fitted with the stationary arc plate and the arc-initiating plate on the corresponding side.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the components on both sides are separated by a partition, and the components on both sides can be assembled independently without affecting each other, simplifying the assembly steps; the upper limit groove and the contact limit groove are used to fix the static arc plate and the static contact, the lower limit groove is used to fix the arc-starting plate, and the arc-extinguishing chamber is fixed between the static arc plate and the arc-starting plate by interference fit, which facilitates disassembly and automated assembly.

[0015] Optionally, a groove is provided on one side of the partition at the arc-extinguishing chamber position, and a metal plate and an insulating plate are arranged side by side in the groove, with the metal plate disposed between the partition and the insulating plate; the partition is made of insulating material.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the metal plate is used to isolate and shield the magnetic field, preventing the magnetic fields of the two sets of magnetic blow-out components from affecting each other and thus weakening the magnetic blow-out effect on the electric arc.

[0017] Optionally, the moving contact includes a connecting portion, a first contact portion, and a second contact portion. The connecting portion is disposed between and connects the first contact portion and the second contact portion. The two moving contacts are respectively disposed on the first contact portion and the second contact portion. The contact seat is provided with a swinging protrusion and a clamping component for applying force to the first contact portion and the second contact portion. The connecting portion clamps against the swinging protrusion, and the clamping component is used to drive the moving contacts on the first contact portion and the moving contacts on the second contact portion to clamp against different stationary contacts respectively.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, since the connecting part presses against the swinging protrusion, and the first contact part and the second contact part are respectively located on both sides of the connecting part, the moving contact is forced by the clamping component, so that the moving contact on the first contact part and the moving contact on the second contact part respectively abut against different stationary contacts. Even if the stationary contact is burned during use, or if there is a slight mis-insertion during assembly, the moving contact will swing due to the above structure, so that each moving contact can maintain abutment against the corresponding stationary contact, that is, the moving contact is automatically balanced.

[0019] Optionally, the clamping assembly includes a first elastic member for abutting against the first contact portion and a second elastic member for abutting against the second contact portion; the contact seat is provided with two torsional protrusions, one of the force-receiving ends of the first elastic member and the second elastic member abutting against different torsional protrusions respectively, and the other force-receiving ends of the first elastic member and the second elastic member abutting against the first contact portion and the second contact portion respectively.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the first elastic element applies force to the first contact portion and the second elastic element applies force to the second contact portion, causing the first contact portion and the second contact portion to tend to deflect and move. The first elastic element and the second elastic element can continue to apply force to ensure that each moving contact keeps in contact with different stationary contacts.

[0021] Optionally, the stationary arc plate includes an arc-inducing portion, a bending portion, and an overlapping portion connected in sequence; the end of the stationary contact abuts against the bend at the bending portion and is in contact with the inner wall of the overlapping portion; a clearance groove is provided on the bending portion, and the end of the stationary contact is located in the clearance groove; an arc-inducing block is provided on the arc-inducing portion in the clearance groove, the end of the arc-inducing block abuts against the end of the stationary contact, and the end face of the arc-inducing block away from the overlapping portion is flush with the outer wall of the stationary contact.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, when the cathode arc extinguishes, it moves along the surface of the stationary contact and the stationary arc plate. The bends between the arc-initiating part and the bending part, and between the overlapping part and the bending part, all have arc angles. In particular, the arc angle between the arc-initiating part and the bending part creates a gap between the arc-initiating part and the stationary contact. This forces the arc moving along the surface of the stationary contact to jump before reaching the arc-initiating part, affecting the arc's movement and transmission, and consequently, its extinguishing. Therefore, by adding an arc-initiating block as an extension of the arc-initiating part, the arc-initiating part connects to the stationary contact through the arc-initiating block. This allows the arc to be transmitted through the surfaces of the stationary contact and the arc-initiating block to the arc-initiating part. In this way, the arc does not need to jump, facilitating rapid arc movement and thus improving the arc's extinguishing speed.

[0023] Optionally, the modular circuit breaker also includes a pre-installed housing; the handle assembly and the operating mechanism are both mounted on the pre-installed housing; the pre-installed housing is embedded in the mounting groove.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, the handle assembly and operating mechanism are also installed in the pre-assembled housing to achieve further modularization, and then directly installed in the outer shell, which facilitates the automated assembly of the overall circuit breaker.

[0025] In summary, this application includes the following beneficial technical effects: The double-break contact structure disconnects the electrical connection between the operating mechanism and the overload protection components, eliminating the need for wires (flexible connections) to connect the moving contact, bimetallic strip, and incoming terminal. This allows the operating mechanism to be assembled independently and also to be moved within the circuit breaker. The arc-extinguishing module integrates the arc-extinguishing chamber, magnetic blow-out assembly, and stationary contact through the high integration of the middle shell, achieving modularization of components. This simplifies the assembly process of the entire circuit breaker, reduces the difficulty, and greatly facilitates automated production. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0027] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the outer shell, arc extinguishing module, and operating mechanism in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0028] Figure 3 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the arc extinguishing module in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the stationary arc plate, stationary contact, and moving contact in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the stationary contact structure in another embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the operating mechanism in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0032] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the contact seat and moving contact in Embodiment 1 of this application. Figure 8 yes Figure 4 The enlarged schematic diagram at point A shows the connection structure between the stationary arc plate and the stationary contact.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the arc-extinguishing chamber, magnetic blow-out assembly, and moving contact in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0034] Figure 10 This is an exploded view of Embodiment 2 of this application, used to illustrate the structure of the pre-assembled shell.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Outer shell; 11. Inlet terminal; 12. Outlet terminal; 13. Handle assembly; 14. Mounting slot; 15. Pre-installed shell; 2. Operating mechanism; 21. Contact seat; 211. Swinging protrusion; 212. Limiting block; 213. Torsional protrusion; 22. Moving contact; 221. Connecting part; 222. First contact part; 223. Second contact part; 224. Moving contact; 23. Clamping assembly; 231. Main shaft; 232. First elastic element; 233. Second elastic element; 3. Arc extinguishing module; 31. Middle shell; 311. Partition plate; 3111. Insert groove; 312. Mounting area; 313. Upper limit groove; 314. Contact limit 315. Lower limit slot; 316. Moving arc limit slot; 32. Arc extinguishing chamber; 321. Metal grid; 322. Metal plate; 323. Insulating plate; 33. Arc ignition plate; 34. Magnetic blow-out assembly; 341. Magnetic guide plate; 342. Permanent magnet; 35. Stationary contact; 351. Stationary contact point; 352. Conductive part; 353. Protrusion; 36. Stationary arc plate; 361. Lead-out part; 362. Arc ignition part; 363. Bending part; 3631. Relief slot; 3632. Arc ignition block; 364. Overlap part; 4. Overload protection assembly; 41. Bimetallic strip; 42. Bimetallic pull rod; 43. Wire; 5. Short circuit protection assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-10 This application will be described in further detail.

[0037] Example 1: This application discloses a modular circuit breaker. (Refer to...) Figure 1 , Figure 2 The modular circuit breaker includes a housing 1, an operating mechanism 2, a handle assembly 13, an arc-extinguishing module 3, a short-circuit protection assembly 5, an overload protection assembly 4, an inlet terminal 11, and an outlet terminal 12. The arc-extinguishing module 3 further includes a middle housing 31, an arc-extinguishing chamber 32 mounted on the middle housing 31, and a magnetic blow-out assembly 34. The short-circuit protection assembly 5 is also fixed to the middle housing 31 via a slot structure. The middle housing 31 also has two stationary contacts 35, each with a stationary contact point 351 welded to it. A stationary arc plate 36 is connected to each stationary contact 35. The two stationary contacts 35 are used to connect the inlet terminal 11 and the outlet terminal 12, respectively. The middle housing 31 highly integrates the arc-extinguishing chamber 32, the magnetic blow-out assembly 34, the short-circuit protection assembly 5, and the stationary contacts 35. The inner side of the housing 1 has a mounting groove 14 for the middle housing 31 to be embedded in. The integrated arc-extinguishing module 3 is directly installed in the mounting groove 14, simplifying the overall assembly steps of the circuit breaker.

[0038] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4The overload protection component 4 includes a bimetallic strip 41 and a bimetallic lever 42. The inlet terminal 11 is connected in series with the stationary contact 35 for connecting the inlet terminal 11 via the bimetallic strip 41. Specifically, the movable end of the bimetallic strip 41 is flexibly connected to the stationary contact 35, and the fixed end of the bimetallic strip 41 is connected to the inlet terminal 11 via a wire 43. The bimetallic lever 42 is U-shaped, with one end connected to the operating mechanism 2 and the other end extending to the side of the movable end of the bimetallic strip 41 away from the stationary contact 35.

[0039] In another embodiment, refer to 3, Figure 5 The stationary contact 35, used to connect to the input terminal 11, has an integrally formed conductive part 352 at its end, which is fixedly connected to the input terminal 11. Two protrusions 353 are integrally formed on the conductive part 352, and both ends of the bimetallic strip 41 can be electrically connected to the two protrusions 353 respectively. The direct fixing of the conductive part 352 to the input terminal 11 replaces the soft connection via the bimetallic strip 41, strengthening the connection stability between structures and facilitating automated assembly. Alternatively, the bimetallic strip 41 can be directly welded to the conductive part 352 in parallel, generating a temperature rise through branch current, or it can be directly disconnected from the conductive part 352 or the input terminal 11, using a bypass heating method to achieve overload protection, reducing manufacturing complexity.

[0040] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 7 The operating mechanism 2 includes a contact seat 21 and a movable contact 22 disposed on the contact seat 21. The movable contact 22 has two movable contacts 224 that can respectively contact two stationary contacts 351. When one movable contact 224 abuts against the corresponding stationary contact 351, the other movable contact 224 abuts against the corresponding stationary contact 351. An integrally formed swing protrusion 211 and a limiting block 212 are formed on one side wall of the contact seat 21. The cross-sectional area of ​​the limiting block 212 in the arrangement direction of the contact seat 21 increases along the arrangement direction of the limiting block 212 in the contact seat 21. In this embodiment, the cross-section of the limiting block 212 is close to a triangle. The moving contact 22 includes a connecting portion 221, a first contact portion 222, and a second contact portion 223. The connecting portion 221 is disposed between the first contact portion 222 and the second contact portion 223, and connects the first contact portion 222 and the second contact portion 223. The connecting portion 221, the first contact portion 222, and the second contact portion 223 are integrally formed using conductive material. Two moving contacts 224 are respectively welded to the first contact portion 222 and the second contact portion 223. A connecting hole is provided on the connecting portion 221, and a limiting block 212 is inserted into the connecting hole. The end of the connecting portion 221 presses against the swing protrusion 211.

[0041] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 7A clamping assembly 23 is provided on the contact seat 21. The clamping assembly 23 includes a main shaft 231 that passes through and is rotatably mounted on the contact seat 21, a first elastic member 232 for applying force to the first contact portion 222, and a second elastic member 233 for applying force to the second contact portion 223. Both the first elastic member 232 and the second elastic member 233 are torsion springs, located on opposite sides of the contact seat and both sleeved on the main shaft 231. Torsional protrusions 213 are integrally formed on both opposite sidewalls of the contact seat 21. The two ends of the first elastic member 232 press against one of the torsional protrusions 213 and the first contact portion 222, respectively, and the two ends of the second elastic member 233 press against the other torsional protrusion 213 and the second contact portion 223, respectively.

[0042] The first elastic element 232 drives the movable contact 224 on the first contact portion 222 to abut against one of the stationary contacts 351, and the second elastic element 233 drives the movable contact 224 on the second contact portion 223 to abut against another stationary contact 351. When one movable contact 224 abuts against one of the stationary contacts 351, the other movable contact 224 aligns with the remaining stationary contact 351, and the two pairs of different movable contacts 224 are connected in series with the stationary contacts 351. In other embodiments, the first elastic element 232 and the second elastic element 233 can also be springs, and any method that enables the connecting portion 221 to abut against the swing protrusion 211 and enables the movable contacts 224 on the first contact portion 222 and the second contact portion 223 to abut against the corresponding stationary contacts 351 is acceptable.

[0043] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 8 The stationary arc plate 36 includes an arc-initiating part 362, a bending part 363, and an overlapping part 364 connected in sequence. The lead-out part 361, the arc-initiating part 362, the bending part 363, and the overlapping part 364 are integrally formed by bending and stamping using conductive material. The end of the stationary contact 35 abuts against the bend at the bend of the bending part 363 and is in contact with the inner wall of the overlapping part 364. A relief groove 3631 is provided on the bending part 363, and the end of the stationary contact 35 is located in the relief groove 3631. An arc-initiating block 3632 is formed on the arc-initiating part 362 by punching out the relief groove 3631. The end of the arc-initiating block 3632 abuts against the end of the stationary contact 35, and the end face of the arc-initiating block 3632 away from the overlapping part 364 is flush with the outer wall of the stationary contact 35. This allows the electric arc to be transmitted from the surface of the stationary contact 35 and the arc-initiating block 3632 to the arc-initiating part 362. In this way, the electric arc does not need to jump, which helps the electric arc to move quickly and thus improves the extinguishing speed of the electric arc.

[0044] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 9The middle shell 31 has two symmetrical sets of arc-extinguishing chambers 32 and two sets of magnetic blow-out assemblies 34. Each set of arc-extinguishing chambers 32 is composed of multiple stacked metal grid plates 321. In this embodiment, the metal grid plates 321 are ferromagnetic grid plates. The number of metal grid plates 321 is at least 16, and in this embodiment, it is 20. A partition plate 311 is integrally formed in the middle of the middle shell 31. The partition plate 311 has mounting areas 312 on both sides for mounting the two sets of arc-extinguishing chambers 32 and magnetic blow-out assemblies 34. The two arc-extinguishing chambers 32 face the opening direction of the two sets of moving contacts 22 and stationary contacts 35, respectively. The two sets of magnetic blow-out assemblies 34 are respectively disposed at the front end of the two arc-extinguishing chambers 32. The stationary contact 351 and the moving contact 224 are separated and joined in the corresponding magnetic blow-out assembly 34. The two stationary arc plates 36 extend above the two arc-extinguishing chambers 32, respectively. An arc-inducing plate 33 is disposed below the arc-extinguishing chamber 32, extending towards the back of the corresponding magnetic blow-out assembly 34 in the opening direction.

[0045] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 9 The magnetic blow-out assembly 34 includes two magnetic plates 341 and a permanent magnet 342. Two sets of magnetic blow-out assemblies 34 are respectively positioned in front of the openings of two arc-extinguishing chambers 32. The two magnetic plates 341 of the same set are spaced apart on both sides of the opening of the corresponding arc-extinguishing chamber 32, and cover the area traversed by the opening and closing actions of the corresponding set of moving contacts 224 and stationary contacts 351. Two arc-inducing plates 33 pass under the space between the two sets of magnetic plates 341, forming a channel that communicates with the opening of the arc-extinguishing chamber 32 and powers the arc movement. The two sets of moving contacts 224 and stationary contacts 351 are separated into two distinct areas, allowing the two generated arcs to enter the corresponding arc-extinguishing chamber 32 along the channel formed by the two sets of magnetic plates 341, thus improving the arc-extinguishing effect.

[0046] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 9 The permanent magnet 342 is located between the two magnetic plates 341, and the permanent magnet 342 is set on the side of the arc-inducing plate 33 away from the moving contact 22. The specific fixing method is to fix the permanent magnet 342 to the bottom inner side and fix the two magnetic plates 341 to the inner sides on both sides through the U-shaped arc-blocking wall, and then clamp them together from bottom to top on the arc-inducing plate 33. The permanent magnet 342 can magnetize the arc-starting plate 33 and the magnetic plates 341 on both sides, forming a magnetic field in the area enclosed between the arc-starting plate 33 and the magnetic plates 341 on both sides, generating a Lorentz force that tends towards the arc-extinguishing chamber 32, thus realizing the magnetic blowout of the electric arc. Specifically, the N pole of the permanent magnet 342 is brought close to or attached to the bottom of the arc-starting plate 33, so that the side of the arc-starting plate 33 facing away from the permanent magnet 342 is magnetized into the N pole, while the N pole of the arc-starting plate 33 faces the inner side of the two magnetic plates 341, so that the inner side of the magnetic plates 341 is magnetized into the S pole.

[0047] Reference Figure 3, Figure 9 The middle shell 31 has an upper limit groove 313 for the end of the stationary arc plate 36 to be inserted and a contact limit groove 314 for the bent part of the stationary contact 35 to be inserted above the mounting area 312. The middle shell 31 has a lower limit groove 315 for the end of the arc-inducing plate 33 to be inserted below the mounting area 312. On the side of the mounting area 312 near the magnetic blow-out assembly 34, a moving arc limit groove 316 is formed for the other end of the arc-inducing plate 33 to be locked and limited. After the stationary arc plate 36, the stationary contact 35 and the arc-inducing plate 33 are fixed, the upper and lower ends of the arc-extinguishing chamber 32 are respectively pressurized with the stationary arc plate 36 and the arc-inducing plate 33 on the corresponding side to fix the arc-extinguishing chamber 32.

[0048] Reference Figure 3 A groove 3111 is formed on one side of the partition 311 at the position of the arc-extinguishing chamber 32. A metal plate 322 and an insulating plate 323 are arranged side by side in the groove 3111, with the metal plate 322 positioned between the partition 311 and the insulating plate 323. The partition 311 is also made of insulating material. The metal plate 322 serves to isolate and shield the magnetic field, preventing the magnetic fields of the two sets of magnetic blow-out components 34 from interfering with each other and thus weakening the magnetic blow-out effect on the arc.

[0049] Example 2, refer to Figure 10 The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the modular circuit breaker also includes a pre-assembled housing 15, on which the handle assembly 13 and the operating mechanism 2 are both mounted; the pre-assembled housing 15 is embedded in the mounting groove 14. By also mounting the handle assembly 13 and the operating mechanism 2 in the pre-assembled housing 15, further modularization is achieved, and then it is directly mounted in the outer casing 1, which facilitates the automated assembly of the overall circuit breaker.

[0050] The implementation principle of a modular circuit breaker in this application embodiment is as follows: a double-break contact structure is adopted to disconnect the electrical connection between the operating mechanism 2 and the overload protection component 4. The moving contact 22, bimetallic strip 41 and incoming terminal 11 are no longer connected by wire 43 (soft connection), so that the operating mechanism 2 can be assembled independently and can be moved and assembled within the circuit breaker. The arc extinguishing module 3 integrates the arc extinguishing chamber 32, magnetic blow-out component 34 and stationary contact 35 through the middle shell 31, realizing modularization of components. This simplifies the steps and reduces the difficulty of assembling the circuit breaker as a whole, and greatly facilitates automated production.

[0051] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A modular circuit breaker, comprising a housing (1), an operating mechanism (2), a handle assembly (13), an arc-extinguishing module (3), an overload protection assembly (4), an incoming terminal (11), and an outgoing terminal (12); characterized in that, The arc extinguishing module (3) includes a middle shell (31), an arc extinguishing chamber (32) disposed on the middle shell (31), and a magnetic blow-out assembly (34); the inner side of the outer shell (1) is provided with an installation groove (14) for the middle shell (31) to be embedded; the middle shell (31) is also provided with two stationary contacts (35), and a stationary arc plate (36) is connected to the stationary contact (35), and the two stationary contacts (35) are respectively used to connect the inlet end (11) and the outlet end (12); the overload protection assembly (4) includes a bimetallic strip (41), and the inlet end (11) and the stationary contact (35) used to connect the inlet end (11) are directly connected or connected in series through the bimetallic strip (41); the stationary contact (35) is provided with a stationary contact point (351); the operating mechanism (2) includes a contact seat (2 1) A movable contact (22) is provided on the contact seat (21). The movable contact (22) has two movable contacts (224) that can contact the two stationary contacts (351) respectively. When one of the movable contacts (224) abuts against the corresponding stationary contact (351), the other movable contact (224) abuts against the corresponding stationary contact (351). An integrally formed swing protrusion (211) and a limiting block (212) are formed on one side wall of the contact seat (21). The cross-sectional area of ​​the limiting block (212) in the arrangement direction of the contact seat (21) increases along the arrangement direction of the limiting block (212) to the contact seat (21). A connecting hole is provided on the connecting part (221). The limiting block (212) is inserted into the connecting hole. The end of the connecting part (221) presses against the swing protrusion (211).

2. A modular circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stationary contact (35) used to connect the input terminal (11) is provided with a conductive part (352) at its end, and the conductive part (352) is fixedly connected to the input terminal (11); the conductive part (352) is provided with two protrusions (353), and the two ends of the bimetallic strip (41) are electrically connected to the two protrusions (353) respectively.

3. A modular circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The middle shell (31) is provided with two sets of arc-extinguishing chambers (32) and two sets of magnetic blow-out assemblies (34). The two arc-extinguishing chambers (32) are respectively facing the opening direction of the two sets of moving contacts (22) and stationary contacts (35). The two sets of magnetic blow-out assemblies (34) are respectively located at the front end of the two arc-extinguishing chambers (32). The stationary contact (351) and the moving contact (224) are separated and joined in the corresponding magnetic blow-out assembly (34). The two stationary arc plates (36) extend above the two arc-extinguishing chambers (32). The arc-inducing plate (33) is provided below the arc-extinguishing chamber (32) and extends towards the back of the corresponding magnetic blow-out assembly (34) in the opening direction.

4. A modular circuit breaker according to claim 3, characterized in that: The magnetic blowout assembly (34) includes two parallel magnetic plates (341) and a permanent magnet (342); the two magnetic plates (341) are spaced apart on both sides of the opening of the corresponding arc-extinguishing chamber (32), and the arc-initiating plate (33) extends from below the two magnetic plates (341) to the back side; the permanent magnet (342) is disposed between the two magnetic plates (341), and the permanent magnet (342) is located on the side of the arc-initiating plate (33) away from the arc-extinguishing chamber (32).

5. A modular circuit breaker according to claim 3, characterized in that: A partition (311) is provided in the middle of the shell (31), and mounting areas (312) for installing two sets of arc-extinguishing chambers (32) and magnetic blow-out components (34) are formed on both sides of the partition (311); an upper limit groove (313) for embedding the end of the stationary arc plate (36) and a contact limit groove (314) for embedding the bent part of the stationary contact (35) are provided on the shell (31) above the mounting area (312); a lower limit groove (315) for embedding the end of the arc-inducing plate (33) is provided on the shell (31) below the mounting area (312); the upper and lower ends of any set of arc-extinguishing chambers (32) are respectively press-fitted with the stationary arc plate (36) and the arc-inducing plate (33) on the corresponding side.

6. A modular circuit breaker according to claim 5, characterized in that: A groove (3111) is provided on one side of the partition (311) at the position of the arc-extinguishing chamber (32). A metal plate (322) and an insulating plate (323) are arranged side by side in the groove (3111). The metal plate (322) is located between the partition (311) and the insulating plate (323). The partition (311) is made of insulating material.

7. A modular circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The moving contact (22) includes a connecting part (221), a first contact part (222), and a second contact part (223). The connecting part (221) is disposed between the first contact part (222) and the second contact part (223) and connects the first contact part (222) and the second contact part (223). Two moving contacts (224) are respectively disposed on the first contact part (222) and the second contact part (223). The contact seat (21) is provided with a clamping component (23) for applying force to the first contact part (222) and the second contact part (223). The connecting part (221) clamps against the swing protrusion (211). The clamping component (23) is used to drive the moving contact (22) on the first contact part (222) and the moving contact (224) on the second contact part (223) to clamp against different stationary contacts (351) respectively.

8. A modular circuit breaker according to claim 7, characterized in that: The clamping assembly (23) includes a first elastic member (232) for abutting against the first contact portion (222) and a second elastic member (233) for abutting against the second contact portion (223); the contact seat (21) is provided with two torsion protrusions (213), one of the force-bearing ends of the first elastic member (232) and the second elastic member (233) abutting against different torsion protrusions (213), and the other force-bearing ends of the first elastic member (232) and the second elastic member (233) abutting against the first contact portion (222) and the second contact portion (223) respectively.

9. A modular circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stationary arc plate (36) includes an arc-inducing part (362), a bending part (363), and an overlapping part (364) connected in sequence; the end of the stationary contact (35) abuts against the bend at the corner of the bending part (363) and is in contact with the inner wall of the overlapping part (364); a relief groove (3631) is provided on the bending part (363), and the end of the stationary contact (35) is located in the relief groove (3631); an arc-inducing block (3632) is provided on the arc-inducing part (362) in the relief groove (3631), the end of the arc-inducing block (3632) abuts against the end of the stationary contact (35), and the end face of the arc-inducing block (3632) away from the overlapping part (364) is flush with the outer wall of the stationary contact (35).

10. A modular circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a pre-installed housing (15); the handle assembly (13) and the operating mechanism (2) are both mounted on the pre-installed housing (15); the pre-installed housing (15) is embedded in the mounting groove (14).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Arc extinguish chamber and switching device

    CN113972118A

  • Phase / neutral conductor circuit breaker

    EP0569650A1