Electric operating system for molded case circuit breaker and molded case circuit breaker

Abstract

An electric operating system for a molded case circuit breaker and a molded case circuit breaker. The electric operating system includes: a drive member; a reversing mechanism including: an actuating handle operably connected to the drive member and configured to move between a first position and a second position in response to the drive member driving the operating handle, wherein the operating handle is in a closing position in the first position of the actuating handle and in an opening position in the second position of the actuating handle; a shift lever operably connected to the actuating handle and capable of switching between a first state and a second state under actuation of the actuating handle, wherein the shift lever is in the first state in the first position of the actuating handle and in the second state in the second position of the actuating handle; and a micro switch configured to provide an indication of motor reversal when switching between an activated state and a deactivated state, wherein the shift lever is activated by pressure from the shift lever when the actuating handle is in the first state and deactivated without pressure from the shift lever when the actuating handle is in the second state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to an electric operating system for a molded case circuit breaker and a molded case circuit breaker comprising the electric operating system. Background Art

[0002] The electrical control system of a molded case circuit breaker has two stable states: open and closed. A reversing mechanism is required within the system to identify which state the system is currently in. This reversing mechanism is unique in that when the system moves from the open state to the closed state, the reversing mechanism cannot switch immediately but must wait until the system reaches the closed position. The same principle applies when the system moves from the closed state to the open state. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a reversing mechanism which can simply indicate the reversal of the motor movement.

[0004] An electric operating system for a molded case circuit breaker, the electric operating system being mounted on the molded case circuit breaker and being used to operate an operating handle of the molded case circuit breaker, the electric operating system comprising: a driving member configured to drive the operating handle of the molded case circuit breaker to switch between a closing position and an opening position under the drive of a motor; a reversing mechanism configured to provide an indication of the reversal of the motor of the electric operating system when the molded case circuit breaker switches between closing and opening, comprising: an actuating handle disposed in a housing of the electric operating system and operably connected to the driving member of the electric operating system, the actuating handle being configured to move between a first position and a second position in response to the driving member of the operating handle, and in the first position of the actuating handle , the operating handle is in the closing position, and in the second position of the actuating handle, the operating handle is in the opening position; the toggle lever is arranged in the housing of the electric operation system, is operably connected to the actuating handle, and can switch between the first state and the second state under the actuation of the actuating handle, in the first position of the actuating handle, the toggle lever is in the first state, and in the second position of the actuating handle, the toggle lever is in the second state; the micro switch is arranged in the housing of the electric operation system and is configured to provide an indication of motor reversal when switching between the activation state and the deactivation state, when the toggle lever is in the first state, it is activated by the pressure of the toggle lever, and when the toggle lever is in the second state, it is deactivated without being pressed by the toggle lever.

[0005] Advantageously, the actuating handle is pivotally disposed within the housing and has a first actuating arm having a first protrusion extending from the first actuating arm. After the actuating handle is pivoted a predetermined angle from the first position toward the second position, the first protrusion of the first actuating arm abuts against the shift lever and causes the shift lever to switch from the first state to the second state. When the actuating handle reaches the second position, the shift lever switches to the second state.

[0006] Advantageously, the actuating handle has a second actuating arm, which has a second protrusion extending from the second actuating arm. After the actuating handle is pivoted a predetermined angle from the second position toward the first position, the second protrusion of the second actuating arm abuts the shift lever and switches the shift lever from the second state to the first state. When the actuating handle reaches the first position, the shift lever switches to the first state, and the first actuating arm and the second actuating arm form a certain angle.

[0007] Advantageously, the lever is pivotably arranged in the housing via a torsion spring, so that under the action of the torsion spring, the lever can only be stabilized in the first state and the second state.

[0008] Advantageously, after the actuating handle pivots from the first position toward the second position by a predetermined angle, the first protrusion of the first actuating arm abuts the shift lever and causes the shift lever to pivot from the first state to the second state. After the shift lever pivots to a position passing the dead point of the torsion spring, the shift lever continues to pivot to the second state under the action of the torsion spring, and the actuating handle reaches the second position at the same time.

[0009] Advantageously, after the actuating handle pivots a predetermined angle from the second position toward the first position, the second protrusion of the second actuating arm abuts the shift lever and causes the shift lever to pivot from the second state to the first state. After the shift lever pivots to a position passing the dead point of the torsion spring, the shift lever continues to pivot to the first state under the action of the torsion spring, and the actuating handle reaches the first position at the same time.

[0010] Advantageously, the shift lever has a bent form, and comprises a pressing portion for pressing the micro switch and a matching portion for cooperating with the actuating handle, wherein the pressing portion extends toward the micro switch.

[0011] Advantageously, the driving member is slidably disposed in the housing and has a first limiting member and a second limiting member. One end of the actuating handle is rotatably mounted on the housing, and the other end is clamped between the first limiting member and the second limiting member.

[0012] When the driving member drives the operating handle to move from the closing position to the opening position, the first limiting member of the driving member pushes the actuating handle to move the actuating handle from the first position to the second position.

[0013] When the driving member drives the operating handle to move from the opening position to the closing position, the second limiting member of the driving member pushes the actuating handle to move the actuating handle from the second position toward the first position.

[0014] The present application also provides a molded case circuit breaker, which includes the electric operating system as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The above and other features and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way, wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 A perspective view of the electric operating system according to the present application is shown, which is installed on a molded case circuit breaker. At this time, the actuating handle is in the second position, corresponding to the open state.

[0017] Figure 2 A plan view of the electric operating system is shown. At this time, the actuating handle is in the first position, corresponding to the closed state.

[0018] Figure 3 A plan view of the electric operating system is shown. At this time, the actuating handle rotates a certain angle from the first position to the second position. At this time, the shift lever is still in the first state and the micro switch is in the activated state.

[0019] Figure 4 A plan view of the electric operating system is shown, at which point the actuating handle continues to rotate from the first position to the second position, so that the first protrusion of the first actuating arm of the actuating handle engages the mating portion of the shift lever.

[0020] Figure 5 A plan view of the electric operation system is shown. At this time, the actuating handle continues to rotate from the first position to the second position, so that the first protrusion of the first actuating arm of the actuating handle pulls the mating part of the shift lever, causing the shift lever to switch from the first state to the second state. The micro switch is in the deactivated state, and the shift lever is rotating past the dead point position of the torsion spring.

[0021] Figure 6 A plan view of the electric operating system is shown. At this time, the actuating handle continues to rotate from the first position to the second position, and the shift lever is switched and stabilized to the second state under the action of the torsion spring.

[0022] Figure 7 A perspective view showing the drive components of an electric operating system.

[0023] Figure 8 Shown is a perspective view of the actuation handle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the technical solution of the present disclosure clearer, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings of the specific embodiments of the present disclosure. The same figure marks in the drawings represent the same parts. It should be noted that the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of the embodiments. Based on the described embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0025] Compared to the embodiments shown in the drawings, feasible embodiments within the scope of protection of the present disclosure may have fewer components, additional components not shown in the drawings, different components, differently arranged components, or differently connected components, etc. In addition, two or more components in the drawings may be implemented in a single component, or a single component shown in the drawings may be implemented as multiple separate components.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, technical or scientific terms used herein should have the ordinary meaning understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar expressions used in the patent specification and claims of this disclosure do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. When the number of components is not specified, the number of components may be one or more; similarly, terms such as "a," "the," and "said" do not necessarily indicate a quantitative limitation. Terms such as "include" or "comprising" mean that the element or object preceding the term includes the elements or objects listed after the term, and their equivalents, but do not exclude other elements or objects. Terms such as "installed," "disposed," "connected," and "connected" are not limited to physical or mechanical installation, disposition, or connection, but may include electrical installation, disposition, or connection, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative orientations of devices during use or as shown in the accompanying drawings. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0027] Figure 1A perspective view of an electric operating system 1 according to the present application is shown, which is mounted on a molded case circuit breaker and is used to operate an operating handle (not shown) of the molded case circuit breaker. The driving member 11 of the electric operating system is operably connected to the operating handle of the molded case circuit breaker, and can drive the operating handle to switch between the closing position and the opening position under the drive of the motor. The driving of the operating handle by the driving member of the electric operating system is well known to those skilled in the art. In the example of the present invention, the driving member 11 is in the form of a rack, which slides along the guide rail 12 under the drive of the motor and further drives the operating handle to switch between the closing position and the opening position. The motor can slide the driving member 11 via a transmission mechanism, which is conceivable to those skilled in the art.

[0028] In the description of the present invention, only the driving member 11 in the form of a rack is described, but those skilled in the art should understand that the driving member can be in any suitable form as long as it can drive the operating handle of the molded case circuit breaker.

[0029] The electric control system 1 also includes a reversing mechanism 13, which is configured to provide a reversing signal to the electric control system's motor when the molded case circuit breaker switches between the closed and open states. Specifically, when triggered, the reversing mechanism sends a reversing signal to the motor, causing the motor to reverse direction. The function of a reversing mechanism in a molded case circuit breaker is well known in the art.

[0030] In the present invention, the reversing mechanism 13 includes an actuating handle 131, which is disposed within the housing of the electric operating system (for clarity, a portion of the housing has been removed to reveal the components within the housing) and is operably connected to the drive member 11 of the electric operating system. The actuating handle 131 is configured to move between a first position and a second position in response to actuation of the operating handle by the drive member 11. In the first position of the actuating handle, the operating handle is in a closed position, and in the second position of the actuating handle, the operating handle is in an open position.

[0031] In this example, if Figure 8 As shown, the actuator handle 131 is pivotally disposed within the housing and includes a first actuator arm 1311 and a second actuator arm 1312. The first actuator arm 1311 and the second actuator arm 1312 are angled relative to each other. The first actuator arm 1311 has a first protrusion 1313 extending therefrom, and the second actuator arm 1312 has a second protrusion 1314 extending therefrom. The functions of the first protrusion 1313 and the second protrusion 1314 will be described in detail below.

[0032] The reversing mechanism 13 also includes a shift lever 132, which is arranged in the housing of the electric operation system and is operably connected to the actuating handle 131. It can switch between the first state and the second state under the actuation of the actuating handle. In the first position of the actuating handle, the shift lever is in the first state, and in the second position of the actuating handle, the shift lever is in the second state.

[0033] In this example, a lever 132 is pivotally mounted to the housing via a torsion spring 133. This torsion spring is configured to stabilize the lever 132 in only the first or second position, with no intermediate positions. The lever 132 has a curved shape and includes a pressing portion 1321 for pressing against a microswitch described below, and a mating portion 1322 for cooperating with a first protrusion or a second protrusion of the actuation handle. The pressing portion 1321 extends from the mating portion 1322 toward the microswitch.

[0034] The reversing mechanism 13 also includes a micro switch 134, which is disposed in the housing of the electric operating system and is configured to provide an indication of the motor reversing when switching between the activated state and the deactivated state. When the lever is in the first state, it is activated by the pressure of the lever, and when the lever is in the second state, it is deactivated without the pressure of the lever.

[0035] Reference below Figures 2 to 6 To describe the process of moving the actuating handle from the first position to the second position.

[0036] Figure 2 The actuating handle is shown in the first position, corresponding to the closing state. At this time, the lever is in the first state and the micro switch is activated. When the motor is running, the driving member 11 is driven Figure 2 The driving member 11 has a first limiting member 111 and a second limiting member 112. Figure 7 As shown, the first limiting member 111 and the second limiting member 112 extend toward the side where the actuating handle is located and are spaced apart along the direction of movement of the driving member. One end of the actuating handle 131 is rotatably mounted on the housing, and the other end is clamped between the first limiting member 111 and the second limiting member 112. When the driving member 11 slides from left to right, the first limiting member 111 pushes the actuating handle 131 to move from the first position to the second position. In this example, the actuating handle 131 is in the Figure 2 The center pivots in a clockwise direction from the first position toward the second position.

[0037] After the actuating handle moves a certain angle, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first protrusion 1313 of the actuating handle 131 has not yet engaged with the matching portion 1322 of the lever 132, so that the pressing portion 1321 of the lever 132 still keeps pressing the micro switch 134, that is, the lever 132 is still in the first state and the micro switch 134 is in the activated state.

[0038] As the actuating member continues to slide, the actuating handle 131 continues to pivot, causing the first protrusion 1313 of the actuating handle 131 to engage the mating portion 1322 of the lever 132, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 shown.

[0039] When the actuating handle 131 continues to pivot, the lever 132 is driven to pivot in the clockwise direction in the figure, so that the pressing portion 1321 of the lever 132 is released from pressing the micro switch 134. Figure 5 As shown, in Figure 5 In this case, the lever 132 pivots past the dead point of the torsion spring (this dead point should be understood as meaning that after passing this dead point, the lever 132 can pivot under the action of the torsion spring without the need for external force). At this time, the pressing portion of the lever 132 releases its pressure on the micro switch, deactivating the micro switch. As a result, the micro switch 134 provides an indication of motor reversal operation.

[0040] Then, the driving member 11 moves to the position corresponding to the opening position in a very short time, the actuating handle moves to the second position, and the lever 132 is stabilized in the second state under the action of the torsion spring. Figures 5 and 6 The time of the process is quite short, so that it can be basically ignored. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Basically, it occurs at the same time. It is described separately in the description of the present invention in order to introduce the operation process in detail.

[0041] The above reference Figures 2 to 6 The process of the actuating handle from the first position to the second position is described. As for the process of the actuating handle from the second position to the second position, those skilled in the art can easily conceive of it based on the disclosure of this application, so it will not be repeated herein.

[0042] The present invention realizes reversing only when the switch reaches the opening state or the closing state by actuating the handle and the shifting rod with a simple structure.

[0043] Although the present invention has been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings with reference to various embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are merely preferred implementation methods, and certain technical features in the embodiments may not be necessary for solving specific technical problems, so that these technical features may be absent or omitted without affecting the solution of the technical problems or the formation of technical solutions; moreover, the features, elements and / or functions of one embodiment may be appropriately combined, coupled or coordinated with the features, elements and / or functions of one or more other embodiments, unless the combination, coupling or coordination is obviously not feasible.

Claims

1. An electric operating system for a molded case circuit breaker, the electric operating system being installed on the molded case circuit breaker and being used to operate the operating handle of the molded case circuit breaker, characterized in that: The electric operation system includes: A driving member configured to drive the operating handle of the molded case circuit breaker to switch between the closing position and the opening position under the drive of the motor; A reversing mechanism, configured to provide an indication of motor reversal of the electric operating system when the molded case circuit breaker switches between closing and opening, comprising: an actuating handle disposed in a housing of the electric operating system and operably connected to a driving member of the electric operating system, the actuating handle being configured to move between a first position and a second position in response to the driving member driving the operating handle, wherein the operating handle is in a closed position in the first position of the actuating handle and is in an open position in the second position of the actuating handle; a shift lever disposed in a housing of the electric operation system, operatively connected to the actuating handle, and capable of switching between a first state and a second state under actuation of the actuating handle, wherein the shift lever is in the first state when the actuating handle is in the first position, and is in the second state when the actuating handle is in the second position; The micro switch is arranged in the housing of the electric operation system and is configured to provide an indication of motor reversal when switching between an activated state and a deactivated state. When the lever is in a first state, the micro switch is activated by the pressure of the lever, and when the lever is in a second state, the micro switch is deactivated without being pressed by the lever.

2. The electric operation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The actuating handle is pivotally disposed in the housing and has a first actuating arm. The first actuating arm has a first protrusion extending from the first actuating arm. After the actuating handle pivots a predetermined angle from the first position toward the second position, the first protrusion of the first actuating arm abuts against the shift lever and switches the shift lever from the first state to the second state. When the actuating handle reaches the second position, the shift lever switches to the second state.

3. The electric operation system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The actuating handle has a second actuating arm, and the second actuating arm has a second protrusion extending from the second actuating arm. After the actuating handle pivots a predetermined angle from the second position toward the first position, the second protrusion of the second actuating arm abuts against the shift lever and switches the shift lever from the second state to the first state. When the actuating handle reaches the first position, the shift lever switches to the first state. The first actuating arm and the second actuating arm form a certain angle.

4. The electric operation system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The shift lever is pivotally arranged in the housing via a torsion spring, so that under the action of the torsion spring, the shift lever can only be stabilized in the first state and the second state.

5. The electric operation system according to claim 4, characterized in that: After the actuating handle pivots from the first position to the second position by a predetermined angle, the first protrusion of the first actuating arm abuts the shift lever and causes the shift lever to pivot from the first state to the second state. After the shift lever pivots to a dead point position passing through the torsion spring, the shift lever continues to pivot to the second state under the action of the torsion spring, and the actuating handle reaches the second position at the same time.

6. The electric operation system according to claim 5, characterized in that: After the actuating handle pivots a predetermined angle from the second position toward the first position, the second protrusion of the second actuating arm abuts the shift lever and causes the shift lever to pivot from the second state to the first state. After the shift lever pivots to pass the dead point position of the torsion spring, the shift lever continues to pivot to the first state under the action of the torsion spring, and the actuating handle reaches the first position at the same time.

7. The electric operation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The shift rod has a bent form and comprises a pressing portion for pressing the micro switch and a matching portion for cooperating with the actuating handle, wherein the pressing portion extends toward the micro switch.

8. The electric operation system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The driving member is slidably disposed in the housing and has a first limiting member and a second limiting member. One end of the actuating handle is rotatably mounted on the housing, and the other end is clamped between the first limiting member and the second limiting member. When the driving member drives the operating handle to move from the closing position to the opening position, the first limiting member of the driving member pushes the actuating handle to move the actuating handle from the first position to the second position. When the driving member drives the operating handle to move from the opening position to the closing position, the second limiting member of the driving member pushes the actuating handle to move the actuating handle from the second position toward the first position.

9. A molded case circuit breaker, characterized in that: The molded case circuit breaker comprises the electric operating system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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