Molded case circuit breaker and assembly method

Abstract

The present invention describes a molded case circuit breaker comprising: a trigger device having at least one rotating lever; a fixed adjustment lever movably and rotatably arranged on the rotating lever of the trigger device and arranged in the direction of movement of the operating handle; a plurality of bimetal sheets having a lateral distance adjusting element on the upper portion thereof; the circuit breaker further comprises a variable adjustment releasing rod arranged on the fixed releasing rod, and the variable adjustment releasing rod is provided with a concave surface. Wherein the concave surfaces are respectively arranged on a flat contact surface; wherein the concave surfaces each include an inclined portion protruding toward an upper portion of the plurality of bimetallic strips at a front surface; and wherein the variable adjustment release lever extends along the length of the fixed release lever; and a circuit test button including a first drive lever physically associated with the fixed release lever and a second actuation lever physically associated with the variable adjustment release lever.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a molded case circuit breaker. More specifically, the present invention relates to a molded case circuit breaker including a fixed adjustment release lever and an optional variable adjustment release lever. Background Art

[0002] As common knowledge to those skilled in the art, molded case circuit breakers enable them to operate based on thermal, magnetic, thermal-magnetic or even electronic principles through the movement of electrical contacts, and most importantly, can be used to protect circuits from short circuits and / or electrical overloads, which are caused by current levels exceeding the nominal limits previously established by connections to the input and output terminals connected to the power network to be protected.

[0003] Therefore, it can be seen that circuit breakers basically work in a similar manner to electrical switches, that is, their operation is to change the conductive state of the circuit between the "ON" and "OFF" states. In addition to automatic operation, traditional circuit breakers also include an operating handle that can be operated by the user.

[0004] Preferably, the temperature of the electrical path is operated in relation to a predetermined time delay within the range where the temperature of the electrical path does not exceed the allowable temperature to be adjusted, so that the circuit breaker cannot operate with such a predetermined overcurrent as a limit. In this sense, the determination of the delay demonstrating the characteristics corresponds to the time from the moment when the overcurrent flows and the bimetal strip starts to bend until the opening / closing mechanism can be operated by the rotation of the adjustable release lever.

[0005] This delay time is determined by adopting the initial gap between the bimetal strip element and the trigger lever and the rotational distance of the release lever from the time point when the bimetal strip contacts the release lever to the time point when the release lever rotates and starts to operate the opening and closing mechanism. The adjustment and calibration of this operation time and the defined distance are an important factor for activating the electrical contact opening mechanism and promoting electrical interruption.

[0006] Description of the Technical Status Quo

[0007] According to the technical status quo, molded case thermal-magnetic circuit breakers can be configured to use a fixed release lever or a release lever adjustable with the current range.

[0008] When compared with molded case circuit breakers with an adjustable release lever, the construction of circuit breakers with a fixed release lever is simpler because they do not require additional parts for adjusting the current range.

[0009] In any case, the construction of a molded case circuit breaker with an adjustable rod is similar to that of a circuit breaker with fixed trip rod adjustment and thermal trip function. Therefore, it is desirable to use the more economical fixed adjustment circuit breaker construction as the basis for manufacturing a circuit breaker with an adjustable trip rod without major conceptual modifications.

[0010] Accordingly, there is a need to provide a molded case circuit breaker with a more simply manufactured and cost-effective adjustable trip shaft such that, starting from the construction of a fixed circuit breaker, an alternative implementation of a trigger that can be adjusted according to the current range can be incorporated simply by adding a support element in a variable adjustment configuration.

[0011] Description of the state of the art

[0012] The prior art describes in Patent KR10-2015-0111473 a circuit breaker trigger mechanism capable of adjusting the trigger time interval, which includes a bimetal element; a guide cap and a hole provided on the bimetal element; a hollow hole-shaped guide rod connected to the hole in the guide cap; a control rod having a partially protruding structure that is connected by piercing into the hollow hole on the guide rod; and an adjustable trip rod spaced apart from the control rod, which can come into contact with the control rod by operating the bimetal element. This patent teaches an inclined cross-section in the part facing the control rod, which may result in different distances for the tripping of the interrupting device and thus different delay times.

[0013] Patent CN214068673U describes a molded case circuit breaker with a thermally adjustable device. The adjustable device includes an adjustment rod movably arranged on a traction rod and combined with the bimetal of a thermal-magnetic trigger, and a combined adjustment knob rotatably arranged on an upper cover corresponding to the adjustment rod. And an adjustment groove exposed outside the upper cover is provided at the upper end of the adjustment knob, a lever part combined with the adjustment rod is provided at the lower end of the adjustment knob, a limit groove combined with the lever part is provided on the adjustment rod, the lever part is inserted into the limit groove, and a connection between the adjustment knob and the adjustment rod is formed, and the adjustment rod moves with the adjustment knob and can abut against the bimetal.

[0014] In addition, the prior art describes Patent KR10-2271519B1, which has an adjustable lateral rod assembly and a trip device including the lateral rod assembly. The lateral rod assembly includes an assembly of a lateral rod and a snap rod engaged by the lateral rod. The lateral rod and the snap rod are rotatably coupled so as to be able to rotate about the same axis. The lateral adjustment rod has an adjustable part, such as a screw, that contacts the bimetal on an inclined adjustment surface.

[0015] In addition, the known patent KR10-2275002B1 is for a thermally adjustable trigger mechanism for a molded case circuit breaker. The thermally adjustable trigger mechanism includes a bimetal strip, a contact element formed on one side of the bimetal strip, and an adjustable trigger rod that is operated when the bimetal strip deforms to push the contact element into a state where the contact member is separated from the bimetal strip. The adjustable trigger rod includes a contact surface that has planes (inclined planes) of different heights facing the contact member at the positions where the contact member is contacted and separated. The device is assembled by slightly deforming the protrusions of a movable rod inserted into a space between two parts. The adjusting rod operates only after the assembly between parts (such as screws) that are to be assembled within a plane perpendicular to the adjusting unit, and the final result is a variable adjusting rod.

[0016] However, the problem with the current state of the art is that adapting the construction of a molded case circuit breaker to an adjustable trigger unit is complex in terms of its manufacturing, requires specific devices for such a construction, and these devices cannot be interchanged with fixed adjusting devices in a simple manner. Therefore, components for the construction of different types of fixed / movable adjusting devices can be better managed in an industrial process. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] An object of the present invention is to provide a molded case circuit breaker including a variable adjusting device having a simple and economical construction.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a molded case circuit breaker having a variable adjusting device with an additional modular construction from a fixed-adjusting molded case circuit breaker construction.

[0019] Another object is to achieve a safe support of a variable adjusting release rod with an additional modular construction without the need for additional fastening components. These objects are achieved by a molded case circuit breaker having a breaker base and at least one breaker cover, the molded case circuit breaker including:

[0020] An operating mechanism having a rod and a trigger;

[0021] A fixed release rod movably and rotatably arranged on a rotating rod of the trigger and arranged in the moving direction of the operating handle of the circuit breaker;

[0022] Wherein the fixed release rod includes a flat contact surface, and the flat contact surface projects vertically from the upper surface of the fixed adjusting release rod transversely to the movement of the operating handle of the circuit breaker;

[0023] At least one bimetal strip, on the upper part of which there are provided and distributed at least one lateral distance adjustment element, wherein preferably, the at least one bimetal strip is arranged in front of the flat contact surface of the fixed release lever and parallel to the flat contact surface of the fixed release lever;

[0024] wherein the distance between the distance adjustment lateral element and the fixed adjustment lever is preferably constant during the operation of the circuit breaker;

[0025] including a variable adjustment release lever that can be arranged on the fixed release lever, wherein the variable adjustment release lever includes at least one concave surface that can be arranged on the upper edge of the fixed release lever to engage the edge of the fixed release lever;

[0026] The variable adjustment release lever includes an inclined surface that protrudes forward towards the upper part of at least one bimetal strip;

[0027] wherein the concave surfaces of the variable adjustment release lever are respectively arranged and assembled on the flat contact surface;

[0028] wherein the variable adjustment release lever can also extend along the length of the fixed release lever additionally.

[0029] Generally, each part of the inclined vertical contact surface of the variable adjustment release lever for possible distance adjustment relative to at least one bimetal strip is preferably present in at least one interrupting pole of the circuit breaker, wherein one of the illustrated embodiments in the drawings is a 3-pole, but not limited thereto, and can be a single-pole, double-pole, four-pole, etc. Additionally, according to the present invention, the circuit breaker cover includes a seat on its inner surface, and at least one surface edge of the fixed release lever or the variable adjustment release lever can be rotatably received in the seat.

[0030] As is already known in the state of the art, the circuit breaker can be configured to have an intermediate housing or an additional cover without impairing the present invention.

[0031] The present invention also lies in the fact that the central concave surface includes a central horizontal part of the variable adjustment release lever, the central horizontal part overlaps with the inclined part, protrudes towards the plurality of bimetal strips, the central horizontal part is in a "U" shape, has a recess defining the horizontal part, and a current adjustment dial is vertically arranged in the recess.

[0032] In the present invention, the current adjustment dial includes a vertically eccentric rod that is guided by the surface of the recess of the central horizontal part and can change the adjustment position of the variable adjustment release lever.

[0033] In addition, in one embodiment, by actuating the current adjustment dial, the distance between the lateral distance adjustment element and the concave surface is changed. In one example, the current adjustment dial is preferably positioned at the central position of the three-pole interrupting circuit breaker. This occurs through a lateral distance adjustment element such as an adjustment screw that contacts the inclined portion of the variable adjustment release lever. By rotating the vertical eccentric lever of the current adjustment dial, the variable adjustment release lever moves laterally, and the vertical eccentric lever is guided by the recess of the horizontal portion preferably in a "U" shape.

[0034] The present invention further includes a circuit test button, which includes a first driving lever and a second driving lever. The first driving lever is physically associated with the fixed release lever, and the second driving lever is physically associated with the variable adjustment release lever, wherein the circuit test button is disposed behind the fixed release lever with respect to the distance adjustment lateral element.

[0035] Still according to the present invention, the circuit breaker cover includes a hole for setting the circuit test button. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following brief detailed description of the drawings and non-limiting examples given at the end of this text:

[0037] Figure 1 A top perspective view of a molded case circuit breaker according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown, which molded case circuit breaker has no cover and has a fixed adjustment lever.

[0038] Figure 2 A top perspective view of an operating mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0039] Figure 3 A top perspective view of a molded case circuit breaker according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown, which molded case circuit breaker has no cover and has a variable adjustment release lever added above the fixed release lever.

[0040] Figure 4 A bottom perspective view of a circuit breaker cover according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0041] Figure 5 Another top perspective view of a molded case circuit breaker according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown, which molded case circuit breaker has no cover and includes a variable adjustment release lever.

[0042] Figure 6 A top perspective view of the fixed release lever of a circuit breaker according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0043] Figure 7A top perspective view of a variable adjustment release lever according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0044] Figure 8a And Figure 8b The first initial positions for preparing the vertical placement of the variable adjustment release lever assembly on the fixed adjustment lever according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention are shown respectively from the front and the side.

[0045] Figure 9a And Figure 9b The intermediate positions for the front and side preparations of the vertical placement of the variable adjustment release lever assembly on the fixed adjustment lever according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention are shown respectively.

[0046] Figure 10a And Figure 10b The final front and side positioning positions of the vertical and side placements of the variable adjustment release lever assembly on the fixed adjustment release lever according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention are shown respectively.

[0047] Figure 11 A bottom perspective view of the variable adjustment release lever mounted on the fixed adjustment lever in the final installation position according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0048] Figure 12 A top perspective view of the variable adjustment release lever mounted on the fixed adjustment lever in the final installation position according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0049] Figure 13 A top view of the fixed release lever fixed to the operating mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown, and in addition, at least one distance adjustment transverse element is presented.

[0050] Figure 14 A top view of the variable release lever, the operating mechanism, at least one distance adjustment transverse element, and the current adjustment scale fixed to the fixed adjustment release lever at the initial thermal operating range of the circuit breaker according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0051] Figure 15 A top view of the variable release lever, the operating mechanism, at least one distance adjustment transverse element, and the current adjustment scale mounted on the fixed adjustment release lever at the intermediate thermal operating range of the circuit breaker according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0052] Figure 16 A top view of the variable release lever, the operating mechanism, at least one distance adjustment transverse element, and the current adjustment scale mounted on the fixed adjustment release lever at the maximum final thermal operating range of the circuit breaker according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0053] Figure 17 A top perspective view of a circuit breaker according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The circuit breaker includes a current adjustment dial for adjusting a trigger function within a variable thermal operating range. The current adjustment dial is associated with a variable adjustment release lever, and the variable adjustment release lever is associated with at least one bimetal strip of the circuit breaker.

[0054] Figure 18 The longitudinal sectional view of the circuit breaker according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 17 The longitudinal sectional view of the shown circuit breaker shows a current path pole including a variable adjustment release lever mounted on a fixed adjustment lever, at least one distance adjustment lateral element associated with at least one bimetal strip of the circuit breaker, and various other interruption components of the circuit breaker. Detailed Description

[0055] Although the present invention may be susceptible to various embodiments, the preferred embodiments are shown in detail. The present description should be regarded as an example of the problem-solving principle and is not intended to limit the understanding to what is shown and described in the present invention.

[0056] According to Figure 1 , the present invention describes a preferred embodiment of a molded case circuit breaker (10) including a circuit breaker base (10a). In this view, the circuit breaker is presented without a top cover (10b) (in Figure 4 its internal part is partially visible). Further, according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the circuit breaker (10) includes an operating mechanism (20) that functions in the case of a short circuit or overcurrent fault.

[0057] In addition, according to Figure 1 , the circuit breaker (10) includes a fixed adjustment release lever (30) that is arranged on a rod (21) in a movable and rotatable manner and is associated with the operating movement of a handle (22) that can manually turn on or off the circuit breaker (10). The fixed adjustment release lever (30) is mounted and operated in a rotatable manner to synchronously or asynchronously control the trigger function when a fault occurs in the circuit associated therewith, so as to, between a power terminal (43) and a load terminal (44), relative to at least one fixed contact (41b) associated with a rotary contact system (42) (see Figure 18)Open at least one movable contact (41a), which is associated with at least one bimetal strip (40) in at least one pole of the circuit breaker (10). As is generally known to those skilled in the art, the power terminal (43) or the load terminal (44) can be alternately coupled in their functions. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the fixed adjustment release lever (30) (best seen in Figure 6 ) includes at least one flat contact surface (31a, 31b, 31c), wherein when additionally provided with at least one side flat contact surface (31a, 31c) and a central flat contact surface (31b), the at least one side flat contact surface (31a, 31c) and the central flat contact surface (31b) project vertically from the upper surface (32) of the fixed release lever (30).

[0058] The known bimetal strip (40) has at least two materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion, which causes one end thereof to deform when subjected to a temperature increase or decrease.

[0059] The function of the fixed adjustment release lever (30) is to transfer, between the power terminal (43) and the load terminal (44), the deformation caused by any bimetal strip (40) in at least one pole of the interrupted path due to a short circuit or overcurrent fault. For example, for such a short circuit or overcurrent fault, in order to protect the circuit, the circuit breaker (10) causes the release of the operating mechanism (20), interrupts the circuit and opens the movable contact (41a) relative to at least one fixed contact (41b) of the rotary contact system (42). Additionally, the bimetal strip (40) sensitive to the current change caused by the fault in at least one pole of the circuit breaker (10) includes at least one distance adjustment lateral element (50) at its upper part, wherein at least one bimetal strip (40) is arranged in front of and parallel to at least one flat contact surface (31a, 31b, 31c).

[0060] Once the distance between at least one distance adjustment lateral element (50) and the fixed adjustment release lever (30) is calibrated, the distance should preferably be constant during the operation of the circuit breaker (10), including the fixed adjustment. In this case, the calibration adjustment is carried out in a factory environment and subsequent modification is not possible without disassembling the circuit breaker (10). Therefore, when an abnormal current appears in at least one pole of the circuit breaker (10), at least one of the at least one bimetal strip (40) in the at least one pole deforms, connects to at least one distance adjustment lateral element (50), and then the at least one distance adjustment lateral element (50) can reach and contact at least one of the flat contact surfaces (31a, 31b, 31c) of the rotatable fixed adjustment release lever (30).

[0061] In Figure 2 it is possible to observe the operating mechanism 20. As previously mentioned, the fixed adjustment release lever (30) (better observable in Figure 6 ) is fixed and supported by at least one support (26) and a screw (not shown) passing through a threaded hole (27) in the rod (21). When rotated, the fixed adjustment release lever (30) allows the release of a trigger (23) in the operating mechanism (20), which is actuated by a preloaded spring (24), can cause the detachment of the operating mechanism (20), and can move the rotary contact system (42) via a connecting rod (25), and thus can open at least one movable contact (41a) relative to at least one fixed contact (41b) of the rotary contact system (42), thereby interrupting the circuit and opening the circuit breaker (10).

[0062] According to Figure 3 , in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the circuit breaker (10) further includes the installation of a variable adjustment release lever (60) provided on the fixed adjustment release lever (30) and extending along the length of the fixed release lever (30) (best seen in Figure 7 ), wherein the variable adjustment release lever (60) includes at least one concave surface (61a, 61b, and 61c) (best seen in Figure 7 , Figure 8b , Figure 9b and Figure 10b ). The concave surfaces (61a, 61b, 61c) are respectively disposed adjacent to an edge (33) when assembled to the fixed release lever (30), such that flat surfaces (31a, 31b, 31c) surround the edge (33), ensuring the positioning of the variable adjustment release lever (60) on the fixed release lever (30).

[0063] Furthermore, according to Figure 3 , at least one concave surface (61a, 61b, 61c) of the variable adjustment lever (60) includes an inclined portion (62) protruding towards the upper part of at least one bimetal strip (40). The central concave surface (61b) further includes a horizontal portion (63) located above the inclined portion (62), the horizontal portion (63) protruding towards at least one of the bimetal strips (40), and the horizontal portion (63) has a recess (64), and a current adjustment dial (70) is disposed in the recess (64). The current adjustment dial (70) includes an eccentric rod (71), and the eccentric rod (71) can laterally move the position of the variable adjustment lever (60) relative to the fixed release lever (30) by contacting the surface of the recess (64) (best seen in Figure 14 ).

[0064] According to Figure 4 , in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the circuit breaker top cover (10b) of the circuit breaker (10) can be seen. The circuit breaker top cover (10b) includes a seat (11) on its inner surface. When the fixed adjustment release lever (30) rotates, at least one central curved surface (31d) of the fixed adjustment release lever (30) is received in the seat (11). Alternatively, in addition to the support surface (13) for the travel limiter (31e) of the fixed release lever (30) (better seen in Figure 6 ) and the hole (83) for the test button (80) to pass through (seen in Figure 5 ), the circuit breaker cover (10b) of the circuit breaker (10) further includes a seat (12) on its inner surface. When assembled in an additional manner, the central curved surface (61d) of the variable adjustment release lever is rotatably received in the seat (12). The circuit breaker top cover (10b) of the circuit breaker (10) also has an inner side wall (14) and a through hole (15) for the eccentric rod (71) of the current adjustment dial (70) to pass through (seen in Figure 3 ).

[0065] In this sense, the current adjustment dial (70) has the function of changing the distance between the distance adjustment transverse element 50 and at least one inclined portion (62) by means of the eccentric rod (71). Therefore, when the current adjustment dial (70) is actuated, the variable adjustment release lever (60) moves laterally on the fixed release lever (30) (better observed in Figure 7 ). The variable adjustment release lever (60) can be closer to or farther from the distance adjustment transverse element (50), thereby increasing or decreasing the gap therebetween.

[0066] According to Figure 3 and Figure 5 , in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the circuit breaker (10) includes a circuit test button (80). The circuit test button (80) includes a drive rod (81) physically associated with the fixed release lever (30) and a spring-loaded return rod (82) physically associated with a seat (not shown) on the inner surface of the cover (10b). The circuit test button (80) is disposed in a hole (83) provided in the circuit breaker cover (10b) (seen in Figure 4 ) such that the circuit test button (80) is located above the fixed release lever (30).

[0067] In this sense, alternatively, when the circuit test button (80) is actuated, it can perform a trigger test such that the fixed adjustment release lever (30) is fixed and supported via at least one support (26), or the variable adjustment release lever (60) (if additionally installed) rotates. Thus, the support (26) moves the trigger (23) of the operating mechanism (20) through the rotary contact system (42), thereby interrupting the associated circuit.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 A top perspective view shows at least one laterally flat contact surface (31a, 31c) and a central flat contact surface (31b) protruding vertically from the upper surface (32). Additionally, it shows the limit walls (31f) of the fixed adjustment release lever (30) protruding above and below the upper surface (32) of the fixed release lever (30), as well as the lower surface (31g) and the rotational stroke limiter arm (31e) included in the flat contact surfaces (31a, 31b, 31c). There is also provided a hole (31i) for a fastener (31j) (seen in Figure 13 to pass through to fix the fixed release lever (30) in the hole (27) of the operating mechanism (20) of the circuit breaker (10) (seen in Figure 2 ).

[0069] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 A top perspective view shows the variable adjustment release lever (60), at least one central curved surface (61d), at least one concave placement surface (61a, 61b, 61c) (also seen in Figure 8b , Figure 9b , Figure 10b ), at least one inclined portion (62), and the preferred horizontal portion (63) and the locking pin (65). The preferred horizontal portion (63) includes a recess (64) for receiving the eccentric rod (71) (seen in Figure 3 ), positioned above the inclined portion (62), which protrudes towards at least one bimetal strip (40) (seen in Figure 3 ).

[0070] Figure 8a A front view shows the variable adjustment release lever (60) in the first vertical component placement preparation position on the upper part of the fixed adjustment release lever (30) in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, where at least one pin (65) is seen such that it can slide vertically in at least one free space (34) until at least one concave surface (61a, 61b, and 61c) (seen in Figure 7 and Figure 8bThe upper edge (33) of at least one flat contact surface (31a, 31b, 31c) that can contact the fixed adjustment release lever (30) can be seen (as seen in

[0071] Figure 8b is a side view of the variable adjustment release lever (60) in the first vertical mounting position at the top of the fixed adjustment release lever (30). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in this first position, it can also be seen that the concave surfaces (61a, 61b, 61c) are vertically aligned with the edge (33) of at least one of the flat contact surfaces (31a, 31b, 31c).

[0072] Figure 9a A front view showing the variable adjustment release lever (60) in the second mounting position on top of the fixed adjustment release lever (30), where at least one pin (65) is seen positioned to be vertically aligned with at least one free space (34) of the fixed adjustment release lever (30), and the concave surfaces (61a, 61b, and 61c) (as seen in Figure 8b can contact the upper edge (33) of at least one flat contact surface (31a, 31b, 31c) of the fixed adjustment release lever (30) (also as seen in Figure 9b . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in this position, in Figure 9b , in the side view, the pin (65) can also be seen in the vertical locking ready position (as seen in Figure 9a ).

[0073] Figure 10a A front view showing the variable adjustment release lever (60) in the final mounting position on top of the fixed adjustment release lever (30), where at least one pin (65) is seen to be in a horizontal lateral displacement after the second ready-to-install position, such that it can vertically prevent the removal of the variable adjustment release lever (60) from the fixed adjustment release lever (30) (also as seen in Figure 10b ). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in this position, in Figure 10a and Figure 10b , the vertical pin (65) and the lateral restriction portion (66) can be seen (visible in Figure 7 ), the vertical pin (65) together with at least one concave surface (61a, 61b, and 61c) surrounds at least one edge (33) and the vertical pin (65) engages at least one lower surface (31g), so that there is at least one flat contact surface (31a, 31b, 31c) between the vertical pin (65) and at least one concave surface (61a, 61b, and 61c), and the lateral restriction portion (66) can contact the limit wall (31f) of the fixed adjustment release lever (30) (as seen in Figure 6 ).

[0074] Figure 11 Shows a bottom perspective view of a variable release lever (60) mounted near the final operating position of a fixed release lever (30), wherein at least one upper edge (33) and at least one lower surface (31g) of the fixed release lever (30) can be seen to be surrounded by at least one concave surface (61a, 61b, 61c) (best seen in Figure 7 ), and at least one pin (65).

[0075] Figure 12 Shows a top perspective view of a variable release lever (60) mounted near the final operating position of a fixed release lever (30), wherein it can be seen that the variable release lever (60) can slide laterally above the fixed release lever (30) according to the adjustment action of the distance-adjusting lateral element (50), which can change the trigger response time of a thermomagnetic device (not shown) and at least one contacting bimetal strip (40), and according to the current circulating in the circuit protected and monitored by the circuit breaker (10), this causes the release of the operating mechanism (20), so as to open the movable contact (41a) relative to at least one fixed contact (41b) of the rotary contact system (42) of the circuit breaker (10).

[0076] After assembling the cover (10b) of the circuit breaker (10), this assembly system (referred to as "poka - yoke") is completed, and this system restricts the lateral sliding displacement of the variable release lever (60) on the fixed release lever (30) through the inner side wall (14) of the cover (10b). The sliding lateral displacement increases or decreases the spacing of at least one inclined portion (62) relative to the distance - adjusting lateral element (50) of at least one bimetal strip (40), and can achieve trigger release and interrupt the current circulating in the circuit protected and monitored by the circuit breaker (10). Thus, due to the presence of the cover (10b), the pin (65) (seen in Figure 7 ) cannot be aligned with the at least one free space (34), and prevents disassembly between them until the cover (10b) is removed.

[0077] Figure 13 Shows in a top view a fixed release lever (30) mounted on the operating mechanism (20) by means of a fastener (31j), and the fastener passes through a hole (31i) of the fixed release lever (30) (in Figure 6(as seen) and reaches the hole (27) of the operating mechanism (20). It can be observed that flat contact surfaces (31a, 31b, 31c) protrude vertically and in front towards at least one distance-adjusting lateral element (50), thereby allowing only a fixed-distance adjustment inside the circuit breaker (10).

[0078] As Figure 3 shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inclined portion (62) of the variable release lever (60) protrudes vertically with respect to the current adjustment dial (70) and is inclined in front with respect to at least one distance-adjusting lateral element (50), thereby allowing a variable adjustment of the distance between them. This adjustment can be performed by the current adjustment dial (70) arranged through a through hole (15) in the upper exterior of the cover (10b) (as seen Figure 3 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 ), such that the desired thermal nominal value for the operation of the circuit breaker (10) is set. The adjustment is carried out by means of the eccentric rod (71) of the current adjustment dial (70), which is guided and limited by the surface of the recess (64) during rotation, causing a lateral sliding of the adjustment eccentric rod (71), which is provided by at least one concave surface (61a, 61b, and 61c) of the variable release lever (60) disposed on at least one upper edge (33) of the fixed adjustment release lever (30), and wherein after sequential assembly, the variable release lever (60) is prevented from being removed vertically, as previously explained in Figure 10a and Figure 10b . In a preferred embodiment, this obstacle is supplemented by the seats (11, 12) of the cover (10b), or alternatively, by the inner side wall (14) of the cover (10b) as an example.

[0079] Figure 14 shows an illustrative example of the initial adjustment embodiment of the current adjustment dial (70) in a top view, where the variable release lever (60) is installed in the final vertical installation position (as seen Figure 6 ) on the fixed adjustment release lever (30) (as seen Figure 10a and Figure 10b ). The fixed release lever (30) and the variable release lever (60) meet in such a way that their left sides are aligned (67a), resulting in the initial thermal scale for the operation of the circuit breaker (10).

[0080] Figure 15 shows an illustrative example of an adjustment embodiment in a top view, which includes the final vertical installation position (as seen Figure 6 ) on the fixed adjustment release lever (30) (as seen Figure 10a andFigure 10b A variable release lever (60) (seen in

[0081] Figure 16 A perspective view from above shows an illustrative example of the maximum final adjustment embodiment, which includes a final vertical component placement position (seen in Figure 6 mounted on a fixed adjustment release lever (30) (seen in Figure 10a and Figure 10b ). The variable release lever (60) can be seen. The intermediate adjustment of the scale of the current adjustment dial (70) can be seen, as well as an inclined portion (62) that protrudes vertically and is inclined relative to at least one distance adjustment lateral element (50) in the front, where at this position, the fixed release lever (30) and the variable release lever (60) meet in such a way that an intermediate displacement (67b) is presented on the left side, so the distance adjustment lateral element (50) approaches the inclined portion (62), resulting in the intermediate thermal scale for the operation of the circuit breaker (10). Figure 7 The maximum final adjustment of the current adjustment dial (70) can be seen. The inclined portion (62) protrudes vertically and is inclined relative to at least one distance adjustment lateral element (50) in the front, where the fixed adjustment lever (30) and the variable adjustment lever (60) meet in such a way that a maximum final displacement (67c) is presented on the left side, which is limited by the lateral limiting portion (66) of the variable adjustment lever (60) (best seen in

[0082] Figure 17 A perspective view from above shows the assembled circuit breaker (10) for the purpose of the present invention, and an indication of the cross-section in the "XY" plane shown in Figure 18 the assembled circuit breaker (10) includes a circuit breaker base (10a), a circuit breaker cover (10b), a manual operation handle (22), and a current adjustment dial (70) for adjusting the triggering function within a variable thermal operation range, which is associated with the fixed release lever (30) or the variable adjustment release lever (60) (best seen in Figures 6 to 16 ).

[0083] Figure 18 Shows the circuit breaker (10) in Figure 17Longitudinal sectional view in the "XY" plane shown, the circuit breaker (10) includes a fixed adjustment release lever (30) arranged in a movable and rotatable manner on the rod (21) of the operating mechanism (20) and associated with the operating movement of the handle (22) of the circuit breaker (10), and the handle (22) can manually turn on or off the circuit breaker (10). A variable release lever (60) is mounted on the edge (33) of the fixed adjustment release lever (30) (shown in Figures 8a to 12 ), so as to perform a triggering function synchronously or asynchronously at a variable thermal operation scale when a typical short circuit or overcurrent fault occurs as described above, thereby opening at least one movable contact (41a) between the power supply terminal (43) and the load terminal (44) relative to at least one fixed contact (41b) associated with the rotary contact system (42), which is associated with at least one bimetal sheet (40) in at least one current path pole of the circuit breaker (10).

[0084] In addition to the embodiments given above, the same inventive concept can also be applied to other possible uses without prejudice to the present invention.

[0085] Although the present invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not intended to be limited to such specific embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all possible alternatives, modifications and equivalents within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined within the scope of the appended claims.

[0086] In a non-limiting example, those skilled in the art know that the bimetal sheet can be provided with an inclined surface on the upper part, and the inclined surface faces a distance adjustment element (such as a screw) fixed on the variable adjustment lever. This solution will be obvious and should be considered within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A molded case circuit breaker (10) having a circuit breaker base (10a) and at least one circuit breaker cover (10b), the molded case circuit breaker (10) comprising: An operating mechanism (20) provided with a rod (21) and a trigger (23); a fixing release lever (30) fixed and supported on the lever (21) of the trigger (23) via at least one support member (26); The fixing release lever (30) includes at least one flat contact surface (31a, 31b, 31c) protruding vertically, and the flat contact surface (31a, 31b, 31c) is connected to the upper surface (32) of the fixing release lever (30); at least one bimetallic strip (40) having at least one distance lateral adjustment element (50) disposed on its upper portion, the at least one bimetallic strip (40) being arranged in front of the flat contact surface (31a, 31b, 31c) of the fixing release lever (30) and parallel to the flat contact surface (31a, 31b, 31c) of the fixing release lever (30); wherein the distance between the distance adjustment transverse element (50) and the fixed adjustment rod (30) comprises a continuous adjustment; The invention is characterized in that a variable adjustment release lever (60) can be arranged on the fixed release lever (30), wherein the variable adjustment release lever (60) comprises at least one concave surface (61a, 61b, 61c), and the at least one concave surface (61a, 61b, 61c) is arranged on the upper edge (33) of the fixed release lever (30) to engage with the edge (33) of the fixed release lever (30); The variable adjustment release lever (60) has an inclined surface (62) protruding in front toward the upper portion of at least one bimetallic strip (40).

2. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The variable adjustment release rod (60) is capable of extending along the length of the fixed release rod (30).

3. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The variable adjustment release lever (60) has a vertical locking pin (65), which, together with at least one of the concave surfaces (61a, 61b, 61c), surrounds at least one of the edges (33) and at least one of the lower surfaces (31g), thereby having at least one of the flat contact surfaces (31a, 31b, 31c) therebetween.

4. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circuit breaker cover (10b) includes a seat (11) on its inner surface, and the flat contact surface (31a, 31b, 31c) is received in the seat (11) when the rod (21) moves.

5. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The variable adjustment release lever (60) includes a horizontal portion (63) above the inclined portion (62), the horizontal portion (63) having a recess (64), and a current adjustment dial (70) is disposed in the recess (64).

6. The circuit breaker according to claim 4, characterized in that: The horizontal portion (63) of the variable adjustment release lever (60) protrudes toward at least one of the bimetallic strips (40).

7. The circuit breaker according to claim 4, characterized in that: The current adjustment dial (70) includes a vertical eccentric rod (71) which is capable of changing the adjustment position of the variable adjustment release rod (60) by contacting the surface of the recess (64).

8. The circuit breaker according to claim 4, characterized in that: The variable adjustment release lever (60) has a horizontal portion (63) in a "U" shape.

9. The circuit breaker according to claim 3, characterized in that: By means of actuation of a current adjustment dial (70), the distance between the distance adjustment transverse element (50) and at least one of the inclined surfaces (62) is laterally displaced.

10. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that It can also include a circuit test button (80) including a drive lever (81) physically associated with the fixation release lever (30) and a return lever (82) physically associated with a seat on the outer surface of the cover (10b).

11. The circuit breaker according to claim 8, characterized in that The circuit test button (80) is arranged above the fixed adjustment release rod (30).

12. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that The circuit breaker cover (10b) can also include a hole (83) in which the circuit test button (80) can be disposed.

13. A circuit breaker assembly method, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: a) positioning the variable adjustment release lever (60) in a first position, in preparation for vertical assembly placement on the upper portion of the fixed adjustment release lever (30), so that at least one latch (65) can slide vertically in at least one free space (34) until at least one of the concave surfaces (61a, 61b and 61c) can contact an upper edge (33) of the fixed adjustment release lever (30); and b) sliding the previously inserted variable adjustment release lever (60) to a position where the concave surface (61a, 61b and 61c) can contact and engage the upper edge (33) of the fixed adjustment release lever (30), in which position at least one vertical latch (65) engages at least one of the lower surfaces (31g) after horizontal lateral displacement, thereby positioning at least one of the flat contact surfaces (31a, 31b, 31c) between the concave surface (61a, 61b and 61c) and the at least one vertical latch (65).

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