Molded case circuit breaker with long-life contacts

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of circuit breakers, and discloses a molded case circuit breaker with a long-life contact, which comprises a shell, a connecting hole is formed in the shell, a conductive piece is arranged in the connecting hole, a fixing assembly is arranged in the connecting hole, the conductive piece comprises a first conductive sleeve and a second conductive sleeve, the first conductive sleeve is arranged on the second conductive sleeve, and the second conductive sleeve is arranged on the first conductive sleeve. The diameter of the first conductive sleeve is larger than that of the second conductive sleeve, and a conductive ring is arranged on the shell and is slidably connected to the outer surface of the wire. When the conducting ring abuts against the first conducting sleeve, the second conducting sleeve does not abut against the wire. When the wire is separated from the second conductive sleeve, the conductive ring abuts against the first conductive sleeve, according to the staged separation mechanism of first connection and then disconnection, electric arcs generated when the wire is directly separated from the second conductive sleeve can be reduced, and the damage risk of the electric arcs to the conductive part and the wire is fundamentally reduced; and meanwhile, current preferentially passes through a path of the conductive ring and the first conductive sleeve during disconnection, so that the current is gradually reduced, and current attenuation transition is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of circuit breakers, and in particular to a molded case circuit breaker with long contact life. Background Technology

[0002] A circuit breaker is a switching device that can close, carry, and interrupt current under normal circuit conditions and can close, carry, and interrupt current under abnormal circuit conditions within a specified time. A molded case circuit breaker is a circuit breaker whose casing is made of plastic.

[0003] The related circuit breaker includes a housing with a connection hole for connecting a wire. A conductive element is installed inside the connection hole. The housing also has a threaded hole that connects to the connection hole. A mounting bolt is threaded into the threaded hole. When the mounting bolt abuts against the wire, the wire abuts against the conductive element, thus connecting the circuit.

[0004] When the circuit is connected, if the wire shakes or is pulled, the connection between the wire and the conductive part will be unreliable. When the wire and the conductive part are separated, the instantaneous current may be too large, causing damage and affecting the use of the circuit breaker. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the potential damage to conductors or conductive components caused by conductor swaying, this application provides a molded case circuit breaker with long contact life.

[0006] This application provides a molded case circuit breaker with long contact life, which adopts the following technical solution: A molded case circuit breaker with long contact life includes a housing with a connection hole. A conductive element is disposed within the connection hole, and a fixing component is also disposed within the connection hole. The fixing component is used to fix a conductor and the conductive element. The conductive element includes a first conductive sleeve and a second conductive sleeve. The first conductive sleeve is disposed on the second conductive sleeve, and the second conductive sleeve is disposed within the connection hole. The diameter of the first conductive sleeve is larger than the diameter of the second conductive sleeve. A conductive ring is disposed on the housing and is slidably connected to the outer surface of the conductor. The area of ​​the conductive ring abutting against the first conductive sleeve is smaller than the area of ​​the conductor abutting against the second conductive sleeve. When the conductive ring abuts against the first conductive sleeve, the second conductive sleeve is not abutting against the conductor. When the conductor detaches from the second conductive sleeve, the conductive ring abuts against the first conductive sleeve.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, a conductive ring is sleeved on the outer surface of the wire, allowing the conductive ring to slide and connect to the outside of the wire. The wire is then inserted into the connection hole. When the conductive ring abuts against the first conductive sleeve, the wire is not abutting against the second conductive sleeve, meaning the conductive ring can achieve pre-connection of the circuit. Then, the wire abuts against the second conductive sleeve, ensuring a stable circuit connection. When the wire detaches, it first detaches from the second conductive sleeve, while the conductive ring still abuts against the first conductive sleeve, allowing current to continue moving between the conductive ring and the wire, keeping the circuit connected. At this point, the wire disconnects first, and the current transfers to the conductive ring. The area between the conductive ring and the first conductive sleeve is smaller than the area between the conductor and the second conductive sleeve, which forcibly limits the current amplitude. This "continuous before disconnecting" phased disconnection mechanism reduces the generation of electric arcs when the conductor is directly separated from the second conductive sleeve, fundamentally reducing the risk of damage to conductive components and conductors by electric arcs. At the same time, when disconnecting, the current preferentially passes through the path between the conductive ring and the first conductive sleeve, so that the current gradually decreases and achieves current attenuation transition. By increasing the stability of the circuit connection, the contacts inside the circuit breaker can be used stably, making it less likely for the moving and stationary contacts to be damaged during use, and improving the contact life.

[0008] Optionally, the fixing component includes a fixing spring, which is disposed in the connection hole and deforms toward the side of the housing where the connection hole is opened; when the fixing spring abuts against the wire, the fixing spring restricts the movement of the wire.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the fixing spring is deformed towards the side of the connection hole, so that the fixing spring can abut against the wire and fix the wire in the connection hole. This achieves the goal of the fixing spring restricting the movement of the wire and fixing the wire in the connection hole, thereby reducing the possibility of the wire coming off the second conductive sleeve due to the wire shaking.

[0010] Optionally, an operating bar is slidably connected to the housing, and the fixing spring is located on the moving path of the operating bar; when the operating bar abuts against the fixing spring, the fixing spring does not abut against the wire.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, when the user slides the operation bar, the fixed spring is located on the movement path of the operation bar, which enables the operation bar to drive the fixed spring to move, allowing the fixed spring to contact the wire, so that the wire can be taken out from the connection hole, thus facilitating the insertion or removal of the wire.

[0012] Optionally, the fixing spring is provided with an insulating block, the insulating block is elastic, and the insulating block is used to drive the conductive ring to move in the direction of the first conductive sleeve; when the fixing spring abuts against the wire, the insulating block abuts against the side of the conductive ring away from the second conductive sleeve.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, when the fixing spring contacts the wire, the insulating block is squeezed, which allows the insulating block to drive the conductive ring to move towards the first conductive sleeve. This enables the fixing spring to drive the conductive ring to be located inside the first conductive sleeve, realizing the connection between the conductive ring and the first conductive sleeve and reducing the possibility that the conductive ring does not contact the first conductive ring. Since the insulating block has insulating properties, it is difficult for current to flow even when the insulating block contacts the conductive ring.

[0014] Optionally, the fixing component further includes a limiting spring, which is disposed in the connecting hole and abuts against the side of the insulating block away from the wire. The limiting spring is used to drive the conductive ring to be inserted into the first conductive sleeve.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the limiting spring abuts against the side of the insulating block away from the wire, which further increases the force of the insulating block on the conductive ring. This allows the insulating block to drive the conductive ring into the first conductive sleeve, and the insulating block to abut against the conductive ring, reducing the possibility of the conductive ring detaching from the first conductive sleeve. This makes the connection between the conductive ring and the first conductive sleeve more stable.

[0016] Optionally, the limiting spring is provided with a driving piece, which is located on the moving path of the fixed spring away from the wire. The driving piece is used to drive one end of the limiting spring to tilt up. When the fixed spring moves to the side away from the wire, the limiting spring does not abut against the insulating block.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, when the user presses the fixing spring, the driving plate is located on the moving path of the fixing spring away from the wire, so that the fixing spring can drive the driving plate to move. The driving plate can drive the end of the limiting spring near the wire to tilt up, so that the limiting spring moves away from the wire, so that the limiting spring does not abut against the insulating block, allowing the insulating block to move away from the wire, so that the wire and the conductive ring can be taken out from the connection hole.

[0018] Optionally, the conductive ring includes a fixed ring and a movable ring, both of which are conductive. The fixed ring is fixed to the wire, and the movable ring is slidably connected to the fixed ring. The movable ring can abut against the first conductive sleeve. The inner wall of the fixed ring is provided with multiple friction blocks. When the wire abuts against the friction blocks, the fixed ring is fixed to the wire.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, a fixed ring is sleeved on the conductor, and multiple friction blocks abut against the outer surface of the conductor, so that the fixed ring can be fixed on the conductor. In addition, a movable ring is slidably connected to the fixed ring, so that when the conductor is detached from the second conductive sleeve, the movable ring is still located inside the first conductive sleeve. When the conductive ring is damaged, the user can directly replace the conductive ring, reducing the occurrence of situations where both the conductive ring and the conductor need to be replaced, and reducing replacement costs.

[0020] Optionally, a guide ring is provided on the inner wall of the first conductive sleeve, and a guide slope is formed on the surface of the guide ring away from the second conductive sleeve. The distance between the guide slope and the second conductive sleeve gradually decreases along the direction from the first conductive sleeve to the guide ring, and the guide slope is located on the moving path of the conductive ring.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, when the conductive ring is inserted into the first conductive sleeve, the guide ramp is located on the moving path of the conductive ring, and the conductive ring can be inserted into the first conductive sleeve along the guide ramp. At this time, the guide ring restricts the conductive ring from detaching from the first conductive sleeve, further increasing the stability of the conductive ring in the first conductive sleeve.

[0022] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. A conductive ring is fitted onto the outer surface of the wire, allowing it to slide around the wire. The wire is then inserted into the connection hole. When the conductive ring abuts against the first conductive sleeve, the wire is not yet against the second conductive sleeve, meaning the conductive ring pre-connects the circuit. The wire then abuts against the second conductive sleeve, ensuring a stable circuit connection. When the wire detaches, it first detaches from the second conductive sleeve, while the conductive ring remains against the first conductive sleeve, allowing current to continue moving between the conductive ring and the wire, maintaining a continuous circuit. At this point, the wire disconnects, and the current transfers to the conductive ring. Because the area between the conductive ring and the first conductive sleeve is smaller than the area between the wire and the second conductive sleeve, the current amplitude is forcibly limited. This "continuous before disconnected" phased disconnection mechanism reduces the risk of arcing when the wire directly separates from the second conductive sleeve, fundamentally lowering the risk of arc damage to conductive components and the wire. Simultaneously, during disconnection, the current preferentially decreases through the path between the conductive ring and the first conductive sleeve, achieving a gradual current decay transition.

[0023] 2. When the fixing spring contacts the wire, the insulating block is compressed, which allows the insulating block to drive the conductive ring to move towards the first conductive sleeve. This enables the fixing spring to drive the conductive ring to be located inside the first conductive sleeve, thus achieving the connection between the conductive ring and the first conductive sleeve and reducing the possibility that the conductive ring will not contact the first conductive ring. Because the insulating block has insulating properties, it is difficult for current to flow even when the insulating block contacts the conductive ring. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A partial sectional view of line AA in the middle; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the moving ring in an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Reference numerals: 1. Housing; 11. Connecting hole; 12. Placement groove; 13. Operating hole; 131. Operating bar; 2. Conductive component; 21. First conductive sleeve; 22. Second conductive sleeve; 23. Guide ring; 231. Guide slope; 3. Conductive ring; 31. Fixing ring; 311. Moving groove; 312. Friction block; 32. Moving ring; 321. Moving block; 4. Fixing assembly; 41. Fixing spring; 411. Insulating block; 42. Limiting spring; 421. Driving plate. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-3 This application will be described in further detail.

[0027] This embodiment discloses a molded case circuit breaker with long contact life. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 A molded case circuit breaker with long contact life includes a housing 1, on which a plurality of connection holes 11 are provided for wire connection.

[0028] Reference Figure 2 A conductive element 2 is provided inside the connection hole 11. The conductive element 2 is used to connect with the wire to realize the circuit connection of the circuit breaker. The conductive element 2 includes a first conductive sleeve 21 and a second conductive sleeve 22. The first conductive sleeve 21 is fixedly connected to the end face of the second conductive sleeve 22, and the diameter of the first conductive sleeve 21 is larger than the diameter of the second conductive sleeve 22.

[0029] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 A conductive ring 3 is fitted onto the conductor, and the conductive ring 3 can slide on the outer surface of the conductor. The conductive ring 3 includes a fixed ring 31 and a movable ring 32, both of which are made of conductive material. A movable groove 311 is formed on the outer surface of the fixed ring 31, and a movable block 321 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the movable ring 32, which slides within the movable groove 311. A plurality of friction blocks 312 are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the fixed ring 31, and the plurality of friction blocks 312 are distributed in a circumferential array along the fixed ring 31. When the friction blocks 312 abut against the outer surface of the conductor, the fixed ring 31 can be fixed to the conductor.

[0030] Reference Figure 2 The outer surface of the movable ring 32 can abut against the inner surface of the first conductive sleeve 21, and the outer surface of the wire can abut against the inner surface of the second conductive sleeve 22. When the wire moves towards the conductive element 2, the movable ring 32 first abuts against the first conductive sleeve 21, and then the wire abuts against the second conductive sleeve 22. When the wire moves away from the conductive element 2, the wire first disengages from the second conductive sleeve 22, and then the movable ring 32 disengages from the first conductive sleeve 21. The area of ​​the conductive ring 3 abutting against the first conductive sleeve 21 is smaller than the area of ​​the wire abutting against the second conductive sleeve 22.

[0031] Reference Figure 2 A guide ring 23 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the first conductive sleeve 21, and the guide ring 23 is elastic, extending circumferentially along the first conductive sleeve 21. The inner diameter of the guide ring 23 is smaller than the outer diameter of the moving ring 32, that is, the guide ring 23 can prevent the moving ring 32 from detaching from the first conductive sleeve 21. A guide slope 231 is formed on the surface of the guide ring 23 away from the second conductive sleeve 22. The distance between the guide slope 231 and the second conductive sleeve 22 gradually decreases along the direction from the first conductive sleeve 21 to the guide ring 23. The guide slope 231 is located in the movement path of the moving ring 32 when it is inserted into the first conductive sleeve 21.

[0032] Reference Figure 2 The movable ring 32 can be inserted into the first conductive sleeve 21 along the guide slope 231. At this time, the guide ring 23 restricts the movable ring 32 from disengaging from the first conductive sleeve 21, reducing the possibility that the movable ring 32 will disengage from the first conductive sleeve 21 due to the movement of the wire.

[0033] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The housing 1 is provided with multiple fixing components 4, which are used to fix the wire. Each fixing component 4 includes a fixing spring 41 and a limiting spring 42. Two placement slots 12 are formed on the wall of the connecting hole 11, and the two placement slots 12 are arranged opposite each other. One fixing component 4 is disposed in one placement slot 12. One end of the fixing spring 41 is fixedly connected to the wall of the placement slot 12, and the other end of the fixing spring 41 is raised to one side. The fixing spring 41 deforms towards the other fixing spring 41, and the raised end of the fixing spring 41 abuts against the outer surface of the wire, thus fixing the wire.

[0034] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The housing 1 has an operation hole 13 that connects to the placement groove 12. An operation bar 131 is slidably connected in the operation hole 13 and can be inserted into the placement groove 12. A fixing spring 41 is located on the movement path of the operation bar 131. That is, when the user presses the operation bar 131, the operation bar 131 can drive the fixing spring 41 to move, causing one end of the fixing spring 41 to deform away from the wire, so that the fixing spring 41 does not fix the wire, so that the wire can move in the connection hole 11.

[0035] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 An insulating block 411 is fixedly connected to the raised end of the fixed spring 41. The insulating block 411 is elastic and made of insulating material. The insulating block 411 can deform in the direction of the first conductive sleeve 21 and can abut against the moving ring 32, so that the insulating block 411 drives the moving ring 32 to move into the first conductive sleeve 21.

[0036] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 One end of the limiting spring 42 is fixedly connected to the wall of the placement groove 12, and the other end of the limiting spring 42 abuts against the insulating block 411. The limiting spring 42 drives the insulating block 411 to move toward the first conductive sleeve 21, so that the insulating block 411 can drive the moving ring 32 into the first conductive sleeve 21.

[0037] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 A driving piece 421 is integrally formed on the surface of the limiting spring 42. The end of the driving piece 421 away from the limiting spring 42 abuts against the surface of the fixing spring 41 away from the wire. The end face of the driving piece 421 near the fixing spring 41 is located on the side of the end face of the driving piece 421 near the limiting spring 42 that is closer to the wire. When the fixing spring 41 deforms in the direction away from the wire, the fixing spring 41 drives the driving piece 421 to move in the direction away from the wire. The driving piece 421 can cause one end of the limiting spring 42 to tilt in the direction away from the wire, so that the limiting spring 42 is not abutting against the insulating block 411. The fixing spring 41 can drive the insulating block 411 to move so that the wire can extend out of the connection hole 11.

[0038] The implementation principle of a molded case circuit breaker with high contact life in this application embodiment is as follows: When the user inserts the wire into the connection hole 11, the moving ring 32 is fixed by the spring 41, and then the limiting spring 42 pushes the insulating block 411, so that the moving ring 32 can be smoothly inserted into the first conductive sleeve 21 along the guide slope 231, realizing the contact between the moving ring 32 and the first conductive sleeve 21, and finally the wire is inserted into the second conductive sleeve 22.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms "first," "second," "third," and similar terms used in this application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. The terms "an" or "a" and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising" or "including" and similar terms mean that the elements or objects preceding "comprising" or "including" encompass the elements or objects listed following "comprising" or "including" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. "Above," "below," "left," "right," etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0040] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the design concept of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A molded case circuit breaker with long contact life, comprising a housing (1), wherein a connection hole (11) is provided on the housing (1), and a conductive element (2) is provided in the connection hole (11), characterized in that: A fixing component (4) is provided inside the connecting hole (11). The fixing component (4) is used to fix the wire and the conductive component (2). The conductive component (2) includes a first conductive sleeve (21) and a second conductive sleeve (22). The first conductive sleeve (21) is disposed on the second conductive sleeve (22). The second conductive sleeve (22) is disposed inside the connecting hole (11). The diameter of the first conductive sleeve (21) is larger than the diameter of the second conductive sleeve (22). A conductive ring (3) is provided on the housing (1). The conductive ring (3) is slidably connected to the outer surface of the wire. The area between the conductive ring (3) and the first conductive sleeve (21) is smaller than the area between the wire and the second conductive sleeve (22). When the conductive ring (3) abuts against the first conductive sleeve (21), the second conductive sleeve (22) does not abut against the wire. When the wire is detached from the second conductive sleeve (22), the conductive ring (3) abuts against the first conductive sleeve (21).

2. A molded case circuit breaker with long contact life according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing component (4) includes a fixing spring (41), which is disposed in the connection hole (11). The fixing spring (41) deforms toward the side of the housing (1) where the connection hole (11) is opened. When the fixing spring (41) abuts against the wire, the fixing spring (41) restricts the movement of the wire.

3. A molded case circuit breaker with long contact life according to claim 2, characterized in that: An operating bar (131) is slidably connected to the housing (1), and the fixing spring (41) is located on the moving path of the operating bar (131); when the operating bar (131) abuts against the fixing spring (41), the fixing spring (41) does not abut against the wire.

4. A molded case circuit breaker with long contact life according to claim 2, characterized in that: An insulating block (411) is provided on the fixing spring (41). The insulating block (411) is elastic and is used to drive the conductive ring (3) to move toward the first conductive sleeve (21). When the fixing spring (41) abuts against the wire, the insulating block (411) abuts against the side of the conductive ring (3) away from the second conductive sleeve (22).

5. A molded case circuit breaker with long contact life according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fixing component (4) also includes a limiting spring (42), which is disposed in the connecting hole (11). The limiting spring (42) abuts against the side of the insulating block (411) away from the wire. The limiting spring (42) is used to drive the conductive ring (3) to be inserted into the first conductive sleeve (21).

6. A molded case circuit breaker with long contact life according to claim 5, characterized in that: The limiting spring (42) is provided with a driving piece (421), which is located on the moving path of the fixed spring (41) away from the wire. The driving piece (421) is used to drive one end of the limiting spring (42) to tilt up. When the fixed spring (41) moves to the side away from the wire, the limiting spring (42) does not abut against the insulating block (411).

7. A molded case circuit breaker with long contact life according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive ring (3) includes a fixed ring (31) and a movable ring (32), both of which are conductive. The fixed ring (31) is fixed to the wire, and the movable ring (32) is slidably connected to the fixed ring (31). The movable ring (32) can abut against the first conductive sleeve (21). The inner wall of the fixed ring (31) is provided with a plurality of friction blocks (312). When the wire abuts against the friction block (312), the fixed ring (31) is fixed to the wire.

8. A molded case circuit breaker with long contact life according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the first conductive sleeve (21) is provided with a guide ring (23), and a guide slope (231) is provided on the surface of the guide ring (23) away from the second conductive sleeve (22). The distance between the guide slope (231) and the second conductive sleeve (22) gradually decreases along the direction between the first conductive sleeve (21) and the guide ring (23). The guide slope (231) is located on the moving path of the conductive ring (3).

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