Circuit breaker

Abstract

A circuit breaker includes a housing. The housing includes a body, an annular tube (208), and a rupture device (210). The body includes an end cap attached to an end of the body. An annular tube (208) extends from the end cap outside the end cap. The annular tube (208) includes a desiccant holder (214) configured to contain a desiccant, the desiccant configured to remove moisture from the gas within the housing when the desiccant is contained in the desiccant holder (214). The rupture device (210) is configured to regulate the pressure of the gas contained within the housing. The rupture device (210) is removably mounted to the annular tube (208) at an end of the annular tube remote from the end cap, and / or the annular tube (208) is removably attached to the end cap, and wherein a space defined by the desiccant holder (214) and configured to contain desiccant is accessible from an end of the annular tube (208) removably attached to one of the end cap and the rupture device (210).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a circuit breaker equipped with a desiccant retainer. Background Technology

[0002] Circuit breakers are used to prevent overload or short circuits in electrical systems. The main principle of a circuit breaker is to suddenly disconnect the circuit and safely extinguish the arc generated by the interrupter. A circuit breaker includes a housing, which houses the interrupter using a support tube. Additionally, the circuit breaker housing includes one or more end caps. The circuit breaker includes a high-voltage insulating gas used as the arc-extinguishing medium. In some examples, the high-voltage insulating gas is SF6 gas. Furthermore, the circuit breaker includes a desiccant material mounted on the inside of the end caps of the housing. The desiccant material is responsible for adsorbing moisture inside the circuit breaker housing.

[0003] The aforementioned desiccant materials require periodic maintenance and / or replacement. To perform this maintenance and / or replacement, many components of the circuit breaker are disassembled. In some examples, end caps, support tubes, and interrupters are disassembled for maintenance and / or replacement.

[0004] However, a drawback of this solution is that the aforementioned components of the circuit breaker are heavy and require external hoisting equipment for disassembly and reassembly. This increases the total time spent on maintenance and / or replacement of the desiccant material. Furthermore, during the disassembly and reassembly of components, the desiccant material may be exposed to the environment for an extended period, causing it to lose its absorption properties. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a circuit breaker that includes a desiccant holder that is easily and quickly accessible when performing maintenance and / or replacement of the desiccant material.

[0006] Therefore, the object of this disclosure is to provide a circuit breaker and a desiccant holder that is easily and quickly accessible when performing maintenance and / or replacement of the desiccant material.

[0007] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a circuit breaker is provided. The circuit breaker includes a housing. The housing further includes a body, an annular tube, and a rupture device. Additionally, an end cap may be attached to an end of the body. The annular tube may extend from an end cap outside the end cap, wherein the annular tube includes a desiccant holder. The desiccant holder is configured to contain desiccant configured to remove moisture from a gas within the housing when the desiccant is contained in the desiccant holder. The rupture device is configured to regulate the pressure of a gas contained within the housing, wherein the rupture device is detachably mounted to the annular tube at an end of the annular tube remote from the end cap, and / or the annular tube is detachably attached to the end cap. In one example, a space defined by the desiccant holder and configured to contain desiccant is accessible from the end of the annular tube detachably attached to one of the end cap and the rupture device.

[0008] In some embodiments, the rupture device is detachably mounted to the annular tube, and when the rupture device is removed, an opening is formed in the annular tube, through which the desiccant can be accessed when installed in the desiccant holder.

[0009] Advantageously, during maintenance, the circuit breaker's aforementioned construction allows for the disassembly and reassembly of the rupture device and ring tube without disassembling many other components of the circuit breaker. Therefore, desiccant maintenance and / or replacement can be performed easily and quickly. Consequently, the desiccant is unlikely to be exposed to the environment for extended periods, and thus, the desiccant material can effectively absorb moisture from the gas.

[0010] In some embodiments, the annular tube is constructed as an integral part of the end cap. In this case, the annular tube must be designed such that, when the rupture device is removed from the annular tube, the desiccant can be accessed from the end of the annular tube that is detachably attached to the rupture device.

[0011] In some embodiments, the circuit breaker includes a circuit breaker located within the body and a rear support tube for supporting the circuit breaker, wherein an end cap is connected to the rear support tube.

[0012] In some embodiments, the annular tube includes an inner tube configured to be at least partially surrounded by a desiccant, and wherein the inner tube has perforations.

[0013] In some embodiments, the rupture device is installed to the annular pipe by one or more of bolted or screwed connections.

[0014] In some embodiments, the rupture device may include a diaphragm that allows gas to escape from the housing when the pressure within the housing exceeds a threshold. In the example, the gas within the housing may be an electrically insulating gas. For example, the insulating gas may be C4FN gas or SF6 gas.

[0015] In some embodiments, gas passes through perforations in the inner tube and comes into contact with the desiccant. In one example, when the rupture device ruptures, the gas exits the housing through the inner tube and the rupture device. Therefore, the gas exiting the breaker when the rupture device ruptures does not pass directly through the desiccant, as the desiccant is located around and outside the inner tube. Thus, the desiccant is prevented from diffusing into the environment during such venting due to the design claimed.

[0016] In one embodiment, a desiccant is disposed on a desiccant holder. In one example, the desiccant includes granular desiccant material and a bag containing the granular desiccant material.

[0017] Other advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Certain embodiments may have some or all of the advantages described. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The foregoing will become apparent from the following more detailed description of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals refer to the same parts in different views. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather focus on illustrating exemplary embodiments.

[0019] Figure 1 A circuit breaker incorporating a prior art desiccant holder is disclosed; Figure 2 Circuit breakers including desiccant holders according to some embodiments of the present invention are disclosed; Figure 3 Cross-sectional views of circuit breakers according to some embodiments of the present invention are disclosed; Figure 4 Cross-sectional views of an annular tube and a rupture device according to some embodiments of the present invention are disclosed; Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an annular tube according to some embodiments of the present invention is disclosed, wherein the rupture device is disassembled. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Various aspects of this disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the apparatus disclosed herein can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. Like reference numerals throughout the drawings refer to the same elements.

[0021] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific aspects of this disclosure only and is not intended to limit the invention. It should be emphasized that, when used in this specification, the term "comprising / including" is used to indicate the presence of the stated feature, integer, step, or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or combinations thereof. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0022] Figure 1 (Prior art) discloses a circuit breaker 100 for abruptly disconnecting a circuit and safely extinguishing an arc generated by a circuit breaker 102. The circuit breaker 100 includes a housing 104. The housing 104 also includes a body 106 having an end cap 108. The end cap 108 is fastened to the body 106 by bolts 110. Furthermore, a rupture device 112 extends from the end cap 108 on its outer side. The rupture device 112 is configured to regulate the pressure of an insulating gas contained within the housing 104. Additionally, the rupture device is connected to a conduit 114 configured to guide the flow of the insulating gas. Furthermore, the housing 104 includes a desiccant holder 116 located on the liner of the end cap 108. The desiccant holder 116 is configured to contain desiccant.

[0023] Furthermore, the aforementioned desiccant requires regular maintenance and / or replacement. To perform this maintenance and / or replacement, many components of the circuit breaker 100 are disassembled. Specifically, the interruptor 102, end cap 108, rupture device 112, conduit 114, and guide rod 118 are disassembled for maintenance and / or replacement. A disadvantage of this solution is that the aforementioned components of the circuit breaker 100 are heavy and require external hoisting equipment for disassembly and reassembly. This increases the total time consumed in maintaining and / or replacing the desiccant. Additionally, during the disassembly and reassembly of components, the desiccant may be exposed to the environment for an extended period, thus causing it to lose its moisture-absorbing properties.

[0024] According to some embodiments of this subject, such as Figure 2As shown, a circuit breaker 200 is disclosed. The circuit breaker 200 includes a housing 202. The housing 202 also includes a body 204 having an end cap 206. The end cap 206 is fastened to the body 204 by bolts (not shown). Furthermore, an annular tube 208 extends from the end cap 206 on its outer side. The body 204 also includes a rupture device 210, which is detachably mounted to the annular tube 208 at its end remote from the end cap 206. The rupture device 210 is configured to regulate the pressure of an insulating gas contained within the housing 202. The rupture device 210 is designed to rupture when the gas pressure within the housing exceeds a predetermined threshold, and thus release gas from the housing 202. In one example, the annular tube 208 is also detachably attached to the end cap 206.

[0025] For example, a cross-sectional view of circuit breaker 200 has been disclosed. Figure 3 As shown, the end cap 206 of the circuit breaker 200 is fastened to the body 204 by bolts 212. In one example, the end cap 206 is fastened to the body 204 by a screw structure (not shown). In one example, the annular tube 208 may be constructed as an integral part of the end cap 206. In another example, the annular tube 208 may also be detachably attached to the end cap 206. Furthermore, the annular tube 208 includes a desiccant holder 214 configured to contain a desiccant (not shown). The desiccant is configured to remove moisture from the insulating gas within the housing 202 by absorbing moisture.

[0026] In one embodiment, the annular tube 208 includes an inner tube 216 configured to be at least partially surrounded by a desiccant (not shown). In one example, the inner tube 216 may have perforations. Furthermore, the housing 202 includes a flange 218 configured to retain a rear support tube 220. In one example, the rear support tube 220 is configured to retain a disconnector 222. The disconnector 222 also includes a guide rod 224 configured to be connected to a bushing (not shown).

[0027] An insulating gas may interact with a desiccant (not shown) through one or more holes in the perforated inner tube 216. In one example, the insulating gas may be C4FN gas. In another example, the insulating gas may be SF6 gas.

[0028] Furthermore, in one example, cross-sectional views of the annular tube 208 and the rupture device 210 are disclosed. Figure 4 As shown, the rupture device 210 can be detachably mounted to the annular tube 208 by bolts 226. In another example, the rupture device 210 can be mounted to the annular tube 208 by screws (not shown).

[0029] In one embodiment, the rupture device 210 includes a diaphragm 228, the diaphragm 228 being in ( Figure 3When the pressure inside the housing 202 exceeds a threshold, insulating gas is allowed to escape. Figure 3 The housing 202. In one example, insulating gas exits through the inner tube 216 and the rupture device 210. Figure 3 The housing 202. Furthermore, the rupture device 210 includes a conduit 230 and a sheet 232 configured to keep dirty air away from the diaphragm 228. In one example, the conduit 230 may be bolted or screwed to the rupture device 210.

[0030] A cross-sectional view of the annular tube 208 is disclosed, in which the rupture device 210 is disassembled. Figure 5 As shown, the desiccant holder 214 contains the desiccant 234. Furthermore, as described above, the perforated inner tube 216 is configured to be at least partially surrounded by the desiccant 234. In one example, in ( Figure 4 When the rupture device 210 is disassembled, an opening 236 is formed on the annular tube 208, and the desiccant 234 can be accessed from the opening 236 when it is installed in the desiccant holder 214.

[0031] In one embodiment, desiccant 234 comprises particulate desiccant material and a bag therein containing the particulate desiccant material. In one example, the bag containing the particulate desiccant material may be made of a flexible material. Furthermore, the bag may have a circular geometry. In another example, the bag may extend around the inner tube 216 like a ring. Additionally, in one embodiment, desiccant 234 may be a 4A-XH-5 type desiccant used in refrigeration systems.

[0032] Therefore, during the maintenance and / or replacement of desiccant 234, ( Figure 4 The desiccant 210 can be disassembled, thereby forming an opening 236. Furthermore, the desiccant 234 can be accessed via the opening 236 for maintenance and / or replacement. Therefore, maintenance and / or replacement of the desiccant 234 can be performed easily and quickly without disassembly. Figure 3 The circuit breaker 200 has a large number of heavy components. Therefore, the total time consumed by desiccant maintenance is minimized, and desiccant 234 is unlikely to be exposed to the environment for a long time. Thus, desiccant 234 can effectively absorb moisture from the insulating gas.

[0033] The foregoing description of specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others may readily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments for various applications by applying present knowledge without departing from the general concept, and therefore such modifications and adaptations should and are intended to be understood as being within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes and not for limitation. Therefore, although embodiments herein have been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A circuit breaker (200), the circuit breaker (200) comprising a housing (202), wherein, The housing (202) includes: The main body (204) and the end cap (206) attached to the end of the main body (204). An annular tube (208) extends from the end cap (206) on the outside of the end cap (206), wherein the annular tube (208) includes a desiccant holder (214) configured to contain a desiccant (234) configured to remove moisture from the gas within the housing (202) when the desiccant (234) is contained in the desiccant holder (214); A rupture device (210) configured to regulate the pressure of the gas contained within the housing (202), wherein the rupture device (210) is detachably mounted to the annular tube (208) at the end of the annular tube (208) remote from the end cap (206) and / or the annular tube (208) is detachably attached to the end cap (206), and wherein a space defined by the desiccant holder (214) and configured to contain the desiccant (234) is accessible from the end of the annular tube (208) detachably attached to the end cap (206) and the rupture device (210).

2. The circuit breaker (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The rupture device (210) is detachably mounted to the annular tube (208), and when the rupture device (210) is removed, an opening (236) is formed in the annular tube (208), wherein the desiccant (234) can be accessed from the opening (236) when it is installed in the desiccant holder (214).

3. The circuit breaker (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The annular tube (208) is constructed as an integral part of the end cap (206).

4. The circuit breaker (200) according to claim 1, comprising a circuit breaker (222) located within the body (204) and a rear support tube (220) for supporting the circuit breaker (222), wherein, The end cap (206) is connected to the rear support tube (220).

5. The circuit breaker (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The annular tube (208) has an inner tube (216) configured to be at least partially surrounded by the desiccant (234), and wherein the inner tube (216) has perforations.

6. The circuit breaker (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The rupture device (210) is installed to the annular tube (208) by one or more of bolts or screws.

7. The circuit breaker (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The rupture device (210) includes a diaphragm (228) that allows the gas to escape from the housing (202) when the pressure inside the housing (202) is greater than a threshold.

8. The circuit breaker (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas inside the housing (202) is an insulating gas.

9. The circuit breaker (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The gas passes through the perforation of the inner tube (216) and comes into contact with the desiccant (234).

10. The circuit breaker (200) according to claim 7, wherein, The gas exits the housing (202) through the inner tube (216) and the rupture device (210).

11. The circuit breaker (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The desiccant (234) is disposed on the desiccant holder (214).

12. The circuit breaker (200) according to claim 11, wherein, The desiccant (234) comprises: Granular desiccant materials; and The bag contains the granular desiccant material.

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