An operating mechanism for a double contact circuit breaker

Abstract

The operating mechanism of a double-contact circuit breaker comprises an operating handle, the operating handle can drive the mechanism seat to rotate through a connecting rod, the mechanism seat can drive the moving contact and the corresponding stationary contact to contact and separate during rotation, thereby controlling the on-off of the circuit breaker, a trip latch is rotatably installed in a mounting groove one between the two side portions of the mechanism seat, a lock latch is rotatably installed in a mounting groove two between the two side portions of the mechanism seat, one end of the connecting rod is linked with the operating handle, and the other end is linked with the two side portions of the mechanism seat and the linkage portion on the trip latch. The lock latch and the trip latch are arranged in the middle region in the height direction of the mechanism seat, the stress points are evenly distributed on the upper and lower ends of the mechanism seat, the trip latch and the lock latch are also located in the middle position of the contacts, the stress on the upper and lower ends of the entire mechanism reaches a balanced state, the stress on one end of the connecting rod linked with the trip latch is shared by the mechanism seat and the trip latch, the entire structure enhances the stability of the entire mechanism, and reduces the risk of product slip.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of circuit breaker technology, specifically relating to an operating mechanism for a double-contact circuit breaker. Background Technology

[0002] Circuit breakers are classified into high-voltage circuit breakers and low-voltage circuit breakers according to their application. Low-voltage circuit breakers, also known as automatic switches or commonly called "air switches," are electrical devices that combine manual switching functionality with automatic protection against undervoltage, overload, and short-circuit faults. They can be used to distribute electrical energy, infrequently start asynchronous motors, and protect power lines and motors. When serious overloads, short circuits, or undervoltage faults occur, they automatically disconnect the circuit. Their function is equivalent to a combination of a fuse switch and over / under-voltage relays, and generally, no component replacement is required after interrupting a fault current, leading to their widespread use.

[0003] With the continuous increase in power grid capacity and the need for centralized power distribution, electrical appliances require increasingly higher breaking capacity. Therefore, current-limiting contact structures have been widely used in molded case circuit breakers, especially double-break circuit breakers. Since the arc energy is borne by two contacts, the breaking capacity is further improved, and they have been more widely developed in recent years. However, existing double-contact circuit breakers have added a set of moving contact systems, which greatly increases the operating force required. At the same time, the functional components of the existing double-contact operating mechanism are not rationally arranged, the force on each component is uneven, and the mechanism will generate a large twist during the movement, resulting in unstable mechanism stroke, uncontrollable overtravel, and poor contact consistency, which reduces the breaking performance of the circuit breaker and shortens the service life of the circuit breaker.

[0004] Chinese Patent 201811366679.0 discloses an operating mechanism for a dual-contact circuit breaker, comprising a handle, a U-shaped linkage, a lever, a trip latch, a latch, a moving contact bracket, and a dual-contact moving contact. The handle and lever are pivotally mounted on the circuit breaker housing, while the trip latch, latch, and moving contact bracket are pivotally mounted on the lever. The handle and trip latch are connected by the U-shaped linkage. The trip latch and latch each have a latching surface suitable for locking. The dual-contact moving contact is fixedly mounted on the moving contact bracket. This operating mechanism, through limiting grooves, restricts the position of the trip latch and latch, preventing them from shifting or deviating, ensuring installation stability, and keeping them in a centered position to maintain overall force balance, further guaranteeing its performance. However, in this technical solution, one end of the linkage bears force on the handle, and the other end bears force on the trip latch, requiring a relatively large operating force, resulting in unbalanced forces and poor operational stability. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing dual-contact circuit breakers, such as unbalanced force distribution in the operating mechanism, requiring a relatively large operating force, and poor operational stability. This invention provides an operating mechanism for a dual-contact circuit breaker where the trip latch and locking latch are located in the middle region of the mechanism base's height. The force on the end of the linkage that is linked to the trip latch is distributed between the mechanism base and the trip latch. This achieves a balanced force distribution at both ends of the entire mechanism, thereby enhancing its overall stability and reducing the risk of tripping.

[0006] Technical solution

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention provides an operating mechanism for a dual-contact circuit breaker, comprising an operating handle. The operating handle, via a connecting rod, can drive a mechanism base to rotate. During the rotation of the mechanism base, the moving contact mounted thereon can contact and separate from the corresponding stationary contact, thereby controlling the on / off state of the circuit breaker. The mechanism is characterized in that: a trip latch is rotatably mounted on the mechanism base in a mounting groove 1 located between the two sides of the mechanism base; a locking latch is rotatably mounted on the mechanism base in a mounting groove 2 located between the two sides of the mechanism base; one end of the connecting rod is linked to the operating handle, and the other end is linked to the two sides of the mechanism base and the linkage portion on the trip latch.

[0008] In one embodiment, one end of the connecting rod is inserted into the connecting hole on the operating handle, and the other end is inserted from the waist-shaped hole one on one side of the mechanism seat, passes through the linkage part on the jump buckle, and enters the waist-shaped hole two on the other side of the mechanism seat.

[0009] In one embodiment, a reset torsion spring is fitted onto the jumper, with one end placed in a connecting groove on the jumper and the other end resting in a slot on the mechanism seat.

[0010] In one embodiment, the jumper is provided with a protrusion for pre-installation limiting of the reset torsion spring.

[0011] In one embodiment, the moving contact is provided with a mounting connection hole, and the moving contact is mounted on a corresponding boss on the mechanism seat through the mounting connection hole. The moving contact is pressed against the mechanism seat by a contact spring.

[0012] In one embodiment, the jumper is rotatably mounted in a mounting groove between the two sides of the mechanism seat via a jumper shaft.

[0013] In one embodiment, limiting grooves are provided on the two side walls of the mounting groove between the two sides of the mechanism seat to restrict the jump buckle from moving axially along the jump buckle shaft, and the limiting grooves can limit the rotational stroke of the jump buckle.

[0014] In one embodiment, the linkage is an arc-shaped groove on the snap fastener.

[0015] In one embodiment, the latch is rotatably mounted on the mechanism seat in a mounting groove located between the two sides of the mechanism seat via a latch shaft.

[0016] In one embodiment, a limiting platform is provided on the two side walls of the mounting groove two between the two sides of the mechanism seat to restrict the latch from moving axially along the latch shaft.

[0017] In one embodiment, the boss on the mechanism seat and the arcuate feature at the bottom of the mounting groove can limit the rotational travel of the latch.

[0018] In one embodiment, the latch is fitted with a latch spring to provide latching force, and a release lever extends from the latch to engage with a corresponding contact surface on the jump buckle.

[0019] In one embodiment, the mechanism seat is rotatably mounted on the housing via a mechanism seat mounting shaft, and one end of the contact spring is fitted on the mechanism seat mounting shaft and abuts against the corresponding contact end of the moving contact.

[0020] In one embodiment, the mechanism base is either integral or separate.

[0021] Furthermore, the mechanism seat includes an upper side wall and a lower side wall, which are assembled together by a protruding post and a countersunk platform to form the mechanism seat.

[0022] Beneficial effects

[0023] This invention discloses an operating mechanism for a dual-contact circuit breaker. It includes an operating handle, which, via a connecting rod, drives a mechanism base to rotate. During rotation, the mechanism base causes a moving contact mounted thereon to contact and separate from a corresponding stationary contact, thereby controlling the on / off state of the circuit breaker. A trip latch is rotatably mounted on the mechanism base in a mounting groove one located between the two sides of the mechanism base. A locking latch is rotatably mounted on the mechanism base in a mounting groove two located between the two sides of the mechanism base. One end of the connecting rod is linked to the operating handle, and the other end is linked to the two sides of the mechanism base and the linkage portion on the trip latch. The locking latch and trip latch are arranged in the middle region along the height direction of the mechanism base, evenly distributing the force points at both ends of the mechanism base. Simultaneously, the trip latch and locking latch are also positioned in the middle of the contacts, achieving a balanced force distribution across the entire mechanism. The force on the end of the connecting rod linked to the trip latch is distributed across the mechanism base and the trip latch. This structure enhances the stability of the entire mechanism and reduces the risk of product tripping. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Appendix Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the internal structure of the double-contact circuit breaker in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Appendix Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the internal structure of the double-contact circuit breaker in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Appendix Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the double-contact circuit breaker in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Appendix Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the operating mechanism in the open state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Appendix Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the operating mechanism in the closed state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Appendix Figure 6a This is a schematic diagram of the upper sidewall portion in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Appendix Figure 6b This is a schematic diagram of the upper sidewall portion in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Appendix Figure 7a This is a schematic diagram of the lower sidewall portion in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Appendix Figure 7b This is a schematic diagram of the lower sidewall portion in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Appendix Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the mechanism base in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Appendix Figure 9a This is a schematic diagram of the jump buckle in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Appendix Figure 9b This is a schematic diagram of the jump buckle in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Appendix Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the latch in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Appendix Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the moving contact in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Appendix Figure 12a This is a schematic diagram of the mechanism seat in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Appendix Figure 12b This is a schematic diagram of the mechanism seat in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0027] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application's specification are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0028] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0029] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] The existing double-contact circuit breaker has an additional moving contact system, which greatly increases the operating force required. At the same time, the functional components of the existing double-contact operating mechanism are not rationally arranged, the force on each component is uneven, and the mechanism will generate a large twist during the movement, resulting in unstable mechanism stroke, uncontrollable overtravel, poor contact consistency, which reduces the breaking performance of the circuit breaker and shortens the service life of the circuit breaker.

[0033] To solve this problem, see attached... Figure 1 As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the operating mechanism of a dual-contact circuit breaker provided in this embodiment includes an operating handle 1. The operating handle 1 can drive the mechanism base 3 to rotate via a connecting rod 2. During the rotation of the mechanism base 3, the moving contact 4 installed thereon can contact and separate from the corresponding stationary contact 5, thereby controlling the on / off state of the circuit breaker. The trip latch 6 is rotatably installed in the first mounting groove 301 located between the two sides of the mechanism base 3. The locking latch 7 is rotatably installed in the second mounting groove 302 located between the two sides of the mechanism base 3. One end of the connecting rod 2 is linked to the operating handle 1, and the other end is linked to the two sides of the mechanism base 3 and the linkage part 601 on the trip latch 6. The locking and tripping latches are arranged in the middle area of ​​the mechanism seat in the height direction, so that the force points are evenly distributed on the upper and lower ends of the mechanism seat. At the same time, the tripping latches and locking latches are also located in the middle of the contacts, so that the force on the upper and lower ends of the entire mechanism reaches a balanced state. The force on the end of the linkage that is linked with the tripping latch is distributed to the mechanism seat and the tripping latch. The entire structure enhances the stability of the entire mechanism and reduces the risk of product disengagement.

[0034] In such Figure 1 As shown in Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5, specifically, one end of the connecting rod 2 is inserted into the connecting hole 101 on the operating handle 1, and the other end is inserted through the first waist-shaped hole 303 on one side of the mechanism base 3, passes through the linkage part 601 on the jump buckle 6, and then enters the second waist-shaped hole 304 on the other side of the mechanism base 3. In this embodiment, the two ends of the connecting rod 2 have different lengths. The shorter end is inserted into the connecting hole 101 on the handle 1, and the longer end is inserted through the first waist-shaped hole 303 on one side of the mechanism base 3, passes through the linkage part 601 on the jump buckle 6, and then enters the second waist-shaped hole 304 on the other side of the mechanism base 3. The connecting rod 2 moves within the waist-shaped hole, and the force-bearing positions of the connecting rod 2 are located at the upper and lower ends of the mechanism base and the middle jump buckle, with the main force-bearing position being the middle jump buckle.

[0035] The reset torsion spring 8 is fitted onto the jump buckle 6, with one end placed in the connecting groove 602 on the jump buckle 6 and the other end resting in the slot 305 on the mechanism base 3. (See attached image) Figure 9aAs shown in Figure 9b, the trip latch 6 is provided with a protrusion 603 for pre-installation limiting of the reset torsion spring 8. Specifically, one arm of the reset torsion spring 8 is bent and pre-installed in the connecting groove 602 above the trip latch 6, while the other arm is long and straight, abutting against the protrusion 603 of the trip latch to form a pre-installation. After the trip latch 6 is assembled on the mechanism seat 3, the spring arm rests in the slot 305 in the middle of the mechanism seat, and the reset torsion spring 8 can reset the trip latch 6 to the open position when the circuit is opened.

[0036] In this embodiment, the mechanism base 3 is rotatably mounted on the housing 14 via the mechanism base mounting shaft 13, and the moving contact 4 is provided with a mounting connection hole 401. (See attached...) Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, the mounting connection hole 401 is a square hole. The moving contact 4 is mounted on the corresponding boss 306 on the mechanism base 3 through the mounting connection hole 401, and the moving contact 4 is pressed against the mechanism base 3 by contact springs 9 and 9'. Specifically, one end of the contact springs 9 and 9' is fitted on the mounting shaft 13 of the mechanism base and abuts against the corresponding contact end of the moving contact 4 to limit the movement of the moving contact 4. (See attached diagram) Figure 6a As shown in Figures 6b, 7a, 7b, and 8, the mechanism base 3 is a split type. The mechanism base 3 includes an upper sidewall 3a and a lower sidewall 3b, which are assembled together by a protruding post 3c and a recessed platform 3d. When the protruding post 3c is installed on the upper sidewall 3a, the recessed platform 3d is installed on the lower sidewall 3b, and vice versa. The jump buckle 6 is rotatably installed in the mounting groove 301 between the two sides of the mechanism base 3 via the jump buckle shaft 10. The linkage part 601 is an arc-shaped groove on the jump buckle 6. Limiting grooves 301a are provided on the two side walls of the mounting groove 301 between the two sides of the mechanism base 3 to restrict the movement of the jump buckle 6 along the axial direction of the jump buckle shaft 10. The limiting grooves 301a restrict the rotational stroke of the jump buckle 6. In this embodiment, the limiting grooves 301a are fan-shaped and are used for limiting the jump buckle during assembly, so that the hole on the jump buckle is aligned with the corresponding hole on the mechanism base 3, which facilitates the assembly of the jump buckle shaft and further increases the stability of the operating mechanism. The latch 7 is rotatably mounted on the mechanism base 3 in the mounting groove 302 between the two sides of the mechanism base 3 via the latch shaft 11. Limiting platforms 302a are provided on the two side walls of the mounting groove 302 between the two sides of the mechanism base 3 to restrict the movement of the latch 7 along the axial direction of the latch shaft 11. The boss 306 on the mechanism base 3 and the arcuate feature 302b at the bottom of the mounting groove 302 restrict the rotational stroke of the latch 7. (See attached...) Figure 10 The buckle 7 shown is fitted with a buckle spring 12 to provide locking force, and the buckle 7 extends a release bar 701 that can overlap with the corresponding overlapping surface 604 on the jump buckle 6.

[0037] Example 2

[0038] As attached Figure 12a As shown in Figure 12b, the mechanism base 3 is a single piece. Other structures and embodiments are the same.

[0039] The present invention provides an operating mechanism for a dual-contact circuit breaker, wherein the latch and trip latch are arranged in the middle area of ​​the mechanism base in the height direction, so that the force points are evenly distributed at the upper and lower ends of the mechanism base. At the same time, the trip latch and the latch are also located in the middle position of the contacts, so that the force at the upper and lower ends of the entire mechanism reaches a balanced state. The force at the end of the linkage that is linked with the trip latch is distributed to the mechanism base and the trip latch. The entire structure enhances the stability of the entire mechanism and reduces the risk of product tripping.

[0040] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0041] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An operating mechanism for a double-contact circuit breaker, comprising an operating handle (1), wherein the operating handle (1) can drive a mechanism base (3) to rotate via a connecting rod (2), and during the rotation of the mechanism base (3), it can drive a moving contact (4) mounted thereon to contact and separate from a corresponding stationary contact (5) to control the on / off state of the circuit breaker, characterized in that: The jump buckle (6) is rotatably installed on the mechanism seat (3) in the mounting groove one (301) between the two sides of the mechanism seat (3), and the lock buckle (7) is rotatably installed on the mechanism seat (3) in the mounting groove two (302) between the two sides of the mechanism seat (3). One end of the connecting rod (2) is linked to the operating handle (1), and the other end is linked to the two sides of the mechanism seat (3) and the linkage part (601) on the jump buckle (6). One end of the connecting rod (2) is inserted into the connecting hole (101) on the operating handle (1), and the other end is inserted from the waist-shaped hole (303) on one side of the mechanism seat (3), and after passing through the linkage part (601) on the jump buckle (6), it enters the waist-shaped hole (304) on the other side of the mechanism seat (3). The locking and tripping latches are located in the middle area along the height of the mechanism base; The connecting rod (2) moves within the waist-shaped hole. The force-bearing positions of the connecting rod (2) are located at the upper and lower ends of the mechanism seat and the middle jumper.

2. The operating mechanism of a double-contact circuit breaker as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The reset torsion spring (8) is fitted onto the jump buckle (6), with one end placed in the connecting groove (602) on the jump buckle (6) and the other end resting in the slot (305) on the mechanism seat (3).

3. The operating mechanism of a double-contact circuit breaker as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The jump buckle (6) is provided with a protrusion (603) for pre-installation limiting of the reset torsion spring (8).

4. The operating mechanism of a double-contact circuit breaker as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The moving contact (4) is provided with a mounting connection hole (401). The moving contact (4) is mounted on the corresponding boss (306) on the mechanism seat (3) through the mounting connection hole (401). The moving contact (4) is pressed against the mechanism seat (3) by a contact spring (9, 9').

5. The operating mechanism of a double-contact circuit breaker as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The jump buckle (6) is rotatably mounted in the mounting groove (301) between the two sides of the mechanism seat (3) via the jump buckle shaft (10).

6. The operating mechanism of a double-contact circuit breaker as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The mounting groove (301a) between the two sides of the mechanism seat (3) is provided with a limiting groove (301a) on both sides, which can limit the movement of the jump buckle (6) along the axial direction of the jump buckle shaft (10). The limiting groove (301a) can limit the rotation stroke of the jump buckle (6).

7. The operating mechanism of a double-contact circuit breaker as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The linkage part (601) is the arc-shaped groove on the jump buckle (6).

8. The operating mechanism of a double-contact circuit breaker as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The latch (7) is rotatably mounted on the mechanism base (3) in the mounting groove (302) located between the two sides of the mechanism base (3) via the latch shaft (11).

9. The operating mechanism of a double-contact circuit breaker as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The mounting groove 2 (302) between the two sides of the mechanism base (3) is provided with a limiting platform (302a) on both sides, which can restrict the latch (7) from moving axially along the latch shaft (11).

10. The operating mechanism of a double-contact circuit breaker as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The boss (306) on the mechanism seat (3) and the arc surface feature (302b) at the bottom of the mounting groove (302) can limit the rotation stroke of the latch (7).

11. The operating mechanism of a double-contact circuit breaker as described in claim 10, characterized in that: The latch (7) is fitted with a latch spring (12) to provide latching force, and the latch (7) extends a release bar (701) that can overlap with the corresponding overlapping surface (604) on the jump buckle (6).

12. The operating mechanism of a double-contact circuit breaker as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The mechanism seat (3) is rotatably mounted on the housing (14) via the mechanism seat mounting shaft (13). The contact spring (9, 9') is fitted on the mechanism seat mounting shaft (13), and one end of the contact spring (9, 9') abuts against the corresponding contact end of the moving contact (4).

13. The operating mechanism of a double-contact circuit breaker as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The mechanism base (3) can be integrated or split.

14. The operating mechanism of a double-contact circuit breaker as described in claim 13, characterized in that: The mechanism base (3) includes an upper side wall (3a) and a lower side wall (3b), which are assembled together by a protruding post (3c) and a recess (3d) to form the mechanism base (3).

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