Circuit breaker with energy storage structure

Abstract

A circuit breaker with an energy storage structure disclosed by the present invention comprises a base, a handle, a mechanism assembly and a contact system, the handle is rotatably installed in a corresponding hole of the base, the handle is connected with the mechanism assembly through a draw bar, the contact system comprises a moving contact and a static contact, and the moving contact is connected with the mechanism assembly through a draw bar. The moving contact is installed on the mechanism assembly and the support, rotation of the mechanism assembly drives the moving contact to rotate, the static contact comprises a first static contact and a second static contact, and the first static contact and the second static contact are located on the two sides of the mechanism assembly. The first static contact and the second static contact are arranged diagonally; the circuit breaker also comprises an energy storage assembly which is used for directly acting on a double-breakpoint moving contact of the circuit breaker in the closing process of the circuit breaker so as to control the energy storage position of the circuit breaker. Compared with the prior art, the energy storage assembly directly acts on the double-breakpoint moving contacts of the circuit breaker in the closing process of the circuit breaker, so that the energy storage position of the circuit breaker can be better controlled, and particularly, the position of each moving contact corresponding to a static contact can be well controlled for a multi-pole product, so that the energy storage distance of each pair of contacts is kept consistent; therefore, the electrical service life of the circuit breaker is prolonged, and the safety of the circuit breaker is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of low-voltage electrical technology, and more particularly to a circuit breaker with an energy storage structure. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, double-break miniature circuit breakers are widely used in low-voltage power distribution networks, primarily in high-voltage, high-breaking-capacity applications such as industry, photovoltaics, energy storage, communications, and rail transportation. They provide overcurrent protection for power lines and equipment. During the closing process, double-break miniature circuit breakers require manual or motor-driven operation to move the handle mechanism, closing the moving and stationary contacts. The closing speed of the circuit breaker contacts depends on the speed of the manual or motor operation; a faster operation results in faster contact speed, and vice versa. This leads to a longer duration of sparking between the moving and stationary contacts, reducing the product's lifespan. Therefore, the contact closing speed is directly related to the manual or motor speed and is greatly influenced by external operating forces.

[0003] Therefore, it is essential to add a closing energy storage structure inside a double-break circuit breaker to ensure that the circuit breaker is not affected by manual operation or motor speed during the closing process. During the circuit breaker closing process, the energy storage mechanism can store energy and release it to achieve rapid closure of the moving and stationary contacts, which helps to reduce contact erosion and thus ensures the electrical life of the circuit breaker.

[0004] However, in conventional double-break circuit breakers, the closing force of the energy storage mechanism is applied to the operating handle via components. Energy storage is achieved through the interaction of the quick-closing and limit switches on the handle. This structure has the following negative effects: 1. The closing operating force is too high, reducing the circuit breaker's lifespan and impacting the customer's operating experience. 2. Because the handle mechanism requires a significant increase in force, a higher-force spring is needed, requiring stronger materials and increasing component control costs.

[0005] Therefore, how to provide a circuit breaker with an energy storage structure that can reduce the closing force on the operating handle and increase contact consistency is an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a circuit breaker with an energy storage structure, thereby solving the aforementioned problems existing in the prior art.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: The present invention provides a circuit breaker with an energy storage structure, including a base, a handle, a mechanism assembly, and a contact system. The handle is rotatably mounted in a corresponding hole in the base and is connected to the mechanism assembly via a traction rod. The contact system includes a moving contact and a stationary contact. The moving contact is mounted on the mechanism assembly and a bracket. Rotation of the mechanism assembly drives the moving contact to rotate. The stationary contact includes a first stationary contact and a second stationary contact. The first stationary contact and the second stationary contact are located on both sides of the mechanism assembly and are arranged diagonally. It also includes an energy storage component, which is used to directly act on the double-break moving contact of the circuit breaker during the circuit breaker closing process to control the energy storage position of the circuit breaker.

[0008] Furthermore, the energy storage component includes a first energy storage element and a second energy storage element. The first energy storage element is rotatably mounted on the base, and the second energy storage element is mounted together with the moving contact. The first energy storage element and the second energy storage element are always in contact with each other at their close ends. The first energy storage component includes a first part and a second part. The first part and the second part are connected by an integral molding method at their close ends. A mounting hole is also provided at the connection between the first part and the second part. The first energy storage element is mounted on the base through the mounting hole. An angle is provided at the connection between the first part and the second part. The first part cooperates with the first protrusion of the handle, and the first limiting groove on the second part cooperates with the second limiting groove on the second energy storage element.

[0009] Furthermore, the second energy storage device includes a second energy storage device body, on which a fixing hole is provided. The fixing hole and the mounting hole of the moving contact are concentric holes. The second energy storage device body is also provided with an extension portion. The second limiting groove is located at the end of the extension portion. The second energy storage device body is also provided with a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are installed in conjunction with the moving contact.

[0010] Furthermore, the moving contact includes a fixing part, and the two ends of the fixing part are provided with a first straight arm and a second straight arm. The moving contact is provided at the far ends of the first straight arm and the second straight arm. The moving contact is arranged opposite to each other. The first straight arm is also provided with a first fixing post and a first groove near the fixing part. The second straight arm is also provided with a second fixing post and a second groove near the fixing part. The first fixing post and the second fixing post are arranged opposite to each other. The first groove and the second groove are arranged opposite to each other.

[0011] Furthermore, the first groove corresponds to the first protrusion, and the second groove corresponds to the second protrusion, so that the first protrusion is installed in the first groove and the second protrusion is installed in the second groove.

[0012] Furthermore, a first spring is installed on the first fixed post, and a second spring is installed on the second fixed post. The end of the first spring away from the first fixed post is installed on the bracket, and the end of the second spring away from the second fixed post is installed on the bracket. Under the action of the first spring and the second spring, the moving contact and the bracket remain stationary.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes an indicator, which is rotatably mounted on the base. The indicator is also provided with a first elastic element, one end of which is connected to the indicator, and the other end of which is fixed to the base. Under the action of the first elastic element, the indicator comes into contact with the first energy storage device.

[0014] Furthermore, the indicator includes a first indicator part and a second indicator part, which are connected by a hinge at their close ends. The upper end of the first indicator part corresponds to the indicator hole of the base. In order to install the first elastic member, the first indicator part is also provided with a slot.

[0015] Furthermore, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are fixed to the body of the second energy storage device by integral molding.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are: Because the energy storage component of this invention acts directly on the double-break moving contact of the circuit breaker during the circuit breaker closing process, the energy storage position of the circuit breaker can be better controlled. Especially for multi-pole products, it can effectively control the position of each moving contact corresponding to the stationary contact, ensuring that the energy storage distance of each pair of contacts remains consistent, thereby improving the closing consistency of the circuit breaker and thus improving the electrical life and safety of the circuit breaker. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit breaker device structure described in this invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the moving contact structure described in this invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the handle structure described in this invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the contact limiting structure described in this invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the energy storage device structure described in this invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the energy storage location structure of the circuit breaker described in this invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the indicator structure described in this invention.

[0018] Figure label: Base 1, handle 2, first elastic element 3, first energy storage element 4, traction rod 6, second energy storage element 7, first spring 8, first stationary contact 9, second stationary contact 10, mechanism assembly 11, moving contact 12, bracket 13, second spring 16; Moving contacts 21, 22; second groove 23; first groove 24; first fixing post 25; second fixing post 26; Handle mounting hole 31, first protrusion 32, traction rod mounting hole 33; Second limiting groove 41, fixing hole 42, first protrusion 43, second protrusion 44 Mounting hole 51, first limiting groove, 52 first part, 53 second part, 54 contact position 55; First contact position 61, second contact position 62, third contact position 63. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0020] It should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the present invention or simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0021] 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 one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0022] The term “exemplary” as used herein means “serving as an example, embodiment, or illustration.” Any embodiment illustrated herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or better than other embodiments.

[0023] Furthermore, to better illustrate this application, numerous specific details are provided in the following detailed embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application can be implemented without certain specific details. In some instances, methods, means, components, and circuits well-known to those skilled in the art have not been described in detail in order to highlight the main points of this application.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the present invention provides a circuit breaker with an energy storage structure, including a base 1, a handle 2, a mechanism assembly 11, and a contact system. The handle 2 is rotatably mounted in a corresponding hole in the base 1 through a handle mounting hole 31. The handle 2 is connected to the mechanism assembly 11 through a traction rod 6 via a traction rod mounting hole 33. The contact system includes a moving contact 12 and a stationary contact. The moving contact 12 is mounted on the mechanism assembly 11 and a bracket 13. The rotation of the mechanism assembly 11 drives the moving contact 12 to rotate. The stationary contact includes a first stationary contact 9 and a second stationary contact 10. The first stationary contact 9 and the second stationary contact 10 are located on both sides of the mechanism assembly 11 and are arranged diagonally. It also includes an energy storage component, which is used to directly act on the double-break moving contact of the circuit breaker during the circuit breaker closing process to control the energy storage position of the circuit breaker.

[0025] As can be seen from the above, since the energy storage component acts directly on the double-break moving contact of the circuit breaker during the circuit breaker closing process, the energy storage position of the circuit breaker can be better controlled. Especially for multi-pole products, it can effectively control the position of each moving contact corresponding to the stationary contact, ensuring that the energy storage distance of each pair of contacts remains consistent, improving the closing consistency of the circuit breaker, and thus improving the electrical life and safety of the circuit breaker.

[0026] In this embodiment, the energy storage component includes a first energy storage element 4 and a second energy storage element 7. The first energy storage element 4 is rotatably mounted on the base 1, and the second energy storage element 7 is mounted together with the moving contact 12. The first energy storage element 4 and the second energy storage element 7 are always in contact with each other at their close ends. The first energy storage component 4 includes a first part 53 and a second part 54. The first part 53 and the second part 54 are connected by an integral molding method at their close ends. The connection between the first part 53 and the second part 54 is also provided with a mounting hole 51. The first energy storage element 4 is mounted on the base 1 through the mounting hole 51. The connection between the first part 53 and the second part 54 is provided with an angle. The first part 53 contacts the first protrusion 32 of the handle 1. This contact position is the third contact position 63. The first limiting groove 52 on the second part 54 cooperates with the second limiting groove 41 on the second energy storage element 7. Since the first energy storage element 4 is rotatably mounted on the base 1 and is always in contact with the second energy storage element 7 integrated with the moving contact 12, a stable and direct energy storage and energy transfer path is formed. This design enables the kinetic energy of the operating handle 2 to be efficiently and smoothly converted into the energy required for the contact action, reducing energy transfer loss and thus improving the operating efficiency and reliability of the switch opening and closing. The first energy storage component 4 is integrally molded to connect its first part 53 and second part 54, with mounting holes 51 provided at the connection. This integrated structure enhances the mechanical strength and integrity of the energy storage component, avoiding assembly gaps or loose connections. Direct fixation to the base via the mounting holes ensures the stability and positional accuracy of the first energy storage component 4 during long-term, frequent operation. The connection between the first part 53 and the second part 54 is angled. This structure facilitates an optimized mechanical fit with the first protrusion of the handle, enabling more precise drive and stroke control. Simultaneously, by providing a first limiting groove 52 in the second part, which cooperates with the second limiting groove 41 on the second energy storage component 7, clear and reliable mechanical limiting can be provided during energy storage and release, preventing overshoot or misalignment of components and ensuring the accuracy and consistency of the moving contact stroke.

[0027] Additionally, it should be noted that the second energy storage component 7 includes a second energy storage component body, on which a fixing hole 42 is provided. The fixing hole 42 and the mounting hole of the moving contact are concentric holes. The second energy storage component body also has an extension portion, and the second limiting groove 41 is located at the end of the extension portion. The second energy storage component body also has a first protrusion 43 and a second protrusion 44. The first protrusion 43 and the second protrusion 44 are installed in conjunction with the moving contact 12. The first protrusion 43 and the second protrusion 44 can securely install the second energy storage component body together with the moving contact. The second energy storage component 7 can move with the moving contact or prevent the moving contact from moving. The first protrusion 43 and the second protrusion 44 are fixed to the second energy storage component body by integral molding.

[0028] Furthermore, the moving contact includes a fixed part, with a first straight arm and a second straight arm at both ends of the fixed part. Moving contacts 21 and 22 are located at the ends of the first and second straight arms that are far apart from each other. The moving contacts are arranged opposite each other. A first fixing post 25 and a first groove 24 are also provided near the fixed part of the first straight arm, and a second fixing post 26 and a second groove 23 are also provided near the fixed part of the second straight arm. The first fixing post 25 and the second fixing post 26 are arranged opposite each other, as are the first groove 24 and the second groove 23. By providing two opposing moving contacts 21 and 22 at the ends of the first and second straight arms that are far apart from each other, and cooperating with the corresponding stationary contacts, a double-break series contact method can be formed. This effectively improves the overall breaking capacity and contact reliability of the contact system, and generates two series-connected arc-extinguishing gaps during opening, which helps to quickly extinguish and suppress the arc. The first groove 24 and the second groove 23, located adjacent to the fixed post, can mate with the first protrusion 43 and the second protrusion 44 of the second energy storage component 7. This groove design provides precise axial limiting and trajectory guidance for the movement of the moving contact, preventing unexpected rotation or lateral movement during operation, ensuring accurate alignment between the moving and stationary contacts, and the fixed post and groove thereon can typically be manufactured using a one-piece molding process. This reduces the number of parts and subsequent assembly steps, ensures positional accuracy and strength between components, and helps improve production consistency and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0029] Specifically, during assembly, the first groove 24 corresponds to the first protrusion 43, and the second groove 23 corresponds to the second protrusion 44, so that the first protrusion 43 is installed in the first groove 24 and the second protrusion 44 is installed in the second groove 23, thereby firmly connecting the moving contact and the second energy storage component 7 to each other.

[0030] Additionally, it should be noted that a first spring 8 is installed on the first fixed post 25, and a second spring 16 is installed on the second fixed post. The end of the first spring 8 away from the first fixed post 25 is installed on the bracket 13, and the end of the second spring 16 away from the second fixed post 26 is installed on the bracket 13. Under the action of the first spring 8 and the second spring 16, the moving contact 12 and the bracket 13 remain stationary.

[0031] Furthermore, it also includes an indicator 5, which is rotatably mounted on the base 1. The indicator 5 is also provided with a first elastic element, one end of which is connected to the indicator, and the other end of which is fixed on the base. Under the action of the first elastic element, the indicator contacts the first energy storage device.

[0032] Furthermore, the indicator includes a first indicator part 72 and a second indicator part 73. The first indicator part 72 and the second indicator part 73 are connected by a hinge at their close ends. The upper end of the first indicator part corresponds to the indicator hole 71 of the base. In order to install the first elastic member 3, the first indicator part 72 is also provided with a slot.

[0033] When the circuit breaker is in the open position, the indicator 5 can rotate within the base 1. The first elastic member 3 is fixed at one end to the base 1 and at the other end to the first indicator part 72 of the indicator. Under the elastic force of the first elastic member 3, the second indicator part 73 of the indicator 5 contacts the second part of the first energy storage component at position 55, as shown in the second contact position 62. The convex surface 14 of the bracket 13 contacts the end of the second part 54 of the first energy storage component 4. The first energy storage component 4 rotates around the base 1. The first part 53 of the first energy storage component does not contact the first protrusion 32 of the handle. The handle 2 is in the open position, and the circuit breaker is in the open state.

[0034] When the circuit breaker is in the closing process, pushing the handle 2 moves it. The movement of the handle 2 drives the mechanism assembly 11 connected by the traction rod 6 to move. The moving contact 12 and the bracket 13 inside the mechanism assembly 11 also move together. When the handle 2 moves to a certain angle, the first energy storage component 4 and the second energy storage component 7 come into contact with each other. When the first limiting groove of the first energy storage component 4 contacts the second limiting groove of the second energy storage component, the first contact position 61 is shown when the first limiting groove of the first energy storage component contacts the second limiting groove of the second energy storage component. At this time, pushing... When the handle 2 moves, the bracket inside the mechanism assembly 11 continues to move with the handle 2. However, because the second energy storage component 7 is blocked by the first energy storage component 4, it cannot continue to move. The moving contact 12 is fixed together with the second energy storage component 7, so the moving contact 12 is also blocked and cannot continue to move. When the handle 2 continues to move, the feedback phenomenon is that the handle 2 moves, but the moving contact 12 does not move and remains stationary. Since the bracket 13 moves with the handle 2 and the moving contact 12 does not move, the two second springs 8 installed between the moving contact 12 and the bracket 13 are compressed, and the spring force continuously increases.

[0035] When the circuit breaker is in the quick-close release state, the handle 2 continues to rotate, and the handle feature surface 32 on the handle 2 also moves with the handle. When the first protrusion 32 of the handle rotates to contact the first part of the first energy storage component, the rotation of the first protrusion 32 of the handle will push the first part 53 of the first energy storage component to move. Since the first energy storage component 4 is fixed on the base 1, the mounting hole 51 on the first energy storage component 4 cooperates with the base hole 15 to rotate on the base. Therefore, the first energy storage component 4 rotates around the base hole 15, and the first limiting groove 52 on the first energy storage component will move upward until the first limiting groove 52 is in contact with the base hole 15. The second limiting groove 41 separates, and the movement resistance of the second energy storage component 7 disappears. At this time, under the elastic force of the two second springs 8, the moving contact 12 can quickly move towards the first stationary contact 9 and the second stationary contact 10 until the moving contact 21 contacts the first stationary contact 9 and the moving contact 22 contacts the second stationary contact 10. During this process, the moving contact 12 moves independently and is not affected by the movement of the handle 2. Before the handle 2 reaches the closing position, the moving contact 12 has already contacted the first stationary contact 9 and the second stationary contact 10, and the circuit is connected. The handle 2 stops moving when it is rotated to the closing position, and the circuit breaker's fast closing process ends; thus realizing the circuit breaker's fast closing function.

[0036] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A circuit breaker with an energy storage structure, characterized in that, The device includes a base, a handle, a mechanism assembly, and a contact system. The handle is rotatably mounted in a corresponding hole in the base and is connected to the mechanism assembly via a traction rod. The contact system includes a moving contact and a stationary contact. The moving contact is mounted on the mechanism assembly and a bracket. Rotation of the mechanism assembly drives the moving contact to rotate. The stationary contact includes a first stationary contact and a second stationary contact. The first stationary contact and the second stationary contact are located on opposite sides of the mechanism assembly and are arranged diagonally. It also includes an energy storage component, which is used to directly act on the double-break moving contact of the circuit breaker during the circuit breaker closing process to control the energy storage position of the circuit breaker.

2. The circuit breaker with an energy storage structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The energy storage component includes a first energy storage element and a second energy storage element. The first energy storage element is rotatably mounted on the base, and the second energy storage element is mounted together with the moving contact. The first energy storage element and the second energy storage element are always in contact with each other at their close ends. The first energy storage component includes a first part and a second part. The first part and the second part are connected by an integral molding method at their close ends. The connection between the first part and the second part is also provided with a mounting hole. The first energy storage element is mounted on the base through the mounting hole. The connection between the first part and the second part is provided with an angle. The first part cooperates with the first protrusion of the handle, and the first limiting groove on the second part cooperates with the second limiting groove on the second energy storage element.

3. The circuit breaker with an energy storage structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second energy storage device includes a second energy storage device body, which has a fixing hole. The fixing hole and the mounting hole of the moving contact are concentric holes. The second energy storage device body also has an extension, and the second limiting groove is located at the end of the extension. The second energy storage device body also has a first protrusion and a second protrusion, which are installed in conjunction with the moving contact.

4. The circuit breaker with an energy storage structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The moving contact includes a fixed part, and the fixed part has a first straight arm and a second straight arm at both ends. The first straight arm and the second straight arm have moving contacts at their far ends. The moving contacts are arranged opposite to each other. The first straight arm is also provided with a first fixing post and a first groove near the fixed part. The second straight arm is also provided with a second fixing post and a second groove near the fixed part. The first fixing post and the second fixing post are arranged opposite to each other. The first groove and the second groove are arranged opposite to each other.

5. The circuit breaker with an energy storage structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first groove corresponds to the first protrusion, and the second groove corresponds to the second protrusion, so that the first protrusion is installed in the first groove and the second protrusion is installed in the second groove.

6. The circuit breaker with an energy storage structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: A first spring is installed on the first fixed post, and a second spring is installed on the second fixed post. The end of the first spring away from the first fixed post is installed on the bracket, and the end of the second spring away from the second fixed post is installed on the bracket. Under the action of the first spring and the second spring, the moving contact and the bracket remain stationary.

7. The circuit breaker with an energy storage structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an indicator, which is rotatably mounted on the base. The indicator is also provided with a first elastic element, one end of which is connected to the indicator and the other end of which is fixed to the base. Under the action of the first elastic element, the indicator comes into contact with the first energy storage device.

8. The circuit breaker with an energy storage structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The indicator includes a first indicator part and a second indicator part. The first indicator part and the second indicator part are connected by a hinge at their close ends. The upper end of the first indicator part corresponds to the indicator hole of the base. In order to install the first elastic member, the first indicator part is also provided with a slot.

9. The circuit breaker with an energy storage structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first protrusion and the second protrusion are fixed to the body of the second energy storage device by integral molding.

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