Electric operating mechanism suitable for small-shell molded case circuit breaker

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric operating mechanism suitable for a small shell frame molded case circuit breaker, which comprises a shell, a frame, a transmission mechanism and a driving mechanism are arranged in the shell, the transmission mechanism comprises a driving motor, a driving wheel linked with the driving motor and a driving wheel linked with the driving mechanism, and a plurality of intermediate gears are arranged between the driving wheel and the driving wheel. A main shaft is arranged in the driving wheel, the driving structure comprises a transmission rod connected with the bottom of the main shaft, a driving block and a driving plate, the driving block is connected with one end of the transmission rod and extends into an adaptive groove formed in the driving plate, a guiding shaft is arranged in the space, where the driving mechanism is located, of the frame, and the driving plate is arranged on the guiding shaft in a sliding mode. And the driving plate is provided with a linkage part linked with the circuit breaker handle and used for driving the circuit breaker handle to open and close. By adopting the transmission scheme that three-stage speed reduction is adopted and each stage uses a coaxial duplicate gear, the size of the mechanism in the length and width directions is reduced, so that the mechanism can adapt to a modern compact switch cabinet or a circuit breaker body with a more limited installation space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of low-voltage electrical technology, specifically an electric operating mechanism suitable for small-frame molded case circuit breakers. Background Technology

[0002] Circuit breakers, as crucial protective devices in circuits, are typically operated manually by pulling a lever. To meet the demands of automated control, various electrically operated mechanisms have emerged to enable remote or automatic control of circuit breaker operation. However, existing electrically operated mechanisms are often complex in structure, bulky, and inconvenient to switch between manual and electrically operated modes. Their operating mode indications are also unclear, and they are not intuitive or reliable enough for emergency manual operation. Therefore, it is necessary to provide an electrically operated mechanism that is compact, facilitates manual / electric switching, and provides clear status indications. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electric operating mechanism with a reasonable structure, easy switching between manual and electric modes, and operation status indication.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: An electric operating mechanism for a small-frame molded case circuit breaker is characterized by comprising a housing, within which a frame is disposed, the frame being configured to connect to the circuit breaker and equipped with a transmission mechanism and a drive mechanism linked to the circuit breaker handle. The transmission mechanism drives the linkage mechanism to open and close the circuit breaker handle. The transmission mechanism includes a drive motor, a drive wheel linked to the drive motor, and a drive wheel linked to a drive structure. Multiple intermediate gears are disposed between the drive wheel and the drive wheel. A main shaft is disposed within the drive wheel. The drive structure includes a transmission rod connected to the bottom of the main shaft, a drive block, and a drive plate. One end of the drive block is connected to the transmission rod and extends into an adapter groove formed within the drive plate. A guide shaft is disposed in the space where the drive mechanism is located within the frame. The drive plate is slidably disposed on the guide shaft. The drive plate has a linkage part linked to the circuit breaker handle for driving the circuit breaker handle to open and close.

[0005] The present invention further provides that the intermediate gear includes a first gear, a second gear, a third gear, a fourth gear, a fifth gear, and a sixth gear. The first gear and the second gear are arranged coaxially and vertically, the third gear and the fourth gear are arranged coaxially and vertically, and the fifth gear and the sixth gear are arranged coaxially and vertically. The first gear meshes with the driving wheel for transmission, and the sixth gear meshes with the drive wheel for transmission.

[0006] The present invention further includes a clutch component between the portion of the main shaft located on the drive wheel and the drive wheel, the clutch component being configured to enable manual operation.

[0007] In a further embodiment of the present invention, when the circuit breaker is tripped, in the manual operation mode, the rotation direction of the main shaft is the same as the rotation direction of the drive wheel in the electric operation mode.

[0008] The invention further includes a groove formed on the inner wall of the main shaft, a spring disposed in the groove for connection with a clutch, and the inner wall of the drive wheel having a first sliding surface, a second sliding surface, and a stop surface. The clutch is configured to slide along the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface, and the stop surface is located at the junction of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface.

[0009] The present invention further provides that the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface are arc-shaped surfaces, and the inner diameters of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface gradually decrease.

[0010] The present invention further includes an operating hole on the housing, the operating hole being provided at the end of the spindle, and an operating groove being formed at the end of the spindle for manually driving the spindle.

[0011] The present invention further includes an indicator plate disposed between the housing and the frame. The indicator plate slides within the housing to indicate manual or electric operation. In manual operation mode, the indicator plate slides and exposes the operation slot. In electric operation mode, the indicator plate covers the operation slot.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the present invention, an active spring is provided on the guide shaft and located on one side of the drive plate.

[0013] The present invention further provides that the housing includes a side housing, a top housing, and a sealing plate, the top housing and the sealing plate are located on the same side, the frame is located in the space formed between the top housing and the side housing, and the sealing plate is located below the top housing and is attached to the side of the circuit breaker.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the electric operating mechanism provided by the present invention has the following significant advantages: The structure is highly compact and space-efficient: By employing a three-stage reduction gear transmission scheme with coaxial double gears in each stage, the traditional long spur gear transmission chain is folded into a "Z" shape in three-dimensional space. This greatly reduces the size of the mechanism in the length and width directions, making it suitable for modern compact switchgear or circuit breaker bodies with more limited installation space.

[0015] Highly efficient, smooth, and reliable transmission: Multi-stage gear reduction transmission boasts high efficiency and a large torque amplification ratio, allowing the use of smaller, more powerful motors. Compared to some linkage mechanisms, gear transmission offers more precise motion, more even wear, and higher long-term reliability. The cooperation between the guide shaft and the drive plate ensures the linearity and stability of the output motion, enabling the circuit breaker handle to operate accurately.

[0016] The manual / electric switching mechanism is ingenious, reliable, and ergonomically designed: the clutch element and the special sliding surface inside the drive wheel are matched to achieve automatic clutch function. During electric operation, torque is transmitted through tight coupling; during manual operation, the torque applied to the spindle can smoothly disengage the clutch element, avoiding impact or damage to the gears and motor.

[0017] Of particular importance is the consistent design of the manual tripping direction with the electric tripping direction. This eliminates user confusion; in emergencies, regardless of the mechanism's state, the user's intuitive direction for tripping the main shaft is always correct, greatly improving the reliability and speed of emergency operations.

[0018] The operating mode indicators are clear, intuitive, and safe: the sliding indicator provides clear indication of changes in physical position. The design of the obstructed operating port not only prevents dust but, more importantly, creates a physical prompt and barrier to prevent accidental manual operation during electric mode, which could damage the mechanism. Clear "Manual / Electric" labeling further enhances the user-friendliness of the interface.

[0019] High modularity and versatility: Key components such as the drive board and frame can be modularly designed. By replacing the drive board with different shaped linkage parts, or adjusting the initial position of the drive board on the guide shaft, it can be adapted to circuit breakers of different series and different handle strokes, improving the product's versatility and production economy.

[0020] Easy installation and maintenance: The split housing design makes it easy to open for internal inspection, motor replacement, or maintenance. The clear internal layout also facilitates wiring and debugging. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure from one angle in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure from one angle in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure after removing the shell in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the transmission mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the driver board according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the drive wheel in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the main shaft and the drive wheel in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Reference numerals: 10, Circuit breaker handle; 20, Housing; 201, Side housing; 202, Top housing; 203, Sealing plate; 204, Operating hole; 205, Opening; 30, Frame; 301, Main frame; 302, Layered plate; 303, Support leg; 40, Drive mechanism; 401, Transmission rod; 402, Drive block; 403, Drive plate; 4031, Adaptor groove; 4032, Sliding foot; 4033, Linkage part; 404, Guide shaft; 405, Actuating spring; 50, Transmission mechanism 501. Drive motor; 502. Drive wheel; 503. Drive wheel; 5031. First sliding surface; 5032. Second sliding surface; 5033. Stop surface; 504. First gear; 505. Second gear; 506. Third gear; 507. Fourth gear; 508. Fifth gear; 509. Sixth gear; 60. Clutch; 70. Main shaft; 701. Operating groove; 702. Groove; 80. Indicator plate; 801. Pushing part; 90. First micro switch; 100. Second micro switch; Detailed Implementation

[0031] The following will describe in detail the implementation of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, so that the implementation process of how this application uses technical means to solve technical problems and achieve technical effects can be fully understood and implemented accordingly.

[0032] like Figure 1-9As shown, this invention provides an electrically operated mechanism suitable for small-frame molded case circuit breakers, for installation on one side of the circuit breaker, and capable of opening and closing the circuit breaker handle 10 through manual and electric operation. Specifically, the electrically operated mechanism of this invention has a housing 20 accommodating the internal structure. The housing 20 includes a side housing 201, a top housing 202, and a sealing plate 203, wherein the top housing 202 and the sealing plate 203 are located on the same side and form a space between the top housing 202 and the side housing 201 to accommodate the internal structure for opening and closing. The top housing 202, the sealing plate 203, and the side housing 201 are connected by fasteners, wherein the top housing 202 can be a transparent housing 20, an opaque housing 20, or a semi-transparent housing 20; when the electrically operated mechanism is connected to the circuit breaker, the sealing plate 203 is in contact with the side of the circuit breaker.

[0033] The housing 20 of this invention has a frame 30 inside, which is fixed inside the housing 20 and serves as the core load-bearing skeleton of the entire internal structure. The frame 30 includes a main frame 301 and a layered plate 302. The layered plate 302 is located inside the main frame 301 and divides the main frame 301 into two layers. The first layer is the space between the layered plate 302 and the top plate of the main frame 301, and a transmission mechanism 50 is provided in this layer. The second layer is the space below the layered plate 302, and a drive mechanism 40 is provided in this layer. The drive mechanism 40 drives the circuit breaker handle 10 to open and close the circuit through the transmission mechanism 50.

[0034] Additionally, the frame 30 has legs 303 on both sides for connecting to the circuit breaker. The legs 303 extend to the bolt holes of the circuit breaker to achieve fixed installation, directly utilizing the existing bolt holes of the circuit breaker for connection, without the need to open new bolt holes on the circuit breaker. The extension of the bracket is achieved by forming an opening at the corresponding position of the sealing plate 203 and the top housing 202.

[0035] The transmission mechanism 50 in this embodiment includes a drive motor 501, a drive wheel 502 linked to the drive motor 501, and a drive wheel 503 linked to the drive structure. Multiple intermediate gears are arranged between the drive wheel 502 and the drive wheel 503. A main shaft 70 is disposed within the drive wheel 503. The intermediate gears include a first gear 504, a second gear 505, a third gear 506, a fourth gear 507, a fifth gear 508, and a sixth gear 509. The first gear 504 and the second gear 505 are coaxially arranged vertically, the third gear 506 and the fourth gear 507 are coaxially arranged vertically, and the fifth gear 508 and the sixth gear 509 are coaxially arranged vertically. The first gear 504 meshes with the drive wheel 502, and the sixth gear 509 meshes with the drive wheel 503. The main shaft 70 passes through the frame 30 and approaches the top of the housing 20. The arrangement of these gears makes full use of the three-dimensional space of the frame 30, reduces the planar projection area, and allows the transmission path to be folded in space, effectively shortening the overall length or width of the mechanism and achieving a compact design.

[0036] The drive structure includes a transmission rod 401 connected to the bottom of the main shaft 70, a drive block 402, and a drive plate 403. The drive block 402 is connected to one end of the transmission rod 401 and extends into an adapter groove 4031 formed in the drive plate 403. The frame 30 has a guide shaft 404 in the space where the drive mechanism 40 is located. The drive plate 403 is slidably mounted on the guide shaft 404. An actuating spring 405 is mounted on the guide shaft 404 and is located on one side of the drive plate 403. The drive plate 403 has a linkage part 4033 that is linked to the circuit breaker handle 10 for driving the circuit breaker handle 10 to open and close. The drive plate 403 has the following structure: it has a plate structure with an adapter groove 4031 formed within it. The adapter groove 4031 can accommodate at least a drive block 402. The drive block 402 can drive the drive plate 403 to move linearly when the transmission rod 401 rotates. Sliding feet 4032 are formed on both sides of the drive plate 403 in the direction of movement. Holes are formed on the sliding feet 4032 for connecting with the guide shaft 404 and for controlling the movement of the sliding plate on the guide shaft 404. Both ends of the guide shaft 404 are connected to the frame 30. It also includes a linkage part 4033, which extends to the position of the circuit breaker handle 10. In this embodiment, the linkage part 4033 is slotted and fits onto the circuit breaker handle 10. Other methods can also be used to achieve the opening and closing of the circuit breaker handle 10. In addition, a compression spring is provided on the guide shaft 404 and is located on one side of the drive plate 403.

[0037] In addition, to achieve manual operation, this embodiment proposes the following solution: a clutch 60 is provided between the portion of the main shaft 70 located on the drive wheel 503 and the drive wheel 503, and the clutch 60 is configured to achieve manual operation. Furthermore, when the circuit breaker is tripped, in manual operation mode, the rotation direction of the main shaft 70 is the same as the rotation direction of the drive wheel 503 in electric operation mode.

[0038] The specific solution is as follows: A groove 702 is formed on the inner wall of the main shaft 70. A spring is provided in the groove 702 for connection with the clutch 60. The inner wall of the drive wheel 503 has a first sliding surface 5031, a second sliding surface 5032, and a stop surface 5033. The clutch 60 is configured to slide along the first sliding surface 5031 and the second sliding surface 5032. The stop surface 5033 is located at the junction of the first sliding surface 5031 and the second sliding surface 5032. The first sliding surface 5031 and the second sliding surface 5032 are arc-shaped surfaces, and the inner diameters of the first sliding surface 5031 and the second sliding surface 5032 gradually decrease.

[0039] An operation hole 204 is provided on the housing 20, corresponding to the end of the spindle 70. An operation groove 701 is formed at the end of the spindle 70 for manual driving. The operation hole 204 is formed by assembling a semi-circular hole on the upper surface of the side housing 201 and the top housing 202. An indicator plate 80 is provided between the housing 20 and the frame 30. The indicator plate 80 slides within the housing 20 to indicate manual or electric operation. In manual operation mode, the indicator plate 80 slides and exposes the operation groove 701. In electric operation mode, the indicator plate 80 covers the operation groove 701. The indicator plate 80 has a pushing part 801 for moving the indicator plate 80. The pushing part 801 has markings for manual and electric / automatic operation on both sides and the indicator plate 80. The pushing part 801 also has an opening 205 on the housing 20, extending out of the opening 205 for easy operation.

[0040] In manual operation, the indicator plate 80 is first moved by the pusher 801. At this time, the operating groove 701 can be observed through the operating hole 204. This embodiment also includes a manual tool placed on the side of the top housing 202. A first micro switch 90 is also provided on the pusher plate to detect its position. During manual operation, the first micro switch 90 separates from the indicator plate 80 and does not contact it. Then, the manual tool rotates the main shaft 70. During rotation, as the inner diameters of the first sliding surface 5031 and the second sliding surface 5032 gradually decrease, the clutch 60 is compressed into the groove 702 within the main shaft 70, thus preventing the drive wheel 503 from rotating. In a single opening or closing operation, the main shaft 70 rotates only on one sliding surface. (Is this statement correct?) Electric operation is driven by a motor. When the drive wheel 503 rotates through the action of the stop surface 5033, it can simultaneously drive the main shaft 70 to rotate to realize the opening and closing of the circuit. The main shaft 70 drives the transmission rod 401, drive block 402 and drive plate 403 to move, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the circuit.

[0041] In addition, this embodiment also includes two second microswitches 100 for adapting to the driver board 403 and detecting the position of the driver board 403. The two second microswitches 100 are disposed on the side housing 201.

[0042] The present invention features a highly compact structure and efficient space utilization. It employs a three-stage reduction gear system, with each stage using coaxial double gears, to fold the traditional long spur gear transmission chain into a "Z"-shaped layout within three-dimensional space. This significantly reduces the dimensions of the mechanism in both length and width, allowing it to be adapted to modern, compact switchgear or circuit breaker bodies where installation space is more limited.

[0043] Multi-stage gear reduction transmissions offer high efficiency and a large torque amplification ratio, allowing the use of smaller, more powerful motors. Compared to some linkage mechanisms, gear transmissions provide more precise motion, more even wear, and higher long-term reliability. The cooperation between the guide shaft 404 and the drive plate 403 ensures the linearity and stability of the output motion, enabling the circuit breaker handle 10 to operate accurately and smoothly, resulting in efficient, stable, and reliable transmission.

[0044] The manual / electric switching mechanism is ingenious, reliable, and ergonomic: the special sliding surface design between the clutch 60 and the drive wheel 503 enables automatic clutch operation. During electric operation, torque is tightly coupled and transmitted; during manual operation, the torque applied to the spindle 70 smoothly disengages the clutch 60, avoiding impact or damage to the gears and motor.

[0045] Of particular importance is the consistent design of the manual tripping direction with the electric tripping direction. This eliminates user confusion; in emergencies, regardless of the mechanism's state, the user's intuition for the correct direction of the main shaft 70 for tripping is always correct, greatly improving the reliability and speed of emergency operations.

[0046] The operating mode indicators are clear, intuitive, and safe: the sliding indicator 80 provides clear indication of changes in physical position. The design of the obstructed operating hole 204 not only prevents dust but, more importantly, forms a physical prompt and barrier to prevent accidental manual operation in electric mode, which could damage the mechanism. Clear "Manual / Electric" markings further enhance the user-friendliness of the interface.

[0047] High modularity and versatility: Key components such as the drive plate 403 and frame 30 can be modularly designed. By replacing the drive plate 403 with different shaped linkage parts 4033, or adjusting the initial position of the drive plate 403 on the guide shaft 404, it can be adapted to circuit breakers of different series and different handle strokes, improving the product's versatility and production economy.

[0048] Easy installation and maintenance: The split housing design allows for easy opening for internal inspection, motor replacement, or maintenance. The clear internal layout also facilitates wiring and debugging.

[0049] If certain terms are used in the specification and claims to refer to specific components, those skilled in the art will understand that hardware manufacturers may use different names to refer to the same component. This specification and claims do not distinguish components based on differences in name, but rather on differences in function. The term "comprising" as used throughout the specification and claims is an open-ended term and should be interpreted as "comprising but not limited to." "Approximately" means that within an acceptable margin of error, those skilled in the art can solve the technical problem and substantially achieve the technical effect within a certain margin of error.

[0050] It should be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a product or system comprising a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a product or system. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the product or system that includes that element.

[0051] The foregoing description illustrates and describes several preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, as previously stated, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the forms disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. It can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be altered within the scope of the inventive concept by means of the foregoing teachings or techniques or knowledge in related fields. Any modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electric operating mechanism suitable for use in a small frame molded case circuit breaker, characterized in that, The application relates to a circuit breaker drive mechanism, which comprises a shell, a frame arranged in the shell, a transmission mechanism and a driving mechanism connected with a circuit breaker handle, the transmission mechanism drives the linkage mechanism to open and close the circuit breaker handle, the transmission mechanism comprises a driving motor, a driving wheel connected with the driving motor and a driving structure connected with the driving wheel, a plurality of intermediate gears are arranged between the driving wheel and the driving wheel, a main shaft is arranged in the driving wheel, the driving structure comprises a transmission rod connected with the bottom of the main shaft, a driving block and a driving plate, the driving block is connected with one end of the transmission rod and extends into an adaptive slot formed in the driving plate, the frame is provided with a guide shaft in the space where the driving mechanism is located, the driving plate is slidingly arranged on the guide shaft, and the driving plate has a linkage part connected with the circuit breaker handle for driving the circuit breaker handle to open and close.

2. An electric operating mechanism for a molded case circuit breaker of the type adapted for use in a small cubicle, according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intermediate gears comprise a first gear, a second gear, a third gear, a fourth gear, a fifth gear and a sixth gear, the first gear and the second gear are coaxially arranged and vertically distributed, the third gear and the fourth gear are coaxially arranged and vertically distributed, and the fifth gear and the sixth gear are coaxially arranged and vertically distributed, the first gear is in mesh transmission with the driving wheel, and the sixth gear is in mesh transmission with the driving wheel.

3. An electric operating mechanism for a molded case circuit breaker of the type adapted for use in a small cubicle, according to claim 1, wherein, A clutch is arranged between the part of the main shaft and the driving wheel, and the clutch is configured to realize manual operation.

4. An electric operating mechanism for a molded case circuit breaker of the type adapted for use in a small cubicle, according to claim 3, wherein, When the circuit breaker is opened, the rotation direction of the main shaft is consistent with the rotation direction of the driving wheel in the electric operation mode.

5. An electric operating mechanism for a molded case circuit breaker of the type adapted for use in a small cubicle, according to claim 3, wherein, A groove is formed in the inner wall of the main shaft, a spring is arranged in the groove and connected with the clutch, the inner wall of the driving wheel has a first sliding surface, a second sliding surface and a blocking surface, the clutch is configured to slide along the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface, and the blocking surface is located at the joint of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface.

6. An electric operating mechanism for a molded case circuit breaker of the type adapted for use in a small cubicle, according to claim 5, wherein, The first sliding surface and the second sliding surface are arc surfaces, and the inner diameters of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface gradually decrease.

7. An electric operating mechanism for a molded case circuit breaker of the type adapted for use in a small cubicle, according to claim 1, wherein, An operation hole is formed in the shell, the operation hole is arranged at the end of the main shaft, and the end of the main shaft is formed with an operation slot for manually driving the main shaft.

8. An electric operating mechanism for a molded case circuit breaker of the type adapted for use in a small cubicle, according to claim 7, wherein, An indication plate is arranged between the shell and the frame, the indication plate is slidingly arranged in the shell and used for indicating manual operation or electric operation, in the manual operation mode, the indication plate slides out of the operation slot, and in the electric operation mode, the indication plate blocks the operation slot.

9. An electric operating mechanism for a molded case circuit breaker of the type adapted for use in a small cubicle, according to claim 1, wherein, An acting spring is arranged on the guide shaft and located at one side of the driving plate.

10. An electric operating mechanism for a molded case circuit breaker of the type adapted for use in a small cubicle, according to claim 1, wherein, The shell comprises a side shell, a top shell and a sealing plate, the top shell and the sealing plate are located on the same side, the frame is arranged in the space formed between the top shell and the side shell, and the sealing plate is arranged below the top shell and attached to the side of the circuit breaker.

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