Operating mechanism and circuit breaker

Abstract

The invention discloses an operating mechanism and a circuit breaker, the operating mechanism comprises a handle, a contact support and a moving contact, the handle is rotatably installed on a base, a connecting rod is also arranged between the handle and the contact, the moving contact is installed on the contact support, a first spring is also arranged between the contact support and the moving contact, and a second spring is also arranged between the contact support and the moving contact. The moving contact is under the action of the spring force of the first spring, and the moving contact is always in contact with the contact support without external force. The circuit breaker further comprises a lock catch, the lock catch is installed on the contact support, a second spring is further installed on the lock catch, the connecting rod makes contact with the lock catch and the contact support through the spring acting force of the second spring, and the lock catch is used for achieving the functions of instantaneous tripping, overload tripping and circuit breaker linkage. Compared with the prior art, the mechanism combines a plurality of parts into one part, the reliability of the circuit breaker is reduced by reducing the parts, the manufacturing cost of part molds is reduced, and the assembly efficiency 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 an operating mechanism and a circuit breaker. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, miniature high-voltage circuit breakers are widely used in low-voltage power distribution networks, mainly in various locations such as industry, photovoltaics, communications, and rail transportation, to provide overcurrent protection for power lines and electrical equipment. However, traditional miniature circuit breakers suffer from higher failure rates, higher component costs, and lower assembly efficiency due to the large number of components, posing a greater challenge to companies seeking to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

[0003] With technological advancements, circuit breakers must meet requirements such as simple and reliable component structure, high assembly efficiency, and low component cost. For example, if one component can replace two or more original components, this approach should be adopted.

[0004] The operation of conventional circuit breaker mechanisms typically requires a handle, linkage, latch, trip latch, bracket, contact support, elastic body, two torsion springs, thermal release rod, opening / closing indicator, main shaft, etc. The numerous components in the operating mechanism result in high costs.

[0005] Therefore, how to provide a design mechanism with fewer parts, faster assembly speed, and more reliable operation, which combines multiple parts into one and achieves the original circuit breaker function, and whose product can effectively open and close, trip, and perform other functions under the drive of a handle, is an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an operating mechanism and a circuit breaker, 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 an operating mechanism, including a handle, a contact support, and a movable contact. The handle is rotatably mounted on a base, and a connecting rod is provided between the handle and the contact. The movable contact is mounted on the contact support, and a first spring is provided between the contact support and the movable contact. The movable contact is subjected to the spring force of the first spring, and the movable contact is always in contact with the contact support when no external force is applied. It also includes a latch, which is mounted on the contact support. A second spring is also mounted on the latch. The spring force of the second spring causes the connecting rod to contact the latch and the contact support. The latch is used to realize instantaneous tripping, overload tripping, and circuit breaker linkage functions.

[0008] Furthermore, the latch includes a fixing part, which is a C-shaped structure. An extension part is provided at one end away from the opening of the fixing part. The extension part is used to realize the overload release function. A fixing clip is also provided in the groove of the C-shaped fixing part. The latch and the contact are supported and connected by the fixing clip, and the fixing clip and the contact are fixedly connected to each other by a fixing shaft.

[0009] Furthermore, the upper end of the opening of the fixing part is provided with a recess, which is used to cooperate with the connecting rod. The lower part of the opening end is subjected to the force provided by the second spring, so that the latch supports the rotation around the contact, thereby realizing the instantaneous disengagement function.

[0010] Furthermore, a protruding limiting block is provided on the side of the fixing part near the extension part. The protruding limiting block is used to fix one end of the second spring, and the center of the second spring rotates with the center of the latch.

[0011] Furthermore, the contact support is provided with a limiting block on the side near where the latch is installed. The limiting block is used to cooperate with the connecting rod and the latch to realize the opening and closing of the mechanism. The contact support is also provided with a protrusion on the side away from the limiting block. The end of the protrusion near the moving contact cooperates with the moving contact, and the end of the protrusion away from the moving contact cooperates with a cooperating block provided on the latch to realize the circuit breaker linkage function.

[0012] Furthermore, the limiting block includes a first branch, a second branch, and a third branch, which are connected by an integral molding process. When the connecting rod moves into the first branch, the mechanism balance is disrupted, and the contact support and moving contact rotate around the base, causing the moving contact to separate from the stationary contact. At this time, the distance between the moving contact and the stationary contact is at its maximum, and the circuit breaker realizes the tripping process. The second branch and the third branch are used to cooperate with the upper groove of the locking fixing part.

[0013] Furthermore, the contact support also includes a third spring, one end of which is fixed to the contact support and the other end of which is fixed to the base. The contact support and the moving contact rotate around the base under the action of the third spring, so that the moving contact separates from the stationary contact.

[0014] Furthermore, the upper surface of the upper protrusion of the contact support is provided with a colored coating.

[0015] Furthermore, the color coating indicates whether the circuit breaker is closed or open.

[0016] The present invention also provides an isolating switch, including the above-described operating structure.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This invention combines multiple parts into one, thereby reducing the reliability of the circuit breaker, lowering the manufacturing cost of the part molds, and improving the assembly efficiency of the circuit breaker. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the operating mechanism of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the operating mechanism of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the operating mechanism of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the moving contact and contact support of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the tripping mechanism of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the closing mechanism of the operating mechanism of the present invention.

[0019] Figure label: 1. Handle; 2. Contact support; 3. Moving contact; 4. Linkage rod; 5. Contact support; 6. First spring; 7. Lock; 8. Second spring; 9. First part; 10. Second part; 11. Hollow fixed post; 12. Recess; 13. Protruding limit block; 14. Closed position; 15. Limit block; 16. Protrusion; 17. Stationary contact; 18. Third spring; 19. First slot; 20. Second slot; 22. One end of the moving contact; 23. Open position. Hole 51 and hole 52 on the contact support; Extension 71, lower part of the open end 72; First branch 151, second branch 152 and third branch 153. Detailed Implementation

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the present invention provides an operating mechanism, including a handle 1, a contact support 2, and a movable contact 3. The handle 1 is rotatably mounted on a base. A connecting rod 4 is provided between the handle 1 and the movable contact 3. The movable contact 3 is mounted on the contact support 5. A first spring 6 is provided between the contact support 5 and the movable contact 3. The movable contact 3 is subjected to the spring force of the first spring 6. When no external force is applied, the movable contact 3 is always in contact with the contact support 5. One end of the first spring is fixed in the first slot 19 of the contact support, and the other end is fixed in the second slot 20 of the movable contact. It also includes a latch 7, which is mounted on the contact support 5. The contact support is mounted on the base via a connecting shaft 50. A second spring 8 is also mounted on the latch 7. The spring force of the second spring 8 causes the connecting rod 4 to contact the latch 7 and the contact support 5. The latch 7 is used to realize instantaneous tripping, overload tripping, and circuit breaker linkage functions.

[0026] As described above, by setting the latch 7 and cooperating with the second spring 8, a stable force transmission relationship is formed between the connecting rod 5, the latch 8, and the contact support 6. This enables instantaneous tripping, overload tripping, and circuit breaker linkage functions to be realized simultaneously in a single structure, reducing the number of parts, simplifying the assembly process, and facilitating product miniaturization and lightweight design. The first spring 6 ensures that the moving contact always maintains contact with the contact support when there is no external force, avoiding accidental separation; the second spring 8 ensures a reliable engagement between the latch 8 and the connecting rod 5, ensuring rapid and accurate tripping under fault conditions such as short circuits and overloads, improving the consistency and reliability of the circuit breaker's operation. The latch 8 mechanism can automatically adapt to different tripping response mechanisms according to the fault type (such as instantaneous high current or continuous overload) and supports external linkage control, enabling the circuit breaker to have comprehensive protection and remote operation capabilities, enhancing the applicability and intelligence level of the equipment. The contact force between the contact support 5 and the moving contact 3 is buffered by a spring, reducing mechanical impact and electrical wear during the closing and opening process. The elastic fit between the latch 8 and the connecting rod 4 also reduces wear on the mechanism, thus improving the overall mechanical durability and electrical life of the operating mechanism. The modular design of the latch 8 and spring makes it easy to disassemble and replace key operating units, reducing the difficulty of later maintenance. At the same time, the simplification of the structure leads to a reduction in material and processing costs, which is conducive to large-scale production and application promotion.

[0027] Specifically, the latch 7 includes a fixing part, which has a C-shaped structure. An extension 71 is provided at the end furthest from the opening of the fixing part. The extension is used to realize the overload release function. A fixing clip is also provided in the groove of the C-shaped fixing part. The latch 7 is connected to the contact support 5 by the fixing clip, and the fixing clip and the contact support 5 are fixedly connected to each other by a fixing shaft. The nested fit between the C-shaped fixing part and the fixing clip, combined with the axial locking by the fixing shaft, forms a multi-directional constraint connection structure. This structure can effectively resist the high-intensity mechanical impact and vibration generated by the circuit breaker under conditions such as instantaneous tripping, ensuring that the latch and the contact support do not shift or loosen, maintaining a precise transmission relationship over a long period. The groove of the C-shaped fixing part provides clear installation guidance and accommodating space for the fixing clip, enabling quick alignment and fixing with the fixing shaft, reducing assembly complexity, and ensuring the latch is securely positioned on the contact support. The accurate and consistent installation position helps improve the quality stability of mass production. The C-shaped fixing part, while ensuring stable installation, allows its extension away from the opening to be specifically used for driving or triggering the overload tripping function. This integrates the locking mechanism with installation positioning and function execution, achieving clear functional zoning within a limited space and optimizing the internal layout efficiency. The rigid connection between the fixing part and the fixing clamp reduces gaps and elastic deformation in the transmission chain, allowing the action force from the contact support to be transmitted more directly and quickly to the extension of the locking part, thereby improving the timeliness and consistency of overload tripping response and enhancing protection accuracy. The detachable connection between the fixing clamp and the fixing shaft facilitates individual maintenance or replacement of the locking part. The C-shaped structure itself has a certain degree of elasticity, which can absorb some operating stress, reduce wear during long-term use, and extend the service life of the locking part and related moving components. The fixing clip includes a first part 9 and a second part 10. The first part 9 is also provided with a hollow fixing post 11, and the second part 10 is provided with a through hole. When fixing, the fixing shaft passes through the hollow fixing post 11, the hole 51 on the contact support 5 and the through hole on the second part 11, thereby fixing the buckle 7 to the contact support 5. The second spring 8 is fitted on the fixing post 11.

[0028] Furthermore, it should be noted that the upper end of the opening of the fixing part is provided with a recess 12. The recess 12 is integrally formed at the upper end of the opening of the fixing part. The recess 12 is used to cooperate with the connecting rod. The lower part 72 of the opening end is subjected to the force provided by the second spring 8, so that the latch supports the rotation around the contact, thereby realizing the instantaneous disengagement function.

[0029] Please refer to Figure 3As shown, a protruding limiting block 13 is also provided on the side of the fixing part near the extension. The protruding limiting block 13 is fixed to the fixing part by integral molding. Since it is fixed by integral molding, the protruding limiting block 13 is used to limit one end of the second spring 8. The center of the second spring 8 rotates with the center of the latch. In this embodiment, the second spring 8 is a snap ring. The snap ring has a first arm and a second arm. The second arm of the second spring is limited by the protruding limiting block 13. The first arm is fixed in the hole 52 of the contact support 5. The latch is subjected to the spring force of the second spring 8 and can be held in place without external force. Figure 7 The closing position is shown as 14.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 5 As shown, the contact support is provided with a limiting block 15 near the side where the latch 7 is installed. The limiting block 15 is fixed to one side of the latch 7 by integral molding, realizing the precise linkage of various components during the opening and closing of the circuit breaker, simplifying the overall structural layout, reducing the number of parts and assembly processes, which is conducive to realizing the miniaturization and lightweight design of the circuit breaker, improving space utilization, and is especially suitable for compact switchgear. The limiting block 15 is used to cooperate with the linkage and latch to realize the opening and closing of the mechanism. The contact support is also provided with a protrusion 16 on the side away from the limiting block. The end 22 of the protrusion 16 near the moving contact cooperates with the moving contact, and the end of the protrusion 16 away from the moving contact cooperates with a mating block provided on the latch to realize the linkage function of the circuit breaker.

[0031] Specifically, the limiting block 15 includes a first branch 151, a second branch 152, and a third branch 153, which are connected in an integral manner. When the connecting rod 4 moves into the first branch 151, the mechanism balance is disrupted, and the contact support 5 and the moving contact 3 rotate around the base, causing the moving contact 3 to separate from the stationary contact 17. At this time, the distance between the moving contact 3 and the stationary contact 17 is at its maximum, and the circuit breaker completes the opening process. The second branch 152 and the third branch 153 are used to cooperate with the upper recess 12 of the locking fixing part. The multi-branch structure of the limiting block 15 not only ensures the rapid and reliable opening action, but also significantly improves the rigidity of the mechanism in the closed state through its stable cooperation with the locking. The bidirectional cooperation design of the limiting block further strengthens the mechanical interlock between the moving contact 3 and the locking 7, effectively preventing accidental opening and closing. With a compact overall structure, fewer parts, and simple assembly, this design improves breaking performance and electrical life while reducing manufacturing costs, making it suitable for large-scale application. The second and third branches of the limit block 15 cooperate with the recess 12 of the locking fixing part to form a stable constraint structure, improving the overall rigidity and impact resistance of the mechanism in the closed state. The optimized force transmission path reduces wear between moving parts, thereby extending the mechanical service life of the circuit breaker.

[0032] In addition, it should be noted that the contact support 5 also includes a third spring 18. One end of the third spring 18 is fixed to the contact support 5, and the other end is fixed to the base. The contact support 5 and the moving contact 3 rotate around the base under the action of the third spring 18, so that the moving contact separates from the stationary contact.

[0033] During the closing process of the circuit breaker, the moving contact is subjected to the spring force of the first spring 6. When no external force is applied, the moving contact makes contact with the contact support. The connecting rod 4 is positioned between the recess 12 of the latch 7 and the third branch of the contact support 5. Due to the spring force of the second spring 8 applied to the latch 7, the connecting rod 4 contacts both the latch groove and the third branch of the contact support. At this time, pushing the handle 1 moves the connecting rod, causing the contact support 5, the latch 7 mounted on the contact support 5, and the moving contact 3 to move together. As the handle 1 moves, when the moving contact 3 contacts the stationary contact 17, the movement of the moving contact is blocked and stops. The handle 1 continues to rotate, and at this time, the end of the moving contact 3 away from the moving contact point gradually separates from the protrusion 16. After the handle 1 moves to the closed position, the end of the moving contact 3 away from the moving contact point separates from the protrusion 16 to the maximum position. At this time, the force of the first spring on the moving contact is the maximum, and pressure is generated between the moving contact 3 and the stationary contact 17, so that the moving contact 3 and the stationary contact 17 can make reliable contact.

[0034] During the circuit breaker's tripping process, when the operating mechanism is in the closed position, the lower end of the opening of the fixed part of the latch 7 is subjected to a force greater than the force provided by the second spring. The latch 7 then begins to rotate around the contact support 5. At this time, the connecting rod separates from the latch recess 12 and the third branch of the contact support 5, respectively. The connecting rod moves into the first branch of the contact support, disrupting the mechanism's balance. The contact support and the moving contact rotate around the base under the action of the third spring 18. The moving contact 3 separates from the stationary contact 17, and the handle 1 moves to the tripping position 23 under the action of the spring. The contact support 5 also moves to the tripping position 23. At this time, the moving contact 3 and the stationary contact 17 are at their maximum distance, and the circuit breaker completes the tripping process. Similarly, when the circuit breaker is in the closed position 14, the extension 71 of the latch 7 is subjected to force, the operating mechanism moves in the same way as above, and the circuit breaker also performs the opening process.

[0035] The upper surface of the upper protrusion 19 of the contact support 5 is provided with a color coating, which indicates the closed or open state of the circuit breaker.

[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. An operating mechanism, characterized in that, The device includes a handle, a contact support, and a movable contact. The handle is rotatably mounted on the base, and a connecting rod is provided between the handle and the contact. The movable contact is mounted on the contact support, and a first spring is provided between the contact support and the movable contact. The movable contact is subjected to the spring force of the first spring, and the movable contact is always in contact with the contact support when no external force is applied. It also includes a latch, which is mounted on the contact support. A second spring is also mounted on the latch. The spring force of the second spring causes the connecting rod to contact the latch and the contact support. The latch is used to realize instantaneous tripping, overload tripping, and circuit breaker linkage functions.

2. The operating mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The latch includes a fixing part, which is a C-shaped structure. An extension part is provided at one end away from the opening of the fixing part. The extension part is used to realize the overload release function. A fixing clip is also provided in the groove of the C-shaped fixing part. The latch and the contact are supported and connected by the fixing clip, and the fixing clip and the contact are fixedly connected to each other by a fixing shaft.

3. The operating mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper end of the opening of the fixing part is provided with a recess, which is used to cooperate with the connecting rod. The lower part of the opening end is subjected to the force provided by the second spring, so that the latch rotates around the contact support, thereby realizing the instantaneous disengagement function.

4. The operating mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fixing part is also provided with a protruding limiting block on the side near the extension part. The protruding limiting block is used to fix one end of the second spring, and the center of the second spring rotates with the center of the latch.

5. The operating mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The contact support is provided with a limiting block on the side near where the latch is installed. The limiting block is used to cooperate with the connecting rod and the latch to realize the opening and closing of the mechanism. The contact support is also provided with a protrusion on the side away from the limiting block. The end of the protrusion near the moving contact cooperates with the moving contact, and the end of the protrusion away from the moving contact cooperates with a cooperating block provided on the latch to realize the circuit breaker linkage function.

6. The operating mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The limiting block includes a first branch, a second branch, and a third branch, which are connected by an integral molding process. When the connecting rod moves into the first branch, the mechanism balance is disrupted, and the contact support and moving contact rotate around the base, causing the moving contact to separate from the stationary contact. At this time, the distance between the moving contact and the stationary contact is at its maximum, and the circuit breaker realizes the tripping process. The second branch and the third branch are used to cooperate with the upper groove of the locking fixing part.

7. The operating mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The contact support also includes a third spring, one end of which is fixed to the contact support and the other end of which is fixed to the base. The contact support and the moving contact rotate around the base under the action of the third spring, so that the moving contact separates from the stationary contact.

8. The operating mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: The upper surface of the upper protrusion supported by the contact is provided with a colored coating.

9. The operating mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that: The color coating indicates whether the circuit breaker is closed or open.

10. A circuit breaker, characterized in that, Includes the operating mechanism described in any one of claims 1-9 above.

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