Residual-current circuit breaker
By employing an actuator with energy storage in the operating mechanism and a reset structure design in the residual current circuit breaker, the problem of high component precision requirements in the prior art is solved, and a stable leakage current indication effect is achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHEJIANG TENGEN ELECTRIC
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
The leakage current indication structure of existing residual current circuit breakers has high requirements for component precision, and the leakage current indication function is prone to failure due to dimensional tolerance issues.
An actuator that stores energy in the closed state is used in the operating mechanism. Combined with the design of the reset structure and indicator, the indicator is pushed away from the first position and held in the second position when the leakage current trip is actuated, so as to achieve stable leakage current indication.
This reduces the precision requirements of components, improves the stability and reliability of leakage current indication, and avoids functional failures caused by precision issues.
Smart Images
Figure CN122025481A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of circuit breakers, specifically a residual current circuit breaker. Background Technology
[0002] Miniature residual current circuit breakers can be used to protect circuits from overload, short circuit, and leakage current, and their structure is relatively mature.
[0003] Most existing residual current circuit breakers (RCCBs) include a residual current indication (RCD) mechanism. A common RCD mechanism consists of an RCD trip unit, an RCD indicator element, an RCD indicator spring, and an RCD latch. Under normal conditions, the RCD indicator element and the RCD latch are locked together, and the RCD indicator spring is in a energized state. When a leakage occurs, the RCD trip unit unlocks the RCD latch, releasing the energy from the RCD indicator spring and causing the RCD indicator element to rotate, thus indicating a leakage fault. To restore operation, the RCCB's operating mechanism is reactivated, causing the RCD indicator element to rotate back, re-locking the RCD indicator element and returning the RCD indicator spring to its energized state.
[0004] Structures such as CN210272220U and CN115050612A, although their specific structures differ, all use the same underlying principle.
[0005] Theoretically, the above structure is relatively easy to implement, but it requires high precision in the components, especially the locking positions of the leakage current latch and the leakage current indicator. The precision requirements are relatively high, and excessively large or small dimensional tolerances may prevent the two from effectively locking together, thus causing the leakage current indication function to fail. Summary of the Invention
[0006] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to provide a residual current circuit breaker.
[0007] This application provides: a residual current circuit breaker, wherein, it includes, The outer casing has an observation window; The indicator has a first position and a second position, and the indicator displays different indications in the observation window when it is in different positions; An actuator having a spring member having a first state and a second state, wherein the first state has higher energy than the second state; The operating mechanism has a closed state and an open state; when the operating mechanism changes to the closed state, it drives the actuator to change from the second state to the first state and maintains it; conversely, it releases the holding of the actuator. When the leakage current trip device is actuated, it pushes the indicator away from the first position and drives the operating mechanism to unlock through the indicator; after unlocking, the operating mechanism changes to the open state, the actuator's holding is released and changes to the second state, driving the indicator that has been away from the first position to the second position and holding it. A reset structure is used to cooperate with an indicator so that when the force of the actuator is removed or weakened, the reset structure drives the indicator back to the first position.
[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the actuating rod is a rigid member and is connected to a spring member; the movement of the actuating rod is sliding or rotating, and the actuating rod has a return position corresponding to the first state and an actuation position corresponding to the second state; the operating mechanism drives and holds the actuator by acting on the actuating rod, and the actuator drives and holds the indicator by the actuating rod.
[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the actuator is a pure spring component.
[0010] In some embodiments of this application, when the operating mechanism does not switch to the open state due to the actuation of the leakage current trip device, the movement trajectory of the actuator does not intersect with the indicator in the first position.
[0011] In some embodiments of this application, when the operating mechanism does not switch to the open state due to the actuation of the leakage current trip device, the force exerted by the actuator on the indicator in the first position has no component in the direction of movement of the indicator.
[0012] In some embodiments of this application, when the operating mechanism does not switch to the open state due to the actuation of the leakage current trip device, the component of the force exerted by the actuator on the indicator in the first position in the direction of the indicator's movement is less than the reaction force of the reset structure.
[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the indicator has a driven part and a driving part. The driven part is driven by the leakage current trip device, and the driving part is used to drive the operating mechanism to unlock. The leakage current trip device has a first frame and an actuating component. The actuating component is slidably disposed in the first frame. When the indicator is in the first position, the driven part is at least partially located in the first frame and corresponds to the actuating component. The driving part is always located outside the first frame.
[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the driven part of the indicator is a columnar structure, and the size of the driven part is smaller than the opening size of the first frame.
[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the indicator is rotatably configured, and the indicator also includes a driven portion. An actuator acts on the driven portion to cause the indicator to reach a second position and maintain it. The lever arm of the driven portion is greater than the lever arm of the driven portion.
[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the operating mechanism includes a contact support having a retainer extending toward the actuator, the operating mechanism driving and retaining the actuator through the retainer.
[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the operating mechanism includes a contact support, and the actuator has a retainer extending toward the contact support, through which the operating mechanism drives and retains the actuator.
[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the operating mechanism includes a moving contact with a retaining member extending toward the actuator. The operating mechanism drives and retains the actuator through the retaining member. At least one of the contact surfaces between the retaining member and the actuator is made of an insulating material, or either of the contact surfaces is covered with an insulating material.
[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the operating mechanism includes a moving contact, and the actuator has a retaining member extending toward the moving contact. The operating mechanism drives and retains the actuator through the retaining member. The retaining member is made of insulating material or the contact surface of either the retaining member or the moving contact is covered with insulating material.
[0020] In some embodiments of this application, the reset structure is a spring element connected to an indicator element. When the indicator element is held in the second position by the actuator, the spring element stores energy and provides a bias force to the indicator element to change to the first position. The bias force is less than the holding force of the actuator. When the force of the actuator on the indicator element is eliminated or weakened to less than the bias force, the spring element drives the indicator element to reset.
[0021] In some embodiments of this application, the reset structure is disposed on the operating mechanism, and when the operating mechanism changes to the closed state, the operating mechanism drives the indicator to return to the first position.
[0022] In some embodiments of this application, a neutral pole space and at least one low pole space are provided inside the housing; in a first direction, the neutral pole space is located on at least one side of one low pole space; one of the low pole spaces is a first low pole space, and the indicator, actuator, operating mechanism, leakage current trip unit, and reset structure are all located in the first low pole space, and the operating mechanism is a first low pole operating mechanism; an low pole electromagnetic trip unit and an low pole arc-extinguishing chamber are also provided in the first low pole space; in a second direction, the low pole electromagnetic trip unit is located directly above the low pole arc-extinguishing chamber, and the leakage current trip unit is located directly above the low pole electromagnetic trip unit; both the leakage current trip unit and the low pole electromagnetic trip unit are solenoid electromagnets, and the actuating components of the leakage current trip unit and the low pole electromagnetic trip unit are arranged parallel to each other; the volume of the leakage current trip unit is smaller than the volume of the low pole electromagnetic trip unit; the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.
[0023] In some embodiments of this application, a neutral polar space and at least one L polar space are provided inside the housing; in a first direction, the neutral polar space is located on at least one side of an L polar space; one of the L polar spaces is a first L polar space.
[0024] In some embodiments of this application, the indicator, actuator, operating mechanism, leakage trip device, and reset structure are all located in the neutral pole space or in the first L pole space, and the operating mechanism is a neutral pole operating mechanism or an L pole operating mechanism.
[0025] In some embodiments of this application, a neutral overload trip unit and / or a neutral electromagnetic trip unit are provided in the neutral pole space.
[0026] In some embodiments of this application, a leakage current switching circuit is also included, which has an on / off switch disposed in the first L-pole space and partially exposed outside the housing.
[0027] The advantages of this application compared to the prior art are: The leakage current indication structure of this application utilizes an operating mechanism to store and hold the actuator in the closed state. When a leakage current occurs (the leakage current trip unit is activated), the indicator moves away from the first position, and then the actuator drives the indicator to move and stably hold it in the second position, thus completing the leakage current indication. Compared to existing technology where leakage current indications must use a locking structure to maintain their position in non-leakage situations, this application has relatively lower accuracy requirements for the components. Attached Figure Description
[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view of a residual current circuit breaker according to an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the residual current circuit breaker in the closed state according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 This diagram illustrates a residual current circuit breaker in the open state according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the indicator being in the first position according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the indicator being in the second position according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 6A schematic diagram of the structure of the indicator according to an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the relationship between the indicator and the residual current device in the first position according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 This paper shows a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the neutral pole of a residual current circuit breaker according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the L pole of the residual current circuit breaker according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation
[0030] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.
[0031] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.
[0032] 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. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0033] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0034] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature. Example
[0035] like Figures 1-9 As shown, a residual current circuit breaker includes the following structure: The outer casing 100 has an observation window 100a.
[0036] The indicator 200 has a first position S1 and a second position S2. The indicator 200 displays different indications in the observation window 100a at different positions. These different indications include the following scenarios: for example, the indicator 200 has indicator surfaces corresponding to multiple positions, and different indicator surfaces are exposed in the observation window 100a at different positions, thus presenting different indication effects. Another example is that the indicator 200 only has an indicator surface corresponding to the second position S2. The indicator surface is only exposed in the observation window 100a at the second position S2 (representing a leakage current indication). In other positions, the observation window 100a may show internal components or a black hole. Here, the indicator surface can use colors, patterns, letters, text, etc., to represent the indicated state.
[0037] The actuator 300 has a spring member 310, which has a first state M1 and a second state M2, with the first state M1 having higher energy than the second state M2. Here, the transition from the first state M1 to the second state M2 is a release state, and the transition from the second state M2 to the first state M1 is an energy storage state. The first state M1 and the second state M2 can represent two extreme cases of the spring member 310, namely, complete energy storage and complete energy release. The first state M1 and the second state M2 can also represent two intermediate states (where elastic potential energy still exists). For example, in both the first state M1 and the second state M2, the spring member 310 still possesses elastic potential energy, but the potential energy in one state is greater than that in the other. Alternatively, one state can be an extreme case, and the other an intermediate state. In short, as long as the spring member 310 has two states, one with higher elastic potential energy than the other is sufficient.
[0038] The operating mechanism 400 has both a closed and an open state. Here, the four-bar linkage structure of the miniature circuit breaker operating mechanism 400 encompasses both the closed and open states. The operating mechanism 400 has a locking structure; during the closing process, the locking structure gradually locks until the operating mechanism 400 reaches the closed state, at which point the locking structure remains locked. When the locking structure is released, the operating mechanism 400 switches to the open state.
[0039] There are two types of locking structures: One type with a trip latch, the operating mechanism 400 includes a handle, a handle return spring, a connecting rod, a trip latch, a locking latch 410, a contact support 420, a mechanism spring, and a locking latch 410 spring. Both the trip latch and the locking latch 410 are rotatably mounted on the contact support 420 to form a locking structure. When the locking latch 410 is activated, it is released from the trip latch, and the contact support 420 performs a tripping operation under the action of the mechanism spring. The other type without a trip latch, the locking structure is formed by one end of the connecting rod, a first groove on the locking latch 410, and a sliding groove on the contact support 420. When locked, the connecting rod is in the groove and the sliding groove, but because the opening formed by the intersection of the groove and the sliding groove is smaller than the size of the connecting rod, the connecting rod is locked. When the locking latch 410 is activated, as the locking latch 410 rotates, the opening formed by the groove and the sliding groove becomes larger than the size of the connecting rod, thus unlocking the locking structure.
[0040] Regardless of the type of locking structure, the operating mechanism 400 is already a common operating mechanism 400 structure in this field, and will not be described in detail here.
[0041] Here, when the operating mechanism 400 transitions to the closed state, it drives the actuator 300 to transition from the second state M2 and maintain it in the first state M1 (this includes both the operating mechanism 400 maintaining the actuator 300 during the process and the operating mechanism 400 maintaining the actuator 300 precisely when it reaches the closed state). Conversely (that is, when the operating mechanism 400 transitions to the open state), the maintenance of the actuator 300 is released. This is because the actuator 300 has a retaining member 420a extending toward the operating mechanism 400, or the operating mechanism 400 has a retaining member 420a extending toward the actuator 300, and the retaining member 420a is used to complete the state change and maintenance of the actuator 300. Of course, as an alternative, the retaining element 420a can also be located between the actuator 300 and the moving contact (for example, the actuator 300 extends towards the moving contact with the retaining element 420a, or the moving contact extends towards the actuator 300 with the retaining element 420a). However, to ensure insulation performance, in this case, the actuator 300 needs to be made of insulating material, or the retaining element 420a needs to be made of insulating material, or either the contact surface of the retaining element 420a and the moving contact needs to be covered with insulating material. Regardless of the method, this method of using the extension of the retaining element 420a to achieve the cooperation between the actuator 300 and the operating mechanism 400 allows the operating mechanism 400 to press down the actuator 300 to change it to the first state M1 when rotating in the closing direction. When rotating in the opening direction (opposite direction), it can release the constraint on the actuator 300, providing stable power transmission and a very simple structure.
[0042] The residual current device (RCD) 500 employs a solenoid electromagnet structure, including a first coil, a first frame 520, and an actuating component, specifically a first moving iron core 510. Upon actuation, the first moving iron core 510 pushes the indicator 200 away from the first position S1. After moving a predetermined distance, the first moving iron core 510 drives the operating mechanism 400 to unlock. Upon unlocking, the operating mechanism 400 transitions to the open state, the actuator 300's holding is released, and it transitions to the second state M2, driving the indicator 200, which had left the first position S1, to the second position and holding it at S2. Thus, the user can observe the indication effect of the indicator 200 in the second position S2 through the observation window 100a.
[0043] The reset structure 600 cooperates with the indicator 200. When the force of the actuator 300 on the indicator 200 is eliminated or weakened, that is, during the closing operation, the actuator 300 will gradually move away from the indicator 200. At this time, the reset structure 600 can drive the indicator 200 back to the first position S1. This can effectively complete the reset operation of the indicator 200.
[0044] Compared to existing technologies where leakage current indicators must be locked in non-leakage situations, the leakage current indicator structure of this application has relatively lower precision requirements for components, is less prone to slippage, and provides stable indication.
[0045] Here, there are many options for the actuator 300; it can be a pure spring component 310 or a combination of a spring component 310 and a rigid component. Regardless of the method, energy can be stored when the operating mechanism 400 is closed.
[0046] As a relatively preferred approach, the actuating rod 320 is combined with the spring member 310. In this case, the actuating rod 320 is a rigid member (which can be made of plastic or metal). The operating mechanism 400 drives and holds the actuator 300 by acting on the actuating rod 320, and the actuator 300 drives and holds the indicator 200 through the actuating rod 320. Here, since the spring member 310 abuts between the actuating rod 320 and the housing 100, the operating mechanism 400 abuts against the actuating rod 320 when the circuit is closed. There are many options for the spring member 310, such as a tension spring, torsion spring, compression spring, leaf spring, etc., which can be comprehensively considered in conjunction with the actual movement mode and position of the actuating rod 320.
[0047] Here, the actuator 320 includes a return position and an actuation position. The return position corresponds to the first state M1, and the actuation state corresponds to the second state M2.
[0048] The actuator 320 can move in various ways, including rotation and sliding. Rotation is suitable for more compact spaces, while sliding transmission structures are relatively simple. In this embodiment, a locating pin (which can be integrated with or separate from the housing 100) rotates around the housing 100.
[0049] Here, during the normal opening of the operating mechanism 400, the indicator 200 will not reach the second position S2. There are several reasons for this: the actuator 300 may not contact the indicator 200 (e.g., the movement trajectory of the actuator 300 does not intersect with the indicator 200 in the first position S1); or the actuator 300 may contact the indicator 200, but not cause it to rotate. For example, the force exerted on the indicator 200 in the first position S1 may have no component in the direction of movement of the indicator 200, taking a rotating indicator 200 as an example (the contact force is towards the center of rotation), or a sliding indicator as an example (the contact force is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the indicator 200); or even if there is a component force, it may be insufficient to cause the indicator 200 to overcome the reset structure 600 (i.e., less than the reaction force of the reset structure 600). In this embodiment, the component force in the direction of movement of the indicator 200 is less than that of the reset structure 600.
[0050] Regardless of the structure, when the residual current device 500 is not activated, the actuator cannot push the indicator 200 to the second position S2 because the indicator 200 has not disengaged from the first position S1. This also indicates that if residual current indication is to be achieved, the indicator 200 must first disengage from the first position S1. This structure ensures effective residual current indication.
[0051] The residual current circuit breaker 500 employs a solenoid electromagnet, comprising a first yoke, a first coil, a first frame 520, and a first moving iron core 510. The first coil is wound around the first frame 520, and the first moving iron core 510 is slidably disposed in the channel of the first frame 520. Of course, to further enhance the magnetic field force, components such as a stationary iron core can also be included. The first moving iron core 510 serves as the actuating component of the residual current circuit breaker 500. Alternatively, the actuating component can also be a push rod connected to the first moving iron core 510, with the push rod fixed to or driven by the first moving iron core 510.
[0052] The indicator 200 includes an indicator 210, a driven part 220, an actuating part 230, and a driven part 240. The indicator 210 is used to indicate in the observation window 100a, the driven part 220 is driven by the leakage current trip unit 500, and the actuating part 230 is used to unlock the latch 410 of the operating mechanism 400. Here, the actuating part 230 is always located outside the first frame 520, while the driven part 220 is partially located inside the first frame 520 corresponding to the actuating member, at least when the indicator 200 is in the first position S1.
[0053] The placement of the driven part 220 within the first frame 520 reduces the total space occupied by components such as the leakage current trip unit 500 and the indicator 200, resulting in a more compact structure and facilitating the design of a smaller product.
[0054] Here, the driven part 220 of the indicator 200 is a columnar structure, and the size of the driven part 220 is smaller than the opening size of the first frame 520. The columnar structure design is beneficial to the driving of the actuating component, and this size design makes it easier for the driven part 220 to enter the channel of the first frame 520 through the opening.
[0055] Here, the driven part 240 is used to drive the actuator 300. That is, during leakage indication, the actuator 300 pushes the driven part 240 to bring the indicator 200 to the second position and hold it at S2. Here, the lever arm of the driven part 240 is greater than the lever arm of the driven part 220. That is, the straight-line distance from the driven part 240 to the rotation center of the indicator 200 is greater than the straight-line distance from the driven part 220 to the rotation center of the indicator 200. This lever arm design facilitates the actuator 300's pushing of the indicator 200 and also ensures that the indicator 200 can be held at the second position S2 with a smaller force.
[0056] Here, there are many ways to reset the structure 600, with a spring being the simplest method. Many types of springs can be used, such as tension springs, torsion springs, compression springs, and leaf springs, chosen based on factors such as the movement pattern, shape, and installation environment of the indicator 200. Regardless of the method, the spring connects the indicator 200 to the housing 100 (or other static components within the housing 100). When the indicator 200 is held in the second position S2 by the actuator 300, the spring is in a stored-energy state. At this time, the indicator 200 provides a biasing force to transition to the first position S1. However, since the biasing force is less than the holding force provided by the actuator 300, the indicator 200 remains stable in the second position S2. When the operating mechanism 400 performs a closing operation, the actuator 300 is pushed to the first state M1. When the force exerted by the actuator 300 on the indicator 200 is eliminated or weakened and becomes less than the biasing force of the spring, the spring drives the indicator 200 to reset, returning it to the first position S1.
[0057] The spring-type reset structure 600 is the simplest and most stable, making it a preferred option.
[0058] As a more complex solution, the reset structure 600 can also be set on the operating mechanism 400. For example, a corresponding protrusion can be set on the contact support 420. When the operating mechanism 400 changes to the closed state, the protrusion pushes the indicator 200 back to the first position S1. Of course, the time node for the protrusion to push the indicator 200 to return to the closed state should preferably be later than the time when the operating mechanism 400 pushes the actuator 300. This can ensure the stable operation of the reset action.
[0059] The basic implementation of leakage current indication has been described above. This leakage current indication function can be implemented in leakage current circuit breakers where the N and L poles are located in separate spaces, or in circuit breakers where the N and L poles are located in the same space. For residual current circuit breakers (RCCBs), there are L-pole and N-pole structures. Depending on whether the residual current indication function is set in the N-pole or L-pole, they can be divided into the following two types.
[0060] Method 1: The leakage current indicator structure is set in the L-pole structure. In this method, the housing 100 has a neutral pole space 110 and at least one L-pole space (a 2P circuit breaker has one two-pole space, and a 4P circuit breaker has three L-pole spaces). There are many ways to form the sub-housing of the housing 100. For example, in this embodiment, multiple sub-housings are sequentially joined together in the width direction (or the first direction Y). Alternatively, multiple sub-housings can be sequentially joined together along the height direction (or the second direction Z). Regardless of the structure, as long as a stable structure can be formed and both the L-pole space and the neutral pole space 110 are present, it is acceptable.
[0061] In the first direction Y, the neutral pole space 110 is located on at least one side of an L pole space. The L pole space containing components such as the indicator 200, actuator 300, operating mechanism 400, leakage current trip unit 500, and reset structure 600 is designated as the first L pole space 120. Similarly, the observation window 100a is also located on the housing 100 at a position corresponding to the first L pole space 120. In this configuration, the operating mechanism 400, which directly acts on the actuator 300, is the L pole operating mechanism 400 (its specific structure has been described above and will not be repeated here). In this configuration, in the second direction Z, the L pole electromagnetic trip unit 120a is located directly above the L pole arc-extinguishing chamber 120b, and the leakage current trip unit 500 is located directly above the L pole electromagnetic trip unit 120a. Meanwhile, both the residual current device (RCD) 500 and the L-pole electromagnetic trip unit 120a are solenoid electromagnets, and the actuating components of the RCD 500 and the L-pole electromagnetic trip unit 120a (the second moving iron core and the push rod) are arranged parallel to each other. In this configuration, the volume of the RCD 500 is smaller than that of the L-pole electromagnetic trip unit 120a. Of course, in this configuration, the parts of the latch 410 driven by the indicator 200 and the L-pole electromagnetic trip unit 120a also have a height difference in the second direction Z.
[0062] In other words, by adopting the aforementioned solenoid electromagnet (leakage trip unit 500 and L-pole electromagnetic trip unit 120a), arc-extinguishing chamber, and other structural arrangements, the leakage current function's execution structure (indication structure) is placed within the L-pole space, making full use of the L-pole space. Compared to the traditional method of placing the leakage current execution structure (indication structure) in the neutral pole space 110, more space can be freed up in the neutral pole space 110 to accommodate other components (such as neutral pole overload protection, short-circuit protection, etc.), making the overall circuit breaker more compact and miniaturized.
[0063] Of course, in order to ensure insulation performance, the circuit board and other structures containing functions such as leakage protection circuit and test circuit are still set in the neutral pole space 110, and the coil of the leakage trip device 500 can be electrically connected to the circuit board through the lead wire.
[0064] Of course, to make better use of the L-pole space structure, for residual current circuit breakers (RCCBs) containing a residual current circuit breaker (RCCB) with a leakage current function, the on / off switch 100b is also located in the first L-pole space 120 and partially exposed outside the housing 100. The on / off switch 100b here is a switch with at least two positions; moving to one position indicates that the leakage current function is on, and moving to the other position indicates that the leakage current function is off. There are many common options for the on / off switch 100b, including sliding and rotary types.
[0065] Method 2: The leakage current indicator structure is located in the N-pole structure (not shown in the figure). The space containing the indicator 200, actuator 300, operating mechanism 400, leakage current trip unit 500, and reset structure 600 is the neutral pole space 110. The observation window 100a is also located in the housing 100 at the position corresponding to the neutral pole space 110. In this method, the operating mechanism 400, which directly acts on the actuator 300, is the neutral pole operating mechanism 400 (the specific structure of the operating mechanism 400 has been described above and will not be repeated here).
[0066] Regardless of the method described above, a neutral overload trip unit 110a or / and a neutral electromagnetic trip unit 110b are provided in the neutral space 110.
[0067] Here, the neutral overload trip unit 110a can be bimetallic, trimetallic, or shape memory alloy. The neutral overload trip unit 110a can employ a solenoid electromagnet or a snap-action electromagnet. This allows the neutral pole to also possess short-circuit and overload protection functions. Of course, only one of these two functions can be configured, or both can be configured.
[0068] Although the example here is a 2P residual current circuit breaker, the same structure also applies to a 4P residual current circuit breaker.
[0069] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.
[0070] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.
Claims
1. A residual current circuit breaker, characterized in that: include, The outer casing has an observation window; The indicator has a first position and a second position, and the indicator displays different indications in the observation window when it is in different positions; An actuator having a spring member having a first state and a second state, wherein the first state has higher energy than the second state; The operating mechanism has a closed state and an open state; when the operating mechanism changes to the closed state, it drives the actuator to change from the second state to the first state and maintains it; conversely, it releases the holding of the actuator. When the leakage current trip device is actuated, it pushes the indicator away from the first position and drives the operating mechanism to unlock through the indicator; after unlocking, the operating mechanism changes to the open state, the actuator's holding is released and changes to the second state, driving the indicator that has been away from the first position to the second position and holding it. A reset structure is used to cooperate with an indicator so that when the force of the actuator is removed or weakened, the reset structure drives the indicator back to the first position.
2. A residual current circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The actuator further includes an actuating rod, which is a rigid component and connected to a spring component. The movement of the actuating rod is sliding or rotating. The actuating rod has a return position corresponding to the first state and an actuation position corresponding to the second state. The operating mechanism drives and holds the actuator by acting on the actuating rod, and the actuator drives and holds the indicator by the actuating rod. Alternatively, the actuator may be a pure spring component.
3. A residual current circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the operating mechanism does not switch to the open state due to the actuation of the leakage current trip device, the movement trajectory of the actuator does not intersect with the indicator in the first position; Alternatively, if the operating mechanism does not switch to the open state due to the actuation of the leakage current trip device, the force exerted by the actuator on the indicator in the first position has no component in the direction of the indicator's movement. Alternatively, if the operating mechanism does not switch to the open state due to the actuation of the leakage current trip device, the component of the force exerted by the actuator on the indicator in the first position in the direction of the indicator's movement is less than the reaction force of the reset structure.
4. A residual current circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The indicator has a driven part and a driving part. The driven part is driven by the leakage current trip device, and the driving part is driven to unlock the operating mechanism. The leakage current trip device has a first frame and an actuating component. The actuating component is slidably disposed in the first frame. When the indicator is in the first position, the driven part is at least partially located in the first frame and corresponds to the actuating component. The driving part is always located outside the first frame.
5. A residual current circuit breaker according to claim 4, characterized in that: The driven part of the indicator is a columnar structure, and the size of the driven part is smaller than the opening size of the first frame; And / or, the indicator is rotatably configured, and the indicator also includes a driven part, wherein the actuator acts on the driven part to cause the indicator to reach a second position and hold there, and the lever arm of the driven part is greater than the lever arm of the driven part.
6. A residual current circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The operating mechanism includes a contact support having a retainer extending toward the actuator, the operating mechanism driving and holding the actuator through the retainer; Alternatively, the operating mechanism includes a contact support, and the actuator has a retainer extending toward the contact support, through which the operating mechanism drives and retains the actuator; Alternatively, the operating mechanism includes a moving contact with a retaining member extending toward the actuator. The operating mechanism drives and retains the actuator through the retaining member. At least one of the contact surfaces between the retaining member and the actuator is made of insulating material, or either of the contact surfaces is covered with insulating material. Alternatively, the operating mechanism includes a moving contact, and the actuator has a retaining member extending toward the moving contact. The operating mechanism drives and retains the actuator through the retaining member. The retaining member is made of insulating material or the contact surface of either the retaining member or the moving contact is covered with insulating material.
7. A residual current circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reset structure is a spring element connected to the indicator element. When the indicator element is held in the second position by the actuator, the spring element stores energy and provides a bias force to the indicator element to change to the first position. The bias force is less than the holding force of the actuator. When the force of the actuator on the indicator element is eliminated or weakened to less than the bias force, the spring element drives the indicator element to reset. Alternatively, the reset structure is disposed on the operating mechanism, and when the operating mechanism changes to the closed state, the operating mechanism drives the indicator to return to the first position.
8. A residual current circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing contains a neutral pole space and at least one low-pole space. In a first direction, the neutral pole space is located on at least one side of one of the low-pole spaces. One of the low-pole spaces is the first low-pole space, and the indicator, actuator, operating mechanism, leakage current trip unit, and reset structure are all located within the first low-pole space. The operating mechanism is the first low-pole operating mechanism. The first low-pole space also contains an low-pole electromagnetic trip unit and an low-pole arc-extinguishing chamber. In a second direction, the low-pole electromagnetic trip unit is located directly above the low-pole arc-extinguishing chamber, and the leakage current trip unit is located directly above the low-pole electromagnetic trip unit. Both the leakage current trip unit and the low-pole electromagnetic trip unit are solenoid electromagnets, and the actuating components of the leakage current trip unit and the low-pole electromagnetic trip unit are arranged parallel to each other. The volume of the leakage current trip unit is smaller than the volume of the low-pole electromagnetic trip unit. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.
9. A residual current circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer casing contains a neutral polar space and at least one low polar space; in a first direction, the neutral polar space is located on at least one side of an low polar space; one of the low polar spaces is the first low polar space. The indicator, actuator, operating mechanism, leakage trip unit, and reset structure are all located in the neutral pole space or in the first L pole space. The operating mechanism is either a neutral pole operating mechanism or an L pole operating mechanism.
10. A residual current circuit breaker according to claim 9, characterized in that: The neutral pole space is provided with a neutral pole overload trip unit and / or a neutral pole electromagnetic trip unit; It also includes a leakage current switching circuit, which has an on / off switch that is located in the first L-pole space and partially exposed outside the housing.