circuit breaker

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a circuit breaker comprising a first end (10) and a second end (20) opposite to each other, and located between the first end (10) and the second end (20) are: a first set of moving and static contacts; a first arc-extinguishing chamber (13) having a front end close to the first set of moving and static contacts and a rear end away from the first set of moving and static contacts; a second set of moving and static contacts; a second arc-extinguishing chamber (23) having a front end close to the second set of moving and static contacts and a rear end away from the second set of moving and static contacts. Wherein the circuit breaker further has a first airflow channel (15) starting from the rear end (132) of the first arc-extinguishing chamber, and a second airflow channel (25) starting from the rear end of the second arc-extinguishing chamber (23), and the outlets of the first airflow channel (15) and the second airflow channel (25) are both arranged at the first end (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to circuit breakers, and in particular to the arc-extinguishing structure design of circuit breakers. Background Technology

[0002] Circuit breakers typically have an arc-extinguishing chamber outlet to release the gas pressure inside the chamber during the arc-extinguishing process, preventing the circuit breaker casing from rupturing. In many situations, such as when a short circuit occurs and the circuit breaker disconnects the circuit, the gas ejected from the arc-extinguishing chamber outlet may carry an electric arc with it. This arc can affect components near the circuit breaker, causing safety issues.

[0003] This disclosure aims to design an arc-extinguishing structure for a circuit breaker to reduce the impact of arcing on components near the circuit breaker and improve the safety of the circuit breaker. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems and needs, this disclosure proposes a circuit breaker comprising a first end and a second end opposite to each other, and the following components located between the first end and the second end: a first set of moving and stationary contacts; a first arc-extinguishing chamber having a front end near the first set of moving and stationary contacts and a rear end away from the first set of moving and stationary contacts; a second set of moving and stationary contacts; and a second arc-extinguishing chamber having a front end near the second set of moving and stationary contacts and a rear end away from the second set of moving and stationary contacts. The circuit breaker further comprises a first airflow passage originating at the rear end of the first arc-extinguishing chamber and a second airflow passage originating at the rear end of the second arc-extinguishing chamber, and the outlets of both the first airflow passage and the second airflow passage are located at the first end.

[0005] According to a preferred embodiment, the second airflow channel shares the same outlet as the first airflow channel.

[0006] According to a preferred embodiment, the outlet is located below the wiring structure of the first stationary contact.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment, the outlet includes a first outlet and a second outlet.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the inlet size of the first airflow channel is greater than or equal to the length of the end of the first arc-extinguishing chamber; and / or the inlet size of the second airflow channel is greater than or equal to the length of the end of the second arc-extinguishing chamber.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one of the first airflow channel and the second airflow channel has one or more bends.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the circuit breaker has a strip-shaped guide extending between the rear end of the first arc-extinguishing chamber and a first end wall of the circuit breaker housing located at the first end, such that the first airflow passage includes a first channel portion defined by the rear end of the first arc-extinguishing chamber and the strip-shaped guide, and a second channel portion connected to the first channel portion and defined by the first end wall and the strip-shaped guide.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the first airflow channel further has a third channel portion located downstream of the second channel portion, the third channel portion extending toward the first end.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the second channel portion and / or the third channel portion of the first airflow channel includes two first airway branches separated by the body portion of the first stationary contact and the contact housing.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the second airflow channel includes a first section defined by the rear end of the second arc-extinguishing chamber and a second end wall located at the second end, and a second section located downstream of the first section and parallel to the bottom wall of the circuit breaker.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the end portion of the second airflow channel coincides with the end portion of the first airflow channel.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the second section of the second airflow channel includes two second airway branches, which at least partially overlap with the two first airway branches of the first airflow channel.

[0016] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings so that the features and advantages of the present disclosure can be readily understood. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this disclosure will be briefly described below. The drawings are merely illustrative of some embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit all embodiments of this disclosure to them.

[0018] Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of a circuit breaker according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 1B It shows the relationship with Figure 1A The same cross-sectional view, in which the direction of airflow is indicated;

[0020] Figure 2 A perspective sectional view of a circuit breaker according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0021] Figure 3 It shows along Figure 1A A sectional view taken by line AA in the middle;

[0022] Figure 4 Another perspective sectional view of a circuit breaker according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0023] Figure 5 An end cross-sectional view of a circuit breaker according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0024] List of reference numerals

[0025] 10 First end

[0026] 11 First stationary contact

[0027] 111 Contact body

[0028] 112 Contact Housing

[0029] 113 wiring structure

[0030] 12 First moving contact

[0031] 13 First Arc Extinguishing Chamber

[0032] 131 Front end of the first arc-extinguishing chamber

[0033] The rear end of the first arc-extinguishing chamber 132

[0034] 14 First end wall

[0035] 15 First airflow channel

[0036] Section 151, First Passage

[0037] 152 Second Channel Section

[0038] 153 Third Channel Section

[0039] 16 strip-shaped guide sections

[0040] 20 Second end

[0041] 21 Second stationary contact

[0042] 22 Second moving contact

[0043] 23 Second Arc Extinguishing Chamber

[0044] 231 Front end of the second arc-extinguishing chamber

[0045] 232 Rear end of the second arc-extinguishing chamber

[0046] 24 Second end wall

[0047] 25 Second airflow channel

[0048] Part 1 of 251

[0049] 252 Part Two

[0050] 30 Exports

[0051] 31 First Exit

[0052] 32 Second Exit Detailed Implementation

[0053] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same components. It should be noted that the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0054] Compared to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, feasible embodiments within the scope of this disclosure may have fewer components, other components not shown in the drawings, different components, components arranged differently, or components with different connections, etc. Furthermore, two or more components in the drawings may be implemented in a single component, or a single component shown in the drawings may be implemented as multiple separate components.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this patent application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, “an” or “a” and similar terms do not necessarily indicate a quantity limitation. Terms such as “comprising” or “including” mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the element or object listed following the word and its equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as “connected” or “linked” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right” are used only to indicate relative positional relationships, which may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described object changes.

[0056] This disclosure relates to a double-break circuit breaker, and in particular to the arc-extinguishing structure design of the circuit breaker.

[0057] For clarity, references will be provided. Figure 2The present disclosure describes the scheme using a coordinate system. The x-direction corresponds to the length direction of the circuit breaker. The two ends of the circuit breaker, namely the first end 10 and the second end 20, are spaced apart from each other in the x-direction. The y-direction corresponds to the height direction of the circuit breaker, with the top and bottom of the circuit breaker spaced apart from each other in the y-direction. The z-direction corresponds to the thickness direction of the circuit breaker, with the two principal planes of the circuit breaker housing spaced apart from each other in the z-direction. It is understood that in actual use of the circuit breaker, the horizontally shown x-direction is not necessarily parallel to the ground.

[0058] As shown in the figure, the double-break circuit breaker includes two sets of moving and stationary contacts, referred to as the first set of moving and stationary contacts and the second set of moving and stationary contacts, respectively. The first set of moving and stationary contacts includes a first stationary contact 11 and a first moving contact 12. The second set of moving and stationary contacts includes a second stationary contact 21 and a second moving contact 22. In this paper, the first stationary contact 11 and the second stationary contact 21 can be collectively referred to as the stationary contact, and the second stationary contact 21 and the second moving contact 22 can be collectively referred to as the moving contact.

[0059] Moving and stationary contacts are crucial components of a circuit breaker, working together to control the connection and disconnection of the circuit. When connection or disconnection occurs, the first stationary contact 11 and the second stationary contact 21 remain stationary, while the first moving contact 12 and the second moving contact 22 simultaneously move toward or away from the first stationary contact 11 and the second stationary contact 21. For example, the first moving contact 12 and the second moving contact 22 can rotate about a common axis to engage or disengage from the first stationary contact 11 and the second stationary contact 21, thereby connecting or disconnecting the circuit. Figure 1A and 1B The first set of moving and stationary contacts and the second set of moving and stationary contacts of the circuit breaker are both in the engaged state.

[0060] During the separation of the moving and stationary contacts, an electric arc can easily be generated between them. In this article, the area near the moving and stationary contacts where an electric arc forms is referred to as the arc generation region. The generation of an electric arc can damage the moving and stationary contacts and / or other components of the circuit breaker.

[0061] To extinguish the electric arc, the circuit breaker also includes a first arc-extinguishing chamber 13 near the first set of moving and stationary contacts and a second arc-extinguishing chamber 23 near the second set of moving and stationary contacts. In this document, the first arc-extinguishing chamber 13 and the second arc-extinguishing chamber 23 can be collectively referred to as arc-extinguishing chambers.

[0062] The first arc-extinguishing chamber 13 has a front end 131 near the first set of moving and stationary contacts and a rear end 132 away from the first set of moving and stationary contacts. Similarly, the second arc-extinguishing chamber 23 has a front end 231 near the second set of moving and stationary contacts and a rear end 232 away from the second set of moving and stationary contacts. Each arc-extinguishing chamber is located downstream of the corresponding arc-generating region, and the arc can enter the arc-extinguishing chamber through the front end of the respective arc-extinguishing chamber. The arc-extinguishing chambers are used, for example, to extend the arc length, thereby extinguishing the arc.

[0063] Typically, an arc-extinguishing chamber outlet is located downstream of the rear end of each arc-extinguishing chamber to release the gas pressure inside the chamber during the arc-extinguishing process. Traditionally, the outlet opens to both sides of the arc-extinguishing chamber. Special materials or components such as terminal covers, isolation plates, and protective shields can be used at the outlet to suppress charged particles and protect nearby equipment from the effects of the electric arc.

[0064] This disclosure proposes designing two special airflow channels for the circuit breaker: a first airflow channel 15 starting at the rear end 132 of the first arc-extinguishing chamber, and a second airflow channel 25 starting at the rear end 232 of the second arc-extinguishing chamber 23. The first airflow channel 15 and the second airflow channel 25 can be collectively referred to as airflow channels. Each airflow channel is a channel of a certain length. As gas carrying charged particles travels along the airflow channel, the charged particles are gradually consumed, thereby reducing the impact of the electric arc on nearby equipment. Specifically, this disclosure proposes that the outlets 30 of both the first airflow channel 15 and the second airflow channel 25 are located at the same end of the circuit breaker, referred to herein as the first end 10. It is understood that, in embodiments not shown, the outlets 30 of both the first airflow channel 15 and the second airflow channel 25 may be located at the second end 20.

[0065] Preferably, at least one of the first airflow channel 15 and the second airflow channel 25 has one or more bends. By providing bends, the length of the airflow channel can be increased within the limited space of the circuit breaker, which is more conducive to cooling and consuming charged particles, thereby improving the arc extinguishing effect.

[0066] Since the two arc-extinguishing chambers of the circuit breaker are located downstream of the two sets of moving and stationary contacts, they are close to the two ends of the circuit breaker. By setting the outlets 30 of both the first airflow channel 15 and the second airflow channel 25 at the same end of the circuit breaker, at least one airflow channel can fully utilize the length of the circuit breaker, having a longer length, which is more conducive to extinguishing the arc. Moreover, in conventional designs, the two air outlets are located at two different ends, so both ends are affected by the air outlets and require a large safety distance. By setting the two outlets 30 at the same end, the influence of the air outlet at the other end can be avoided, eliminating the need for a safety distance and achieving overall miniaturization of the circuit breaker.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment of the accompanying drawings, the second airflow channel 25 shares the same outlet 30 as the first airflow channel 15, thereby further facilitating the compactness and miniaturization of the circuit breaker. Particularly preferably, as shown in the figures... Figures 3 to 5 As shown, outlet 30 includes a first outlet 31 and a second outlet 32 ​​spaced apart in the thickness direction of the circuit breaker.

[0068] like Figure 1A , 1B and Figure 2 As shown, preferably, the inlet size of the first airflow channel 15 is greater than or equal to the length of the end 132 of the first arc-extinguishing chamber 13, and / or the inlet size of the second airflow channel 25 is greater than or equal to the length of the end 232 of the second arc-extinguishing chamber 23. In other words, the inlet width of the airflow channel can span or exceed the entire end of the arc-extinguishing chamber, so that the gas flowing out of the entire arc-extinguishing chamber can directly enter the corresponding airflow channel. Furthermore, the ultra-wide airflow channel inlet, combined with the strip-shaped guide portion described below, can form a flow channel that has both good flow performance and can utilize a compact space to form a relatively long flow channel.

[0069] Preferably, the circuit breaker has a strip-shaped guide 16 extending between the rear end 132 of the first arc-extinguishing chamber and the first end wall 14 of the circuit breaker housing located at the first end 10. The strip-shaped guide 16 extends generally in the y-direction, i.e., substantially aligned with the height direction of the arc-extinguishing chamber or the height direction of the circuit breaker. Through the strip-shaped guide 16, the first airflow passage 15 forms a bend of approximately 180°, forming a first passage portion 151 defined by the rear end 132 of the first arc-extinguishing chamber and the strip-shaped guide 16, and a second passage portion 152 connected to the first passage portion 151 and defined by the first end wall 14 and the strip-shaped guide 16. The first passage portion 151 extends generally upward in the y-direction, i.e., toward the top of the circuit breaker, and the second passage portion 152 extends generally downward in the y-direction, i.e., toward the bottom of the circuit breaker. Compared to a design without the strip-shaped guide 16, the length of the first airflow passage 15 is significantly increased.

[0070] Preferably, such as Figure 2 As shown, in addition to the first channel portion 151 and the second channel portion 152, the first airflow channel 15 also includes a third channel portion 153 located downstream of the second channel portion 152. The third channel portion 153 may be located in a plane perpendicular to the first end wall 14, for example in a plane parallel to the main plane of the circuit breaker, and the third channel portion 153 extends generally in the x-direction toward the first end 10.

[0071] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a circuit breaker according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, along which... Figure 1A Line AA is cut off, showing the second channel portion 152 of the first airflow channel 15. Preferably, as shown... Figure 3 As shown, the second channel portion 152 includes two first airway branches separated by the contact body portion 111 of the first stationary contact 11 and the contact shell 112 surrounding the contact body portion 111. Figure 2The two first airway branches are shown in dashed lines. These two first airway branches at least partially overlap with the two second airway branches at the end of the second airflow passage 25 and lead to the first outlet 31 and the second outlet 32.

[0072] The second airflow channel 25 will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As mentioned earlier, the second airflow channel 25 originates at the rear end 232 of the second arc-extinguishing chamber 23 and leads to an outlet located at the first end 10 of the circuit breaker, specifically sharing the same outlet as the first airflow channel 15. Due to this arrangement, the second airflow channel 25 can utilize ample space along the length of the circuit breaker and has a relatively long length. As the gas carrying charged particles travels along the airflow channel, the charged particles are fully consumed, thereby reducing the impact of the electric arc on nearby equipment.

[0073] Preferably, the second airflow passage 25 includes a first section 251 defined by the rear end 232 of the second arc-extinguishing chamber 23 and a second end wall 24 located at the second end 20, and a second section 252 located downstream of the first section 251 and parallel to the bottom of the circuit breaker. The first section 251 extends generally toward the bottom of the circuit breaker, and the second section 252 extends generally toward the first end 10 of the circuit breaker.

[0074] Preferably, the end portion of the second airflow channel 25 overlaps with the end portion of the first airflow channel 15, making the circuit breaker more compact. Specifically, as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the second section 252 of the second airflow channel 25 forms two second airway branches at its end. These two first airway branches can bypass the wiring structure 113 of the first stationary contact 11 and reach the first outlet 31 and the second outlet 32. These two second airway branches preferably at least partially overlap with the two first airway branches of the first airflow channel 15, which also bypass the wiring structure 113.

[0075] Preferred options Figure 4 As shown, the outlet is located below the wiring structure 113 of the first stationary contact 11, so that the high-temperature and high-pressure gas ejected from the outlet will not affect the wiring of the first stationary contact 11.

[0076] The exemplary implementation of the solution proposed in this disclosure has been described in detail above with reference to preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the above specific embodiments without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, and various combinations can be made to the various technical features and structures proposed in this disclosure without exceeding the protection scope of this disclosure, which is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A circuit breaker comprising a first end (10) and a second end (20) opposite to each other, and a component located between the first end (10) and the second end (20): The first set of moving and stationary contacts; The first arc-extinguishing chamber (13) has a front end close to the first set of moving and stationary contacts and a rear end away from the first set of moving and stationary contacts; The second set of moving and stationary contacts; The second arc-extinguishing chamber (23) has a front end close to the second set of moving and stationary contacts and a rear end away from the second set of moving and stationary contacts; in, The circuit breaker also has a first airflow channel (15) starting at the rear end (132) of the first arc-extinguishing chamber and a second airflow channel (25) starting at the rear end of the second arc-extinguishing chamber (23), and the outlets of the first airflow channel (15) and the second airflow channel (25) are both located at the first end (10).

2. The circuit breaker as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second airflow channel (25) shares the same outlet (30) as the first airflow channel (15).

3. The circuit breaker as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The outlet (30) is located below the wiring structure (113) of the first stationary contact (11).

4. The circuit breaker as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The outlet (30) includes a first outlet (31) and a second outlet (32).

5. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet size of the first airflow channel (15) is greater than or equal to the length of the end of the first arc-extinguishing chamber (13); and / or The size of the inlet of the second airflow channel (25) is greater than or equal to the length of the end of the second arc-extinguishing chamber (23).

6. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the first airflow channel (15) and the second airflow channel (25) has one or more bends.

7. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The circuit breaker has a strip-shaped guide (16) extending between the rear end (132) of the first arc-extinguishing chamber and a first end wall (14) of the circuit breaker housing located at the first end (10), such that the first airflow passage (15) includes a first passage portion (151) defined by the rear end (132) of the first arc-extinguishing chamber and the strip-shaped guide (16), and a second passage portion (152) connected to the first passage portion (151) and defined by the first end wall (14) and the strip-shaped guide (16).

8. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The first airflow passage (15) also has a third passage portion (153) located downstream of the second passage portion (152), the third passage portion (153) extending toward the first end (10).

9. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The second channel portion (152) and / or the third channel portion (153) of the first airflow channel (15) include two first airway branches separated by the body of the first stationary contact (11) and the contact housing (112).

10. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The second airflow passage (25) includes a first section (251) defined by the rear end of the second arc-extinguishing chamber (23) and a second end wall (24) located at the second end (20), and a second section (252) located downstream of the first section (251) and parallel to the bottom wall of the circuit breaker.

11. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The end portion of the second airflow channel (25) coincides with the end portion of the first airflow channel (15).

12. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The second section (252) of the second airflow passage (25) includes two second airway branches that at least partially overlap with the two first airway branches of the first airflow passage (15).

Images