A thermomagnetic module and circuit breaker

Abstract

The application provides a thermal magnetic module and a circuit breaker. A magnetic amplifier is arranged between a thermal release and an electromagnetic release, and the thermal release and the electromagnetic release are connected in series through the magnetic amplifier to form a series circuit. The magnetic amplifier is arranged beside the electromagnetic release. In the premise of achieving the same magnetic field strength, the number of turns of the coil in the electromagnetic release can be reduced, the space released can be used to thicken the wire bundle in the coil, and the risk of easy heating and burning out during short circuit is reduced. Meanwhile, the magnetic amplifier is connected in series in the circuit, and is arranged beside the thermal release. When an overload fault occurs, the thermal release is radiated by the heat generated by the magnetic amplifier, the temperature rise amplitude and the deformation amplitude of the thermal release are increased, and the reliable action of the thermal release is ensured to promote the opening of the circuit breaker.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of low-voltage electrical technology, and more specifically, to a thermomagnetic module and a circuit breaker. Background Technology

[0002] In low-voltage power distribution systems, circuit breakers employ integrated thermomagnetic tripping systems to achieve a unified design for overload protection and instantaneous short-circuit protection. In this system, a thermo-bimetallic strip is connected in series in the main circuit. The heat generated by the overload current causes it to deform and trip, thus tripping the circuit breaker. The coil of the electromagnetic trip unit, together with the thermo-bimetallic strip, forms a conductive path, allowing the electromagnetic force to instantaneously trip the circuit breaker in the event of a short circuit.

[0003] However, due to the constraints of compact space and integrated design, the length of the bimetallic strip cannot be increased individually, resulting in a limited resistance value. In the event of an overload fault, the temperature rise and deformation of the bimetallic strip are very limited, making it difficult to reliably trip the circuit breaker. Meanwhile, to ensure sufficient electromagnetic force in the electromagnetic trip unit during a short-circuit fault, a large number of turns of coil need to be wound on a solenoid with limited dimensions. This results in a thin coil cross-section, making it prone to burnout under fault current. Therefore, there is a need for an integrated thermomagnetic trip system with improved protection capabilities to ensure reliable circuit breaker tripping under fault conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a thermomagnetic module and a circuit breaker to address the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solutions adopted in the embodiments of this application are as follows: One aspect of this application provides a thermomagnetic module, including: The thermomagnetic mechanism includes a magnetizing component and a thermal trip unit and an electromagnetic trip unit arranged in parallel. The magnetizing component is located between the thermal trip unit and the electromagnetic trip unit, and the thermal trip unit and the electromagnetic trip unit are connected in series via the magnetizing component to form a series circuit. The stationary contact is located on one side of the thermomagnetic mechanism and is connected in series in the series circuit.

[0006] Optionally, the thermal trip unit, the magnetizing element, and the electromagnetic trip unit are arranged in parallel.

[0007] Optionally, the magnetizing component includes a magnetizing plate, with the opposite sides of the magnetizing plate facing the thermal trip unit and the electromagnetic trip unit, respectively.

[0008] Optionally, the magnetizing element has a folded edge, one end of which extends toward the thermal trip unit and is electrically connected to the thermal trip unit.

[0009] Optionally, the two ends of the magnetizing element extend toward the electromagnetic trip unit to form extension ears, and the magnetizing element forms a guide magnetic circuit at opposite ends of the electromagnetic trip unit via the extension ears.

[0010] Optionally, the stationary contact has a stationary contact point, and the distance from the stationary contact point to the electromagnetic trip unit is less than the distance from the stationary contact point to the thermal trip unit.

[0011] Optionally, the electromagnetic trip unit and the thermal trip unit are both elongated structures arranged in parallel. The stationary contact and the thermomagnetic mechanism are arranged along the length of the elongated structure. The central axis of the electromagnetic trip unit in the length direction is the first axis, and the central axis of the thermal trip unit in the length direction is the second axis. The vertical distance from the stationary contact to the first axis is less than the vertical distance from the stationary contact to the second axis.

[0012] Optionally, the thermomagnetic module also includes: The wiring section, thermal trip unit, magnetizing component, and electromagnetic trip unit are arranged side by side, with the electromagnetic trip unit located on the side of the thermal trip unit away from the wiring section; the wiring section, electromagnetic trip unit, thermal trip unit, magnetizing component, and stationary contact are connected in series.

[0013] Optionally, the thermomagnetic module also includes: An elastic insulating element is located between the stationary contact and the thermomagnetic mechanism, and is used to provide a force that moves the stationary contact and the thermomagnetic mechanism away from each other, so that the stationary contact and the thermomagnetic mechanism are respectively held against the housing.

[0014] Optionally, the resilient insulating element includes a resilient ring located between the stationary contact and the thermomagnetic mechanism.

[0015] Optionally, the electromagnetic trip unit and the thermal trip unit are arranged in a stepped manner at the end near the stationary contact, and the distance between the electromagnetic trip unit and the stationary contact is smaller than the distance between the thermal trip unit and the stationary contact.

[0016] In another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a circuit breaker is provided, including an operating mechanism and a thermomagnetic module as described above, wherein the moving contact of the operating mechanism cooperates with the stationary contact of the thermomagnetic module, and the thermomagnetic mechanism of the thermomagnetic module cooperates with the operating mechanism.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this application include: This application provides a thermomagnetic module and a circuit breaker. The thermomagnetic module includes a thermomagnetic mechanism and a stationary contact, which is located on one side of the entire thermomagnetic mechanism. The thermal trip unit and the electromagnetic trip unit of the thermomagnetic mechanism are arranged side by side in a compact layout to form an integral structure. A magnetizing element is placed between the thermal trip unit and the electromagnetic trip unit, and the thermal trip unit is connected in series with the electromagnetic trip unit via the magnetizing element to form a series circuit. In this way, the magnetizing element is located next to the electromagnetic trip unit. Utilizing its material properties, it can increase the strength of the magnetic field generated by the coil in the electromagnetic trip unit. Under the premise of achieving the same magnetic field strength, the number of turns of the coil in the electromagnetic trip unit can be reduced. The freed-up space can be used to thicken the wire harness in the coil, reducing the risk of overheating and burning out during a short circuit. Meanwhile, the magnetizing element is connected in series in the circuit and is located next to the thermal trip unit. Therefore, the resistance of the magnetizing element can make up for the insufficient resistance of the thermal trip unit itself. In the event of an overload fault, the heat generated by the magnetizing element radiates to the thermal trip unit, increasing its temperature rise and deformation, thereby ensuring its reliable operation and causing the circuit breaker to trip. Attached Figure Description

[0018] 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.

[0019] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a thermomagnetic module provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of a thermomagnetic module provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of an electromagnetic trip unit and a wiring section according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetizing component provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a circuit breaker provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Icons: 11-Thermomagnetic mechanism; 100-Electromagnetic trip unit; 101-Trip terminal of electromagnetic trip unit; 110-Coil; 120-Stationary iron core; 130-Moving iron core; 140-Frame; 150-Reset elastic element; 200-Thermal trip unit; 201-Trip terminal of thermal trip unit; 210-Bimetallic strip; 220-Insulation layer; 230-Wound circuit; 300-Stationary contact; 310-Stationary contact point; 320 - First segment; 330 - Third segment; 340 - Second segment; 400 - Magnetizing component; 401 - Window frame; 402 - Magnetizing plate; 410 - Folded edge; 420 - Extension ear; 500 - Wiring part; 600 - Elastic insulating component; 610 - Elastic ring; 620 - Fixing part; 701 - First conductive component; 702 - Second conductive component; 703 - Third conductive component; 21 - Housing; 22 - Protruding feature. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0022] One aspect of this application provides a thermomagnetic module, comprising: a thermomagnetic mechanism including a magnetizing element and a thermal trip unit and an electromagnetic trip unit arranged in parallel, the magnetizing element being located between the thermal trip unit and the electromagnetic trip unit, the thermal trip unit being connected in series with the electromagnetic trip unit via the magnetizing element to form a series circuit; and a stationary contact being disposed on one side of the thermomagnetic mechanism, the stationary contact being connected in series in the series circuit.

[0023] The thermal and electromagnetic trip units of the thermomagnetic mechanism are arranged side-by-side in a compact layout, forming an integrated structure. A magnetizing element is placed between the thermal and electromagnetic trip units, and the thermal trip unit is connected in series with the electromagnetic trip unit via the magnetizing element to form a series circuit. This magnetizing element, positioned beside the electromagnetic trip unit, utilizes its material properties to increase the strength of the magnetic field generated by the coil in the electromagnetic trip unit. While achieving the same magnetic field strength, the number of turns in the coil of the electromagnetic trip unit can be reduced. The freed-up space can be used to thicken the wire harness in the coil, reducing the risk of overheating and burning out during short circuits. Simultaneously, because the magnetizing element is connected in series in the circuit and positioned beside the thermal trip unit, its resistance can compensate for insufficient resistance in the thermal trip unit itself. During overload faults, the heat generated by the magnetizing element radiates to the bimetallic strip, increasing its temperature rise and deformation, thereby ensuring reliable operation and causing the circuit breaker to trip.

[0024] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a thermomagnetic module provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2This is a second schematic diagram of a thermomagnetic module provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 The perspective of the thermomagnetic module and Figure 2 The thermomagnetic module is shown from a relative perspective. The figure shows that the thermomagnetic module includes a thermomagnetic mechanism 11 and a stationary contact 300.

[0025] Combined with reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The thermomagnetic mechanism 11 includes a magnetizing element 400, a thermal trip unit 200, and an electromagnetic trip unit 100. The thermal trip unit 200 and the electromagnetic trip unit 100 are arranged side by side, which allows for a more compact layout and facilitates the formation of an integrated structure. For example, the thermal trip unit 200 and the electromagnetic trip unit 100 can be connected to form an integrated structure.

[0026] The magnetizing element 400 is disposed between the thermal trip unit 200 and the electromagnetic trip unit 100, so that the magnetizing element 400 can be located either next to the thermal trip unit 200 or next to the electromagnetic trip unit 100.

[0027] The thermal trip unit 200 is electrically connected to the magnetizing element 400, which in turn is electrically connected to the electromagnetic trip unit 100. Thus, the thermal trip unit 200, the magnetizing element 400, and the electromagnetic trip unit 100 are connected in series to form a series circuit. It should be understood that other device structures may also be included in the series circuit, without limitation.

[0028] The magnetizing element 400 is positioned beside the electromagnetic trip unit 100. Utilizing its material properties, it increases the strength of the magnetic field generated by the coil in the electromagnetic trip unit 100. For example, if the magnetizing element 400 is made of ferromagnetic material, it can constrain and guide the magnetic field lines generated by the coil 110 of the electromagnetic trip unit 100, giving it lower magnetic resistance and thus enabling closure. Under the premise of achieving the same magnetic field strength, the number of turns of the coil 110 in the electromagnetic trip unit 100 can be reduced. The freed-up space can be used to thicken the wire harness in the coil 110, i.e., increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the wire harness, reduce its resistance, and alleviate the phenomenon of easy overheating and burnout during short circuits.

[0029] Meanwhile, the magnetizing element 400 is connected in series in the circuit and is located beside the thermal trip unit 200. Therefore, the resistance of the magnetizing element 400 can compensate for the insufficient resistance of the thermal trip unit 200 itself. During an overload fault, current flows through the magnetizing element 400, generating heat due to its own resistance. This heat is then radiated to the thermal trip unit 200, increasing its temperature rise and deformation, thereby ensuring reliable operation and causing the circuit breaker to trip. In particular, considering the magnetizing properties of the magnetizing element 400, its resistance is suitable for compensating for the resistance of the thermal trip unit 200 itself. That is, the heat generated by the magnetizing element 400 during an overload can effectively increase the temperature rise of the thermal trip unit 200.

[0030] The stationary contact 300 is connected in series in a series circuit, that is, the electromagnetic trip unit 100, the magnetizing element 400, the thermal trip unit 200 and the stationary contact 300 are connected in series. For example, the series path is: the electromagnetic trip unit 100, the magnetizing element 400, the thermal trip unit 200 and the stationary contact 300 are connected in series in sequence. Alternatively, the thermal trip unit 200, the magnetizing element 400, the electromagnetic trip unit 100 and the stationary contact 300 can also be connected in series in sequence.

[0031] The stationary contact 300 is positioned on one side of the thermomagnetic mechanism 11, facilitating a compact layout of the entire thermomagnetic module. Simultaneously, since the stationary contact 300 needs to be connected in series with the thermomagnetic mechanism 11, it can be mechanically connected to the thermal trip unit 200 or the electromagnetic trip unit 100. This allows for the integrated design of the stationary contact 300 and the thermomagnetic mechanism 11, forming a stable modular structure. This simplifies installation, allowing the thermomagnetic module to be directly installed as a whole into the circuit breaker during assembly.

[0032] In the stationary contact 300, the stationary contact 310 is usually in direct contact with the moving contact during closing. Therefore, the temperature rise conditions it needs to meet are more stringent than those of other components in the stationary contact 300. In this application, through layout optimization, the influence of heat radiation from surrounding heat-generating components on the stationary contact 310 is mitigated. Specifically, when the thermomagnetic mechanism 11 and the stationary contact 300 are modularized, the temperature rise of the stationary contact 310 is mainly affected by the heat radiation from the thermomagnetic mechanism 11. In the thermomagnetic mechanism 11, since the thermal trip unit 200 is based on thermal effect for overload protection, the heat it generates becomes the key heat source for the temperature rise of the stationary contact 310. In comparison, the electromagnetic trip unit 100 generates less heat.

[0033] Based on this, the layout of the thermomagnetic mechanism 11 is optimized for the stationary contact 310: the electromagnetic trip unit 100 is placed near the stationary contact 310, occupying the adjacent space. Considering the parallel arrangement requirement of the thermal trip unit 200 and the electromagnetic trip unit 100, the adjacent space of the stationary contact 310 is occupied by the electromagnetic trip unit 100, forcing the thermal trip unit 200 to be placed relatively further away from the stationary contact 310. This layout makes the distance from the stationary contact 310 to the electromagnetic trip unit 100 smaller than the distance from the stationary contact 310 to the thermal trip unit 200, weakening the influence of the thermal trip unit 200 on the temperature rise of the stationary contact 310. Instead, the electromagnetic trip unit 100, which generates less heat, is placed near the stationary contact 310. When the thermomagnetic module is configured for use in a circuit breaker, the temperature rise of the stationary contact 310 is reduced, leaving a large safety margin between it and the temperature rise limit. This not only alleviates contact oxidation and electrical wear, improving product performance and reliability, but also enhances its applicability in high-current scenarios.

[0034] Furthermore, when the heating of the coil 110 is effectively controlled (the number of turns of the coil 110 is reduced and the cross-section is increased), the heating-controllable electromagnetic trip unit 100 can also help control the temperature rise of the stationary contact 310, which is closer to it.

[0035] Especially when circuit breakers using the thermomagnetic module of this application switch from low-current to high-current operation, the optimized temperature rise of the stationary contacts makes their use under high-current conditions possible. For example, when the circuit breaker is used as a motor protector, it is connected in series with the motor. When the motor operates at a large rated current, the heat generated by the thermomagnetic mechanism in the motor protector will increase. Based on the optimization of the thermomagnetic module in this application, the temperature rise of the stationary contacts can be kept below the temperature rise limit, improving its applicability to high-current conditions.

[0036] Please refer to Figure 1 The tripping principle of the thermal trip unit 200 and the electromagnetic trip unit 100 is generally as follows: In the event of a fault, depending on the type of fault, the thermal trip unit 200 or the electromagnetic trip unit 100 undergoes physical displacement, thereby triggering the movement of components in the operating mechanism to release the trip and open the circuit. The end of the thermal trip unit 200 and the electromagnetic trip unit 100 that triggers the operating mechanism is called the tripping end.

[0037] In some possible implementations, to facilitate the release of the operating mechanism by the thermal trip unit 200 and the electromagnetic trip unit 100, the tripping terminals 101 of the electromagnetic trip unit and 201 of the thermal trip unit can be located on the same side of the thermomagnetic mechanism 11, for example... Figure 1 The upper side of the middle.

[0038] In some possible implementations, please refer to the references. Figures 1 to 3 The electromagnetic trip unit 100 includes a stationary iron core 120, a moving iron core 130, a coil 110, and a frame 140. The frame 140 supports the various components of the electromagnetic trip unit 100, and the frame 140 can also guide the movement of the moving iron core 130, for example... Figure 1 In the frame 140, a tube body is included, and a moving iron core 130 is slidably disposed within the tube body, thereby restricting its linear motion using the tube body. A coil 110 is wound around the outer periphery of the frame 140. Its purpose is that, in the event of a fault, the generated magnetic field acts on the moving iron core 130, causing it to move closer to the stationary iron core 120, thereby triggering the operating mechanism to release the trip via the tripping end. In an optional embodiment, such as... Figure 1 Furthermore, an actuating rod that can be driven by the passive iron core 130 can be provided, with one end of the actuating rod serving as the tripping end. Based on this, the electromagnetic trip unit 100 may also include a reset elastic element 150, such as... Figure 1In the middle, a torsion spring is set, which is set in the frame 140. One end of the torsion spring is connected to the frame 140 and the other end is connected to the trigger rod. In the event of a fault, the moving iron core 130 drives the trigger rod to move, thereby causing the torsion spring to store energy. When the current in the coil 110 decreases or disappears, the torsion spring releases energy, thereby driving the moving trigger rod and the moving iron core 130 to reset, preparing for the next fault action.

[0039] In some possible implementations, please refer to the references. Figures 1 to 3 The thermal trip unit 200 includes a bimetallic strip 210 and a wound wire 230, which is wound around the outer periphery of the bimetallic strip 210. The heat generated by the wound wire 230 increases the temperature rise of the bimetallic strip 210, which helps to increase its deformation range and ensures that it can reliably actuate the operating mechanism to release the trip in the event of a fault. Optionally, an insulating layer 220 can be added between the bimetallic strip 210 and the wound wire 230 for electrical insulation.

[0040] In some possible implementations, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The stationary contact 300 includes a stationary contact 300 support and a stationary contact 310. The stationary contact 300 support can be electrically connected to the electromagnetic trip unit 100 or the thermal trip unit 200 according to the series path. The stationary contact 310 is disposed on the stationary contact 300 support. Optionally, the stationary contact 300 support includes a first segment 320 and a second segment 340 that are generally parallel, and a third segment 330 that connects the first segment 320 and the second segment 340 to the same end. Thus, the first segment 320, the third segment 330 and the second segment 340 are sequentially connected to form a U-shaped structure. The stationary contact 310 is disposed on the second segment 340, which facilitates the increase of the distance between the stationary contact 310 and the thermomagnetic mechanism 11 by means of folding (i.e., the length of the third segment 330).

[0041] In some possible implementations, please refer to Figure 1 Both the electromagnetic trip unit 100 and the thermal trip unit 200 are integrally formed in a long strip shape, with their length direction approximately as follows: Figure 1 The vertical direction in the middle. It should be understood that the long strip shape is the general shape of the overall shape of the trip unit, and it does not have to be strip-shaped. As long as it presents a long shape, it is fine. For example, it refers to a structure where the width and height are smaller than the length, and the horizontal cross section formed by the width and height is smaller than the vertical cross section (the cross section in the length direction). There are no size requirements for the width and height.

[0042] Combined with reference Figure 2 Since the electromagnetic trip unit 100 and the thermal trip unit 200 are both elongated structures, the central axis of the electromagnetic trip unit 100 along the length of its elongated structure is taken as the first axis, for example... Figure 2The central axis of coil 110 can be taken as the first axis. Similarly, the central axis of thermal trip unit 200 along the length of the elongated structure can be taken as the second axis, for example... Figure 2 The central axis of the bimetallic strip 210 is used as the second axis.

[0043] In some possible implementations, in conjunction with reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 When the electromagnetic trip unit 100 and the thermal trip unit 200 are both elongated structures, they are arranged side by side in a parallel manner; in other words, the first axis and the second axis are parallel to each other. The parallelism of the electromagnetic trip unit 100 and the thermal trip unit 200 includes absolute parallelism or approximately parallelism; for example, approximately parallelism means that they can have a small angle of inclination towards each other. This allows for a more compact and space-saving layout of the electromagnetic trip unit 100 and the thermal trip unit 200.

[0044] In some possible implementations, please continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 When the electromagnetic trip unit 100 and the thermal trip unit 200 are arranged side by side in a parallel manner, the stationary contact 300 and the thermomagnetic mechanism 11 are arranged along the length of the elongated structure. This makes the overall structure of the thermomagnetic module more regular, facilitating its installation in the circuit breaker. At the same time, the stationary contact 300 faces the small side end of the thermal trip unit 200 and / or the electromagnetic trip unit 100, mitigating the temperature rise caused by the thermomagnetic mechanism 11.

[0045] In some possible implementations, in conjunction with reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The vertical distance W1 from the stationary contact 310 to the first axis is less than the vertical distance W2 from the stationary contact 310 to the second axis. This ensures that the stationary contact 310 is as close as possible to the electromagnetic trip unit 100, rather than directly opposite the thermal trip unit 200, thus mitigating the temperature rise caused by the thermal trip unit 200. For example, if the stationary contact 310 is located on the first axis (W1 is zero), then the stationary contact 310 is approximately directly opposite one end of the electromagnetic trip unit 100; or, for example… Figure 2 For example, the stationary contact 310 is located between the first axis and the second axis, but closer to the first axis; or, for example, the stationary contact 310 is located on the side of the first axis away from the second axis.

[0046] In some possible implementations, please refer to Figure 1 or Figure 2The thermomagnetic module also includes a wiring section 500 for external wiring of the entire module. The wiring section 500, electromagnetic trip unit 100, thermal trip unit 200, and stationary contact 300 are connected in series. For example, the series path could be: wiring section 500, electromagnetic trip unit 100, thermal trip unit 200, and stationary contact 300 connected in series sequentially. Alternatively, the wiring section 500, thermal trip unit 200, electromagnetic trip unit 100, and stationary contact 300 could also be connected in series sequentially. For ease of understanding, the following explanation will use the example of "wiring section 500, electromagnetic trip unit 100, thermal trip unit 200, and stationary contact 300 connected in series sequentially": Please refer to... Figure 1 The dashed line represents the current path, and the dashed arrow indicates the direction of the current (of course, in other optional examples, the dashed arrow can also be in the opposite direction without restriction). The current starts from the terminal 500, flows through the first horizontal conductive element 701 to the second vertical conductive element 702, and then flows into the coil 110 from the second conductive element 702. After flowing out of the coil 110, it enters the folded edge 410 of the magnetizing element 400 (described in detail later), and then flows into the bimetallic strip 210. After spiraling down through the winding line 230, it flows through the third conductive element 703 to the stationary contact 300, and then flows through the first section 320, the third section 330 and the second section 340 of the stationary contact 300 to the stationary contact 310.

[0047] In some possible implementations, please refer to Figure 1 or Figure 2 The wiring section 500, thermal trip unit 200 and electromagnetic trip unit 100 are arranged side by side, and the electromagnetic trip unit 100 is located on the side of the thermal trip unit 200 away from the wiring section 500. This helps to optimize the layout of the thermal trip unit 200 and the electromagnetic trip unit 100, so that the thermal trip unit 200 is far away from the stationary contact 310.

[0048] Figure 1 The series path shown, the wiring section 500, and the arrangement of the aforementioned stationary contact 300, electromagnetic trip unit 100, and thermal trip unit 200 can increase the overall series path. In particular, the part around the thermal trip unit 200 with the addition of the first conductive element 701, the second conductive element 702, and the third conductive element 703 can increase the temperature rise of the bimetallic strip 210 and make its fault operation more reliable.

[0049] In some possible implementations, please refer to Figure 1 or Figure 2The magnetizing element 400 is located between the thermal trip unit 200 and the electromagnetic trip unit 100, thus fully utilizing the space between them. It also facilitates the connection between the electromagnetic trip unit 100 and the thermal trip unit 200 via the magnetizing element 400. For example, the coil 110 of the electromagnetic trip unit 100 can be connected to the magnetizing element 400, and the bimetallic strip 210 of the thermal trip unit 200 can be connected to the magnetizing element 400. In this way, the electrical connection between the thermal trip unit 200 and the electromagnetic trip unit 100 can be achieved using the magnetizing element 400, eliminating the need for additional conductive components.

[0050] In some possible implementations, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The thermal trip unit 200, the magnetizing element 400, and the electromagnetic trip unit 100 are arranged side by side. For example, when the thermal trip unit 200 and the electromagnetic trip unit 100 are elongated structures, placing the magnetizing element 400 between them can avoid increasing the overall length of the structure. Figure 1 or Figure 2 The vertical dimension (in the text).

[0051] In some possible implementations, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The magnetizing component 400 includes a magnetizing plate 402, which is located between the thermal trip unit 200 and the electromagnetic trip unit 100, with the opposite sides of the magnetizing plate 402 facing the thermal trip unit 200 and the electromagnetic trip unit 100 respectively. This avoids the magnetizing plate 402 being placed horizontally. Figure 1 or Figure 2 The vertical orientation (in the middle) results in occupying too much horizontal space.

[0052] In some possible implementations, please refer to Figures 1 to 4 The two ends of the magnetizing element 400 extend toward the electromagnetic trip unit 100 to form extension ears 420. The magnetizing element 400 forms a guiding magnetic circuit at the opposite ends of the electromagnetic trip unit 100 via the extension ears 420, which can further reduce magnetic resistance and increase magnetic field strength. The magnetizing element 400 can also be fixed to both ends of the electromagnetic trip unit 100 via the extension ears 420, for example, fixed to its frame 140.

[0053] In some possible implementations, please refer to the references. Figures 1 to 4 The magnetizing component 400 has a folded edge 410, one end of which extends toward the thermal trip unit 200 and is electrically connected to the bimetallic strip 210 of the thermal trip unit 200. The folded edge 410 design reduces the number of soldering operations; that is, the connection between the magnetizing component 400 and the folded edge 410 does not require soldering. For example... Figure 4As shown, a window frame 401 is opened in the middle of the magnetizing component 400 (e.g., magnetizing plate 402). Before the bending process, the folded edge 410 is located inside the window frame 401. Through the process, it is bent toward the thermomagnetic release device to form a folded edge 410.

[0054] Furthermore, the heating of the magnetizing component 400 needs to be controllable, meaning it doesn't need to generate excessive heat. Therefore, the connection point between the folded edge 410 and the magnetizing component 400 can be positioned close to the connection point between the magnetizing component 400 and the electromagnetic trip unit 100. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the middle, the connection position between the coil 110 and the magnetizing component 400 is the connection point between the magnetizing component 400 and the bottom extension ear 420, and the connection position between the folded edge 410 and the magnetizing component 400 is right next to this position.

[0055] In some possible implementations, please refer to Figure 1 The thermomagnetic module also includes an elastic insulating element 600 located between the stationary contact 300 and the thermomagnetic mechanism 11. This element provides a force that pushes the stationary contact 300 and the thermomagnetic mechanism 11 away from each other, allowing them to abut against the housing 21. This facilitates a tight fit when the thermomagnetic module is installed into the circuit breaker housing 21, eliminating the need for screws or other fasteners and improving installation convenience. Please refer to the reference... Figure 5 The circuit breaker housing 21 has an opening at its bottom. When the thermomagnetic module is installed into the circuit breaker housing 21, a retaining groove on a protruding feature 22 inside the housing 21 is used, with the groove opening facing downwards. Thus, the thermomagnetic module is installed from bottom to top until the folded edge 410 of the magnetizing member 400 abuts against the bottom A of the retaining groove. Then, when the bottom plate of the housing 21 is installed into the opening, the bottom plate applies an upward force F through the stationary contact 300. This force F causes the elastic insulating member 600 to deform and store energy, thereby causing the folded edge 410 to abut against the bottom of the retaining groove, and the stationary contact 300 to abut against the bottom plate. This assembly scheme improves the consistency of the thermomagnetic module during mass production.

[0056] In some possible implementations, please refer to Figure 1The elastic insulating member 600 includes an elastic ring 610 located between the stationary contact 300 and the thermomagnetic mechanism 11. The elastic insulating member 600 may also include a fixing portion 620, through which the elastic ring 610 is fixed to the stationary contact 300, the magnetizing member 400, the first conductive member 701, and / or the third conductive member 703. It should be understood that the fixing portion 620 can achieve insulation isolation between electrical components requiring insulation in the thermomagnetic module and support the thermomagnetic mechanism 11, for example, by being positioned between the third conductive member 703 and the first conductive member 701 to provide electrical insulation between them, and by being positioned between the first conductive member 701 and the second segment 340 of the stationary contact 300 to provide support for them. Simultaneously, it is positioned at the bottom of the wiring portion 500 to also provide support for the wiring portion 500.

[0057] In some possible implementations, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The electromagnetic trip unit 100 and the thermal trip unit 200 are arranged in a stepped manner at the ends near the stationary contact 300, and the distance W1 between the electromagnetic trip unit 100 and the stationary contact 300 is smaller than the distance W2 between the thermal trip unit 200 and the stationary contact 300. This stepped configuration allows the thermal trip unit 200 to be further away from the stationary contact 310.

[0058] Another aspect of the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 5 A circuit breaker is provided, including an operating mechanism and a thermomagnetic module as described above.

[0059] The moving contact of the operating mechanism cooperates with the stationary contact 300 of the thermomagnetic module, and the thermomagnetic mechanism 11 of the thermomagnetic module cooperates with the operating mechanism. In this way, in the event of a fault, the thermomagnetic module can act in a timely manner to trigger the operating mechanism to release the circuit breaker.

[0060] The circuit breaker may also include a housing 21, with the thermomagnetic module and operating mechanism all housed within the housing 21.

[0061] The basic principles of this application have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this application are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this application. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the application to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0062] The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems involved in this application are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to,” and are used interchangeably with them. The terms “or” and “and” as used herein refer to the terms “and / or,” and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” as used herein refers to the phrase “such as but not limited to,” and is used interchangeably with it.

[0063] It should also be noted that in the apparatus, equipment, and methods of this application, the components or steps can be disassembled and / or recombined. These disassemblies and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions of this application.

[0064] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0065] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations thereof.

Claims

1. A thermomagnetic module, characterized in that, include: The thermomagnetic mechanism (11) includes a magnetizing element (400) and a thermal trip unit (200) and an electromagnetic trip unit (100) arranged in parallel. The magnetizing element (400) is located between the thermal trip unit (200) and the electromagnetic trip unit (100). The thermal trip unit (200) and the electromagnetic trip unit (100) are connected in series via the magnetizing element (400) to form a series circuit. A stationary contact (300) is disposed on one side of the thermomagnetic mechanism (11), and the stationary contact (300) is connected in series in the series circuit.

2. The thermomagnetic module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal trip unit (200), the magnetizing element (400), and the electromagnetic trip unit (100) are arranged side by side.

3. The thermomagnetic module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetizing element (400) has a folded edge (410), one end of which extends toward the thermal trip unit (200) and is electrically connected to the thermal trip unit (200).

4. The thermomagnetic module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The two ends of the magnetizing element (400) extend toward the electromagnetic trip unit (100) to form extension ears (420), and the magnetizing element (400) forms a guide magnetic circuit at the opposite ends of the electromagnetic trip unit (100) via the extension ears (420).

5. The thermomagnetic module as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The stationary contact (300) has a stationary contact (310), and the distance from the stationary contact (310) to the electromagnetic trip unit (100) is less than the distance from the stationary contact (310) to the thermal trip unit (200).

6. The thermomagnetic module as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The electromagnetic trip unit (100) and the thermal trip unit (200) are both elongated structures and are arranged in parallel. The stationary contact (300) and the thermomagnetic mechanism (11) are arranged along the length of the elongated structure. The central axis of the electromagnetic trip unit (100) in the length direction is the first axis, and the central axis of the thermal trip unit (200) in the length direction is the second axis. The vertical distance from the stationary contact (310) to the first axis is less than the vertical distance from the stationary contact (310) to the second axis.

7. The thermomagnetic module as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The thermomagnetic module also includes: The wiring section (500), the thermal trip unit (200), the magnetizing element (400) and the electromagnetic trip unit (100) are arranged side by side, and the electromagnetic trip unit (100) is located on the side of the thermal trip unit (200) away from the wiring section (500). The wiring section (500), the electromagnetic trip unit (100), the magnetizing component (400), the thermal trip unit (200), and the stationary contact (300) are connected in series.

8. The thermomagnetic module as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The thermomagnetic module also includes: An elastic insulating element (600) is located between the stationary contact (300) and the thermomagnetic mechanism (11) and is used to provide a force that moves the stationary contact (300) and the thermomagnetic mechanism (11) away from each other, so that the stationary contact (300) and the thermomagnetic mechanism (11) respectively abut against the housing (21).

9. The thermomagnetic module as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The electromagnetic trip unit (100) and the thermal trip unit (200) are arranged in a stepped manner at the end near the stationary contact (300), and the distance between the electromagnetic trip unit (100) and the stationary contact (300) is smaller than the distance between the thermal trip unit (200) and the stationary contact (300).

10. A circuit breaker, characterized in that, It includes an operating mechanism and a thermomagnetic module as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the moving contact of the operating mechanism cooperates with the stationary contact (300) of the thermomagnetic module, and the thermomagnetic mechanism (11) of the thermomagnetic module cooperates with the operating mechanism.

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