Circuit breaker

Abstract

The utility model relates to a circuit breaker, comprising a switch body connected in series in a main loop; a setting unit including a plurality of knobs and configured to set a parameter about a corresponding protection function of a plurality of protection functions of the circuit breaker and set a protection function turn-off of the corresponding protection function; a control unit configured to be connected to the switch body and the setting unit, and to receive a protection function setting signal from the setting unit, where the protection function setting signal includes a protection function off signal; and a communication port connected to an external device, in which the control unit is configured to transmit a protection function turn-off signal to the external device via the communication port, and receive a protection function turn-off confirmation signal corresponding to the protection function turn-off signal from the external device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model generally relates to the field of electrical equipment technology, and more specifically, to a circuit breaker. Background Technology

[0002] Circuit breakers are one of the most commonly used safety protection devices in power distribution systems, primarily used to protect circuits from damage caused by faults such as overcurrent, overload, or short circuit. Currently, most circuit breakers can promptly disconnect the power supply when overload or short circuit faults occur, ensuring equipment and personal safety. With the continuous development of smart grids, the intelligence level of circuit breakers is also constantly improving, and their functions are becoming increasingly rich and complex. Generally, circuit breakers possess four protection functions: long-time overload protection, short-time short-circuit protection, instantaneous short-circuit protection, and ground fault protection.

[0003] However, in some special application scenarios, there are different requirements for the protection functions of circuit breakers. For example, the upstream circuit breaker may need to disable the instantaneous protection function, while the downstream circuit breaker may need to disable the short-delay protection function. At the same time, in order to meet the requirements of fine current and single magnetic protection, it may also be necessary to disable the long-delay protection function. This provides safe, reliable and stable power supply for different scenarios of customers in different industries such as data centers, subways, electronics, industrial and commercial buildings, hospitals, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

[0004] Therefore, in order to better meet the needs of customers in different occasions and at different times, it is necessary to be able to selectively shut down the protection functions of the circuit breaker. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model proposes a circuit breaker, characterized in that the circuit breaker comprises: a switch body connected in series in the main circuit; a setting unit including multiple knobs configured to set parameters of corresponding protection functions among multiple protection functions of the circuit breaker and to set the protection function to be turned off; a control unit configured to be connected to the switch body and the setting unit, and to receive protection function setting signals from the setting unit, wherein the protection function setting signals include protection function turn-off signals; and a communication port connected to an external device, wherein the control unit is configured to send protection function turn-off signals to the external device via the communication port, and to receive protection function turn-off confirmation signals corresponding to the protection function turn-off signals from the external device.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to execute the protection function of the circuit breaker based on the protection function setting signal and the protection function closing confirmation signal.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when one or more of the plurality of knobs are set to the protection function off position, the setting unit generates a protection function off signal corresponding to one or more of the plurality of knobs and sends it to the control unit.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the protection function setting signal further includes a protection function parameter setting signal, and the parameters for setting the corresponding protection function include setting one or more of the following: long delay protection current, long delay protection time, short delay protection current, short delay protection time, instantaneous protection current, grounding protection current, and grounding protection time.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is further configured to: determine the protection function corresponding to the protection function shutdown confirmation signal to be shut down when a protection function shutdown confirmation signal is received from an external device via a communication port within a threshold time; and determine the parameter of the protection function corresponding to the protection function shutdown confirmation signal to be at its maximum value when no protection function shutdown confirmation signal is received from an external device within the threshold time.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the external device is a computer including intelligent software, and the intelligent software generates a corresponding protection function shutdown confirmation signal based on the received protection function shutdown signal.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the setting unit further includes a setting indicator unit, and the setting indicator unit includes a plurality of LED indicator lights corresponding to one or more of the plurality of protection function settings.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the control unit sends a protection function shutdown signal to an external device, the LED indicator corresponding to the corresponding protection function setting flashes; when the control unit receives a protection function shutdown confirmation signal from the external device within a threshold time, the LED indicator corresponding to the corresponding protection function setting remains on; and when the control unit does not receive a protection function shutdown confirmation signal from the external device within a threshold time, the LED indicator corresponding to the corresponding protection function setting turns off.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the long delay protection function and the short delay protection function are set to be off and the control unit receives a confirmation signal from an external device that corresponds to the protection function being off, the instantaneous protection function in the protection function settings is set to be enabled.

[0014] In this utility model, the proposed circuit breaker can achieve the required parameter settings by combining mechanical design and software design with a simple structure, that is, to close the long delay protection or the short delay protection, and can prevent the user from accidentally closing the protection function during use. The structure is simple and the setting is convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of the present invention will become clearer from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram showing a circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram showing the setting unit of the circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the circuit breaker and external equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a model diagram of a circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Before proceeding with the detailed description below, it may be advantageous to define certain words and phrases used throughout this invention. The terms “comprising” and “including” and their derivatives mean, but are not limited to, any of the following. The term “controller” or “control unit” means any device, system, or part thereof that controls at least one operation. Such a controller may be implemented in hardware, or a combination of hardware and software and / or firmware. For example, a controller may include, for instance, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a general-purpose or special-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), and programmable logic devices such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). A controller may be manufactured as a single printed circuit board (PCB) or distributed across several interconnected PCBs. A controller may include other processing circuitry; for example, a controller may include two processing circuits such as an FPGA and a CPU interconnected on a PCB. The functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, either local or remote. The phrase “at least one,” when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and perhaps only one item from the list is required. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes any one of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, A and B and C. Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only for distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or order. In embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly stated, "connection" does not necessarily mean "direct connection" or "direct contact," but only requires electrical connection.

[0021] Definitions of other specific words and phrases are provided throughout this invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that, in many, if not most, cases, such definitions apply to the prior and future use of the words and phrases thus defined.

[0022] The various embodiments of the present invention described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention in any way. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present invention can be implemented in any suitably arranged system or device. In some cases, the actions described in the present invention can be performed in different orders and still achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require the specific order or sequential sequence shown to achieve the desired result. In certain embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

[0023] The text and accompanying drawings are provided by way of example only to aid in understanding the present invention. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of the appended claims in any way. Although certain embodiments and examples have been provided, it will be clear to those skilled in the art, based on the content of the present invention, that changes can be made to the illustrated embodiments and examples without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0024] Electronic molded case circuit breakers typically offer four protection functions: overload long-time delay, short-circuit short-time delay, short-circuit instantaneous, and ground fault protection. The protection function settings can be configured using a knob to adjust the values ​​for long-time delay current, long-time delay time, short-time delay current, short-time delay time, instantaneous protection current, ground fault protection current, and ground fault protection time. Additionally, this knob can be used to disable the protection functions. Specifically, to disable the short-circuit instantaneous protection, simply set the knob corresponding to the instantaneous protection current to the off position. This is because disabling short-circuit instantaneous protection is generally used in selective protection between upstream and downstream circuits; after disabling short-circuit instantaneous protection, short-circuit short-time delay protection can be used to achieve short-circuit protection.

[0025] However, to prevent user error from accidentally disabling protection functions and causing malfunctions during use, the corresponding trip units are typically installed when it is necessary to disable overload long-delay protection and short-circuit short-delay protection in actual use. For example, when using Schneider's NSX circuit breaker, if the long-delay protection function needs to be disabled, the main switch and MIC5B SI trip unit must be ordered and installed by the user to achieve the "factory-off" protection shutdown function. Alternatively, if the short-delay protection function needs to be disabled, the main switch and MIC5B LI trip unit must be ordered and installed by the user. Furthermore, in both cases, since the installed trip unit has the long-delay or short-delay protection function disabled at the factory, it cannot be enabled after installation, making function settings very inconvenient.

[0026] Therefore, for overload long-delay protection and short-circuit short-delay shutdown, a simpler function setting method needs to be introduced so that users can easily set the protection function according to their actual needs.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram showing the circuit breaker 100 according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0028] refer to Figure 1 The circuit breaker 100 may include a switch body 110, a setting unit 120, a control unit 130, and a communication port 140.

[0029] The switch body 110 can be connected in series in the main circuit. The switch body 110 usually refers to the core mechanical structure in the circuit breaker 100 that enables the circuit to be switched on or off.

[0030] The setting unit 120 may include multiple knobs and can be configured to set parameters for a corresponding protection function among multiple protection functions of the circuit breaker 100 and to set the protection function of the corresponding protection function to be turned off.

[0031] In some embodiments, when one or more of the knobs in the setting unit 120 are set to the protection function off position, the setting unit 120 generates a protection function off signal corresponding to one or more of the knobs and sends it to the control unit 130. A detailed schematic structure of the setting unit 120 will be provided later. Figure 2 As shown in the image.

[0032] Communication port 140 can be connected to external device 200. In some embodiments, communication port 140 can be connected to external device 200 via a USB communication accessory. For example, when a user sets the protection function of circuit breaker 100, one end of the USB communication accessory can be plugged into the communication port 140 of the circuit breaker, and the other end can be connected to external device 200. A schematic diagram of the above connection method will follow. Figure 3 As shown in the image.

[0033] In some embodiments, the external device 200 may be a computer. For example, the external device 200 may be a computer including intelligent software, and the intelligent software generates a corresponding protection function shutdown confirmation signal based on the received protection function shutdown signal. In some embodiments, the intelligent software may be EPC (EcoStruxure Power Commission) software. The EPC software may perform the following operations on supported devices and modules: (1) upload settings to the device and download settings from the device; (2) perform control operations in a secure manner; (3) view measurement, log, and maintenance information; and (4) update to the latest device firmware. For example, when a user sets the protection function of the circuit breaker 100, the EPC software can be opened and logged in on a computer connected to the circuit breaker 100, and then the EPC software and the circuit breaker 100 can connect and communicate normally.

[0034] The control unit 130 can be configured to connect to the switch body 110 and the setting unit 120, and can receive a protection function setting signal from the setting unit 120. In some embodiments, the protection function setting signal may include a protection function deactivation signal.

[0035] In some embodiments, the control unit 130 may be configured to send a protection function shutdown signal to an external device 200 via a communication port 140, and may receive a protection function shutdown confirmation signal corresponding to the protection function shutdown signal from the external device 200.

[0036] In some embodiments, the control unit 130 may be configured to perform the protection function of the circuit breaker 100 based on the protection function setting signal and the protection function closing confirmation signal.

[0037] In some embodiments, the protection function setting signal may further include a protection function parameter setting signal. In some embodiments, setting the parameters for the corresponding protection function may include setting one or more of the following: long-delay protection current, long-delay protection time, short-delay protection current, short-delay protection time, instantaneous protection current, grounding protection current, and grounding protection time.

[0038] In some embodiments, the control unit 130 may be configured to determine the protection function corresponding to the protection function shutdown confirmation signal as closed when a protection function shutdown confirmation signal is received from an external device 200 via a communication port 140 within a threshold time period.

[0039] In some embodiments, the control unit 130 may be configured to set the parameter of the protection function corresponding to the protection function shutdown confirmation signal to its maximum value if no protection function shutdown confirmation signal is received from the external device 200 within a threshold time. In some embodiments, setting the parameter of the corresponding protection function to its maximum value may mean setting the parameter of the corresponding protection function to the maximum value set for the corresponding protection function parameter. For example, when the protection function corresponding to the protection function shutdown confirmation signal is a long-delay protection function, setting the parameter of the corresponding protection function to its maximum value may mean setting the long-delay protection current to the corresponding maximum current value. In some embodiments, this maximum value may be a value preset according to the actual industrial application and equipment limitations.

[0040] In some embodiments, when the long-delay protection function and the short-delay protection function are set to off and the control unit 130 receives a protection function off confirmation signal from the external device 200 corresponding to the long-delay protection function and the short-delay protection function, respectively, the instantaneous protection function in the protection function settings can be set to on. In the above case, it is possible to prevent the protection function from being turned off due to user misoperation.

[0041] Additionally, the setting unit 120, control unit 130, and communication port 140 in the circuit breaker 100 can be considered as a single unit and can be referred to as an electronic trip unit.

[0042] pass Figure 1The circuit breaker 100 shown can easily achieve the required parameter settings using a simple structure, namely, turning off long-delay protection or short-delay protection, and can prevent users from accidentally turning off the protection function during use. It has a simple structure and is easy to set up.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram showing the setting unit 120 of the circuit breaker 100 according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0044] refer to Figure 2 The setting unit 120 may include a plurality of knobs 121 and a setting indicator unit 122. In some embodiments, the setting unit 120 may include N knobs, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. In some embodiments, the plurality of knobs 121 may be respectively knob 121-1, knob 121-2, ..., knob 121-N. Figure 2 The image shows only the setting unit 120, which includes four knobs, as an example. Figure 2 In China, the adoption of and Figure 1 The same reference mark in the reference mark to indicate the same reference mark as in the reference mark ... Figure 1 The same or similar elements.

[0045] In some embodiments, the setting indicator unit 122 may include a plurality of LED indicators 123 corresponding to one or more of a plurality of protection function settings. In some embodiments, the setting indicator unit 122 may include N LED indicators, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. In some embodiments, the plurality of LED indicators 123 may be LED indicator 123-1, LED indicator 123-2, ..., LED indicator 123-N. Figure 2 The setting indicator unit 122, which includes two LED indicators, is shown as an example only.

[0046] In some embodiments, when the control unit 130 sends a protection function deactivation signal to the external device 200, the LED indicator 123 corresponding to the corresponding protection function setting flashes. In some embodiments, when the control unit 130 receives a protection function deactivation confirmation signal from the external device 200 within a threshold time, the LED indicator 123 corresponding to the corresponding protection function setting remains on. In some embodiments, when the control unit 130 does not receive a protection function deactivation confirmation signal from the external device 200 within the threshold time, the LED indicator 123 corresponding to the corresponding protection function setting turns off.

[0047] For example, a user sets a knob 121-1 (e.g., a long-delay current setting Ir knob for long-delay protection function) in the setting unit 120 of circuit breaker 100 to the protection function off position. At this time, the setting unit 120 generates a protection function off signal corresponding to the knob 121-1 and sends the generated protection function off signal to the control unit 130. The control unit 130 can then send the received protection function off signal to the external device 200. Correspondingly, based on the generated protection function off signal, the LED indicator 123-1 (e.g., the long-delay current setting Ir_off LED indicator) corresponding to the corresponding protection function setting begins to flash.

[0048] Then, the external device 200 can generate a protection function shutdown confirmation signal corresponding to the protection function shutdown signal and send the protection function shutdown confirmation signal to the control unit 130. For example, the external device 200 can generate the protection function shutdown confirmation signal corresponding to the protection function shutdown signal through EPC software. The control unit 130 can determine that the protection function corresponding to the protection function shutdown confirmation signal is off based on receiving the protection function shutdown confirmation signal within a threshold time, generate a control signal and send it to the setting unit 120, so that the LED indicator 123-1 (e.g., the long delay current setting Ir_off LED indicator) corresponding to the corresponding protection function setting changes from flashing to solid on. In some embodiments, the threshold time can be a preset time according to the actual industrial application and equipment limitations. For example, the threshold time can be 30 seconds, 1 minute, 10 minutes, etc.

[0049] Alternatively, if the external device 200 fails to generate a protection function shutdown confirmation signal corresponding to the protection function shutdown signal, the protection function shutdown setting will not take effect. The control unit 130 may, based on the absence of a protection function shutdown confirmation signal within a threshold time, determine the parameter of the protection function corresponding to the protection function shutdown signal to its maximum value, generate a control signal, and send it to the setting unit 120, causing the LED indicator 123-1 corresponding to the corresponding protection function setting (e.g., the long-delay current setting Ir_off LED indicator) to turn off.

[0050] In some embodiments, when another knob 121-2 of the setting unit 120 (e.g., the short-delay current setting Ir knob for short-delay protection function) is set to the protection function off position, the LED indicator 123-2 corresponding to the corresponding protection function setting (e.g., the short-delay current setting Isd_off LED indicator) can operate in a similar manner. For example, the LED indicator 123-2 can flash, remain constantly lit, etc., with a different color than the LED indicator 123-1 to indicate different protection function settings.

[0051] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the circuit breaker and external devices according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] refer to Figure 3 The circuit breaker 100 can be connected to the external device 200 via the communication port 140 through the USB communication accessory 300. For example... Figure 3 As shown, external device 200 can be a computer including EPC software. Figure 3 In China, the adoption of and Figure 1 The same reference mark in the reference mark to indicate the same reference mark as in the reference mark ... Figure 1 The same or similar elements.

[0053] When configuring the protection functions of circuit breaker 100, one end of the USB communication accessory 300 can be plugged into the communication port 140 of the circuit breaker, and the other end can be connected to the external device 200. Simultaneously, opening and logging into the EPC software on the computer allows the EPC software and circuit breaker 100 to connect and communicate normally.

[0054] Figure 4 This is a model diagram of a circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] refer to Figure 4 The circuit breaker 100 may include a communication port 140. The setting unit 120 of the circuit breaker 100 may be a setting interface as shown in the figure, and may include multiple knobs 121 and multiple LED indicators 123. Figure 4 In China, the adoption of and Figure 1 and Figure 2 The same reference mark in the reference mark to indicate the same reference mark as in the reference mark ... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The same or similar elements.

[0056] The multiple knobs 121 of the setting unit 120 can be respectively a long-delay current setting Ir knob and a long-delay time setting knob for long-delay protection function, a short-delay current setting Isd knob and a short-delay time setting knob for short-delay protection function, a current setting Ii knob for short-circuit instantaneous protection, and a current setting Ig knob and a grounding protection time knob for grounding protection. Among them, the long-delay current setting Ir knob for long-delay protection function and the short-delay current setting Isd knob for short-delay protection function can each have a protection function off position, i.e. Figure 4 The PGM_off position is shown in the diagram.

[0057] The multiple LED indicators 123 of the setting unit 120 can be LED indicators corresponding to the long delay protection function and the short delay protection function, respectively. Figure 4The Ir_off LED indicator and the Isd_off LED indicator are shown in the figure.

[0058] In some embodiments, the present invention also provides a tripping unit, which includes a setting unit, a control unit, and a communication port. In some embodiments, the setting unit includes multiple knobs and is configured to set parameters for a corresponding protection function among multiple protection functions of the circuit breaker and to set the protection function to be disabled. In some embodiments, the control unit is configured to be connected to the switch body and the setting unit, and to receive a protection function setting signal from the setting unit, wherein the protection function setting signal includes a protection function disabling signal. The control unit is configured to send a protection function disabling signal to an external device via the communication port, and to receive a protection function disabling confirmation signal corresponding to the protection function disabling signal from the external device. In some embodiments, the communication port is connected to an external device.

[0059] Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, various changes and modifications may be suggested to those skilled in the art. The present invention is intended to cover such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0060] Any description in this invention should not be construed as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential element that must be included within the scope of the claims. The scope of the patent subject matter is defined only by the claims.

Claims

1. A circuit breaker, characterized in that, The circuit breaker includes: The switch body is connected in series in the main circuit; The setting unit includes multiple knobs and is configured to set parameters for a corresponding protection function among multiple protection functions of the circuit breaker and to disable the protection function of the corresponding protection function; A control unit configured to connect to a switch body and a setting unit, and to receive a protection function setting signal from the setting unit, wherein the protection function setting signal includes a protection function deactivation signal; and The communication port connects to external devices. The control unit is configured to send a protection function shutdown signal to an external device via a communication port, and to receive a protection function shutdown confirmation signal corresponding to the protection function shutdown signal from the external device.

2. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to execute the circuit breaker's protection function based on the protection function setting signal and the protection function closing confirmation signal.

3. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, When one or more of the plurality of knobs are set to the protection function off position, the setting unit generates a protection function off signal corresponding to one or more of the plurality of knobs and sends it to the control unit.

4. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protection function setting signals also include protection function parameter setting signals, and The parameters for setting the corresponding protection functions include setting one or more of the following: long delay protection current, long delay protection time, short delay protection current, short delay protection time, instantaneous protection current, grounding protection current, and grounding protection time.

5. The circuit breaker according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control unit is also configured as follows: If a protection function deactivation confirmation signal is received from an external device via the communication port within a threshold time, the protection function corresponding to the protection function deactivation confirmation signal will be determined to be deactivated. If no protection function shutdown confirmation signal is received from an external device within the threshold time, the parameter of the protection function corresponding to the protection function shutdown confirmation signal will be set to the maximum value.

6. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external device is a computer that includes intelligent software, and the intelligent software generates a corresponding protection function shutdown confirmation signal based on the received protection function shutdown signal.

7. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The setting unit also includes a setting indicator unit, and the setting indicator unit includes multiple LED indicators that correspond to one or more of the multiple protection function settings.

8. The circuit breaker according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the control unit sends a protection function deactivation signal to an external device, the LED indicator corresponding to the corresponding protection function setting flashes. When the control unit receives a protection function shutdown confirmation signal from an external device within the threshold time, the LED indicator corresponding to the corresponding protection function setting will remain lit. If the control unit does not receive a protection function shutdown confirmation signal from an external device within a threshold time, the LED indicator corresponding to the corresponding protection function setting will turn off.

9. The circuit breaker according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the long delay protection function and the short delay protection function are set to off and the control unit receives a confirmation signal from the external device that the protection function is off corresponding to the long delay protection function and the short delay protection function, respectively, the instantaneous protection function in the protection function settings is set to on.

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