Arc extinguishing structure and miniature circuit breaker

Abstract

The utility model discloses an arc extinguishing structure and a miniature circuit breaker, the arc extinguishing structure comprises an arc extinguishing cover and a separator, and the separator is connected to the rear end of the arc extinguishing cover; wherein the separator is provided with a first separating rib and a second separating rib, the first separating rib and the second separating rib are connected to divide the rear end of the arc extinguishing cover into four areas, and the four areas are respectively a left upper area, a left lower area, a right upper area and a right lower area; the arc extinguishing device has the advantage of being better in arc extinguishing effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of low-voltage electrical appliances, specifically a miniature circuit breaker, and more specifically an arc-extinguishing structure. Background Technology

[0002] Miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) serve as protective switches for circuits, providing protection against overloads, short circuits, and other hazards. When a MCB trips, it often relies on an arc-extinguishing chamber to extinguish the electric arc. Because some internal components of the circuit breaker are made of plastic, and with the development of VJC (Variable Junction Control) technology, a large amount of gas is generated during arc extinguishing to accelerate the process.

[0003] Therefore, the design of the airflow channels inside a miniature circuit breaker also has a significant impact on its arc-extinguishing performance. Currently, most miniature circuit breakers use a partition plate at the rear end of the arc-extinguishing chamber to simply divide the gas into two parts. For example, the protective switch disclosed in CN101461022B has a partition strip (also called a partition plate) at the rear end of its arc-extinguishing chamber (also called the arc-extinguishing cover), which divides the gas at the rear end of the arc-extinguishing chamber into two parts along the width of the circuit breaker.

[0004] However, the current method of dividing the metal strips is rather crude, and with the increasing demands on the arc-extinguishing performance of miniature circuit breakers, this method is clearly insufficient to meet current needs. Therefore, designing a more reasonable dividing method compared to this structure is a question worth considering. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to provide an arc extinguishing structure and a miniature circuit breaker.

[0006] This application provides an arc extinguishing structure, including an arc extinguishing cover and a separator, the separator being connected to the rear end of the arc extinguishing cover; wherein, the separator has a first rib and a second rib, the first rib and the second rib being connected to divide the rear end of the arc extinguishing cover into four regions, the four regions being the upper left region, the lower left region, the upper right region and the lower right region.

[0007] In some embodiments of this application, the second partition includes a second sub-partition I and a second sub-partition II, which are offset from each other; the upper left region and the lower left region are formed by the first partition and the second sub-partition I, with the upper left region being smaller than the lower left region; the upper right region and the lower right region are formed by the first partition and the second sub-partition II, with the upper right region being larger than the lower right region.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the arc extinguishing cover includes at least 7 arc extinguishing grids arranged sequentially along a first direction, with a first gap formed between every two arc extinguishing grids; the separator also includes an air-blocking part, with an air-blocking part in each region; the number of first gaps in each region is not less than two, and the air-blocking part blocks the rear end of a portion of the first gap in the region.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the second sub-separator I is located at the rear end of a first space and partially obscures it; the second sub-separator II is also located at the rear end of a first space and partially obscures it; the first space obscured by the second sub-separator I is not the same as the first space obscured by the second sub-separator II.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the air-blocking part is provided with a rib, which is inserted into the first gap being blocked.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the arc-extinguishing cover further includes a first side plate and a second side plate, which are respectively fixed to both sides of the arc-extinguishing grid. All air-blocking portions extend to both sides of the arc-extinguishing grid. It also includes a first abutting rib and a second abutting rib. One end of the first abutting rib connects the air-blocking portions of the upper left region and the lower left region and the second sub-partition rib I, and the other end abuts against the first side plate. One end of the second abutting rib connects the air-blocking portions of the upper right region and the lower right region and the second sub-partition rib II, and the other end abuts against the second side plate.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the first gap whose rear end is obscured in the upper left region is exposed in the upper right region; the first gap whose rear end is obscured in the upper right region is exposed in the upper left region; the first gap whose rear end is obscured in the lower left region is exposed in the lower right region; and the first gap whose rear end is obscured in the lower right region is exposed in the lower left region.

[0013] A miniature circuit breaker includes a circuit breaker housing; wherein, an arc-extinguishing structure as described above is provided inside the circuit breaker housing; the circuit breaker housing has a first air passage and a second air passage located at the rear of the arc-extinguishing structure, the first air passage and the second air passage are separated by a dividing rib, the dividing rib abuts against the second dividing rib, the upper left region and the upper right region are connected to the first air passage, and the lower right region and the lower left region are connected to the second air passage.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the circuit breaker housing is further provided with a first guide rib, a second guide rib, a third guide rib, and a fourth guide rib; the first guide rib and the second guide rib are both distributed within the first air passage, with the first guide rib located at the rear end of the upper left region and the second guide rib located at the rear end of the upper right region; the third guide rib and the fourth guide rib are both distributed within the second air passage, with the third guide rib located at the rear end of the lower left region and the fourth guide rib located at the rear end of the lower right region.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the first guide rib and the second guide rib are staggered.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, both the first guide rib and the second guide rib are inclined upward from the direction of the arc-extinguishing structure away from the direction of the arc-extinguishing structure.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the third guide rib and the fourth guide rib are staggered.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, both the third guide rib and the fourth guide rib are inclined downwards from the direction of the arc-extinguishing structure and away from the direction of the arc-extinguishing structure.

[0019] The advantages of this application compared to the prior art are:

[0020] With this arc-extinguishing structure, the rear end of the arc-extinguishing chamber is divided into four regions by the first and second partitions of the separator. Compared with the two regions of the existing technology, this division is more precise and more conducive to dividing the gas inside the circuit breaker into more small airflows, which is more conducive to extinguishing the arc. Attached Figure Description

[0021] 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.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the arc-extinguishing structure according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the arc-extinguishing structure in an embodiment of this application is shown in the rear view direction;

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the arc-extinguishing structure according to an embodiment of this application is shown from another perspective;

[0025] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the separator of the arc-extinguishing structure according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0026] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the arc-extinguishing shield of the arc-extinguishing structure according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0027] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the arc-extinguishing structure according to an embodiment of this application applied in a miniature circuit breaker is shown;

[0028] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a miniature circuit breaker according to an embodiment of this application with a portion of its housing removed is shown;

[0029] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a miniature circuit breaker according to an embodiment of this application is shown, with another portion of the housing removed.

[0030] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the circuit breaker housing of a miniature circuit breaker according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0031] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a miniature circuit breaker according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0033] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature. Example

[0037] like Figure 1-5 As shown, an embodiment of this application is an arc-extinguishing structure, which includes an arc-extinguishing cover 100 and a separator 200.

[0038] Here, the arc extinguishing cover 100 is also called the arc extinguishing chamber, which includes the arc extinguishing grid plate 110 and the bracket for fixing the arc extinguishing grid plate 110. Here, the bracket for fixing the arc extinguishing grid plate 110 is two side plates.

[0039] There are fifteen arc-extinguishing grid plates 110 in total, stacked sequentially along the first direction F1. As can be seen from the circuit breaker's attached diagram, the first direction F1 corresponds to the height direction. However, the first direction F1 is not limited to the height of the circuit breaker; for example, if the arc-extinguishing chamber adopts a horizontal structure, then the first direction F1 is the length direction. Adjacent arc-extinguishing grid plates 110 are spaced apart; this space is called the first interval 110a. In this embodiment, there are fourteen first intervals 110a. Of course, the number of arc-extinguishing grid plates 110 is not limited to fifteen; seven or more plates are acceptable.

[0040] The arc-extinguishing shroud 100 comprises a front end M1 and a rear end M2. The front end M1 refers to the end of the arc-extinguishing grid 110 that faces the breaking contact; this end has an arc-extinguishing groove that allows the arc to stretch and extinguish. The rear end M2 refers to the end furthest from the front end M1. Typically, as the arc extinguishes after the circuit breaker breaks, some gas is generated, and this gas flows from the front end M1 to the rear end M2.

[0041] A separator 200 is disposed at the rear end M2 of the arc-extinguishing shield 100. The separator 200 has a first rib 210 and a second rib. The first rib 210 and the second rib are connected, dividing the rear end M2 of the arc-extinguishing shield 100 into four regions: the upper left region S1, the lower left region S2, the upper right region S3, and the lower right region S4. As can be seen from the figure, the first rib 210 is equivalent to a longitudinal rib, and the second rib is equivalent to a transverse rib. By connecting the longitudinal and transverse ribs, the rear end M2 of the arc-extinguishing shield 100 can be divided into four regions.

[0042] In this way, by dividing the area into four regions, compared to the two additional regions in existing technologies, it is more conducive to the final extinction of the electric arc.

[0043] Here, the four regions can be equally divided or unevenly divided. As an example of uneven division, the second partition includes a second sub-partition 1 220 and a second sub-partition 2 230. The second sub-partition 1 220 and the second sub-partition 2 230 are offset, meaning the shape they form is not a straight structure but rather a Z-shape. With this arrangement, the upper left region S1 and the lower left region S2 are jointly divided by the first partition 210 and the second sub-partition 1 220, with the upper left region S1 being smaller than the lower left region S2; similarly, the upper right region S3 and the lower right region S4 are jointly divided by the first partition 210 and the second sub-partition 2 230, with the upper right region S3 being larger than the lower right region S4.

[0044] Regarding the first interval 110a, if the four regions are divided equally, then all the first intervals 110a are evenly distributed across the four regions. In this embodiment, the upper left region S1 is smaller than the lower left region S2, and the upper right region S3 is larger than the lower right region S4. Therefore, the number of first intervals 110a assigned to the upper left region S1 is less than the number assigned to the lower left region S2; the number of first intervals 110a assigned to the upper right region S3 is more than the number assigned to the lower right region S4. Of course, regardless of the division method, the number of first intervals 110a in each region is no less than two.

[0045] The separator 200 has an air-blocking portion 240 in each region, which blocks the rear end M2 of the first interval 110a. However, not all the rear ends M2 of the first intervals 110a in each region are blocked by the air-blocking portion 240; only a portion of the first intervals 110a are blocked. Simply put, the total number of air-blocking portions 240 in each region is less than the total number of first intervals 110a. This structure, by blocking part of the first intervals 110a, can effectively increase the gas pressure, accelerate the gas flow, and improve the arc extinguishing effect. Of course, the air-blocking portion 240 can only block a portion of the first intervals 110a, because the first intervals 110a generally span two regions, and the air-blocking portion 240 in each region can only block a portion of the first intervals 110a.

[0046] Here, the second sub-ribs I 220 and II 230 also partially function as the air-blocking section 240. Specifically, the second sub-rib I 220 is located at the rear end M2 of a first interval 110a, partially blocking it. The second sub-rib II 230 is also located at the rear end M2 of a first interval 110a, partially blocking it. The first interval 110a blocked by the second sub-rib I 220 is not the same as the first interval 110a blocked by the second sub-rib II 230. Here, the first intervals 110a blocked by the second sub-rib I 220 and the first intervals 110a blocked by the second sub-rib II 230 are two first intervals 110a that are relatively close to the middle of the arc-extinguishing chamber. Similarly, the second sub-reinforcement bar I 220 and the second sub-reinforcement bar II 230 can only be said to block a part of the first interval 110a, because the first interval 110a generally spans two areas, while the second sub-reinforcement bar I 220 and the second sub-reinforcement bar II 230 do not span two areas.

[0047] In general, the first gap 110a, in the upper left region S1 where the rear end M2 is blocked by the air baffle 240, is exposed in the upper right region S3. Similarly, in the upper right region S3 where the rear end M2 is blocked by the air baffle 240, the first gap 110a is exposed in the upper left region S1. In the lower left region S2 where the rear end M2 is blocked by the air baffle 240, the first gap 110a is exposed in the lower right region S4. And in the lower right region S4 where the rear end M2 is blocked by the air baffle 240, the first gap 110a is exposed in the lower left region S2.

[0048] Here, to facilitate the assembly between the separator 200 and the arc-extinguishing cover 100, a rib 250 is provided on the air-blocking part 240, and the rib 250 is inserted into the first gap 110a that it blocks. In this way, the separator 200 and the arc-extinguishing cover 100 also form a plug-in fit, which helps to improve stability. Of course, the rib 250 can take many forms, such as a long strip or a raised dot.

[0049] Here, although the first side plate 130 and the second side plate 140 are located on two sides of the arc-extinguishing grid, they are at a distance from the rear end M2, and all the air-blocking parts 240 extend curvedly to the sides of the arc-extinguishing grid. The air-blocking parts 240 and the second sub-separator I 220 in the upper left region S1 and the lower left region S2 are connected by the first abutting rib 260, which is located next to the first side plate 130 and abuts against it. The air-blocking parts 240 and the second sub-separator II 230 in the upper right region S3 and the lower right region S4 are connected by the second abutting rib 270, which is located next to the second side plate 140 and abuts against it. The arrangement of the first abutting rib 260 and the second abutting rib 270 increases the strength of the separator 200 and also allows for side plate abutment.

[0050] The arc-extinguishing structure mentioned above is mainly used in circuit breakers, especially miniature circuit breakers, which include air switches, residual current circuit breakers, reclosing circuit breakers, etc.

[0051] As an application in air switches, specifically in a miniature circuit breaker, such as... Figure 6-10 As shown, it includes a circuit breaker housing 300, moving and stationary contacts, and an operating mechanism.

[0052] The circuit breaker housing 300 is used to house the moving and stationary contacts, the operating mechanism, and the arc-extinguishing structure.

[0053] The operating mechanism is used to connect and disconnect the moving and stationary contacts. How to connect and disconnect the moving and stationary contacts is common knowledge and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0054] The circuit breaker housing 300 includes an arc-extinguishing structure mounting chamber, a first air duct 310, and a second air duct 320.

[0055] Here, the first air passage 310 and the second air passage 320 are separated by a partition rib 330 on the circuit breaker housing 300. The partition rib 330 can be a component integrally formed with the circuit breaker housing 300, or it can be separately formed and then installed on the circuit breaker housing 300 using an assembly structure such as snap-fit.

[0056] In summary, regardless of the circumstances, after the arc-extinguishing structure is installed on the circuit breaker housing 300, the first air passage 310 and the second air passage 320 are connected to the rear of the arc-extinguishing structure. Specifically, the upper left region S1 and the upper right region S3 are both connected to the first air passage 310, and the lower right region S4 and the lower left region S2 are both connected to the second air passage 320. Here, the second air passage 320 can be used to guide the gas from the lower left region S2 and the lower right region S4 to the first exhaust port on the circuit breaker housing 300 for discharge. The first air passage 310 can be used to guide the gas from the upper right region S3 and the upper left region S1 to the second exhaust port on the circuit breaker housing 300 for discharge, or circulate it to the front end M1 of the arc-extinguishing chamber 100 through the circulation channel inside the circuit breaker housing 300.

[0057] The separation of such a separator 330 allows the airflow from the arc-extinguishing structure to be discharged in two parts.

[0058] Of course, the two partition bars 330 are also staggered here, in order to be adapted to the two staggered second sub-partition bars I 220 and II 230 respectively.

[0059] Here, each area has guide ribs. Specifically, the circuit breaker housing 300 also has a first guide rib 340a, a second guide rib 340b, a third guide rib 340c, and a fourth guide rib 340d formed on it. The first guide rib 340a and the second guide rib 340b are both distributed within the first air passage 310, with the first guide rib 340a located at the rear end M2 of the upper left region S1 and the second guide rib 340b located at the rear end M2 of the upper right region S3. The third guide rib 340c and the fourth guide rib 340d are both distributed within the second air passage 320, with the third guide rib 340c located at the rear end M2 of the upper left region S1 and the fourth guide rib 340d located at the rear end M2 of the lower right region S4. The guide ribs correspond to the air-blocking portions 240 within their respective areas, allowing airflow to be guided and facilitating control of the gas flow direction.

[0060] Here, both the first guide rib 340a and the second guide rib 340b are inclined upwards, specifically, they are inclined upwards from the direction of the arc-extinguishing structure away from the arc-extinguishing structure. This guides the gas from the upper left region S1 and the upper right region S3 to move upwards.

[0061] Here, the first guide rib 340a and the second guide rib 340b are staggered. This staggered arrangement is more compatible with the corresponding air baffle 240 and is beneficial for the design of the gas flow channel.

[0062] Here, both the third guide rib 340c and the fourth guide rib 340d are inclined downwards, specifically, they are inclined downwards from the direction of the arc-extinguishing structure away from it. This guides the gas from the lower left region S2 and the lower right region S4 to move downwards.

[0063] Here, the third guide rib 340c and the fourth guide rib 340d are staggered. This staggered arrangement is more compatible with the corresponding air baffle 240 and is beneficial for the design of the gas flow channel.

[0064] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0065] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. An arc-extinguishing structure, comprising an arc-extinguishing cover and a separator, the separator being connected to the rear end of the arc-extinguishing cover; characterized in that: The separator has a first rib and a second rib. The first rib and the second rib are connected to divide the rear end of the arc extinguishing chamber into four regions, namely the upper left region, the lower left region, the upper right region, and the lower right region.

2. The arc-extinguishing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second partition includes a second sub-partition I and a second sub-partition II, which are staggered. The upper left region and the lower left region are formed by the first partition and the second sub-partition I, with the upper left region being smaller than the lower left region. The upper right region and the lower right region are formed by the first partition and the second sub-partition II, with the upper right region being larger than the lower right region.

3. The arc-extinguishing structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The arc-extinguishing cover includes at least 7 arc-extinguishing grid plates arranged sequentially along a first direction, with a first gap formed between every two arc-extinguishing grid plates; the separator also includes an air-blocking part, with an air-blocking part in each region; each region has at least two first gaps, and the air-blocking part blocks the rear end of a portion of the first gap in the region.

4. An arc-extinguishing structure according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The second sub-split I is located at the rear end of a first partition and partially covers it; the second sub-split II is also located at the rear end of a first partition and partially covers it; the first partition covered by the second sub-split I is not the same as the first partition covered by the second sub-split II.

5. The arc-extinguishing structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The air-blocking part is provided with a rib, which is inserted into the first gap being blocked.

6. The arc-extinguishing structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The arc-extinguishing shroud also includes a first side plate and a second side plate, which are respectively fixed to both sides of the arc-extinguishing grid. All air-blocking parts extend to both sides of the arc-extinguishing grid. It also includes a first abutting rib and a second abutting rib. One end of the first abutting rib connects the air-blocking parts of the upper left region and the lower left region and the second sub-partition rib I, and the other end abuts against the first side plate. One end of the second abutting rib connects the air-blocking parts of the upper right region and the lower right region and the second sub-partition rib II, and the other end abuts against the second side plate.

7. The arc-extinguishing structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first gap in the upper left region that is occluded at the rear end is exposed in the upper right region; the first gap in the upper right region that is occluded at the rear end is exposed in the upper left region; the first gap in the lower left region that is occluded at the rear end is exposed in the lower right region; the first gap in the lower right region that is occluded at the rear end is exposed in the lower left region.

8. A miniature circuit breaker, comprising a circuit breaker housing; characterized in that: The circuit breaker housing is provided with an arc-extinguishing structure as described in any one of claims 1-7; the circuit breaker housing has a first air passage and a second air passage located at the rear of the arc-extinguishing structure, the first air passage and the second air passage are separated by a dividing rib, the dividing rib abuts against the second dividing rib, the upper left region and the upper right region are connected to the first air passage, and the lower right region and the lower left region are connected to the second air passage.

9. A miniature circuit breaker according to claim 8, characterized in that: The circuit breaker housing is also formed with a first guide rib, a second guide rib, a third guide rib, and a fourth guide rib; the first guide rib and the second guide rib are both distributed in the first air passage, with the first guide rib arranged at the rear end of the upper left region and the second guide rib arranged at the rear end of the upper right region; the third guide rib and the fourth guide rib are both distributed in the second air passage, with the third guide rib arranged at the rear end of the lower left region and the fourth guide rib arranged at the rear end of the lower right region.

10. A miniature circuit breaker according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first guide rib and the second guide rib are staggered; Alternatively, both the first guide rib and the second guide rib are inclined upwards from the direction of the arc-extinguishing structure and away from the direction of the arc-extinguishing structure; Alternatively, the third and fourth guide ribs may be staggered. Alternatively, both the third and fourth guide ribs are inclined downwards from the direction of the arc-extinguishing structure and away from the direction of the arc-extinguishing structure.

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