Circuit breaker

Abstract

The utility model discloses a circuit breaker, relating to the technical field of electric appliances, the circuit breaker comprises a shell, and a wiring terminal assembly, a switch assembly, a main control board and a flexible circuit board which are arranged in the shell, the wiring terminal assembly comprises a first wiring terminal and a second wiring terminal, a main loop is formed between the first wiring terminal and the second wiring terminal, and the main loop is connected with the switch assembly. The switch assembly comprises a moving contact which is arranged on the main loop and is connected with the first wiring terminal and a static contact which is connected with the second wiring terminal; the flexible circuit board comprises a circuit board body, a voltage detector and a temperature sensor, the voltage detector and the temperature sensor are arranged on the circuit board body, one end of the circuit board body is electrically connected with the first wiring terminal, the other end of the circuit board body is electrically connected with the main control board, and the voltage detector and the temperature sensor are used for detecting the voltage and the temperature of the first wiring terminal respectively. The main control board and the first wiring terminal are connected through the flexible circuit board, the complex wiring structure in the circuit breaker can be simplified, and the large-scale production efficiency is improved.

Description

breaker Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrical technology, and in particular to a circuit breaker. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of smart grid and Internet of Things technologies, smart circuit breakers need to integrate multi-dimensional detection functions such as voltage, temperature, and leakage current to achieve accurate protection and remote monitoring. However, the electrical connection method between the main control board and the detection module in the existing technology seriously restricts the miniaturization and reliability improvement of the equipment.

[0003] Currently, the main control board of intelligent circuit breakers is generally connected to components such as voltage detectors and temperature sensors using traditional wiring methods. For example, voltage signals are introduced to the ADC interface of the main control board from external terminals via independent wires, or ribbon cables are used to connect the temperature sensor to the GPIO pins of the MCU. This design results in redundant and tangled internal cables. Especially in the compact circuit breaker cavity, the winding arrangement of multiple cables encroaches on the already limited heat dissipation and layout space. At the same time, long-distance parallel wiring is prone to coupling high-frequency interference such as arc noise, causing temperature sampling drift or voltage signal distortion, further affecting detection accuracy. In addition, mechanical vibration or temperature rise deformation may cause cable joints to loosen, leading to intermittent failure of the detection function. Manual wiring and fixing rely on auxiliary materials such as cable ties and adhesives, which not only increases assembly complexity but also reduces the efficiency of large-scale production. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main purpose of this utility model is to propose a circuit breaker that aims to solve the problem of complex cables caused by wiring connections between various components in existing circuit breakers.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the circuit breaker proposed in this utility model includes a housing and a terminal block assembly, a switch assembly, a main control board, and a flexible circuit board disposed within the housing. The terminal block assembly includes a first terminal block and a second terminal block, forming a main circuit between the first terminal block and the second terminal block. The switch assembly includes a moving contact and a stationary contact disposed on the main circuit. The first terminal block is connected to the moving contact, and the second terminal block is connected to the stationary contact. The flexible circuit board includes a circuit board body and a voltage detector and a temperature sensor disposed on the circuit board body. One end of the circuit board body is electrically connected to the first terminal block, and the other end is electrically connected to the main control board. The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the first terminal block, and the voltage detector is used to detect the voltage of the first terminal block.

[0006] In one embodiment, the terminal assembly further includes a terminal block, one end of which is electrically connected to the first terminal block and the other end of which is electrically connected to the voltage detector on the circuit board body.

[0007] In one embodiment, a spring is provided on the side of the terminal block facing the circuit board body, and the voltage detector is electrically connected to the terminal block through the spring.

[0008] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor is connected to the first terminal block or the terminal block.

[0009] In one embodiment, the flexible circuit board further includes a signal light disposed on the circuit board body, the signal light being disposed facing the inner wall of the housing, and the housing having a light-transmitting area corresponding to the signal light.

[0010] In one embodiment, the flexible circuit board further includes a button disposed on the circuit board body, the button being located on one side of the indicator light.

[0011] In one embodiment, the switch assembly further includes an operating mechanism connected to the moving contact, the operating mechanism being used to move the moving contact to abut against the stationary contact, and the flexible circuit board further includes a position indicator disposed on the circuit board body, the position indicator being connected to the operating mechanism for detecting the position of the operating mechanism.

[0012] In one embodiment, the flexible circuit board further includes a support plate disposed on one side of the circuit board body, and the indicator light, button and position indicator are disposed on the side of the circuit board body away from the support plate and above the support plate.

[0013] In one embodiment, a button is provided on the housing at a position corresponding to the key, and the button abuts against the key.

[0014] In one embodiment, the button includes a pressing part and a light-transmitting part. The pressing part abuts against the button, and the operating mechanism has a display area on the side facing the light-transmitting part. The light-transmitting part is at least partially corresponding to the signal light and the display area.

[0015] This utility model's technical solution solves the problem of complex internal wiring in circuit breakers by integrating the wiring within the circuit breaker using a flexible circuit board. Specifically, the circuit breaker includes a housing and a terminal block assembly, a switch assembly, a main control board, and a flexible circuit board disposed within the housing. The terminal block assembly includes a first terminal block and a second terminal block spaced apart, forming a main circuit between the first and second terminal blocks and used to connect external cables. The switch assembly includes a moving contact and a stationary contact disposed on the main circuit. The first terminal block is connected to the moving contact, and the second terminal block is connected to the stationary contact. When the moving and stationary contacts are in contact, the main circuit is connected. The flexible circuit board includes a circuit board body and a voltage detector and a temperature sensor disposed on the circuit board body. The circuit board body is elongated and one end is electrically connected to the first terminal block, and the other end is electrically connected to the main control board. The second terminal block connected to the stationary contact is usually connected to the power input line (power end) and kept fixed and energized. The first terminal block connected to the moving contact is usually connected to the load device (load end). To ensure the electrical safety of the load end, the voltage detector is used to detect the voltage of the first terminal block, and the temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the first terminal block. Using a flexible circuit board to connect the main control board and the first terminal block can simplify the complex wiring structure inside the circuit breaker, reduce assembly difficulty, and improve the efficiency of large-scale production. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the circuit breaker provided by this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an embodiment of the circuit breaker provided by this utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the components in one embodiment of the circuit breaker provided by this utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of an embodiment of the circuit breaker provided by this utility model;

[0021] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of point A in Figure 4;

[0022] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of point B in Figure 4;

[0023] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure between the operating mechanism and the flexible circuit board in one embodiment of the circuit breaker provided by this utility model.

[0024] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0025] 100. Circuit breaker; 1. Housing; 1a. Light-transmitting area; 11. Button; 111. Pressing part; 112. Light-transmitting part; 2. Terminal block assembly; 21. First terminal block; 22. Second terminal block; 23. First conductive element; 24. Second conductive element; 25. Terminal block; 26. Spring; 3. Arc extinguishing device; 4. Current detection device; 5. Switch assembly; 51. Moving contact; 52. Stationary contact; 53. Operating mechanism; 531. Display area; 6. Main control board; 7. Tripping mechanism; 8. Flexible circuit board; 81. Circuit board body; 82. Indicator light; 83. Button; 84. Position indicator; 85. Support plate.

[0026] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0028] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0029] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0030] This utility model proposes a circuit breaker 100.

[0031] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4. In one embodiment of this utility model, the circuit breaker 100 includes a housing 1 and a terminal block assembly 2, a switch assembly 5, a main control board 6, and a flexible circuit board 8 disposed within the housing 1. The terminal block assembly 2 includes a first terminal block 21 and a second terminal block 22 disposed at intervals. The first terminal block 21 and the second terminal block 22 form a main circuit and are respectively used to connect external cables. The switch assembly 5 includes a moving contact 51 and a stationary contact 52 disposed on the main circuit. The first terminal block 21 and the moving contact 51 are connected, and the second terminal block 22 and the stationary contact 52 are connected. When the moving contact 51 and the stationary contact 52 are in contact, the main circuit is connected; when disconnected, the main circuit is disconnected.

[0032] The flexible circuit board 8 includes a circuit board body 81 and a voltage detector (not shown) and a temperature sensor (not shown) disposed on the circuit board body 81. The circuit board body 81 is elongated and one end is electrically connected to the first terminal 21, and the other end is electrically connected to the main control board 6. The second terminal 22 connected to the stationary contact 52 is usually connected to the power input line (power end) and is kept fixed and energized. The first terminal 21 connected to the moving contact 51 is usually connected to the load device (load end). In order to ensure the electrical safety of the load end, the voltage detector is used to detect the voltage of the first terminal 21, and the temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the first terminal 21.

[0033] As can be seen from the above, by using the flexible circuit board 8 to connect the main control board 6 and the first terminal 21, the complex wiring structure inside the circuit breaker 100 can be simplified, and multiple wirings can be integrated onto a single flexible circuit board 8, which greatly facilitates installation and component production, reduces assembly difficulty, and improves the efficiency of large-scale production.

[0034] In one embodiment, the terminal assembly 2 further includes a terminal block 25, one end of which is electrically connected to the first terminal block 21, and the other end of which is electrically connected to a voltage detector on the circuit board body 81.

[0035] As shown in Figure 5, in one embodiment of this utility model, the terminal assembly 2 further includes a terminal block 25. Specifically, one end of the terminal block 25 extends into the first terminal 21, and the other end is electrically connected to a voltage detector on the circuit board body 81. The voltage detector is used to directly measure the voltage at the first terminal 21, accurately identifying abnormal operating conditions such as overvoltage, undervoltage, and voltage imbalance. The terminal block 25, as a transition structure between the first terminal 21 and external wires, can fix the wires using screws or plug-in connections, ensuring low and stable contact resistance and preventing loosening of connections due to vibration or temperature rise, thereby reducing the risk of arcing and localized overheating. Furthermore, the terminal block 25 can standardize interface dimensions and installation methods, adapting to different wire diameters or terminal types, simplifying production and on-site installation processes.

[0036] In one embodiment, a spring 26 is provided on the side of the terminal block 25 facing the circuit board body 81, and the voltage detector is electrically connected to the terminal block 25 through the spring 26.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, in one embodiment of this utility model, a spring 26 is provided on the side of the terminal block 25 facing the circuit board body 81. The voltage detector on the circuit board body 81 is electrically connected to the terminal block 25 through the spring 26. It should be noted that the spring 26 continuously applies pressure through elastic deformation, making the contacts of the terminal block 25 and the voltage detector fit tightly together, reducing fluctuations in contact resistance, reducing poor contact caused by vibration, temperature changes, or mechanical deformation, and avoiding voltage measurement errors. In addition, during the operation of the circuit breaker 100, the terminal block 25 may expand / contract due to temperature rise (Joule heating) caused by current flow or changes in ambient temperature. The elasticity of the spring 26 can absorb such deformation, avoiding stress concentration or contact point separation caused by rigid connection, so as to maintain a long-term stable electrical connection and extend the equipment life.

[0038] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor is connected to the first terminal block 21 or the terminal block 25.

[0039] In one embodiment of this utility model, the temperature sensor is connected to the first terminal 21 or the terminal block 25. It can be an NTC thermistor, a digital temperature sensor, etc., and is typically surface-mount (SMT) soldered directly onto the pads of the circuit board body 81. This ensures stable signal transmission and adapts to the characteristics of the flexible circuit board 8. The temperature sensor can be reliably connected via spring contacts 26, connector plug-in, or crimp terminals, preventing solder joint failure due to thermal stress or vibration. The temperature sensor is usually positioned on the circuit board body 81 near the first terminal 21 or the terminal block 25 where heat is generated, to accurately monitor temperature rise; its specific location is not limited here.

[0040] In one embodiment, the flexible circuit board 8 further includes a signal lamp 82 disposed on the circuit board body 81, the signal lamp 82 being disposed facing the inner wall of the housing 1, and a light-transmitting area 1a being provided on the housing 1 corresponding to the signal lamp 82.

[0041] As shown in Figure 6, in one embodiment of this utility model, the flexible circuit board 8 further includes an indicator light 82. Specifically, the indicator light 82 is disposed on the circuit board body 81 and electrically connected to the main control board 6. The housing 1 has a light-transmitting area 1a corresponding to the position of the indicator light 82. This light-transmitting area 1a can be a light-transmitting hole disposed on the housing 1, or the part of the housing 1 corresponding to the indicator light 82 can be made of a light-transmitting material. The indicator light 82 is used to indicate the working status of the circuit breaker 100. By displaying different colors, it indicates that the circuit of the circuit breaker 100 is closed, open, or in the form of a fault warning, so as to alert the operator. Integrating the indicator light 82 onto the flexible circuit board 8 can further reduce the complexity of the wiring.

[0042] In one embodiment, the flexible circuit board 8 further includes a button 83 disposed on the circuit board body 81, the button 83 being located on one side of the indicator light 82.

[0043] As shown in Figure 6, in one embodiment of this utility model, the circuit board body 81 is also provided with a button 83. The button 83 is electrically connected to the main control board 6 and is mainly used for functions such as operation, reset, testing, overload protection, short circuit protection, and address setting. The button 83 is located on one side of the indicator light 82, and the operator can control the button 83 to perform corresponding operations based on the information transmitted by the indicator light 82 to achieve different functions. As can be seen from the above, by integrating the indicator light 82, button 83, temperature sensor, and voltage detector onto a flexible circuit board 8, the circuit board body 81 has high flexibility, and the wiring and layout can be designed according to the internal space of the circuit breaker 100, reducing the space waste of traditional circuit boards and wiring, and making the circuit breaker 100 structure more compact.

[0044] In one embodiment, the switch assembly 5 further includes an operating mechanism 53 connected to the moving contact 51. The operating mechanism 53 is used to drive the moving contact 51 to move to abut against the stationary contact 52. The flexible circuit board 8 also includes a position indicator 84 disposed on the circuit board body 81. The position indicator 84 is connected to the operating mechanism 53 to detect the position of the operating mechanism 53.

[0045] As shown in Figure 7, in one embodiment of this utility model, the switch assembly 5 further includes an operating mechanism 53. The operating mechanism 53 includes a handle and a transmission assembly connected to the handle. A moving contact 51 is disposed on the transmission assembly. When the handle is rotated by an external force, the moving contact 51 can be moved closer to or further away from the stationary contact 52 via the transmission assembly. The flexible circuit board 8 also includes a position indicator 84 disposed on the circuit board body 81. A lever on the position indicator 84 is connected to the transmission assembly of the operating mechanism 53. When the handle is closed or opened, the transmission assembly moves and pushes the lever of the position indicator 84. The position indicator 84 is electrically connected to the main control board 6, and the main control board 6 can display the status of the circuit breaker 100 via indicator lights 82 based on the information from the position indicator 84. In some automation systems, the position indicator 84 can be connected to the control system, allowing remote monitoring of the status of the circuit breaker 100 and reducing on-site manual intervention.

[0046] In one embodiment, the flexible circuit board 8 further includes a support plate 85, which is disposed on one side of the circuit board body 81. The indicator light 82, the button 83, and the position indicator 84 are disposed on the side of the circuit board body 81 away from the support plate 85 and above the support plate 85.

[0047] As shown in Figure 6, in one embodiment of this utility model, the flexible circuit board 8 further includes a support plate 85. Specifically, the indicator light 82, the button 83, and the position indicator 84 are arranged side by side on the same side of the circuit board body 81. The support plate 85 is arranged on the other side of the circuit board body 81 to provide support for the indicator light 82, the button 83, and the position indicator 84, preventing dents when the operator presses the button 83. The housing 1 can be equipped with a corresponding limiting structure according to the shape of the support plate 85 to prevent the positions of the button 83, the indicator light 82, and the position indicator 84 from changing.

[0048] In one embodiment, a button 11 is provided on the housing 1 at the position corresponding to the button 83, and the button 11 abuts against the button 83.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, in one embodiment of this utility model, a light-transmitting hole is provided on the housing 1 at the position corresponding to the signal light 82, and a button 11 is provided in the hole. Part of the button 11 abuts against the button 83. The operator can trigger the button 83 by pressing the button 11. The button 11 is made of a light-transmitting material, and the light of the signal light 82 can be transmitted from the button 11 to the outside of the housing 1 for easy viewing by personnel.

[0050] In one embodiment, the button 11 includes a pressing part 111 and a light-transmitting part 112. The pressing part 111 abuts against the button 83. The operating mechanism 53 has a display area 531 on the side facing the light-transmitting part 112. The light-transmitting part 112 is at least partially corresponding to the signal light 82 and the display area 531.

[0051] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in one embodiment of this utility model, the button 11 includes a pressing part 111 and a light-transmitting part 112. Specifically, the pressing part 111 is cylindrical to pass through the light-transmitting hole of the housing 1 and abut against the button 83. The transmission component of the operating mechanism 53 is provided with a display area 531, which is divided into two color blocks: red and green. The light-transmitting part 112 of the button 11 extends along the inner wall of the housing 1 and is provided corresponding to the display area 531 and the indicator light 82. The light-transmitting part 112 can display the color of the indicator light 82 and can also display the red or green color information on the operating mechanism 53. Generally, red indicates that the circuit breaker 100 is in the open position, while green indicates that the circuit breaker 100 is in the closed position. The display of the red and green areas helps the user quickly judge the status of the circuit breaker 100 and avoid misoperation.

[0052] Please refer to Figures 2 and 3. In one embodiment of this utility model, the circuit breaker 100 further includes a tripping mechanism 7, an arc extinguishing device 3, and a current detection device 4. The first terminal 21, the arc extinguishing device 3, the current detection device 4, and the second terminal 22 are arranged sequentially along the width direction of the housing 1 inside the housing 1. The terminal assembly 2 further includes a first conductive element 23 and a second conductive element 24. The first terminal 21 is electrically connected to the moving contact 51 and the arc extinguishing device 3 through the first conductive element 23. The second terminal 22 is electrically connected to the arc extinguishing device 3 through the second conductive element 24. The stationary contact 52 is disposed on the second conductive element 24. The arc extinguishing device 3 is used to extinguish the arc generated by the separation of the moving contact 51 and the stationary contact 52.

[0053] Furthermore, the tripping mechanism 7 is positioned above the arc-extinguishing device 3, and the second conductive element 24 is partially wound around the tripping mechanism 7. When the internal current of the second conductive element 24 reaches a preset value, the magnetic field generated by the internal current of the second conductive element 24 drives the tripping mechanism 7 to push the operating mechanism 53 to move, thereby separating the moving contact 51 and the stationary contact 52. The current detection device 4 is used to detect the current flowing through the second conductive element 24, and the current detection device 4 is electrically connected to the main control board 6. The main control board 6 can control the operating state of the circuit breaker 100 according to the magnitude of the current on the second conductive element 24. The flexible circuit board 8 extends along the inner wall of the housing 1 from one end near the first terminal 21 to one end of the main control board 6, and after passing through the operating mechanism 53, extends towards the main control board 6 along the gap between the handle and the tripping mechanism 7, avoiding the areas where the moving and stationary contacts are prone to arcing, thus ensuring the safety of the circuit breaker wiring connections.

[0054] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A circuit breaker characterized by, The device includes a housing and a terminal block assembly, a switch assembly, a main control board, and a flexible circuit board disposed within the housing. The terminal block assembly includes a first terminal block and a second terminal block, forming a main circuit between the first terminal block and the second terminal block. The switch assembly includes a moving contact and a stationary contact disposed on the main circuit. The first terminal block is connected to the moving contact, and the second terminal block is connected to the stationary contact. The flexible circuit board includes a circuit board body and a voltage detector and a temperature sensor disposed on the circuit board body. One end of the circuit board body is electrically connected to the first terminal block, and the other end is electrically connected to the main control board. The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the first terminal block, and the voltage detector is used to detect the voltage of the first terminal block.

2. The circuit breaker of claim 1, wherein, The terminal assembly further includes a terminal block, one end of which is electrically connected to the first terminal block, and the other end of which is electrically connected to the voltage detector on the circuit board body.

3. The circuit breaker as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The terminal block is provided with a spring on the side facing the circuit board body, and the voltage detector is electrically connected to the terminal block through the spring.

4. The circuit breaker as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The temperature sensor is connected to the first terminal block or the terminal block.

5. The circuit breaker of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The flexible circuit board also includes a signal light disposed on the circuit board body, the signal light being disposed facing the inner wall of the housing, and the housing having a light-transmitting area corresponding to the signal light.

6. The circuit breaker of claim 5, wherein, The flexible circuit board also includes a button disposed on the circuit board body, the button being located on one side of the signal light.

7. The circuit breaker of claim 6, wherein, The switch assembly further includes an operating mechanism connected to the moving contact, the operating mechanism being used to move the moving contact to abut against the stationary contact, and the flexible circuit board further includes a position indicator disposed on the circuit board body, the position indicator being connected to the operating mechanism for detecting the position of the operating mechanism.

8. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The flexible circuit board also includes a support plate, which is disposed on one side of the circuit board body. The indicator light, button and position indicator are disposed on the side of the circuit board body away from the support plate and above the support plate.

9. The circuit breaker of claim 7, wherein, A button is provided on the housing at the position corresponding to the key, and the button abuts against the key.

10. The circuit breaker of claim 9, wherein, The button includes a pressing part and a light-transmitting part. The pressing part abuts against the button. The operating mechanism has a display area on the side facing the light-transmitting part. The light-transmitting part is at least partially corresponding to the signal light and the display area.

Images