Circuit breaker and overload alarm rod thereof

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a circuit breaker and an overload alarm rod thereof. The overload alarm rod can rotate around a rotating axis to an initial position or an alarm position, the overload alarm rod comprises at least two split parts, the at least two split parts are sequentially arranged in the axial direction of the rotating axis, the adjacent ends of every two adjacent split parts are connected, each split part is provided with a first sleeving part, and each first sleeving part is provided with a second sleeving part. And the center line of the first sleeving part forms a rotating axis. In the actual use process of the overload alarm rod of the split type structure, even if any split type piece is subjected to creep deformation, the first sleeving part of each split type piece can keep good coaxiality with the mounting shaft under the action of the assembly gaps among the split type pieces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to the field of electrical equipment, and more specifically to a circuit breaker and its overload alarm rod. Background Technology

[0002] Circuit breakers are commonly used safety protection devices in electrical circuits. Circuit breakers used in general applications include thermal tripping and magnetic tripping functions. When an overload or short circuit occurs, the tripping mechanism disconnects the current. In some special applications, such as those related to fire protection, chemical processing, and medical facilities, when an overload occurs, the circuit is generally not disconnected; instead, an overload alarm is output. When a short circuit occurs, the magnetic tripping mechanism immediately disconnects the circuit.

[0003] The circuit breaker outputs an overload alarm signal through an overload alarm mechanism. Both the overload alarm lever of the overload alarm mechanism and the magnetic trip lever of the magnetic trip mechanism are injection-molded parts and are mounted on the same rotating shaft. When the circuit is in normal operating condition, the overload alarm lever is in its initial position, and the trip lever is in its normal position. When an overload occurs, the overload alarm lever rotates around the rotating shaft to the alarm position under the push of the bimetallic strip, triggering a sensor such as a microswitch, which then outputs an alarm message. When a short circuit occurs, the magnetic trip lever rotates around the rotating shaft to the trip position, releasing the lock on the trip hammer of the magnetic trip mechanism. The trip hammer then strikes the operating mechanism, causing it to trip and disconnecting the current. Utility Model Content

[0004] In a first aspect of this disclosure, an overload alarm rod is provided, which is rotatable about a rotation axis to an initial position or an alarm position. The overload alarm rod includes at least two separate parts, which are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the rotation axis. The adjacent ends of each pair of adjacent parts are connected, and each part is provided with a first sleeve portion, the center line of which forms the rotation axis.

[0005] In some embodiments, one end of each pair of adjacent components is provided with a connecting groove, and the end of the other component is provided with a snap-fit ​​portion, the snap-fit ​​portion being clearance-fitted with the connecting groove.

[0006] In some embodiments, the bottom of the connecting groove is provided with at least one positioning groove, and the snap-fit ​​part is provided with at least one snap-fit ​​block, which snaps into the corresponding positioning groove in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0007] In some embodiments, at least one protrusion is provided on the sidewall of the positioning groove and / or the surface of the locking block, and the sidewall of the positioning groove and the locking block form point contact or line contact through at least one protrusion.

[0008] In some embodiments, at least one protrusion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The block has a rectangular cross-section and includes two first sides parallel to the rotation axis and two second sides perpendicular to the rotation axis. The first protrusion is provided on both first sides and extends in a direction parallel to the rotation axis. The second protrusion is provided on both second sides and extends in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. The cross-sections of the first and second protrusions are both arc-shaped.

[0009] In some embodiments, each component is provided with an abutment portion for bearing the thrust from the bimetallic strip, and one end of the overload alarm rod is provided with a trigger element. The trigger element is connected to the corresponding component in a non-rotatable manner by a first thermal adjustment screw, and the trigger element has a beveled trigger surface.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least two separate parts can be made from the same injection mold and have the same initial structure.

[0011] In some embodiments, the initial structure of each component includes a first part and a second part, the connection between the first part and the second part may be provided with a breakable structure, and when at least two components are connected together to form an overload alarm rod, the first part or the second part of at least one component can be disconnected at the breakable structure.

[0012] In a second aspect of this disclosure, a circuit breaker is provided, comprising: an overload alarm mechanism including a mounting shaft and the aforementioned overload alarm rod, wherein a first sleeve protrudes relative to the main body portion of a corresponding split component and is sleeved on the mounting shaft; and a magnetic tripping mechanism including a tripping rod, the tripping rod including a plurality of second sleeves protruding relative to the main body portion of the tripping rod, the plurality of second sleeves being sleeved on the mounting shaft, the plurality of second sleeves being spaced apart from the plurality of first sleeves along the axial direction of the mounting shaft.

[0013] In some embodiments, at least one component is provided with a sliding groove, the extension direction of which is perpendicular to the rotation axis. The circuit breaker also includes a heat adjustment knob that slides in conjunction with the sliding groove to drive the overload alarm rod to move axially along the mounting shaft.

[0014] In embodiments according to this disclosure, the overload alarm rod is designed as a split structure, comprising multiple split components connected sequentially along the axial direction. Each split component is pivotally connected to the mounting shaft of the circuit breaker via a corresponding first sleeve. Thus, even if any split component undergoes creep deformation during actual use, the first sleeve of each split component can maintain good coaxiality with the mounting shaft due to the assembly gaps between the multiple split components, effectively preventing the overload alarm rod from experiencing rotational jamming and affecting its thermal stability.

[0015] It should be understood that the content described in this section is not intended to limit the key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to restrict the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and other features, advantages, and aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, which includes an overload alarm rod according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the rotating shaft, overload alarm rod, and trip rod in the circuit;

[0019] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 An exploded view of the rotating shaft, overload alarm lever, trip lever, and heat adjustment knob.

[0020] Figures 4 to 7 It shows Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the overload alarm rod as viewed from different angles;

[0021] Figure 8 It shows along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view shown is taken by the section line X1-X1;

[0022] Figure 9 It shows along Figure 7 The sectional view shown is taken by the section line Y1-Y1;

[0023] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of a split component of an overload alarm rod according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0024] Figure 11 Multiple Figure 10 The diagram shows a structural schematic of the separate components connected together.

[0025] Figure 12 A structural schematic diagram of an overload alarm rod according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0026] Figure 13 It shows along Figure 12 The sectional view shown is taken by the cross-section X3-X3. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0028] The term "comprising" and its variations as used herein signify open inclusion, i.e., "including but not limited to". Unless otherwise stated, the term "or" means "and / or". The terms "one example embodiment" and "one embodiment" mean "at least one example embodiment". The term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment". The terms "first", "second", etc., may refer to different or the same objects.

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a circuit breaker 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, which includes an overload alarm rod 23 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the rotating shaft 21, overload alarm lever 23, and trip lever 41 of the circuit breaker 100 is shown.

[0030] Figure 3 An exploded view of the rotating shaft 21, overload alarm lever 23, and trip lever 41 is shown.

[0031] Figures 4 to 7 The diagram shows the structure of the overload alarm rod when viewed from different angles. Figure 8 It shows along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view shown is taken by the section line X1-X1. Figure 9 It shows along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view shown is taken by the section line Y1-Y1.

[0032] See Figure 1 The circuit breaker 100 includes a housing 10, on which heating elements 31 corresponding to each phase of the circuit breaker 100 are disposed. The circuit breaker 100 also includes an overload alarm mechanism 20 and a magnetic trip mechanism 40 mounted on the housing 10 and corresponding to each phase of the circuit breaker 100. In the event of a circuit current overload, the overload alarm mechanism 20 may issue an alarm signal but will not cause the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker 100 to trip. In the event of a circuit current short circuit, the magnetic trip mechanism 40 actuates, causing the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker 100 to trip, thereby interrupting the current. This circuit breaker 100 is particularly suitable for fire-related systems, where the load can be a three-phase motor such as a smoke exhaust fan or fire pump. The circuit breaker 100 can be, but is not limited to, a molded case circuit breaker.

[0033] See Figures 1 to 4In some embodiments, the overload alarm mechanism 20 may include a mounting shaft 21, a sensor 22, an overload alarm lever 23, a bimetallic strip 24, a trigger 25, a first heat-adjusting screw 271, a heat-adjusting knob 28, and a resilient reset element 29. The magnetic tripping mechanism 40 includes a tripping lever 41, a stationary magnet, a moving magnet, and a tripping hammer 47. Of course, in some alternative embodiments, the overload alarm mechanism 20 and the magnetic tripping mechanism 40 may have other suitable implementations.

[0034] In some embodiments, housing 10 may include base 11. Heating element 31 and overload alarm mechanism 20 may be disposed on base 11 and may be enclosed by a cover not shown.

[0035] In some embodiments, the mounting shaft 21 of the overload alarm mechanism 20 can be directly or indirectly connected to the base 11 of the housing 10. In some embodiments, a bracket 12 can be mounted on the top of the base 11. Some components of the overload alarm mechanism 20, such as the sensor 22 and the thermal adjustment knob 28, can be mounted on the bracket 12 so that they are disposed on the housing 10 via the bracket 12.

[0036] The sensor 22 has a trigger part 221, which may be, but is not limited to, a trigger spring. When the trigger part 221 is triggered by the overload alarm lever 23, the sensor 22 can issue an alarm message. The sensor 22 may be, but is not limited to, a microswitch. Of course, in some alternative embodiments, the sensor 22 may also be disposed on the housing 10 in other ways.

[0037] The overload alarm lever 23 is pivotally connected to the mounting shaft 21, allowing it to rotate around the mounting shaft 21 to switch between the initial position and the alarm position. The axis of the mounting shaft 21 forms the rotation axis of the overload alarm lever 23. In the initial position, the overload alarm lever 23 does not trigger the trigger part 221 of the sensor 22, and the sensor 22 does not issue an alarm signal. In the alarm position, the overload alarm lever 23 triggers the trigger part 221 of the sensor 22, and the sensor 22 issues an alarm signal. The rotation angle of the overload alarm lever 23 from the initial position to the alarm position can be called the first alarm stroke of the overload alarm lever 23. In embodiments where the sensor 22 uses a microswitch, when the overload alarm lever 23 rotates towards the alarm position, the portion of the overload alarm lever 23 corresponding to the trigger part 221 presses the trigger part 221. Once the trigger part 221 is pressed into place, the sensor 22 issues an alarm signal.

[0038] In some embodiments, the overload alarm rod 23 is an integral injection molded part. If the overload alarm rod 23 undergoes creep deformation, the coaxiality of the hole used for pivoting with the mounting shaft 21 may deteriorate, resulting in increased friction between the overload alarm rod 23 and the mounting shaft 21. This may lead to the overload alarm rod 23 becoming stuck and unable to alarm normally.

[0039] To address the aforementioned issues, the overload alarm rod 23 can employ a split-type structure. Specifically, the overload alarm rod 23 may comprise two or more shorter split components, arranged sequentially along the rotation axis, with adjacent ends of any two adjacent components connected, for example, by overlapping. Each split component is pivotally connected to the mounting shaft 21 via a corresponding first sleeve. Thus, even if any split component undergoes creep deformation during actual use, the first sleeve of each component can maintain good coaxiality with the mounting shaft 21 due to the assembly gaps between the multiple split components, effectively preventing rotational jamming of the overload alarm rod 23 and thus ensuring its thermal stability.

[0040] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The overload alarm rod 23 includes two separate components, namely separate component 2311 and separate component 2312. Separate components 2311 and 2312 are arranged sequentially along the rotation axis. Adjacent ends of separate components 2311 and 2312 are connected. Each separate component 2311 and 2312 is provided with a first sleeve portion 233, which protrudes relative to the main body of the corresponding separate component 2311 or 2312. The first sleeve portion 233 is fitted onto the mounting shaft 21, and the center line of the first sleeve portion 233 coincides with the rotation axis of the overload alarm rod 23.

[0041] See Figures 4 to 9 In some embodiments, the end of the split component 2311 is provided with a connecting groove 2315, and the end of the split component 2312 is provided with a snap-fit ​​portion 2316. The snap-fit ​​portion 2316 snaps into the connecting groove 2315, and the snap-fit ​​portion 2316 and the connecting groove 2315 are in clearance fit. When the mounting shaft 21 passes through each of the first sleeve portions 233 of the split components 2311 and 2312, the split components 2311 and 2312 can move together in the circumferential direction through the snap-fit ​​engagement of the snap-fit ​​portion 2316 and the connecting groove 2315. Moreover, even if any split component undergoes creep deformation, each split component can maintain good coaxiality with the mounting shaft 21.

[0042] In some embodiments, the bottom of the connecting groove 2315 is provided with at least one positioning groove 2313. The snap-fit ​​part 2316 is provided with at least one snap-fit ​​block 2314, which snaps into the corresponding positioning groove 2313 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. Through the cooperation of the positioning groove 2313 and the snap-fit ​​block 2314, the axial linkage of the split parts 2311 and 2312 can be easily realized.

[0043] In some embodiments, at least one protrusion may be provided on the sidewall of the positioning groove 2313 and / or the surface of the locking block 2314, and the sidewall of the positioning groove 2313 and the locking block 2314 form point contact or line contact through at least one protrusion. In this way, in the mating area of ​​the split parts 2311 and 2312, the gap between the areas where point contact or line contact is implemented between the split parts 2311 and 2312 is smaller than the gap between other non-point contact or line contact areas. The gap between other non-point contact or line contact areas provides deformation space for the creep deformation of any split part 2311, which can reduce the impact on coaxiality when any split part undergoes creep deformation.

[0044] See Figure 4 and Figure 8 An exemplary embodiment of the protrusion is shown. In some embodiments, the locking block 2314 has a rectangular cross-section, including two first side surfaces 23141 parallel to the axis of rotation and two second side surfaces 23142 perpendicular to the axis of rotation. At least one protrusion includes two first ridges 23171 and two second ridges 23172. The two first ridges 23171 are located at the midpoint of the two first side surfaces 23141 and extend in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation. The two second ridges 23172 are located at the midpoint of the two second side surfaces 23142 and extend in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The cross-sections of both the first ridges 23171 and the two second ridges 23172 are arc-shaped. The two first ridges 23171 and the two second ridges 23172 are used to form line contact with the sidewall of the rectangular positioning groove 2313.

[0045] Of course, in some alternative embodiments, the protrusion may be implemented in other ways than those described above. For example, in some alternative embodiments, the protrusion may be provided on the side wall of the positioning groove 2313. Or, in some alternative embodiments, the number of protrusions on each side of the locking block 2314 is not limited to one. Or, in some alternative embodiments, the protrusion may be a protrusion provided on each side of the locking block 2314.

[0046] See Figure 1 and Figure 5In some embodiments, each component is provided with an abutment portion 232, which is used to withstand the thrust from the bimetallic strip 24. Specifically, the first end of the bimetallic strip 24 is fixed to the corresponding heating element 31, and the heat from the heating element 31 can be transferred to the bimetallic strip. The second end 242 of the bimetallic strip 24 extends toward the overload alarm rod 23. In the initial state, before being affected by the current heating effect, the second end 242 of the bimetallic strip 24 is not in contact with the overload alarm rod 23. When the circuit current is overloaded, the bimetallic strip bends due to the current heating effect. When the second end 242 of the bimetallic strip 24 bends to a certain extent, it abuts against the corresponding abutment portion 232 of the overload alarm rod 23, thereby pushing the corresponding abutment portion 232, causing the overload alarm rod 23 to rotate from the initial position to the alarm position. The distance that the second end 242 of the bimetallic strip 24 moves from the initial state to the point of contact with the overload alarm rod 23 can be called the second alarm stroke. When the temperature of the bimetallic strip 24 drops and it no longer abuts against the contact portion 232 of the overload alarm rod 23, the overload alarm rod 23 can return to its initial position under the drive of the elastic reset member 29 and be held in the initial position.

[0047] See back Figure 1 In some embodiments, the elastic reset member 29 is, for example, a spring, with a first end connected to the bracket 12 and a second end connected to the fixing hook 236 on the overload alarm rod 23. In some alternative embodiments, the elastic reset member 29 may also have other implementations, as long as it can apply a torque to the overload alarm rod 23 to rotate it to its initial position.

[0048] See Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, one end of the overload alarm lever 23 is provided with a trigger element 25, which is opposite to the sensor 22. The trigger element 25 is connected to the corresponding separate component in a non-rotatable manner via a first thermal adjustment screw 271, and the trigger element 25 has a trigger surface 251. When the overload alarm lever 23 rotates from the initial position to the alarm position, the trigger surface 251 of the trigger element 25 gradually approaches the trigger portion 221 of the sensor 22, and then presses the trigger portion 221 into place, at which point the sensor 22 issues an alarm signal.

[0049] The axial direction of the first thermal adjustment screw 271 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the mounting shaft 21. During the production process of the circuit breaker 100, when the overload alarm rod 23 is in its initial position in the circumferential direction, turning the first thermal adjustment screw 271 allows the trigger element 25 to move in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the mounting shaft 21, thereby adjusting the distance between the trigger surface 251 of the trigger element 25 and the trigger portion 221 of the sensor 22. It can be understood that as the distance between the trigger surface 251 and the trigger portion 221 changes, the first alarm stroke of the overload alarm rod 23 is adjusted accordingly, and the delay characteristics of the overload alarm mechanism 20 are also adjusted accordingly. Therefore, during the production process of the circuit breaker 100, the thermal adjustability of the overload alarm mechanism 20 can be easily achieved by turning the first thermal adjustment screw 271, which is beneficial for improving production efficiency. During the production process, after the position of the trigger element 25 is adjusted to the correct position using the first thermal adjustment screw 271, the relative positions of the first thermal adjustment screw 271, the trigger element 25, and the overload alarm rod 23 can be fixed with sealant.

[0050] In some embodiments, the overload alarm lever 23 can move axially along the mounting shaft 21, and the axial movement of the overload alarm lever 23 can be adjusted by the thermal adjustment knob 28. See also Figure 1 and Figure 3 The heat adjustment knob 28 is rotatably mounted in the hole of the bracket 12. The heat adjustment knob 28 may include a central post 281 and an eccentric post 282. The axis of the central post 281 is perpendicular to the axis of the mounting shaft 21, and the axis of the central post 281 serves as the rotation axis of the heat adjustment knob 28. The axis of the eccentric post 282 is parallel to the axis of the central post 281. The split component 2312 of the overload alarm rod 23 is provided with a sliding groove 234, the extension direction of which is perpendicular to the axial direction of the mounting shaft 21, and the sliding groove 234 is in sliding engagement with the eccentric post 282. When the heat adjustment knob 28 is turned by an external force, the heat adjustment knob 28 drives the alarm rod 23 to move axially along the mounting shaft 21.

[0051] See Figure 6 The trigger surface 251 is generally inclined, and it is tilted relative to the axial direction of the mounting shaft 21. Therefore, when the overload alarm lever 23 moves axially along the mounting shaft 21, the distance between the trigger surface 251 and the trigger part 221 gradually increases or decreases. As can be seen from the above, as the distance between the trigger surface 251 and the trigger part 221 changes, the first alarm stroke of the overload alarm lever 23 is adjusted accordingly, and the delay characteristics of the overload alarm mechanism 20 are also adjusted accordingly. This allows the thermally adjustable operation of the overload alarm mechanism 20 to be performed at the user end. In some embodiments, multiple Ir positions can be marked on the bracket 12 along the circumference of the hole 125. Thus, after receiving the completed circuit breaker 100, the user can adjust the overload alarm lever 23 to a suitable axial position according to the markings to achieve the desired delay characteristics of the circuit breaker 100.

[0052] See Figures 4 to 6 In some embodiments, one end of the overload alarm rod 23 is provided with a mounting recess 230, and the trigger 25 is engaged with the mounting recess 230 in a non-rotatable manner. In this way, when the first heat-adjusting screw 271 is turned, the trigger 25 can only move along the axial direction of the first heat-adjusting screw 271 and will not rotate around the axis of the first heat-adjusting screw 271, thus avoiding inaccurate positioning of the trigger surface 251.

[0053] There are many ways to achieve a non-rotatable engagement between the trigger 25 and the mounting recess 230. In some embodiments, the side of the trigger 25 and the sidewall of the mounting recess 230 are in planar contact. In some embodiments, the trigger 25 is formed with a boss 252 that overlaps with the edge of the mounting recess 230. This boss 252 can, on the one hand, restrict the rotation of the trigger 25 relative to the axis of the first heat-adjusting screw 271, and on the other hand, enhance the structural strength of the trigger 25.

[0054] In some embodiments, the trigger 25 is provided with a T-slot 250. The head 2711 of the first heat-adjusting screw 271 engages in the T-slot 250, and the threaded shank 2712 of the first heat-adjusting screw 271 is screwed into the hole 2302 in the wall of the mounting recess 230. By turning the threaded shank 2712, the trigger 25 moves together with the first heat-adjusting screw 271 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the mounting shaft 21.

[0055] See back Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the release lever 41 of the magnetic release mechanism 40 includes a plurality of second sleeve portions 412, a latch portion 413, and a plurality of force-bearing arms 415 protruding relative to the main body of the release lever 41. The plurality of second sleeve portions 412 are sleeved on the mounting shaft 21. A stationary magnet is fixed to the heating element 31, and a movable magnet is pivotally connected to a bracket fixed to the heating element 31. The release hammer 47 is slidably engaged with the bracket 12.

[0056] The second sleeve 412 is fitted onto the mounting shaft 21 to allow the trip lever 41 to rotate between the tripped position and the normal position. The trip lever 41 can be held in the normal position by an elastic reset member, which can be, but is not limited to, a torsion spring. In some embodiments, a plurality of second sleeves 412 and a plurality of first sleeves 233 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the mounting shaft 21, such that the second sleeves 412 and the first sleeves 233 do not have any nested parts, avoiding tight fit caused by creep deformation of either the second sleeves 412 and the first sleeves 233, thereby preventing interference between the rotation of the trip lever 41 around the mounting shaft 21 and the rotation of the overload alarm lever 23 around the mounting shaft 21, which could lead to false tripping or false alarm.

[0057] The step of the latch 413 is used to engage with the hook of the trip hammer 47, holding the trip hammer 47 in the locked position. When the trip hammer 47 is in the locked position, the operating mechanism is not disengaged. When the circuit is short-circuited, the moving magnet is attracted by the stationary magnet and rotates towards the force arm 415. The moving magnet then applies a torque to the trip lever 41 through the force arm 415, causing the trip lever 41 to rotate from the normal position to the disengaged position. The step of the latch 413 no longer locks the trip hammer 47. Afterwards, the trip hammer 47 extends under the action of an elastic reset member (not shown), and the disc-shaped head of the trip hammer 47 strikes the operating mechanism, causing the operating mechanism to disengage and the current to be cut off.

[0058] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of a split component 2311 of an overload alarm rod 23 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 11 Multiple Figure 10 The diagram shows the structure of the separate components 2311 connected together. Figure 12 It shows the result of Figure 11 The diagram shows the structure of the overload alarm bar formed by the structure shown. Figure 13 It shows along Figure 12 The sectional view shown is taken by the cross-section X3-X3.

[0059] In this embodiment, the overload alarm lever 23 may include three separate components 2311, which may be made from the same injection mold, and thus the three separate components 2311 may have the same initial structure. Specifically, the initial structure of each separate component 2311 includes a snap-fit ​​portion 2316 located at one end of the main body and a connecting groove 2315 located at the other end of the main body, and a first socket portion 233 protruding relative to the main body. Each separate component 2311 has a sliding groove 234 formed thereon, which is used to cooperate with the thermal adjustment knob 28 to adjust the axial position of the overload alarm lever 23.

[0060] In some embodiments, each component 2311 has a protrusion 235 on its initial structure, and each protrusion 235 has a hole 2351 for mounting a second heat-adjusting screw. The second end 242 of the bimetallic strip 24 abuts against the second heat-adjusting screw to push the overload alarm lever 23 to rotate from the initial position to the alarm position. This eliminates the need for the abutting portion 232 of the overload alarm lever 23 described above.

[0061] The connection between any two adjacent components 2311 is similar to the connection method of components 2311 and 2312 described above. The bottom of the connecting groove 2315 may be provided with at least one positioning groove 2313, and the engaging part 2316 may be provided with at least one locking block 2314. The engaging part 2316 engages with the connecting groove 2315, and the two may have a clearance fit. The locking block 2314 engages with the positioning groove 2313, and the two may have a clearance fit. In some embodiments, at least one protrusion may be provided on the surface of the positioning groove 2313 and / or the locking block 2314, and the sidewall of the positioning groove 2313 and the locking block 2314 form point contact or line contact through at least one protrusion.

[0062] In some embodiments, after the initial structures of multiple split components 2311 are connected sequentially, their axial dimension is larger than the axial dimension of the actual required overload alarm rod 23. Based on this, the initial structure of each split component 2311 may include a first part 2318 and a second part 2319. A breakable structure 2310, such as a notch, may be provided at the connection between the first part 2318 and the second part 2319. When the three split structures 2311 are connected sequentially along the axial direction, the first part 2318 or the second part 2319 corresponding to any end of the overload alarm rod 231 can be broken off at the breakable structure 2310 as needed, so that the multiple split components 2311 connected together form the overload alarm rod 23. Figure 12 In the illustrated embodiment, after the second part 2319 of the rightmost component 2311 is broken off, its first part 2318, together with the other two components 2311, forms the overload alarm rod 23. It is understood that the individual components 2311 of the finished overload alarm rod 23 do not necessarily have the same structure.

[0063] Since the initial structure of each component 2311 is the same, this helps to reduce mold costs. In addition, the anti-creep structural features for cooperating with the release lever 41 can be omitted on each component 2311, and the structural strength of each component can be achieved with a lower moment of inertia.

[0064] In some embodiments, the sensor can be triggered by fastening the trigger 25 described above onto a separate component 2311. In some embodiments, the sensor 22 can be triggered directly by the structure of the separate component 2311 itself.

[0065] In embodiments according to this disclosure, the overload alarm rod 23 is designed as a split structure, comprising multiple split components connected sequentially along the axial direction. Each split component is pivotally connected to the mounting shaft 21 via a corresponding first sleeve. Thus, even if any split component undergoes creep deformation during actual use, the first sleeve of each split component can maintain good coaxiality with the mounting shaft 21 due to the assembly gaps between the multiple split components, effectively preventing the overload alarm rod 23 from experiencing rotational jamming and affecting its thermal stability.

[0066] The various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, and are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or technical improvements to the embodiments in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An overload alarm rod (23), characterized in that, The overload alarm rod (23) is rotatable about its rotation axis to its initial position or alarm position, and the overload alarm rod (23) includes at least two separate parts (2311, 2312). The at least two separate components (2311, 2312) are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the rotation axis, and the adjacent ends of every two adjacent separate components (2311, 2312) are connected. Each of the said split parts (2311, 2312) is provided with a first socket (233), the center line of the first socket (233) forming the rotation axis.

2. The overload alarm rod (23) according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the two adjacent components (2311) is provided with a connecting groove (2315) at its end, and the other component (2312) is provided with a snap-fit ​​part (2316) at its end. The snap-fit ​​part (2316) is in clearance fit with the connecting groove (2315).

3. The overload alarm rod (23) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom of the connecting groove (2315) is provided with at least one positioning groove (2313), and the snap-fit ​​part (2316) is provided with at least one snap-fit ​​block (2314). The snap-fit ​​block (2314) is snapped into the corresponding positioning groove (2313) in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

4. The overload alarm rod (23) according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least one protrusion is provided on the side wall of the positioning groove (2313) and / or on the surface of the locking block (2314), and the side wall of the positioning groove (2313) and the locking block (2314) form point contact or line contact through the at least one protrusion.

5. The overload alarm rod (23) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The at least one protrusion includes a first protrusion (23171) and a second protrusion (23172). The block (2314) has a rectangular cross-section, including two first sides (23141) parallel to the rotation axis and two second sides (23142) perpendicular to the rotation axis. The first protrusion (23171) is provided on both of the first side surfaces (23141), and the first protrusion (23171) extends in a direction parallel to the rotation axis. The two second side surfaces (23142) are each provided with a second protrusion (23172), and the second protrusion (23172) extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The cross-sections of the first protrusion (23171) and the second protrusion (23172) are both arc-shaped.

6. The overload alarm rod (23) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned components (2311, 2312) is provided with an abutment portion (232) for withstanding the thrust from the bimetallic strip (24). One end of the overload alarm rod (23) is provided with a trigger (25), the trigger (25) is connected to the corresponding split part in a non-rotatable manner by a first heat adjustment screw (271), and the trigger (25) has a beveled trigger surface (251).

7. The overload alarm rod (23) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The at least two separate components can be made from the same injection mold and have the same initial structure.

8. The overload alarm rod (23) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The initial structure of each of the aforementioned split components includes a first part (2318) and a second part (2319), and a breakable structure (2310) may be provided at the connection between the first part (2318) and the second part (2319), and When the at least two separate components are connected together to form the overload alarm rod (23), at least one of the first portion (2318) or the second portion (2319) of the separate component can be disconnected at the breakable structure (2310).

9. A circuit breaker (100), characterized in that, include: An overload alarm mechanism (20) includes a mounting shaft (21) and an overload alarm rod (23) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first sleeve (233) protrudes relative to the main body of the corresponding split part and is sleeved on the mounting shaft (21); as well as The magnetic release mechanism (40) includes a release lever (41), the release lever (41) including a plurality of second sleeve portions (412) protruding relative to the main body of the release lever (41), the plurality of second sleeve portions (412) being sleeved on the mounting shaft (21). The plurality of second sockets (412) and the plurality of first sockets (233) are spaced apart along the axial direction of the mounting shaft (21).

10. The circuit breaker (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that, At least one of the split components is provided with a sliding groove (234), the sliding groove (234) extending perpendicular to the rotation axis, and The circuit breaker (100) also includes a heat adjustment knob (28), which is slidably engaged with the sliding groove (234) to drive the overload alarm rod (23) to move axially along the mounting shaft (21).

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