A bridge contact structure and a frame circuit breaker

Abstract

This application discloses a bridge-type contact structure and a frame circuit breaker, comprising two conductive plates stacked in a second direction, the two conductive plates being fastened together by a connecting assembly; each of the two conductive plates has a first end and a second end on both sides in the first direction; the two first ends are in contact with each other and have assembly holes, the assembly holes and the first ends being used to fasten external conductive components; the two second ends are spaced apart in the second direction and form elastic clamps, the elastic clamps being used to clamp the main conductive component; this application features low contact resistance and low temperature rise.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of low-voltage electrical appliances, specifically to the field of frame circuit breakers, and more specifically to a bridge-type contact structure. Background Technology

[0002] As a type of frame circuit breaker, the drawer-type circuit breaker has three positions between its circuit breaker body and drawer base: connected, test, and disconnected. In order to achieve a structure in which the conductive plate of the circuit breaker body and the drawer base can be electrically disconnected as needed (for example, in the disconnected position, the two are electrically disconnected), the conductive system on the drawer base is often made in the form of bridge contacts, which can also be described as a clamp structure.

[0003] For example, the connector, circuit breaker, mating assembly, and circuit breaker base disclosed in CN115472469A employ two sets of spaced conductive structures (which can also be described as bridge-type contacts). Both ends of the conductive structures form clamp-like openings. One clamp holds the main conductive component (the conductive plate of the circuit breaker body), while the other clamp holds the drawer seat conductive component, which also needs to be connected to an external conductive component. This structure is the most traditional conductive connection structure for drawer-type circuit breakers, but its practical application also presents problems.

[0004] Because both ends use a clamping design, the connection to the conductor (whether to an external conductor or the conductor itself) is highly dependent on the elasticity of the clamps. Furthermore, the clamping structure limits the contact area with the conductor. Additionally, the conductive structure, the conductive plate of the circuit breaker body, and the conductive components of the drawer base are all independent parts, resulting in higher contact resistance compared to integrated conductive components.

[0005] Regardless of the reason mentioned above, the contact resistance at this point will increase significantly, causing the circuit breaker's temperature rise to fall below the standard.

[0006] Therefore, how to design a bridge contact structure more rationally to reduce contact resistance and product temperature rise is a question worth considering. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to provide a bridge contact structure and circuit breaker combination.

[0008] This application provides: a bridge-type contact structure, comprising two conductive plates stacked in a second direction, the two conductive plates being fastened by a connecting assembly; both sides of the two conductive plates in the first direction are a first end and a second end; the two first ends are abutted and have mounting holes, the mounting holes and the first ends being used to fasten external conductive components; the two second ends are spaced apart in the second direction and form elastic clamps, the elastic clamps being used to clamp the main conductive component.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the conductive plate includes a middle portion, and the first end and the second end are connected through the middle portion, which is used for fastening of the connecting assembly.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the connecting component includes a first fastener and an angle iron. The angle iron includes a first plate portion and a second plate portion, which are arranged at an angle. The first plate portion is located on the surface of one of the conductive plates in a second direction. The first fastener secures the first plate portion to the two conductive plates. The second plate portion has a reserved mounting hole.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the connecting assembly includes a first fastener and two angle irons. The angle irons include a first plate portion and a second plate portion, which are arranged at an angle. The two first plate portions are disposed on two surfaces of the two conductive plates in a second direction. The first fastener secures the two first plate portions and the two conductive plates. The second plate portion has a reserved mounting hole.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the first end portion and the middle portion are coplanar, together forming a flat plate structure.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the second end includes an extension portion, a clamping portion, and a connecting portion connected in sequence, wherein the extension portion is the part of the second end that is farthest from the first end; the elastic clamp includes a guiding area, a clamping area, and a receiving area; the extension portions of the two conductive plates form the guiding area, the connection position between the extension portions of the two conductive plates and the clamping portion forms the clamping area, and the clamping portion of the two conductive plates and the connecting portion form the receiving area.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the epitaxial portion is provided with a dividing groove, and the epitaxial portion is divided in a third direction to form at least two sub-parts.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the dividing groove extends to the clamping portion, and part of the clamping portion is also divided by the dividing groove.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the size of the guide area gradually decreases from the side away from the clamping area to the side closer to the clamping area.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the connection point between the clamping part and the connecting part is the largest size of the receiving area, and the size of the receiving area gradually decreases from the largest size to both sides.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the thickness of the conductive plate is the same at all locations, and the thickness of the conductive plate is 3-6 mm.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the conductive plate is made of copper, brass, or a copper alloy.

[0020] A frame circuit breaker includes a circuit breaker body, a drawer base, and an external conductive element; wherein, a bridge-type contact structure as described above is fixed on the drawer base, and fasteners pass through the external conductive element and the mounting hole to fasten the first end to the external conductive element; the main conductive element of the circuit breaker body engages with an elastic clamp.

[0021] The advantages of this application compared to the prior art are:

[0022] This application modifies one end into a mounting hole, allowing external conductive components to be fastened to the mounting hole using fasteners. Compared to a structure with clamps at both ends, this single-clamp design offers the following advantages: First, the conductive plate is a one-piece structure, equivalent to the combination of a bridge-type contact and a drawer seat busbar in existing technologies. This one-piece structure inherently results in lower contact resistance compared to a separate design. Second, reducing the number of clamps decreases the possibility of increased contact resistance due to an excessive number of clamps. Third, the one-piece conductive plate structure simplifies the structure, simplifies the installation process, and improves production efficiency compared to existing structures. Attached Figure Description

[0023] 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.

[0024] Figure 1 An axial view of a bridge contact structure according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0025] Figure 2 A side view of the bridge contact structure according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0026] Figure 3 A side view of a conductive plate according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0027] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a frame circuit breaker in an embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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

[0033] like Figures 1-4 As shown, an embodiment of this application is a frame circuit breaker, including a circuit breaker body 100, a drawer base 200, and an external conductive element 300.

[0034] Here, the circuit breaker body 100 can be in a withdrawn state relative to the drawer seat 200, that is, it can have three positions, such as the connected, test, and disconnected positions. Among them, at least in the disconnected position, there is no electrical connection between the external conductive element 300 and the main conductive element 110 of the circuit breaker body 100 (that is, there is no clamping relationship as mentioned below).

[0035] Of course, this application mainly focuses on improving the bridge contact part, and the three positions of the circuit breaker body 100 and the withdrawal method are common knowledge in the field, so they will not be described in detail here.

[0036] The drawer base 200 contains at least four sets of bridge contact structures 400. The reason for using four sets is that this type of frame circuit breaker has at least a two-pole structure, with each pole having two sets of bridge contact structures 400, one set being the incoming line end and the other set being the outgoing line end.

[0037] Of course, as the number of poles of the circuit breaker increases, more sets of bridge contact structures 400 can also be used.

[0038] Here, each group of bridge contact structures 400 is similar; one group is used as an example here.

[0039] It includes two conductive plates 410, which are stacked on a second direction F2, as shown in the figure, where the second direction F2 can be the height direction.

[0040] The two conductive plates 410 are fastened together by a connecting assembly, thus ensuring a stable connection between them.

[0041] Here, the connecting component is also used to secure it to the drawer base 200.

[0042] The specific fixing method is as follows: the connecting component includes a first fastener 420 (three in this embodiment, but can be set arbitrarily according to the fastening strength) and two angle irons 430. The angle iron 430 includes a first plate portion 430a and a second plate portion 430b, which are set at an angle.

[0043] Two first plate portions 430a are respectively disposed on two surfaces of two conductive plates 410 in the second direction F2, and a first fastener 420 fastens the two first plate portions 430a and the two conductive plates 410. Here, the first fastener can be a rivet (riveting) or a bolt and nut combination.

[0044] The second plate 430b has a reserved mounting hole 435, which is used for bolts to pass through and fasten it to the drawer seat 200.

[0045] Here, the optimal angle between the first plate portion 430a and the second plate portion 430b is 90°. Of course, any angle that can secure the first plate portion 430a to the conductive plate 410 and the drawer seat 200 is acceptable.

[0046] Furthermore, although two angle iron 430s are listed here, as an alternative, one angle iron 430 can also be used for fastening.

[0047] For the two conductive plates 410, they have a first end 4110 and a second end 4120 on both sides of the first direction F1 (that is, on both sides of the length direction).

[0048] Here, the two first ends 4110 are in contact with each other, and both have mounting holes 410b. In this way, the external conductive component 300 can be fastened by fasteners passing through the mounting holes 410b. Bolts and nuts are preferred fasteners here.

[0049] Of course, if the strength allows, bolts can also be used alone.

[0050] Here, the two second ends 4120 are spaced apart in the second direction F2 and form an elastic clamp 410a, which is used to clamp the conductive body 110 (at least in the clamped state in the on position).

[0051] With this bridge contact structure 400, compared to the existing technology which uses clamping at both ends, the conductive plate 410 is an integrated structure that simultaneously performs the functions of the drawer seat busbar and the bridge contact in the existing technology. This undoubtedly reduces the contact resistance caused by too many clamps (the reasons have been explained in the background technology and will not be repeated here) and lowers the product temperature rise.

[0052] At the same time, compared with the existing structure, the overall structure is greatly simplified, which also simplifies the installation process and can effectively improve production efficiency.

[0053] For the conductive plate 410, its first end 4110 and second end 4120 are connected by the middle part 4130.

[0054] Here, the connecting components are also fixed in the middle part 4130. This arrangement helps to make the structure more stable.

[0055] Here, the first end 4110 and the middle part 4130 are coplanar, and together they form a flat plate structure. This flat plate structure has several advantages. First, it reduces the bending of the conductive plate 410 (avoiding complex processes caused by bending and situations that lead to increased local resistance).

[0056] Secondly, it can ensure that the current is in a uniform direction at least in this section, reducing the impact of changes in current direction (multiple current directions will exist due to bends, which may cause magnetic field disturbances) on the installation environment or the circuit breaker body 100.

[0057] Here, the second end portion 4120 includes an extension portion 4120a, a clamping portion 4120b, and a connecting portion 4120c connected in sequence.

[0058] Here, the extension 4120a is the part of the second end 4120 that is furthest from the first end 4110, and the connecting part 4120c is connected to the middle part 4130.

[0059] The elastic clamp 410a includes a guide area 410a1, a clamping area 410a2, and a receiving area 410a3.

[0060] The guide region 410a1 is formed by two extended portions 4120a spaced apart, and is used to guide the main conductive member 110 to be inserted into the clamping region 410a2.

[0061] The clamping area 410a2 is formed at the connection position between the extension portion 4120a of the two conductive plates 410 and the clamping portion 4120b, and is mainly used to clamp the conductive component 110 of the main body.

[0062] The receiving area 410a3 is formed by the clamping part 4120b and the connecting part 4120c of the two conductive plates 410, and is used for the insertion of the end of the main conductive member 110.

[0063] During installation, the main conductive element 110 enters the clamping area 410a2 along the guide area 410a1 and is clamped, and at least a portion of the main conductive element 110 (that is, the end of the main conductive element 110) extends into the receiving area 410a3.

[0064] The size of the guide area 410a1 gradually decreases. Specifically, it gradually shrinks from the side away from the clamping area 410a2 to the side closer to the clamping area 410a2, which is more conducive to the entry of the main conductive component 110.

[0065] For the receiving area 410a3, the connection position between the clamping part 4120b and the connecting part 4120c is the maximum size of the receiving area 410a3, and the size of the receiving area 410a3 gradually decreases from the maximum size Max to both sides.

[0066] For the extension portion 4120a, there are two dividing grooves 4120a1, which are arranged along the third direction F3 (that is, the width direction). This can divide the extension portion 4120a into three sub-parts 4120a2, which are also arranged along the third direction F3.

[0067] The way the dividing groove 4120a1 forms the sub-part 4120a2 makes the extension part 4120a more elastic, which is beneficial to deformation and makes it easier for the main conductive part 110 to enter.

[0068] Of course, the dividing groove 4120a1 here is not limited to two. If the strength and clamping stability allow, one or more dividing grooves 4120a1 can also be used.

[0069] Here, the dividing groove 4120a1 extends to the clamping part 4120b, meaning that part of the clamping part 4120b is also divided by the dividing groove 4120a1. This division will also give the clamping part 4120b better deformation capability, which is beneficial for clamping the conductive part 110 of the body.

[0070] Here, the thickness of the conductive plate 410 is the same everywhere, except that the second end 4120 is formed by bending. The thickness of the conductive plate 410 can be selected in many ways, such as 3-6mm.

[0071] Here, the conductive plate 410 can be made of many materials, with tin-copper alloy being a preferred choice. In addition to tin-copper alloy, it can also be copper, brass, or other copper alloys, or other materials with conductivity and ductility (any metal or alloy that can meet the requirement of having a certain elasticity to ensure that the second end 4120 can clamp the main conductive component 110 is acceptable).

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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. A bridge-type contact structure, characterized in that: It includes two conductive plates stacked in the second direction, which are fastened together by a connecting assembly; both sides of the two conductive plates in the first direction are a first end and a second end; the two first ends are in contact with each other and have assembly holes, which are used to fasten the external conductive component; the two second ends are spaced apart in the second direction and form an elastic clamp, which is used to clamp the main conductive component.

2. The bridge contact structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive plate includes a middle section, and the first end and the second end are connected through the middle section, which is used for fastening of the connecting assembly.

3. A bridge contact structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The connecting assembly includes a first fastener and an angle iron. The angle iron includes a first plate and a second plate, which are set at an angle. The first plate is located on the surface of one of the conductive plates in the second direction. The first fastener fastens the first plate to the two conductive plates. The second plate has a reserved mounting hole. Alternatively, the connecting assembly includes a first fastener and two angle irons. The angle irons include a first plate portion and a second plate portion, which are set at an angle. The two first plate portions are disposed on two surfaces of the two conductive plates in the second direction. The first fastener secures the two first plate portions and the two conductive plates. The second plate portion has a reserved mounting hole.

4. A bridge-type contact structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first end and the middle part are coplanar, together forming a flat plate structure.

5. A bridge contact structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The second end includes an extension portion, a clamping portion, and a connecting portion connected in sequence. The extension portion is the part of the second end that is farthest from the first end. The elastic clamp includes a guiding area, a clamping area, and a receiving area. The extension portions of the two conductive plates form the guiding area, the connection position between the extension portions of the two conductive plates and the clamping portion forms the clamping area, and the clamping portion and the connecting portion of the two conductive plates form the receiving area.

6. A bridge-type contact structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The extension portion is provided with a dividing groove, and the extension portion is divided in a third direction to form at least two sub-parts.

7. A bridge contact structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The dividing groove extends to the clamping part, and part of the clamping part is also divided by the dividing groove.

8. A bridge contact structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The size of the guide area gradually decreases from the side away from the clamping area to the side closer to the clamping area; And / or, the connection point between the clamping part and the connecting part is the largest size of the receiving area, and the size of the receiving area gradually decreases from the largest size to both sides.

9. A bridge-type contact structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thickness of the conductive plate is the same throughout, ranging from 3 to 6 mm. Or / and, the conductive plate is made of copper, brass, or copper alloy.

10. A frame circuit breaker, comprising a circuit breaker body, a drawer base, and external conductive components; characterized in that: The drawer base is fixed with a bridge contact structure as described in any one of claims 1-9, and fasteners pass through the external conductive element and the assembly hole to fasten the first end to the external conductive element; the main conductive element of the circuit breaker body cooperates with the elastic clamp.

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