Exhaust structure and circuit breaker

By designing a venting structure with a cover plate and elastic elements on the circuit breaker, the problem of sand and debris entering the pressure relief hole of the circuit breaker in complex environments is solved, achieving normal pressure relief and dust prevention, and ensuring the reliable operation of the circuit breaker.

CN224472422UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-07ZHEJIANG CHINT ELECTRIC CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
ZHEJIANG CHINT ELECTRIC CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-07-14
Publication Date
2026-07-07

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  • Figure CN224472422U_ABST
    Figure CN224472422U_ABST
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Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of circuit breaker discloses an exhaust structure and circuit breaker. The exhaust structure is arranged in the shell of circuit breaker, the shell is provided with exhaust hole, the exhaust structure includes cover plate and elastic part, the cover plate includes cover plate body and connecting column, the cover plate body covers and is located the outside of the shell in the exhaust hole, the first end of connecting column is connected in the cover plate body, the second end of connecting column extends to the inside of the shell, one end of elastic part is connected in the inner wall of the shell, the other end is connected in the second end of connecting column, wherein, the elastic part is used for exerting the tension of preset value to the cover plate to make the cover plate have the tendency of abutting to the outer wall of the shell. The exhaust structure can guarantee the normal pressure relief of circuit breaker, and can also avoid sand and dust into the inside of circuit breaker, guarantees the continuous reliable operation of circuit breaker.
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Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A circuit breaker is a switching device that can close, carry, and interrupt current under normal circuit conditions and can close, carry, and interrupt current under abnormal circuit conditions within a specified time.

[0003] In existing frame-type circuit breakers or disconnectors, an electric arc is generated between the moving and stationary contacts during opening operations. The heat generated by this arc not only causes a chemical reaction in the surface materials inside the circuit breaker, generating gas, but also causes the gas inside the circuit breaker to expand, resulting in a sudden increase in pressure inside the circuit breaker. This rapid increase in pressure within the circuit breaker often damages the protective cover. To prevent damage, pressure relief holes are usually installed at the bottom of the cover for venting and pressure relief. However, with the rapid development of new energy technologies, the application environments of circuit breakers and disconnectors are becoming increasingly complex. If existing circuit breakers and disconnectors are used in areas with high winds and sand or high levels of airborne debris, sand, dust, and other debris can enter the circuit breaker through the pressure relief holes in the protective cover, increasing the risk of internal mechanism jamming, causing circuit breaker failure, and preventing the fulfillment of overload protection, short-circuit protection, and leakage protection functions.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a new type of exhaust structure and circuit breaker to solve the above-mentioned technical problems in the prior art. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a venting structure that can ensure the circuit breaker can release pressure normally while preventing sand and dust from entering the circuit breaker, thus ensuring the continuous and reliable operation of the circuit breaker.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] The venting structure is disposed on the casing of the circuit breaker, the casing having a vent hole, the venting structure including a cover plate and an elastic element, the cover plate including a cover plate body and a connecting post, the cover plate body covering the vent hole and located outside the casing, the first end of the connecting post being connected to the cover plate body, and the second end of the connecting post extending into the interior of the casing; one end of the elastic element being connected to the inner wall of the casing, and the other end being connected to the second end of the connecting post; wherein, the elastic element is used to apply a preset tension to the cover plate so that the cover plate tends to abut against the outer wall of the casing.

[0008] Optionally, the outer wall of the outer casing is recessed with a receiving groove, the inner bottom wall of the receiving groove is provided with the vent hole, and the cover plate body is fitted and accommodated in the receiving groove.

[0009] Optionally, multiple vent holes are provided, and the connecting post passes through one of the vent holes.

[0010] Optionally, N of the aforementioned connecting posts and elastic elements are provided, and at least N+1 of the aforementioned vent holes are provided, where N is an integer greater than 1. Each of the aforementioned connecting posts is correspondingly inserted through one of the aforementioned vent holes, and each of the aforementioned elastic elements is correspondingly connected to the second end of one of the aforementioned connecting posts.

[0011] Optionally, the elastic element has a mounting hole, the connecting post passes through the mounting hole, and the connecting post has a snap-fit ​​protrusion on its circumferential outer wall at the second end; the elastic element abuts against the snap-fit ​​protrusion on the outer wall of the connecting post along the axial direction of the connecting post near the first end.

[0012] Optionally, the connecting post includes a plurality of split posts spaced apart circumferentially along the connecting post. The split posts are elastic so that any two adjacent split posts can move closer or further apart from each other. Each split post is provided with the snap-fit ​​protrusion.

[0013] Optionally, the aforementioned split column is bonded, heat-fused, or welded to the aforementioned cover plate body.

[0014] Optionally, the elastic element is a spring, and the connecting post passes through the elastic element.

[0015] Another objective of this invention is to provide a circuit breaker comprising a housing and an exhaust structure as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0016] Optionally, the housing includes a protective face shield, which has the aforementioned vent.

[0017] Optionally, the aforementioned vent is located at the bottom of the aforementioned protective mask.

[0018] Beneficial effects:

[0019] In this invention, when the internal air pressure of the circuit breaker increases, the air pressure is applied to the cover plate through the vent. When the pressure exceeds the preset tension applied by the elastic element, the elastic element is compressed, pushing the cover plate away from the outer shell. This allows the vent to connect with the external space, enabling air venting and pressure relief within the circuit breaker and ensuring its normal operation. After the air venting and pressure relief are complete, the elastic element continues to apply the original preset tension. This tension acts on the second end of the connecting column, pulling the cover plate towards the outer wall of the outer shell, thus sealing the vent. This prevents sand, dust, and other debris from entering the circuit breaker during daily use, ensuring its normal operation in environments with high winds and dust, and providing dust protection. This venting structure ensures normal pressure relief while preventing sand and dust from entering the circuit breaker, guaranteeing its continuous and reliable operation. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a front view of the exhaust structure provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model when it is installed on a protective face shield;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a front view of the exhaust structure on the protective mask after it has been pushed by air pressure, according to a specific embodiment of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a bottom view of the protective face shield provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is an isometric view of the cover plate provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 5 This is an isometric view of the elastic element provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model.

[0025] In the picture:

[0026] 10. Protective face shield; 11. Vent; 12. Receiving slot;

[0027] 20. Cover plate; 21. Cover plate body; 22. Connecting post; 221. Split post; 222. Snap-fit ​​protrusion; 201. First end; 202. Second end;

[0028] 30. Elastic element; 31. Mounting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" 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 utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0032] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0033] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the venting structure is disposed on the casing of the circuit breaker. The casing has a vent 11. The venting structure includes a cover plate 20 and an elastic member 30. The cover plate 20 includes a cover body 21 and a connecting post 22. The cover body 21 covers the vent 11 and is located outside the casing. The first end 201 of the connecting post 22 is connected to the cover body 21, and the second end 202 of the connecting post 22 extends into the interior of the casing. One end of the elastic member 30 is connected to the inner wall of the casing, and the other end is connected to the second end 202 of the connecting post 22. The elastic member 30 is used to apply a preset tension to the cover plate 20 so that the cover plate 20 tends to abut against the outer wall of the casing.

[0034] Combination Figure 2 As can be seen, in this embodiment, when the air pressure inside the circuit breaker increases, the air pressure is applied to the cover plate 20 through the exhaust port 11. When the pressure generated by the air pressure exceeds the preset tension applied by the elastic element 30, the elastic element 30 is compressed, thereby pushing the cover plate body 21 away from the outer shell, allowing the exhaust port 11 to communicate with the external space, realizing the exhaust and pressure relief inside the circuit breaker, and ensuring the normal operation of the circuit breaker. After the exhaust and pressure relief are completed, the elastic element 30 continues to apply the original preset tension, which acts on the second end 202 of the connecting column 22, thereby pulling the cover plate body 21 towards the outer wall of the outer shell through the connecting column 22, realizing the sealing of the exhaust port 11 by the cover plate body 21. In daily use, sand, dust, debris and other items in the external space will not enter the circuit breaker, ensuring the normal operation of the circuit breaker in environments with strong winds and sand and a lot of garbage, and achieving the function of dust prevention. This exhaust structure can ensure the normal pressure relief of the circuit breaker while preventing sand and dust from entering the circuit breaker, ensuring the continuous and reliable operation of the circuit breaker.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the outer wall of the outer casing is recessed with a receiving groove 12, and the inner bottom wall of the receiving groove 12 is provided with the exhaust hole 11. The cover plate body 21 is fitted and accommodated within the receiving groove 12. The receiving groove 12 not only provides space for the installation of the cover plate body 21, reducing the space occupied by the exhaust structure, but also forms an L-shaped sealing structure at the edge of the cover plate body 21 when it abuts against the outer wall of the outer casing, improving sealing and dustproof performance.

[0036] In this embodiment, the cover plate body 21 is rectangular, and the corresponding receiving groove 12 is also rectangular, which will not be described in detail here. It should be noted that when the cover plate body 21 is in other shapes such as fan-shaped, circular, square, or triangular, the corresponding receiving groove 12 is also in the same shape, which will not be described in detail here.

[0037] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 3The aforementioned vent holes 11 are provided in multiple ways, and the aforementioned connecting post 22 passes through one of the aforementioned vent holes 11. In this embodiment, the vent hole 11 is circular, and its corresponding connecting post 22 is also cylindrical. The vent hole 11 can not only be used for venting, but also for installing the connecting post 22, which reduces the steps and processes of opening through holes due to the need to install the connecting post 22, thereby reducing manufacturing and production costs.

[0038] Furthermore, N connecting posts 22 and elastic elements 30 are provided, and at least N+1 vent holes 11 are provided, where N is an integer greater than 1. Each connecting post 22 is correspondingly inserted through one vent hole 11, and each elastic element 30 is correspondingly connected to the second end 202 of one connecting post 22. In this embodiment, the cover plate body 21 is rectangular, and four connecting posts 22 and four elastic elements 30 are provided. The connecting posts 22 are located at the four corners of the cover plate body 21. At the same time, the vent holes 11 are arranged in a longitudinal and transverse array, with a total of 18 vent holes 11 in 3 rows and 6 columns. Four connecting posts 22 are correspondingly inserted through the four vent holes 11 located at the four corners in the receiving groove 12, while the remaining 14 vent holes 11 are used for venting and depressurizing. Thus, without blocking most of the vent holes 11, the installation of multiple connecting posts 22 is achieved, which not only ensures that the venting and depressurizing function is not affected, but also improves the stability of the installation of the cover plate 20 and the outer shell.

[0039] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the elastic element 30 has a mounting hole 31, and the connecting post 22 passes through the mounting hole 31. A snap-fit ​​protrusion 222 is provided on the circumferential outer wall of the connecting post 22 at the second end 202. The elastic element 30 abuts against the snap-fit ​​protrusion 222 along the axial direction of the connecting post 22, near the first end 201. During installation, the connecting post 22 is inserted into the mounting hole 31 of the elastic element 30. After installation, the elastic element 30 is in a compressed state, with one end abutting against the snap-fit ​​protrusion 222 and the other end abutting against the inner wall of the outer casing. This allows the elastic element 30 to apply an elastic force from the first end 201 to the second end 202 towards the snap-fit ​​protrusion 222, thereby pulling the cover plate body 21 towards the outer wall of the outer casing, sealing the vent hole 11 on the outer casing, and achieving a dustproof function. Simultaneously, this type of installation provides higher stability for the elastic element 30, making it less prone to detachment.

[0040] Furthermore, the connecting post 22 includes a plurality of split posts 221 spaced circumferentially along the connecting post 22. The split posts 221 are elastic, allowing any two adjacent split posts 221 to move closer or further apart. Each split post 221 is provided with the aforementioned snap-fit ​​protrusion 222. Since the split posts 221 are spaced circumferentially and are elastic, when the elastic member 30 is installed, the split posts 221 are squeezed, causing the multiple split posts 221 to move towards the center. The outer diameter formed by the snap-fit ​​protrusion 222 at the second end 202 of the split post 221 is smaller than the inner diameter of the elastic member 30, so the connecting post 22 can be easily inserted into the elastic member 30. After installation, the split posts 221 are released, and the snap-fit ​​protrusion 222 returns to its original position. The outer diameter of the snap-fit ​​protrusion 222 is larger than the inner diameter of the elastic member 30, allowing the elastic member 30 to abut against the bottom wall of the snap-fit ​​protrusion 222. The connection post 22 configured in this way not only enables the elastic element 30 to be installed securely and improves the stability of the installation, but also facilitates the installation of the elastic element 30 on the connection post 22, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0041] Specifically, the aforementioned split column 221 is bonded, heat-fused, or welded to the aforementioned cover plate body 21. In this embodiment, the split column 221 and the cover plate body 21 are manufactured separately. After the split column 221 is manufactured, it is installed in groups of four onto the cover plate body 21 to form a connecting column 22. The split column 221 can be fixed to the cover plate body 21 using non-removable methods such as bonding, heat-fusion, or welding, or detachable methods such as snap-fit ​​or threaded connection. This improves production efficiency and reduces production costs, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0042] In this embodiment, the elastic element 30 is a spring, and the connecting post 22 passes through the elastic element 30. The spring is an existing structural component that can be mass-produced, has low purchase cost, and can reduce the manufacturing cost of the exhaust structure.

[0043] Please return to the reference. Figures 1 to 3 This embodiment also provides a circuit breaker, which includes a housing and the venting structure described in any of the above embodiments. This circuit breaker uses the venting structure described above for venting and pressure relief, thereby achieving the beneficial effects of the venting structure described in any of the above embodiments, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0044] Specifically, when the internal air pressure of the circuit breaker increases, the air pressure is applied to the cover plate 20 through the vent 11. When the pressure generated by the air pressure exceeds the preset tension applied by the elastic element 30, the elastic element 30 is compressed, thereby pushing the cover plate body 21 away from the outer shell, so that the vent 11 is connected to the external space, realizing the venting and depressurization of the circuit breaker, and ensuring the normal operation of the circuit breaker. After the venting and depressurization are completed, the elastic element 30 continues to apply the original preset tension, pulling the cover plate body 21 toward the outer wall of the outer shell, thereby sealing the vent 11. In daily use, sand, dust, debris and other items in the external space will not enter the circuit breaker, ensuring the normal use of the circuit breaker in environments with strong winds and sand and environments with a lot of garbage, achieving the function of dust prevention, and ensuring the continuous and reliable operation of the circuit breaker.

[0045] In this embodiment, the outer casing includes a protective face shield 10, which has the aforementioned vent 11. The existing protective face shield 10 primarily serves a protective function, isolating and protecting the electrical components inside the circuit breaker during daily use. When maintenance or repair is required, the protective face shield 10 can be opened. Since the vent 11 is an existing feature of the protective face shield 10, it can be easily modified by adding the aforementioned venting structure to achieve both venting and dust prevention functions, resulting in lower modification costs.

[0046] Furthermore, the aforementioned vent 11 is located at the bottom of the aforementioned protective cover 10. Since the density of dust, debris, and other impurities in the air is often greater than that of air, under the action of air blowing, the trajectory of these impurities is often difficult to move upward or the tendency to move upward is even lower. Therefore, it is even more difficult for impurities to enter the circuit breaker from the vent 11, and its dust prevention effect is better, which will not be elaborated here.

[0047] The exhaust structure in this embodiment can be applied not only to circuit breakers, but also to disconnect switches, air switches and other switching devices. Any electrical component that generates an electric arc and causes air expansion during operation can be used, which will not be elaborated here.

[0048] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. An exhaust structure, disposed on the casing of a circuit breaker, the casing being provided with an exhaust port (11), characterized in that, The exhaust structure includes: Cover plate (20), the cover plate (20) includes cover plate body (21) and connecting post (22), the cover plate body (21) covers the vent hole (11) and is located outside the housing, the first end (201) of the connecting post (22) is connected to the cover plate body (21), and the second end (202) of the connecting post (22) extends into the interior of the housing; An elastic element (30) is connected at one end to the inner wall of the housing and at the other end to the second end (202) of the connecting post (22); wherein the elastic element (30) is used to apply a preset tension to the cover plate (20) so that the cover plate (20) tends to abut against the outer wall of the housing.

2. The exhaust structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the outer shell is recessed with a receiving groove (12), and the inner bottom wall of the receiving groove (12) is provided with the exhaust hole (11). The cover plate body (21) is fitted and accommodated in the receiving groove (12).

3. The exhaust structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The exhaust port (11) is provided in multiple ways, and the connecting post (22) passes through one of the exhaust ports (11).

4. The exhaust structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting post (22) and the elastic element (30) are each provided with N, and the exhaust hole (11) is provided with at least N+1, where N is an integer greater than 1. Each connecting post (22) is correspondingly inserted through one exhaust hole (11), and each elastic element (30) is correspondingly connected to the second end (202) of one connecting post (22).

5. The exhaust structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic element (30) has a mounting hole (31), and the connecting post (22) passes through the mounting hole (31). The circumferential outer wall of the connecting post (22) and located at the second end (202) is provided with a snap-fit ​​protrusion (222). The elastic element (30) abuts against the snap-fit ​​protrusion (222) on the outer wall of the connecting post (22) along the axial direction of the connecting post (22) near the first end (201).

6. The exhaust structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting post (22) includes a plurality of split posts (221) spaced apart circumferentially along the connecting post (22). The split posts (221) are elastic so that any two adjacent split posts (221) can move closer or further apart from each other. Each split post (221) is provided with the snap-fit ​​protrusion (222).

7. The exhaust structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The split column (221) is bonded, heat-fused, or welded to the cover plate body (21).

8. The exhaust structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The elastic element (30) is a spring, and the connecting post (22) passes through the elastic element (30).

9. A circuit breaker, characterized in that, Includes the housing and the circuit breaker as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. The circuit breaker according to claim 9, characterized in that, The outer casing includes a protective mask (10), and the protective mask (10) has the exhaust port (11).

11. The circuit breaker according to claim 10, characterized in that, The exhaust port (11) is located at the bottom of the protective mask (10).