trip unit module

Abstract

A kind of tripper module, including first shell and second shell by clamping between each other form fixed, electromagnetic mechanism is fixed between the first shell and second shell, limit post is integrally formed on the second shell, still include guide rod independent of first shell and second shell, the guide rod is cooperated with limit post to realize linear movement, one end of the guide rod is abutted on the telescopic end of electromagnetic mechanism, the other end of the guide rod is fixed to the tripping lever of circuit breaker.The beneficial effects of the utility model are: by being designed as the component independent of shell to guide rod, the driving torque required by electromagnetic mechanism is effectively reduced, because guide rod does not need to drive entire shell component when moving, thereby reducing the movement resistance, improve the response sensitivity and tripping accuracy of system, especially under high-speed fault current can timely trigger protection action.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a circuit breaker accessory, and more particularly to a trip unit module. Background Technology

[0002] Electromagnetic trip units are key components of circuit breakers, widely used in low-voltage power distribution systems, industrial control equipment, and household appliances to provide rapid protection in the event of overload or short circuit. Their operation typically involves current sensing, electromagnetic actuation, and mechanical tripping: when the line current exceeds a preset threshold, the magnetic field generated in the electromagnetic coil attracts the armature or moving iron core, which in turn actuates the tripping mechanism, causing the circuit breaker contacts to quickly separate, thus cutting off the circuit to prevent equipment damage or fire risks. This process relies on precise mechanical coordination and electromagnetic response to ensure tripping is completed within milliseconds, while manual or automatic recovery is achieved through components such as a return spring. The design of electromagnetic trip units must balance reliability, sensitivity, and compactness to adapt to diverse electrical environments.

[0003] However, existing electromagnetic trip unit modules have significant structural defects: their housings are typically molded as a single unit in two parts. One part has a fixed guide rod, while the other part has a limiting post. These two parts are assembled by snap-fit ​​and then integrated with the electromagnetic mechanism and return spring. This design results in the guide rod being directly molded onto the housing, which can easily lead to jamming or mismatch during assembly due to tolerances or misalignment, increasing production difficulty and the defect rate. Furthermore, because the guide rod is integrated with the housing, the entire housing component needs to be moved during operation. This not only increases the required torque but also reduces the system's response sensitivity, affecting the timeliness and accuracy of the trip, potentially delaying protection action, especially under high-speed fault currents. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a trip unit module that solves the problems of assembly difficulties and increased torque caused by the integral molding of the guide rod.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a trip unit module, comprising a first housing and a second housing fixed together by snap-fitting, an electromagnetic mechanism fixed between the first housing and the second housing, a limit post integrally formed on the second housing, and a guide rod independent of the first housing and the second housing, the guide rod cooperating with the limit post to achieve linear movement, one end of the guide rod abutting against a retractable end of the electromagnetic mechanism, and the other end of the guide rod being fixed to the trip rod of the circuit breaker.

[0006] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By designing the guide rod as a component independent of the housing, the driving torque required by the electromagnetic mechanism is effectively reduced. Since the guide rod does not need to drive the entire housing component during movement, motion resistance is reduced, improving the system's response sensitivity and tripping accuracy, especially enabling timely triggering of protection actions under high-speed fault currents. Furthermore, the independent guide rod simplifies the assembly process, avoiding jamming problems caused by tolerances or misalignment, reducing production difficulty and defect rate. Simultaneously, since the guide rod is no longer integrally formed with the housing, the housing's mold structure is simplified, reducing mold opening costs. As a preferred embodiment, the guide rod can be designed as a rod-shaped structure with a guide groove. The guide groove engages with the protrusion of the limiting post, allowing the guide rod to slide only in a straight line under the constraint of the limiting post. This structure reduces friction and offset through sliding engagement, ensuring smooth and accurate movement. As another preferred embodiment, the guide rod is made of lightweight, high-strength composite material with a polished surface to reduce the coefficient of friction. Combined with the guidance of the limiting post, it can quickly transmit force during electromagnetic mechanism operation, achieving efficient tripping.

[0007] Furthermore, a first insertion groove is formed between the first housing and the second housing for inserting the electromagnetic mechanism, and the groove wall of the first insertion groove forms an interference fit with the electromagnetic mechanism.

[0008] By setting a first insertion slot between the first and second housings and forming an interference fit with the electromagnetic mechanism, not only is rapid installation and positioning of the electromagnetic mechanism facilitated, but the overall structural stability and vibration resistance are also enhanced, reducing the risk of loosening of components during operation, thereby improving the reliability and service life of the trip unit module. The interference fit design allows the electromagnetic mechanism to automatically align upon insertion, avoiding the tediousness of manual adjustment. Simultaneously, the squeezing action of the slot wall provides additional fixing force, ensuring that the electromagnetic mechanism does not shift during high-speed operation. As a preferred embodiment, the slot wall of the first insertion slot can be designed with elastic protrusions. These protrusions elastically deform when the electromagnetic mechanism is inserted, forming a tight interference fit, thus achieving initial fixation and anti-loosening without the need for additional fasteners. As another preferred embodiment, a limiting step is provided at the bottom of the first insertion slot, with the corresponding end face of the electromagnetic mechanism fitting against it. The step's blocking effect prevents the electromagnetic mechanism from over-insertion under the interference fit, while the interference force of the slot wall achieves dual positioning and fixing effects.

[0009] Furthermore, a first fastening hole is provided on the end face of the first housing facing away from the electromagnetic mechanism, corresponding to the position of the electromagnetic mechanism. A fastener is inserted into the first fastening hole to fix the first housing and the electromagnetic mechanism.

[0010] By providing a first fastening hole on the first housing and securing the electromagnetic mechanism with fasteners, the connection strength between the electromagnetic mechanism and the housing is further enhanced, preventing loosening due to vibration or impact during frequent tripping operations and improving the overall stability and safety of the module. This design allows for the addition of mechanical fixing on top of the interference fit, forming multiple safeguards to ensure the electromagnetic mechanism maintains a precise position under high-speed operation, thereby improving the accuracy and response speed of tripping. As a preferred option, the first fastening hole can be designed as a threaded hole, using bolts or screws as fasteners. Tightening the bolts presses the electromagnetic mechanism into the first insertion slot, achieving a reliable mechanical connection while facilitating disassembly and maintenance. Alternatively, a reinforcing rib structure can be provided around the first fastening hole to distribute the stress applied by the fasteners, preventing local deformation of the housing and ensuring the durability and consistency of the connection during long-term use.

[0011] Furthermore, the second housing is provided with a second insertion groove for the guide rod to move within it. The second insertion groove is located above the first insertion groove, and the number of limiting posts is several, all of which are located within the second insertion groove.

[0012] By setting a second insertion slot on the second housing and positioning it opposite to the first insertion slot, the guide rod and electromagnetic mechanism are brought as close as possible in space, shortening the force transmission path, reducing energy loss and motion delay, thereby improving the response efficiency and action accuracy of the trip unit module. Multiple limiting posts are evenly distributed within the second insertion slot, providing multi-point support and guidance for the guide rod, ensuring it does not tilt or jam during linear movement, enhancing the stability and reliability of the motion. As a preferred embodiment, the second insertion slot can be designed as a long, narrow groove with a smooth inner wall that matches the contour of the guide rod. The limiting posts are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the groove, guiding the movement of the guide rod through multi-point contact and reducing stress concentration at single points. Alternatively, a lubricating coating, such as a polytetrafluoroethylene layer, is applied to the bottom of the second insertion slot to reduce friction between the guide rod and the groove wall. Combined with the guidance of the limiting posts, this achieves smooth and low-resistance linear movement, thereby optimizing the tripping performance.

[0013] Furthermore, the limiting post includes an anti-detachment part and a connecting rod part. The outer diameter of the anti-detachment part is larger than that of the connecting rod part. The guide rod is provided with a moving groove corresponding to the number of limiting posts. The inner diameter of one end of the moving groove is adapted to the outer diameter of the anti-detachment part, and the inner diameter of the remaining part is adapted to the outer diameter of the connecting rod part.

[0014] By designing the limiting post to include an anti-detachment part and a connecting rod part, and adapting it to the moving groove on the guide rod, a reliable connection and anti-detachment function between the guide rod and the limiting post are achieved. This ensures that the guide rod will not detach from the limiting post during high-speed movement, while reducing the alignment difficulty during assembly and improving production efficiency and product consistency. The changing inner diameter design of the moving groove allows the guide rod to easily slide into the connecting rod part of the limiting post during assembly, and locks in place by the anti-detachment part to prevent accidental disengagement, thereby enhancing the safety and durability of the module. As a preferred option, the moving groove can be designed as a T-shaped groove structure, with its wide part engaging with the anti-detachment part to form a snap-fit, and its narrow part engaging with the connecting rod part to achieve sliding guidance. With this structure, the guide rod can be simply pushed in along a specific direction during assembly to complete the fixation, simplifying the operation process. As another preferred option, the end of the anti-detachment part is designed with a tapered transition, which facilitates the smooth insertion of the guide rod into the moving groove during initial assembly, reducing alignment errors and assembly forces. At the same time, the enlarged diameter of the anti-detachment part provides a mechanical stop at the end of the movement to prevent excessive movement.

[0015] Furthermore, a sleeve post is provided on one side of the guide rod, and a positioning post is provided in the second insertion groove at the center line position of the sleeve post. A return spring is sleeved between the sleeve post and the positioning post.

[0016] By setting a socket post on the guide rod and a corresponding positioning post in the second insertion slot, and then fitting a return spring, the automatic reset function of the guide rod after the tripping action is achieved. This ensures that the module can quickly return to its initial state and prepare for the next tripping, thereby improving the reusability and response speed of the trip unit module. The design of the socket post and positioning post prevents the return spring from disengaging or shifting during movement, maintaining the stable force of the spring, reducing the risk of failure due to spring misalignment, and enhancing the reliability and lifespan of the module. As a preferred approach, the socket post can be designed as a cylindrical protrusion with chamfered ends for easy spring installation, and the positioning post is a corresponding cylindrical support. By fitting the two ends of the return spring onto the socket post and positioning post respectively, a stable tension or compression structure is formed, ensuring uniform transmission of spring force. As another preferred approach, the return spring is a helical spring with a coil diameter matching the outer diameter of the socket post and positioning post. The spring stores energy during the movement of the guide rod through elastic deformation and drives the guide rod back to its original position after the electromagnetic mechanism releases the energy, achieving efficient reset.

[0017] Furthermore, a second fastening hole is provided on both sides of the guide rod in the second insertion groove, and a fastener is inserted into the second fastening hole to fix the first shell and the second shell.

[0018] By providing a second fastening hole within the second insertion slot and securing the first and second housings with fasteners, a mechanical fastening layer is added to the snap-fit ​​connection, significantly enhancing the overall rigidity and connection strength of the housings. This prevents housing separation under vibration or impact, improving the structural stability and safety of the trip unit module. This dual-fixing method reduces the risk of snap-fit ​​failure, ensuring that internal components such as the electromagnetic mechanism and guide rod maintain precise alignment during long-term operation, thereby maintaining efficient tripping performance. As a preferred option, the second fastening hole can be designed as a through-hole structure, using bolts or screws as fasteners. These are inserted from one side of the second housing and tightened to the first housing, forming a robust mechanical connection while facilitating disassembly, inspection, and maintenance. Alternatively, a sealing ring groove is provided around the second fastening hole. Adding a sealing ring during installation not only achieves fastening but also provides dust and moisture protection, protecting internal components from environmental influences and extending the module's service life.

[0019] Furthermore, a third insertion groove for placing a micro switch is formed between the first housing and the second housing.

[0020] By setting a third insertion slot between the first and second housings to house the microswitch, the tripping action and the circuit breaker controller signal are synchronized. This allows the microswitch to be triggered promptly upon tripping, sending a status signal to the controller, facilitating system monitoring and fault handling, and thus improving the intelligence and integration level of the trip unit module. This design integrates the microswitch into the housing structure, saving external space and reducing the complexity of connecting cables. Simultaneously, the housing protects the switch from mechanical damage or environmental interference, ensuring signal accuracy and reliability. As a preferred approach, the third insertion slot can be designed as a rectangular groove with snap-fit ​​or spring-loaded structures on its inner wall to secure the microswitch and prevent movement. Conductive contacts at the bottom of the slot align with the switch pins for automatic electrical alignment. Alternatively, the microswitch can be installed in the third insertion slot via a plug-in connection. Its trigger rod is linked to a guide rod or electromagnetic mechanism. When tripping occurs, the trigger rod is pressed down, switching the switch state and sending an electrical signal to the controller via the built-in circuit, achieving rapid response and status feedback. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 3 This is a top view of an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 4 This is a partial enlarged view of the interface between the guide rod and the limiting post in an embodiment of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0022] An embodiment of this utility model provides a trip unit module, such as... Figure 1-4 As shown: The trip unit module 1 includes a first housing 11 and a second housing 12, which are fixed to each other by a snap-fit ​​method to form an integral structure. An electromagnetic mechanism 13 is provided between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. The electromagnetic mechanism 13 is a common electromagnet component. Its retractable end can move linearly when energized or de-energized to trigger the tripping action. Limiting posts 14 are integrally formed on the second housing 12. There are multiple limiting posts 14 and they are evenly distributed. The trip unit module 1 also includes a guide rod 15 independent of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. The guide rod 15 cooperates with the limiting posts 14 to achieve precise linear movement. One end of the guide rod 15 abuts against the retractable end of the electromagnetic mechanism 13, and the other end is fixedly connected to the tripping rod of the circuit breaker. Through this design, the guide rod 15 can transmit the action of the electromagnetic mechanism 13 to the tripping rod, thereby realizing the rapid tripping of the circuit breaker.

[0023] A first insertion groove 16 is formed between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. The first insertion groove 16 is used to accommodate and fix the electromagnetic mechanism 13. The groove wall and the outer surface of the electromagnetic mechanism 13 form an interference fit. This fit not only facilitates the quick positioning of the electromagnetic mechanism 13 during assembly, but also provides a preliminary fixing effect without the need for additional fasteners. A first fastening hole 18 is provided on the end face of the first housing 11 facing away from the electromagnetic mechanism 13, corresponding to the position of the electromagnetic mechanism 13. A fastener 19 is inserted into the first fastening hole 18. The fastener 19 is preferably a screw or bolt. By tightening the fastener 19, a firm connection between the first housing 11 and the electromagnetic mechanism 13 can be achieved, enhancing the stability of the overall structure.

[0024] The second housing 12 is provided with a second insertion groove 110, which is located above the first insertion groove 16. This arrangement makes the guide rod 15 and the electromagnetic mechanism 13 as close as possible in space, reducing energy loss during transmission. All the limiting posts 14 are located in the second insertion groove 110. The guide rod 15 is provided with a moving groove 151 corresponding to the number of limiting posts 14. The inner diameter of one end of the moving groove 151 is adapted to the outer diameter of the anti-detachment part 141 of the limiting post 14, and the inner diameter of the remaining part is adapted to the outer diameter of the connecting rod part 142 of the limiting post 14. The outer diameter of the anti-detachment part 141 is larger than that of the connecting rod part 142. This structure ensures that the guide rod 15 will not detach from the limiting post 14 during movement, while ensuring smooth linear movement.

[0025] A sleeve post 152 is provided on one side of the guide rod 15. A positioning post 111 is provided in the second insertion groove 110 at the center line position of the sleeve post 152. A return spring 112 is sleeved between the sleeve post 152 and the positioning post 111. The return spring 112 is used to drive the guide rod 15 to return to the initial position after the electromagnetic mechanism 13 is activated. The design of the sleeve post 152 and the positioning post 111 can effectively prevent the return spring 112 from disengaging or shifting during movement. Second fastening holes 113 are provided on both sides of the guide rod 15 in the second insertion groove 110. Fasteners 19 are inserted inside the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. Fasteners 19 are preferably screws or bolts. By tightening fasteners 19, additional fixation can be achieved between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. Combined with the snap-fit ​​method, a double fixing mechanism is formed to improve the reliability of the module. A third insertion groove 114 is also formed between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. The third insertion groove 114 is used to place a micro switch 1141. The micro switch 1141 is a common electronic switching element in the prior art. It can send a signal to the circuit breaker controller simultaneously when the tripping action occurs to realize the status monitoring function.

[0026] The working principle of the trip unit module 1 is based on the energization and de-energization control of the electromagnetic mechanism 13. When the circuit breaker needs to trip, the electromagnetic mechanism 13 is energized, causing its retractable end to extend and push the guide rod 15 to move linearly along the limit post 14. The other end of the guide rod 15 pulls or pushes the trip rod of the circuit breaker, thereby achieving rapid tripping. After the tripping action is completed, the electromagnetic mechanism 13 is de-energized, and its retractable end retracts. At this time, the reset spring 112 releases its elastic force, driving the guide rod 15 to return to its initial position, ready for the next action. Throughout the process, the cooperation between the limit post 14 and the moving groove 151 ensures the accurate movement trajectory of the guide rod 15, while the interference fit and fastener 19 ensure the stability of each component. The micro switch is triggered when the guide rod 15 moves, sending a tripping signal to the controller to achieve automated control.

[0027] The above embodiments are merely one preferred embodiment of the present utility model. Ordinary changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present utility model's technical solution are all included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A trip unit module, comprising a first housing and a second housing fixedly connected to each other by snap-fit, an electromagnetic mechanism fixed between the first housing and the second housing, and a limit post integrally formed on the second housing, characterized in that: It also includes a guide rod independent of the first and second housings. The guide rod cooperates with the limiting post to achieve linear movement. One end of the guide rod abuts against the telescopic end of the electromagnetic mechanism, and the other end of the guide rod is fixed to the tripping rod of the circuit breaker.

2. The trip unit module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first insertion groove is formed between the first housing and the second housing for inserting the electromagnetic mechanism, and the groove wall of the first insertion groove and the electromagnetic mechanism form an interference fit.

3. The trip unit module according to claim 2, characterized in that: A first fastening hole is provided on the end face of the first housing facing away from the electromagnetic mechanism, corresponding to the position of the electromagnetic mechanism. A fastener is inserted into the first fastening hole to fix the first housing and the electromagnetic mechanism.

4. The trip unit module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second housing is provided with a second insertion groove for the guide rod to move within it. The second insertion groove is located above the first insertion groove. The number of limiting posts is several, and all of them are located within the second insertion groove.

5. The trip unit module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The limiting post includes an anti-detachment part and a connecting rod part. The outer diameter of the anti-detachment part is larger than that of the connecting rod part. The guide rod is provided with a moving groove corresponding to the number of limiting posts. The inner diameter of one end of the moving groove is adapted to the outer diameter of the anti-detachment part, and the inner diameter of the remaining part is adapted to the outer diameter of the connecting rod part.

6. The trip unit module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The guide rod has a sleeve post on one side, and a positioning post is provided in the second insertion groove at the center line position of the sleeve post. A return spring is sleeved between the sleeve post and the positioning post.

7. The trip unit module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second insertion groove is provided with second fastening holes on both sides of the guide rod. Fasteners are inserted into the second fastening holes to fix the first shell and the second shell.

8. The trip unit module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A third insertion slot for placing a micro switch is formed between the first housing and the second housing.

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