A residual current circuit breaker

Abstract

This application discloses a residual current circuit breaker (RCCB), comprising a circuit breaker housing and an operating mechanism, a bimetallic strip, a bimetallic lever, and an RCCB trip unit disposed within the circuit breaker housing. The operating mechanism includes a latch, one end of the bimetallic lever is connected to the latch, and the other end of the bimetallic lever is a trigger terminal. The actuation force direction of the RCCB trip unit is parallel to the length direction of the circuit breaker housing, or at least one decomposed force direction of the RCCB trip unit is parallel to the length direction of the circuit breaker housing. It also includes a residual current transition element movably disposed relative to the circuit breaker housing, one end of which is connected to the RCCB trip unit, and the RCCB trip unit actuates to drive the residual current transition element. The bimetallic strip and the residual current transition element are arranged sequentially in the width direction of the circuit breaker housing. The trigger terminal has a straight structure, and the bimetallic strip and the residual current transition element respectively cooperate with different areas of the trigger terminal. This application features a simple structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of circuit breakers, specifically a residual current circuit breaker. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of miniature residual current circuit breakers, there are many types of residual current circuit breakers, including RCBO and RCCB.

[0003] As an RCBO residual current circuit breaker, its overload tripping and residual current tripping both utilize a bimetallic strip as a transmission component. Specifically, one end of the bimetallic strip is connected to the latch of the circuit breaker's operating mechanism. One part of the bimetallic strip has a shape adapted to fit the bimetallic strip, and the other part has a shape adapted to fit the residual current trip unit. During an overload, the bimetallic strip drives the bimetallic strip to pull the latch to rotate. During a residual current, the residual current trip unit drives the bimetallic strip to pull the latch to rotate.

[0004] Taking CN222749424U as an example, it adopts the above-mentioned mechanism. In the current structure, since the movement direction of the residual current device is vertical, the bimetallic rod needs to have many bends in order to simultaneously adapt to the bimetallic strip and the residual current device. Taking the attached drawings of this patent as an example, the bimetallic rod has at least 6 bends.

[0005] Such a structure makes the structure and manufacturing process of the double-metal tie rod extremely complex. How to simplify the production process of the double-metal tie rod is a question worth considering. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to provide a residual current circuit breaker.

[0007] This application provides: a residual current circuit breaker, comprising a circuit breaker housing and an operating mechanism, a bimetallic strip, a bimetallic lever, and a residual current trip unit disposed within the circuit breaker housing; wherein, the operating mechanism includes a latch, one end of the bimetallic lever is connected to the latch, and the other end of the bimetallic lever is a trigger terminal; the actuation force direction of the residual current trip unit is parallel to the length direction of the circuit breaker housing, or at least one decomposed force direction of the actuation force of the residual current trip unit is parallel to the length direction of the circuit breaker housing; it also includes a residual current transition member movably disposed relative to the circuit breaker housing, one end of the residual current transition member being connected to the residual current trip unit, and the residual current trip unit driving the residual current transition member to move when actuated; the bimetallic strip and the residual current transition member are arranged sequentially in the width direction of the circuit breaker housing; the trigger terminal has a straight structure, and the bimetallic strip and the residual current transition member respectively cooperate with different areas of the trigger terminal.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the trigger terminal is arranged along the width direction of the circuit breaker housing.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the leakage current transition piece is slidably disposed, and the actuating rod of the leakage current trip device is connected to the leakage current transition piece to drive the leakage current transition piece to slide.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the leakage current transition element includes a slot into which the actuating rod portion of the leakage current trip unit is engaged.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the leakage current transition element includes a travel groove, the travel groove includes a drive wall, and when the leakage current trip device is actuated, the drive wall drives the trigger end to move; when the bimetallic strip is actuated and drives the trigger end to move, the trigger end moves in the travel groove toward a direction away from the drive wall, and this movement is an idle travel movement.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, a partition is provided inside the circuit breaker housing, and the leakage current transition element is slidably disposed with the partition.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, a groove is provided on the partition, and the leakage current transition member is at least partially embedded in the groove and slidably disposed along the groove.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, a baffle is provided on the partition, which abuts against the leakage current transition member to limit the displacement of the leakage current transition member and the partition in the width direction of the circuit breaker housing.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the leakage current trip device is located on one side of the partition, the partition has an opening on the side facing the leakage current trip device, the leakage current transition member is at least partially exposed at the opening, and the exposed portion is used to connect with the actuating rod.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the partition is provided with guide ribs or guide grooves, and the bimetallic strip is attached to the guide ribs or guide grooves. When the bimetallic strip or the leakage trip device is actuated, the bimetallic strip moves along the guide ribs or guide grooves.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the circuit breaker has a moving contact for the live wire, a stationary contact for the live wire, a moving contact for the neutral wire, and a stationary contact for the neutral wire. The moving contact for the neutral wire and the stationary contact for the neutral wire cooperate with each other, and the moving contact for the live wire and the stationary contact for the live wire cooperate with each other. A partition separates the moving contact for the live wire from the moving contact for the neutral wire, as well as the stationary contact for the live wire from the stationary contact for the neutral wire. The bimetallic strip and the moving contact for the live wire are electrically connected in the circuit.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the leakage current transition element includes a travel groove, the travel groove includes a drive wall, and when the leakage current trip device is actuated, the drive wall drives the trigger end to move; the mating point between the drive wall and the trigger end and the connection point between the actuation rod and the leakage current transition element are misaligned in the width direction of the circuit breaker housing.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the total number of bends of the double-metal tie rod is no more than 5.

[0020] The advantages of this application compared to the prior art are: Compared to existing technologies, the actuation direction of the electromagnetic trip unit has been changed, making its actuating force direction parallel to the length direction of the circuit breaker housing, or at least one component of the actuating force of the residual current trip unit is parallel to the length direction of the circuit breaker housing. Then, combined with the design of the residual current transition element and the straight structure of the trigger end, the bimetallic strip and the residual current transition element utilize different areas of the trigger end during actuation. This straight structure design effectively reduces the number of bends in the bimetallic pull rod, simplifying the structure and manufacturing process. Attached Figure Description

[0021] 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.

[0022] Figure 1 A perspective view of a residual current circuit breaker according to an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 2 An internal schematic diagram of a residual current circuit breaker according to an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 3 This paper shows a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the residual current device, the bimetallic strip, and the bimetallic lever in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the double-metal tie rod in an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the leakage current transition element in an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the latch in the closed state in an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 7 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the latch rotating due to overload protection in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the latch rotating due to leakage protection in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the partition in an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the partition, double-metal tie rod, and leakage current transition component in an embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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

[0028] like Figures 1-10As shown, a residual current circuit breaker includes a circuit breaker housing 100, and an operating mechanism, a residual current trip unit 300, a bimetallic strip 400, a contact assembly, etc. are disposed inside the circuit breaker housing 100.

[0029] The circuit breaker housing 100 includes a first housing 110 and a second housing 120, which are spliced ​​together and fastened with rivets.

[0030] The operating mechanism employs a four-bar linkage, which includes components such as a handle, connecting rods, trip latch, latch 200, and contact support. These components are common knowledge in the field and will not be described in detail here. Alternatively, an operating mechanism without a trip latch can also be used; this is also common knowledge and will not be described in detail here. Regardless of whether the four-bar linkage has a trip latch or not, when the circuit is closed, if the latch 200 is rotated, the temporary stable state of the mechanism will be broken, and the operating mechanism will perform a trip operation.

[0031] There are many reasons why the latch 200 might rotate; it could be due to overload, leakage, or a short circuit. Since this application primarily focuses on structural improvements related to overload and leakage, the following description will emphasize structures related to these issues.

[0032] The residual current device 300 is a voltage trip unit, which includes a voltage coil, a moving iron core, an actuating rod 310, etc. When the voltage coil is energized, the moving iron core and the actuating rod 310 can slide (that is, the residual current device 300 is actuated). In this embodiment, the moving iron core and the actuating rod 310 are integrally formed. Alternatively, these two can be separately formed and then assembled together.

[0033] Here, the actuation direction of the actuator 310 is parallel to the length direction L1 of the circuit breaker housing 100. Alternatively, the actuation direction of the actuator 310 can form an acute angle with the length direction L1 of the circuit breaker housing 100. In this case, the residual current trip unit 300 with such an acute angle configuration will have at least one decomposed force direction parallel to the length direction L1 of the circuit breaker housing 100.

[0034] The leakage current transition element 500 is movable, which can be either rotating or sliding; in this embodiment, it is sliding. One end of the leakage current transition element 500 is connected to the actuation rod 310 of the leakage current trip unit 300, and the leakage current transition element 500 can also slide after the leakage current trip unit 300 is actuated.

[0035] The bimetallic strip 400 is connected in the main circuit conductor and can be bent by heat when the main circuit is overloaded (that is, the actuation of the bimetallic strip 400).

[0036] The dual-metal pull rod 600 has a multi-bend structure, specifically a four-bend structure in this embodiment. However, the total number of bends should not exceed five. The dual-metal pull rod 600 includes a connector 610, a guide section 620, and a trigger end 630. The connector 610 and guide section 620 form a bend at their connection point. The guide section 620 itself has two bends, and the guide section 620 and trigger end 630 form a bend.

[0037] The trigger terminal 630 has a straight structure and is used to drive either the bimetallic strip 400 or the leakage current transition element 500. Since the bimetallic strip 400 and the leakage current transition element 500 are arranged sequentially in the width direction L2 of the circuit breaker housing 100, the bimetallic strip 400 and the leakage current transition element 500 respectively cooperate with different areas of the trigger terminal 630.

[0038] It is this straight structural design that reduces the total number of bends in the Double Gold Tie Rod 600, which simplifies the structure and manufacturing process.

[0039] Here, the trigger terminal 630 can be positioned along the width direction L2 of the circuit breaker housing 100 (i.e., both are aligned); or the trigger terminal 630 can be positioned along the width direction L2 of the circuit breaker housing 100 (i.e., although there are some small acute angles between them, generally controlled within 10°, the trigger terminal 630 still appears to extend towards the width direction L2 of the circuit breaker housing 100). Regardless of the method used, this structure of the trigger terminal 630 facilitates cooperation with the bimetallic strip 400 and the leakage current transition element 500.

[0040] The leakage current transition component 500 includes a slot 510 into which a portion of the actuating rod 310 of the leakage current trip unit 300 is engaged, thus enabling the two to be linked. Here, the overall shape of the slot 510 is approximately U-shaped, and it has a groove on one surface of the leakage current transition component 500. The end of the actuating rod 310 of the leakage current trip unit 300 has a thick rod portion and a thin rod portion, with a portion of the thin rod portion engaging with the thick rod portion in the slot 510.

[0041] This structure makes the assembly of the two parts very simple and also facilitates the processing of the leakage current transition component 500.

[0042] There are many materials that can be chosen for the leakage current transition element 500, including metal and plastic. In this embodiment, plastic is used.

[0043] The leakage current transition element 500 includes a travel groove 520. The travel groove 520 has multiple groove walls, and in this embodiment, its shape is approximately rectangular. One of its shorter groove walls is the drive wall 520a, which pushes the trigger terminal 630 to move when the leakage current trip unit 300 is actuated. When the bimetallic strip 400 is actuated, the trigger terminal 630 moves away from the drive wall, and this movement is a no-travel movement (no-travel movement means that no transmission relationship occurs between the two).

[0044] The design of this stroke groove 520 allows the actuation of overload protection to be separated from the actuation of leakage protection, which is more conducive to using a single double gold pull rod 600 to achieve the rotation of the latch 200.

[0045] The mating point M1 between the drive wall and the trigger end 630 and the connection point M2 between the actuating rod 310 and the leakage current transition piece 500 are misaligned in the width direction L2 of the circuit breaker housing 100.

[0046] This misalignment design allows the structure of the leakage current transition component 500 to be as simple as possible, and it is compatible with the bimetallic strip 400 and the leakage current trip unit 300.

[0047] Here, the circuit breaker housing 100 also has a partition 130 inside.

[0048] This partition 130 is used to divide the interior of the circuit breaker housing 100 into a live wire chamber and a neutral wire chamber.

[0049] Because the contact assembly includes a live wire moving contact, a live wire stationary contact, a neutral wire moving contact, and a neutral wire stationary contact, the neutral wire moving contact and the neutral wire stationary contact cooperate with each other, and the live wire moving contact and the live wire stationary contact cooperate with each other. A partition 130 separates the live wire moving contact from the neutral wire moving contact, and the live wire stationary contact from the neutral wire stationary contact. The partition 130 is riveted and spliced ​​to the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 for fastening.

[0050] Here, the moving contact of the live wire and the moving contact of the neutral wire are both mounted on a single contact support. This allows the moving contact of the live wire to contact and separate from the stationary contact of the live wire under the action of the operating mechanism, and the moving contact of the neutral wire to contact and separate from the stationary contact of the neutral wire.

[0051] The bimetallic strip 400 and the moving contact of the live wire are electrically connected in the circuit, specifically through a flexible connection soldering to form the electrical connection.

[0052] The leakage current transition element 500 is slidably mounted on the partition 130.

[0053] A groove 1301 is provided on the partition 130, and the leakage current transition component 500 is partially embedded in the groove 1301 and slides along the groove 1301.

[0054] This sliding design makes the installation of the leakage current transition piece 500 simpler and the sliding direction more reliable.

[0055] A baffle 1302 is provided on the partition 130. The baffle 1302 blocks one side of the leakage current transition member 500 (in the non-sliding direction) and abuts against the leakage current transition member 500. Such a baffle 1302 can prevent the leakage current transition member 500 and the partition 130 from shifting in the width direction L2 of the circuit breaker housing 100, and ensure that the movement of the leakage current transition member 500 is more stable.

[0056] Viewed from inside the circuit breaker housing 100, the residual current device 300 is located on one side of the partition 130. The partition 130 has an opening 1303 on the side facing the residual current device 300. The residual current transition member 500 is at least partially exposed at the opening 1303. The portion of the residual current transition member 500 with a slot 510 is exposed outside the partition 130 and connected to the actuating rod 310.

[0057] Two guide ribs 1304 are provided on the partition plate 130 and are spaced apart. The guide section 620 of the bimetallic strip 600 is located between the guide ribs 1304. When the bimetallic strip 400 or the leakage trip device 300 is actuated, the bimetallic strip 600 moves along the guide ribs 1304 or the guide groove.

[0058] Of course, the guide rib 1304 can also be replaced by a guide groove structure.

[0059] Both the guide rib 1304 and the guide groove play a guiding role in the movement of the double gold tie rod 600, ensuring that the double gold tie rod 600 can pull the lock 200 to rotate more effectively and reduce unnecessary movements.

[0060] This structure will facilitate the assembly of the leakage current transition piece 500 and the actuating rod 310.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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 residual current circuit breaker, comprising a circuit breaker housing and an operating mechanism, a bimetallic strip, a bimetallic pull rod, and a residual current trip unit disposed within the circuit breaker housing; characterized in that: The operating mechanism includes a latch, one end of a bimetallic strip connected to the latch, and the other end of the bimetallic strip serving as the trigger end; the actuation force direction of the residual current device (RCD) is parallel to the length direction of the circuit breaker housing, or at least one decomposed force direction of the RCD is parallel to the length direction of the circuit breaker housing; it also includes a residual current transition element movably disposed relative to the circuit breaker housing, one end of which is connected to the RCD, and the RCD moves when actuated; the bimetallic strip and the residual current transition element are arranged sequentially in the width direction of the circuit breaker housing; the trigger end has a straight structure, and the bimetallic strip and the residual current transition element respectively cooperate with different areas of the trigger end.

2. A residual current circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The trigger terminal is positioned along the width of the circuit breaker housing.

3. A residual current circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The leakage current transition element is a sliding component. The actuation rod of the leakage current trip unit is connected to the leakage current transition element to drive the leakage current transition element to slide.

4. A residual current circuit breaker according to claim 3, characterized in that: The leakage current transition component includes a slot, into which the actuating rod of the leakage current trip unit is inserted; And / or, the leakage current transition element includes a travel groove, the travel groove includes a drive wall, and when the leakage current trip unit is actuated, the drive wall drives the trigger end to move; when the bimetallic strip is actuated and drives the trigger end to move, the trigger end moves in the travel groove in a direction away from the drive wall, and this movement is an idle travel movement.

5. A residual current circuit breaker according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The circuit breaker housing has a partition inside, and the leakage current transition element is slidably installed with the partition.

6. A residual current circuit breaker according to claim 5, characterized in that: The partition has a groove, and the leakage current transition component is at least partially embedded in the groove and slidably installed along the groove; Or / and, a baffle is provided on the partition, the baffle abuts against the leakage current transition piece, and the leakage current transition piece and the partition are restricted from offset in the width direction of the circuit breaker housing; Or / and, the residual current device is located on one side of the partition, the partition has an opening on the side facing the residual current device, the residual current transition piece is at least partially exposed at the opening, and the exposed portion is used to connect with the actuating rod.

7. A residual current circuit breaker according to claim 5, characterized in that: The partition is provided with guide ribs or guide grooves, and the bimetallic strip is attached to the guide ribs or guide grooves. When the bimetallic strip or leakage trip device is actuated, the bimetallic strip moves along the guide ribs or guide grooves.

8. A residual current circuit breaker according to claim 5, characterized in that: The circuit breaker has a moving contact for the live wire, a stationary contact for the live wire, a moving contact for the neutral wire, and a stationary contact for the neutral wire. The moving contact for the neutral wire and the stationary contact for the neutral wire cooperate with each other, and the moving contact for the live wire and the stationary contact for the live wire cooperate with each other. A partition separates the moving contact for the live wire from the moving contact for the neutral wire, as well as the moving contact for the live wire from the stationary contact for the neutral wire. The bimetallic strip is electrically connected to the moving contact for the live wire in the circuit.

9. A residual current circuit breaker according to claim 3, characterized in that: The leakage current transition component includes a travel groove, which includes a drive wall. When the leakage current trip device is actuated, the drive wall drives the trigger end to move. The mating point between the drive wall and the trigger end and the connection point between the actuating rod and the leakage current transition component are misaligned in the width direction of the circuit breaker housing.

10. A residual current circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The total number of bends of the double gold tie rod shall not exceed 5.

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