Operating mechanism and circuit breaker

Abstract

The present disclosure proposes an operating mechanism, including: a housing; a transmission shaft, being parallel to a movable contact pivot axis, penetrating through and protruding from a movable contact assembly; a pull rod, configured to move between a first position and a second position; a pivot plate, installed to be able to pivot around the movable contact pivot axis relative to the housing, the pivot plate being provided with a first hole connected with the transmission shaft; a first pivoting member, one end of the first pivoting member being pivotally connected to the housing; and a second pivoting member, one end of the second pivoting member is pivotally connected to other end of the first pivoting member and the pull rod, and other end of second pivoting member is pivotally connected to the pivot plate at a second hole of the pivot plate to drive the pivot plate to pivot around the movable contact pivot axis, and then the pivot plate drives the movable contact assembly to pivot around the movable contact pivot axis, a distance between the second hole and the movable contact pivot axis is smaller than a distance between pivot axes of two ends of the first pivoting member.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure claims the priority and benefits of the Chinese Patent Applications No. 202411702155X, which was filed on November, 26, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as part of the present disclosure.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the electric field, in particular to an operating mechanism and a circuit breaker comprising the operating mechanism.BACKGROUND

[0003] Circuit breaker is a common electrical device, which is used to automatically cut off the circuit when excessive abnormal current flows in the circuit (for example, overload or short circuit) to protect the safety of equipment and personnel. The circuit breaker includes a stationary contact and a movable contact respectively connected to the terminals, which two form a normally closed breakpoint. When breaking is needed, the movable contact is rotated by an operating mechanism and disconnected from the stationary contact, thus breaking the circuit.

[0004] The commonly used arc extinguishing device is a metal grid arc extinguishing chamber, which uses the metal grid to lengthen the arc and cut it into several short arcs in series, thus rapidly increasing the arc voltage. The more the number of metal grids, the more short arcs the arc is divided into, the more the arc voltage increases and the larger the cooling area of the grids, which are beneficial to arc extinguishing.

[0005] However, in the existing circuit breakers, the opening and closing angle is small, and the opening distance of contacts is not large in a limited space range, which leads to the limitation of the layout of arc extinguishing chambers and of the number of arc extinguishing grids. In this way, it can not meet the arc extinguishing requirements of DC arc breaking.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an operating mechanism and a circuit breaker that can solve the above problems.SUMMARY

[0007] The purpose of the present disclosure is to at least solve the defects existing in the existing art. The present disclosure proposes an operating mechanism, including: a housing; a transmission shaft, being parallel to a movable contact pivot axis, penetrating through and protruding from a movable contact assembly, and being able to pivot around the movable contact pivot axis relative to the housing; a pull rod, configured to move between a first position and a second position; a pivot plate, installed to be able to pivot around the movable contact pivot axis relative to the housing, the pivot plate being provided with a first hole connected with the transmission shaft; a first pivoting member, one end of the first pivoting member being pivotally connected to the housing; a second pivoting member, one end of the second pivoting member is pivotally connected to other end of the first pivoting member and the pull rod, and other end of second pivoting member is pivotally connected to the pivot plate at a second hole of the pivot plate to drive the pivot plate to pivot around the movable contact pivot axis, and then the pivot plate driving the movable contact assembly to pivot around the movable contact pivot axis.

[0008] In a movement process of the pull rod from the second position to the first position, the pull rod drives the movable contact assembly to contact with a stationary contact through the first pivoting member, the second pivoting member and the pivot plate. In a movement process of the pull rod from the first position to the second position, the pull rod drives the movable contact assembly to pivot to separate from the stationary contact through the first pivoting member, the second pivoting member and the pivot plate. A distance between the second hole and the movable contact pivot axis is smaller than a distance between pivot axes of two ends of the first pivoting member.

[0009] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the operating mechanism further includes a handle and a transmission mechanism, the handle is able to be pivotally installed to the housing and the transmission mechanism couples the handle and the pull rod so that the pull rod is able to move between the first position and the second position by operating the handle to pivot.

[0010] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the operating mechanism further includes a tripping mechanism, and the tripping mechanism is configured to perform a tripping motion in response to a current flowing through the movable contact assembly being greater than a threshold value, thereby driving the pull rod to move from the first position to the second position.

[0011] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a cross section of the transmission shaft has an outline surrounded by first edges that are opposite to each other and second edges that are opposite to each other, a dimension of each of the first edges is larger than a dimension of each of the second edges, and an extension direction of each of the first edges is consistent with a moving direction of the movable contact assembly.

[0012] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an inner core of the transmission shaft is made of metal, and the inner core is coated with an insulating material.

[0013] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a maximum rotation angle of the transmission shaft around the movable contact pivot axis is in a range from 70 degrees to 80 degrees.

[0014] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second hole is closer to the movable contact pivot axis than the first hole,

[0015] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the operating mechanism includes two pull rods, two first pivoting members, two second pivoting members and two pivot plates which are symmetrical about a plane perpendicular to the movable contact pivot axis.

[0016] The present disclosure further proposes a circuit breaker, including the operating mechanism according to any one of the abovementioned embodiments

[0017] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the circuit breaker includes a breaking unit, the movable contact assembly and the stationary contact are arranged in the breaking unit; the operating mechanism is installed to the breaking unit; and the transmission shaft penetrates through the breaking unit.

[0018] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the circuit breaker includes additional breaking units, each of the additional breaking units includes a stationary contact and a movable contact assembly, and the transmission shaft couples all the movable contact assemblies so that all the movable contact assemblies of the circuit breaker move synchronously.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an operating mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 shows a schematic plan view of an operating mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figs. 3a-3c show operation schematic diagrams of part of the structure shown in Fig. 1, in which Fig. 3a shows the circuit breaker in a closed state, Fig. 3b shows the circuit breaker in an open state, and Fig. 3c shows the circuit breaker in a tripped state; Fig. 4 shows a structural schematic diagram of a transmission shaft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 5a shows a mating structure between an operating mechanism and a movable contact according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 5b shows the structure according to Fig. 5a from another perspective, in which a housing of the breaking unit is hidden for the sake of illustration; Figs. 6a-6c respectively illustrate a circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In order to make the purpose, details and advantages of the technical solution of the present disclosure more clear, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described clearly and completely with the attached drawings of specific embodiments of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, the terms used herein have the ordinary meaning in the art. Like reference numerals in the drawings represent like parts.

[0021] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "install", "connection" and "connect" should be broadly understood, for example, the connection can be fixed connection, detachable connection or integrated connection; the connection can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; the connection can be direct connection, can also be indirectly connection through an intermediate medium, and can be connected inside two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood in specific situations.

[0022] The present disclosure provides an operating mechanism and a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker may include a breaking unit 7, and the number of the breaking unit 7 can be especially one, two, three and four, which respectively correspond to 1p, 2p, 3p and 4p circuit breakers. For example, Figs. 6a-6c show the circuit breakers of 2p, 3p and 4p, respectively. In the case where a plurality of breaking units 7 are included, these breaking units may be identical. Each of the plurality of breaking units 7 may include a stationary contact 5 fixed to the housing of the circuit breaker, and a movable contact assembly 1 movable relative to the stationary contact 5. In particular, the movable contact assembly 1 can be pivotally installed to a housing of the breaking unit or a housing of the circuit breaker around a movable contact pivot axis A, as illustrated by Fig. 1. The movable contact assembly 1 may include, for example, a single-acting contact or a double-acting contact as illustrated by Figs. 5a and 5b. In the case where the movable contact assembly 1 includes the double-acting contact, two movable contacts 11 are symmetrical about the movable contact pivot axis A, so that the two movable contacts 11 can contact and separate from the corresponding stationary contact 5 at the same time. The breaking unit 7 may also include conventional components and structures (not shown) such as arc extinguishing chambers and arc extinguishing grids.

[0023] As illustrated by Fig. 1, the operating mechanism 2 includes a housing 25, which can be installed and fixed to a housing of the breaking unit 7 or a housing of the circuit breaker. The operating mechanism 2 may also include a transmission shaft 6, which is arranged parallel to the movable contact pivot axis A. In particular, the transmission shaft 6 may completely penetrate and protrude from the movable contact assembly 1 (as illustrated by Figs. 5a and 5b), especially from the breaking unit where the movable contact assembly is located (as illustrated by Figs. 6a- 6c), for example, for connection with the rest of the operating mechanism 2 arranged outside the breaking unit. As illustrated by Fig. 5b, the movable contact assembly 1 has a hole which is matched with the shape of the transmission shaft 6 for the transmission shaft 6 to pass through, so that the movable contact assembly 1 can be driven to pivot by driving the transmission shaft 6 to rotate relative to the movable contact pivot axis A.

[0024] Especially, when the transmission shaft 6 penetrates through a plurality of movable contact assemblies 1 at the same time, as illustrated by Figs. 5a and 5b, the plurality of movable contact assemblies 1 can be driven to rotate at the same time. For a circuit breaker including a plurality of breaking units 7, the transmission shaft 6 can be used to couple the plurality of breaking units 7, so as to transfer forces among the plurality of breaking units 7, and especially to synchronize the movements of the movable contact assemblies 1 in the plurality of breaking units 7.

[0025] In particular, because one or more movable contact assemblies 1 are driven to pivot by the transmission shaft 6, the transmission shaft 6 needs to bear a large stress, especially in the pivoting direction of the movable contact assembly 1 due to the transmission shaft 6 exerting a force on the movable contact assembly 1 in this direction. For this reason, as illustrated by part a of Fig. 4, the cross section of the transmission shaft 6 according to the present disclosure may have an outline surrounded by first edges 611 that are opposite to each other and second edges 612 that are opposite to each other. A dimension of each of the first edges 611 is larger than a dimension of each of the second edges 612, and the extension direction of the first edge 611 is consistent with a moving direction of the movable contact assembly 1 (i.e., tangential direction relative to the movable contact pivot axis A), as illustrated by, for example, Figs. 5a and 5b. Therefore, the rigidity and strength of the transmission shaft 6 can be increased in the moving direction of the movable contact assembly 1, and its deformation in this direction can be reduced, which is beneficial to the synchronous movement of a plurality of movable contact assemblies 1 to which the transmission shaft 6 is connected.

[0026] Further, in order to further enhance the strength and performance of the transmission shaft 6, the transmission shaft 6 may include an inner core 61 and a coating material outside the inner core 61. Fig. 4 shows the structure of the transmission shaft 6 according to the present disclosure, in which part a is a complete external view of the transmission shaft, and part b is a view in which part of an insulating material 62 outside an inner core 61 is stripped. As can be seen from Fig. 4, the transmission shaft 6 can include the inner core 61 and the insulating material 62 covering the inner core 61. The inner core 61 can be made of metal, and the insulating material 62 is, for example, plastic. Thus, the transmission shaft 6 can be made through integrally encapsulation by insert molding. Therefore, sufficient rigidity and strength are obtained through the inner core 61 and insulation performance is obtained through the insulating material 62 of the outer layer, so that the transmission shaft 6 can be driven among a plurality of movable contact assemblies (possibly connected to different electrical phases), and the safety of electricity use is ensured.

[0027] The circuit breaker of the present disclosure also includes an operating mechanism 2 for operating the movable contact assembly 1. For example, the movable contact assembly 1 can be driven by a handle 22 of the operating mechanism 2. Such as, the handle 22 drives the movable contact assembly 1 through a linkage mechanism, so that the circuit breaker can be switched between an open state and a closed state. The linkage mechanism can determine a pivoting angle of the movable contact assembly 1, that is, determine an opening distance of the movable contact. The handle 22 can pivot relative to the housing 25. For example, the handle 22 can move between a closed position and an open position. When the handle 22 moves to the closed position, as illustrated by Fig. 3a, the movable contact assembly 1 contacts the stationary contact 5, and the circuit breaker switches to the closed state. When the handle 22 moves to the open position, as illustrated by Fig. 3b, the movable contact assembly 1 separates from the stationary contact 5, and the circuit breaker switches to the open state.

[0028] The connection between the handle 22 and the movable contact assembly 1 usually requires a linkage mechanism, such as a double rocker mechanism, but the opening distance of the existing circuit breaker is often limited. The present disclosure proposes an improved operating mechanism 2. Specifically, the operating mechanism 2 according to the present disclosure may include a handle 22 (as described above), a transmission mechanism 23, a pull rod 21, a pivot plate 3, a first pivoting member 41 and a second pivoting member 42.

[0029] The pull rod 21 and the handle 22 can be coupled by a transmission mechanism 23, so that the pull rod 21 can move between a first position (as illustrated by Fig. 3a) and a second position (as illustrated by Fig. 3b) by pivoting the handle 1. Figs. 3a-3c are only functional schematic diagrams, and the transmission mechanism 23 may include a plurality of components, which is a well-known technology in the field and is not the focus of the present disclosure, and will not be developed in detail here.

[0030] The pivot plate 3 is installed to be able to pivot around the movable contact pivot axis A relative to the housing 25, as illustrated by Fig. 1. For example, the pivot plate 3 can be fixed to the housing 25 of the operating mechanism 2 by riveting, and the housing 25 can be installed and fixed to the housing of the circuit breaker or the housing of the breaking unit. Under the condition that the operating mechanism 2 is installed and matched with the movable contact assembly 1, as illustrated by Fig. 5a, the pivot plate 3 and the movable contact assembly 1 have the same pivot axis, that is, the movable contact pivot axis A. Especially for the symmetrical double contact structure shown in Fig. 5a, the pivot plate 3 and the movable contact assembly 1 have the same pivot axis, which is beneficial to ensure the state synchronization of the double contact structure.

[0031] Further, the pivot plate 3 is provided with a first hole 31 connected with the transmission shaft 6, and the transmission shaft 6 can pass through the first hole 31 to realize the connection. The profile of the first hole 31 corresponds to the profile of the cross section of the transmission shaft 6. Therefore, the pivot of the pivot plate 3 can drive the transmission shaft 6 to rotate around the movable contact pivot axis A, thereby driving the whole movable contact assembly 1 to pivot around the movable contact pivot axis A. For example, as illustrated by Figs. 1 and 2, the number of transmission shafts 6 is one, and the operating mechanism according to the present disclosure may further include two transmission shafts, for example, the two transmission shafts are symmetrical about the rotating axis A of the movable contact.

[0032] The operating mechanism 2 further includes a first pivoting member 41 and a second pivoting member 42 for connecting the pull rod 21 and the pivot plate 3. One end of the first pivoting member 41 is pivotally connected to the housing 25, and other end of the first pivoting member 41 is pivotally connected to an end of the pull rod 21 and one end of the second pivoting member 42, that is, the first pivoting member 41, the second pivoting member 42 and the pull rod 21 are pivotally connected to each other. The movement of the pull rod 21 between the first position and the second position can make the first pivoting member 41 pivot relative to the housing 25, and at the same time can drive the second pivoting member 42 to move.

[0033] While other end of the second pivoting member 42 is pivotally connected to the pivot plate 3 at a second hole 32 of the pivot plate 41. Therefore, the movement of the second pivoting member 42 can drive the pivot plate 3 to pivot around the movable contact pivot axis A, and then the pivot plate 3 can drive the movable contact assembly 1 to pivot around the movable contact pivot axis A.

[0034] For example, as illustrated by Figs. 1 and 2, a center line of the second hole 32, a center line of the first hole 31 and the movable contact pivot axis A are parallel to each other and not in the same plane. In particular, the second hole 32 can be closer to the movable contact pivot axis A than the first hole 31, which can increase the torque arm applied by the transmission shaft 6 to the movable contact assembly 1 and further prevent the transmission shaft 6 from deforming.

[0035] Thus, as illustrated by Figs. 3a and 3b, during the movement of the pull rod 21 from the second position (Fig. 3b) to the first position (Fig. 3a), the movable contact assembly 1 is driven to contact the stationary contact 5 through the first pivoting member 41, the second pivoting member 42 and the pivot plate 3. On the contrary, during the movement of the pull rod 21 from the first position to the second position, the movable contact assembly 1 is pivoted to be separated from the stationary contact through the first pivoting member 41, the second pivoting member 42 and the pivot plate 3.

[0036] Therefore, in essence, the first pivoting member 41, the second pivoting member 42 and the pivot plate 3 (pivot axis A and the second hole 32) form a four-bar linkage, and the pivot plate can be driven to swing by swinging the first pivoting member 41. In particular, the distance between the second hole 32 and the movable contact pivot axis A can be set to be smaller than the distance between the pivot axes of the two ends of the first pivoting member 41, so that the pivot plate 3 has a larger pivot angle than the first pivoting member 42 according to the characteristics of the four-bar linkage, thereby increasing the pivot angle of the movable contact assembly 1 and increasing the opening distance.

[0037] According to the operating mechanism of the present disclosure, the maximum rotation angle of the transmission shaft 6 around the movable contact pivot axis A can be, for example, in the range from 70 degrees to 80 degrees, for example, 74 degrees, 75 degrees, 76 degrees, 77 degrees and 78 degrees.

[0038] According to the operating mechanism of the present disclosure, there are additional advantages: the pull rod 21 is not directly connected to the transmission shaft 6, and the movable contact assembly 1 and the pivot plate 3 pivot coaxially and synchronously. The operating mechanism can be adapted to movable contact assemblies of various sizes only by changing the pivot plate, that is, by changing a relative distance between the second hole 32 and the pivot axis A, and realize various required opening distances, thus saving manpower and design time, thereby reducing cost, and having great practical and economic value.

[0039] Further, the operating mechanism 2 may include two pull rods 21, two first pivoting members 41, two second pivoting members 42, and two pivot plates 3 that are symmetrical about a plane perpendicular to the movable contact pivot axis A. Therefore, the operating mechanism 2 can exert greater force on the transmission shaft 6, which makes the load distribution more uniform and reduces the deformation of the transmission shaft.

[0040] The present disclosure also includes a tripping mechanism 24 (the specific structure is not shown, and the functional schematic diagram is shown in Figs. 3a- 3c), and Fig. 3c shows the schematic diagram of the trip state of the circuit breaker. The tripping mechanism 24 is configured to perform tripping motion in response to the current flowing through the circuit breaker being greater than a threshold value, thereby driving the pull rod 21 to move from the first position to the second position, and further pivoting the movable contact assembly 1 to separate from the stationary contact. The specific structure of the tripping mechanism 24 can adopt any tripping mechanism known in the field, and is not further limited here.

[0041] Furthermore, the circuit breaker according to the present disclosure may include a plurality of breaking units, for example, two breaking units (Fig. 6a), three breaking units (Fig. 6b) and four breaking units (Fig. 6c). For example, as illustrated by Figs. 6a-6c, the operating mechanism 2 can be installed and fixed to a breaking unit. Each breaking unit can be completely identical, that is, each breaking unit includes a stationary contact and a movable contact assembly with the same structure and arrangement. The transmission shaft 6 passes through all the breaking units, especially all the movable contact assemblies 1, so that all the movable contact assemblies 1 of the circuit breaker move synchronously.

[0042] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. The functions or performances of various elements or modules described herein are only for illustration and are in no way restrictive, but only exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0043] In the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "wherein" are used as simple English equivalents of the corresponding terms "including" and "in which". Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms "first", "second" and "third" are only used as labels, and no numerical requirements are intended to be imposed on their objects.Reference numerals:

[0044] 1-movable contact assembly, 11-movable contact, 2-operating mechanism, 21-pull rod, 22-handle, 23-transmission mechanism, 24-tripping mechanism, 25-housing, 3-pivot plate, 31-first hole, 32-second hole, 41- first pivoting member, 42- second pivoting member, 5-stationary contact, 6-transmission shaft, 61-inner core, 62-insulating material, 7-breaking unit, A-movable contact pivot axis.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0020]In order to make the purpose, details and advantages of the technical solution of the present disclosure more clear, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described clearly and completely with the attached drawings of specific embodiments of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, the terms used herein have the ordinary meaning in the art. Like reference numerals in the drawings represent like parts.

[0021]In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "install", "connection" and "connect" should be broadly understood, for example, the connection can be fixed connection, detachable connection or integrated connection; the connection can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; the connection can be direct connection, can also be indirectly connection through an intermediate medium, and can be connected inside two elements. For those skilled in...

[0001] The present disclosure claims the priority and benefits of the Chinese Patent Applications No. 202411702155X, which was filed on November, 26, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as part of the present disclosure.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the electric field, in particular to an operating mechanism and a circuit breaker comprising the operating mechanism.BACKGROUND

[0003] Circuit breaker is a common electrical device, which is used to automatically cut off the circuit when excessive abnormal current flows in the circuit (for example, overload or short circuit) to protect the safety of equipment and personnel. The circuit breaker includes a stationary contact and a movable contact respectively connected to the terminals, which two form a normally closed breakpoint. When breaking is needed, the movable contact is rotated by an operating mechanism and disconnected from the stationary contact, thus breaking the circuit.

[0004] The commonly used arc extinguishing device is a metal grid arc extinguishing chamber, which uses the metal grid to lengthen the arc and cut it into several short arcs in series, thus rapidly increasing the arc voltage. The more the number of metal grids, the more short arcs the arc is divided into, the more the arc voltage increases and the larger the cooling area of the grids, which are beneficial to arc extinguishing.

[0005] However, in the existing circuit breakers, the opening and closing angle is small, and the opening distance of contacts is not large in a limited space range, which leads to the limitation of the layout of arc extinguishing chambers and of the number of arc extinguishing grids. In this way, it can not meet the arc extinguishing requirements of DC arc breaking.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an operating mechanism and a circuit breaker that can solve the above problems.SUMMARY

[0007] The purpose of the present disclosure is to at least solve the defects existing in the existing art. The present disclosure proposes an operating mechanism, including: a housing; a transmission shaft, being parallel to a movable contact pivot axis, penetrating through and protruding from a movable contact assembly, and being able to pivot around the movable contact pivot axis relative to the housing; a pull rod, configured to move between a first position and a second position; a pivot plate, installed to be able to pivot around the movable contact pivot axis relative to the housing, the pivot plate being provided with a first hole connected with the transmission shaft; a first pivoting member, one end of the first pivoting member being pivotally connected to the housing; a second pivoting member, one end of the second pivoting member is pivotally connected to other end of the first pivoting member and the pull rod, and other end of second pivoting member is pivotally connected to the pivot plate at a second hole of the pivot plate to drive the pivot plate to pivot around the movable contact pivot axis, and then the pivot plate driving the movable contact assembly to pivot around the movable contact pivot axis.

[0008] In a movement process of the pull rod from the second position to the first position, the pull rod drives the movable contact assembly to contact with a stationary contact through the first pivoting member, the second pivoting member and the pivot plate. In a movement process of the pull rod from the first position to the second position, the pull rod drives the movable contact assembly to pivot to separate from the stationary contact through the first pivoting member, the second pivoting member and the pivot plate. A distance between the second hole and the movable contact pivot axis is smaller than a distance between pivot axes of two ends of the first pivoting member.

[0009] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the operating mechanism further includes a handle and a transmission mechanism, the handle is able to be pivotally installed to the housing and the transmission mechanism couples the handle and the pull rod so that the pull rod is able to move between the first position and the second position by operating the handle to pivot.

[0010] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the operating mechanism further includes a tripping mechanism, and the tripping mechanism is configured to perform a tripping motion in response to a current flowing through the movable contact assembly being greater than a threshold value, thereby driving the pull rod to move from the first position to the second position.

[0011] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a cross section of the transmission shaft has an outline surrounded by first edges that are opposite to each other and second edges that are opposite to each other, a dimension of each of the first edges is larger than a dimension of each of the second edges, and an extension direction of each of the first edges is consistent with a moving direction of the movable contact assembly.

[0012] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an inner core of the transmission shaft is made of metal, and the inner core is coated with an insulating material.

[0013] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a maximum rotation angle of the transmission shaft around the movable contact pivot axis is in a range from 70 degrees to 80 degrees.

[0014] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second hole is closer to the movable contact pivot axis than the first hole,

[0015] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the operating mechanism includes two pull rods, two first pivoting members, two second pivoting members and two pivot plates which are symmetrical about a plane perpendicular to the movable contact pivot axis.

[0016] The present disclosure further proposes a circuit breaker, including the operating mechanism according to any one of the abovementioned embodiments

[0017] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the circuit breaker includes a breaking unit, the movable contact assembly and the stationary contact are arranged in the breaking unit; the operating mechanism is installed to the breaking unit; and the transmission shaft penetrates through the breaking unit.

[0018] For example, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the circuit breaker includes additional breaking units, each of the additional breaking units includes a stationary contact and a movable contact assembly, and the transmission shaft couples all the movable contact assemblies so that all the movable contact assemblies of the circuit breaker move synchronously.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an operating mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 shows a schematic plan view of an operating mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figs. 3a-3c show operation schematic diagrams of part of the structure shown in Fig. 1, in which Fig. 3a shows the circuit breaker in a closed state, Fig. 3b shows the circuit breaker in an open state, and Fig. 3c shows the circuit breaker in a tripped state; Fig. 4 shows a structural schematic diagram of a transmission shaft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 5a shows a mating structure between an operating mechanism and a movable contact according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 5b shows the structure according to Fig. 5a from another perspective, in which a housing of the breaking unit is hidden for the sake of illustration; Figs. 6a-6c respectively illustrate a circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In order to make the purpose, details and advantages of the technical solution of the present disclosure more clear, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described clearly and completely with the attached drawings of specific embodiments of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, the terms used herein have the ordinary meaning in the art. Like reference numerals in the drawings represent like parts.

[0021] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "install", "connection" and "connect" should be broadly understood, for example, the connection can be fixed connection, detachable connection or integrated connection; the connection can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; the connection can be direct connection, can also be indirectly connection through an intermediate medium, and can be connected inside two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood in specific situations.

[0022] The present disclosure provides an operating mechanism and a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker may include a breaking unit 7, and the number of the breaking unit 7 can be especially one, two, three and four, which respectively correspond to 1p, 2p, 3p and 4p circuit breakers. For example, Figs. 6a-6c show the circuit breakers of 2p, 3p and 4p, respectively. In the case where a plurality of breaking units 7 are included, these breaking units may be identical. Each of the plurality of breaking units 7 may include a stationary contact 5 fixed to the housing of the circuit breaker, and a movable contact assembly 1 movable relative to the stationary contact 5. In particular, the movable contact assembly 1 can be pivotally installed to a housing of the breaking unit or a housing of the circuit breaker around a movable contact pivot axis A, as illustrated by Fig. 1. The movable contact assembly 1 may include, for example, a single-acting contact or a double-acting contact as illustrated by Figs. 5a and 5b. In the case where the movable contact assembly 1 includes the double-acting contact, two movable contacts 11 are symmetrical about the movable contact pivot axis A, so that the two movable contacts 11 can contact and separate from the corresponding stationary contact 5 at the same time. The breaking unit 7 may also include conventional components and structures (not shown) such as arc extinguishing chambers and arc extinguishing grids.

[0023] As illustrated by Fig. 1, the operating mechanism 2 includes a housing 25, which can be installed and fixed to a housing of the breaking unit 7 or a housing of the circuit breaker. The operating mechanism 2 may also include a transmission shaft 6, which is arranged parallel to the movable contact pivot axis A. In particular, the transmission shaft 6 may completely penetrate and protrude from the movable contact assembly 1 (as illustrated by Figs. 5a and 5b), especially from the breaking unit where the movable contact assembly is located (as illustrated by Figs. 6a- 6c), for example, for connection with the rest of the operating mechanism 2 arranged outside the breaking unit. As illustrated by Fig. 5b, the movable contact assembly 1 has a hole which is matched with the shape of the transmission shaft 6 for the transmission shaft 6 to pass through, so that the movable contact assembly 1 can be driven to pivot by driving the transmission shaft 6 to rotate relative to the movable contact pivot axis A.

[0024] Especially, when the transmission shaft 6 penetrates through a plurality of movable contact assemblies 1 at the same time, as illustrated by Figs. 5a and 5b, the plurality of movable contact assemblies 1 can be driven to rotate at the same time. For a circuit breaker including a plurality of breaking units 7, the transmission shaft 6 can be used to couple the plurality of breaking units 7, so as to transfer forces among the plurality of breaking units 7, and especially to synchronize the movements of the movable contact assemblies 1 in the plurality of breaking units 7.

[0025] In particular, because one or more movable contact assemblies 1 are driven to pivot by the transmission shaft 6, the transmission shaft 6 needs to bear a large stress, especially in the pivoting direction of the movable contact assembly 1 due to the transmission shaft 6 exerting a force on the movable contact assembly 1 in this direction. For this reason, as illustrated by part a of Fig. 4, the cross section of the transmission shaft 6 according to the present disclosure may have an outline surrounded by first edges 611 that are opposite to each other and second edges 612 that are opposite to each other. A dimension of each of the first edges 611 is larger than a dimension of each of the second edges 612, and the extension direction of the first edge 611 is consistent with a moving direction of the movable contact assembly 1 (i.e., tangential direction relative to the movable contact pivot axis A), as illustrated by, for example, Figs. 5a and 5b. Therefore, the rigidity and strength of the transmission shaft 6 can be increased in the moving direction of the movable contact assembly 1, and its deformation in this direction can be reduced, which is beneficial to the synchronous movement of a plurality of movable contact assemblies 1 to which the transmission shaft 6 is connected.

[0026] Further, in order to further enhance the strength and performance of the transmission shaft 6, the transmission shaft 6 may include an inner core 61 and a coating material outside the inner core 61. Fig. 4 shows the structure of the transmission shaft 6 according to the present disclosure, in which part a is a complete external view of the transmission shaft, and part b is a view in which part of an insulating material 62 outside an inner core 61 is stripped. As can be seen from Fig. 4, the transmission shaft 6 can include the inner core 61 and the insulating material 62 covering the inner core 61. The inner core 61 can be made of metal, and the insulating material 62 is, for example, plastic. Thus, the transmission shaft 6 can be made through integrally encapsulation by insert molding. Therefore, sufficient rigidity and strength are obtained through the inner core 61 and insulation performance is obtained through the insulating material 62 of the outer layer, so that the transmission shaft 6 can be driven among a plurality of movable contact assemblies (possibly connected to different electrical phases), and the safety of electricity use is ensured.

[0027] The circuit breaker of the present disclosure also includes an operating mechanism 2 for operating the movable contact assembly 1. For example, the movable contact assembly 1 can be driven by a handle 22 of the operating mechanism 2. Such as, the handle 22 drives the movable contact assembly 1 through a linkage mechanism, so that the circuit breaker can be switched between an open state and a closed state. The linkage mechanism can determine a pivoting angle of the movable contact assembly 1, that is, determine an opening distance of the movable contact. The handle 22 can pivot relative to the housing 25. For example, the handle 22 can move between a closed position and an open position. When the handle 22 moves to the closed position, as illustrated by Fig. 3a, the movable contact assembly 1 contacts the stationary contact 5, and the circuit breaker switches to the closed state. When the handle 22 moves to the open position, as illustrated by Fig. 3b, the movable contact assembly 1 separates from the stationary contact 5, and the circuit breaker switches to the open state.

[0028] The connection between the handle 22 and the movable contact assembly 1 usually requires a linkage mechanism, such as a double rocker mechanism, but the opening distance of the existing circuit breaker is often limited. The present disclosure proposes an improved operating mechanism 2. Specifically, the operating mechanism 2 according to the present disclosure may include a handle 22 (as described above), a transmission mechanism 23, a pull rod 21, a pivot plate 3, a first pivoting member 41 and a second pivoting member 42.

[0029] The pull rod 21 and the handle 22 can be coupled by a transmission mechanism 23, so that the pull rod 21 can move between a first position (as illustrated by Fig. 3a) and a second position (as illustrated by Fig. 3b) by pivoting the handle 1. Figs. 3a-3c are only functional schematic diagrams, and the transmission mechanism 23 may include a plurality of components, which is a well-known technology in the field and is not the focus of the present disclosure, and will not be developed in detail here.

[0030] The pivot plate 3 is installed to be able to pivot around the movable contact pivot axis A relative to the housing 25, as illustrated by Fig. 1. For example, the pivot plate 3 can be fixed to the housing 25 of the operating mechanism 2 by riveting, and the housing 25 can be installed and fixed to the housing of the circuit breaker or the housing of the breaking unit. Under the condition that the operating mechanism 2 is installed and matched with the movable contact assembly 1, as illustrated by Fig. 5a, the pivot plate 3 and the movable contact assembly 1 have the same pivot axis, that is, the movable contact pivot axis A. Especially for the symmetrical double contact structure shown in Fig. 5a, the pivot plate 3 and the movable contact assembly 1 have the same pivot axis, which is beneficial to ensure the state synchronization of the double contact structure.

[0031] Further, the pivot plate 3 is provided with a first hole 31 connected with the transmission shaft 6, and the transmission shaft 6 can pass through the first hole 31 to realize the connection. The profile of the first hole 31 corresponds to the profile of the cross section of the transmission shaft 6. Therefore, the pivot of the pivot plate 3 can drive the transmission shaft 6 to rotate around the movable contact pivot axis A, thereby driving the whole movable contact assembly 1 to pivot around the movable contact pivot axis A. For example, as illustrated by Figs. 1 and 2, the number of transmission shafts 6 is one, and the operating mechanism according to the present disclosure may further include two transmission shafts, for example, the two transmission shafts are symmetrical about the rotating axis A of the movable contact.

[0032] The operating mechanism 2 further includes a first pivoting member 41 and a second pivoting member 42 for connecting the pull rod 21 and the pivot plate 3. One end of the first pivoting member 41 is pivotally connected to the housing 25, and other end of the first pivoting member 41 is pivotally connected to an end of the pull rod 21 and one end of the second pivoting member 42, that is, the first pivoting member 41, the second pivoting member 42 and the pull rod 21 are pivotally connected to each other. The movement of the pull rod 21 between the first position and the second position can make the first pivoting member 41 pivot relative to the housing 25, and at the same time can drive the second pivoting member 42 to move.

[0033] While other end of the second pivoting member 42 is pivotally connected to the pivot plate 3 at a second hole 32 of the pivot plate 41. Therefore, the movement of the second pivoting member 42 can drive the pivot plate 3 to pivot around the movable contact pivot axis A, and then the pivot plate 3 can drive the movable contact assembly 1 to pivot around the movable contact pivot axis A.

[0034] For example, as illustrated by Figs. 1 and 2, a center line of the second hole 32, a center line of the first hole 31 and the movable contact pivot axis A are parallel to each other and not in the same plane. In particular, the second hole 32 can be closer to the movable contact pivot axis A than the first hole 31, which can increase the torque arm applied by the transmission shaft 6 to the movable contact assembly 1 and further prevent the transmission shaft 6 from deforming.

[0035] Thus, as illustrated by Figs. 3a and 3b, during the movement of the pull rod 21 from the second position (Fig. 3b) to the first position (Fig. 3a), the movable contact assembly 1 is driven to contact the stationary contact 5 through the first pivoting member 41, the second pivoting member 42 and the pivot plate 3. On the contrary, during the movement of the pull rod 21 from the first position to the second position, the movable contact assembly 1 is pivoted to be separated from the stationary contact through the first pivoting member 41, the second pivoting member 42 and the pivot plate 3.

[0036] Therefore, in essence, the first pivoting member 41, the second pivoting member 42 and the pivot plate 3 (pivot axis A and the second hole 32) form a four-bar linkage, and the pivot plate can be driven to swing by swinging the first pivoting member 41. In particular, the distance between the second hole 32 and the movable contact pivot axis A can be set to be smaller than the distance between the pivot axes of the two ends of the first pivoting member 41, so that the pivot plate 3 has a larger pivot angle than the first pivoting member 42 according to the characteristics of the four-bar linkage, thereby increasing the pivot angle of the movable contact assembly 1 and increasing the opening distance.

[0037] According to the operating mechanism of the present disclosure, the maximum rotation angle of the transmission shaft 6 around the movable contact pivot axis A can be, for example, in the range from 70 degrees to 80 degrees, for example, 74 degrees, 75 degrees, 76 degrees, 77 degrees and 78 degrees.

[0038] According to the operating mechanism of the present disclosure, there are additional advantages: the pull rod 21 is not directly connected to the transmission shaft 6, and the movable contact assembly 1 and the pivot plate 3 pivot coaxially and synchronously. The operating mechanism can be adapted to movable contact assemblies of various sizes only by changing the pivot plate, that is, by changing a relative distance between the second hole 32 and the pivot axis A, and realize various required opening distances, thus saving manpower and design time, thereby reducing cost, and having great practical and economic value.

[0039] Further, the operating mechanism 2 may include two pull rods 21, two first pivoting members 41, two second pivoting members 42, and two pivot plates 3 that are symmetrical about a plane perpendicular to the movable contact pivot axis A. Therefore, the operating mechanism 2 can exert greater force on the transmission shaft 6, which makes the load distribution more uniform and reduces the deformation of the transmission shaft.

[0040] The present disclosure also includes a tripping mechanism 24 (the specific structure is not shown, and the functional schematic diagram is shown in Figs. 3a- 3c), and Fig. 3c shows the schematic diagram of the trip state of the circuit breaker. The tripping mechanism 24 is configured to perform tripping motion in response to the current flowing through the circuit breaker being greater than a threshold value, thereby driving the pull rod 21 to move from the first position to the second position, and further pivoting the movable contact assembly 1 to separate from the stationary contact. The specific structure of the tripping mechanism 24 can adopt any tripping mechanism known in the field, and is not further limited here.

[0041] Furthermore, the circuit breaker according to the present disclosure may include a plurality of breaking units, for example, two breaking units (Fig. 6a), three breaking units (Fig. 6b) and four breaking units (Fig. 6c). For example, as illustrated by Figs. 6a-6c, the operating mechanism 2 can be installed and fixed to a breaking unit. Each breaking unit can be completely identical, that is, each breaking unit includes a stationary contact and a movable contact assembly with the same structure and arrangement. The transmission shaft 6 passes through all the breaking units, especially all the movable contact assemblies 1, so that all the movable contact assemblies 1 of the circuit breaker move synchronously.

[0042] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. The functions or performances of various elements or modules described herein are only for illustration and are in no way restrictive, but only exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0043] In the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "wherein" are used as simple English equivalents of the corresponding terms "including" and "in which". Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms "first", "second" and "third" are only used as labels, and no numerical requirements are intended to be imposed on their objects.Reference numerals:

[0044] 1-movable contact assembly, 11-movable contact, 2-operating mechanism, 21-pull rod, 22-handle, 23-transmission mechanism, 24-tripping mechanism, 25-housing, 3-pivot plate, 31-first hole, 32-second hole, 41- first pivoting member, 42- second pivoting member, 5-stationary contact, 6-transmission shaft, 61-inner core, 62-insulating material, 7-breaking unit, A-movable contact pivot axis.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0020]In order to make the purpose, details and advantages of the technical solution of the present disclosure more clear, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described clearly and completely with the attached drawings of specific embodiments of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, the terms used herein have the ordinary meaning in the art. Like reference numerals in the drawings represent like parts.

[0021]In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "install", "connection" and "connect" should be broadly understood, for example, the connection can be fixed connection, detachable connection or integrated connection; the connection can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; the connection can be direct connection, can also be indirectly connection through an intermediate medium, and can be connected inside two elements. For those skilled in...

Claims

1. An operating mechanism, comprising: a housing; a transmission shaft, being parallel to a movable contact pivot axis, penetrating through and protruding from a movable contact assembly, and the movable contact assembly being able to pivot around the movable contact pivot axis relative to the housing; a pull rod, configured to move between a first position and a second position; a pivot plate, installed to be able to pivot around the movable contact pivot axis relative to the housing, the pivot plate provided with a first hole connected with the transmission shaft; a first pivoting member, one end of the first pivoting member pivotally connected to the housing; and a second pivoting member, wherein one end of the second pivoting member is pivotally connected to other end of the first pivoting member and the pull rod, and other end of second pivoting member is pivotally connected to the pivot plate at a second hole of the pivot plate to drive the pivot plate to pivot around the movable contact pivot axis, and then the pivot plate driving the movable contact assembly to pivot around the movable contact pivot axis, in a movement process of the pull rod from the second position to the first position, the pull rod drives the movable contact assembly to contact with a stationary contact through the first pivoting member, the second pivoting member and the pivot plate, in a movement process of the pull rod from the first position to the second position, the pull rod drives the movable contact assembly to pivot to separate from the stationary contact through the first pivoting member, the second pivoting member and the pivot plate, a distance between the second hole and the movable contact pivot axis is smaller than a distance between pivot axes of two ends of the first pivoting member.

2. The operating mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, the operating mechanism further comprises a handle and a transmission mechanism, the handle is able to be pivotally installed to the housing and the transmission mechanism couples the handle and the pull rod so that the pull rod is able to move between the first position and the second position by operating the handle to pivot.

3. The operating mechanism according to claim 2, wherein, the operating mechanism further comprises a tripping mechanism, and the tripping mechanism is configured to perform a tripping motion in response to a current flowing through the movable contact assembly being greater than a threshold value, thereby driving the pull rod to move from the first position to the second position.

4. The operating mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, a cross section of the transmission shaft has an outline surrounded by first edges that are opposite to each other and second edges that are opposite to each other, a dimension of each of the first edges is larger than a dimension of each of the second edges, and an extension direction of each of the first edges is consistent with a moving direction of the movable contact assembly.

5. The operating mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, an inner core of the transmission shaft is made of metal, and the inner core is coated with an insulating material.

6. The operating mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, a maximum rotation angle of the transmission shaft around the movable contact pivot axis is in a range from 70 degrees to 80 degrees.

7. The operating mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, the second hole is closer to the movable contact pivot axis than the first hole.

8. The operating mechanism according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, the operating mechanism comprises two pull rods, two first pivoting members, two second pivoting members and two pivot plates, all of which are symmetrical about a plane perpendicular to the movable contact pivot axis.

9. A circuit breaker, comprising the operating mechanism according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. The circuit breaker according to claim 9, comprising: a breaking unit, wherein the movable contact assembly and the stationary contact are arranged in the breaking unit, the operating mechanism is installed to the breaking unit, and the transmission shaft penetrates through the breaking unit.

11. The circuit breaker according to claim 10, further comprises additional breaking units, wherein each of the additional breaking units comprises a stationary contact and a movable contact assembly, and the transmission shaft couples all the movable contact assemblies so that all the movable contact assemblies of the circuit breaker move synchronously.

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