Circuit breaker and power apparatus

Abstract

This application provides a circuit breaker and power equipment. The circuit breaker includes an upper housing, a lower housing, and a busbar. The upper housing includes a piston cavity, the piston cavity accommodates a piston, and the piston moves after being subject to force, to cut off the busbar. The lower housing includes an arc-extinguishing chamber cavity, where the arc-extinguishing chamber cavity accommodates an arc chute. The circuit breaker further includes at least one gas chamber and at least one gas channel. The gas chamber is disposed in the upper housing and / or the lower housing. One end of the gas channel is connected to the arc-extinguishing chamber cavity, and the other end of the gas channel is connected to the gas chamber. A first clearance exists between the arc chute and a first side wall of the lower housing. The gas channel includes the first clearance. In this way, high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated due to arc extinction in the lower housing can be guided to the gas chamber for cooling, to reduce a safety risk. In addition, compared with a manner of directly discharging the high-temperature and high-pressure gas to the outside, other components in the power equipment are not damaged.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202311019419.7, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on August 11, 2023 and entitled "CIRCUIT BREAKER AND POWER EQUIPMENT", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application relates to the field of power distribution technologies, and in particular, to a circuit breaker and power equipment.BACKGROUND

[0003] In the field of power distribution technologies, circuit breakers are usually used to avoid device faults or even safety problems caused by abnormal currents. A piston is disposed in a circuit breaker. When a current is abnormal, the piston is triggered to move at a high speed, to cut off a circuit. In this case, the circuit that is cut off generates an electric arc at a fracture and sprays the electric arc outward with high-temperature and high-pressure gas and the like. The electric arc and the high-temperature and high-pressure gas that are sprayed outward easily cause problems such as inter-phase breakdown and ablation of parts.

[0004] Therefore, an arc chute is usually disposed in the circuit breaker, and the arc chute includes a plurality of metal sheets that are configured in a stacked manner. The electric arc is guided to the arc chute for extinguishing. A large amount of heat and high-temperature and high-pressure gas are also generated in an arc-extinguishing process. To avoid danger caused by the heat and the high-temperature and high-pressure gas, a through hole may be provided in a cavity in which the arc chute is accommodated in the circuit breaker, to discharge the heat and the high-temperature and high-pressure gas to the outside of the circuit breaker.

[0005] However, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas and the heat that are directly discharged by the circuit breaker may cause damage to other components in power equipment.SUMMARY

[0006] This application provides a circuit breaker and power equipment, to protect other components in the power equipment when danger caused by heat and high-temperature and high-pressure gas that are generated in an arc-extinguishing process is reduced.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a circuit breaker is provided, where the circuit breaker includes an upper housing, a lower housing, and a busbar fastened between the upper housing and the lower housing. The upper housing includes a piston cavity. The piston cavity is opened toward the busbar, the piston cavity accommodates a piston, and a power mechanism capable of driving the piston to move toward the busbar is disposed in the piston cavity. The piston moves after being subject to force applied by the power mechanism, to cut off the busbar. The lower housing includes an arc-extinguishing chamber cavity, where the arc-extinguishing chamber cavity accommodates an arc chute. A first clearance exists between the arc chute and a first side wall of the lower housing, and the first side wall and the piston after movement are respectively located on two sides of the arc chute. The circuit breaker further includes at least one gas chamber and at least one gas channel, one end of the gas channel is connected to the arc-extinguishing chamber cavity, and the other end of the gas channel is connected to the gas chamber. The gas channel includes the first clearance.

[0008] By disposing the gas chamber and the gas channel, heat energy and high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated through arc extinction in the lower housing can be guided to the gas chamber through the gas channel for cooling, to reduce a safety risk of the circuit breaker. In addition, compared with a manner in which the high-temperature and high-pressure gas is directly discharged to the outside of the circuit breaker, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas does not cause damage to other components in the power equipment.

[0009] In an implementation, the gas chamber includes an upper gas chamber disposed in the upper housing. In addition, a second clearance is formed between the arc chute and a bottom plate of the lower housing, and the first clearance is connected to the second clearance. A pipe is mounted in the lower housing. One end of the pipe is connected to the second clearance, and the other end of the pipe is connected to the at least one upper gas chamber. The gas channel includes the second clearance and the pipe.

[0010] In addition, an energy absorbing material is disposed in at least one of the upper gas chamber, the first clearance, the second clearance, and the pipe, or an energy absorbing material is disposed in space between a second arc guide structure and the bottom plate of the lower housing. In this way, the energy absorbing material can be disposed to improve a cooling speed and effect.

[0011] In addition, the upper housing further includes at least one first through hole, and each first through hole penetrates from an outer surface of the upper housing to the upper gas chamber, so that the gas that has undergone temperature reduction and pressure reduction can be discharged to the outside of the circuit breaker through the first through hole. In another implementation, the gas chamber includes a lower gas chamber disposed in the lower housing, the lower gas chamber and the arc-extinguishing chamber cavity are located on two sides of the bottom plate of the lower housing, and the lower gas chamber is connected to the first clearance through a third through hole.

[0012] In addition, the lower housing further includes at least one second through hole, and each second through hole penetrates from an outer surface of the lower housing to the lower gas chamber, so that the gas that has undergone temperature reduction and pressure reduction can be discharged to the outside of the circuit breaker through the second through hole.

[0013] In the circuit breaker provided in this application, the piston includes a first insulation part, and the first insulation part extends in a first direction. The piston moves after being subject to the force applied by the power mechanism, so that the first insulation part cuts off the busbar, where the first direction is a moving direction of the piston. The lower housing includes a second insulation part, and the second insulation part extends in a reverse direction of the first direction. After the piston moves, an insulation gap is formed between the first insulation part and the second insulation part. The arc chute includes a plurality of metal sheets, the plurality of metal sheets are configured in a stacked manner in the first direction, and a gap exists between two adjacent metal sheets. A first metal sheet in the plurality of metal sheets includes a first arc guide structure, a second metal sheet in the plurality of metal sheets includes a second arc guide structure, and the first metal sheet is closer to the busbar than the second metal sheet. The first arc guide structure extends from an end that is of the first metal sheet and that is close to the first insulation part to the busbar, and the second arc guide structure extends from an end that is of the second metal sheet and that is close to the first insulation part to an opening of the insulation gap.

[0014] After the busbar is cut off, the insulation gap is formed between the first insulation part and the second insulation part, so that an electric arc can be limited to flow in the insulation gap, thereby extending the electric arc, increasing a voltage of the electric arc, and increasing a voltage of the electric arc that can be extinguished, so that the circuit breaker can be effectively used in a high-voltage circuit without increasing a size of the circuit breaker.

[0015] In an implementation, the second insulation part is disposed on a second side wall of the lower housing, and the second side wall and the arc chute are located on two sides of the piston. For example, the second insulation part and the lower housing are integrally formed.

[0016] In another implementation, the first insulation part includes two insulation arms extending in the first direction, the second insulation part includes a partition rib extending in the reverse direction of the first direction, and after the piston (140) moves, the partition rib is located between the two insulation arms, to form two insulation gaps. In addition, there are two arc chutes, and the two arc chutes are located on two sides of the partition rib.

[0017] In this application, an end part of the second insulation part is in contact with the busbar, and the busbar is fastened to the end part of the second insulation part by using a fastener. In this way, a part that is of the busbar and that is cut off by the first insulation part can be kept fixed, that is, a position of an arc starting point can be kept unchanged, so that safety and practicality of the circuit breaker provided in this application are improved.

[0018] In this application, an end part of the first arc guide structure is in contact with the busbar, or the end part of the first arc guide structure can be in contact with a bent part obtained after the busbar is cut off. A length of the first arc guide structure, and the like are set based on a position relationship between an easily bent part and an easily cut-off part on the busbar, so that processing difficulty can be reduced.

[0019] According to a second aspect, a photovoltaic inverter is provided, including a direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, a maximum power point tracking MPPT apparatus, a detection circuit, a circuit breaker, and a controller. An input end of the MPPT apparatus is configured to connect to a photovoltaic module, and an output end of the MPPT apparatus is configured to directly or indirectly connect to an input end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter. The circuit breaker is connected between the output end of the MPPT apparatus and the input end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, or is connected between an output end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter and an external power grid or load, and the circuit breaker includes an upper housing, a lower housing, and a busbar fastened between the upper housing and the lower housing, where the busbar is configured to: when the circuit breaker is in a conduction state, connect the output end of the MPPT apparatus and the input end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, or connect the output end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter and the external power grid or load. The upper housing includes a piston cavity, the piston cavity is opened toward the busbar (130), and the piston cavity (112) accommodates a piston (140). A power mechanism capable of driving the piston to move toward the busbar is disposed in the piston cavity. The piston moves after being subject to force applied by the power mechanism, to cut off the busbar. The lower housing includes an arc-extinguishing chamber cavity, the arc-extinguishing chamber cavity accommodates an arc chute, and a first clearance exists between the arc chute and a first side wall of the lower housing. The first side wall and the piston after movement are respectively located on two sides of the arc chute. The circuit breaker further includes at least one gas chamber and at least one gas channel, the at least one gas chamber is disposed in the upper housing and / or the lower housing, one end of the gas channel is connected to the arc-extinguishing chamber cavity, the other end of the gas channel is connected to the gas chamber, and the gas channel includes the first clearance. The detection circuit is configured to detect an electrical parameter of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, where the electrical parameter includes at least one of an input end voltage of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, an input end current of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, an output end voltage of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, and an output end current of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter; and the controller is configured to control a power mechanism to drive a piston to move when the electrical parameter of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter exceeds a preset threshold, so that a first insulation part cuts off the busbar, to disconnect an electrical connection between the output end of the MPPT apparatus and the input end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, or disconnect an electrical connection between the output end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter and the external power grid or load.

[0020] A structure of the circuit breaker in the photovoltaic inverter is similar to the structure of the circuit breaker in any one of the first aspect and the possible implementations of the first aspect. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted herein.

[0021] For example, the piston includes the first insulation part, and the first insulation part extends in a first direction. The piston moves after being subject to the force applied by the power mechanism, so that the first insulation part cuts off the busbar, where the first direction is a moving direction of the piston. The lower housing includes a second insulation part, and the second insulation part extends in a reverse direction of the first direction. After the piston moves, an insulation gap is formed between the first insulation part and the second insulation part. The arc chute includes a plurality of metal sheets, the plurality of metal sheets are configured in a stacked manner in the first direction, and a gap exists between two adjacent metal sheets. A first metal sheet in the plurality of metal sheets includes a first arc guide structure, a second metal sheet in the plurality of metal sheets includes a second arc guide structure, and the first metal sheet is closer to the busbar than the second metal sheet. The first arc guide structure extends from an end that is of the first metal sheet and that is close to the first insulation part to the busbar, and the second arc guide structure extends from an end that is of the second metal sheet and that is close to the first insulation part to an opening of the insulation gap.

[0022] For another example, there are two first insulation parts, the two first insulation parts are respectively located on two sides of the second insulation part, a first spacing exists between the two first insulation parts, and a width of the second insulation part is less than the first spacing. In addition, in this case, there are two arc chutes, and the two arc chutes are respectively located on two sides of the second insulation part.

[0023] According to a third aspect, an energy storage system is provided, including a battery cluster, a circuit breaker, a detection circuit, and a controller, where each battery cluster includes a plurality of battery packs connected in series, one end of a busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to a direct current input / output port of the battery cluster, and the other end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is configured to connect to direct current load or a direct current input / output port of a power generation system. The detection circuit is configured to detect an electrical parameter of the battery cluster, where the electrical parameter includes at least one of an output end voltage of the battery cluster and an output end current of the battery cluster. The controller is configured to control a power mechanism to drive a piston to move when the electrical parameter of the battery cluster exceeds a preset threshold, so that a first insulation part cuts off a busbar, to disconnect an electrical connection between the battery cluster and the load.

[0024] According to a fourth aspect, a photovoltaic inverter system is provided, including a photovoltaic panel, a photovoltaic inverter, an energy storage system, a circuit breaker, a detection circuit, and a controller. The photovoltaic inverter includes a direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter and a maximum power point tracking MPPT module. One end of the MPPT apparatus is connected to the photovoltaic panel, one end of a busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to the other end of the MPPT apparatus, the end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is further connected to the energy storage system, the other end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to one end of the DC / AC converter, and the other end of the DC / AC converter is configured to connect to an alternating current power grid or alternating current load. Alternatively, the other end of the MPPT apparatus is connected to one end of the DC / AC converter, the other end of the MPPT apparatus and the end of the DC / AC converter are further connected to the energy storage system, the other end of the DC / AC converter is connected to one end of the busbar of the circuit breaker, and the other end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is configured to connect to the alternating current power grid or the alternating current load. The detection circuit is configured to detect an electrical parameter of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, where the electrical parameter includes at least one of an input end voltage of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, an input end current of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, an output end voltage of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, and an output end current of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter; and the controller is configured to control a power mechanism to drive a piston to move when the electrical parameter of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter exceeds a preset threshold, so that a first insulation part cuts off the busbar, to disconnect an electrical connection between the output end of the MPPT apparatus and the input end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, or disconnect an electrical connection between the output end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter and the external power grid or load.

[0025] According to a fifth aspect, an electric vehicle is provided, including a battery cluster, an inverter circuit, a motor, and a circuit breaker, where the battery cluster is configured to output a direct current, and the inverter circuit converts the direct current into a three-phase alternating current and transfers the three-phase alternating current to the motor. One end of a busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to the battery cluster, and the other end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to a direct current end of the inverter circuit. Alternatively, one end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to an alternating current end of the inverter circuit, and the other end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to the motor. A detection circuit is configured to detect an electrical parameter of the inverter circuit, where the electrical parameter includes at least one of an input end voltage of the inverter circuit, an input end current of the inverter circuit, an output end voltage of the inverter circuit, and an output end current of the inverter circuit. A controller is configured to control a power mechanism to drive a piston to move when the electrical parameter of the inverter circuit exceeds a preset threshold, so that a first insulation part cuts off the busbar, to disconnect an electrical connection between an output end of the battery cluster and an input end of the inverter circuit, or disconnect an electrical connection between an output end of the inverter circuit and the motor.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an appearance of a circuit breaker according to this application; FIG. 2 is an assembly diagram of a circuit breaker according to this application; FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of an example of a circuit breaker when a circuit is not opened according to this application; FIG. 4 is a front sectional view of an example of a circuit breaker when a circuit is opened according to this application; FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional diagram of an example of a piston of a circuit breaker according to this application; FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional diagram of another example of a piston of a circuit breaker according to this application; FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional diagram of an example of a lower housing of a circuit breaker according to this application; FIG. 8 is a three-dimensional diagram of an example of an arc chute of a circuit breaker according to this application; FIG. 9 is a three-dimensional diagram of an example of a metal sheet in an arc chute according to this application; FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional sectional view of another example of a circuit breaker according to this application; FIG. 11 is a top view of a lower housing of the circuit breaker shown in FIG. 10; FIG. 12 is a front sectional view of still another example of a circuit breaker according to this application; FIG. 13 is a diagram of an electric arc state of a circuit breaker during arcing according to this application; FIG. 14 is a diagram of an electric arc state of a circuit breaker after arc guidance according to this application; FIG. 15 is a front sectional view of another example of a circuit breaker when a circuit is opened according to this application; FIG. 16 is a front sectional view of still another example of a circuit breaker when a circuit is opened according to this application; FIG. 17 is a front sectional view of still another example of a circuit breaker when a circuit is opened according to this application; FIG. 18 is a front sectional view of still another example of a circuit breaker when a circuit is opened according to this application; FIG. 19 is a diagram of an architecture of an example of a photovoltaic inverter system to which a circuit breaker provided in this application is applicable; FIG. 20 is a diagram of an architecture of an example of an energy storage system to which a circuit breaker provided in this application is applicable; and FIG. 21 is a diagram of an architecture of an example of an electric vehicle to which a circuit breaker provided in this application is applicable. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0027] The following describes the technical solutions of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] A circuit breaker in this application may be effectively used in an electric power system with a high-voltage circuit. As shown in FIG. 1, the electric power system may include a high-voltage power supply and load. One end of the circuit breaker is connected to the high-voltage power supply, and the other end is connected to the load. In addition, the circuit breaker in this application may alternatively be used in an electric power system or power equipment with a low-voltage circuit.

[0029] For example, the electric power system may include a photovoltaic inverter system. FIG. 19 is a diagram of a structure of an example of a photovoltaic inverter system having the circuit breaker provided in this application. As shown in FIG. 19, the photovoltaic inverter system includes a photovoltaic (photovoltaic, PV) panel and a photovoltaic inverter. The photovoltaic panel converts solar energy into electric energy. Because the photovoltaic panel generates a direct current, the photovoltaic inverter needs to convert the direct current into an alternating current, to facilitate transmission and utilization of power.

[0030] The photovoltaic inverter includes a direct current to alternating current (direct current to alternating current, DC / AC) converter, and the DC / AC converter is configured to convert a direct current into an alternating current.

[0031] The photovoltaic inverter further includes a maximum power point tracking (maximum power point tracking, MPPT) module. The MPPT apparatus is configured to track a maximum voltage value and a maximum current value, so that a power generation system outputs a current at maximum power.

[0032] The MPPT apparatus and a DC / DC module in the photovoltaic inverter may be disposed in a same packaged device, or may be disposed in different packaged devices.

[0033] The MPPT apparatus may include a direct current to direct current (direct current to direct current, DC / DC) converter. The DC / DC converter is configured to perform voltage stabilization (or voltage conversion) on a direct current generated by a PV module. A direct current obtained through voltage stabilization may be output to a power energy storage system. One end A of the DC / AC converter is connected to the MPPT apparatus and an energy storage system, and the other end B is configured to connect to an alternating current power grid or alternating current load, so that the DC / AC converter converts a direct current output by the MPPT apparatus or the energy storage system into an alternating current, and supplies the alternating current to the alternating current load or the alternating current power grid.

[0034] In addition, the other end B of the DC / AC converter may be further connected to another energy storage system through the inverter (namely, the DC / AC converter). The inverter is configured to: convert an alternating current from the photovoltaic inverter into a direct current, and store the direct current in the energy storage system. In addition, a direct current from the energy storage system may be converted into an alternating current, and the alternating current is supplied to the alternating current load or the alternating current power grid.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 19, in an implementation, the circuit breaker provided in this application may be disposed in a circuit between the MPPT, the energy storage system, and the DC / AC converter. To be specific, one end of a busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to the MPPT and the energy storage system, and one end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to the DC / AC converter. In this case, the circuit breaker operates in a direct current circuit. The circuit breaker may be configured to cut off an electrical connection between the MPPT and the DC / AC converter, and the circuit breaker may be configured to cut off an electrical connection between the energy storage system and the DC / AC converter.

[0036] In another implementation, the circuit breaker provided in this application may be disposed between the DC / AC converter and an output interface of the photovoltaic system. To be specific, the circuit breaker may cut off an electrical connection between the DC / AC converter and the alternating current load or the alternating current power grid. To be specific, one end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to the DC / AC converter, and one end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to the power grid or the load. In this case, the circuit breaker operates in an alternating current circuit. The circuit breaker may be configured to cut off an electrical connection between the photovoltaic system and the alternating current load or the alternating current power grid.

[0037] The circuit breaker provided in this application may be further disposed in the foregoing photovoltaic inverter. In this case, the photovoltaic inverter includes the DC / AC converter, an MPPT apparatus, a detection circuit, the circuit breaker, and a controller.

[0038] An input end of the MPPT apparatus is configured to connect to a photovoltaic module, and an output end of the MPPT apparatus is configured to directly or indirectly connect to an input end of the DC / AC converter.

[0039] For example, the circuit breaker is connected between the output end of the MPPT apparatus and the input end of the DC / AC converter.

[0040] Alternatively, the circuit breaker is connected between an output end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter and the external power grid or load.

[0041] The detection circuit is configured to detect an electrical parameter of the DC / AC converter. For example, the electrical parameter includes at least one of an input end voltage of the DC / AC converter, an input end current of the DC / AC converter, an output end voltage of the DC / AC converter, and an output end current of the DC / AC converter.

[0042] The controller is configured to control a power mechanism of the circuit breaker to drive a piston to move when the electrical parameter of the DC / AC converter exceeds a preset threshold, so that a first insulation part cuts off the busbar, to disconnect an electrical connection between the output end of the MPPT apparatus and the input end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, or disconnect an electrical connection between the output end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter and the external power grid or load. Then the structure of the circuit breaker and actions of the parts after the circuit breaker is started are described in detail.

[0043] For example, the electric power system may include an energy storage system. FIG. 20 is a diagram of a structure of an example of an energy storage system having the circuit breaker provided in this application. As shown in FIG. 20, the energy storage system includes one or more battery clusters, each battery cluster includes one or more battery packs, and the battery cluster includes an input / output interface. The input / output interface is configured to output a direct current to the load or the photovoltaic inverter system, and the input / output interface is configured to input an output direct current from the photovoltaic inverter system. The circuit breaker provided in this application may be disposed between the input / output interface (or an output bus of the battery cluster) and the photovoltaic system and the load. In this case, the circuit breaker works in a direct current circuit. The circuit breaker may be configured to cut off an electrical connection between the energy storage system and the direct current load or the photovoltaic inverter system.

[0044] In addition, although not shown, the energy storage system may further include one or more DC / DC converters, and one or more battery management systems (battery management systems, BMSs). Each battery pack corresponds to one BMS. The BMS is usually configured to implement functions such as dynamic monitoring of battery charge and discharge, battery equalization, and battery state of charge evaluation. The DC / DC converter is used for power conversion of the battery pack.

[0045] The battery pack may be a single battery, or may be a battery cluster including a plurality of batteries. Specifically, the battery may alternatively be one or a combination of a lead-carbon battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a ternary lithium battery, a sodium-sulfur battery, and a flow battery.

[0046] For example, the electric power system may include an electric power system in an electric vehicle. FIG. 21 is a diagram of a structure of an example of an electric power system of an electric vehicle having the circuit breaker provided in this application. As shown in FIG. 21, the electric vehicle includes a power battery and an electric drive system. The power battery includes a battery cluster, and the battery cluster includes one or more battery packs connected in series. The electric drive system includes an inverter circuit and a motor. An output port of the battery cluster provides a direct current for the inverter circuit, and the inverter circuit converts the direct current into a three-phase alternating current and transfers the three-phase alternating current to the motor, to drive the motor.

[0047] In an implementation, the circuit breaker provided in this application may be disposed in a circuit between the battery cluster and the inverter circuit. To be specific, one end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to the battery cluster, and one end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to a direct current bus of the inverter circuit. In this case, the circuit breaker operates in a direct current circuit. The circuit breaker may be configured to cut off an electrical connection between the battery cluster and the electric drive system.

[0048] In another implementation, the circuit breaker provided in this application may be disposed in a circuit between the inverter circuit and the motor. To be specific, the circuit breaker may cut off an electrical connection between the inverter circuit and the motor. To be specific, one end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to an alternating current bus of the inverter circuit, and one end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to the motor. In this case, the circuit breaker operates in an alternating current circuit. The circuit breaker may be configured to cut off an electrical connection between the inverter circuit and the motor.

[0049] The following describes in detail a structure of the circuit breaker provided in this application.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an appearance of a circuit breaker 100 according to this application. FIG. 2 is an assembly diagram of the circuit breaker 100. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the circuit breaker 100 includes: an upper housing 110, a lower housing 120, a busbar 130, a power mechanism 128, a piston 140, and one or more arc chutes 160.

[0051] In this application, the circuit breaker 100 may be formed into a left-right symmetrical structure, and a symmetry axis of the circuit breaker 100 is denoted as an X-axis. In this case, the upper housing 110, the lower housing 120, the busbar 130, the power mechanism 128, and the piston 140 are formed into a symmetrical structure about the X-axis. In addition, in this case, the plurality of arc chutes 160 may form two arc chute groups, each arc chute group includes one or more arc chutes, and the two arc chute groups are symmetrically configured about the X-axis.

[0052] The circuit breaker 100 shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 12 is described by using an example in which the circuit breaker 100 is formed into a structure symmetrical about the X-axis. However, this application is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the circuit breaker 100 may alternatively not be formed into a left-right symmetrical structure. In this case, the circuit breaker 100 may include only one arc chute 160.

[0053] For ease of understanding and description, an example in which the circuit breaker 100 has a left-right symmetrical structure is used below for description. Unless otherwise specified, a structure of each component when the circuit breaker 100 is not formed to be left-right symmetrical is the same as or similar to a structure of each component when the circuit breaker 100 is formed to be left-right symmetrical.1. Busbar 130

[0054] The busbar 130 is configured to connect to a circuit. To be specific, the circuit breaker 110 is connected to the used circuit through the busbar 130.

[0055] In addition, the busbar 130 is fastened between the upper housing 110 and the lower housing 120. For example, the busbar 130 may be fastened on the upper housing 110 and / or the lower housing 120 by using a fastener such as a bolt. In this application, the busbar 130 includes an easily bent part 135 and an easily cut-off part 137. The easily cut-off part 137 is easier to be cut off than another part on the busbar 130, and the easily bent part 135 is easier to be bent than another part on the busbar 130.

[0056] In this embodiment of this application, the easily cut-off part 137 is closer to the following partition rib 150 than the easily bent part 135.

[0057] Alternatively, the easily bent part 135 is closer to a position of the partition rib 150 than the easily cut-off part 137. In an implementation, the busbar 130 may be fastened on the following partition rib 150 by using a bolt or the like. When the busbar 130 is subject to impact force in the first direction, the easily cut-off part 137 is first cut off, and then a part between the easily cut-off part 137 and the easily bent part 135 is bent toward the first direction around the easily bent part 135.2. Upper housing 110

[0058] FIG. 3 shows a front sectional view of a circuit breaker when the piston 140 does not move (to be specific, the piston 140 is located at a position when the circuit breaker is not started, where the position is denoted as a first position), and FIG. 4 shows a front sectional view of a circuit breaker after the piston 140 moves (that is, the piston 140 is located at a position after the circuit breaker is started, where the position is denoted as a second position).

[0059] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a piston cavity 112 is formed in the upper housing 110, the piston cavity 112 is opened toward the busbar 130, a power mechanism 118 is disposed at the bottom of the piston cavity 112, and the piston 140 is accommodated in the piston cavity 112.

[0060] The power mechanism 118 is disposed to be capable of applying force in the first direction to the piston 140. The first direction is a moving direction of the piston 140, or a direction from the first position to the second position.

[0061] For example, the power mechanism 118 may convert chemical energy into kinetic energy through, for example, explosion, to generate thrust force for the piston 140.

[0062] The power mechanism 118 may receive a control signal, and generate the thrust force for the piston 140 based on the control signal.

[0063] In an implementation, a controller that sends the control signal may be integrated into the circuit breaker 100. In another implementation, the controller that sends the control signal may be independent of the circuit breaker 100. The controller may determine whether a preset condition is met, and generate and send the control signal when the preset condition is met.

[0064] By way of example instead of limitation, the following preset conditions may be listed. 1. A current in the busbar is less than a preset first threshold. To be specific, when a device in the circuit is faulty, the current in the busbar may be relatively small. In this case, the circuit breaker may be triggered to start, so as to cut off the circuit. 2. The current in the busbar is greater than a preset second threshold. To be specific, when open-circuit or the like occurs on the device in the circuit, the current in the busbar may be relatively large. In this case, the circuit breaker may be triggered to start, so as to cut off the circuit. 3. Parameters detected by using a sensor or the like are within a preset range. To be specific, when the device is faulty, some parameters of the device may be abnormal. For example, when a brake of an electric vehicle fails, a rotational speed of a motor may be excessively high. In this case, the circuit breaker may be triggered to start, so as to cut off the circuit, thereby avoiding danger.

[0065] It should be understood that the foregoing listed conditions for triggering the circuit breaker to start (or triggering the power mechanism 118 to generate the thrust force for the piston 140) are merely examples for description, and are not particularly limited in this application. A user may set a starting condition randomly based on an actual application scenario.

[0066] For example, when the circuit breaker is disposed in the photovoltaic inverter, the controller and the detection apparatus may be disposed in the photovoltaic inverter. The detection apparatus may be configured to detect an electrical parameter of a DC / AC converter, for example, an input end voltage of the DC / AC converter, an input end current of the DC / AC converter, an output end voltage of the DC / AC converter, and an output end current of the DC / AC converter. In addition, when the electrical parameter exceeds a preset threshold, the controller may control the circuit breaker to start, to be specific, control the power mechanism 118 to generate the thrust force for the piston 140.

[0067] For another example, when the circuit breaker is disposed in the energy storage system, the controller and the detection apparatus may be disposed in the energy storage system. The detection apparatus may be configured to detect an electrical parameter of the battery cluster, for example, an output voltage or an output current of the battery cluster. In addition, when the electrical parameter exceeds a preset threshold, the controller may control the circuit breaker to start, to be specific, control the power mechanism 118 to generate the thrust force for the piston 140.

[0068] For another example, when the circuit breaker is disposed in the electric vehicle, the controller and the detection apparatus may be disposed in the electric vehicle. The detection apparatus may be configured to detect an electrical parameter of the inverter circuit, for example, an output voltage or an output current of the inverter circuit, or an input voltage or an input current of the inverter circuit. In addition, when the electrical parameter exceeds a preset threshold, the controller may control the circuit breaker to start, to be specific, control the power mechanism 118 to generate the thrust force for the piston 140.

[0069] When the power mechanism 118 does not apply force to the piston 140, the piston 140 is located at the first position in the piston cavity 112. When the power mechanism 118 applies force to the piston 140, the piston 140 moves from the first position to the second position in the first direction.

[0070] To improve efficiency of converting energy provided by the power mechanism 118 into kinetic energy of the piston 140, the first direction may be parallel to the axis X, and the piston cavity 112 may be formed in a shape extending along the axis X.

[0071] In an implementation, the piston cavity 112 is formed in a shape symmetrical about the axis X, for example, a cylindrical shape or a prism shape. For ease of understanding, the accompanying drawings of this application show the piston cavity 112 formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0072] The piston 140 includes a base and a first insulation part 142 disposed on the base.

[0073] When the circuit breaker 100 is not started, the power mechanism 118 may be in contact with the base of the piston 140, and the shape of the base of the piston 140 is the same as that of the piston cavity 112, to improve force transfer efficiency.

[0074] In a possible implementation, as shown in FIG. 4, a groove is formed on the base of the piston 140, and the power mechanism 118 is accommodated in the groove when the circuit breaker 100 is not started, so that configuration space can be saved, a stroke of the piston 140 can be increased, and a speed at which an end part of the first insulation part 142 of the piston 140 reaches the busbar 130 can be improved, thereby improving reliability of the circuit breaker 100. In addition, when the circuit breaker 100 is not started, the power mechanism 118 is accommodated in the groove, so that a length of the first insulation part 142 of the piston 140 can be increased, thereby helping to increase a length of an insulation gap formed between the first insulation part 142 and the partition rib 150.

[0075] The following describes in detail a configuration of the first insulation part 142.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, when the circuit breaker 100 is formed into a structure symmetrical about the X-axis, the first insulation part 142 is formed into two insulation arms 142, the insulation arm 142 is formed into a strip shape or columnar shape that extends from the base of the piston 140 in the first direction, and the insulation arm 142 is made of an insulation material such as plastic.

[0077] The two insulation arms 142 are symmetrically configured about the X-axis, and surfaces (that is, a first surface and a second surface) facing each other of the two insulation arms 142 form a plane, where the first surface and the second surface are parallel to each other and parallel to the X-axis.

[0078] Space enclosed by the surfaces (the first surface and the second surface) facing each other of the two insulation arms 142 is denoted as first space, and the shape of the first space corresponds to the shape of the partition rib 150. Therefore, when the piston 140 moves to the second position, the partition rib 150 can be inserted into the first space. In addition, a width of the first space (a size on the Y-axis shown in FIG. 7) is greater than a width of the partition rib 150, so that when the piston moves to the second position, an insulation gap is formed between the partition rib 150 and each first insulation arm 142.

[0079] The insulation gap can limit a path of an electric arc, and further extend the electric arc. By way of example instead of limitation, a width of the insulation gap may be between 0.1 to 0.3 millimeter.

[0080] For example, the partition rib 150 is formed into a cuboid. In this case, the surfaces facing each other of the two insulation arms 142 are parallel to the X-axis. In addition, a distance (that is, a distance on the Y-axis) between the surfaces facing each other of the two insulation arms 142 is greater than a width (that is, a size on the Y-axis) of the cuboid into which the partition rib 150 is formed.

[0081] In an implementation, the insulation arm 142 has a tip 144. For example, the tip 144 may be formed by forming an inclined surface at an end part of the insulation arm 142. In addition, an orientation or a position of the inclined surface may be set based on positions of the easily bent part 135 and easily cut-off part 137 on the busbar 130. For example, the tip 144 may be located on a side that is of the end part of the insulation arm 142 and that is close to the easily cut-off part 137. As shown in FIG. 4, when the position of the easily cut-off part 137 on the busbar 130 is close to the partition rib 150, a side that is of the inclined surface of the tip 144 and that is close to the partition rib 150 may be relatively long, and a side far away from the partition rib 150 may be relatively short. As shown in FIG. 12, when the position of the easily bent part 135 on the busbar 130 is close to the partition rib 150, a side that is of the inclined surface of the tip 144 and that is close to the partition rib 150 may be relatively short, and a side far away from the partition rib 150 may be relatively long.

[0082] By way of example instead of limitation, a plurality of guide parts 146 may be further disposed on the base of the piston 140, and a length of the guide part 146 is greater than a length of the insulation arm 142. Shapes of the plurality of guide parts 146 match shapes of guide grooves 157 in the lower housing 120.

[0083] In this way, when the piston 140 moves, the guide part 146 enters the lower housing 120 earlier than the insulation arm 142, and a moving direction or track of the piston 140 can be limited through matching between the guide part 146 and the guide groove 157, so that the partition rib 150 is accurately inserted into the first space between the two insulation arms 142, and reliable formation of the insulation gap can be ensured.

[0084] In addition, in this embodiment of this application, space sealed on side surfaces can be formed through matching between the guide part 146 and the guide groove 157, so that the electric arc can be limited to flow in the insulation gap, thereby ensuring that the electric arc is extended by using the insulation gap.3. Lower housing 120

[0085] The lower housing 120 includes a cavity enclosed by a bottom plate and four side walls.

[0086] When the piston 140 moves from the first position to the second position, the guide part 146 and the first insulation part 142 on the piston 140 enter the cavity from the upper housing 110 (specifically, the piston cavity 112 of the upper housing 110).

[0087] A second insulation part 150 is disposed on the bottom plate of the lower housing 120. As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, when the circuit breaker 100 is formed into a structure symmetrical about the X-axis, the second insulation part 150 may include the partition rib 150 extending from the bottom plate of the lower housing 120 in a reverse direction of the first direction, and the partition rib 150 is located in the center of the cavity of the lower housing 120. For example, the X-axis penetrates the partition rib 150. The partition rib 150 divides the cavity of the lower housing 120 into two parts.

[0088] As described above, the shape of the partition rib 150 corresponds to the shape of the first space. To be specific, the second insulation part includes a third surface and a fourth surface that are parallel to each other. A distance between the third surface and the fourth surface, namely, the width of the partition rib 150 (namely, the size in the Y-axis direction shown in FIG. 7) is less than the distance between the surfaces facing each other of the two insulation arms 142.

[0089] For example, the partition rib 150 is formed into a cuboid. In this case, the first surface and the second surface facing each other of the two insulation arms 142 are parallel to the X-axis. In addition, the distance between the surfaces facing each other of the two insulation arms 142 is greater than the width (that is, the distance between the third surface and the fourth surface) of the cuboid into which the partition rib 150 is formed.

[0090] In this way, when the piston 140 moves to the second position, an insulation gap is formed between the first surface and the third surface, and an insulation gap is formed between the second surface and the fourth surface.

[0091] By way of example instead of limitation, as shown in FIG. 7, the guide grooves 157 are formed on two sides of the partition rib 150. The shape and the size of the guide groove 157 match the guide part 146, to limit the moving direction or track of the piston 140.

[0092] The partition rib 150 is made of an insulation material. In addition, the partition rib 150 extends upward along the X-axis from the bottom plate of the lower housing 120, and is in contact with the busbar 130.

[0093] In this way, when the piston 140 moves to the second position shown in FIG. 4, two insulation gaps are respectively formed between two side surfaces of the partition rib 150 and the two insulation arms 142.

[0094] In an implementation, as shown in FIG. 7, a threaded hole 155 may be further provided on the partition rib 150, and the busbar 130 may be fastened on the partition rib 150 through matching between a screw and the threaded hole 155. When the busbar 130 is cut off by the two insulation arms 142, a part between the two first insulation parts is fastened to the busbar 130 by using a screw, so that the cut-off part that is used as an arc starting point can be prevented from being displaced, and reliability and safety of the circuit breaker 100 in this application can be further improved.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 15, when the circuit breaker includes only one arc chute, the second insulation part 150 may be disposed on a side wall of the lower housing, and the second insulation part 150 and the following arc chute 160 are respectively located on two sides of the piston 140. In addition, when the piston 140 moves to the second position, an insulation gap is formed between the first insulation part 142 and the second insulation part 150. In a possible implementation, the second insulation part 150 and the lower housing are integrally formed, or the second insulation part 150 is a side wall of the lower housing 120.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 7, the cavity of the lower housing 120 is separated into two arc-extinguishing chamber cavities 122 by the partition rib 150. One arc chute 160 is accommodated in each arc-extinguishing chamber cavity 122.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 8, the arc chute 160 includes a plurality of metal sheets 163 configured in a stacked manner in the X-axis direction.

[0098] The metal sheet 163 may also be referred to as a metal grid sheet, and is made of metal having electrical conductivity. As shown in FIG. 9, the metal sheet 163 has a "V"-shaped opening, and the "V"-shaped opening of each metal sheet 163 in the arc chute 160 faces the partition rib 150, so that "V"-shaped openings of the plurality of metal sheets 163 form a "V"-shaped slot.

[0099] Insulation support plates 164 are disposed on two sides of the arc chute 160, and two sides of each metal sheet 163 (that is, sides adjacent to sides on which the "V"-shaped opening is provided) are fastened to the insulation support plates 164, to implement a stacked configuration of the plurality of metal sheets 163.

[0100] The arc chute 160 further includes an insulation member 165 on both sides that covers the "V"-shaped slot.

[0101] The plurality of metal sheets of the arc chute 160 are horizontally arranged, or the plurality of metal sheets of the arc chute 160 are inclined in a manner in which a side close to the partition rib 150 is higher than a side close to the side wall of the lower housing 120. In this way, a configuration plane of the plurality of metal sheets 163 is perpendicular to or forms an included angle with the moving direction (the first direction, or the X-axis direction) of the piston 140. There is a spacing between adjacent metal sheets 163, and the spacing can be used to increase a voltage of an electric arc. Therefore, a quantity of metal sheets 163 and a spacing between adjacent metal sheets may be set based on a voltage of a circuit in which the circuit breaker 100 is actually used, or a voltage of an electric arc that needs to be extinguished.

[0102] A first arc guide structure 170 is disposed on a metal sheet 161 that is located at an uppermost layer (that is, a side closest to the upper housing 110) and that is in the plurality of metal sheets of the arc chute 160, and the first arc guide structure 170 is disposed on a metal sheet 161 that is located at an uppermost layer (that is, a side closest to the busbar 130) and that is in the plurality of metal sheets of the arc chute 160. In addition, a first arc guide structure 180 is disposed on a metal sheet 162 that is located at a bottommost layer (that is, a side closest to the bottom plate of the lower housing 120) in the plurality of metal sheets of the arc chute 160.

[0103] The first arc guide structure 170 and the second arc guide structure 180 are configured to guide the electric arc to the arc chute 160.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 8, and FIG. 12, when the piston 140 moves to the second position, an insulation gap is formed between the insulation arm 142 and the partition rib 150, and the second arc guide structure 180 is disposed as follows: One end is connected to the metal sheet 162, and the other end is close to an opening of the insulation gap. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 8, and FIG. 12, the first arc guide structure 170 is disposed as follows: One end is connected to the metal sheet 161, and the other end is bent upward (that is, in the reverse direction of the first direction).

[0105] In this application, the position of the first arc guide structure 170 on the Y-axis is aligned with the position of the easily cut-off part 137 on the Y-axis, or the position of the first arc guide structure 170 on the Y-axis is aligned with the position of the easily bent part 135 on the Y-axis.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 4, when the easily cut-off part 137 of the busbar 130 is closer to partition rib 150 than the easily bent part 135, the position of the first arc guide structure 170 on the Y-axis is aligned with the position of the easily bent part 135 on the Y-axis. In this case, after the busbar 130 is cut off, the part (for ease of understanding and description, the part is referred to as a first part for short below) between the easily cut-off part 137 and the easily bent part 135 is bent downward on a side close to the first arc guide structure 170. In this case, a length of the first arc guide structure 170 is enough to be in contact with or close to a bent first part.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 12, when the easily cut-off part 137 of the busbar 130 is farther away from the partition rib 150 than the easily bent part 135, the position of the first arc guide structure 170 on the Y-axis is aligned with the position of the easily cut-off part 137 on the Y-axis. In this case, after the busbar 130 is cut off, the first part is bent downward on a side close to the partition rib 150. In this case, a length of the first arc guide structure 170 is enough to be in contact with or close to the busbar 130.

[0108] The following describes in detail actions of the components after the circuit breaker 100 is started.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 3, when the circuit breaker 100 is not started, the piston 140 and the insulation arms 142 are accommodated in the upper housing.

[0110] When a current in the busbar 130 is abnormal, the power mechanism 128 applies force toward the first direction, that is, force downward along the X-axis, to the piston 140.

[0111] Under the force in the first direction and the guide effect of the piston cavity 112, the piston 140 moves downward, and the insulation arms 142 cut off the busbar 130 at the easily cut-off part 137.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 4, the piston 140 stops at the position shown in FIG. 4, the partition rib 150 is inserted into the space between the two insulation arms 142, and insulation gaps are respectively formed between the partition rib 150 and the two insulation arms 142.

[0113] Because the first arc guide structure 170 is in contact with or close to the easily cut-off part 137 or the easily bent part 135, the first arc guide structure 170 can guide an electric arc at an arc starting point corresponding to the easily cut-off part 137 or the easily bent part 135 to the topmost metal sheet 161 of the arc chute 160.

[0114] Because the second arc guide structure 180 is in contact with or close to the opening of the insulation gap, the second arc guide structure 180 can guide an electric arc from the insulation gap to the metal sheet 162 at the bottommost layer of the arc chute 160.

[0115] FIG. 13 is a diagram of an electric arc state before the first arc guide structure 170 and the second arc guide structure 180 guide arcs. As shown in FIG. 13, after the busbar 130 is cut off, the electric arc is extended by the insulation arm 142. To be specific, an electric arc at an arc starting point that is on the busbar 130 and that is close to the partition rib 150 flows along the insulation gap.

[0116] FIG. 14 is a diagram of an electric arc state obtained after the first arc guide structure 170 and the second arc guide structure 180 guide arcs. As shown in FIG. 14, an electric arc at an arc starting point that is on the busbar 130 and that is close to the partition rib 150 is guided by the first arc guide structure 170 to the topmost metal sheet 161 of the arc chute 160. The electric arc in the insulation gap is guided by the second arc guide structure 180 to the metal sheet 162 at the bottommost layer of the arc chute 160, so that the electric arc flows in the arc chute 160.

[0117] Based on the circuit breaker provided in this application, the first insulation part is disposed to extend the electric arc, so as to increase the voltage of the electric arc, and the arc chute 160 can further improve the voltage. Therefore, when arc extinction is performed on electric arcs of a same voltage, compared with a solution in which the first insulation part is not disposed, a quantity of metal sheets required by the arc chute 160 can be reduced, so that a safe arc-extinguishing voltage of the circuit breaker is increased without increasing the size of the circuit breaker.

[0118] In an arc-extinguishing process, the circuit breaker 100 generates a large amount of heat energy and high-temperature and high-pressure gas. How to quickly release the heat energy and the high-temperature and high-pressure gas is also an urgent problem to be resolved.

[0119] Therefore, this application provides the following processing solutions.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 16 to FIG. 18, one or more gas chambers and a gas channel configured to connect the gas chambers and the arc-extinguishing chamber cavities 122 are disposed in the circuit breaker.

[0121] The plurality of gas chambers may include a gas chamber disposed in the upper housing and / or a gas chamber disposed in the lower housing.

[0122] The following describes configurations of the two types of gas chambers in detail.1. Upper gas chamber 119

[0123] The upper gas chamber 119 is independent of the piston cavity 112, or gas in the plurality of gas chambers 119 does not flow into the piston cavity 112.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 16, a clearance 190 is disposed between the side wall A of the lower housing 120 and the arc chute 160. For example, when the circuit breaker has a structure symmetrical about the X-axis, the side wall A may be a side wall opposite to the partition rib 150, or the arc chute 160 is disposed between the side wall A and the partition rib 150. A clearance 192 is disposed between the bottom plate of the lower housing 120 and the arc chute 160. A pipe 194 is disposed in the lower housing 120.

[0125] The clearance 190 is connected to the clearance 192. In addition, the clearance 192 is connected to one end of the pipe 194, and the other end of the pipe 194 is connected to each upper gas chamber 119.

[0126] Because the arc chute 160 is accommodated in the lower housing 120, and space for accommodating the moved piston 140 needs to be reserved in the lower housing, the pipe 194 may be disposed on a side wall B, where the side wall B is a side wall adjacent to the side wall A. For example, the pipe 194 may be disposed at a joint between the side wall B and the guide groove 157 on the periphery of the partition rib 150.

[0127] Because the electric arc is generated on the side that is of the arc chute 160 and that is close to the partition rib 150, gas pressure on the side that is of the arc chute 160 and that is close to the partition rib 150 is relatively large. The arc chute 160 is disposed between the side wall A and the partition rib 150. Therefore, gas pressure on the side of the clearance 190 is lower than the gas pressure on the side that is of the arc chute 160 and that is close to the partition rib 150, so that the high-temperature and high-pressure gas flows from the side of the partition rib 150 to the side of the clearance 190. Because the clearance 190 is connected to the clearance 192, the clearance 192 is connected to the pipe 194, and the pipe 194 is connected to the upper gas chamber 119, under the pressure, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas flows into the upper gas chamber 119 through the clearance 190, the clearance 192, and the pipe 194 in sequence.

[0128] In addition, metal meshes may be separately disposed in the clearance 190, the clearance 192, the pipe 194, and the upper gas chamber 119. The metal mesh may be made of a metal material that easily absorbs energy, so that the metal mesh can filter and absorb the heat energy and high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated in the arc-extinguishing process.

[0129] The circuit breaker 110 in this application is formed into an airtight structure, and does not release heat and high-temperature and high-pressure gas to the outside in the arc-extinguishing process, so that another element or component in the electrical device can be protected.

[0130] In a possible implementation, one or more through holes (that is, an example of a first through hole) may be provided on the upper housing 110, one end of the through hole is connected to one or more upper gas chambers 119, and the other end is connected to the external environment. In this way, gas in the upper gas chamber 119 may be discharged through the through hole.

[0131] In addition, each through hole may have a cover that can be opened and closed, and gas discharge from the gas chamber is controlled by opening and closing the cover.2. Lower gas chamber 129

[0132] As shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the lower gas chamber 129 is separated from the arc-extinguishing chamber cavity 122 by using the bottom plate of the lower housing, or the lower gas chamber 129 and the arc-extinguishing chamber cavity 122 are respectively located on two sides of the bottom plate of the lower housing.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the lower gas chamber 129 is connected to the arc-extinguishing chamber cavity 122 through the clearance 190.

[0134] Because the electric arc is generated on the side that is of the arc chute 160 and that is close to the partition rib 150, gas pressure on the side that is of the arc chute 160 and that is close to the partition rib 150 is relatively large. The arc chute 160 is disposed between the side wall A and the partition rib 150. Therefore, gas pressure on the side of the clearance 190 is lower than the gas pressure on the side that is of the arc chute 160 and that is close to the partition rib 150, so that the high-temperature and high-pressure gas flows from the side of the partition rib 150 to the side of the clearance 190. Because the clearance 190 is connected to the lower gas chamber 129, under the pressure, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas flows into the lower gas chamber 129 through the clearance 190 in sequence.

[0135] In addition, metal meshes may be separately disposed in the clearance 190 and the lower gas chamber 129. The metal mesh may be made of a metal material that easily absorbs energy, so that the metal mesh can filter and absorb the heat energy and high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated in the arc-extinguishing process.

[0136] The circuit breaker 110 in this application is formed into an airtight structure, and does not release heat and high-temperature and high-pressure gas to the outside in the arc-extinguishing process, so that another element or component in the electrical device can be protected.

[0137] In a possible implementation, one or more through holes (that is, an example of a second through hole) may be provided on the lower housing 120, one end of the through hole is connected to one or more lower gas chambers 129, and the other end is connected to the external environment. In this way, gas in the gas chamber 129 may be discharged through the through hole.

[0138] In addition, each through hole may have a cover that can be opened and closed, and gas discharge from the gas chamber is controlled by opening and closing the cover.

[0139] It should be understood that the foregoing listed processing processes for the energy and the high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated in the arc-extinguishing process are merely examples for description, and this application is not limited thereto. For example, a metal mesh used to absorb energy may be disposed in space between the second arc guide structure 180 and the bottom plate of the lower housing 120. For another example, the circuit breaker may be configured with only one of the upper gas chamber 119 and the lower gas chamber 129, or may be configured with both of the upper gas chamber 119 and the lower gas chamber 129. This is not particularly limited in this application. The foregoing descriptions are merely specific implementations of this application, but are not intended to limit the protection scope of this application. Any variation or replacement readily figured out by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application shall fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0027]The following describes the technical solutions of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028]A circuit breaker in this application may be effectively used in an electric power system with a high-voltage circuit. As shown in FIG. 1, the electric power system may include a high-voltage power supply and load. One end of the circuit breaker is connected to the high-voltage power supply, and the other end is connected to the load. In addition, the circuit breaker in this application may alternatively be used in an electric power system or power equipment with a low-voltage circuit.

[0029]For example, the electric power system may include a photovoltaic inverter system. FIG. 19 is a diagram of a structure of an example of a photovoltaic inverter system having the circuit breaker provided in this application. As shown in FIG. 19, the photovoltaic inverter system includes a photovoltaic (photovoltaic, PV) panel and a photovoltaic inverter. The photovoltaic pane...

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202311019419.7, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on August 11, 2023 and entitled "CIRCUIT BREAKER AND POWER EQUIPMENT", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application relates to the field of power distribution technologies, and in particular, to a circuit breaker and power equipment.BACKGROUND

[0003] In the field of power distribution technologies, circuit breakers are usually used to avoid device faults or even safety problems caused by abnormal currents. A piston is disposed in a circuit breaker. When a current is abnormal, the piston is triggered to move at a high speed, to cut off a circuit. In this case, the circuit that is cut off generates an electric arc at a fracture and sprays the electric arc outward with high-temperature and high-pressure gas and the like. The electric arc and the high-temperature and high-pressure gas that are sprayed outward easily cause problems such as inter-phase breakdown and ablation of parts.

[0004] Therefore, an arc chute is usually disposed in the circuit breaker, and the arc chute includes a plurality of metal sheets that are configured in a stacked manner. The electric arc is guided to the arc chute for extinguishing. A large amount of heat and high-temperature and high-pressure gas are also generated in an arc-extinguishing process. To avoid danger caused by the heat and the high-temperature and high-pressure gas, a through hole may be provided in a cavity in which the arc chute is accommodated in the circuit breaker, to discharge the heat and the high-temperature and high-pressure gas to the outside of the circuit breaker.

[0005] However, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas and the heat that are directly discharged by the circuit breaker may cause damage to other components in power equipment.SUMMARY

[0006] This application provides a circuit breaker and power equipment, to protect other components in the power equipment when danger caused by heat and high-temperature and high-pressure gas that are generated in an arc-extinguishing process is reduced.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a circuit breaker is provided, where the circuit breaker includes an upper housing, a lower housing, and a busbar fastened between the upper housing and the lower housing. The upper housing includes a piston cavity. The piston cavity is opened toward the busbar, the piston cavity accommodates a piston, and a power mechanism capable of driving the piston to move toward the busbar is disposed in the piston cavity. The piston moves after being subject to force applied by the power mechanism, to cut off the busbar. The lower housing includes an arc-extinguishing chamber cavity, where the arc-extinguishing chamber cavity accommodates an arc chute. A first clearance exists between the arc chute and a first side wall of the lower housing, and the first side wall and the piston after movement are respectively located on two sides of the arc chute. The circuit breaker further includes at least one gas chamber and at least one gas channel, one end of the gas channel is connected to the arc-extinguishing chamber cavity, and the other end of the gas channel is connected to the gas chamber. The gas channel includes the first clearance.

[0008] By disposing the gas chamber and the gas channel, heat energy and high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated through arc extinction in the lower housing can be guided to the gas chamber through the gas channel for cooling, to reduce a safety risk of the circuit breaker. In addition, compared with a manner in which the high-temperature and high-pressure gas is directly discharged to the outside of the circuit breaker, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas does not cause damage to other components in the power equipment.

[0009] In an implementation, the gas chamber includes an upper gas chamber disposed in the upper housing. In addition, a second clearance is formed between the arc chute and a bottom plate of the lower housing, and the first clearance is connected to the second clearance. A pipe is mounted in the lower housing. One end of the pipe is connected to the second clearance, and the other end of the pipe is connected to the at least one upper gas chamber. The gas channel includes the second clearance and the pipe.

[0010] In addition, an energy absorbing material is disposed in at least one of the upper gas chamber, the first clearance, the second clearance, and the pipe, or an energy absorbing material is disposed in space between a second arc guide structure and the bottom plate of the lower housing. In this way, the energy absorbing material can be disposed to improve a cooling speed and effect.

[0011] In addition, the upper housing further includes at least one first through hole, and each first through hole penetrates from an outer surface of the upper housing to the upper gas chamber, so that the gas that has undergone temperature reduction and pressure reduction can be discharged to the outside of the circuit breaker through the first through hole. In another implementation, the gas chamber includes a lower gas chamber disposed in the lower housing, the lower gas chamber and the arc-extinguishing chamber cavity are located on two sides of the bottom plate of the lower housing, and the lower gas chamber is connected to the first clearance through a third through hole.

[0012] In addition, the lower housing further includes at least one second through hole, and each second through hole penetrates from an outer surface of the lower housing to the lower gas chamber, so that the gas that has undergone temperature reduction and pressure reduction can be discharged to the outside of the circuit breaker through the second through hole.

[0013] In the circuit breaker provided in this application, the piston includes a first insulation part, and the first insulation part extends in a first direction. The piston moves after being subject to the force applied by the power mechanism, so that the first insulation part cuts off the busbar, where the first direction is a moving direction of the piston. The lower housing includes a second insulation part, and the second insulation part extends in a reverse direction of the first direction. After the piston moves, an insulation gap is formed between the first insulation part and the second insulation part. The arc chute includes a plurality of metal sheets, the plurality of metal sheets are configured in a stacked manner in the first direction, and a gap exists between two adjacent metal sheets. A first metal sheet in the plurality of metal sheets includes a first arc guide structure, a second metal sheet in the plurality of metal sheets includes a second arc guide structure, and the first metal sheet is closer to the busbar than the second metal sheet. The first arc guide structure extends from an end that is of the first metal sheet and that is close to the first insulation part to the busbar, and the second arc guide structure extends from an end that is of the second metal sheet and that is close to the first insulation part to an opening of the insulation gap.

[0014] After the busbar is cut off, the insulation gap is formed between the first insulation part and the second insulation part, so that an electric arc can be limited to flow in the insulation gap, thereby extending the electric arc, increasing a voltage of the electric arc, and increasing a voltage of the electric arc that can be extinguished, so that the circuit breaker can be effectively used in a high-voltage circuit without increasing a size of the circuit breaker.

[0015] In an implementation, the second insulation part is disposed on a second side wall of the lower housing, and the second side wall and the arc chute are located on two sides of the piston. For example, the second insulation part and the lower housing are integrally formed.

[0016] In another implementation, the first insulation part includes two insulation arms extending in the first direction, the second insulation part includes a partition rib extending in the reverse direction of the first direction, and after the piston (140) moves, the partition rib is located between the two insulation arms, to form two insulation gaps. In addition, there are two arc chutes, and the two arc chutes are located on two sides of the partition rib.

[0017] In this application, an end part of the second insulation part is in contact with the busbar, and the busbar is fastened to the end part of the second insulation part by using a fastener. In this way, a part that is of the busbar and that is cut off by the first insulation part can be kept fixed, that is, a position of an arc starting point can be kept unchanged, so that safety and practicality of the circuit breaker provided in this application are improved.

[0018] In this application, an end part of the first arc guide structure is in contact with the busbar, or the end part of the first arc guide structure can be in contact with a bent part obtained after the busbar is cut off. A length of the first arc guide structure, and the like are set based on a position relationship between an easily bent part and an easily cut-off part on the busbar, so that processing difficulty can be reduced.

[0019] According to a second aspect, a photovoltaic inverter is provided, including a direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, a maximum power point tracking MPPT apparatus, a detection circuit, a circuit breaker, and a controller. An input end of the MPPT apparatus is configured to connect to a photovoltaic module, and an output end of the MPPT apparatus is configured to directly or indirectly connect to an input end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter. The circuit breaker is connected between the output end of the MPPT apparatus and the input end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, or is connected between an output end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter and an external power grid or load, and the circuit breaker includes an upper housing, a lower housing, and a busbar fastened between the upper housing and the lower housing, where the busbar is configured to: when the circuit breaker is in a conduction state, connect the output end of the MPPT apparatus and the input end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, or connect the output end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter and the external power grid or load. The upper housing includes a piston cavity, the piston cavity is opened toward the busbar (130), and the piston cavity (112) accommodates a piston (140). A power mechanism capable of driving the piston to move toward the busbar is disposed in the piston cavity. The piston moves after being subject to force applied by the power mechanism, to cut off the busbar. The lower housing includes an arc-extinguishing chamber cavity, the arc-extinguishing chamber cavity accommodates an arc chute, and a first clearance exists between the arc chute and a first side wall of the lower housing. The first side wall and the piston after movement are respectively located on two sides of the arc chute. The circuit breaker further includes at least one gas chamber and at least one gas channel, the at least one gas chamber is disposed in the upper housing and / or the lower housing, one end of the gas channel is connected to the arc-extinguishing chamber cavity, the other end of the gas channel is connected to the gas chamber, and the gas channel includes the first clearance. The detection circuit is configured to detect an electrical parameter of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, where the electrical parameter includes at least one of an input end voltage of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, an input end current of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, an output end voltage of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, and an output end current of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter; and the controller is configured to control a power mechanism to drive a piston to move when the electrical parameter of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter exceeds a preset threshold, so that a first insulation part cuts off the busbar, to disconnect an electrical connection between the output end of the MPPT apparatus and the input end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, or disconnect an electrical connection between the output end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter and the external power grid or load.

[0020] A structure of the circuit breaker in the photovoltaic inverter is similar to the structure of the circuit breaker in any one of the first aspect and the possible implementations of the first aspect. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted herein.

[0021] For example, the piston includes the first insulation part, and the first insulation part extends in a first direction. The piston moves after being subject to the force applied by the power mechanism, so that the first insulation part cuts off the busbar, where the first direction is a moving direction of the piston. The lower housing includes a second insulation part, and the second insulation part extends in a reverse direction of the first direction. After the piston moves, an insulation gap is formed between the first insulation part and the second insulation part. The arc chute includes a plurality of metal sheets, the plurality of metal sheets are configured in a stacked manner in the first direction, and a gap exists between two adjacent metal sheets. A first metal sheet in the plurality of metal sheets includes a first arc guide structure, a second metal sheet in the plurality of metal sheets includes a second arc guide structure, and the first metal sheet is closer to the busbar than the second metal sheet. The first arc guide structure extends from an end that is of the first metal sheet and that is close to the first insulation part to the busbar, and the second arc guide structure extends from an end that is of the second metal sheet and that is close to the first insulation part to an opening of the insulation gap.

[0022] For another example, there are two first insulation parts, the two first insulation parts are respectively located on two sides of the second insulation part, a first spacing exists between the two first insulation parts, and a width of the second insulation part is less than the first spacing. In addition, in this case, there are two arc chutes, and the two arc chutes are respectively located on two sides of the second insulation part.

[0023] According to a third aspect, an energy storage system is provided, including a battery cluster, a circuit breaker, a detection circuit, and a controller, where each battery cluster includes a plurality of battery packs connected in series, one end of a busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to a direct current input / output port of the battery cluster, and the other end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is configured to connect to direct current load or a direct current input / output port of a power generation system. The detection circuit is configured to detect an electrical parameter of the battery cluster, where the electrical parameter includes at least one of an output end voltage of the battery cluster and an output end current of the battery cluster. The controller is configured to control a power mechanism to drive a piston to move when the electrical parameter of the battery cluster exceeds a preset threshold, so that a first insulation part cuts off a busbar, to disconnect an electrical connection between the battery cluster and the load.

[0024] According to a fourth aspect, a photovoltaic inverter system is provided, including a photovoltaic panel, a photovoltaic inverter, an energy storage system, a circuit breaker, a detection circuit, and a controller. The photovoltaic inverter includes a direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter and a maximum power point tracking MPPT module. One end of the MPPT apparatus is connected to the photovoltaic panel, one end of a busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to the other end of the MPPT apparatus, the end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is further connected to the energy storage system, the other end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to one end of the DC / AC converter, and the other end of the DC / AC converter is configured to connect to an alternating current power grid or alternating current load. Alternatively, the other end of the MPPT apparatus is connected to one end of the DC / AC converter, the other end of the MPPT apparatus and the end of the DC / AC converter are further connected to the energy storage system, the other end of the DC / AC converter is connected to one end of the busbar of the circuit breaker, and the other end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is configured to connect to the alternating current power grid or the alternating current load. The detection circuit is configured to detect an electrical parameter of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, where the electrical parameter includes at least one of an input end voltage of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, an input end current of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, an output end voltage of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, and an output end current of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter; and the controller is configured to control a power mechanism to drive a piston to move when the electrical parameter of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter exceeds a preset threshold, so that a first insulation part cuts off the busbar, to disconnect an electrical connection between the output end of the MPPT apparatus and the input end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, or disconnect an electrical connection between the output end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter and the external power grid or load.

[0025] According to a fifth aspect, an electric vehicle is provided, including a battery cluster, an inverter circuit, a motor, and a circuit breaker, where the battery cluster is configured to output a direct current, and the inverter circuit converts the direct current into a three-phase alternating current and transfers the three-phase alternating current to the motor. One end of a busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to the battery cluster, and the other end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to a direct current end of the inverter circuit. Alternatively, one end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to an alternating current end of the inverter circuit, and the other end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to the motor. A detection circuit is configured to detect an electrical parameter of the inverter circuit, where the electrical parameter includes at least one of an input end voltage of the inverter circuit, an input end current of the inverter circuit, an output end voltage of the inverter circuit, and an output end current of the inverter circuit. A controller is configured to control a power mechanism to drive a piston to move when the electrical parameter of the inverter circuit exceeds a preset threshold, so that a first insulation part cuts off the busbar, to disconnect an electrical connection between an output end of the battery cluster and an input end of the inverter circuit, or disconnect an electrical connection between an output end of the inverter circuit and the motor.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an appearance of a circuit breaker according to this application; FIG. 2 is an assembly diagram of a circuit breaker according to this application; FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of an example of a circuit breaker when a circuit is not opened according to this application; FIG. 4 is a front sectional view of an example of a circuit breaker when a circuit is opened according to this application; FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional diagram of an example of a piston of a circuit breaker according to this application; FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional diagram of another example of a piston of a circuit breaker according to this application; FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional diagram of an example of a lower housing of a circuit breaker according to this application; FIG. 8 is a three-dimensional diagram of an example of an arc chute of a circuit breaker according to this application; FIG. 9 is a three-dimensional diagram of an example of a metal sheet in an arc chute according to this application; FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional sectional view of another example of a circuit breaker according to this application; FIG. 11 is a top view of a lower housing of the circuit breaker shown in FIG. 10; FIG. 12 is a front sectional view of still another example of a circuit breaker according to this application; FIG. 13 is a diagram of an electric arc state of a circuit breaker during arcing according to this application; FIG. 14 is a diagram of an electric arc state of a circuit breaker after arc guidance according to this application; FIG. 15 is a front sectional view of another example of a circuit breaker when a circuit is opened according to this application; FIG. 16 is a front sectional view of still another example of a circuit breaker when a circuit is opened according to this application; FIG. 17 is a front sectional view of still another example of a circuit breaker when a circuit is opened according to this application; FIG. 18 is a front sectional view of still another example of a circuit breaker when a circuit is opened according to this application; FIG. 19 is a diagram of an architecture of an example of a photovoltaic inverter system to which a circuit breaker provided in this application is applicable; FIG. 20 is a diagram of an architecture of an example of an energy storage system to which a circuit breaker provided in this application is applicable; and FIG. 21 is a diagram of an architecture of an example of an electric vehicle to which a circuit breaker provided in this application is applicable. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0027] The following describes the technical solutions of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] A circuit breaker in this application may be effectively used in an electric power system with a high-voltage circuit. As shown in FIG. 1, the electric power system may include a high-voltage power supply and load. One end of the circuit breaker is connected to the high-voltage power supply, and the other end is connected to the load. In addition, the circuit breaker in this application may alternatively be used in an electric power system or power equipment with a low-voltage circuit.

[0029] For example, the electric power system may include a photovoltaic inverter system. FIG. 19 is a diagram of a structure of an example of a photovoltaic inverter system having the circuit breaker provided in this application. As shown in FIG. 19, the photovoltaic inverter system includes a photovoltaic (photovoltaic, PV) panel and a photovoltaic inverter. The photovoltaic panel converts solar energy into electric energy. Because the photovoltaic panel generates a direct current, the photovoltaic inverter needs to convert the direct current into an alternating current, to facilitate transmission and utilization of power.

[0030] The photovoltaic inverter includes a direct current to alternating current (direct current to alternating current, DC / AC) converter, and the DC / AC converter is configured to convert a direct current into an alternating current.

[0031] The photovoltaic inverter further includes a maximum power point tracking (maximum power point tracking, MPPT) module. The MPPT apparatus is configured to track a maximum voltage value and a maximum current value, so that a power generation system outputs a current at maximum power.

[0032] The MPPT apparatus and a DC / DC module in the photovoltaic inverter may be disposed in a same packaged device, or may be disposed in different packaged devices.

[0033] The MPPT apparatus may include a direct current to direct current (direct current to direct current, DC / DC) converter. The DC / DC converter is configured to perform voltage stabilization (or voltage conversion) on a direct current generated by a PV module. A direct current obtained through voltage stabilization may be output to a power energy storage system. One end A of the DC / AC converter is connected to the MPPT apparatus and an energy storage system, and the other end B is configured to connect to an alternating current power grid or alternating current load, so that the DC / AC converter converts a direct current output by the MPPT apparatus or the energy storage system into an alternating current, and supplies the alternating current to the alternating current load or the alternating current power grid.

[0034] In addition, the other end B of the DC / AC converter may be further connected to another energy storage system through the inverter (namely, the DC / AC converter). The inverter is configured to: convert an alternating current from the photovoltaic inverter into a direct current, and store the direct current in the energy storage system. In addition, a direct current from the energy storage system may be converted into an alternating current, and the alternating current is supplied to the alternating current load or the alternating current power grid.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 19, in an implementation, the circuit breaker provided in this application may be disposed in a circuit between the MPPT, the energy storage system, and the DC / AC converter. To be specific, one end of a busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to the MPPT and the energy storage system, and one end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to the DC / AC converter. In this case, the circuit breaker operates in a direct current circuit. The circuit breaker may be configured to cut off an electrical connection between the MPPT and the DC / AC converter, and the circuit breaker may be configured to cut off an electrical connection between the energy storage system and the DC / AC converter.

[0036] In another implementation, the circuit breaker provided in this application may be disposed between the DC / AC converter and an output interface of the photovoltaic system. To be specific, the circuit breaker may cut off an electrical connection between the DC / AC converter and the alternating current load or the alternating current power grid. To be specific, one end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to the DC / AC converter, and one end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to the power grid or the load. In this case, the circuit breaker operates in an alternating current circuit. The circuit breaker may be configured to cut off an electrical connection between the photovoltaic system and the alternating current load or the alternating current power grid.

[0037] The circuit breaker provided in this application may be further disposed in the foregoing photovoltaic inverter. In this case, the photovoltaic inverter includes the DC / AC converter, an MPPT apparatus, a detection circuit, the circuit breaker, and a controller.

[0038] An input end of the MPPT apparatus is configured to connect to a photovoltaic module, and an output end of the MPPT apparatus is configured to directly or indirectly connect to an input end of the DC / AC converter.

[0039] For example, the circuit breaker is connected between the output end of the MPPT apparatus and the input end of the DC / AC converter.

[0040] Alternatively, the circuit breaker is connected between an output end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter and the external power grid or load.

[0041] The detection circuit is configured to detect an electrical parameter of the DC / AC converter. For example, the electrical parameter includes at least one of an input end voltage of the DC / AC converter, an input end current of the DC / AC converter, an output end voltage of the DC / AC converter, and an output end current of the DC / AC converter.

[0042] The controller is configured to control a power mechanism of the circuit breaker to drive a piston to move when the electrical parameter of the DC / AC converter exceeds a preset threshold, so that a first insulation part cuts off the busbar, to disconnect an electrical connection between the output end of the MPPT apparatus and the input end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, or disconnect an electrical connection between the output end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter and the external power grid or load. Then the structure of the circuit breaker and actions of the parts after the circuit breaker is started are described in detail.

[0043] For example, the electric power system may include an energy storage system. FIG. 20 is a diagram of a structure of an example of an energy storage system having the circuit breaker provided in this application. As shown in FIG. 20, the energy storage system includes one or more battery clusters, each battery cluster includes one or more battery packs, and the battery cluster includes an input / output interface. The input / output interface is configured to output a direct current to the load or the photovoltaic inverter system, and the input / output interface is configured to input an output direct current from the photovoltaic inverter system. The circuit breaker provided in this application may be disposed between the input / output interface (or an output bus of the battery cluster) and the photovoltaic system and the load. In this case, the circuit breaker works in a direct current circuit. The circuit breaker may be configured to cut off an electrical connection between the energy storage system and the direct current load or the photovoltaic inverter system.

[0044] In addition, although not shown, the energy storage system may further include one or more DC / DC converters, and one or more battery management systems (battery management systems, BMSs). Each battery pack corresponds to one BMS. The BMS is usually configured to implement functions such as dynamic monitoring of battery charge and discharge, battery equalization, and battery state of charge evaluation. The DC / DC converter is used for power conversion of the battery pack.

[0045] The battery pack may be a single battery, or may be a battery cluster including a plurality of batteries. Specifically, the battery may alternatively be one or a combination of a lead-carbon battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a ternary lithium battery, a sodium-sulfur battery, and a flow battery.

[0046] For example, the electric power system may include an electric power system in an electric vehicle. FIG. 21 is a diagram of a structure of an example of an electric power system of an electric vehicle having the circuit breaker provided in this application. As shown in FIG. 21, the electric vehicle includes a power battery and an electric drive system. The power battery includes a battery cluster, and the battery cluster includes one or more battery packs connected in series. The electric drive system includes an inverter circuit and a motor. An output port of the battery cluster provides a direct current for the inverter circuit, and the inverter circuit converts the direct current into a three-phase alternating current and transfers the three-phase alternating current to the motor, to drive the motor.

[0047] In an implementation, the circuit breaker provided in this application may be disposed in a circuit between the battery cluster and the inverter circuit. To be specific, one end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to the battery cluster, and one end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to a direct current bus of the inverter circuit. In this case, the circuit breaker operates in a direct current circuit. The circuit breaker may be configured to cut off an electrical connection between the battery cluster and the electric drive system.

[0048] In another implementation, the circuit breaker provided in this application may be disposed in a circuit between the inverter circuit and the motor. To be specific, the circuit breaker may cut off an electrical connection between the inverter circuit and the motor. To be specific, one end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to an alternating current bus of the inverter circuit, and one end of the busbar of the circuit breaker is connected to the motor. In this case, the circuit breaker operates in an alternating current circuit. The circuit breaker may be configured to cut off an electrical connection between the inverter circuit and the motor.

[0049] The following describes in detail a structure of the circuit breaker provided in this application.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an appearance of a circuit breaker 100 according to this application. FIG. 2 is an assembly diagram of the circuit breaker 100. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the circuit breaker 100 includes: an upper housing 110, a lower housing 120, a busbar 130, a power mechanism 128, a piston 140, and one or more arc chutes 160.

[0051] In this application, the circuit breaker 100 may be formed into a left-right symmetrical structure, and a symmetry axis of the circuit breaker 100 is denoted as an X-axis. In this case, the upper housing 110, the lower housing 120, the busbar 130, the power mechanism 128, and the piston 140 are formed into a symmetrical structure about the X-axis. In addition, in this case, the plurality of arc chutes 160 may form two arc chute groups, each arc chute group includes one or more arc chutes, and the two arc chute groups are symmetrically configured about the X-axis.

[0052] The circuit breaker 100 shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 12 is described by using an example in which the circuit breaker 100 is formed into a structure symmetrical about the X-axis. However, this application is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the circuit breaker 100 may alternatively not be formed into a left-right symmetrical structure. In this case, the circuit breaker 100 may include only one arc chute 160.

[0053] For ease of understanding and description, an example in which the circuit breaker 100 has a left-right symmetrical structure is used below for description. Unless otherwise specified, a structure of each component when the circuit breaker 100 is not formed to be left-right symmetrical is the same as or similar to a structure of each component when the circuit breaker 100 is formed to be left-right symmetrical.1. Busbar 130

[0054] The busbar 130 is configured to connect to a circuit. To be specific, the circuit breaker 110 is connected to the used circuit through the busbar 130.

[0055] In addition, the busbar 130 is fastened between the upper housing 110 and the lower housing 120. For example, the busbar 130 may be fastened on the upper housing 110 and / or the lower housing 120 by using a fastener such as a bolt. In this application, the busbar 130 includes an easily bent part 135 and an easily cut-off part 137. The easily cut-off part 137 is easier to be cut off than another part on the busbar 130, and the easily bent part 135 is easier to be bent than another part on the busbar 130.

[0056] In this embodiment of this application, the easily cut-off part 137 is closer to the following partition rib 150 than the easily bent part 135.

[0057] Alternatively, the easily bent part 135 is closer to a position of the partition rib 150 than the easily cut-off part 137. In an implementation, the busbar 130 may be fastened on the following partition rib 150 by using a bolt or the like. When the busbar 130 is subject to impact force in the first direction, the easily cut-off part 137 is first cut off, and then a part between the easily cut-off part 137 and the easily bent part 135 is bent toward the first direction around the easily bent part 135.2. Upper housing 110

[0058] FIG. 3 shows a front sectional view of a circuit breaker when the piston 140 does not move (to be specific, the piston 140 is located at a position when the circuit breaker is not started, where the position is denoted as a first position), and FIG. 4 shows a front sectional view of a circuit breaker after the piston 140 moves (that is, the piston 140 is located at a position after the circuit breaker is started, where the position is denoted as a second position).

[0059] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a piston cavity 112 is formed in the upper housing 110, the piston cavity 112 is opened toward the busbar 130, a power mechanism 118 is disposed at the bottom of the piston cavity 112, and the piston 140 is accommodated in the piston cavity 112.

[0060] The power mechanism 118 is disposed to be capable of applying force in the first direction to the piston 140. The first direction is a moving direction of the piston 140, or a direction from the first position to the second position.

[0061] For example, the power mechanism 118 may convert chemical energy into kinetic energy through, for example, explosion, to generate thrust force for the piston 140.

[0062] The power mechanism 118 may receive a control signal, and generate the thrust force for the piston 140 based on the control signal.

[0063] In an implementation, a controller that sends the control signal may be integrated into the circuit breaker 100. In another implementation, the controller that sends the control signal may be independent of the circuit breaker 100. The controller may determine whether a preset condition is met, and generate and send the control signal when the preset condition is met.

[0064] By way of example instead of limitation, the following preset conditions may be listed. 1. A current in the busbar is less than a preset first threshold. To be specific, when a device in the circuit is faulty, the current in the busbar may be relatively small. In this case, the circuit breaker may be triggered to start, so as to cut off the circuit. 2. The current in the busbar is greater than a preset second threshold. To be specific, when open-circuit or the like occurs on the device in the circuit, the current in the busbar may be relatively large. In this case, the circuit breaker may be triggered to start, so as to cut off the circuit. 3. Parameters detected by using a sensor or the like are within a preset range. To be specific, when the device is faulty, some parameters of the device may be abnormal. For example, when a brake of an electric vehicle fails, a rotational speed of a motor may be excessively high. In this case, the circuit breaker may be triggered to start, so as to cut off the circuit, thereby avoiding danger.

[0065] It should be understood that the foregoing listed conditions for triggering the circuit breaker to start (or triggering the power mechanism 118 to generate the thrust force for the piston 140) are merely examples for description, and are not particularly limited in this application. A user may set a starting condition randomly based on an actual application scenario.

[0066] For example, when the circuit breaker is disposed in the photovoltaic inverter, the controller and the detection apparatus may be disposed in the photovoltaic inverter. The detection apparatus may be configured to detect an electrical parameter of a DC / AC converter, for example, an input end voltage of the DC / AC converter, an input end current of the DC / AC converter, an output end voltage of the DC / AC converter, and an output end current of the DC / AC converter. In addition, when the electrical parameter exceeds a preset threshold, the controller may control the circuit breaker to start, to be specific, control the power mechanism 118 to generate the thrust force for the piston 140.

[0067] For another example, when the circuit breaker is disposed in the energy storage system, the controller and the detection apparatus may be disposed in the energy storage system. The detection apparatus may be configured to detect an electrical parameter of the battery cluster, for example, an output voltage or an output current of the battery cluster. In addition, when the electrical parameter exceeds a preset threshold, the controller may control the circuit breaker to start, to be specific, control the power mechanism 118 to generate the thrust force for the piston 140.

[0068] For another example, when the circuit breaker is disposed in the electric vehicle, the controller and the detection apparatus may be disposed in the electric vehicle. The detection apparatus may be configured to detect an electrical parameter of the inverter circuit, for example, an output voltage or an output current of the inverter circuit, or an input voltage or an input current of the inverter circuit. In addition, when the electrical parameter exceeds a preset threshold, the controller may control the circuit breaker to start, to be specific, control the power mechanism 118 to generate the thrust force for the piston 140.

[0069] When the power mechanism 118 does not apply force to the piston 140, the piston 140 is located at the first position in the piston cavity 112. When the power mechanism 118 applies force to the piston 140, the piston 140 moves from the first position to the second position in the first direction.

[0070] To improve efficiency of converting energy provided by the power mechanism 118 into kinetic energy of the piston 140, the first direction may be parallel to the axis X, and the piston cavity 112 may be formed in a shape extending along the axis X.

[0071] In an implementation, the piston cavity 112 is formed in a shape symmetrical about the axis X, for example, a cylindrical shape or a prism shape. For ease of understanding, the accompanying drawings of this application show the piston cavity 112 formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0072] The piston 140 includes a base and a first insulation part 142 disposed on the base.

[0073] When the circuit breaker 100 is not started, the power mechanism 118 may be in contact with the base of the piston 140, and the shape of the base of the piston 140 is the same as that of the piston cavity 112, to improve force transfer efficiency.

[0074] In a possible implementation, as shown in FIG. 4, a groove is formed on the base of the piston 140, and the power mechanism 118 is accommodated in the groove when the circuit breaker 100 is not started, so that configuration space can be saved, a stroke of the piston 140 can be increased, and a speed at which an end part of the first insulation part 142 of the piston 140 reaches the busbar 130 can be improved, thereby improving reliability of the circuit breaker 100. In addition, when the circuit breaker 100 is not started, the power mechanism 118 is accommodated in the groove, so that a length of the first insulation part 142 of the piston 140 can be increased, thereby helping to increase a length of an insulation gap formed between the first insulation part 142 and the partition rib 150.

[0075] The following describes in detail a configuration of the first insulation part 142.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, when the circuit breaker 100 is formed into a structure symmetrical about the X-axis, the first insulation part 142 is formed into two insulation arms 142, the insulation arm 142 is formed into a strip shape or columnar shape that extends from the base of the piston 140 in the first direction, and the insulation arm 142 is made of an insulation material such as plastic.

[0077] The two insulation arms 142 are symmetrically configured about the X-axis, and surfaces (that is, a first surface and a second surface) facing each other of the two insulation arms 142 form a plane, where the first surface and the second surface are parallel to each other and parallel to the X-axis.

[0078] Space enclosed by the surfaces (the first surface and the second surface) facing each other of the two insulation arms 142 is denoted as first space, and the shape of the first space corresponds to the shape of the partition rib 150. Therefore, when the piston 140 moves to the second position, the partition rib 150 can be inserted into the first space. In addition, a width of the first space (a size on the Y-axis shown in FIG. 7) is greater than a width of the partition rib 150, so that when the piston moves to the second position, an insulation gap is formed between the partition rib 150 and each first insulation arm 142.

[0079] The insulation gap can limit a path of an electric arc, and further extend the electric arc. By way of example instead of limitation, a width of the insulation gap may be between 0.1 to 0.3 millimeter.

[0080] For example, the partition rib 150 is formed into a cuboid. In this case, the surfaces facing each other of the two insulation arms 142 are parallel to the X-axis. In addition, a distance (that is, a distance on the Y-axis) between the surfaces facing each other of the two insulation arms 142 is greater than a width (that is, a size on the Y-axis) of the cuboid into which the partition rib 150 is formed.

[0081] In an implementation, the insulation arm 142 has a tip 144. For example, the tip 144 may be formed by forming an inclined surface at an end part of the insulation arm 142. In addition, an orientation or a position of the inclined surface may be set based on positions of the easily bent part 135 and easily cut-off part 137 on the busbar 130. For example, the tip 144 may be located on a side that is of the end part of the insulation arm 142 and that is close to the easily cut-off part 137. As shown in FIG. 4, when the position of the easily cut-off part 137 on the busbar 130 is close to the partition rib 150, a side that is of the inclined surface of the tip 144 and that is close to the partition rib 150 may be relatively long, and a side far away from the partition rib 150 may be relatively short. As shown in FIG. 12, when the position of the easily bent part 135 on the busbar 130 is close to the partition rib 150, a side that is of the inclined surface of the tip 144 and that is close to the partition rib 150 may be relatively short, and a side far away from the partition rib 150 may be relatively long.

[0082] By way of example instead of limitation, a plurality of guide parts 146 may be further disposed on the base of the piston 140, and a length of the guide part 146 is greater than a length of the insulation arm 142. Shapes of the plurality of guide parts 146 match shapes of guide grooves 157 in the lower housing 120.

[0083] In this way, when the piston 140 moves, the guide part 146 enters the lower housing 120 earlier than the insulation arm 142, and a moving direction or track of the piston 140 can be limited through matching between the guide part 146 and the guide groove 157, so that the partition rib 150 is accurately inserted into the first space between the two insulation arms 142, and reliable formation of the insulation gap can be ensured.

[0084] In addition, in this embodiment of this application, space sealed on side surfaces can be formed through matching between the guide part 146 and the guide groove 157, so that the electric arc can be limited to flow in the insulation gap, thereby ensuring that the electric arc is extended by using the insulation gap.3. Lower housing 120

[0085] The lower housing 120 includes a cavity enclosed by a bottom plate and four side walls.

[0086] When the piston 140 moves from the first position to the second position, the guide part 146 and the first insulation part 142 on the piston 140 enter the cavity from the upper housing 110 (specifically, the piston cavity 112 of the upper housing 110).

[0087] A second insulation part 150 is disposed on the bottom plate of the lower housing 120. As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, when the circuit breaker 100 is formed into a structure symmetrical about the X-axis, the second insulation part 150 may include the partition rib 150 extending from the bottom plate of the lower housing 120 in a reverse direction of the first direction, and the partition rib 150 is located in the center of the cavity of the lower housing 120. For example, the X-axis penetrates the partition rib 150. The partition rib 150 divides the cavity of the lower housing 120 into two parts.

[0088] As described above, the shape of the partition rib 150 corresponds to the shape of the first space. To be specific, the second insulation part includes a third surface and a fourth surface that are parallel to each other. A distance between the third surface and the fourth surface, namely, the width of the partition rib 150 (namely, the size in the Y-axis direction shown in FIG. 7) is less than the distance between the surfaces facing each other of the two insulation arms 142.

[0089] For example, the partition rib 150 is formed into a cuboid. In this case, the first surface and the second surface facing each other of the two insulation arms 142 are parallel to the X-axis. In addition, the distance between the surfaces facing each other of the two insulation arms 142 is greater than the width (that is, the distance between the third surface and the fourth surface) of the cuboid into which the partition rib 150 is formed.

[0090] In this way, when the piston 140 moves to the second position, an insulation gap is formed between the first surface and the third surface, and an insulation gap is formed between the second surface and the fourth surface.

[0091] By way of example instead of limitation, as shown in FIG. 7, the guide grooves 157 are formed on two sides of the partition rib 150. The shape and the size of the guide groove 157 match the guide part 146, to limit the moving direction or track of the piston 140.

[0092] The partition rib 150 is made of an insulation material. In addition, the partition rib 150 extends upward along the X-axis from the bottom plate of the lower housing 120, and is in contact with the busbar 130.

[0093] In this way, when the piston 140 moves to the second position shown in FIG. 4, two insulation gaps are respectively formed between two side surfaces of the partition rib 150 and the two insulation arms 142.

[0094] In an implementation, as shown in FIG. 7, a threaded hole 155 may be further provided on the partition rib 150, and the busbar 130 may be fastened on the partition rib 150 through matching between a screw and the threaded hole 155. When the busbar 130 is cut off by the two insulation arms 142, a part between the two first insulation parts is fastened to the busbar 130 by using a screw, so that the cut-off part that is used as an arc starting point can be prevented from being displaced, and reliability and safety of the circuit breaker 100 in this application can be further improved.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 15, when the circuit breaker includes only one arc chute, the second insulation part 150 may be disposed on a side wall of the lower housing, and the second insulation part 150 and the following arc chute 160 are respectively located on two sides of the piston 140. In addition, when the piston 140 moves to the second position, an insulation gap is formed between the first insulation part 142 and the second insulation part 150. In a possible implementation, the second insulation part 150 and the lower housing are integrally formed, or the second insulation part 150 is a side wall of the lower housing 120.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 7, the cavity of the lower housing 120 is separated into two arc-extinguishing chamber cavities 122 by the partition rib 150. One arc chute 160 is accommodated in each arc-extinguishing chamber cavity 122.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 8, the arc chute 160 includes a plurality of metal sheets 163 configured in a stacked manner in the X-axis direction.

[0098] The metal sheet 163 may also be referred to as a metal grid sheet, and is made of metal having electrical conductivity. As shown in FIG. 9, the metal sheet 163 has a "V"-shaped opening, and the "V"-shaped opening of each metal sheet 163 in the arc chute 160 faces the partition rib 150, so that "V"-shaped openings of the plurality of metal sheets 163 form a "V"-shaped slot.

[0099] Insulation support plates 164 are disposed on two sides of the arc chute 160, and two sides of each metal sheet 163 (that is, sides adjacent to sides on which the "V"-shaped opening is provided) are fastened to the insulation support plates 164, to implement a stacked configuration of the plurality of metal sheets 163.

[0100] The arc chute 160 further includes an insulation member 165 on both sides that covers the "V"-shaped slot.

[0101] The plurality of metal sheets of the arc chute 160 are horizontally arranged, or the plurality of metal sheets of the arc chute 160 are inclined in a manner in which a side close to the partition rib 150 is higher than a side close to the side wall of the lower housing 120. In this way, a configuration plane of the plurality of metal sheets 163 is perpendicular to or forms an included angle with the moving direction (the first direction, or the X-axis direction) of the piston 140. There is a spacing between adjacent metal sheets 163, and the spacing can be used to increase a voltage of an electric arc. Therefore, a quantity of metal sheets 163 and a spacing between adjacent metal sheets may be set based on a voltage of a circuit in which the circuit breaker 100 is actually used, or a voltage of an electric arc that needs to be extinguished.

[0102] A first arc guide structure 170 is disposed on a metal sheet 161 that is located at an uppermost layer (that is, a side closest to the upper housing 110) and that is in the plurality of metal sheets of the arc chute 160, and the first arc guide structure 170 is disposed on a metal sheet 161 that is located at an uppermost layer (that is, a side closest to the busbar 130) and that is in the plurality of metal sheets of the arc chute 160. In addition, a first arc guide structure 180 is disposed on a metal sheet 162 that is located at a bottommost layer (that is, a side closest to the bottom plate of the lower housing 120) in the plurality of metal sheets of the arc chute 160.

[0103] The first arc guide structure 170 and the second arc guide structure 180 are configured to guide the electric arc to the arc chute 160.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 8, and FIG. 12, when the piston 140 moves to the second position, an insulation gap is formed between the insulation arm 142 and the partition rib 150, and the second arc guide structure 180 is disposed as follows: One end is connected to the metal sheet 162, and the other end is close to an opening of the insulation gap. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 8, and FIG. 12, the first arc guide structure 170 is disposed as follows: One end is connected to the metal sheet 161, and the other end is bent upward (that is, in the reverse direction of the first direction).

[0105] In this application, the position of the first arc guide structure 170 on the Y-axis is aligned with the position of the easily cut-off part 137 on the Y-axis, or the position of the first arc guide structure 170 on the Y-axis is aligned with the position of the easily bent part 135 on the Y-axis.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 4, when the easily cut-off part 137 of the busbar 130 is closer to partition rib 150 than the easily bent part 135, the position of the first arc guide structure 170 on the Y-axis is aligned with the position of the easily bent part 135 on the Y-axis. In this case, after the busbar 130 is cut off, the part (for ease of understanding and description, the part is referred to as a first part for short below) between the easily cut-off part 137 and the easily bent part 135 is bent downward on a side close to the first arc guide structure 170. In this case, a length of the first arc guide structure 170 is enough to be in contact with or close to a bent first part.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 12, when the easily cut-off part 137 of the busbar 130 is farther away from the partition rib 150 than the easily bent part 135, the position of the first arc guide structure 170 on the Y-axis is aligned with the position of the easily cut-off part 137 on the Y-axis. In this case, after the busbar 130 is cut off, the first part is bent downward on a side close to the partition rib 150. In this case, a length of the first arc guide structure 170 is enough to be in contact with or close to the busbar 130.

[0108] The following describes in detail actions of the components after the circuit breaker 100 is started.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 3, when the circuit breaker 100 is not started, the piston 140 and the insulation arms 142 are accommodated in the upper housing.

[0110] When a current in the busbar 130 is abnormal, the power mechanism 128 applies force toward the first direction, that is, force downward along the X-axis, to the piston 140.

[0111] Under the force in the first direction and the guide effect of the piston cavity 112, the piston 140 moves downward, and the insulation arms 142 cut off the busbar 130 at the easily cut-off part 137.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 4, the piston 140 stops at the position shown in FIG. 4, the partition rib 150 is inserted into the space between the two insulation arms 142, and insulation gaps are respectively formed between the partition rib 150 and the two insulation arms 142.

[0113] Because the first arc guide structure 170 is in contact with or close to the easily cut-off part 137 or the easily bent part 135, the first arc guide structure 170 can guide an electric arc at an arc starting point corresponding to the easily cut-off part 137 or the easily bent part 135 to the topmost metal sheet 161 of the arc chute 160.

[0114] Because the second arc guide structure 180 is in contact with or close to the opening of the insulation gap, the second arc guide structure 180 can guide an electric arc from the insulation gap to the metal sheet 162 at the bottommost layer of the arc chute 160.

[0115] FIG. 13 is a diagram of an electric arc state before the first arc guide structure 170 and the second arc guide structure 180 guide arcs. As shown in FIG. 13, after the busbar 130 is cut off, the electric arc is extended by the insulation arm 142. To be specific, an electric arc at an arc starting point that is on the busbar 130 and that is close to the partition rib 150 flows along the insulation gap.

[0116] FIG. 14 is a diagram of an electric arc state obtained after the first arc guide structure 170 and the second arc guide structure 180 guide arcs. As shown in FIG. 14, an electric arc at an arc starting point that is on the busbar 130 and that is close to the partition rib 150 is guided by the first arc guide structure 170 to the topmost metal sheet 161 of the arc chute 160. The electric arc in the insulation gap is guided by the second arc guide structure 180 to the metal sheet 162 at the bottommost layer of the arc chute 160, so that the electric arc flows in the arc chute 160.

[0117] Based on the circuit breaker provided in this application, the first insulation part is disposed to extend the electric arc, so as to increase the voltage of the electric arc, and the arc chute 160 can further improve the voltage. Therefore, when arc extinction is performed on electric arcs of a same voltage, compared with a solution in which the first insulation part is not disposed, a quantity of metal sheets required by the arc chute 160 can be reduced, so that a safe arc-extinguishing voltage of the circuit breaker is increased without increasing the size of the circuit breaker.

[0118] In an arc-extinguishing process, the circuit breaker 100 generates a large amount of heat energy and high-temperature and high-pressure gas. How to quickly release the heat energy and the high-temperature and high-pressure gas is also an urgent problem to be resolved.

[0119] Therefore, this application provides the following processing solutions.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 16 to FIG. 18, one or more gas chambers and a gas channel configured to connect the gas chambers and the arc-extinguishing chamber cavities 122 are disposed in the circuit breaker.

[0121] The plurality of gas chambers may include a gas chamber disposed in the upper housing and / or a gas chamber disposed in the lower housing.

[0122] The following describes configurations of the two types of gas chambers in detail.1. Upper gas chamber 119

[0123] The upper gas chamber 119 is independent of the piston cavity 112, or gas in the plurality of gas chambers 119 does not flow into the piston cavity 112.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 16, a clearance 190 is disposed between the side wall A of the lower housing 120 and the arc chute 160. For example, when the circuit breaker has a structure symmetrical about the X-axis, the side wall A may be a side wall opposite to the partition rib 150, or the arc chute 160 is disposed between the side wall A and the partition rib 150. A clearance 192 is disposed between the bottom plate of the lower housing 120 and the arc chute 160. A pipe 194 is disposed in the lower housing 120.

[0125] The clearance 190 is connected to the clearance 192. In addition, the clearance 192 is connected to one end of the pipe 194, and the other end of the pipe 194 is connected to each upper gas chamber 119.

[0126] Because the arc chute 160 is accommodated in the lower housing 120, and space for accommodating the moved piston 140 needs to be reserved in the lower housing, the pipe 194 may be disposed on a side wall B, where the side wall B is a side wall adjacent to the side wall A. For example, the pipe 194 may be disposed at a joint between the side wall B and the guide groove 157 on the periphery of the partition rib 150.

[0127] Because the electric arc is generated on the side that is of the arc chute 160 and that is close to the partition rib 150, gas pressure on the side that is of the arc chute 160 and that is close to the partition rib 150 is relatively large. The arc chute 160 is disposed between the side wall A and the partition rib 150. Therefore, gas pressure on the side of the clearance 190 is lower than the gas pressure on the side that is of the arc chute 160 and that is close to the partition rib 150, so that the high-temperature and high-pressure gas flows from the side of the partition rib 150 to the side of the clearance 190. Because the clearance 190 is connected to the clearance 192, the clearance 192 is connected to the pipe 194, and the pipe 194 is connected to the upper gas chamber 119, under the pressure, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas flows into the upper gas chamber 119 through the clearance 190, the clearance 192, and the pipe 194 in sequence.

[0128] In addition, metal meshes may be separately disposed in the clearance 190, the clearance 192, the pipe 194, and the upper gas chamber 119. The metal mesh may be made of a metal material that easily absorbs energy, so that the metal mesh can filter and absorb the heat energy and high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated in the arc-extinguishing process.

[0129] The circuit breaker 110 in this application is formed into an airtight structure, and does not release heat and high-temperature and high-pressure gas to the outside in the arc-extinguishing process, so that another element or component in the electrical device can be protected.

[0130] In a possible implementation, one or more through holes (that is, an example of a first through hole) may be provided on the upper housing 110, one end of the through hole is connected to one or more upper gas chambers 119, and the other end is connected to the external environment. In this way, gas in the upper gas chamber 119 may be discharged through the through hole.

[0131] In addition, each through hole may have a cover that can be opened and closed, and gas discharge from the gas chamber is controlled by opening and closing the cover.2. Lower gas chamber 129

[0132] As shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the lower gas chamber 129 is separated from the arc-extinguishing chamber cavity 122 by using the bottom plate of the lower housing, or the lower gas chamber 129 and the arc-extinguishing chamber cavity 122 are respectively located on two sides of the bottom plate of the lower housing.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the lower gas chamber 129 is connected to the arc-extinguishing chamber cavity 122 through the clearance 190.

[0134] Because the electric arc is generated on the side that is of the arc chute 160 and that is close to the partition rib 150, gas pressure on the side that is of the arc chute 160 and that is close to the partition rib 150 is relatively large. The arc chute 160 is disposed between the side wall A and the partition rib 150. Therefore, gas pressure on the side of the clearance 190 is lower than the gas pressure on the side that is of the arc chute 160 and that is close to the partition rib 150, so that the high-temperature and high-pressure gas flows from the side of the partition rib 150 to the side of the clearance 190. Because the clearance 190 is connected to the lower gas chamber 129, under the pressure, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas flows into the lower gas chamber 129 through the clearance 190 in sequence.

[0135] In addition, metal meshes may be separately disposed in the clearance 190 and the lower gas chamber 129. The metal mesh may be made of a metal material that easily absorbs energy, so that the metal mesh can filter and absorb the heat energy and high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated in the arc-extinguishing process.

[0136] The circuit breaker 110 in this application is formed into an airtight structure, and does not release heat and high-temperature and high-pressure gas to the outside in the arc-extinguishing process, so that another element or component in the electrical device can be protected.

[0137] In a possible implementation, one or more through holes (that is, an example of a second through hole) may be provided on the lower housing 120, one end of the through hole is connected to one or more lower gas chambers 129, and the other end is connected to the external environment. In this way, gas in the gas chamber 129 may be discharged through the through hole.

[0138] In addition, each through hole may have a cover that can be opened and closed, and gas discharge from the gas chamber is controlled by opening and closing the cover.

[0139] It should be understood that the foregoing listed processing processes for the energy and the high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated in the arc-extinguishing process are merely examples for description, and this application is not limited thereto. For example, a metal mesh used to absorb energy may be disposed in space between the second arc guide structure 180 and the bottom plate of the lower housing 120. For another example, the circuit breaker may be configured with only one of the upper gas chamber 119 and the lower gas chamber 129, or may be configured with both of the upper gas chamber 119 and the lower gas chamber 129. This is not particularly limited in this application. The foregoing descriptions are merely specific implementations of this application, but are not intended to limit the protection scope of this application. Any variation or replacement readily figured out by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application shall fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0027]The following describes the technical solutions of this application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028]A circuit breaker in this application may be effectively used in an electric power system with a high-voltage circuit. As shown in FIG. 1, the electric power system may include a high-voltage power supply and load. One end of the circuit breaker is connected to the high-voltage power supply, and the other end is connected to the load. In addition, the circuit breaker in this application may alternatively be used in an electric power system or power equipment with a low-voltage circuit.

[0029]For example, the electric power system may include a photovoltaic inverter system. FIG. 19 is a diagram of a structure of an example of a photovoltaic inverter system having the circuit breaker provided in this application. As shown in FIG. 19, the photovoltaic inverter system includes a photovoltaic (photovoltaic, PV) panel and a photovoltaic inverter. The photovoltaic pane...

Claims

1. A circuit breaker, comprising: an upper housing (110), a lower housing (120), and a busbar (130) fastened between the upper housing (110) and the lower housing (120), wherein the upper housing (110) comprises a piston cavity (112), the piston cavity (112) is opened toward the busbar (130), the piston cavity (112) accommodates a piston (140), a power mechanism capable of driving the piston (140) to move toward the busbar (130) is disposed in the piston cavity, and the piston (140) moves after being subject to force applied by the power mechanism, to cut off the busbar (130); the lower housing (120) comprises an arc-extinguishing chamber cavity (122), the arc-extinguishing chamber cavity (122) accommodates an arc chute (160), a first clearance (190) exists between the arc chute (160) and a first side wall of the lower housing (120), and the first side wall and the piston (140) after movement are respectively located on two sides of the arc chute (160); and the circuit breaker further comprises at least one gas chamber and at least one gas channel, the at least one gas chamber is disposed in the upper housing (110) and / or the lower housing (120), one end of the gas channel is connected to the arc-extinguishing chamber cavity (122), the other end of the gas channel is connected to the gas chamber, and the gas channel comprises the first clearance (190).

2. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein the upper housing (110) comprises at least one upper gas chamber (119) in the at least one gas chamber; a second clearance (192) is formed between the arc chute (160) and a bottom plate of the lower housing (120), and the first clearance (190) is connected to the second clearance (192); a pipe (194) is mounted in the lower housing (120), one end of the pipe (194) is connected to the second clearance (192), and the other end of the pipe (194) is connected to the at least one upper gas chamber (119); and the gas channel comprises the second clearance (192) and the pipe (194).

3. The circuit breaker according to claim 2, wherein the upper housing (110) further comprises at least one first through hole, and each first through hole penetrates from an outer surface of the upper housing (110) to the upper gas chamber (119).

4. The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lower housing (110) comprises at least one lower gas chamber (129) in the at least one gas chamber, and the lower gas chamber (129) and the arc-extinguishing chamber cavity (122) are located on two sides of the bottom plate of the lower housing; and the first clearance (190) is connected to the at least one lower gas chamber (129).

5. The circuit breaker according to claim 4, wherein the lower housing (120) further comprises at least one second through hole, and each second through hole penetrates from an outer surface of the lower housing (120) to the lower gas chamber (129).

6. The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an energy absorbing material is disposed in the gas chamber and / or the gas channel.

7. The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the piston (140) comprises a first insulation part (142), the first insulation part (142) extends in a first direction, and the piston (140) moves after being subject to the force applied by the power mechanism, so that the first insulation part (142) cuts off the busbar (130), wherein the first direction is a moving direction of the piston (140); the lower housing (120) comprises a second insulation part (150), the second insulation part (150) extends in a reverse direction of the first direction, and after the piston (140) moves, an insulation gap is formed between the first insulation part (142) and the second insulation part (150); and the arc chute (160) comprises a plurality of metal sheets, the plurality of metal sheets are configured in a stacked manner in the first direction, and a gap exists between two adjacent metal sheets, a first metal sheet in the plurality of metal sheets comprises a first arc guide structure (170), a second metal sheet in the plurality of metal sheets comprises a second arc guide structure (180), the first metal sheet is closer to the busbar (130) than the second metal sheet, the first arc guide structure (170) extends from an end that is of the first metal sheet and that is close to the first insulation part (150) to the busbar (130), and the second arc guide structure (180) extends from an end that is of the second metal sheet and that is close to the first insulation part (150) to an opening of the insulation gap.

8. The circuit breaker according to claim 7, wherein the first insulation part (142) comprises two insulation arms extending in the first direction; the second insulation part (150) comprises a partition rib extending in the reverse direction of the first direction, and after the piston (140) moves, the partition rib is located between the two insulation arms, to form two insulation gaps; and there are two arc chutes (160), and the two arc chutes (160) are located on two sides of the partition rib.

9. The circuit breaker according to claim 7 or 8, wherein an end part of the second insulation part (150) is in contact with the busbar (130), and the busbar (130) is fastened to the end part of the second insulation part (150) by using a fastener.

10. The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein an end part of the first arc guide structure (170) is in contact with the busbar (130), or after the piston (140) moves, the end part of the first arc guide structure (170) is capable of being in contact with a bent part obtained after the busbar (130) is cut off.

11. The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein an energy absorbing material is disposed in space between the second arc guide structure (180) and the bottom plate of the lower housing (120).

12. A photovoltaic inverter, comprising a direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, a maximum power point tracking MPPT apparatus, a detection circuit, a circuit breaker, and a controller, wherein an input end of the MPPT apparatus is configured to connect to a photovoltaic module, and an output end of the MPPT apparatus is configured to directly or indirectly connect to an input end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter; the circuit breaker is connected between the output end of the MPPT apparatus and the input end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, or is connected between an output end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter and an external power grid or load, and the circuit breaker comprises an upper housing (110), a lower housing (120), and a busbar (130) fastened between the upper housing (110) and the lower housing (120), wherein the busbar (130) is configured to: when the circuit breaker is in a conduction state, connect the output end of the MPPT apparatus and the input end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, or connect the output end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter and the external power grid or load; the upper housing (110) comprises a piston cavity (112), the piston cavity (112) is opened toward the busbar (130), the piston cavity (112) accommodates a piston (140), a power mechanism capable of driving the piston (140) to move toward the busbar (130) is disposed in the piston cavity, and the piston (140) moves after being subject to force applied by the power mechanism, to cut off the busbar (130); the lower housing (120) comprises an arc-extinguishing chamber cavity (122), the arc-extinguishing chamber cavity (122) accommodates an arc chute (160), a first clearance (190) exists between the arc chute (160) and a first side wall of the lower housing (120), and the first side wall and the piston (140) after movement are respectively located on two sides of the arc chute (160); and the circuit breaker further comprises at least one gas chamber and at least one gas channel, the at least one gas chamber is disposed in the upper housing (110) and / or the lower housing (120), one end of the gas channel is connected to the arc-extinguishing chamber cavity (122), the other end of the gas channel is connected to the gas chamber, and the gas channel comprises the first clearance (190); the detection circuit is configured to detect an electrical parameter of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, wherein the electrical parameter comprises at least one of an input end voltage of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, an input end current of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, an output end voltage of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, and an output end current of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter; and the controller is configured to control the power mechanism to drive the piston (140) to move when the electrical parameter of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter exceeds a preset threshold, so that the first insulation part (142) cuts off the busbar (130), to disconnect an electrical connection between the output end of the MPPT apparatus and the input end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter, or disconnect an electrical connection between the output end of the direct current to alternating current DC / AC converter and the external power grid or load.

13. The photovoltaic inverter according to claim 12, wherein the piston (140) comprises the first insulation part (142), the first insulation part (142) extends in a first direction, and the piston (140) moves after being subject to the force applied by the power mechanism, so that the first insulation part (142) cuts off the busbar (130), wherein the first direction is a moving direction of the piston (140); the lower housing (120) comprises a second insulation part (150), the second insulation part (150) extends in a reverse direction of the first direction, and after the piston (140) moves, an insulation gap is formed between the first insulation part (142) and the second insulation part (150); and the arc chute (160) comprises a plurality of metal sheets, the plurality of metal sheets are configured in a stacked manner in the first direction, and a gap exists between two adjacent metal sheets, a first metal sheet in the plurality of metal sheets comprises a first arc guide structure (170), a second metal sheet in the plurality of metal sheets comprises a second arc guide structure (180), the first metal sheet is closer to the busbar (130) than the second metal sheet, the first arc guide structure (170) extends from an end that is of the first metal sheet and that is close to the first insulation part (150) to the busbar (130), and the second arc guide structure (180) extends from an end that is of the second metal sheet and that is close to the first insulation part (150) to an opening of the insulation gap.

14. The photovoltaic inverter according to claim 13, wherein the first insulation part (142) comprises two insulation arms extending in the first direction; the second insulation part (150) comprises a partition rib extending in the reverse direction of the first direction, and after the piston (140) moves, the partition rib is located between the two insulation arms, to form two insulation gaps; and there are two arc chutes (160), and the two arc chutes (160) are located on two sides of the partition rib.

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