Circuit breaker

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of low-voltage electrical devices, and in particular to a circuit breaker. A main circuit of the circuit breaker comprises an operating member, an operating mechanism in transmission fit with the operating member, a contact system, and an arc extinguishing system working in conjunction with the contact system, the operating mechanism comprises a latching member and a tripping member in snap-fit engagement, and the contact system comprises a moving contact and a static contact which are transmittingly connected to the operating mechanism; a sampling device of the circuit breaker is coupled to the contact system, a control system is at least used for controlling a tripping system to act when a short-circuit current and / or an overload current flows through the contact system, and the action of the tripping system is used for releasing the snap-fit engagement between the tripping member and the latching member so as to drive the circuit breaker to open. The circuit breaker is applicable to various current protection threshold requirements.

Description

breaker

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410795823.1, filed on June 19, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of low-voltage electrical appliances, and more specifically to a circuit breaker. Background Technology

[0003] Existing circuit breakers, especially intelligent circuit breakers, achieve short-circuit and overload protection functions through separately installed electromagnetic trip units and bimetallic strips. The bimetallic strip and electromagnetic trip unit are connected in series with the circuit breaker's contact system, resulting in fixed current-carrying capacity or protection characteristics. This makes them unsuitable for different current ratings and leads to complex internal structures and large space requirements. Furthermore, existing circuit breakers, particularly intelligent circuit breakers, lack structures to prevent the circuit breaker from being removed from its mounting cabinet (e.g., distribution cabinet, control cabinet, or other electrical enclosure) while closed, and to prevent the circuit breaker from being installed back into its mounting cabinet while closed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome at least one defect of the prior art and provide a circuit breaker that is suitable for various current protection threshold requirements.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A circuit breaker includes a housing and a main circuit. The main circuit includes an operating member slidably disposed on the housing, an operating mechanism, a contact system, and an arc-extinguishing system that cooperates with the contact system, all disposed within the housing. The operating mechanism is drivenly engaged with the operating member and includes a locking member and a tripping member with a latching engagement. The contact system includes a moving contact and a stationary contact that are drivenly connected to the operating mechanism.

[0007] The circuit breaker also includes a control system and a tripping system and a sampling device connected to the control system. The sampling device is coupled to the contact system. The control system is used at least to control the tripping system to operate when a short-circuit current and / or overload current flows through the contact system. The tripping system operates to release the latching engagement between the tripping member and the locking member, thereby driving the circuit breaker to trip.

[0008] Furthermore, the sampling device includes a manganese-copper shunt connected in series with the contact system; or, the sampling device includes a current transformer coupled to the contact system.

[0009] Furthermore, along the length of the circuit breaker, the operating element is arranged at one end of the housing, the tripping system and the operating mechanism are arranged in the middle of the housing, and the arc extinguishing system and the sampling device are arranged at the other end of the housing; the arc extinguishing system and the sampling device are arranged side by side along the height of the circuit breaker; the control system includes a circuit board, and the circuit board and the operating mechanism are stacked together along the width of the circuit breaker.

[0010] Furthermore, the operating mechanism also includes a connecting rod and a transmission component and a lever assembly respectively rotatably mounted on the housing. The lever assembly includes a rotating plate rotatably mounted on the housing and a locking component and a jumping component respectively rotatably mounted on the rotating plate. The operating component and the transmission component are in transmission cooperation. The transmission component is connected to the locking component through the connecting rod, and the rotating plate is connected to the moving contact.

[0011] The operating components, transmission components, connecting rods, lever assemblies, and sampling devices are arranged sequentially along the length of the circuit breaker; the tripping system and transmission components are arranged side by side along the height of the circuit breaker.

[0012] The circuit breaker also includes a transmission rod, and the operating element is connected to the transmission element via the transmission rod.

[0013] Furthermore, the tripping system is a direct-acting electromagnetic trip unit, and the push rod of the tripping system is movable along the height direction of the circuit breaker; and / or,

[0014] The main circuit also includes a first terminal and a second terminal, and a contact system is connected in series between the first terminal and the second terminal; along the length of the circuit breaker, the first terminal and the second terminal are located at one end of the circuit breaker, and the operating element is located at the other end of the circuit breaker.

[0015] Furthermore, the main circuit also includes a first terminal and a second terminal, and the contact system is connected in series between the first terminal and the second terminal;

[0016] The second terminal and the operating element are arranged side by side along the height direction of the circuit breaker; along the length direction of the circuit breaker, the operating element and the second terminal are arranged at one end of the housing and the first terminal is arranged at the other end of the housing, and the operating mechanism, tripping system, sampling device and arc extinguishing system are located between the operating element and the first terminal.

[0017] Furthermore, in the height direction of the circuit breaker, the second terminal, the tripping system, and the arc extinguishing system are arranged at one end of the housing, while the operating element, the operating mechanism, the sampling device, and the first terminal are arranged at the other end of the housing.

[0018] Furthermore, the main circuit also includes a connecting conductor, through which the stationary contact is electrically connected to the second terminal; the connecting conductor and the circuit board are arranged side by side along the width direction of the circuit breaker;

[0019] The connecting conductor is a connecting conductive plate; the control system also includes a first sampling terminal disposed on the circuit board and connected thereto, the connecting conductive plate and the first sampling terminal are plugged in and electrically connected, and the connecting conductive plate and the first sampling terminal are located on the same side of the circuit board in the width direction of the circuit breaker;

[0020] At least a portion of the connecting conductor is arranged side-by-side with the tripping system along the length of the circuit breaker and is plugged into and electrically connected to the first sampling terminal. The first sampling terminal is arranged side-by-side with the tripping system along the length of the circuit breaker and is located between the tripping system and the arc extinguishing system. The first sampling terminal is arranged side-by-side with the operating mechanism along the height of the circuit breaker.

[0021] Furthermore, the circuit breaker also includes a secondary circuit, which is a through circuit and includes a third terminal, a through conductor, and a fourth terminal connected in series.

[0022] The third terminal is arranged side by side with the first terminal along the height direction of the circuit breaker, the fourth terminal is arranged side by side with the second terminal along the width direction of the circuit breaker, and the fourth terminal is arranged side by side with the operating member along the height direction of the circuit breaker. The straight conductor is arranged side by side with the main circuit along the height direction of the circuit breaker.

[0023] Furthermore, the control system also includes a second sampling terminal disposed on and connected to the circuit board; the through conductor is a through conductive plate, at least a portion of which is arranged side by side with the circuit board along the width direction of the circuit breaker and is plugged into and electrically connected to the second sampling terminal; at least a portion of which is located on the same side of the circuit board as the second sampling terminal.

[0024] The second sampling terminal is arranged side by side with the tripping system along the length of the circuit breaker and is located between the tripping system and the arc extinguishing system. The second sampling terminal is arranged side by side with the operating mechanism along the height of the circuit breaker.

[0025] Furthermore, the circuit breaker also includes a first locking mechanism, which includes a first locking member and a first locking member return spring slidably disposed within the housing. The first locking member return spring acts on the first locking member, causing it to tend to move outward from the housing and causing the first locking member protrusion of the first locking member to protrude outward from the housing. When the first locking member protrusion is squeezed by an external force, it drives the first locking member to move inward from the housing. The first locking member is driven to move inward from the housing by the operating member that is pulled out in the open position.

[0026] Furthermore, the circuit breaker also includes a second locking mechanism, which includes a second locking member rotatably disposed within the housing; when the operating member moves from the open position to the closed position, the second locking member is driven by the operating member to rotate forward, causing the second locking protrusion of the second locking member to move outward from the housing; when the operating member moves from the closed position to the open position, the second locking member rotates in the reverse direction, causing the second locking protrusion to move inward from the housing; when the operating member is in the closed position, the second locking member is restricted by the operating member and cannot rotate in the reverse direction.

[0027] Furthermore, when the operating member moves from the closed position to the open position, the second locking member is driven by the operating member to rotate in the opposite direction;

[0028] The second locking member is driven to rotate in the opposite direction by the operating member that is pulled out in the open position, and the first locking member is driven to move into the housing by the second locking member that rotates in the opposite direction.

[0029] Furthermore, the length, width, and height of the housing are the same as those of the circuit breaker; the length of the housing is 100-150mm, the width is 10-60mm, and the height is 38-45mm.

[0030] Furthermore, the width of the housing is 10mm, 15mm, 20mm, 30mm or 60mm.

[0031] The circuit breaker of the present invention has a control system and a tripping system that work together to achieve short circuit and / or overload protection functions. Compared with existing circuit breakers, it can be applied to a variety of protection current threshold requirements, and its operation is more precise and the protection effect is better.

[0032] Furthermore, the control system works in conjunction with the tripping system to achieve short-circuit and overload protection functions. Compared with existing circuit breakers, there is no need to separately set up an electromagnetic trip unit for short-circuit protection and a bimetallic strip for overload protection, which simplifies the internal structure of the circuit breaker, facilitates the internal layout design of the circuit breaker, and helps to achieve miniaturization of the circuit breaker. Moreover, the control system and the tripping system work together to meet the protection requirements of different specifications of circuit breakers (different current protection thresholds), and only the corresponding parameters need to be adjusted according to the protection requirements. In addition, the circuit breaker of the present invention has a reasonable and compact internal layout, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the circuit breaker.

[0033] Furthermore, the circuit breaker of the present invention arranges the tripping system, which occupies a large space, and the transmission component, which occupies a small space, side by side, which is beneficial to further improve the compactness of the internal layout of the circuit breaker.

[0034] In addition, the first locking element prevents the circuit breaker from being pulled out of the circuit breaker cabinet while it is closed, ensuring the personal safety of the operators, as well as ensuring electrical safety and continuity.

[0035] In addition, the second locking element prevents the circuit breaker from being installed in the circuit breaker installation cabinet while it is in the closed state, ensuring the personal safety of the operators and preventing electric shock accidents during the installation of the circuit breaker.

[0036] Furthermore, the operating element drives the first locking element to move into the housing via the second locking element, thus eliminating the need for an additional structure to drive the first locking element to move into the housing. This helps reduce the number of circuit breaker components and improves the compactness of the internal layout of the circuit breaker. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the circuit breaker of the present invention.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0039] shell h;

[0040] Operating component 1;

[0041] Transmission rod 1c;

[0042] Operating mechanism 2, lever assembly 2I, transmission component 2-0, connecting rod 2-1, rotating plate 2-2, locking component 2-3, and jumping fastener 2-4;

[0043] Tripping system 3;

[0044] Sampling device 4;

[0045] Control system 5, circuit board 5-0, first sampling terminal 5-1, second sampling terminal 5-2;

[0046] Arc extinguishing system 6;

[0047] First terminal 7-0, second terminal 7-1;

[0048] Moving contact 8-0, stationary contact 8-1, connecting conductor 8-2;

[0049] Third terminal 9-0, straight conductor 9-2;

[0050] Signal terminal 10;

[0051] First locking element 11;

[0052] Second locking element 12;

[0053] Indicator i. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The following embodiments, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, further illustrate specific implementations of the circuit breaker of the present invention. The circuit breaker of the present invention is not limited to the descriptions in the following embodiments.

[0055] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the circuit breaker of the present invention.

[0056] The circuit breaker in this embodiment is preferably a plug-in type circuit breaker, which includes a housing h and a main circuit. The main circuit includes an operating member 1 slidably disposed on the housing h, an operating mechanism 2 disposed within the housing h, a contact system 8, and an arc-extinguishing system 6 cooperating with the contact system 8 to extinguish the generated arc. The operating member 1 is driven to cooperate with the operating mechanism 2. The contact system 8 includes a moving contact 8-0 and a stationary contact 8-1 used in cooperation. The operating mechanism 2 is driven to be connected to the moving contact 8-0. Further, one end of the operating member 1 protrudes outside the housing h for operation (pressed or pulled by external force), and the other end is driven to cooperate with the operating mechanism 2. The operating member 1 has an open position and a closed position and can switch between the open and closed positions by sliding.

[0057] In this embodiment, when an external force presses the operating member 1 to move it into the housing h and to the closed position, the operating member 1 drives the moving contact 8-0 to close with the stationary contact 8-1 through the operating mechanism 2, thus closing the circuit breaker; when an external force pulls the operating member 1 to move it out of the housing h and to the open position, the operating member 1 drives the moving contact 8-0 to open with the stationary contact 8-1 through the operating mechanism 2, thus opening the circuit breaker.

[0058] In another embodiment, after the circuit breaker is closed by pressing the operating member 1 with external force through the operating mechanism 2, the circuit breaker is opened by pressing the operating member 1 again through the operating mechanism 2. This operation method can be achieved by existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0059] In this embodiment of the circuit breaker, the operating mechanism 2 includes a latching fastener 2-3 and a trip fastener 2-4 that engage with each other. During normal opening and closing of the circuit breaker (e.g., by operating component 1), the latching fastener 2-3 and the trip fastener 2-4 maintain their latching engagement. The operating mechanism 2 is implemented using existing technology. For example, the operating mechanism 2 includes a connecting rod 2-1 and a transmission component 2-0 and a lever assembly 2I, both rotatably mounted on the housing h. The lever assembly 2I includes a rotating plate 2-2 rotatably mounted on the housing h and a latching fastener 2-3 and a trip fastener 2-4 rotatably mounted on the rotating plate 2-2. The operating component 1 drives the transmission component 2-0 to rotate. The transmission component 2-0 is connected to the latching fastener 2-3 via the connecting rod 2-1, and the rotating plate 2-2 is connected to the moving contact 8-0. Furthermore, the moving contact 8-0 rotates under the drive of the rotating plate 2-2, thus closing and opening with the stationary contact 8-1.

[0060] Furthermore, in the circuit breaker of this embodiment, the main circuit also includes a transmission rod 1c, and the operating member 1 is connected to the transmission member 2-0 via the transmission rod 1c. Specifically, both ends of the transmission rod 1c are rotatably connected to the operating member 1 and the transmission member 2-0, respectively.

[0061] The circuit breaker in this embodiment also includes a control system 5 and a tripping system 3 and a sampling device 4, both connected to the control system 5. The sampling device 4 is coupled to the contact system 8. The control system 5 is at least used to control the tripping system 3 to operate when a short-circuit current and / or overload current flows through the contact system 8. The tripping system 3 operates to release the latching engagement between the tripping member 2-4 and the locking member 2-3, thereby driving the circuit breaker to open. Further, the tripping system 3 is a direct-acting electromagnetic trip unit, such as a shunt trip unit. The push rod of the electromagnetic trip unit drives the tripping member 2-4 to release the latching engagement with the locking member 2-3, thereby driving the circuit breaker to open. Specifically, when the control system 5 detects a short-circuit current and / or overload current flowing through the contact system 8 via the sampling device 4, the control system 5 controls the tripping system 3 to operate. The push rod of the tripping system 3 drives (e.g., by pressing) the tripping member 2-4 to rotate, releasing the latching engagement with the locking member 2-3. The operating mechanism then trips, causing the circuit breaker to open. Furthermore, the control system 5 is at least used to control the tripping system 3 to operate when short-circuit current and overload current flow through the contact system 8. Furthermore, the control system 5 controls the tripping system 3 to operate when the sampling device 4 detects an overvoltage and / or undervoltage fault. The tripping system 3 operates to drive the tripping fastener 2-4 to release its latching engagement with the locking fastener 2-3, thereby driving the circuit breaker to trip.

[0062] In this embodiment, the circuit breaker's control system 5 and tripping system 3 work together to achieve short-circuit and / or overload protection functions. Compared with existing circuit breakers, it can meet the requirements of various protection current thresholds, and its operation is more precise, resulting in better protection. Furthermore, the control system 5 and tripping system 3 can achieve both short-circuit and overload protection functions. Compared with existing circuit breakers, there is no need to separately set up an electromagnetic trip unit for short-circuit protection and a bimetallic strip for overload protection, which simplifies the internal structure of the circuit breaker, facilitates its internal layout design, and promotes miniaturization. Moreover, the control system 5 and tripping system 3 can meet the protection requirements of different specifications of circuit breakers; only the corresponding parameters need to be adjusted according to the protection requirements.

[0063] In another embodiment, the tripping system 3 can also be a snap-fit ​​electromagnetic trip unit, which includes a mating armature and a magnetic yoke. The armature is in a driving engagement with the jumper 2-4. When the control system 5 detects short-circuit current and overload current flowing through the contact system 8 via the sampling device 4, the control system 5 controls the tripping system 3 to operate. The armature of the tripping system 3 drives the jumper 2-4 to rotate, thereby releasing the latching engagement with the locking member 2-3. Furthermore, the connecting conductor 8-2 of the main circuit is located between the armature and the magnetic yoke, and the electromagnetic field generated by the connecting conductor 8-2 is used to attract the armature to move through the magnetic yoke.

[0064] It should be noted that the term "electromagnetic trip unit" refers to a trip unit in a broad sense that includes an electromagnetic coil and a driving component (such as a push rod, armature, etc.) driven by the electromagnetic coil, with the magnetic field generated by the energized electromagnetic coil driving the driving component to operate; rather than a trip unit in a narrow sense that is only used to realize the short-circuit protection of the circuit breaker.

[0065] Furthermore, the arc extinguishing system 6 includes an arc extinguishing chamber.

[0066] In the circuit breaker of this embodiment, the main circuit also includes a first terminal 7-0 and a second terminal 7-1. The contact system 8 is connected in series between the first terminal 7-0 and the second terminal 7-1, that is, the first terminal 7-0, the contact system 8, and the second terminal 7-1 are connected in series in sequence. Specifically, the first terminal 7-0 is the incoming terminal of the main circuit, and the second terminal 7-1 is the outgoing terminal of the main circuit. Both are electrically connected to the corresponding external conductors by plugging in.

[0067] Furthermore, the main circuit also includes a connecting conductor 8-2, through which the stationary contact 8-1 is electrically connected to the second terminal 7-1. Specifically, the connecting conductor 8-2 is a connecting conductive plate; the control system 5 also includes a first sampling terminal 5-1 connected to the circuit board 5-0, and the connecting conductive plate is electrically connected to the first sampling terminal 5-1. Furthermore, the connecting conductive plate and the stationary contact 8-1 are an integral structure.

[0068] In this embodiment of the circuit breaker, the sampling device 4 includes a manganese-copper shunt, which is connected in series with the contact system 8. Further, the first terminal 7-0, the manganese-copper shunt, the contact system 8, and the second terminal 7-1 are connected in series in sequence. Further, the first terminal 7-0, the manganese-copper shunt, the moving contact 8-0, the stationary contact 8-1, and the second terminal 7-1 are connected in series in sequence. Further, the sampling device 4 also includes a sampling mechanism, such as a voltage transformer, for acquiring voltage signals and coupled to the contact system 8.

[0069] In another embodiment, the sampling device 4 includes a current transformer coupled to the contact system 8. Specifically, the first terminal 7-0 is connected in series with the contact system 8 via a sampling conductor that passes through the middle of the current transformer. Further, the sampling device 4 also includes a voltage transformer coupled to the contact system 8. Specifically, the sampling conductor passes through the middle of the voltage transformer.

[0070] Furthermore, the main circuit also includes a signal terminal 10 connected to the circuit board 5-0. The signal terminal 10 is used to receive external signals (such as tripping control signals) and / or transmit data (such as circuit breaker operating status data - current, voltage and tripping status, etc.).

[0071] The circuit breaker in this embodiment also includes a secondary circuit, which is a direct-through circuit and includes a third terminal 9-0, a direct-through conductor 9-2, and a fourth terminal connected in series. The "direct-through circuit" refers to a circuit without any breaks in the circuit. The third terminal 9-0 and the fourth terminal are connected to an external circuit, allowing the direct-through circuit to conduct electricity directly. Specifically, the third terminal 9-0 and the fourth terminal are the input and output terminals of the secondary circuit, respectively.

[0072] It should be noted that the circuit breaker in this embodiment may only have a main circuit, in which case the circuit breaker in this embodiment is a single-phase circuit breaker (1p type circuit breaker); or, the circuit breaker in this embodiment may have both a main circuit and a secondary circuit, in which case the circuit breaker in this embodiment is a two-phase circuit breaker (1p+1n type circuit breaker).

[0073] Furthermore, the control system 5 also includes a second sampling terminal 5-2 connected to the circuit board 5-0, and the second sampling terminal 5-2 is electrically connected to the through conductor 9-2. Furthermore, the through conductor 9-2 is a through conductive plate, and the through conductive plate is plugged into and electrically connected to the second sampling terminal 5-2.

[0074] The circuit breaker in this embodiment also includes an indicator i for the circuit breaker's open / closed state. Further, the indicator i is rotatably disposed in the middle of the operating member 1. The indicator i switches between a closed indicator position and an open indicator position as the operating member 1 switches between the closed and open positions. That is, when the operating member 1 moves to the closed position, the indicator i is driven (e.g., driven by the structure of the housing h) to rotate to the closed indicator position; when the operating member 1 moves to the open position, the indicator i is driven (e.g., driven by the structure of the housing h) to rotate to the open indicator position. The operating member 1 has an indicator hole that mates with the indicator i. The installation relationship between the indicator i and the operating member 1, as well as the transmission relationship between the indicator i and the housing h, can be achieved using existing technology and will not be elaborated further here.

[0075] The circuit breaker in this embodiment also includes a first locking mechanism, which includes a first locking member 11 and a first locking member return spring interactively disposed within the housing h. The first locking member return spring acts on the first locking member 11, causing it to tend to move outward from the housing h and causing the first locking member protrusion of the first locking member 11 to protrude outward from the housing h. When the first locking member protrusion is squeezed by an external force, it drives the first locking member 11 to move inward from the housing h (that is, when the first locking member protrusion is squeezed by an external force, the first locking member 11 as a whole moves inward from the housing h under the drive of the first locking member protrusion). The first locking member 11 is driven to move inward from the housing h by the operating member 1 that is pulled out in the open position. That is, when the circuit breaker is in the open state, the operating member 1 is pulled out in the open position and drives the first locking member 11 to move inward from the housing h.

[0076] In this embodiment, when the circuit breaker is installed in a circuit breaker mounting cabinet (such as a distribution cabinet, control cabinet, or other electrical cabinet), the first locking protrusion is pushed into the housing h by the structure of the circuit breaker mounting cabinet. This does not affect the designated position of the circuit breaker in the mounting cabinet. After the circuit breaker is installed in the designated position, the first locking protrusion will be opposite to the first locking hole provided at the designated position of the circuit breaker mounting cabinet and move out of the housing h to insert into the first locking hole. This will cooperate with the limiting position of the circuit breaker mounting cabinet, so that the circuit breaker will not be pulled out of the designated position of the circuit breaker mounting cabinet when it is closed. This ensures the personal safety of the operator and the reliability and stability of the power supply.

[0077] Furthermore, the circuit breaker in this embodiment also includes an unlocking device. When the operating member 1 is pulled in the open position, the unlocking device drives the first locking member 11 to move into the housing h. Specifically, the unlocking device is an unlocking rod, the middle of which abuts against the housing h and can rotate around the housing h as a fulcrum. The two ends of the unlocking rod are respectively engaged with the operating member 1 and the first locking member 11. In the open state of the circuit breaker in this embodiment, the operating member 1 is in the open position. When the operating member 1 is pulled, it drives the unlocking rod to rotate. When the unlocking rod rotates, it drives the first locking member 11 to move into the housing h.

[0078] The circuit breaker in this embodiment also includes a second locking mechanism, which includes a second locking member 12 rotatably disposed within the housing h. When the operating member 1 moves from the open position to the closed position, the second locking member 12 is driven by the operating member 1 to rotate forward, causing the second locking protrusion of the second locking member 12 to move outward from the housing h. That is, during the process of the operating member 1 moving from the open position to the closed position, it simultaneously drives the second locking member 12 to rotate forward, causing the second locking protrusion to move outward from the housing h. When the operating member 1 moves from the closed position to the open position, the second locking member 12 rotates in the reverse direction, causing the second locking protrusion to move inward from the housing h. The second locking member 12 can rotate in the reverse direction either driven by the operating member 1 or driven in the reverse direction by other structures other than the operating member 1 (such as the second locking member return spring). When the operating member 1 is in the closed position, the second locking member 12 is restricted by the operating member 1 and cannot rotate in the reverse direction, that is, the second locking protrusion of the second locking member 12 remains protruding outward from the housing h. Furthermore, the second locking protrusion is a square protrusion, so that when the operating member 1 is in the closed position (i.e., the circuit breaker in this embodiment is in the closed state), the second locking protrusion is forcibly squeezed by the structure of the circuit breaker mounting cabinet, causing the second locking member 12 to be damaged or deformed, and the circuit breaker is directly installed into the circuit breaker mounting cabinet.

[0079] In this embodiment, the second locking member 12 of the circuit breaker rotates forward under the drive of the operating member 1 when the operating member 1 moves from the open position to the closed position, causing the second locking protrusion to move outward of the housing h. The second locking protrusion is used to engage with the structural limit of the circuit breaker mounting cabinet (e.g., distribution cabinet, control cabinet, or other electrical cabinet), thereby preventing the circuit breaker of this embodiment from being installed in the circuit breaker mounting cabinet in the closed state, ensuring the personal safety of the operator. After the circuit breaker of this embodiment is installed in the circuit breaker mounting cabinet in the open state and is in place, the second locking protrusion protruding outward of the housing h is also used to align with and extend into the second locking hole of the circuit breaker mounting cabinet. The second locking protrusion engages with the structural limit of the circuit breaker mounting cabinet. When the operating member 1 is in the closed position, it restricts the second locking member 12 from rotating in the reverse direction, thereby preventing the circuit breaker in this embodiment from being pulled out of the circuit breaker mounting cabinet while in the closed state. This ensures both the personal safety of the operator and the stability and reliability of the power supply. When the operating member 1 moves from the closed position to the open position, the second locking member 12 rotates in the reverse direction, causing the second locking protrusion to move into the housing h. The second locking protrusion then exits from the second locking hole, thereby releasing the limit engagement with the circuit breaker mounting cabinet. Thus, the second locking member will not affect the removal of the circuit breaker from the circuit breaker mounting cabinet in this embodiment.

[0080] In the circuit breaker of this embodiment, when the operating member 1 moves from the closed position to the open position, the second locking member 12 is driven by the operating member 1 to rotate in the opposite direction, causing the second locking protrusion to move into the housing h.

[0081] Specifically, the second locking member 12 is rotatably mounted on the housing h at its center. One end has a second locking protrusion and serves as the locking end, while the other end is in transmission engagement with the operating member 1 and serves as the mating end. Furthermore, the second locking member 12 also functions as an unlocking device. Further, in the circuit breaker of this embodiment, when the circuit breaker is in the open state, the operating member 1 is in the open position. The operating member 1 is pulled, causing the second locking member 12 to rotate in the reverse direction via the mating end. The locking end then drives the first locking member 11 to move into the housing h. Further, the first locking member 11 includes an unlocking part that is in transmission engagement with the unlocking end of the second locking member 12. In the circuit breaker of this embodiment, when the circuit breaker is in the open state, the operating member 1 is in the open position. The operating member 1 is pulled, causing the second locking member 12 to rotate in the reverse direction via the mating end. The second locking member 12, through its locking end pressing against the mating part, drives the first locking member 14 to move into the housing h.

[0082] In another embodiment, the circuit breaker of this embodiment includes a second locking member reset spring that acts on the second locking member 12 to make it have a tendency to rotate in the opposite direction. When the operating member 1 moves from the closed position to the open position, the operating member 1 no longer restricts the second locking member 12 from rotating in the opposite direction, and the force of the second locking member reset spring drives the second locking member 15 to rotate in the opposite direction.

[0083] It should be noted that the circuit breaker in this embodiment may only be provided with the first locking member 11 or the second locking member 12; when the circuit breaker in this embodiment is provided with only the first locking member, it is also provided with an unlocking device. The circuit breaker in this embodiment may also be provided with both the first locking member 11 and the second locking member 12. In this case, the circuit breaker in this embodiment no longer provides an unlocking device independent of the first locking member 11 and the second locking member 12, but uses the second locking member 12 as the unlocking device.

[0084] Furthermore, the length, width, and height directions of the housing h are the same as those of the circuit breaker; the length of the housing h is 100-150mm, the width is 10-60mm, and the height is 38-45mm. The height of the housing h is the modular dimension of the circuit breaker of this invention. Further, the width is 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, or 60mm. Further, in this embodiment, when the width of the housing h is 10mm, the rated current is ≤32A; when the width of the housing h is 15, 20, or 25mm, the rated current is ≤63 or 80A; when the width of the housing h is 30mm, the rated current is ≤125A; when the width of the housing h is 60mm, the rated current is ≤250A. In this embodiment, as the width of the housing h increases, the current-carrying capacity of the circuit breaker can be improved by increasing the number of moving contacts 8-0 and / or stationary contacts 8-1, or by increasing the thickness (dimension along the width direction of the circuit breaker) of the moving contacts 8-0 and / or stationary contacts 8-1. Further, the length of the housing h refers to the distance between the outer surfaces of the two side walls of the housing h perpendicular to the length direction of the housing h; the width of the housing h refers to the distance between the outer surfaces of the two side walls of the housing h perpendicular to the width direction of the housing h; and the height of the housing h refers to the distance between the outer surfaces of the two side walls of the housing h perpendicular to the height direction of the housing h.

[0085] As shown in Figure 1, the following is one layout of the circuit breaker in this embodiment.

[0086] In this embodiment, the length, width, and height directions of the circuit breaker are perpendicular to each other. The length direction of the circuit breaker is denoted as direction d1, and the height direction is denoted as direction d2. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the vertical direction in Figure 1 represents the length direction of the circuit breaker, the horizontal direction in Figure 1 represents the height direction of the circuit breaker, and the inward / outward direction in Figure 1 represents the width direction of the circuit breaker.

[0087] In direction d1, the operating element 1 is arranged at one end of the housing h, the tripping system 3 and the operating mechanism 2 are arranged in the middle of the housing h, and the arc extinguishing system 6 and the sampling device 4 are arranged at the other end of the housing h; the arc extinguishing system 6 and the sampling device 4 are arranged side by side along direction d2; the circuit board 5-0 of the control circuit board 5 and the operating mechanism 2 are stacked together along the width direction of the circuit breaker. Further, in direction d2, the tripping system 3 and the arc extinguishing system 6 are located at one end of the housing 1, and the operating element 1, the operating mechanism 2, and the sampling device 4 are located at the other end of the housing 1; that is, in direction d2, the tripping system 3 and the arc extinguishing system 6 are all located on the same side of the operating element 1, the operating mechanism 2, and the sampling device 4.

[0088] The circuit breaker in this embodiment has a reasonable and compact layout, which is conducive to miniaturization of the circuit breaker.

[0089] Furthermore, the sampling device 4 is also arranged side by side with the circuit board 5-0 along the width direction of the circuit breaker.

[0090] Furthermore, the contact system 8 is also arranged side by side with the circuit board 5-0 along the width direction of the circuit breaker.

[0091] Furthermore, the arc extinguishing system 6 is also arranged side by side with the circuit board 5-0 along the width direction of the circuit breaker.

[0092] It should be noted that the size of the circuit board 5-0 can be adjusted according to actual needs, and whether the sampling device 4, contact system 8, and arc extinguishing system 6 are arranged side by side with the circuit board 5-0 along the width direction of the circuit breaker can also be adjusted as needed.

[0093] Furthermore, the push rod of the tripping system 3 is moved along direction d1, which means that the axial direction of the electromagnetic coil of the tripping system 3 is also the same as that of direction d1.

[0094] Furthermore, the operating component 1, transmission component 2-0, lever assembly 2I, and sampling device 4 are arranged sequentially along direction d1; the tripping system 3 and transmission component 2-0 are arranged side by side along direction d2. This side-by-side arrangement of the space-consuming tripping system 3 and the space-saving transmission component 2-0 further improves the compactness of the circuit breaker's internal layout. Furthermore, the axial direction of the rotating shafts of the transmission component 2-0 and lever assembly 2I is the same as the width direction of the circuit breaker.

[0095] Furthermore, in the direction d1, the operating element 1 and the second terminal 7-1 are arranged at one end of the housing, and the first terminal 7-0 is arranged at the other end of the housing h. The operating mechanism 2, the tripping system 3, the sampling device 4, and the arc-extinguishing system 6 are located between the operating element 1 and the first terminal 7-0. That is, in the direction d1, at the two ends of the housing h that are furthest apart, the operating element 1 and the second terminal 7-1 are arranged at one end, and the first terminal 7-0 is arranged at the other end. The operating mechanism 2, the tripping system 3, the sampling device 4, and the arc-extinguishing system 6 are located between these two ends.

[0096] In another embodiment, in the direction d1, the first terminal 7-0 and the second terminal 7-1 are disposed at one end of the circuit breaker, and the operating member 1 is disposed at the other end of the circuit breaker, that is, the first terminal 7-0 and the second terminal 7-1 are disposed at the same end of the circuit breaker.

[0097] Furthermore, the signal terminal 10 and the first terminal 7-0 are arranged side by side along direction d2, and the signal terminal 10 and the first terminal 7-0 are located at one end of the housing 1 in direction d1. Furthermore, the first terminal 7-0, the signal terminal 10, and the third terminal 9-0 are arranged side by side sequentially along direction d2.

[0098] Furthermore, the fourth terminal and the second terminal 7-1 are arranged side by side along the width direction of the circuit breaker and side by side with the operating member 1 along direction d2. The fourth terminal, the second terminal 7-1 and the operating member 1 are located at one end of the housing 1 in direction d1.

[0099] Furthermore, the straight conductor 9-2 is arranged side by side with the main circuit along direction d2, and the operating mechanism 2, tripping system 3, contact system 8, arc extinguishing system 6, and sampling device 4 are located on one side of the straight conductor 9-2 along direction d2.

[0100] Furthermore, the connecting conductor 8-2 and the circuit board 5-0 are arranged side-by-side along the width direction of the circuit breaker, and the first sampling terminal 5-1 is disposed on the circuit board 5-0. The connecting conductor 8-2 and the first sampling terminal 5-1 are located on the same side of the circuit board 5-0. Furthermore, the connecting conductor 8-2 is a connecting conductive plate, at least a portion of which is arranged side-by-side with the tripping system 3 along the length direction of the circuit breaker and is plugged into and electrically connected to the first sampling terminal 5-1. The first sampling terminal 5-1 is arranged side-by-side with the tripping system 3 along the length direction of the circuit breaker and is located between the tripping system 3 and the arc extinguishing system 6. The first sampling terminal 5-1 and the operating mechanism 2 are arranged side-by-side along the height direction of the circuit breaker. Furthermore, the first sampling terminal 5-1 and the lever assembly 2I of the operating mechanism 2 are arranged side-by-side along the height direction of the circuit breaker.

[0101] Furthermore, the second sampling terminal 5-2 is disposed on the circuit board 5-0, and at least a portion of the through conductor 9-2 is disposed side-by-side with the circuit board 5-0 and both are located on the same side of the circuit board 5-0. Furthermore, the second sampling terminal 5-2 is disposed side-by-side with the tripping system 3 along the length of the circuit breaker and is located between the tripping system 3 and the arc extinguishing system 6. The second sampling terminal 5-2 is also disposed side-by-side with the operating mechanism 2 along the height of the circuit breaker. Furthermore, the second sampling terminal 5-2 is disposed side-by-side with the lever assembly 2I of the operating mechanism 2 along the height of the circuit breaker. Furthermore, the second sampling terminal 5-2, the first sampling terminal 5-1, and the lever assembly 2I are disposed side-by-side sequentially along the height of the circuit breaker.

[0102] Furthermore, the first locking member 11 and the operating member 1 are arranged side by side along direction d2.

[0103] Furthermore, the second locking member 12 and the operating member 1 are arranged side by side along direction d2.

[0104] Furthermore, the first locking member 11 and the second locking member 12 are arranged side by side along the width direction of the circuit breaker.

[0105] Furthermore, in the direction d2, the second terminal 7-1 and the fourth terminal are located on one side of the operating member 1, while the first locking member 11 and the second locking member 12 are located on the other side of the operating member 1.

[0106] In another embodiment, the circuit breaker of the present invention does not have an operating element 1, but instead has a handle for external operation. The handle is rotatably mounted on the housing h and switches between the closed and open positions by rotation. The operating mechanism 2 includes a lever assembly 2I, the structure of which is the same as described above. The handle is connected to the locking element 2-3 of the lever assembly 2I via a connecting rod 2-1. The layout of the circuit breaker's other structures, except for the operating element 1 and the transmission element 2-0, is similar to or the same as that of the circuit breaker in this embodiment, but may require adaptive adjustments. The functions of the first locking element 11 and the second locking element 12 remain unchanged, but the way they cooperate with the handle needs to be adjusted.

[0107] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship conventionally placed during use. They are used only for ease of description and do not indicate that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating relative importance.

[0108] The above description, in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of the present invention. It should not be construed that the specific implementation of the present invention is limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such modifications and substitutions should be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A circuit breaker, comprising a housing (h) and a main circuit, the main circuit comprising an operating member (1) slidably disposed on the housing (h) and an operating mechanism (2) disposed within the housing (h), a contact system (8), and an arc extinguishing system (6) cooperating with the contact system (8); the operating mechanism (2) is drivenly cooperating with the operating member (1) and includes a locking member (2-3) and a tripping member (2-4) with a latching engagement; the contact system (8) includes a moving contact (8-0) and a stationary contact (8-1) drivenly connected to the operating mechanism (2); Its features are: The circuit breaker also includes a control system (5) and a tripping system (3) and a sampling device (4) respectively connected to the control system (5). The sampling device (4) is coupled to the contact system (8). The control system (5) is used at least to control the tripping system (3) to operate when a short-circuit current and / or overload current flows through the contact system (8). The tripping system (3) is used to release the latching engagement between the tripping member (2-4) and the locking member (2-3) to drive the circuit breaker to trip.

2. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sampling device (4) includes a manganese copper shunt connected in series with the contact system (8); or, the sampling device (4) includes a current transformer coupled to the contact system (8).

3. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: Along the length of the circuit breaker, the operating element (1) is arranged at one end of the housing (h), the tripping system (3) and the operating mechanism (2) are arranged in the middle of the housing (h), and the arc extinguishing system (6) and the sampling device (4) are arranged at the other end of the housing (h); the arc extinguishing system (6) and the sampling device (4) are arranged side by side along the height of the circuit breaker; the control system (5) includes a circuit board (5-0), and the circuit board (5-0) and the operating mechanism (2) are stacked along the width of the circuit breaker.

4. The circuit breaker according to claim 3, characterized in that: The operating mechanism (2) further includes a connecting rod (2-1) and a transmission component (2-0) and a lever assembly (2l) respectively rotatably mounted on the housing (h). The lever assembly (2l) includes a rotating plate (2-2) rotatably mounted on the housing (h) and a locking component (2-3) and a jumping component (2-4) respectively rotatably mounted on the rotating plate (2-2). The operating component (1) is driven to cooperate with the transmission component (2-0). The transmission component (2-0) is driven to be connected to the locking component (2-3) through the connecting rod (2-1). The rotating plate (2-2) is driven to be connected to the moving contact (8-0). The operating component (1), transmission component (2-0), connecting rod (2-1), lever assembly (2l), and sampling device (4) are arranged sequentially along the length of the circuit breaker; the tripping system (3) and transmission component (2-0) are arranged side by side along the height of the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker also includes a transmission rod (1c), and the operating element (1) is connected to the transmission element (2-0) via the transmission rod (1c).

5. The circuit breaker according to claim 3, characterized in that: The tripping system (3) is a direct-acting electromagnetic trip unit, and the push rod of the tripping system (3) is movable along the height direction of the circuit breaker; and / or, The main circuit also includes a first terminal (7-0) and a second terminal (7-1), and a contact system (8) is connected in series between the first terminal (7-0) and the second terminal (7-1); in the length direction of the circuit breaker, the first terminal (7-0) and the second terminal (7-1) are located at one end of the circuit breaker, and the operating element (1) is located at the other end of the circuit breaker.

6. The circuit breaker according to claim 3, characterized in that: The main circuit also includes a first terminal (7-0) and a second terminal (7-1), and the contact system (8) is connected in series between the first terminal (7-0) and the second terminal (7-1); The second terminal (7-1) and the operating member (1) are arranged side by side along the height direction of the circuit breaker; in the length direction of the circuit breaker, the operating member (1) and the second terminal (7-1) are arranged at one end of the housing (h) and the first terminal (7-0) is arranged at the other end of the housing (h), and the operating mechanism (2), the tripping system (3), the sampling device (4), and the arc extinguishing system (6) are located between the operating member (1) and the first terminal (7-0).

7. The circuit breaker according to claim 6, characterized in that: In the height direction of the circuit breaker, the second terminal (7-1), the tripping system (3) and the arc extinguishing system (6) are arranged at one end of the housing (h), and the operating element (1), the operating mechanism (2), the sampling device (4) and the first terminal (7-0) are arranged at the other end of the housing (h).

8. The circuit breaker according to claim 6, characterized in that: The main circuit also includes a connecting conductor (8-2), and the stationary contact (8-1) is electrically connected to the second terminal (7-1) through the connecting conductor (8-2); the connecting conductor (8-2) and the circuit board (5-0) are arranged side by side along the width direction of the circuit breaker; The connecting conductor (8-2) is a connecting conductive plate; the control system (5) also includes a first sampling terminal (5-1) disposed on the circuit board (5-0) and connected thereto. The connecting conductive plate and the first sampling terminal (5-1) are plugged in and electrically connected. The connecting conductive plate and the first sampling terminal (5-1) are located on the same side of the circuit board (5-0) in the width direction of the circuit breaker. At least a portion of the connecting conductor (8-2) is arranged side by side with the tripping system (3) along the length of the circuit breaker and this portion is plugged into and electrically connected to the first sampling terminal (5-1). The first sampling terminal (5-1) is arranged side by side with the tripping system (3) along the length of the circuit breaker and is located between the tripping system (3) and the arc extinguishing system (6). The first sampling terminal (5-1) is arranged side by side with the operating mechanism (2) along the height of the circuit breaker.

9. The circuit breaker according to claim 6, characterized in that: The circuit breaker also includes a secondary circuit, which is a straight-through circuit and includes a third terminal (9-0), a straight-through conductor (9-2), and a fourth terminal connected in series. The third terminal (9-0) and the first terminal (7-0) are arranged side by side along the height direction of the circuit breaker, the fourth terminal and the second terminal (7-1) are arranged side by side along the width direction of the circuit breaker, and the fourth terminal and the operating member (1) are arranged side by side along the height direction of the circuit breaker. The straight conductor (9-2) and the main circuit are arranged side by side along the height direction of the circuit breaker.

10. The circuit breaker according to claim 9, characterized in that: The control system (5) further includes a second sampling terminal (5-2) disposed on and connected to the circuit board (5-0); the through conductor (9-2) is a through conductive plate, at least a portion of which is arranged side by side with the circuit board (5-0) along the width direction of the circuit breaker and is plugged into and electrically connected to the second sampling terminal (5-2); at least a portion of which is located on the same side of the circuit board (5-0) as the second sampling terminal (5-2); The second sampling terminal (5-2) and the tripping system (3) are arranged side by side along the length of the circuit breaker and located between the tripping system (3) and the arc extinguishing system (6). The second sampling terminal (5-2) and the operating mechanism (2) are arranged side by side along the height of the circuit breaker.

11. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circuit breaker further includes a first locking mechanism, which includes a first locking member (11) slidably disposed in the housing (h) and a first locking member return spring. The first locking member return spring acts on the first locking member (11) to make it tend to move out of the housing (h) and make the first locking member protrusion of the first locking member (11) protrude out of the housing (h). When the first locking member protrusion is squeezed by an external force, it drives the first locking member (11) to move into the housing (h). The first locking member (11) is driven to move into the housing (h) by the operating member (1) that is pulled out in the open position.

12. The circuit breaker according to claim 11, characterized in that: The circuit breaker also includes a second locking mechanism, which includes a second locking member (12) rotatably disposed within the housing (h); when the operating member (1) moves from the open position to the closed position, the second locking member (12) is driven by the operating member (1) to rotate in the forward direction, causing the second locking protrusion of the second locking member (12) to move outward from the housing (h); when the operating member (1) moves from the closed position to the open position, the second locking member (12) rotates in the reverse direction, causing the second locking protrusion to move inward from the housing (h); when the operating member (1) is in the closed position, the second locking member (12) is restricted by the operating member (1) and cannot rotate in the reverse direction.

13. The circuit breaker according to claim 12, characterized in that: When the operating element (1) moves from the closed position to the open position, the second locking element (12) is driven by the operating element (1) to rotate in the opposite direction; The second locking member (12) is driven to rotate in the opposite direction by the operating member (1) which is pulled out in the open position, and the first locking member (11) is driven to move into the housing (h) by the second locking member (12) which rotates in the opposite direction.

14. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The length, width, and height of the housing (h) are the same as those of the circuit breaker; the length of the housing (h) is 100-150mm, the width is 10-60mm, and the height is 38-45mm.

15. The circuit breaker according to claim 14, characterized in that: The width of the housing (h) is 10mm, 15mm, 20mm, 30mm or 60mm.

Images