Compact circuit breaker architecture

Abstract

A circuit breaking device is provided. The circuit breaking device comprises: a switching mechanism configured to separate contacts of a switch when actuated; a 5 residual current release configured to trigger the switching mechanism when a residual current is detected via actuation of a first plunger, wherein the first plunger moves along a first axis parallel to a first direction; and a short circuit release configured to actuate the switching mechanism in a short circuit condition via actuation of a second plunger. The second plunger moves along a second axis parallel 0 to the first direction. At least part of the switching mechanism is configured to rotate around a third axis when the switching mechanism is actuated. The first axis and the second axis are on opposite sides of the centre of the switching mechanism with respect to a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.

Description

[0001] Compact circuit breaker architecture

[0002] Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a circuit breaking device. In particular, the disclosure relates to a compact architecture for a circuit breaking device with residual current circuit breaking capabilities, such as an RCCB or RCBO.

[0004] Background

[0005] Existing circuit breaking devices having both residual current breaking capabilities and short circuit breaking capabilities, such as residual current circuit breakers (RCCBs) or residual current circuit breaker with over-current (RBCOs), typically occupy two standard width units (36mm) and above.

[0006] It would be desirable to have a smaller sized RCCB or RCBO that occupies only one standard width unit (18mm). In particular, such a circuit breaker could be installed in spaces where an RCCB or RCBO having a width of two standard units would not fit. The additional space allowed by an RCCB or RCBO that occupies only one standard width unit (18mm) would allow the provision of additional electrical distribution components to be fitted in distribution board.

[0007] Previous attempts have been made to reduce the size of an RCCB or RCBO to a single standard width. However, such reduced-sized circuit breakers have several drawbacks. In some known examples, the arrangement of release components and switching components requires complex linkages to connect the various components of the device.

[0008] There is a need for a compact circuit breaking architecture that allows components of an RCCB or RCBO to be disposed within a single standard unit and which overcomes the drawbacks of existing architectures.

[0009] Summary of invention

[0010] In an aspect of the invention, a circuit breaking device is provided. The circuit breaking device comprises: a switching mechanism configured to separate contacts of a switch when actuated; a residual current release configured to trigger the switching mechanism when a residual current is detected via actuation of a first plunger, wherein the first plunger moves along a first axis parallel to a first direction; and ashort circuit release configured to actuate the switching mechanism in a short circuit condition via actuation of a second plunger. The second plunger moves along a second axis parallel to the first direction. At least part of the switching mechanism 2 is configured to rotate around a third axis when the switching mechanism 2 is actuated. The first axis and the second axis are on opposite sides of third axis of the switching mechanism with respect to a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The arrangement of the short circuit release and residual current release having axes of action on opposite sides of the centre of a switching mechanism provides a compact circuit breaking architecture with simple linkage or connection requirements between the release elements and the switching mechanism.

[0011] In some examples, the short circuit release and the residual current release are arranged on opposite sides of the third axis with respect to the first direction. The arrangement where the short circuit release and the residual current release are disposed on opposite sides of the centre of the switching mechanism with respect to both the first and second directions, such that they are diagonally opposite each other, allows a particularly compact circuit breaking architecture with simple and compact linkage and connection requirements between the switching mechanism and releases.

[0012] In some examples, the third axis is parallel to a third direction that is perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction.

[0013] In some examples, the first axis is offset from the geometric centre of the circuit breaking device in the third direction.

[0014] In some examples, the first axis 8 is offset from the geometric centre of the circuit breaking device 100 in the third direction by a distance, o3, where o3 is between 0.2mm and 5mm.

[0015] In some examples, the first axis is offset from the third axis in the second direction by a distance, ol, where ol is between 0.5mm and 20mm, and the second axis is offset from the third axis in the second direction by a distance, o2, where o2 is between 0.5mm and 20mm

[0016] In some examples, the circuit breaking device further comprises a housing. The housing comprises: a first end wall and a second end wall separated in the first direction, the surfaces of the first end wall and the second end wall lying in planes substantially perpendicular to the first direction, a first side wall and a second side wall separated in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, thesurfaces of the first side wall and the second side wall lying in planes substantially perpendicular to the second direction.

[0017] In some examples, the circuit breaking device comprises an accessories connection mechanism disposed adjacent to the residual current release, wherein the accessories connection mechanism and the residual current release are disposed on opposite sides of the geometric centre of the circuit breaking device with respect to the third direction.

[0018] In some examples, the accessories connection mechanism and the residual current release are separated by a separation wall.

[0019] In some examples, the circuit breaking device further comprises: a first line terminal disposed at the first end wall and a second line terminal disposed at the second end wall; and a first neutral terminal disposed at the first end wall adjacent to the first neutral terminal, wherein the first and second line terminals are separated from the first and second neutral terminals by the separation wall.

[0020] In some examples, the residual current release and the short circuit release are separated from each other by the separation wall.

[0021] In some examples, the second axis lies in a third plane that is perpendicular to the third direction and that passes through the geometric centre of the switching mechanism.

[0022] In some examples, the motion of the first plunger when actuated is antiparallel to the motion of the second plunger when actuated.

[0023] In some examples, the circuit breaking device further comprises an overcurrent release. The overcurrent release is disposed on the same side of the third axis as the residual current release with respect to the first direction. The overcurrent release is disposed on the opposite side of the third axis to the residual current release with respect to the second direction.

[0024] In some examples, the overcurrent device exerts a force on the switching mechanism in a direction parallel to the force exerted by the first plunger.In some examples, the switching mechanism comprises a rotating latching mechanism that rotates around the third axis, wherein rotation of the latching mechanism by the first plunger or the second plunger causes the switching device to be actuated.

[0025] Brief description of the figures

[0026] The detailed description is with reference to the following figures.

[0027] Fig. 1 provides a schematic cross-sectional view representing an architecture for a circuit breaking device;

[0028] Fig. 2 provides a schematic cross-sectional view representing the architecture for a circuit breaking device of Fig. 1 from another perspective;

[0029] Fig. 3a provides a cross-sectional illustration of a circuit breaking device in accordance with the architecture of Fig. 1 from the line side;

[0030] Fig. 3b provides a cross-sectional illustration of the circuit breaking device of Fig. 3a from the neutral side;

[0031] Fig. 4 provides a cross-sectional illustration of a circuit breaking device in accordance with the architecture of Fig. 1 from above.

[0032] Detailed Description

[0033] Disclosed herein is a circuit breaking device comprising having compact architecture. Examples of the disclosure may be embodied as circuit breaking devices having a width of one standard unit (18mm).

[0034] The circuit breaking device has a switching mechanism for opening a switch, a residual current release configured to trigger the switching mechanism when a residual current is detected, and a short circuit release configured to trigger the switching mechanism when a short circuit current is detected. The circuit breaking device may be an R.CCB, an RCBO or another circuit breaking device capable of opening a switch to interrupt a current path under leakage current (or "residual current") conditions and short circuit conditions. The residual current release and the short circuit release are disposed diagonally on opposite sides of the switching mechanism of the circuit breaking device. The circuit breaking devices disclosed herein have a compact architecture that allows for simple connections and linkages between the release element and the switching mechanism.

[0035] Where terms such as "side", "top", "bottom", "upper", "lower", "above" and "below are used in this disclosure, these terms should be understood as indicating relativepositions of components in the circuit breaking device and do not indicate an absolute orientation of the circuit breaking device in the real world.

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a circuit breaking device 100 according to embodiments of the disclosure from when viewed in profile. Fig. 2 shows a schematic example of the circuit breaking device 100 of Fig. 1 when viewed from above.

[0037] Fig. 3a illustrates components on the line side (or "phase side") of a circuit breaking device 100 from the same view as Fig. 1. Fig. 3b illustrates components on the neutral side of a circuit breaking device 100 from a view corresponding to viewing Fig. 1 from behind. Fig. 4 illustrates components of a circuit breaking device 100 from the same view as Fig. 2. While Fig. 3a. Fig. 3b and Fig. 4 show examples of elements of a circuit breaking device that could be used in accordance with the architecture of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the skilled person will understand that elements having different forms, mechanisms and operating principles may be used in accordance with the architecture of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0038] The circuit breaking device 100 comprises a switching mechanism 2 configured to open a switch when actuated to interrupt a current path through the circuit breaking device 100. In the examples described in detail herein, the switching mechanism 2 opens electrical contacts in a neutral line and phase line passing through the circuit breaking device 100. In other examples, the switching mechanism 2 may open electrical contacts in one of a phase line and / or a neutral line. The switching mechanism 2 may comprise at least one rotating arm that carries movable electrical contacts such that rotation of the arm causes the movable electrical contacts to be separated from fixed electrical contacts of the circuit breaking device. When in a closed state, the switching mechanism 2 may be loaded with a biasing element, such as a spring, that biases all or part of the switching mechanism 2 to rotate into an open position when the switching mechanism 2 is triggered by a release mechanism.

[0039] The circuit breaking device 100 comprises a residual current release 3. The residual current release 3 triggers the switching mechanism 2 to open when a residual current (or "leakage current") is detected in the circuit breaking device 100 or another part of a circuit coupled to the circuit breaking device 100. Means for detecting a residual current may be provided separately from the residual current release 3. For example, detection of the residual current may be achieved using a coil winding 16 disposed around the neural line and the phase line of the circuit breaking device 100 to detect a difference between the current in the neutral and phase lines. The residual currentrelease 3 comprises a first plunger that moves linearly along a first axis 8 when a residual current is detected. In the present disclosure, a plunger refers to a mechanical lever of a release that moves linearly when the release is actuated. The first plunger may trigger the switching mechanism 2 by exerting a torque on part of the switching mechanism 2. For example, the first plunger may cause a latching mechanism of the switching mechanism to rotate, thereby allowing a contact arm of the switching mechanism 2 to rotate into an open position. The first plunger is coupled to the switching mechanism 2 such that movement of the first plunger along the first axis 8 triggers the switching mechanism 2.

[0040] In some examples, a permanent magnetic element is used to hold the first plunger under normal conditions against a biasing force. When a residual current is detected, a voltage is applied to a coil inside the residual current release 3, which allows the first plunger to be released from the holding force produced by the permanent magnetic element and causes the first plunger to be actuated.

[0041] The circuit breaking device 100 further comprises a short circuit release 1. The short circuit release 1 triggers the switching mechanism 2 to open when a short circuit is detected in the circuit breaking device 100 or another part of a circuit coupled to the circuit breaking device 100. The short circuit release 1 comprises a second plunger that moves linearly along a second axis 7 when a short circuit current is detected. The second plunger is coupled to the switching mechanism 2 such that movement of the first plunger along the second axis 7 triggers the switching mechanism 2. The second plunger may trigger the switching mechanism 2 by exerting a torque on part of the switching mechanism 2. For example, the second plunger may cause a latching mechanism of the switching mechanism to rotate into an unlatched position, thereby allowing a contact arm of the switching mechanism 2 to rotate into an open position. Means for detecting a short circuit may be provided separately from the short circuit release 1 or the short circuit release 1 may comprise means of detecting the short circuit itself. For example, the short circuit release 1 may comprise a solenoid forming part of the phase line or neutral line of the circuit breaking device 100.

[0042] The second plunger may be formed at least partly of a permanent magnetic material such that the magnetic field inside the solenoid during a short circuit condition causes the second plunger to move along the second axis 7 to trigger the switching mechanism 2.When the switching mechanism 2 is triggered by the first plunger or the second plunger, all or part of the switching mechanism 2 rotates around a third axis 12 (or "centre of the switching mechanism"). Preferably, a rotating contact arm comprising movable electric contacts and a rotating latching mechanism of the switching mechanism 2 rotate around the third axis 12. By positioning elements of the circuit breaking device 100 in an advantageous arrangement around the third axis 12, the circuit breaking device 100 may be provided with a compact architecture and with simple linkages between the releases and the switching mechanism 2. The third axis 12 provides a reference point around which the arrangement of elements of the circuit breaker are defined in a first direction DI and a second direction D2. The geometric centre of the circuit breaking device 100 is used as a reference point to define the relative positions of the elements of the circuit breaking device 100 in the third direction D3.

[0043] Rotation of the switching mechanism 2 causes movable electric contacts of the switching mechanism 2 to separate from fixed electric contacts of the neutral line and / or phase line. Further components may also be used to trigger the switching mechanism 2 in addition to the residual current release 3 and the short circuit release. In some examples, an overcurrent release 4 is used to trigger switching mechanism. In some examples, an actuation knob 15 can be used to trigger the switching mechanism 2.

[0044] In some examples, an accessories connection mechanism 5 is coupled to the switching mechanism 5. The accessories connection mechanism 5 is an additional trigger mechanism that is configured to cause the switching mechanism 2 to trip based on a signal from a connected accessory. In some examples, the accessories connection mechanism 5 may allow the switching mechanism 2 to be tripped based on remote operation of the circuit breaking device.

[0045] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the circuit breaking device 100 extends in the first direction DI. The circuit breaking device 100 comprises a housing H that substantially surrounds internal components of the circuit breaking device 100. A first line terminal L is disposed at a first end wall Hl of the housing H and a second line terminal L is disposed at a second end wall H2 of the housing. The first and second line terminals L are separated in the first direction DI. The surfaces of the first end wall Hl and the second end wall H2 lie in planes substantially perpendicular to the first direction DI. In the illustrated example embodiments, the distance, LI, between the first end wall Hland the second end wall H2 is about 85mm. Preferably, LI is between about 70mm and 100mm.

[0046] The residual current release 3 and the short circuit release 1 are disposed on opposite sides of the switching mechanism 2 with respect to the first direction DI and the second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction, as described in more detail below.

[0047] The housing H further comprises a first side wall H3 and a second side wall H4 separated in a third direction D3 substantially perpendicular to the first direction DI and the second direction D2, as shown in Fig. 2. The geometric centre of the circuit breaking device 100 in the third direction D3 can be considered to be a plane 13 disposed midway between the first side wall H3 and the second side wall H4. The surfaces of the first side wall H3 and the second side wall H4 lie in planes substantially perpendicular to the third direction D3. The distance between the first side wall H3 and the second side wall H4 defines the width, W, of the circuit breaking device 100. Preferably, the width, W, is one standard unit (18mm) or less. First and second neutral terminals N are respectively arranged adjacent to (or staggered with) the first and second line terminals L in the third direction D3. The current path between the first and second line terminals L passes through the circuit breaking device 100 substantially on the side of the first side wall H3, while the current path between the first and second neutral terminals N passes through the circuit breaking device 100 substantially on the side of the second side wall H4. Conductive elements carrying the phase current are separated from conductive elements carrying the neutral current by a separation wall 9 formed of an electrically insulating material. The line terminals L and the short circuit release 1 are disposed on a first side of the separation wall 9. The neutral terminals N and the residual current release 3 are disposed on a second side of the separation wall 9. The electrical path between the line terminals L is referred to as the phase line and the electrical path between the neutral terminals N is referred to as the neutral line. The line terminals and neutral terminals may be screw-type or other forms of electrical terminal.

[0048] In the illustrated example, the housing H extends a first distance, L2, in the second direction to a shoulder region, and a portion of the housing H extends above the shoulder region to a distance L3. In the illustrated example, L2 is 65mm and L3 is 72mm. Preferably, L2 is between 55mm and 70mm. Preferably, L3 is between 60mm and 80mm.The short circuit release 1 and the residual current release 3 are disposed on either side of the switching mechanism 2 with respect to a first direction DI. That is, when viewed from perspective of Fig. 2 (i.e. along the second direction D2), the short circuit release 1 and the residual current release 3 are disposed on either side of the switching mechanism 2. In other words, the short circuit release 1 and the residual current release 3 are separated by a first plane 11 passing through the third axis 12 of the switching mechanism 2 and oriented perpendicular to the first direction DI.

[0049] The first axis 8 of the first plunger and the second axis 7 of the second plunger are disposed on opposite sides of the third axis 12 of the switching mechanism with respect to the second direction D2. That is, when viewed from the perspective of Fig.

[0050] 1 (i.e., along the third direction D3), the first axis 8 and the second axis 7 are on either side of the third axis 12 of the switching mechanism. In other words, the first axis 8 and the second axis 7 are separated by a second plane 6 passing through the third axis 12 of the switching mechanism 2 and oriented perpendicular to the second direction D2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first axis 8 is offset from the third axis 12 in the second direction D2 by a distance, ol, of 4.7mm. Preferably, ol is between 0.5mm and 20mm and, more preferably, ol is between 3mm and 10mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the second axis 7 is offset from the third axis 12 in the second direction D2 by a distance, o2, of 5.5mm. Preferably, o2 is between 0.5mm and 20mm and, more preferably, o2 is between 3mm and 10mm.

[0051] The third axis 12 of the switching mechanism 2 is parallel to the third direction D3. The first axis 8 of the first plunger and the second axis 7 of the second plunger are both parallel to the first direction DI. The motion of the first plunger when actuated is antiparallel to the motion of the second plunger when actuated, (i.e., the first plunger and the second plunger both move towards the switching mechanism 2 and towards the first plane 11). Because the first axis 8 and the second axis 7 are arranged diagonally with respect to the switching mechanism 2, the first plunger and the second plunger cause at least part of the switching mechanism 2 to rotate in the same direction when actuated. As such, the arrangement of the residual current release 3 and the short circuit release 1 in the described examples provides a compact arrangement in which the residual current release 3 and the short circuit release 1 can generate a rotating torque to the switching device 2, either directly or through simple connections and linkages. For example, the first plunger and the second plunger may respectively actuate latching levers of a rotating latching mechanism of the switching mechanism 2. When the latching mechanism is opened, the switching mechanism 2 can operate and disconnect the moving contacts to interrupt the current path throughthe device. A single latching mechanism that rotates around the third axis 12 can be actuated by the first plunger and the second plunger using simple connections and linkages.

[0052] The first axis 8 of the first plunger is offset from the geometric centre of the circuit breaking device 100 in the third direction D3. That is, when viewed from the perspective of Fig. 2 (i.e., along direction D2) the first axis 8 is offset from the geometric centre of the circuit breaking device 100 in the third direction D3. In the illustrated examples, the first axis 8 is offset from the geometric centre of the circuit breaking device 100 by a distance, o3, of 2.1mm. Preferably, o3 is between 0.2mm and 5mm. The geometric centre of the switching device can be represented by a third plane 13 passing positioned at the midpoint between the first side wall H3 and the second side wall H4 and oriented perpendicular to the third direction D3. The third plane 13 substantially partitions the circuit breaking device 100 into a phase side and a neutral side. As shown in Fig. 2, some elements of the device carrying neutral line current may be disposed at least partly in the phase side and some elements of the device carrying phase line current may be disposed at least partly in the neutral side. Preferably, the first axis 8 is offset from the third plane 13 such that the residual current release 3 is disposed with the majority of the release being in the neutral side of the circuit breaking device 100. The second axis 7 of the second plunger be within the third plane 13 or may be outside of the third plane in the vicinity of the third plane.

[0053] An overcurrent release 4 and / or an accessories connection mechanism 5 are arranged on the phase side of the circuit breaking device 100. The accessories connection mechanism 5 is arranged directly adjacent to the residual current release 3 in the third direction D3 (such as these elements overlap as seen from the perspective of Fig. 1). The overcurrent release 4 is arranged below the residual current release 3 with respect to the second direction D2 and offset from the residual current release 3 with respect to the third direction D3. The overcurrent release 4 is arranged below accessories connection mechanism 5 with respect to the second direction D2 and is aligned with the accessories connection mechanism 5 with respect to the third direction D3. The residual current release 3 is separated from the accessories connection mechanism 5 and / or the overcurrent release 4 by the separation wall 9. Preferably, both the connection mechanism 5 and / or the overcurrent release 4 are arranged on the same side of the first plane 11 as the residual current release 3.Preferably, the overcurrent release 4 provides a force on the switching mechanism 2 along an axis parallel to the first direction DI when actuated. Preferably, the overcurrent release 4 provides a force on the switching mechanism 2 at a point below the third axis of the switching mechanism 2 (i.e. on the same side of second plane 6 as the second axis 7). The direction of the force exerted by the overcurrent release 4 is preferably in the same direction as the force provided by the short circuit release 1 (i.e., in the opposite direction to the force provided by the residual current release 3). The overcurrent release 4 may comprise a bimetallic element that bends away from the switching mechanism 2 under overcurrent conditions.

[0054] The circuit breaking device architectures described herein provide a compact RCBO or RCCB that can be arranged within a single standard width unit. The arrangement of the short circuit release 1 and the residual current release 3 at diagonally opposite positions around the switching mechanism 2 allows simple and compact connections or linkages between the releases and the switching mechanism 2. In some examples, an overcurrent release 4 and accessories connection mechanism 5 are also provided within the compact circuit breaking architecture.

[0055] List of reference numerals

[0056] 100 Circuit breaking device

[0057] 2 Switching mechanism

[0058] 3 Residual current release

[0059] 4 Overcurrent release

[0060] 5 Accessories connection mechanism

[0061] H Housing

[0062] Hl First end wall

[0063] H2 Second end wall

[0064] H3 First side wall

[0065] H4 Second side wall

[0066] N Neutral terminal

[0067] L Line terminal

[0068] 11 First plane

[0069] 6 Second plane

[0070] 13 Third plane

[0071] 8 First axis

[0072] 7 Second axis

[0073] 12 Third axis15 Actuation knob 16 Coil winding

Claims

Claims1. A circuit breaking device comprising:a switching mechanism (2) configured to separate contacts of a switch when actuated;a residual current release (3) configured to trigger the switching mechanism when a residual current is detected via actuation of a first plunger, wherein the first plunger moves along a first axis (8) parallel to a first direction (DI);and a short circuit release (1) configured to actuate the switching mechanism (2) in a short circuit condition via actuation of a second plunger, wherein the second plunger moves along a second axis (7) parallel to the first direction (DI),wherein at least part of the switching mechanism (2) is configured to rotate around a third axis (12) when the switching mechanism (2) is actuated, wherein the first axis (8) and the second axis (7) are on opposite sides of the third axis (12) with respect to a second direction (D2) that is perpendicular to the first direction (DI).

2. The circuit breaking device of claim 1, wherein the short circuit release (1) and the residual current release (3) are arranged on opposite sides of the third axis (12) with respect to the first direction (DI).

3. The circuit breaking device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the third axis is parallel to a third direction (D3) that is perpendicular to both the first direction (DI) and the second direction (D2).

4. The circuit breaking device of claim 3, wherein the first axis (8) is offset from the geometric centre of the circuit breaking device (100) in the third direction (D3).

5. The circuit breaking device of claim 4, wherein the first axis (8) is offset from the geometric centre of the circuit breaking device (100) in the third direction (D3) by a distance, o3, where o3 is between 0.2mm and 5mm.

6. The circuit breaking device of any preceding claim, whereinthe first axis (8) is offset from the third axis (12) in the second direction (D2) by a distance, ol, where ol is between 0.5mm and 20mm, andthe second axis (7) is offset from the third axis (12) in the second direction (D2) by a distance, o2, where o2 is between 0.5mm and 20mm.

7. The circuit breaking device of any preceding claim, further comprising: a housing (H), wherein the housing comprises:a first end wall (Hl) and a second end wall (H2) separated in the first direction (DI), the surfaces of the first end wall (Hl) and the second end wall (H2) lying in planes substantially perpendicular to the first direction (DI), a first side wall (H3) and a second side wall (H4) separated in a third direction (D3) substantially perpendicular to the first direction (DI), the surfaces of the first side wall (H3) and the second side wall (H4) lying in planes substantially perpendicular to the second direction (D2).

8. The circuit breaking device of any preceding claim, further comprising an accessories connection mechanism (5) disposed adjacent to the residual current release (3), wherein the accessories connection mechanism (5) and the residual current release (3) are disposed on opposite sides of the geometric centre of the circuit breaking device (100) with respect to the third direction (D3)9. The circuit breaking device of claim 8, wherein the accessories connection mechanism (5) and the residual current release (3) are separated by a separation wall (9).

10. The circuit breaking device of claim 9, further comprising:a first line terminal (L) disposed at the first end wall (Hl) and a second line terminal (L) disposed at the second end wall (H2); anda first neutral terminal (N) disposed at the first end wall (Hl) adjacent to the first line terminal,wherein the first and second line terminals (L) are separated from the first and second neutral terminals (N) by the separation wall (9).

11. The circuit breaking device of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the residual current release (3) and the short circuit release (1) are separated from each other by the separation wall (9).

12. The circuit breaking device of any of claims 3-11, wherein the second axis lies in a third plane (13) that is perpendicular to the third direction (D3) and that passes through the geometric centre of the circuit breaking device (100).- 15 -13. The circuit breaking device of any preceding claim, wherein the motion of the first plunger when actuated is antiparallel to the motion of the second plunger when actuated.

14. The circuit breaking device of any preceding claim, further comprising an overcurrent release (4),wherein the overcurrent release (4) is disposed on the same side of the third axis (12) as the residual current release (3) with respect to the first direction (DI), andwherein the overcurrent release (4) is disposed on the opposite side of the third axis (12) to the residual current release (3) with respect to the second direction (D2).

15. The circuit breaking device of claim 12, wherein the overcurrent release (4) exerts a force on the switching mechanism (2) in a direction parallel to the force exerted by the first plunger when actuated under overcurrent conditions.

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