Device for door and phase segregation in molded case circuit breakers

Abstract

A device for door and phase segregation in low voltage circuit breakers, in particular in molded case circuit breakers, having a plurality of phases each provided with a lug for electrical connection of said circuit breaker and a venting aperture for venting off gases, the device comprising a conductive element adapted to be fixed to a corresponding lug of the circuit breaker and provided with electrical connection means for electrical connection of the circuit breaker, comprising a first insulating element covering the conductive element and/or a second insulating element adapted to be interposed between two adjacent phases of the circuit breaker.

Claims

1. A device for door and phase segregation in a molded case circuit breaker, the molded case circuit breaker having a plurality of phases each provided with a corresponding lug for an electrical connection to the molded case circuit breaker and a venting aperture for venting off gases, the device comprising: a conductive element adapted to be removably attached to the corresponding lug of the molded case circuit breaker, wherein the conductive element includes an electrical connection mechanism for the electrical connection to the molded case circuit breaker, and wherein the conductive element is substantially L-shaped, the conductive element having a first side and a second side substantially L-shaped; a first insulating element comprising a first lateral surface, a second lateral surface, and a top surface connecting the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface, the first lateral surface, the second lateral surface, and the top surface defining a cavity, the first insulating element receiving the conductive element in the cavity and covering the conductive element by the first lateral surface, the second lateral surface, and the top surface, wherein the first insulating element comprises a first insulating body substantially L-shaped that is fitted onto the conductive element and matches a shape of the conductive element, and the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface substantially continuous and substantially L-shaped, the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface covering the first side and the second side of the conductive element and matching shapes of the first side and the second side, the top surface provided with an opening for accessing the electrical connection mechanism of the conductive element; and a second insulating element adapted to be interposed between two adjacent phases of the molded case circuit breaker, wherein the second insulating element comprises a fin extending between the two adjacent phases of the molded case circuit breaker, and wherein the fin includes a third lateral protrusion and a fourth lateral protrusion that extend substantially perpendicularly from a third surface and a fourth surface, respectively, of the fin.

2. The device for door and phase segregation in the molded case circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein the first insulating body has a rear and a bottom surface provided with openings allowing a passage of the conductive element, the first insulating body being slidingly insertable onto the conductive element.

3. The device for door and phase segregation in the molded case circuit breaker according to claim 2, wherein the conductive element is provided with a first fixing mechanism for mechanical connection to the corresponding lug of the molded case circuit breaker and a second fixing mechanism for mechanical connection of the electrical connection mechanism, and in that the first insulating body has a front surface having a first portion and a second portion raised with respect to the first portion, one or more openings being positioned on the first portion and/or the second portion for accessing the first fixing mechanism and/or the second fixing mechanism.

4. The device for door and phase segregation in the molded case circuit breaker according to claim 3, wherein the first and second fixing mechanisms are screws.

5. The device for door and phase segregation in the molded case circuit breaker according to claim 3, wherein the first insulating body is provided with an elongated protrusion substantially perpendicular to the first and second lateral surface and vertically extending along at least a portion of the first and second lateral surface.

6. The device for door and phase segregation in the molded case circuit breaker according to claim 5, wherein the first insulating body is provided with a tab adapted to rest on a surface of the molded case circuit breaker that is proximate to the venting aperture of the molded case circuit breaker.

7. The device for door and phase segregation in the molded case circuit breaker according to claim 6, wherein the tab is positioned in an intermediate position between the first and second portions of the front surface.

8. The device for door and phase segregation in the molded case circuit breaker according to claim 3, wherein a tab is positioned in an intermediate position between the first and second portions of the front surface.

9. The device for door and phase segregation in the molded case circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein the fin extends vertically between the two adjacent phases of the molded case circuit breaker.

10. The device for door and phase segregation in the molded case circuit breaker according to claim 9, wherein the third and fourth surfaces are substantially continuous lateral surfaces, and wherein the third and fourth lateral protrusions vertically extend along at least a portion of the third and fourth surfaces.

11. The device for door and phase segregation in the molded case circuit breaker according to claim 10, wherein the third and fourth lateral protrusions are adapted to rest on a surface of the molded case circuit breaker that is proximate to the venting aperture of the molded case circuit breaker.

12. The device for door and phase segregation in the molded case circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein the conductive element is provided with a first fixing mechanism for mechanical connection to the corresponding lug of the molded case circuit breaker and a second fixing mechanism for mechanical connection of the electrical connection mechanism, and in that the first insulating body has a front surface having a first portion and a second portion raised with respect to the first portion, one or more openings being positioned on the first portion and/or the second portion for accessing the first fixing mechanism and/or the second fixing mechanism.

13. The device for door and phase segregation in the molded case circuit breaker according to claim 12, wherein the first and second fixing mechanism are screws.

14. The device for door and phase segregation in the molded case circuit breaker according to claim 13, wherein the first insulating body is provided with a tab adapted to rest on a surface of the molded case circuit breaker that is proximate to the venting aperture of the molded case circuit breaker.

15. The device for door and phase segregation in the molded case circuit breaker according to claim 14, wherein the tab is positioned in an intermediate position between the first and second portions of the front surface.

16. The device for door and phase segregation in the molded case circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein the first and second lateral surface of the first insulating element completely cover the first and second sides of the conductive element.

Description

(1) Further features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description of preferred, but not exclusive embodiments of the device for door and phase segregation, according to the invention, non-limiting examples of which are provided in the attached drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a molded case circuit breaker;

(3) FIGS. 2a-2c are perspective views of an embodiment of a device for door and phase segregation for low voltage circuit breakers, according to the invention;

(4) FIGS. 3a-3b are perspective views of an embodiment of a conductive element in a device for door and phase segregation for low voltage circuit breakers, according to the invention;

(5) FIGS. 4a-4b are perspective views of an embodiment of a first insulating element in a device for door and phase segregation for low voltage circuit breakers, according to the invention;

(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a molded case circuit breaker equipped with a device for door and phase segregation, according to the invention;

(7) FIGS. 6a-6c are perspective views of an embodiment of a second insulating element in a device for door and phase segregation for low voltage circuit breakers, according to the invention;

(8) FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a second embodiment of a molded case circuit breaker equipped with a device for door and phase segregation, according to the invention;

(9) FIG. 8 is a front view of the molded case circuit breaker of FIG. 7;

(10) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a molded case circuit breaker equipped with a device for door and phase segregation, according to the invention;

(11) FIG. 10 is a top view of the molded case circuit breaker of FIG. 9;

(12) FIG. 11 is a front view of the molded case circuit breaker of FIG. 9.

(13) With reference to the attached Figures, the device for door and phase segregation according to the invention, is adapted to be used in low voltage circuit breakers, in particular in a molded case circuit breaker 100 as represented in FIG. 1.

(14) The circuit breaker 100 has a plurality of phases 101, in the present case three phases, and associated to each of which there is at least a pair of contacts that can be coupled to and uncoupled from one another, thereby achieving a closed or open configuration. The circuit breaker also comprises control means that cause relative movement of said pairs of contacts so that they can assume a first, coupling, position (circuit closed) and a second, separation, position (circuit open). In general, the operating principles and functioning, as well as the related components and mechanisms, of the circuit breaker used in the present invention can be of the conventional type and will not be described in further details.

(15) Each phase 101 of the circuit breaker 100 is also provided with one terminal 102 for the electrical connection of the circuit breaker 100 to a corresponding electrical circuit. On the top surface of the circuit breaker 100, in correspondence of each phase 101, there is usually positioned one or more venting apertures 103, 104 for venting off gases coming from the arc chamber.

(16) In its more general definition, the device for door and phase segregation of the present invention comprises a conductive element 1 which is adapted to be fixed to a corresponding lug or terminal 102 of each phase 101 of the circuit breaker 100.

(17) The conductive element 1 is normally provided with electrical connection means 11, 12 for electrical connection of said circuit breaker 100 to the corresponding electrical circuit. In the present case, the electrical connection means are represented by the seats (holes) 11, 12, into which the terminal portion of, e.g. a connection cable ormore in generala connection element, can be inserted.

(18) One of the distinguishing features of the device for door and phase segregation of the present invention, is given by the fact that that it comprises a first insulating element 2 which covers said conductive element 1 and/or a second insulating element 3 which is adapted to be interposed between two adjacent phases 101 of said circuit breaker 100.

(19) More in details, with reference to FIGS. 2a-2c and 3a-3b, the conductive element 1 is substantially L-shaped. In turn, with reference also to FIGS. 4a-4b, the first insulating element 2 comprises a first insulating body 21 which is also substantially L-shaped so as to match the shape of the conductive element 1.

(20) As shown in FIGS. 2a-2c, the first insulating body 21 is fitted onto the conductive element 1 and has a first 22 and a second 23 lateral surfaces which are substantially continuous and substantially L-shaped; the first insulating body 21 has also a top surface 24 which is provided with an opening 25 for accessing the connection means 11, 12, e.g. the seats 11, 12 of connection cables, of the conductive element 1.

(21) Moreover, as shown in particular in FIGS. 4a-4b, the first insulating body 21 has a rear surface 26 and a bottom surface 27, which are provided with openings allowing the passage of said conductive element 1. In the embodiments shown, the rear surface 26 of the first insulating body 21 is substantially completely open.

(22) In this way, the first insulating body 21 can be inserted over the conductive element 1 with a sliding action, thereby achieving the configuration of FIGS. 2a-2c, and can be kept in place by small portions of the rear surface 26 and bottom surface 27.

(23) With reference to FIG. 3a-3b, the conductive element 1 is conveniently provided with first fixing means 13 for mechanical connection to a corresponding lug/terminal 102 of the circuit breaker 100 and second fixing means 14 for the mechanical connection of said electrical connection means, e.g. the terminal portion of one or more connection cables.

(24) As shown in particular in FIGS. 4a-4b, the first insulating body 21 has a front surface 28 which is shaped so as to match the shape of the conductive element 1. In particular, the front surface 28 has a first portion 281 and a second portion 282 which is raised with respect to said first portion 281, so as to follow the L-shape of the conductive element 1. One or more openings 283, 284 are conveniently positioned on the first portion 281 and/or on the second portion 282 of the front surface 28 for accessing the first 13 and/or second 14 fixing means positioned on the conductive element 1.

(25) In the embodiment shown, since there are foreseen two connection cables housed in the seats 11 and 12 (and therefore there are also two corresponding fixing means 14), a third hole is positioned on the second portion 282 of the front surface 28 of the first insulating body 21, said third hole being closed by a cover 285 in the embodiment shown in the attached figure.

(26) For example, the first 13 and second 14 fixing means can be screw means, that are easily accessible through the openings 283 and 284 (as well as through the opening closed by the cover 285) and can therefore be easily operated to fix the device to the circuit breaker 100 and to fix the cable terminals to the conductive element 1.

(27) With reference to FIGS. 2a-2c and 4a-4b, in a particular embodiment of the device for door and phase segregation of the invention, the first insulating body 21 is provided on both sides thereof with an elongated protrusion 20 which is substantially perpendicular to the first 22 and second 23 lateral surface the first insulating body 21. The elongated protrusions 20 extend vertically along at least a portion of the first 22 and second 23 lateral surface of the first insulating body 21.

(28) Thus, as shown in FIG. 5, the first 22 and second 23 lateral surface of the first insulating body 21 create a screen for the passage of the hot gases coming out from the venting aperture 103, 104 toward the rear portion of the circuit breaker 100.

(29) Moreover, with reference to FIGS. 2a-2c and 4a-4b, the first insulating body 21 can be conveniently provided with a tab 29 which is adapted to rest on a surface of said circuit breaker 100 proximate to a venting aperture 103, 104 of said circuit breaker 100. In particular, said tab 29 can be conveniently positioned in an intermediate position between said first 281 and second 282 portions of the front surface 28 of the first insulating body 21.

(30) In this way, as shown in FIG. 5, the tab 29 of the first insulating body 21 creates a screen for the passage of the hot gases coming out from the venting aperture 103, 104 toward the front portion of the circuit breaker 100, thereby effectively segregating each phase 101 from the front door of the panel.

(31) With reference to FIGS. 6a-c to 8, in an embodiment of the device for door and phase segregation of the present invention, the second insulating element 3 typically comprises an insulating fin 31 which extends vertically between two adjacent phases 101 of said circuit breaker 100.

(32) As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the insulating fin 31 is therefore able to effectively segregate the various phases 101 form each other. In practice, the insulating fin 31 can be easily inserted between the phases 101 with a simple sliding action. To this purpose, the base of the insulating fin 31 can be conveniently shaped so as to match the shape of a guide positioned on the circuit breaker 100 between the various phases 101. Other fixing or insertion means can however be used depending on the needs.

(33) More in details, with reference to FIGS. 6a-6c, said insulating fin 31 is shaped so as to have a third 33 and a fourth 34 substantially continuous lateral surfaces. The insulating fin 31 is provided on both sides thereof with a third 331 and a fourth 341 lateral protrusions which are substantially perpendicular to the third 33 and fourth 34 lateral surfaces of the insulating fin 31. The third 331 and a fourth 341 lateral protrusions run vertically along at least a portion of said third 33 and fourth 34 lateral surfaces of the insulating fin 31.

(34) As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, said third 331 and fourth 341 lateral protrusions are adapted to rest on a surface of said circuit breaker 100 proximate to a venting aperture 103, 104 of said circuit breaker 100. Shape and dimensions of the third 331 and fourth 341 lateral protrusions can be any according to the needs.

(35) In this way, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the third 331 and fourth 341 lateral protrusions of the insulating fin 31 creates a screen for the passage of the hot gases coming out from the venting aperture 103, 104 toward the front portion of the circuit breaker 100, thereby effectively segregating each phase 101 from the front door of the panel.

(36) It is clear from the above that the device for door and phase segregation in low voltage circuit breakers of the present invention allows solving the previously underlined technical problems. Indeed, it has been seen that a device for door and phase segregation according to the present invention, thanks to its structure, is able to effectively segregate the various phases among each other and also with respect to the front.

(37) As shown in FIG. 5, an effective segregation can be carried out by using the first insulating element 2 alone, while, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, an effective segregation can be also carried out by using the second insulating element 3 alone.

(38) However, very effective results can be obtained by combining the two embodiments, i.e. by using both the first insulating element 2 and the second insulating element 3, as shown in FIGS. 9-11. Several variations can be made to the device for door and phase segregation for low voltage circuit breakers, and to the low voltage circuit breakers, in particular molded case circuit breakers, thus conceived, all falling within the scope of the attached claims. In practice, the materials used and the contingent dimensions and shapes can be any, according to requirements and to the state of the art.