OA19172A - Electrical connection device for draw-out circuit breaker and draw-out circuit breaker. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electrical connection device for a draw-out circuit breaker and a draw-out circuit breaker. The present disclosure provides an electrical connection device for a draw-out circuit breaker, comprising: at least one group of conductive sheets, each group of conductive sheets comprising two conductive sheets being rotatably supported, wherein one or two ends of a first end and a second end of one of the two conductive sheets and corresponding one or two ends of a first end and a second end of the other one of the two conductive sheets are used to constitute one or two clamps, a clamping face of the clamp(s) is defined by side surfaces facing to each other of the corresponding ends of the two conductive sheets used to constitute the corresponding clamp, and the corresponding ends are movable in a direction of releasing/clamping the connected terminal; and a clamping assembly for fixing the group of conductive sheets and providing a clamping force for the connected terminal inserted into the clamp, wherein the conductive sheet has a flexible conductive portion connected to the one or two ends used to constitute the clamp(s) to adjust a degree of contact of the one or two ends used to constitute the clamp(s) with the connected terminal.

Description

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION DEVICE FOR DRAW-OUT CIRCUIT BREAKER AND

DRAW-OUT CIRCUIT BREAKER

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The présent disclosure relates to the technical field of low-voltage electrical appliances, in particular to an electrical connection device for a circuit breaker and a draw-out circuit breaker.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A universal circuit breaker is a commonly used circuit breaker in low-voltage power distribution equipment and is a kind of protection electrical appliance. When a drawer-type device is installed, the circuit breaker can be quickly replaced in case of a failure of the circuit breaker and a capacity increase or decrease of the circuit breaker, and it is convenient to replace the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes an incoming terminal and an outgoing terminal, and the drawer-type device also includes a corresponding incoming terminal and an outgoing terminal. The circuit breaker can be pushed into or pulled out of the drawer-type device, so that the incoming and outgoing terminais of the circuit breaker can engage or disengage with the incoming and outgoing terminais of the drawer-type device, to provide an electrical connection and an electrical isolation, respectively.

[0003] In the prior art, the electrical connection between corresponding terminais on the drawer-type device and on the circuit breaker is achieved by an electrical connection assembly with clamps at both ends. The electrical connection assembly typically includes two fingers separated by a spacer and an elastic restoring device for pressing the two fingers against the spacer. On one side of the spacer, two ends facing each other of the two fingers together constitute a first clamp that clamps the terminal of the circuit breaker, and on the other side of the spacer, the other two ends facing each other of the two fingers together constitute a second clamp for clamping the terminal ofthe drawer-type device. An i

opening movement of the first clamp causes a closing movement of the other clamp by leverage.

[0004] In the above electrical connection assembly, the two clamps are not independent from each other. That is to say, installation of the terminal of the drawer-type device and that of the terminal of the circuit breaker in the respective clamps will affect each other. The terminal of the circuit breaker and the terminal of the drawer-type device are both mounted on a rigid insulating member, and due to manufacturing error, déviation of the parallelism, the straightness, the symmetry, the coaxiality of the two terminais after installation may occur, resulting in the two terminais to be offset or tilted in different directions. As a resuit, good contact cannot be achieved between the terminais of the circuit breaker and the terminais of the drawer-type device, and their respective clamps, resulting in defects such as a decrease in contact area and a decrease in current carrying capacity of the electrical connection assembly.

[0005] In the above electrical connection assembly, the two fingers separated by the spacer respectively comprise a plurality of stacked unit fingers. The unit fingers are attached to each other. When the terminal of the circuit breaker and the terminal of the drawer-type device inserted into the clamp are offset or tilted, since the unit finger has no degree of freedom, positions of the terminal of the circuit breaker and the terminal of the drawer-type device cannot be self-corrected. This also causes the defects such as a small contact area between the terminal of the circuit breaker and the terminal of the drawer-type device, and the clamp, low current carrying capacity of the electrical connection assembly.

[0006] When the contact area between the clamp and the connected terminal is reduced, the unit finger is not fully utilized, resulting in a decrease in actual current carrying area and a détérioration in the current carrying capacity. In order to meet a requirement of a rated current actually transmitted during usage, it is necessary to increase the contact area by increasing the number of unit fingers, which results in a large volume, a large amount of materials, a high cost, and a large space occupation.

[0007] When the contact area between the clamp and the connected terminal is reduced, i

contact résistance between them increases, which causes heat génération and température rise of the circuit breaker to be large. Under this condition, aging of insulating members of the breaker circuit and components connected with it will accelerate, resulting in that electrical accidents are prone to occur and threatens safety-of-life.

SUMMARY

[0008] The présent disclosure provides an electrical connection device for a draw-out circuit breaker. Another object of the présent disclosure is to provide a draw-out circuit breaker.

[0009] An electrical connection device for a draw-out circuit breaker, comprising: at least 15 one group of conductive sheets, each group of conductive sheets comprising two conductive sheets being rotatably supported, wherein one or two ends of a first end and a second end of one of the two conductive sheets and corresponding one or two ends of a first end and a second end of the other one of the two conductive sheets are used to constitute one or two clamps, a clamping face of the clamp(s) is defined by side surfaces 20 facing to each other of the corresponding ends of the two conductive sheets used to constitute the corresponding clamp, and the corresponding ends are movable in a direction of releasing/clamping the connected terminal; and a clamping assembly forfixing the group of conductive sheets and providing a clamping force for the connected terminal inserted into the clamp, wherein the conductive sheet has a flexible conductive portion 25 connected to the one or two ends used to constitute the clamp(s) to adjust a degree of contact of the one or two ends used to constitute the clamp(s) with the connected terminal. [0010] With the electrical connection device, when the connected terminal is inserted into the clamp, the one or two ends of the conductive sheet used to constitute the clamp(s) can move in a direction of releasing/clamping the connected terminal by connection with the 30 flexible conductive portion, so that the degree of contact between the end and the connected terminal can be adjusted, and the defect that the current carrying capacity of the electrical connection device is low due to the small contact area between the electrical connection device and the connected terminal can be at least partially overcome.

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[0011] With the electrical connection device, when the first end and the second end ofthe conductive sheet respectively are used to constitute clamps, the contact between one connected terminal with the corresponding clamp does not affect the contact between the other connected terminal with the corresponding clamp, and there is a relative independence between them. Therefore, good contact between the respective clamps and the corresponding connected terminais can be achieved, and the defect of low current carrying capacity of the electrical connection device caused by the small contact area can be at least partially overcome.

[0012] According to an aspect of the présent disclosure, the corresponding one or two ends of the two conductive sheets used to constitute the corresponding clamp(s) are provided with support portions facing to each other, such that the two conductive sheets are rotatably supported by the support portions. The support portion is integrally formed at the end of the conductive sheet, and when the terminal to be connected is inserted into the clamp, the two conductive sheets constituting the group of conductive sheets can be rotatably supported by the support portions so that the ends can move in a direction of releasing/clamping the connected terminal.

[0013] According to an aspect of the présent disclosure, the electrical connection device further comprises a support member provided between the two conductive sheets, and the corresponding one or two ends of the two conductive sheets used to constitute the corresponding clamp(s) are provided with extension portions extending in a direction toward the support member such that the two conductive sheets are rotatably supported on the support member by the respective extension portions.

[0014] According to an aspect of the présent disclosure, the support member includes a receiving portion for receiving the extension portion. The receiving portion can provide a supporting force for the conductive sheet through the extension portion, so as to prevent an inserting force from the terminal being connected from directly acting on the flexible conductive portion and bending the flexible conductive portion, thereby reducing the difficulty of inserting the terminal being connected.

[0015] According to an aspect of the présent disclosure, the electrical connection device i

comprises a plurality of groups of conductive sheets arranged in a stacked manner, and a movement gap being provided between two adjacent groups ofthe plurality of conductive sheets for twist of the one or two ends of the conductive sheets used to constitute the clamp(s). With the présent solution, when the inserting force from the terminal being connected causes a twisting movement of the end of the conductive sheet used to 10 constitute the clamp, the movement gap allows the end to be twisted to achieve adaptive contact between the clamp and the terminal being connected, thereby increasing the contact area between the clamp and the connected terminal. In addition, the movement gap can also act as a heat dissipation gap to reduce température rise.

[0016] According to an aspect of the présent disclosure, the electrical connection device 15 comprises a spacing member for defining a minimum distance of the movement gap. The spacing member can ensure the minimum distance and heat dissipation gap of adjacent two groups of conductive sheets, avoiding the attachment of the adjacent two groups of conductive sheets to each other.

[0017] According to an aspect of the présent disclosure, the clamping assembly 20 comprises: a spring abutting against the ends of the conductive sheets used to constitute the clamp to provide a clamping force for the connected terminal inserted into the clamp; and a fixing member for fixing the spring and maintaining the clamping force from the spring for the connected terminal.

[0018] According to an aspect of the présent disclosure, the electrical connection device further comprises a limiting portion for preventing the connected terminal from coming out of the clamp laterally.

[0019] According to an aspect of the présent disclosure, the conductive sheet is formed with the one or two ends used to constitute the clamp(s) being connected to the flexible conductive portion, or is integrally formed by the one or two ends used to constitute the 30 clamp(s) and the flexible conductive portion.

[0020] According to an aspect of the présent disclosure, the flexible conductive portion is any one of a soft connecting wire, a soft braided wire, and a foil.

[0021] The présent disclosure further provides a draw-out circuit breaker, comprising a i

drawer of the circuit breaker on which a fixed terminal is mounted; a body of the circuit breaker on which an inserted terminal is mounted; the electrical connection device of any one of the above aspects described; wherein the fixed terminal and the inserted terminal are connected by the electrical connection device to transfer an electric current between them.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Fig. 1 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of a conductive sheet according to the présent disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a schematic view showing an electrical connection device according to a 15 first embodiment of the présent disclosure.

[0024] Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing an electrical connection device according to a second embodiment of the présent disclosure.

[0025] Fig. 4A is an exploded perspective view showing an electrical connection device in accordance with a third embodiment of the présent disclosure.

[0026] Fig. 4B is a schematic view showing an electrical connection device in accordance with a third embodiment of the présent disclosure.

[0027] Fig. 5 is a schematic view showing an electrical connection device according to a fourth embodiment of the présent disclosure.

[0028] Fig. 6 is a schematic view showing an electrical connection device according to a 25 fifth embodiment of the présent disclosure.

[0029] Fig. 7 is a schematic view showing an electrical connection device according to a sixth embodiment of the présent disclosure.

[0030] Fig. 8 is a schematic view showing an electrical connection device according to a seventh embodiment of the présent disclosure.

[0031] Fig. 9 is a schematic view showing an electrical connection device in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the présent disclosure.

[0032] Fig. 10 is a view showing connection of the electrical connection device of Fig. 3 with a fixed terminal and an inserted terminal.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the présent disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The following detailed description and the drawings are intended to illustrate the principle of the présent disclosure. The présent disclosure is not limited to preferred embodiments described, and the protection scope of the présent disclosure is defined by daims.

[0034] Fig. 1 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of a conductive sheet according to the présent disclosure.

[0035] In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1, a conductive sheet 10 includes a first end

11, a second end 12, and a flexible conductive portion 13 that connects the first end 11 and the second end 12. The flexible conductive portion 13 is soft and easily deformed. The flexible conductive portion 13 includes, but is not limited to, a soft connecting wire, a soft braided wire, and a foil. The flexible conductive portion 13 can also be any other flexible structure that can be conductive. The flexibility and deformability of the flexible conductive 20 portion 13 make the first end 11 and the second end 12 hâve an activity characteristic of a plurality of degrees of freedom. The activity characteristic is presented by a rotational degree of freedom of the first end 11 and the second end 12 in a latéral direction of the conductive sheet (X direction in Fig. 1), a rotational degree of freedom of the first end 11 and the second end 12 in longitudinal direction around the conductive sheet (Y direction in 25 Fig. 1), etc.

[0036] The conductive sheet 10 can be constructed in various ways. For example, in some embodiments, the flexible conductive portion 13 can be connected with the first end 11 and/or the second end 12 by welding, pressing, riveting, bolting, or an interférence fit. However, the conductive sheet 10 is not limited to the above configuration. In some 30 embodiments, the flexible conductive portion 13 may also be formed into an intégral structure with the first end 11 and/or the second end 12. For example, the first end 11 and/or the second end 12 are formed directly on the flexible conductive portion 13.

[0037] In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1, the conductive sheet 10 includes the first i

end 11 and the second end 12, and the structure of the above-described conductive sheet are suitable for an electrical connection device with two clamps in most cases. However, the conductive sheet 10 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, in other embodiments, the conductive sheet 10 may merely include the first end 11 or the second end 12 to adapt to the case where the electrical connection device has one single clamp.

[0038] Fig. 2 is a schematic view showing an electrical connection device according to a first embodiment of the présent disclosure.

[0039] The electrical connection device 100 is used to connect terminais to be connected in a circuit to achieve an electric current flow between the terminais to be connected. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the electrical connection device 100 includes a plurality 15 of groups of conductive sheets, and each group of conductive sheets includes two conductive sheets 10A (a variation of the conductive sheet 10) being rotatably supported. The first ends of the conductive sheets 10A constitute a first clamp 101. The second ends of the conductive sheets 10A constitute a second clamp 102. A clamping face of each clamp are defined by side surfaces facing to each other of the corresponding ends of the 20 two conductive sheets. The first clamp 101 and the second clamp 102 are fixed by a clamping assembly 30, and can apply a clamping force to the terminais to be connected respectively inserted into the two clamps.

[0040] In the above-described electrical connection device, since the flexible conductive portions are respectively connected to the first end and the second end, the both ends 25 hâve an activity characteristic of moving in a direction of releasing/clamping the connected terminal (the X direction in Fig. 1). The activity characteristic can adjust a degree of contact between the clamp and the terminal being connected, so that contacting faces of the clamp and the terminal being connected can approach or even reach the optimal value as designed, thereby increasing a current carrying capacity of the electrical connection 30 device.

[0041] In the above-mentioned electrical connection device, the contact of one terminal being connected with the corresponding clamp does not affect the contact of the other terminal being connected with the corresponding clamp, and the movements of the two i

ends for forming the respective clamps are relatively independent from each other, so that good contact can be achieved between each clamp and the corresponding terminal being connected, thereby improving the contact area between the electrical connection device and the terminal being connected and improving the current carrying capacity of the electrical connection device.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 2, the first end and the second end of each of the two conductive sheets 10A are respectively provided with supporting portions 20A. The support portions 20A extend toward and contact with each other. When the terminais to be connected are respectively inserted into the first clamp 101 and the second clamp 102, the support portions 20A can provide rotational support to the two conductive sheets 10A such that the first ends and the second ends of the conductive sheets are movable in a direction of releasing/clamping the terminais being connected. Moreover, the support portions 20A can also be used to limit the degree of opening of the first clamp 101 and the second clamp 102.

[0043] The clamping assembly is used to fix the clamp and provide a clamping force for the terminal being connected inserted into the clamp. The clamping assembly includes a spring and a fixing member. The spring is configured to abut against at least one end of the conductive sheet to provide a clamping force for the terminal being connected inserted into the corresponding clamp. The fixing member is used for fixing the spring and maintaining the clamping force provided by the spring for the terminal being connected.

[0044] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the clamping assembly 30 includes a leaf spring 31, a coupling sheet 32, and a locking lever 33. The leaf spring 31 is attached to both ends of the conductive sheets 10A at outside of the clamps. Edges 14 are respectively provided on the first ends and the second ends of the conductive sheets 10A to position the leaf spring 31. A small displacement of the leaf spring 13 may occur between the two edges 14, but does not affect the function of the leaf spring 31. Both ends of the coupling sheet 32 extend outside of the leaf springs 31, and are respectively provided with locking holes 321. The locking levers 33 are respectively inserted into the locking holes 321 on both ends of the coupling sheet 32 to press the leaf springs 31.

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[0045] The leaf spring 31 is provided with finger structures 311 separated from each other and respectively corresponding to the first end and the second end of each conductive sheet 10A. The finger structures 311 can increase the degree of freedom of both ends of each conductive sheet 10 to enhance its activity characteristic.

[0046] The locking hole 321 on the coupling sheet 32 may be formed as an elongated hole. The elongated hole extends in a direction in which the leaf spring 31 is pressed. When the locking lever 33 is mounted, the elongated hole can facilitate the insertion ofthe locking lever 33. However, the locking hole 321 is not limited to the above-described structure, and may be, for example, circular, square, or in other shapes that match with the locking lever 33.

[0047] The locking lever 33 may be further provided with an axial positioning portion 331, to achieve positioning of the locking lever 33 in an axial direction. The axial positioning portion 331 is formed as a circumferential groove provided on the locking lever 33, and an edge of side wall of the groove can be engaged with an edge of the locking hole 321 to position the locking lever 33. The axial positioning portion 331 is not limited to the above-described configuration. According to an embodiment, the axial positioning portion 331 may be a flange provided on the locking lever 33, and the positioning of the locking lever 33 can be achieved by the flange engaging with the edge ofthe locking hole 321. [0048] The number of the coupling sheets 32 may dépend on the number of groups of conductive sheets. When the number of groups of the conductive sheets is large, a plurality of coupling sheets 32 may be provided in a stacking direction of the group of the conductive sheets, so that the pressing force applied on the leaf spring 31 is more uniform. Accordingly, an elastic forces applied to the first ends and the second ends of the conductive sheets by the leaf spring 31 are more uniform.

[0049] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the conductive sheet is rotatably supported by the support portion 20A. However, the rotational support of the conductive sheet is not limited to the above configuration. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 3, which is a schematic view showing an electrical connection device according to a second embodiment of the présent disclosure, the electrical connection device 100A includes a support member 20B.

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The support member 20B may be formed substantially in an l-shape. The conductive sheet 10 is rotationally supported by the support member 20B, and more specifically, the conductive sheet 10 is rotationally supported by upper and lower beams of the support member 20B. Specifically, a first extension portion 111 extends toward the support member 20B from the first end 11 of the conductive sheet 10, and a second extension 10 portion 121 extends toward the support member 20B from the second end 12 of the conductive sheet 10. The first extension portion 111 is rotatably supported by the lower beam of the support member 20B, and the second extension portion 121 is rotatably supported by the upper beam of the support member 20B.

[0050] In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3, the support member 20B is further provided with a receiving portion 21 which is provided at each end of the upper beam of the support member 20B, for receiving the second extension portion 121. When the terminal to be connected is inserted into the clamp, the receiving portion 21 provides a supporting force to the conductive sheet via the second extension portion 121, to prevent the flexible conductive portion from being bent due to an inserting force applied on it and 20 making the insertion difficult.

[0051] Similarly, a receiving portion may be provided at each end of the lower beam of the support member 20B for receiving the first extension portion 111.

[0052] However, the support member 20B is not limited to the above-described configuration, and the support member 20B may hâve other configurations according to a 25 spécifie structure of the electrical connection device.

[0053] In embodiments shown in Fig. 2 to Fig. 3, the electrical connection device includes a plurality of groups of conductive sheets arranged in a stacked manner. A movement gap for a twist of the first end and the second end is provided between two adjacent groups of conductive sheets. The movement gap allows the first end and the second end to be 30 twisted under an inserting force from the terminal being connected, to achieve adaptive contact between the clamp and the terminal being connected, thereby increasing the contact area between the clamp and the terminal being connected. Meanwhile, the movement gap can also act as a heat dissipation gap to reduce température rise.

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[0054] Further, a spacing member is disposée! between adjacent two groups of conductive sheets, fordefining a minimum value ofthe movementgap. As shown in Fig. 3, the spacing member may be protrusions 112 formed at the first end and the second end, respectively. When the terminais to be connected are respectively inserted into the two clamps and the first ends and the second ends are respectively subjected to torsional 10 moments around the Y direction, the protrusions 112 can serve as a support between the adjacent two groups of conductive sheets to ensure a minimum movement gap between the adjacent two groups of conductive sheets. The protrusion 112 may be an arcuate protrusion, a spherical protrusion, a cylindrical protrusion or the like. However, the spacing member is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 3. In some embodiments, the 15 spacing member may be a separate rod that can be mounted to the first end and/or the second end in a welded, bonded or threaded manner, so as to ensure the minimum movement gap and heat dissipation gap between adjacent groups of conductive sheets by use of its length. In some embodiments, the spacing member may also be a plurality of bosses disposed on the support member 20B, and the bosses are dimensioned in a width 20 direction to be equal to the minimum value of the movement gap.

[0055] It should be noted that, according to the use of the circuit breaker, in particular according to a rated current it carries, the electrical connection deviee may include more or fewer groups of conductive sheets. There is a case where merely one group of conductive sheets is included. With such configuration, serialization of the electrical 25 connection deviee can be easily realized, thereby reducing design and processing costs.

[0056] The embodiments shown in Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 use the clamping assemblies 30 of the same configuration. However, the clamping assembly is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 2 to Fig. 3. For example, in the embodiments shown in Fig. 2 to Fig. 3, the support member 20B and the coupling sheet 32 may be formed into an intégral structure.

Further, the spring in the clamping assembly may be any structure capable of providing a clamping force for the terminal being connected by an elastic force, such as a tension spring, a compression spring, a torsion spring, a profiled spring, a solid spring or the like. Moreover, depending on different spécifie forms of the spring, the fixing member may hâve i

different structures, and the fixing member can be selected from a shaft pin, a boit, a rivet or the like. As shown in Fig. 4 to Fig. 8, Fig. 4 to Fig. 8 are schematic views showing electrical connection devices according to a third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh embodiments of the présent disclosure.

[0057] ln embodiments shown in Fig. 4Ato Fig. 5, the spring is implemented as a profiled spring 31A or 31 B, and the shape of which is configured such that the profiled spring 31A or 31B can apply clamping forces respectively to the first end and the second end of the two conductive sheets toward center of the respective clamps under a preload force. The fixing members 32A and 32B are used to respectively fix the profiled springs 31A and 31 B. The structure of the profiled spring is not limited to the shapes and structures shown in Fig. 4A to Fig. 5, and the profiled spring may be a profiled tension spring, a profiled torsion spring or a profiled compression spring depending on different acting manners of the elastic force, ln the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, each group of the conductive sheets is independent of each other, and the number of groups of conductive sheets can be flexibly selected according to the application of the circuit breaker.

[0058] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the spring is implemented as a compression spring 31C which is pressed against both sides of the clamp, and elastic restoring force of the compression spring can provide a clamping force to the terminal being connected inserted into the clamp. The fixing member is implemented as a fixing plate 32C abutting against the compression spring. The fixing plate 32C is provided with a connection hole 33C through which a fastener can pass to look the fixing plate 32C to maintain the clamping force of the compression spring.

[0059] ln embodiments shown in Fig. 7 to Fig. 8, the spring is implemented as a leaf spring and the fixing member is implemented as a frame. For example, the frame 32D formed in an intégral structure as shown in Fig. 7 or the frame 32E formed in a separated structure as shown in Fig. 8 may be employed, and the frame 32E formed in the separated structure may be assembled by welding, riveting or the like.

[0060] ln the embodiments shown in Fig. 2 to Fig. 3, both the first end and the second end of the conductive sheet are used to constitute the clamp. However, the electrical i

connection device is not limited to the above configuration. As shown in Fig. 9, Fig. 9 shows a schematic view of the conductive sheet 10B (a variation of the conductive sheet

10) in which only the first end is used to constitute the clamp. One terminal being connected 200 is inserted into the clamp, and the other terminal being connected 300 is connected to the flexible conductive portion by welding. However, the connection of the 10 terminal being connected 300 with the flexible conductive portion is not limited to the welding connection, and the both may be connected by riveting, pressing, bolting, or an interférence fit.

[0061] The présent disclosure further provides a draw-out circuit breaker, including a drawer of the circuit breaker, a body of the circuit breaker and the above-mentioned 15 electrical connection device. The drawer of the circuit breaker is mounted with a fixed terminal, the body of the circuit breaker is provided with an inserted terminal, and the fixed terminal and the inserted terminal are connected by the electrical connection device to transfer an electric current.

[0062] Fig. 10 is a schematic view showing the assembly of the electrical connection 20 device shown in Fig. 3 with the fixed terminal and the inserted terminal. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, the fixed terminal 200 is mounted in the first clamp of the electrical connection device 100A, and the inserted terminal 300 is mounted in the second clamp of the electrical connection device 100A.

[0063] Here, an engagement of the inserted terminal 300 and the second clamp is taken 25 as an example in the following description. The second clamp is provided, on inner sides, with a guide surface 113 for facilitating insertion of the inserted terminal 300 and an arcuate convex surface 114 for electrically contacting with the inserted terminal 300. Upon the inserted terminal 300 enters the second clamp along the guide surface 113 and cornes into contact with the arcuate convex surface 114, a permanent electrical contact is formed 30 under the clamping force of the clamping assembly 30. Of course, an engagement of the fixed terminal 200 and the first clamp can also be configured in the same manner as described above.

[0064] Generally, as designed, a thickness of the inserted terminal 300 is slightly larger i

than a width of an opening of the second clamp 102. The second ends of the conductive sheets 10 constituting the second clamp 102 will subject to a component Fx and a component Fy under an inserting force F from the inserted terminal 300. The component force Fx causes the ends to move in a direction of releasing the inserted terminal 300 and is transmitted to the leaf spring. The leaf spring applies a reaction force to the ends of the conductive sheets under the pressing force of the fixing assembly (the coupling sheet and the locking lever), which can ensure a reliable contact force between the second clamp and the inserted terminal 300. This contact force can be ensured to be large enough so as to cause an oxide layer of the inserted terminal 300 to be broken to lower a contact résistance.

[0065] During insertion of the inserted terminal 300, due to the flexibility and deformability of the flexible conductive portions, the second ends of the conductive sheets can autonomously adjust the degree of contact with the inserted terminal 300 under the act of component force Fx. The component force Fy acts on the receiving portion 21 on the support member 20B through the second extension portion 121, and the support force provided by the receiving portion 21 can keep the flexible conductive portion intact.

[0066] When the inserting force F from the inserted terminal 300 causes a torsional motion around the Y direction of the ends of the conductive sheets, the movement gap between adjacent groups of conductive sheets allows the ends to be twisted to achieve self-adapted contact of the clamp and the inserted terminal 300, so as to increase the 25 contact area of the inserted terminal 300 with the clamp.

[0067] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, the fixed terminal 200 and the first clamp may further form an engagement of a convex portion and a recess. As shown in Fig. 10, the fixed terminal 200 is provided with a recess 201. The conductive sheet 10 is provided with a convex portion 15 at a corresponding position. The convex portion 15 abuts against the 30 recess 201, forming line contact at two locations. The line contact at two locations can improve a connection stability of the first clamp and the fixed terminal 200, thereby improving a connection reliability of the fixed terminal 200 to the first clamp. However, the engagement of the above-mentioned convex portion and the recess is not limited to the i

case shown in Fig. 10. For example, in some embodiments, the recess 201 may be provided on the conductive sheet 10, and the convex portion 15 is provided on the fixed terminal 200. In addition, the number of locations where the line contact is formed, is not limited to two. By changing the spécifie shape of the convex portion and the recess, the line contact at three or more locations, or a surface contact may be formed between the 10 fixed terminal 200 and the first clamp.

[0068] Conversely, when a pulling-out operation is performed on the body of the circuit breaker, a direction of the pulling-out force is opposite to the direction of the inserting force F, so that the connected terminal is removed from the clamp. Friction occurs between the inserted terminal 300 and the arcuate contact surface 114 of the second clamp. The 15 electrical connection device 100 should be held on the fixed terminal 200 even under the frictional force. In order to ensure the above requirement, in addition to providing an appropriate clamping force, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, lengths of the finger structures 331A of the leaf spring corresponding to the first clamp is further set to be shorter than that of the finger structures 331B of the leaf spring corresponding to the 20 second clamp such that when the two ends of the conductive sheet hâve the same displacement amount in the X direction, the clamping force acting on the fixed terminal 200 is relatively larger to increase the clamping force of the first clamp on the fixed terminal 200.

[0069] The electrical connection device may further be provided with a limiting portion that 25 prevents the fixed terminal 200 and/or the inserted terminal 300 from coming out in a latéral direction of the clamp (Z direction in Fig. 10). In the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, the limiting portion is provided as a stopper 40 which is disposed at the outermost side in the stacking direction of the group of the conductive sheets and is fixed to the support member 20B, thereby preventing the fixed terminal 200 and/or the inserted terminal 300 30 from slipping off laterally from the electrical connection device 100. However, the limiting portion is not limited to the above-described configuration, and the stopper 40 may be integrally formed with the support member or the fixing member.

[0070] Depending on the application of the circuit breaker, the circuit breaker can be a i

three-pole circuit breaker or a four-pole circuit breaker. According to an internai structure of the circuit breaker, the fixed terminal may further include an incoming fixed terminal and an outgoing fixed terminal. The number of electrical connection devices provided by the présent disclosure can be correspondingly provided according to different applications. [0071] Although the disclosure has been described with reference to the exemplary 10 embodiments, it is understood that the présent disclosure is not limited to the configuration of the embodiments described above. On the contrary, the présent disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and équivalents. Additionally, while various éléments ofthe présent disclosure are shown in various exemplary combinations and configurations, other combinations including more and fewer éléments also fall within the scope of the présent 15 disclosure.

Claims (11)

1. An electrical connection device for a draw-out circuit breaker, comprising:

at least one group of conductive sheets, each group of conductive sheets comprising two conductive sheets being rotatably supported, wherein one or two ends of a first end and a second end of one of the two conductive sheets and corresponding one or two ends of a first end and a second end of the other one of the two conductive sheets are used to constitute one or two clamps, a clamping face of the clamp is defined by side surfaces facing to each other of the corresponding ends of the two conductive sheets used to constitute the corresponding clamp, and the corresponding ends are movable in a direction of releasing/clamping the connected terminal; and a clamping assembly for fixing the group of conductive sheets and providing a clamping force for the connected terminal inserted into the clamp, wherein the conductive sheet has a flexible conductive portion connected to the one or two ends used to constitute the clamp(s) to adjust a degree of contact of the one or two ends used to constitute the clamp(s) with the connected terminal.

2. The electrical connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the corresponding one or two ends of the two conductive sheets used to constitute the corresponding clamp(s) are provided with support portions facing to each other, such that the two conductive sheets are rotatably supported by the support portions.

3. The electrical connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, further comprising a support member provided between the two conductive sheets, and the corresponding one or two ends of the two conductive sheets used to constitute the corresponding clamp(s) are provided with extension portions extending in a direction toward the support member such that the two conductive sheets are rotatably supported on the support member by the respective extension portions.

4. The electrical connection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, the support member includes a receiving portion for receiving the extension portion.

5. The electrical connection device according to any one of daims 1 to 4, characterized in that, comprising a plurality of groups of conductive sheets arranged in a stacked manner, and a movement gap being provided between two adjacent groups ofthe i

plurality of groups of conductive sheets for twist of the one or two ends of the conductive sheets used to constitute the clamp(s).

6. The electrical connection device of claim 5, characterized in that, further comprising a spacing assembly for defining a minimum distance of the movement gap.

7. The electrical connection device of claim 1, characterized in that, the clamping assembly comprises:

a spring abutting against the ends of the conductive sheets used to constitute the clamp to provide a clamping force for the connected terminal inserted into the clamp; and a fixing member for fixing the spring and maintaining the clamping force from the spring for the connected terminal.

8. The electrical connection device according to any one of daims 1 to 4, characterized in that, further comprising a limiting portion for preventing the connected terminal from coming out of the clamp laterally.

9. The electrical connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the conductive sheet is formed with the one or two ends used to constitute the clamp(s) being connected to the flexible conductive portion, or is integrally formed by the one or two ends used to constitute the clamp(s) and the flexible conductive portion.

10. The electrical connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the flexible conductive portion is any one of a soft connecting wire, a soft braided wire, and a foil.

11. A draw-out circuit breaker, comprising:

a drawer of the circuit breaker on which a fixed terminal is mounted;

a body of the circuit breaker on which an inserted terminal is mounted;

the electrical connection device according to any one of daims 1 to 10;

wherein the fixed terminal and the inserted terminal are connected by the electrical connection device to transfer an electric current between them.