CN116918022A

CN116918022A - Circuit breaking part and air circuit breaker comprising same

Info

Publication number: CN116918022A
Application number: CN202280018903.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 朴用益; 郑汉白
Original assignee: LS Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: LS Electric Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-05-14
Filing date: 2022-04-29
Publication date: 2023-10-20
Also published as: KR20220155095A

Abstract

Disclosed is a circuit breaking part and an air circuit breaker including the same. The invention provides a circuit breaking part, which comprises: a fixed contact; a movable contact contacting with or separated from the fixed contact; a fixed contact stand having the fixed contact arranged at a lower end thereof and extending toward an upper portion; a movable contact stage in which the movable contact is disposed, and which moves the movable contact in a direction toward or away from the fixed contact; a lower slider disposed to extend to an upper side of the fixed contact, one end of the lower slider being coupled to the fixed contact stage, and the other end of the lower slider being spaced apart from the fixed contact stage; a U-shaped assembly or a magnet portion is disposed between the slider and the fixed contact base.

Description

Circuit breaking part and air circuit breaker comprising same

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a circuit breaker and an air circuit breaker including the same, and more particularly, to a circuit breaker and an air circuit breaker including the same capable of effectively extinguishing an arc generated by a current being cut off.

Background

A circuit breaker refers to a device capable of allowing or shutting off energization to the outside by contact and separation of a fixed contact and a movable contact. The fixed contact and the movable contact provided in the circuit breaker are electrically connectable to an external power source or load, respectively.

The movable contact is movably arranged on the circuit breaker. The movable contact may be movable in a direction toward the fixed contact or in a direction away from the fixed contact. If the movable contact is in contact with the fixed contact, the circuit breaker may be electrically connectable to an external power source or load.

When an overcurrent or an abnormal current flows in the circuit breaker, the movable contact and the fixed contact in a contact state are separated from each other. At this time, the current flowing between the movable contact and the fixed contact changes to be in the form of an arc (arc) and extends along the movable contact (extension) without being immediately extinguished.

An arc may be defined as a flow of electrons at high temperature and high pressure. Therefore, if the generated arc stays in the internal space of the circuit breaker for a long time, the respective components of the circuit breaker may be damaged. In addition, if the arc is discharged to the outside of the circuit breaker without other processes, the user may be injured.

Therefore, in general, a circuit breaker is provided with a quenching device for quenching (extiguish) and discharging an arc. The generated arc passes through the extinguishing device, the arc pressure increases and the moving speed becomes fast, and at the same time, can be cooled and discharged to the outside.

Thus, the generated arc must be rapidly directed to the arc extinguishing device.

However, in the case of a direct current air circuit breaker in which a small current flows, the generated arc force is relatively small. In addition, in the case of direct current, there is no zero point in the current, so there is a problem that it is more difficult to extinguish the arc than in the case of alternating current.

In particular, when a small current is cut off in a dc air circuit breaker, an arc force generated inside is relatively weak, and thus, there is a problem that an arc generated after the cutting cannot move to a grid of an arc extinguishing portion. As described above, the arc that is not extinguished remains near the movable contact and the fixed contact, resulting in problems such as melting of the contacts.

Therefore, as described above, it is necessary to consider a method for effectively extinguishing an arc generated when a small current is cut off in a direct current air circuit breaker.

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The present invention aims to provide a circuit breaker having a structure capable of solving the above problems, and an air circuit breaker including the same.

First, an object of the present invention is to provide a circuit breaking part having a structure capable of rapidly extinguishing and moving an arc generated and an air circuit breaker including the same.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an arc extinguishing unit having a structure capable of rapidly moving an arc generated when a small current is cut off in a dc air circuit breaker to a grid and extinguishing the arc, and an air circuit breaker including the same.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a circuit breaker having a structure in which a magnet forming a magnetic field related to a moving path of an arc is not damaged by the arc, and an air circuit breaker including the same.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a circuit breaker having a structure that does not need to be changed in design for a magnet having a magnetic field that is related to a moving path of an arc, and an air circuit breaker including the circuit breaker.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a circuit breaker having a structure that does not excessively increase the occupied space even if a magnet having a magnetic field related to a moving path of an arc is formed, and an air circuit breaker including the same.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a circuit breaker having a structure in which a plurality of magnets forming a magnetic field related to a moving path of an arc are provided, and a circuit breaker including the circuit breaker.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a circuit breaker having a structure capable of ensuring a quenching path of an arc generated even when a magnet is provided, and an air circuit breaker including the circuit breaker.

Technical proposal for solving the problems

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a circuit breaking section including: a fixed contact; a movable contact contacting with or separated from the fixed contact; a fixed contact stand having the fixed contact arranged at a lower end thereof and extending toward an upper portion; a movable contact table in which the movable contact is disposed, the movable contact being movable in a direction toward or away from the fixed contact; a lower slider disposed to extend to an upper side of the fixed contact, one end of the lower slider being coupled to the fixed contact stage, and the other end of the lower slider being spaced apart from the fixed contact stage; and a U-shaped member disposed between the slider and the fixed contact base, and extending away from the fixed contact base side and toward the movable contact side; the U-shaped member is formed to extend to both sides so that pressure applied to the arc when the arc is generated becomes high.

Additionally, the U-component may include: a holder interposed between the lower slider and the fixed contact stage, forming a space inside and protruding at both sides of the lower slider; a U-shaped magnetic body which is accommodated in the internal space of the holder and is formed by the magnetic body; and a fixing portion coupled to the holder and the fixed contact stage at an upper side of the holder to prevent the holder from being separated from the fixed contact stage and to prevent the U magnetic body from being separated from the inner space.

In addition, the U magnetic body may include: a magnet part extending from the fixed contact table to a position between the protruding contact and an arc extinguishing part arranged on the upper side of the protruding contact, and being arranged facing each other; and an insulator provided between the slider and the fixed contact base, and disposed between the magnet portions.

In addition, the faces of the magnet portions facing each other may have polarities different from each other.

The magnet portion may be configured to receive an upward electromagnetic force from an arc generated during a tripping operation of the movable contact and the fixed contact.

In addition, the U magnetic body may include: a first magnetic body extending from the fixed contact base to a position between the protruding contact and an arc extinguishing portion disposed above the protruding contact; a second magnetic body spaced apart from and facing the first magnetic body; and a third magnetic body integrally formed with the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body, and disposed between the slider and the fixed contact stage.

The first magnetic body, the second magnetic body, and the third magnetic body may be formed by stacking magnetic bodies.

The first magnetic body and the second magnetic body are configured to generate an induced magnetic field by the generated arc, and the induced magnetic field may be configured to subject the generated arc to an upward electromagnetic force.

In addition, the holder may include a gassing material that generates molecules that extinguish the arc when heat generated by the arc is applied.

In addition, the breaking portion may include a protruding contact that is extended toward an upper side of the movable contact, and is energized when the protruding contact contacts the lower slider, and is spaced apart from the lower slider when the movable contact trips.

The protruding contact may extend upward so that at least a part thereof overlaps with a side plate of the arc extinguishing portion disposed on the upper side of the protruding contact.

In addition, the U-assembly may extend between the arc extinguishing portion and the protruding contact on both sides of the lower slider.

In addition, the U-component may extend in such a way as to surround the sides of the protruding contact in the case where the protruding contact is set to the tripped state.

In addition, a separate space, i.e., an air gap, may be formed between the U-shaped assembly and the protruding contact.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a circuit breaker including: a fixed contact; a movable contact contacting with or separated from the fixed contact; a fixed contact stand having the fixed contact arranged at a lower end thereof and extending toward an upper portion; a movable contact table in which the movable contact is disposed, the movable contact being movable in a direction toward or away from the fixed contact; a lower slider disposed to extend to an upper side of the fixed contact, one end of the lower slider being coupled to the fixed contact stage, and the other end of the lower slider being spaced apart from the fixed contact stage; and a magnet portion disposed between the slider and the fixed contact base, for forming a magnetic field so that the generated arc is subjected to electromagnetic force to the left or right.

In addition, the magnet portion may include: a first surface magnetized as an N-pole; and a second surface magnetized as an S-pole, wherein the magnet portion may be arranged such that the first surface faces in a direction toward the fixed contact and the second surface faces in an opposite direction to the first surface.

In addition, the magnet portion may include: a first surface magnetized as an N-pole; and a second surface magnetized as an S-pole, wherein the magnet portion may be disposed such that the second surface faces the fixed contact and the first surface faces an opposite direction of the second surface.

The breaking unit may further include a U-shaped member disposed between the slider and the fixed contact base, and extending away from the fixed contact base side toward the movable contact side, and the U-shaped member may be disposed below the magnet unit.

In addition, the U-shaped member may be formed to extend at both sides of the slider so that pressure applied to the arc when the arc is generated becomes high.

The magnet portion may be disposed inside the fixed portion, the slider may be disposed on the front surface of the magnet portion, and the fixed contact base may be disposed on the rear surface of the magnet portion.

The magnet portion may be disposed above the third magnetic body.

In addition, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an air circuit breaker including: a cover; an arc extinguishing portion disposed in the cover and including a plurality of side plates and a grill coupled between the side plates; and a breaking unit disposed adjacent to the arc extinguishing unit, the breaking unit including: a fixed contact; a movable contact contacting with or separated from the fixed contact; a fixed contact stand having the fixed contact arranged at a lower end thereof and extending toward an upper portion; a movable contact stage in which the movable contact is disposed, and which moves the movable contact in a direction toward or away from the fixed contact; a lower slider disposed to extend to an upper side of the fixed contact, one end of the lower slider being coupled to the fixed contact stage, and the other end of the lower slider being spaced apart from the fixed contact stage; and a U-shaped member disposed between the slider and the fixed contact base, and extending away from the fixed contact base side and toward the movable contact side, wherein the U-shaped member extends to both sides so that a pressure applied to an arc when the arc is generated becomes high.

In addition, the grill may include a grill leg extending from at least one end of the grill in the width direction, and extending downward so as to surround the outside of the U-shaped member.

In addition, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an air circuit breaker including: a cover; an arc extinguishing portion disposed in the cover and including a plurality of side plates and a grill coupled between the side plates; and a breaking unit disposed adjacent to the arc extinguishing unit, the breaking unit including: a fixed contact; a movable contact contacting with or separated from the fixed contact; a fixed contact stand having the fixed contact arranged at a lower end thereof and extending toward an upper portion; a movable contact stage in which the movable contact is disposed, and which moves the movable contact in a direction toward or away from the fixed contact; a lower slider disposed to extend to an upper side of the fixed contact, one end of the lower slider being coupled to the fixed contact stage, and the other end of the lower slider being spaced apart from the fixed contact stage; and a magnet portion disposed between the slider and the fixed contact base, for forming a magnetic field so that the generated arc is subjected to electromagnetic force to the left or right.

In addition, the magnet portion may be disposed so that at least a part thereof overlaps the grill.

Effects of the invention

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the following effects can be achieved.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, by the magnetic field formed by the U-shaped magnetic body, the electromagnetic force to which the arc is subjected is applied to the arc in the direction toward the grid of the arc extinguishing portion regardless of the current flow direction of the arc, and thus there is an advantage in that the arc can be extinguished quickly regardless of the current flow direction of the arc.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, by forming the arc guide path a.p that moves the arc to the left or right according to the flow of the current of the arc by the magnetic field formed by the magnet portion, it is possible to more rapidly apply the arc to the grill of the arc extinguishing portion.

In addition, according to the present invention, the arc guide path a.p for guiding the arc in the upper left or upper right direction is formed by the resultant electromagnetic force generated by the U-shaped magnetic body and the magnet portion, so that the arc can be rapidly applied to the grill and extinguished regardless of the flow of the current of the arc.

In addition, the present invention has a protruding contact and a lower slider contacting in a state in which a fixed contact and a movable contact are separated in a first state in a tripped state and a protruding contact and a lower slider separated in a second state, thereby making an arc generated when a small current is cut off in a direct current air circuit breaker closer to a grid. This has the advantage that the generated arc is more easily applied and extinguished by the grid.

The grid legs extend downwardly along the side panels and thus are physically located close to the arc generated in the arc generating region A.A so that the arc can be easily applied. Thereby, the arc can be extinguished quickly.

In addition, the grid legs can form an air gap with protruding contacts. Because of the occurrence of the air gap, the pressure of the arc generating region becomes high, so that the generated arc can be subjected to an ascending force. Thereby, the arc can be applied to the grid or the grid leg more easily, so that it can be extinguished quickly.

In addition, the grid legs can induce a magnetic field caused by an arc generated between the protruding contact and the slider. At this time, the arc may be subjected to electromagnetic force in an upward direction due to the induced magnetic field. Thereby, the arc can be more easily applied to the grid.

Further, the U-shaped magnetic body of the air circuit breaker according to the embodiment of the present invention forms a magnetic field that is induced so as to subject the arc to the electromagnetic force to the arc extinguishing portion side regardless of the current direction of the arc, and thus has an advantage that the arc can be always guided to the arc extinguishing portion side regardless of the direction of the direct current connected to the air circuit breaker.

In addition, the present invention may form an air gap between the protruding contact and the U-assembly. With the air gap, the pressure of the arc generating region becomes high, so that the generated arc can be subjected to an ascending force. Thereby, the arc is more easily applied to the grid or the grid leg, so that it can be extinguished quickly.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an air circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a back cover is removed in the air circuit breaker of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a front view illustrating a state in which a back cover is removed in the air circuit breaker of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the back cover is removed in the air circuit breaker of fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view showing a state in which a back cover is removed in the air circuit breaker of fig. 1.

Fig. 6 and 7 are perspective views showing an embodiment of an arc extinguishing part provided to the air circuit breaker of fig. 1 from different directions from each other.

Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the arc extinguishing portion shown in fig. 6.

Fig. 9 is a front view showing an embodiment of the arc extinguishing portion shown in fig. 6.

Fig. 10 is a plan view showing an embodiment of the arc extinguishing portion shown in fig. 6.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing an air circuit breaker interruption portion and an arc extinguishing portion shown in fig. 5.

Fig. 12 is a partial perspective view showing the fixed contact base and the movable contact base shown in fig. 11.

Fig. 13 and 14 are perspective views showing a fixed contact block and U-assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 and 16 are perspective views showing a fixed contact block and U-assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing a breaking portion and an arc extinguishing portion according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 18 is a partially enlarged view showing a state in which the protruding contact and the lower slider of the breaking portion and the arc extinguishing portion shown in fig. 17, the fixed contact and the movable contact are contacted or separated in a first state in a tripped state.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing a state in which the breaking unit and the arc extinguishing unit shown in fig. 17 are arranged in a tripped state.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the breaking portion and the arc extinguishing portion shown in fig. 17 viewed from different directions.

Fig. 21 is a front view showing the breaking portion and the arc extinguishing portion shown in fig. 20.

Fig. 22 is a diagram for explaining electromagnetic force applied to an arc by a magnetic field of a U magnetic body, which is formed by the magnetic field of the U magnetic body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 23 is a diagram for explaining electromagnetic force applied to an arc by an induced magnetic field formed by a U-shaped magnetic body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 24 is a sectional view showing a state in which a back cover is removed in an air circuit breaker according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 25 is a perspective view showing the breaking unit and the arc extinguishing unit shown in fig. 24.

Fig. 26 is a perspective view showing a state in which the breaking portion and the arc extinguishing portion shown in fig. 25 are arranged in a tripped state.

Fig. 27 is a perspective view showing the magnetic fields of the magnet portions in the breaking portion and the arc extinguishing portion shown in fig. 26.

Fig. 28 is a sectional perspective view of the fixed contact block and the movable contact block shown in fig. 27.

Fig. 29 and 30 are exploded perspective views showing a fixed contact base, a U-shaped unit, and a magnet portion according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 31 to 33 are conceptual views of a magnetic field of a magnetic body of a U, and an arc guide path a.p of an arc according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, the blocking portion and the air circuit breaker including the same according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In order to clarify the features of the present invention in the following description, a description of some constituent elements may be omitted.

1. Definition of terms

The term "energized" as used in the following description refers to passing an electrical current or signal between more than one component to each other.

The term "magnet" used in the following description refers to any object capable of magnetizing a magnetic body or generating a magnetic field. In one embodiment, the magnets may be permanent magnets (permanent magnets) or electromagnets (electromagnets).

The term "air circuit breaker (Air Circuit Breaker)" used in the following description refers to a circuit breaker configured to extinguish an arc by using air or compressed air. The following description is given on the premise that the respective configurations are applied to an air circuit breaker.

However, the respective configurations described below can be applied to an air circuit breaker, a compressed air circuit breaker, a gas circuit breaker, an oil (oil) circuit breaker, a vacuum circuit breaker, and the like.

The term "Magnetic Field (M.F)" used in the following description refers to a Magnetic Field formed by a magnet. Or a magnetic field formed by a plurality of magnets disposed adjacent to each other. That is, the magnetic field M.F refers to a magnetic field formed by one or a plurality of magnets.

The term "magnetic field region (Magnetic Field Area, m.f.a)" means a region of a magnetic field formed by a magnet or the like. In particular, the magnetic field formed by the magnet or the magnetized magnetic body affects the position of the section where the arc is generated.

"Arc-generating Area (A.A)" means an Area where an Arc is generated. The present invention relates to a region in which the movable contact and the fixed contact are separated to generate an arc, and particularly to a region in which the protruding contact and the slider are separated to generate an arc when the protruding contact is present.

"Arc-guided Path (a.p)" means the direction of electromagnetic force received by an Arc generated by a magnet portion according to an embodiment of the present invention due to the magnetic force of the lorentz. The arc is guided in its path by electromagnetic forces caused by the magnetic forces of the Lorents.

The terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "front side" and "rear side" used in the following description can be understood by the coordinate system shown in fig. 1.

2. Description of the constitution of the air circuit breaker 10 of one embodiment of the present invention

Referring to fig. 1 to 23, an air circuit breaker 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cover part 100, a driving part 200, a breaking part 300, a U-assembly 400, and an arc extinguishing part 600.

(1) Description of the cover 100

Referring to fig. 1 to 5, an air circuit breaker 10 of an embodiment of the present invention includes a cover part 100.

The cover 100 forms the outer shape of the air circuit breaker 10. The cover 100 forms a space therein, and can be attached with various components for the operation of the air circuit breaker 10. That is, the cover 100 functions as a kind of cover (housing).

The cover 100 may be formed of a material having high heat resistance and high rigidity. This is to prevent damage to each component element mounted inside thereof and to prevent damage due to an arc generated inside. In one embodiment, the cover 100 may be formed of synthetic resin or reinforced plastic.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cover portion 100 has a quadrangular prism shape having a height in the up-down direction. The shape of the cover 100 may be any shape that can internally mount components for operation of the air circuit breaker 10.

The internal space of the cover 100 is electrically connected to the outside. Each component mounted inside the cover 100 may be electrically connected to an external power source or a load.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cover portion 100 includes an upper cover 110 and a lower cover 120.

The upper cover 110 forms an upper side of the cover part 100. The upper cover 110 is located at an upper side of the lower cover 120. In an embodiment, the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120 may be integrally formed.

A space is formed inside the upper cover 110. Various components provided in the air circuit breaker 10 are mounted in the space. In an embodiment, the circuit breaking part 300, the arc extinguishing part 600, and the like may be installed in the inner space of the upper cover 110.

The inner space of the upper cover 110 communicates with the inner space of the lower cover 120. The components such as the breaking unit 300 can be accommodated across the inner space of the upper cover 110 and the inner space of the lower cover 120.

An arc extinguishing portion 600 is provided at one side of the upper cover 110, i.e., at the upper side in the illustrated embodiment. The arc extinguishing portion 600 may be partially exposed to the upper side of the upper cover 110. The arc generated in the inner space of the upper cover 110 is extinguished while passing through the arc extinguishing part 600, and can be discharged to the outside of the air circuit breaker 10.

The fixed contact stage 310 of the breaking part 300 is exposed to the other side of the upper cover 110, i.e., the front side in the illustrated embodiment. The stationary contact stage 310 may be electrically connectable with an external power source or load through the exposed portion.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper cover 110 includes a first upper cover 111 and a second upper cover 112.

The first upper cover 111 is configured to cover the upper side of the air circuit breaker 10, i.e., the front side in the illustrated embodiment. The first upper cover 111 is coupled with the second upper cover 112 using an arbitrary fastening means.

An opening is formed in the first upper cover 111. Through the opening, the fixed contact base 310 can be exposed to the outside. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings are formed in three in the left-right direction.

The second upper cover 112 is configured to cover the other side of the upper side of the air circuit breaker 10, i.e., the rear side in the illustrated embodiment. The second upper cover 112 is coupled to the first upper cover 111 using an arbitrary fastening means.

The lower cover 120 forms the underside of the cover 100. The lower cover 120 is located at the lower side of the upper cover 110.

A space is formed inside the lower cover 120. Various components provided in the air circuit breaker 10 are mounted in the space. In an embodiment, the driving part 200, the breaking part 300, and the like may be installed in the inner space of the lower cover 120.

The inner space of the lower cover 120 communicates with the inner space of the upper cover 110. The components such as the breaking unit 300 can be accommodated across the inner space of the lower cover 120 and the inner space of the upper cover 110.

A movable contact stage 320 of the breaking unit 300 is provided on one side of the lower cover 120, i.e., in front of the illustrated embodiment. The movable contact stage 320 may be exposed to the outside through an opening formed in the lower cover 120. The movable contact stage 320 may be electrically connected to an external power source or load through the exposed portion.

(2) Description of the drive section 200

Referring to fig. 1 to 5, an air circuit breaker 10 of an embodiment of the present invention includes a driving part 200.

The driving part 200 rotates as the fixed contact 311 and the movable contact 321 of the breaking part 300 are separated, thereby performing a trip operation (trip mechanism). Thus, the air circuit breaker 10 can cut off the energization to the outside, and the user can recognize that the action for cutting off the energization has been performed.

The driving part 200 is accommodated inside the air circuit breaker 10. Specifically, the driving part 200 is partially accommodated in a space inside the cover part 100. The rest of the driving unit 200 is accommodated in the interior of the case on one side (the rear side in the illustrated embodiment) of the unlabeled cover 100.

The driving unit 200 is connected to the breaking unit 300. Specifically, the cross bar 220 of the driving unit 200 is configured to rotate together with the rotation of the movable contact stage 320 of the breaking unit 300.

Therefore, when the movable contact stage 320 of the breaking unit 300 is rotated, the driving unit 200 can be rotated together. The driving part 200 is rotatably accommodated inside the air circuit breaker 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the drive portion 200 includes an ejector 210, a cross bar 220, and a lever 230.

The ejector 210 rotates together with the movable contact stage 320 of the breaking unit 300 rotating in a direction away from the fixed contact stage 310. Ejector 210 is coupled to cross bar 220 and lever 230.

Specifically, one side end of the ejector 210 is limited by a cross bar 220. An elastic member is provided at the other side end of the ejector 210. Thus, in a state where the fixed contact 311 and the movable contact 321 are in contact, the ejector 210 presses the elastic member to store the restoring force. The external force for the pressing may be provided in a state in which the cross bar 220 is rotated toward the fixed contact stage 310.

When the movable contact 321 is separated from the fixed contact 311, the movable contact stage 320 rotates in a direction away from the fixed contact stage 310. Thereby, the cross bar 220 is also rotated, and one side end portion of the ejector 210 is released and rotated by the restoring force provided by the elastic member.

Ejector 210 is coupled to lever 230. As the ejector 210 rotates and strikes the lever 230, the lever 230 also rotates, so that a trip action can be performed.

The crossbar 220 is connected to the movable contact stage 320, and rotates together with the rotation of the movable contact stage 320. Thereby, the ejector 210, which is restricted by the cross bar 220, is released so that a trip action can be performed.

The cross bar 220 may extend between a plurality of circuit interrupting portions 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable contact stages 320 of the breaking unit 300 have three in total, and are oriented in the left-right direction. The cross bar 220 may be connected through a plurality of movable contact stages 320 arranged in the left-right direction.

The cross bar 220 contacts the one side end of the ejector 210 to restrain the ejector 210. If the lever 220 rotates together with the movable contact stage 320, the lever 220 releases the one side end of the ejector 210.

The lever 230 may be hit by the rotating ejector 210 to rotate. The lever 230 may be partially exposed to the outside of the air circuit breaker 10. When the trip operation is performed by the breaking unit 300, the lever 230 rotates in a predetermined direction.

Thus, the user can easily recognize that the trip action has been performed. In addition, the user can adjust the air circuit breaker 10 to a re-energized state by rotating the operation lever 230.

The process of performing the trip operation by the driving part 200 is a well-known technique, and thus a description thereof will be omitted.

(3) Description of the breaking unit 300

Referring to fig. 1 to 5, an air circuit breaker 10 of an embodiment of the present invention includes a circuit breaking portion 300.

The breaking part 300 includes a fixed contact stage 310 and a movable contact stage 320 separated from or contacting each other.

If the fixed contact block 310 and the movable contact block 320 are in contact with each other, the air circuit breaker 10 can be energized with an external power source or load. When the fixed contact base 310 and the movable contact base 320 are separated, the air circuit breaker 10 cuts off the power supply to the external power source or the load. At this time, the external power applied to the air circuit breaker 10 may be a direct current power. In addition, the external power source applied to the air circuit breaker 10 may be a small current.

The breaking unit 300 is accommodated in the air circuit breaker 10. Specifically, the breaking unit 300 is rotatably accommodated in the inner space of the cover unit 100.

The breaking part 300 may be electrically connected to the outside. In one embodiment, current may flow from an external power source or load into one of the fixed contact stage 310 and the movable contact stage 320. Further, the current may flow from the other of the fixed contact base 310 and the movable contact base 320 to an external power source or load.

The breaking part 300 may be partially exposed to the outside of the air circuit breaker 10. Thus, the breaking unit 300 can be electrically connected to an external power source or load by a member such as a wire (not shown).

The breaking portion 300 may have a plurality. The plurality of breaking portions 300 may be arranged to be spaced apart in one direction. A partition wall for preventing interference between currents supplied to the respective breaking units 300 may be provided between the respective breaking units 300.

In the illustrated embodiment, the circuit interrupting portion 300 has three. In addition, the three circuit breaking portions 300 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction of the air circuit breaker 10. The number of the breaking parts 300 may be changed according to the amount of current to be applied to the air circuit breaker 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the circuit interrupting portion 300 includes a fixed contact stage 310 and a movable contact stage 320.

The fixed contact stage 310 may be in contact with or separated from the movable contact stage 320. When the movable contact block 320 contacts the fixed contact block 310, the air circuit breaker 10 can be energized with an external power source or load. When the fixed contact base 310 and the movable contact base 320 are separated, the air circuit breaker 10 cuts off the power supply to the external power source or the load.

As the name suggests, the fixed contact stage 310 is fixedly provided to the cover 100. Accordingly, the contact and separation of the fixed contact stage 310 and the movable contact stage 320 is achieved by the rotation of the movable contact stage 320.

In the illustrated embodiment, the stationary contact stage 310 is housed in the interior space of the upper cover 110.

The fixed contact stage 310 may be partially exposed to the outside of the air circuit breaker 10. Through the exposed portion, the fixed contact stage 310 may be electrically connectable with an external power source or load.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed contact stage 310 is exposed to the outside through an opening formed at the front side of the upper cover 110.

The fixed contact stage 310 may be formed of a material having conductivity. In one embodiment, the stationary contact stage 310 may be formed of copper (Cu) or iron (Fe) and alloy materials containing the same.

In the illustrated embodiment, a fixed contact 311 is disposed at the lower end of the fixed contact stage 310. Further, the fixed contact stage 310 extends toward the upper portion.

The fixed contact 311 may be in contact with or separated from the movable contact 321. The fixed contact 311 is located on the side of the fixed contact stage 310 facing the movable contact stage 320, i.e., on the rear side in the illustrated embodiment.

The fixed contact 311 is energized with the fixed contact stage 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed contact 311 is located on the rear side of the fixed contact stage 310. In one embodiment, the fixed contact 311 may be integrally formed with the fixed contact stage 310.

When the fixed contact 311 and the movable contact 321 are in contact, the air circuit breaker 10 is electrically connectable to an external power source or load. When the fixed contact 311 is separated from the movable contact 321, the air circuit breaker 10 cuts off the power supply to the external power source or the load.

The lower slider 330 may extend to the upper side of the fixed contact stage 310 to protrude. The slider 330 may extend upward toward the arc extinguishing portion 600. The slider 330 is formed such that one end is coupled to the fixed contact stage 310 and the other end is spaced apart from the fixed contact stage 310.

The slider 330 is energized with the stationary contact stage 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the slider 330 is located on the rear side of the fixed contact stage 310. In one embodiment, the slider 330 may be integrally formed with the fixed contact stage 310.

When the fixed contact stage 310 and the movable contact stage 320 are in contact with each other, the lower slider 330 may be energized in contact with a protruding contact 322 described later.

The slider 330 may function to guide an arc generated when the fixed contact stage 310 and the movable contact stage 320 are separated to be transferred to the grill 620. For this, the slider 330 may be formed of a magnetic material having magnetism. This is to apply an attractive force (attractive force) to the flow of electrons, i.e. the arc.

In addition, the lower slider 330 and the protruding contact 322 may be separated from the contact state, so that an arc may be generated between the lower slider 330 and the protruding contact 322. This will be described in detail later.

The movable contact stage 320 may be in contact with or separated from the fixed contact stage 310. As described above, the air circuit breaker 10 can be energized or de-energized with an external power source or load by the contact and separation of the movable contact block 320 and the fixed contact block 310.

The movable contact stage 320 may include an extension 320a, and the extension 320a is provided with a movable contact 321 and extends at least partially toward the upper portion. Specifically, referring to the drawings, at least a portion of the movable contact stage 320 may extend toward the upper portion. Protruding contacts 322 may be provided at the extension 320 a.

The movable contact stage 320 is rotatably provided in the inner space of the cover 100. The movable contact stage 320 can be rotated in a direction toward the fixed contact stage 310 and in a direction away from the fixed contact stage 310.

In the illustrated embodiment, the movable contact stage 320 is accommodated in the inner spaces of the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120. As described above, the respective inner spaces of the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120 may communicate with each other.

The movable contact stage 320 may be partially exposed to the outside of the air circuit breaker 10. The movable contact stage 320 can be electrically connected to an external power source or load through the exposed portion.

In the illustrated embodiment, the movable contact stage 320 is exposed to the outside through an opening formed on the front side of the lower cover 120.

The movable contact stage 320 may be formed of a material having conductivity. In one embodiment, the movable contact stage 320 may be formed of copper or iron and alloy materials containing the same.

The movable contact stage 320 is connected to the driving unit 200. Specifically, the movable contact block 320 is connected to the cross bar 220 of the driving unit 200. In one embodiment, the cross bar 220 may be coupled through to the movable contact stage 320.

If the movable contact stage 320 rotates, the cross bar 220 may also rotate. Thus, as described above, the driving unit 200 can operate to perform the trip operation.

In the illustrated embodiment, the movable contact stage 320 includes a movable contact 321 and a rotation shaft 328.

The movable contact 321 may be in contact with or separated from the fixed contact 311. The movable contact 321 is located on the side of the movable contact stage 320 facing the fixed contact stage 310, i.e., on the front side in the illustrated embodiment.

The movable contact 321 is rotatable together with the movable contact stage 320. When the movable contact stage 320 rotates toward the fixed contact stage 310, the movable contact 321 also rotates toward the fixed contact 311, and can be brought into contact with the fixed contact 311.

Further, if the movable contact stage 320 rotates in a direction away from the fixed contact stage 310, the movable contact 321 may be separated from the fixed contact 311.

The movable contact 321 is energized to the movable contact stage 320. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable contact 321 is located on the front side of the movable contact stage 320. In an embodiment, the movable contact 321 may be integrally formed with the movable contact stage 320.

As described above, the air circuit breaker 10 is energized or de-energized with an external power source or load by the contact and separation of the movable contact 321 and the fixed contact 311.

When the fixed contact 311 and the movable contact 321 are separated from each other in a state where the fixed contact 311 and the movable contact 321 are in contact with each other and energized, an arc is generated. The air circuit breaker 10 of the embodiment of the present invention includes various configurations for effectively forming a path of the generated arc. This will be described in detail later.

The rotation shaft 328 is a portion to which the movable contact stage 320 is rotatably coupled to the cover 100. The movable contact stage 320 is rotatable about the rotation shaft 328 in a direction toward the fixed contact stage 310 or in a direction away from the fixed contact stage 310.

The rotation shaft 328 is located on the other side of the movable contact block 320, opposite to the fixed contact block 310, i.e., on the rear side in the illustrated embodiment.

(4) Description of arc extinguishing portion 600

Referring to fig. 6 to 9, the air circuit breaker 10 of an embodiment of the present invention includes an arc extinguishing portion 600.

The arc extinguishing unit 600 is configured to extinguish an arc generated by separating the fixed contact 311 and the movable contact 321. The generated arc is extinguished and cooled while passing through the arc extinguishing part 600, and then may be discharged to the outside of the air circuit breaker 10.

The arc extinguishing portion 600 is coupled to the cover portion 100. One side of the arc extinguishing portion 600 for discharging the arc may be exposed to the outside of the cover portion 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper side of the arc extinguishing portion 600 is exposed to the outside of the cover portion 100.

The arc extinguishing portion 600 is partially accommodated in the cover portion 100. The remaining portion of the arc extinguishing portion 600 other than the portion exposed to the outside may be accommodated in the inner space of the cover portion 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the arc extinguishing portion 600 is partially accommodated at the upper side of the upper cover 110.

The configuration may be changed according to the positions of the fixed contact 311 and the movable contact 312. That is, the arc extinguishing portion 600 may be disposed adjacent to the fixed contact 311 and the movable contact 312. Thus, an arc formed extending along the movable contact 312 rotating away from the fixed contact 311 can easily enter the arc extinguishing portion 600.

The arc extinguishing portion 600 may have a plurality. The plurality of arc extinguishing parts 600 may be physically and electrically separated from each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the arc extinguishing portion 600 has three.

That is, each arc extinguishing portion 600 is disposed adjacent to each fixed contact 311 and each movable contact 321. In the illustrated embodiment, each arc extinguishing portion 600 is disposed adjacent to the upper side of each of the fixed contact 311 and the movable contact 321.

The arc extinguishing parts 600 may be disposed adjacent to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, three arc extinguishing parts 600 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the air circuit breaker 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the arc extinguishing portion 600 includes a side plate 610, a grill 620, a grill cover 630, and an arc runner 650.

The side plates 610 form both sides of the arc extinguishing portion 600, i.e., right and left sides in the illustrated embodiment. The side plate 610 is coupled to each component of the arc extinguishing unit 600, and supports a plurality of the components.

Specifically, the side plate 610 is combined with the grill 620, the grill cover 630, and the arc slider 650.

The side plate 610 has a plurality of side plates. The plurality of side plates 610 may be configured to be spaced apart from and opposite to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the side plates 610 have two sides, which form right and left sides of the arc extinguishing portion 600, respectively.

The side plate 610 may be formed of an insulating material. This is to prevent the generated arc from flowing toward the side plate 610.

The side plate 610 may be formed of a heat resistant material. This is to prevent damage or shape deformation due to the generated arc.

The side plate 610 has a plurality of through holes formed therein. A portion of the through holes may be inserted and combined with the grill 620 and the arc slider 650. In addition, a fastening member for fastening the grill cover 630 to the side plate 610 may be penetratingly coupled to another portion of the through-holes.

In the illustrated embodiment, the side plate 610 is a plate-like shape having a plurality of corners formed at the vertices. The side plates 610 may be any shape that forms both sides of the arc extinguishing unit 600 and can support the respective constituent elements of the arc extinguishing unit 600.

The side plate 610 is combined with the grill 620. Specifically, insertion projections provided on both sides of the grill 620, that is, the right and left end portions in the illustrated embodiment, are inserted into and coupled to a part of the through holes of the side plate 610.

The side plate 610 is combined with the grill cover 630. Specifically, a grill cover 630 is coupled to an upper side of the side plate 610. The coupling may be achieved by an insert coupling of the side plate 610 and the grill cover 630 or an additional fastening member.

The side plate 610 is coupled with the arc slider 650. Specifically, an arc slider 650 is coupled to the rear side of the side plate 610, that is, the side opposite to the fixed contact 311. The coupling may be achieved by additional fastening members.

The grill 620 guides an arc generated by separating the fixed contact 311 and the movable contact 321 to the arc extinguishing portion 600.

The grill 620 may be formed of a material having magnetism. This is to apply an attractive force (attractive) to the flow of electrons, i.e. the arc.

The grill 620 may have a plurality. A plurality of grids 620 may be stacked to be spaced apart from each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the grill 620 has a plurality of grills stacked in the front-rear direction.

The number of gratings 620 may vary. Specifically, the number of the grids 620 may be changed according to the size, performance, or rated capacity of the air circuit breaker 10 having the arc extinguishing portion 600, etc. of the arc extinguishing portion 600.

The inflow arc may be subdivided to flow by the space formed by the plurality of grids 620 spaced apart from each other. Thus, the pressure of the arc increases, and the moving speed and extinguishing speed of the arc can be improved.

The arc slider 650 is disposed adjacent to the grid 620 farthest from the fixed contact 311 among the plurality of grids 620, i.e., the rear-side grid 620 in the illustrated embodiment.

The widthwise ends of the grill 620, i.e., the left-right ends in the illustrated embodiment, may be formed to protrude toward the direction of the fixed contact 311, i.e., the lower side. That is, the grill 620 is formed in a tip (peak) shape with the end in the left-right direction facing downward.

Thus, the generated arc effectively travels toward the end of the grid 620 in the left-right direction, so that it can easily flow to the arc extinguishing portion 600.

The grill 620 is coupled to the side plate 610. Specifically, a plurality of coupling protrusions are formed at the corners in the width direction of the grill 620, i.e., the left-right direction in the illustrated embodiment, in the extending direction thereof, i.e., the up-down direction in the illustrated embodiment. The coupling protrusions of the grill 620 are inserted into and coupled to the through-holes formed in the side plate 610.

The side of the grill 620 facing the grill cover 630, i.e., the upper end in the illustrated embodiment, may be disposed adjacent to the grill cover 630. The arc flowing along the grill 620 may be discharged to the outside through the grill cover 630.

The grill cover 630 forms an upper side of the arc extinguishing portion 600. The grill cover 630 is configured to cover an upper end portion of the grill 620. The arc of the space formed by the plurality of grids 620 spaced apart from each other may be discharged to the outside of the air circuit breaker 10 through the grid cover 630.

The grill cover 630 is coupled to the side plate 610. A protrusion inserted into the through hole of the side plate 610 may be formed at a corner of the grill cover 630 in a width direction, i.e., a left-right direction in the illustrated embodiment. In addition, the grill cover 630 and the side plate 610 may be coupled by additional fastening members.

The grill cover 630 is formed to extend in one direction, i.e., the front-rear direction in the illustrated embodiment. It is understood that the direction is the same as the direction in which the plurality of grids 620 are stacked.

The length of the grill cover 630 in the other direction, i.e., the width direction in the illustrated embodiment, may be determined according to the length of the plurality of grills 620 in the width direction.

In the illustrated embodiment, the grill cover 630 includes a cover body 631, an upper frame 632, a mesh portion 633, and a blocking plate (not shown).

The cover body 631 forms the outer shape of the grill cover 630. The cover body 631 is coupled to the side plate 610. Further, an upper frame 632 is coupled to the cover body 631.

A predetermined space is formed in the cover body 631. The space may be covered by the upper frame 632. The mesh portion 633 and the blocking plate are accommodated in the space. Therefore, the space may be referred to as an "accommodation space".

The receiving space communicates with a space formed by being spaced apart from the grill 620. As a result, the accommodation space communicates with the inner space of the cover 100. Thereby, the generated arc may flow to the receiving space of the cover body 631 through the space formed by the separation of the grill 620.

The upper end of the grill 620 may contact the side of the cover body 631 facing the grill 620, i.e., the lower side in the illustrated embodiment. In one embodiment, the cover body 631 may support an upper end of the grill 620.

The cover body 631 may be formed of an insulating material. This is to prevent distortion of the magnetic field used to form the arc guiding path a.p.

The cover body 631 may be formed of a heat resistant material. This is to prevent damage or shape deformation due to the generated arc.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cover body 631 is formed to have a length in the front-rear direction longer than a length in the left-right direction. The shape of the cover body 631 may be changed according to the shape of the side plate 610 and the shape and number of the gratings 620.

An upper frame 632 is coupled to the opposite side of the cover body 631 from the grill 620, i.e., the upper side in the illustrated embodiment.

The upper frame 632 is coupled to an upper side of the cover body 631. The upper frame 632 is configured to cover the accommodating space formed in the cover body 631, and the mesh portion 633 and the blocking plate accommodated in the accommodating space.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper frame 632 is formed to have a length in the front-rear direction longer than a length in the left-right direction. The upper frame 632 may have any shape that is stably coupled to the upper side of the cover body 631 and can cover the accommodating space and the constituent elements accommodated in the accommodating space.

A plurality of through holes are formed in the upper frame 632. Through the through holes, the arc that passes between the grids 620 while being extinguished can be discharged. In the illustrated embodiment, the through holes have three in the left-right direction and three rows in the front-rear direction, and nine are formed. The number of through holes may vary.

The through holes are arranged apart from each other. A rib (rib) is formed between the through holes. The ribs may press the mesh portion 633 and the blocking plate accommodated in the space of the cover body 631 from the upper side.

Thus, even if an arc is generated, the mesh portion 633 and the blocking plate are not arbitrarily separated from the accommodating space of the cover body 631.

The upper frame 632 may be fixedly coupled to an upper side of the cover body 631. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper frame 632 is fixedly coupled to the upper side of the cover body 631 using a fastening member.

The accommodating space of the cover body 631 between the upper frame 632 and the cover body 631, i.e., the lower side of the upper frame 632, is provided with a mesh portion 633 and a blocking plate. In other words, the mesh portion 633 and the blocking plate are laminated from the upper side to the lower side in the accommodating space of the cover body 631.

The mesh portion 633 functions to filter impurities remaining in the arc extinguished while passing through the space formed between the grids 620. The extinguished arc is removed of impurities remaining through the mesh portion 633 and then can be discharged to the outside. That is, the mesh portion 633 functions as a kind of filter (filter).

The mesh portion 633 includes a plurality of through holes. The diameter of the through hole is preferably smaller than the diameter of the particles of the impurities remaining in the arc. The diameter of the through hole is preferably formed to be large enough to allow passage of the gas including the arc.

The mesh portion 633 may have a plurality. The plurality of mesh portions 633 may be stacked in the up-down direction. Thus, impurities remaining in the arc passing through the mesh portion 633 can be effectively removed.

The mesh portion 633 is accommodated in the accommodating space formed inside the cover body 631. The shape of the mesh portion 633 may be determined according to the shape of the accommodating space.

The mesh portion 633 is located at the lower side of the upper frame 632. The plurality of through holes formed in the mesh portion 633 communicate with the plurality of through holes formed in the upper frame 632. Thereby, the arc passing through the mesh portion 633 can be discharged to the outside through the upper frame 632.

The plurality of through holes formed in the mesh portion 633 communicate with a space formed by being spaced apart from the grill 620. As a result, the plurality of through holes formed in the mesh portion 633 communicate with the internal space of the lid portion 100.

A blocking plate is provided below the mesh portion 633. The blocking plate provides a passage for the arc passing through the space formed between the grids 620 to flow toward the mesh portion 633. The blocking plate is received in the receiving space of the cover body 631. The blocking plate is located at the lowermost side in the receiving space of the cover body 631.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blocking plate is formed to have a rectangular cross section having a length in the front-rear direction longer than a length in the left-right direction. The shape of the blocking plate may be changed according to the shape of the cross section of the receiving space of the cover body 631.

A grill 620 is provided at the lower side of the blocking plate. In an embodiment, an upper end of the grill 620, i.e., a side end of the grill 620 facing the blocking plate, may be in contact with the blocking plate. The blocking plate includes a through hole (not shown).

The through-holes are channels through which the arc of the space formed by the plurality of grids 620 partitioned from each other flows into the receiving space of the cover body 631. The through holes are formed so as to penetrate in a direction perpendicular to the blocking plate, i.e., in the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment.

The through holes may be formed in plural. The plurality of through holes may be disposed apart from each other.

The arc slider 650 is located on the side of the side plate 610 facing the fixed contact 311 and the movable contact 321. In the illustrated embodiment, the arc slider 650 is located on the underside of the side plate 610.

The arc slider 650 is located on the other side of the side plate 610 opposite the fixed contact 311. Specifically, the arc slider 650 is located on the rear side of the lower side of the side plate 610 opposite to the fixed contact 311 located on the front side of the side plate 610.

The arc slider 650 is coupled to the side plate 610. The coupling may be formed by inserting a protrusion formed at the end of the arc slider 650 in the left-right direction into a through hole formed in the side plate 610.

The arc runner 650 may be formed of a conductive material. This is to apply an attractive force to the flowing arc to effectively direct the arc. In one embodiment, the arc slider 650 may be formed of copper, iron, or an alloy containing the same.

The arc slider 650 extends a prescribed length toward the grill 620. In an embodiment, the arc slider 650 may be configured to cover the grid 620 located furthest from the fixed contact 311 from the rear side, i.e., the grid 620 located on the rearmost side in the illustrated embodiment.

Thus, the arc does not extend beyond the grill 620 located at the rearmost side, so that the cover 100 can be prevented from being damaged. In addition, the generated arc may be effectively directed toward the grill 620.

The grille 620 can include grille legs 621. The grill leg 621 may extend from at least one end of the width direction of the grill 620, and may extend downward in a manner surrounding the protruding contact 322.

Specifically, referring to the drawings, the grill legs 621 extend from both ends of the grill 620 toward the movable contact stage 320. In addition, referring to the drawings, the grill leg 621 may be formed to surround the outside of the U-assembly 400.

The grill leg 621 may include a first grill leg 621a disposed at one side and a second grill leg 621b disposed opposite the first grill leg 621 a.

A grill leg groove 621c may be formed between the grill legs 621.

The grill legs 621 extend downward along the side plates 610, thus being physically close to the arc generated in the arc generating region A.A, so that the arc can be easily applied. Thereby, the arc can be extinguished quickly. In addition, a separate space, i.e., an air gap A.G, may be formed between the grid leg 621 and the protruding contact 322.

In addition, the grid leg 621 may induce a magnetic field caused by an arc generated between the protruding contact 322 and the slider 330. At this time, the arc may be subjected to electromagnetic force in an upward direction due to the induced magnetic field. Thus, the arc may be more easily applied to the grill 620.

(5) Description of the protruding contact 322

The circuit interrupting portion 300 of an embodiment of the present invention may also include a protruding contact 322.

Referring to fig. 17 to 21, the protruding contact 322 may be disposed on the extension 320a to be spaced apart from the movable contact 321. That is, the protruding contact 322 may be spaced apart from the movable contact 321 along the extension 320a, and disposed on the upper side of the movable contact 321. At this time, the protruding contact 322 may be in contact with the lower slider 330 in a state where the movable contact 321 is in contact with the fixed contact 311.

Because the protruding contact 322 and the lower slider 330 are in contact with each other, electricity can be supplied between the protruding contact 322 and the lower slider 330.

Also, in the event that the movable contact stage 320 trips, the protruding contact 322 and the lower slider 330 are also spaced apart, and during this process, an arc may be generated between the protruding contact 322 and the lower slider 330.

The protruding contact 322 is disposed to extend from at least one of the plurality of movable contacts 321.

For example, the protruding contact 322 may be formed by protruding the middle three of the five movable contacts 321, or may be formed by protruding the first, third, and fifth movable contacts 321, or may be formed by protruding the second and fourth movable contacts 321. Alternatively, the protruding contact 322 may be formed extending from at least one of the movable contacts 321 in a different case from the above case.

In an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in fig. 20, the protruding contact 322 may be formed protruding from an upper side of the movable contact 321 arranged at the center among the plurality of movable contacts 321.

The protruding contact 322 may extend upward so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the side plate 610 of the arc extinguishing portion 600 disposed on the upper side of the protruding contact 322.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 20, the protruding contact 322 may extend such that an upper portion of the protruding contact 322 overlaps with the side plate 610 of the arc extinguishing portion 600. Thus, the generated arc may be more rapidly applied to the grill 620 to be extinguished.

The width of the protruding contact 322 may be formed to correspond to the width of the movable contact 321 in which the protruding contact 322 extends.

Specifically, referring to fig. 19 and the like, the width of the protruding contact 322 is formed to correspond to the width of the movable contact 321 in which the protruding contact 322 extends. In other words, the width of the protruding contact 322 may have the same or similar dimensions as the width of the movable contact 321 that the protruding contact 322 extends. Thus, interference with the adjacent movable contact 321, or interference between the adjacent protruding contacts 322 when the protruding contacts 322 are formed of plural numbers, can be reduced.

(6) Tripping operation of movable contact block 320 and movement of arc generation region A.A

In the present embodiment, the arc generating region includes a first arc generating region a.a1 and a second arc generating region a.a2.

The first arc generating area a.a1 is formed between the fixed contact 311 and the movable contact 321. A second arc generating region a.a2 is formed between the protruding contact 322 and the slider 330.

The slider 330 may function as the fixed contact 311 in relation to the protruding contact 322. Accordingly, a second arc generating region a.a2 may be formed between the protruding contact 322 and the slider 330.

The protruding contact 322 is disposed above the movable contact 321 on the movable contact stage 320. At this time, the protruding contact 322 and the slider 330 are separated at a very short moment later than the movable contact 321 and the fixed contact 311.

Specifically, if the tripping operation of the movable contact stage 320 occurs to separate the movable contact 321 from the fixed contact 311, a very short time difference can be obtained between the movable contact 321 and the fixed contact 311, and then the protruding contact 322 and the slider 330 are separated.

That is, in the case where the breaking unit 300 performs the trip operation, the protruding contact 322 and the slider 330 separate later than the movable contact 321 and the fixed contact 311, so that even after the energization between the movable contact 321 and the fixed contact 311 is cut off, the energization between the protruding contact 322 and the slider 330 occurs in a short time.

In this regard, the following description is given in association with the trip state.

The movable contact stage 320 is movable between an energized state in which the movable contact 321 and the fixed contact 311 are in contact and the lower slider 330 and the protruding contact 322 are in contact, and a tripped state in which the movable contact 321 and the fixed contact 311 are separated and the lower slider 330 and the protruding contact 322 are separated.

Specifically, fig. 17 is a diagram showing an energized state. The movable contact 321 and the protruding contact 322 are energized in contact with the fixed contact 311 and the slider 330, respectively.

At this time, as described above, since the direct current power is applied, the current may flow from the fixed contact 311 and the slider 330 to the movable contact 321 and the protruding contact 322, or the current may flow reversely.

The trip state of the movable contact stage 320 includes a first state in which the movable contact 321 and the fixed contact 311 are separated and the lower slider 330 and the protruding contact 322 remain in contact, and a second state in which the movable contact 321 and the fixed contact 311 are separated and the lower slider 330 and the protruding contact 322 are separated. The trip state of the movable contact block 320 may be sequentially changed to the first state and the second state.

Specifically, fig. 17 shows an energized state, fig. 18 shows a first state, and fig. 19 shows a second state.

Referring to fig. 18, in the first state, the movable contact 321 and the fixed contact 311 are separated from each other. Also, in the first state, the slider 330 and the protruding contact 322 remain in contact. Thus, in the first state, no complete trip has occurred, and energizing is accomplished through the slider 330 and the protruding contact 322.

And, referring to fig. 19, the second state is formed by the separation of the protruding contact 322 and the slider 330. An arc is generated at the final separation site.

In a state without the protruding contact 322, an arc is generated through the first arc generation area a.a 1. However, in the tripped state, the protruding contact 322 is kept in contact with the lower slider 330 in the first state, and the movable contact 321 and the fixed contact 311 are separated, so that the final separated portion becomes the lower slider 330 and the protruding contact 322 when changing from the first state to the second state.

Accordingly, an arc generated in the first arc generating region a.a2 without the protruding contact 322 is generated in the second arc generating region a.a2 due to the protruding contact 322 and the slider 330 having the above-described characteristics.

An embodiment of the present invention has the slider 330 and the protruding contact 322, thereby having an effect that the position where the arc is generated is moved to the upper side. That is, an embodiment of the present invention has an effect that the area where the arc is generated moves the protruding contact 322 upward by a distance protruding upward than the movable contact 321.

In other words, in the breaking portion having the protruding contact 322 and the lower slider 330 of the embodiment of the present invention, the arc generating region moves from between the movable contact 321 and the fixed contact 311 (the first arc generating region a.a 1) to between the protruding contact 322 and the lower slider 330 (the first arc generating region a.a2), so as to be close to the arc extinguishing portion 600, i.e., the grid 620.

The present invention has the protruding contact 322 and the lower slider 330 contacted in a state where the fixed contact 311 and the movable contact 321 are separated in the first state in the tripped state, and the protruding contact 322 and the lower slider 330 separated in the second state, so that an arc generated when a small current is cut off in the direct current air circuit breaker is closer to the grid 620. The distance between the generated arc and the grill 620 becomes short, and thus the time for which the arc is applied to the grill 620 becomes shorter, so that the arc can be extinguished more rapidly.

(7) Description of U-Assembly 400

Referring to fig. 13 to 16, the circuit breaking part and the air circuit breaker including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention further include a U assembly 400.

Referring to the drawings, the U-assembly 400 is disposed between the slider 330 and the fixed contact stage 310.

The fixed contact stage 310 includes a base 310a provided with a fixed contact 311, and a vertical portion 310b extending to an upper side of the base 310 a. A slider 330 may be disposed at the base 310 a. A coupling hole 331 through which a coupling member coupling the fixed portion 430 and the fixed contact stage 310 to each other may be formed at an end side of the lower slider 330. The vertical portion 310b may be formed with a plurality of opening holes 310b1 capable of communicating with the outside.

The U-assembly 400 extends between the arc extinction 600 and the protruding contact 322. That is, the U-shaped member 400 extends away from the fixed contact stage 310 and toward the movable contact 321.

Specifically, in the tripped state, the U-assembly 400 extends between the arc extinguishing portion 600 and the movable contact stage 320 or the arc extinguishing portion 600 and the protruding contact 322. That is, the U-assembly 400 extends between the two lateral arc extinguishing portions 600 of the lower slider 330 and the protruding contacts 322. The U-assembly 400 may extend in such a way as to surround the sides of the protruding contact 322 with the protruding contact 322 set to the tripped state.

A separate space, i.e., an air gap A.G, may be formed between the U-assembly 400 and the protruding contacts 322.

The U assembly 400 may include a holder 410, U magnetic bodies 420, 420', and a fixing portion 430.

The holder 410 is inserted between the lower slider 330 and the fixed contact stage 310, forms a space inside and protrudes at both sides of the lower slider 330.

The holder 410 includes a housing 411 opened at an upper side. The housing 411 is formed with a housing portion 412 capable of housing the U-shaped magnetic body therein. The holder 410 is sealed at the upper side of the opening after the magnetic material is accommodated in the accommodating portion 412. For example, after the U-shaped magnetic body is accommodated, the upper side of the opening of the holder 410 may be closed by molding. Alternatively, the housing 411 may be coupled to the housing 411 by having an upper structure of the housing 411 so that the upper side of the housing 411 is closed after the U magnetic body is housed in the housing portion 412 of the holder 410.

The side wall portion 411a and the upper wall portion 411b may protrude in a front portion of the housing 411, i.e., a direction of the housing 411 away from the fixed contact stage 310. The side wall portion 411a and the upper wall portion 411b can protect the housing 411 from the protruding contact 322 and the movable contact stage 320. Meanwhile, the side wall portion 411a and the upper wall portion 411b may function as a tip capable of easily applying an arc to the case 411.

The first inclined portion 411c may be formed from both sides toward the inside of the upper wall portion 411b opposite to each other. The first inclined portion 411c may guide the protruding contact 322 to the inner space 405 between the housings 411.

A second inclined portion 411e may be formed below the sidewall portion 411 a. The second inclined portion 411e can prevent the movable contact stage 320 from being caught to the housing 411 when it trips.

The wing 411d may protrude to the outside of the case 411. The wing 411d may protect the lower portion of the grid leg 621 from the rotating movable contact stage 320.

On the back surface of the housing 411, i.e., on the side of the housing 411 close to the fixed contact stage 310, the coupling protrusion 413 may protrude on the center surface of the housing 411. The coupling protrusion 413 is coupled with the coupling groove of the fixing part 430, so that the holder 410 and the fixing part 430 can be coupled.

The holder 410 may include a gassing material that generates molecules that extinguish the arc when heat generated by the arc is applied. In addition, the securing portion 430 may include a deflating substance.

The gassing material generates molecules capable of extinguishing the arc as the arc is applied. Thereby, the generated arc can be extinguished quickly.

Specifically, when heat generated by the arc is applied, the outgassing substance releases molecules that can extinguish the arc. In other words, the gassing substance can generate a gas that can extinguish the arc. Thus, the arc generated in the arc extinguishing unit 600 can be quickly extinguished.

Since the holder 410 is interposed between the fixed contact stage 310 and the slider 330, the fixed contact stage 310 is disposed on the back surface thereof, and the slider 330 is disposed on the front surface thereof.

As described above, the slider 330 may generate an arc by contact and separation with the protruding contact 322. In addition, the generated arc may be applied to the slider 330. Thus, the slider 330 may be damaged as the arc is applied.

At this time, the holder 410 includes a gassing substance, so that damage of the slider 330 can be reduced by rapidly extinguishing the arc.

The U-shaped magnetic body is accommodated in the inner space of the holder 410 and is formed of a magnetic body.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the U-shaped magnetic body 420 may include a magnet portion and an insulator 423.

The magnet portion is configured to extend from the fixed contact stage 310 to between the arc extinguishing portion 600 and the protruding contact 322. In addition, the magnet part is configured to have a plurality of magnets and face each other.

Specifically, referring to the drawing of the U-assembly 400, the magnet portion includes: a first magnet 421 disposed on one side of the housing 412 of the housing 411; and a second magnet portion 422 disposed on the other side of the housing portion 412 of the housing 411 so as to face the first magnet portion 421.

At this time, the first magnet portion 421 and the second magnet portion 422 may be arranged such that the surfaces facing each other have polarities different from each other.

For example, in the case where the N pole is arranged on the surface of the first magnet 421 facing the second magnet 422, the second magnet 422 may be arranged with the S pole on the surface facing the first magnet 421. Thereby, a magnetic field flowing out from one side magnet portion and flowing into the other side magnet portion can be formed between the first magnet portion 421 and the second magnet portion 422.

By forming the magnetic field by the arrangement of the first magnet 421 and the second magnet 422, the arc generated when the movable contact 321 and the fixed contact 311 are tripped can be subjected to the upward electromagnetic force.

On the other hand, unlike the above description, the first magnet 421 and the second magnet 422 may be arranged so that the surfaces facing each other have the same polarity.

In a direct current air circuit breaker such as the air circuit breaker of the present invention, when faces arranged to face each other have different polarities, the lorentz force acts in opposition when the direction of the direct current is changed in opposition. Therefore, in order to completely extinguish an arc generated irrespective of the direction of a direct current flowing, the first magnet portion 421 and the second magnet portion 422 may be arranged such that the faces facing each other have the same polarity as each other.

An insulator 423 is disposed between the slider 330 and the fixed contact stage 310. Referring to fig. 22 and 23, the insulator 423 is disposed between the magnet portions disposed to face each other with a gap therebetween. The insulator 423 may be formed of a nonmagnetic material. The insulator 423 may be configured such that the first magnet portion 421 and the second magnet portion 422 are not magnetically integrated to prevent the strength of a magnetic field formed between the first magnet portion 421 and the second magnet portion 422 from being weakened. In this case, the insulator 423 may not be provided.

A space 335 may be formed between the insulator 423 and the slider 330.

On the other hand, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the U magnetic body 420 'may include a first magnetic body 421', a second magnetic body 422', and a third magnetic body 423'.

The first magnetic body 421' is disposed on one side of the housing portion 412 of the housing 411. The first magnetic body 421' is arranged to extend from the fixed contact base 310 to between the arc extinguishing portion 600 and the protruding contact 322.

The second magnetic body 422' is spaced apart from the first magnetic body 421' and faces the first magnetic body 421'. The second magnetic body 422 'is disposed opposite to the first magnetic body 421' on the other side of the housing portion 412 of the housing 411.

The third magnetic body 423' is integrally formed with the first magnetic body 421' and the second magnetic body 422', and is provided between the slider 330 and the fixed contact stage 310.

The first magnetic body 421', the second magnetic body 422', and the third magnetic body 423' may be integrally formed. The first magnetic body 421', the second magnetic body 422', and the third magnetic body 423' may be formed by stacking magnetic bodies.

Due to the above-described structure, when an arc is formed between the slider 330 and the protruding contact 322 at the center opening side of the housing 411, an induced magnetic field can be formed at the U magnetic body 420'.

Specifically, if an arc is generated between the first magnetic body 421' and the second magnetic body 422', an induced magnetic field can be formed along the first magnetic body 421', the second magnetic body 422', and the third magnetic body 423 '. At this time, the arc may be subjected to an upward electromagnetic force due to an induced magnetic field induced by the U-shaped magnetic body 420'.

The fixing portion 430 is disposed between the slider 330 and the fixed contact stage 310, and is coupled to the slider 330 and the fixed contact stage 310. In addition, the fixing part 430 is coupled with the holder 410 and the fixed contact stage 310 at an upper side of the holder 410 to prevent the holder 410 from being separated from the fixed contact stage 310 and to prevent the U magnetic body from being separated from the inner space.

The lower end of the lower slider 330 is coupled to the fixed contact stage 310 and the upper end is spaced apart from the fixed contact stage 310. In addition, the slider 330 repeatedly contacts and separates from the protruding contact 322, and may be impacted when the generated arc is applied.

At this time, the fixing portion 430 is provided between the slider 330 and the fixed contact stage 310, so that the slider 330 can be stably coupled to the fixed contact stage 310.

The fixing part 430 may include a gassing material (molecular) that generates molecules that extinguish the arc when heat generated by the arc is applied.

As the arc is applied, the gassing material produces molecules that can extinguish the arc. Thereby, the generated arc can be extinguished quickly.

Specifically, if heat generated by the arc is applied, the outgassing substance may release a plurality of molecules capable of extinguishing the arc. In other words, the gassing substance can generate a gas that can extinguish the arc. This makes it possible to quickly extinguish the arc generated in the arc extinguishing unit 600.

Since the fixing portion 430 is interposed between the fixed contact stage 310 and the slider 330, the fixed contact stage 310 is disposed on the rear surface thereof, and the slider 330 is disposed on the front surface thereof.

As described above, the slider 330 may generate an arc by contacting and separating with the protruding contact 322. And, the generated arc may be applied to the slider 330. Thus, the slider 330 may be damaged as the arc is applied.

At this time, since the fixing portion 430 includes the outgassing substance, damage of the slider 330 can be reduced by rapidly extinguishing the arc.

The fixing part 430 may include a first fixing part 431 and a second fixing part 432.

Specifically, the first fixing portion 431 may have a width corresponding to the width of the fixed contact stage 310, in contact with the fixed contact stage 310. Specifically, as shown in fig. 20, the width of the fixed contact stage 310 and the width of the first fixing portion 431 may be formed to be the same. This reduces the play of the first fixing portion 431 in the left-right direction with respect to the fixed contact base 310. In addition, the first fixing portion 431 can easily absorb the impact received by the slider 330.

Also, the first fixing portion 431 may be formed to surround a lower side surface of the lower slider 330.

The second fixing portion 432 may be disposed between the first fixing portion 431 and the lower slider 330. Further, the second fixing portion 432 may be formed to surround the upper side surface of the lower slider 330.

Since the second fixing portion 432 surrounds the upper portion of the lower slider 330, as described above, the impact caused by the contact and separation of the lower slider 330 with the protruding contact 322 or the impact received by the application of an arc can be absorbed by the second fixing portion 432.

A recess 4321 surrounding an upper portion of the lower slider 330 may be formed at the second fixing portion 432.

Specifically, referring to fig. 20 and 22, the second fixing portion 432 has a recess 4321, and the slider 330 protruding at a predetermined angle from the fixed contact stage 310 can be inserted into the recess 4321.

At this time, the surface where the recess 4321 is formed has a contact surface 4322 that contacts the upper surface of the slider 330 facing the fixed contact stage 310. A side surface 4323 formed perpendicular to the contact surface 4322 may be formed. A coupling hole 432a opened for coupling with the slider 330 and the fixed contact stage 310 may be formed at the contact surface 4322.

The second fixing portion 432 is formed with a coupling groove 433 in which the fixing portion 430 can be coupled with the coupling protrusion 413 of the housing 411 to be fixed to the holder 410.

The breaking part 300 of an embodiment of the present invention has a fixing part 430 provided between the fixed contact stage 310 and the lower slider 330, so that the lower slider 330 can be prevented from shaking or changing its position due to an external force applied thereto.

In addition, the fixing portion 430 includes a gassing substance, thereby having an advantage of being able to be quickly extinguished when an arc is applied to the lower slider 330.

(8) Air gap A.G and the lift of the arc

Referring to fig. 21, in an embodiment of the present invention, the protruding contact 322 may be formed protruding from an upper side of the movable contact 321 arranged at the center among the plurality of movable contacts 321.

As described above, referring to fig. 13, in the case where the protruding contact 322 is formed protruding to the upper side of the movable contact 321 arranged in the center among the movable contacts 321, the air gap A.G may be formed in a relationship with the grill legs 621 extending downward from both ends of the grill 620.

As the air gap A.G is formed, the space of the arc generating region is reduced, and thus the pressure applied to the generated arc becomes high, so that the generated arc can be subjected to an ascending force. Thus, the arc is more easily applied to the grill 620 or the grill leg 621, so that it can be rapidly extinguished.

In addition, referring to fig. 19, in the case of a U-assembly 400 configuration, the protruding contact 322 may form an air gap A.G in relation to the U-assembly 400.

An air gap A.G is formed between the protruding contact 322 and the U-assembly 400, so that the pressure applied to the arc generated between the protruding contact 322 and the slider 330 becomes high, and thus an ascending force can be applied to the generated arc.

(9) Description of the magnetic field based arc guidance path a.p

The magnetic field formed in the breaking unit 300, the electromagnetic force applied to the arc, and the arc guide path a.p will be described below with reference to fig. 22 to 23.

In the direct current air circuit breaker 10 of an embodiment of the present invention, the direct current flowing from the movable contact 321 (the protruding contact 322) to the fixed contact 311 (the lower slider 330) or in the opposite direction thereof is cut off. Therefore, an arc generated at the time of trip is also formed in the same direction as the direction of energization.

On the other hand, the magnetic field influencing the arc may be a magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet. The magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet may form a magnetic field direction flowing out of the N pole and into the S pole.

The ferromagnetic material disposed around the region where the arc is generated may induce a magnetic field in a direction of blocking the magnetic field caused by the current of the generated arc. This can be referred to as an induced magnetic field of a ferromagnetic body.

The arc may be subjected to electromagnetic force due to a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet or a magnetic field induced by the ferromagnetic body.

The direction of the electromagnetic force to which the generated arc is subjected can be described by the fleming left hand rule. The fleming left hand rule refers to that if the third finger is directed in the direction of the current I and the second finger is directed in the direction of the magnetic field B, the direction of the thumb is the direction of the electromagnetic force F. Here, the angle between the individual fingers must be a right angle.

At this time, the arc may move in the direction of the electromagnetic force to which the arc is subjected according to fleming's left hand rule. This movement of the Arc may be referred to as an Arc-guided Path (a.p).

Fig. 13 and 14 show an embodiment in which the U magnetic body 420 of the U assembly 400 is formed of a permanent magnet, and fig. 22 shows a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet and an arc guiding path a.p thereof in this embodiment.

Referring to fig. 22 (a), the direction of the current of the arc generated when the air circuit breaker 10 trips flows from the movable contact 321 (protruding contact 322) to the fixed contact 311 (slider 330) side.

At this time, the N pole is arranged in a direction facing the second magnet portion 422 of the first magnet portion 421, and the S pole is arranged in a direction facing the first magnet portion 421 of the second magnet portion 422. Thereby, a magnetic field B2 is formed between the first magnet 421 and the second magnet 422 from the first magnet 421 to the second magnet 422.

At this time, the arc receives electromagnetic force toward the arc extinguishing portion 600 side, i.e., toward the upper side, according to fleming's left hand rule. Thereby, an arc guiding path a.p is formed in the upward direction. By forming the arc guide path a.p of the arc toward the arc extinguishing unit 600, the arc having insufficient force to rise due to the small current can be lifted by the electromagnetic force. Thereby, the arc can be extinguished more quickly.

Referring to fig. 22 (b), the direction of the current of the arc generated when the air circuit breaker 10 trips flows from the fixed contact 311 (the slider 330) to the movable contact 321 (the protruding contact 322) side.

At this time, the S-pole is arranged in a direction of the first magnet portion 421 facing the second magnet portion 422, and the N-pole is arranged in a direction of the second magnet portion 422 facing the first magnet portion 421. Thereby, a magnetic field B2 is formed between the first magnet 421 and the second magnet 422 from the second magnet 422 to the first magnet 421.

The air circuit breaker 10 of an embodiment of the present invention may form a strong magnetic field inside the U-assembly 400 by a permanent magnet. This has the advantage that a strong electromagnetic force can be applied to the generated arc.

In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 22, the permanent magnet forms a fixed magnetic field, and thus this embodiment can be used in a case where the direction of the current connected to the air circuit breaker 10 is set in advance or the direction of the current connected to the air circuit breaker 10 is directed in a specific direction.

Fig. 15 and 16 show an example in which the U magnetic body 420' of the U assembly 400 is made of a ferromagnetic material, and fig. 23 shows a magnetic field induced by the ferromagnetic material and an arc guiding path a.p thereof in this example.

Referring to fig. 23 (a), the direction of the current of the arc generated when the air circuit breaker 10 trips flows from the movable contact 321 (protruding contact 322) to the fixed contact 311 (slider 330) side. At this time, a magnetic field B1 is formed in a direction surrounding the generated arc according to the ampere-right-hand screw rule.

A magnetic field B2 is generated in the ferromagnetic body in a direction that blocks the magnetic field B1 generated by the arc. At this time, the first magnetic body 421 'may be magnetized as an N pole and the second magnetic body 422' may be magnetized as an S pole at the instant.

Then, due to the induced magnetic field B2, the arc receives electromagnetic force toward the arc extinguishing portion 600 side, i.e., toward the upper side, according to fleming's left hand rule. Thereby, an arc guiding path a.p is formed in the upward direction. By forming the arc guide path a.p of the arc toward the arc extinguishing unit 600, the arc having insufficient lifting force due to the small current can be lifted by the electromagnetic force. Thereby, the arc can be extinguished more quickly.

Referring to fig. 23 (b), the direction of the current of the arc generated when the air circuit breaker 10 trips flows from the fixed contact 311 (the slider 330) to the movable contact 321 (the protruding contact 322). At this time, a magnetic field B1 is formed in a direction surrounding the generated arc according to the ampere-right-hand screw rule.

A magnetic field B2 is generated in the ferromagnetic body in a direction that blocks the magnetic field B1 generated by the arc. At this time, the second magnetic body 422 'may be magnetized to the N-pole and the first magnetic body 421' may be magnetized to the S-pole at the instant.

The air circuit breaker 10 of an embodiment of the present invention includes a U-shaped magnetic body 420' that forms an induced magnetic field in a direction of blocking a magnetic field formed by an arc. The arc is subjected to electromagnetic force toward the arc extinguishing unit 600 by the induced magnetic field formed by the U-shaped magnetic body 420'. Thereby, the arc can be more easily applied to the arc extinguishing portion 600 to be extinguished.

In addition, the U-shaped magnetic body 420' of the air circuit breaker 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention forms an induced magnetic field to subject the arc to the electromagnetic force toward the arc extinguishing unit 600 side regardless of the current direction of the arc, thereby having an advantage that the arc can be always guided toward the arc extinguishing unit 600 side regardless of the direction of the direct current connected to the air circuit breaker 10.

3. Description of the constitution of the air circuit breaker 10 of another embodiment of the present invention

Hereinafter, an air circuit breaker 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 24 to 33.

The air circuit breaker 10 of the present embodiment includes a cover part 100, a driving part 200, a breaking part 300, a U-assembly 400, and an arc extinguishing part 600.

The cover 100, the driving unit 200, the breaking unit 300, and the arc extinguishing unit 600 of the present embodiment are identical in structure and function to the cover 100, the driving unit 200, the breaking unit 300, and the arc extinguishing unit 600 of the above-described embodiments.

However, the U-assembly 400 of the present embodiment is partially different in structure and function from the U-assembly 400 of the above-described embodiment. Hereinafter, the U-component 400 of the present embodiment will be described centering on the above-described difference point.

(1) Description of magnet portion 450

The U-assembly of this embodiment includes a magnet portion 450.

The magnet portion 450 of one embodiment of the present invention is disposed between the slider 330 and the fixed contact stage 310.

The magnet portion 450 includes a first surface 451 magnetized to an N-pole and a second surface 452 magnetized to an S-pole, and the first surface 451 of the magnet portion 450 is disposed in a direction toward the fixed contact 311, and the second surface 452 is disposed in an opposite direction to the first surface 451.

Specifically, referring to fig. 27, the first surface 451 of the magnet portion 450 is disposed in a direction toward the fixed contact 311, and the second surface 452 is disposed in a direction opposite to the fixed contact 311. Thus, a magnetic field formed by the magnet portion 450 can be formed between the slider 330 and the protruding contact 322, that is, in a direction in which a magnetic field region is directed upward.

That is, a magnetic field formed by the magnet portion 450 is formed between the slider 330 and the protruding contact 322 in a direction from the movable contact 321 toward the grill 620.

Thus, the arc formed between the slider 330 and the protruding contact 322 is affected by the magnetic field formed in the direction toward the arc extinguishing portion 600.

In addition, the magnet portion 450 is disposed so that at least a part thereof overlaps the grill 620. Referring to fig. 27, the magnet portion 450 is disposed at the upper portion of the U-unit 400, and therefore at least a part thereof overlaps with the grill 620 disposed so as to surround the U-unit 400 by the grill leg 621.

As a result, when the arc rises upward by the electromagnetic force, the magnetic field generated by the magnet portion 450 is stronger, and thus the force of the arc rising can be stronger. Thus, the arc may be more easily applied to the grill 620.

However, unlike the above, in another embodiment of the present invention, the magnet portion 450 includes the first surface 451 magnetized to the N-pole and the second surface 452 magnetized to the S-pole, and the second surface 452 of the magnet portion 450 may be disposed toward the fixed contact 311, and the first surface 452 may be disposed opposite to the second surface 451.

In this case, the magnetic field formed by the magnet portion 450 may be formed in a direction from the arc extinguishing portion 600 toward the movable contact stage 320. That is, the magnetic field formed by the magnet portion 450 may be formed from the top to the bottom with reference to fig. 27.

Thus, the arc formed between the slider 330 and the protruding contact 322 is affected by the magnetic field formed in the downward direction from the arc extinguishing portion 600.

The U-shaped unit 400 is disposed below the magnet 450. That is, the magnet portion 450 is disposed above the third magnetic body 423'.

With the above configuration, the present invention has an advantage that the space between the slider 330 and the fixed contact base 310 is utilized by the U-shaped unit 400, and the magnet portion 450 is disposed in the space disposed at the upper portion of the U-shaped unit 400, so that the space required for disposing the magnet portion 450 is not excessively increased, and excessive design change is not required.

The magnet portion 450 is disposed inside the fixing portion 430. The slider 330 is disposed on the front surface of the magnet portion 450, and the fixed contact base 310 is disposed on the rear surface.

Specifically, referring to fig. 28 to 30, the magnet portion 450 is inserted into the back surfaces of the first and second fixing portions 431 and 432.

A storage space 441 capable of storing the magnet portion 450 is formed on the back surface of the first fixing portion 431. On the back surface of the first fixing portion 431, an insulating portion 440 forming a receiving space 441 protrudes in the lateral direction, thereby connecting both side surfaces of the first fixing portion 431 to each other.

The magnet portion 450 is inserted into the receiving space 441.

The plurality of surfaces surrounding the magnet portion 450 may protect the magnet portion 450 from an arc. Specifically, the front surface of the magnet portion 450 is protected by the fixing portion 430. The back of the magnet portion 450 may be protected by the fixed contact stage 310. Alternatively, a cover having insulating properties may be added between the rear surface of the magnet portion 450 and the fixed contact base 310. The top surface, the bottom surface, and both side surfaces of the magnet portion 450 may be protected by the fixing portion 430.

Thus, in the case where an arc generated between the protruding contact 322 and the lower slider 330 is applied and transferred to the lower slider 330, the magnet portion 450 is protected by the fixing portion 430, so that burning caused by the heat of the arc of the magnet portion 450 can be prevented.

However, unlike the above, in another embodiment, the receiving space 441 formed at the rear surface of the first fixing portion 431 may be formed in various shapes.

(2) Description of arc-guiding path A.P caused by magnetic field

The magnetic field formed in the breaking unit 300, the electromagnetic force applied to the arc, and the arc guide path a.p will be described below with reference to fig. 31 to 33.

In the following description, the portion denoted as "" means electricThe flow (arc) flows in a direction out of the paper surface (paper). In addition, expressed asThe part (a) refers to the current (arc) flowing in the direction into the paper surface (paper).

The direct current air circuit breaker 10 of an embodiment of the present invention blocks the flow of direct current from the movable contact 321 (the protruding contact 322) to the fixed contact 311 (the lower slider 330) or in the opposite direction thereto. Therefore, an arc generated at the time of trip is also formed in the same direction as the direction of energization.

On the other hand, the magnetic field influencing the arc may be a magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet. The magnetic field generated by the magnet unit 500, i.e., the permanent magnet, can form a magnetic field direction flowing out from the N pole and into the S pole. Due to such a magnetic field, the arc may be subjected to electromagnetic force caused by Lorentz force (Lorentz force).

The arc may be subjected to electromagnetic force caused by the lorentz force due to a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet or an induced magnetic field generated by the ferromagnetic body.

The direction of the electromagnetic force to which the generated arc is subjected can be described by the fleming left hand rule.

Fig. 31 to 33 are diagrams for explaining the direction in which the magnetic field is induced in the U magnetic body 420 'by the generated arc and the electromagnetic force generated by the magnet portion 450 and the U magnetic body 420' is applied to the generated arc.

Referring to fig. 31 (a) and 32, the direction of the current of the arc generated when the air circuit breaker 10 trips flows from the movable contact 321 (protruding contact 322) to the fixed contact 311 (lower slider 330) side. That is, in fig. 32, a current (arc) is formed in a direction into the paper surface (paper).

At this time, a magnetic field B1 is formed by the ampere right-hand screw rule in a direction surrounding the generated arc due to the current direction of the arc.

A magnetic field B2 is generated in the U magnetic body 420' in a direction to block the magnetic field B1 generated by the arc. At this time, the first U magnetic body 421 'may be magnetized to the N pole and the second U magnetic body 422' may be magnetized to the S pole at the instant.

Then, due to the induced magnetic field B2, the arc receives electromagnetic force F2 toward the arc extinguishing portion 600 side, i.e., the upper side, according to fleming's left hand rule.

On the other hand, the arc may be subjected to electromagnetic force according to the magnetic field B3 formed by the magnet portion 450. At this time, considering the current direction of the arc and the direction of the magnetic field B3 formed by the magnet portion 450, the arc receives the electromagnetic force F3 in the right direction according to fleming's left-hand rule.

At this time, the resultant force of the electromagnetic forces applied to the arc is a force F that combines the electromagnetic force F2 caused by the magnetic field B2 induced by the U-shaped magnetic body 420' and the electromagnetic force F3 caused by the magnetic field B3 generated by the magnet portion 450. That is, the arc guiding path a.p applied to the arc may be formed in a direction toward the upper right side.

As described above, by forming the arc guiding path a.p, the arc can be applied to the grid 620 or the grid leg 621 side of the arc extinguishing portion 600.

The breaking unit 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention and the air circuit breaker 10 including the same form an arc guiding path a.p to the grill 620 side by the magnetic field induced by the U-shaped magnetic body 420' and the electromagnetic force applied to the arc by the magnetic field of the magnet unit 450. Thus, the arc having insufficient force raised by the small current can be raised by the electromagnetic force. Thereby, the arc can be extinguished more quickly.

Referring to fig. 31 (b) and 33, the direction of the current of the arc generated when the air circuit breaker 10 trips flows from the fixed contact 311 (the slider 330) to the movable contact 321 (the protruding contact 322) side. That is, referring to fig. 32, a current (arc) is formed in a direction of flowing out from a paper surface (paper).

A magnetic field B2 is generated in the U magnetic body 420' in a direction to block the magnetic field B1 generated by the arc. At this time, the second magnetic body 422 'may be magnetized to the N-pole and the first magnetic body 421' may be magnetized to the S-pole at the instant.

Due to the magnetic field B2 induced by the U magnetic body 420', the arc receives the electromagnetic force F2 toward the arc extinguishing portion 600 side, i.e., the upper side, according to fleming's left hand rule.

The magnetic field B3 formed by the magnet 450 is formed upward with reference to the arc. Considering the current direction of the arc and the direction of the magnetic field B3 formed by the magnet portion 450, the magnetic field B3 formed by the magnet portion 450 is the left-hand direction according to fleming's left-hand rule, and the electromagnetic force F3 applied to the arc is the left-hand direction.

At this time, the resultant force of the electromagnetic forces applied to the arc is a force F that combines the electromagnetic force F2 caused by the magnetic field B2 induced by the U-shaped magnetic body 420' and the electromagnetic force F3 caused by the magnetic field B3 of the magnet portion 450. That is, the arc guiding path a.p applied to the arc may be formed in a direction toward the upper left side.

An electromagnetic force is applied to the arc to move it along the arc guiding path a.p so that the arc may be applied to the grill 620 or the grill leg 621 side of the arc extinguishing portion 600.

The blocking part 300 and the air circuit breaker 10 including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention form an arc guide path a.p to the grill 620 side by electromagnetic force applied to the arc by the magnetic field B2 induced by the U-shaped magnetic body 420' and the magnetic field B3 generated by the magnet part 450. Thus, the arc having insufficient force raised by the small current can be raised by the electromagnetic force. Thereby, the arc can be extinguished more quickly.

In addition, in the breaking unit 300 and the air circuit breaker 10 including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention, the arc is subjected to the electromagnetic force toward the upper side by the magnetic field formed by the magnetic field induced by the U-shaped magnetic body 420'. Further, the arc is subjected to electromagnetic force to the right or left side in accordance with the flow direction of the current by the magnet portion 450 disposed on the upper side of the U magnetic body 420' (U assembly 400).

Thus, by the electromagnetic force combined by the U magnetic body 420' (U assembly 400) and the magnet portion 450, an arc guide path a.p is formed in the arc toward the upper left or upper right direction, so that there is an advantage in that the arc can be easily applied to the grill leg 621 of the arc extinguishing portion 600, and is rapidly extinguished.

On the other hand, in another embodiment of the present invention, the magnet portion 450 includes a first surface 451 magnetized to an N-pole and a second surface 452 magnetized to an S-pole, and the second surface 452 of the magnet portion 450 may be disposed toward the fixed contact 311, and the first surface 452 may be disposed opposite to the second surface 451.

Thus, the magnetic field formed by the magnet portion 450 may be formed in reverse to the above-described embodiment. Specifically, the magnetic field formed by the magnet portion 450 may be formed in a direction from the arc extinguishing portion 600 toward the movable contact 321 and the fixed contact 311 around the arc.

In this case, the arc receives electromagnetic force contrary to the above-described embodiment due to the magnetic field formed by the magnet portion 450.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 32, when an arc is formed in a direction toward the paper surface, electromagnetic force generated by the magnetic field of the magnet portion 450 may be formed in the left direction.

As shown in fig. 33, when an arc is formed in a direction flowing out of the paper, electromagnetic force generated by the magnetic field of the magnet portion 450 may be formed in a right direction.

That is, when the second surface 452 of the magnet 450 is disposed in the direction toward the fixed contact 311 and the first surface 451 is disposed in the opposite direction to the second surface 452, the electromagnetic force generated by the magnetic field of the magnet 450 causes the arc to face the grid leg 621 and/or the grid 620 regardless of the current direction of the arc.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A circuit interrupting portion, comprising:

a fixed contact;

a movable contact contacting with or separated from the fixed contact;

a fixed contact stand having the fixed contact arranged at a lower end thereof and extending toward an upper portion;

a movable contact stage in which the movable contact is disposed, and which moves the movable contact in a direction toward or away from the fixed contact;

a lower slider disposed to extend to an upper side of the fixed contact, one end of the lower slider being coupled to the fixed contact stage, and the other end of the lower slider being spaced apart from the fixed contact stage; and

a U-shaped member disposed between the slider and the fixed contact base, and extending away from the fixed contact base side and toward the movable contact side;

the U-shaped member is formed to extend to both sides so that pressure applied to the arc when the arc is generated becomes high.

2. The circuit interrupting portion of claim 1, wherein,

the U assembly includes:

A holder inserted between the lower slider and the fixed contact stage, forming a space inside and protruding at both sides of the lower slider;

a U-shaped magnetic body which is accommodated in the internal space of the holder and is formed by the magnetic body; and

and a fixing part which is combined with the retainer and the fixed contact platform at the upper side of the retainer to prevent the retainer from being separated from the fixed contact platform and prevent the U magnetic body from being separated from the inner space.

3. The circuit interrupting portion of claim 2, wherein,

the U-shaped magnetic body comprises:

a magnet portion extending from the fixed contact base to a position between the protruding contact and an arc extinguishing portion disposed above the protruding contact, the magnet portion being disposed so as to face each other; and

and an insulator disposed between the slider and the fixed contact base and between the magnet portions.

4. The circuit interrupting portion of claim 3, wherein,

the faces of the magnet portions facing each other have polarities different from each other.

5. The circuit interrupting portion of claim 4, wherein,

the magnet portion is configured to receive an upward electromagnetic force from an arc generated during a tripping operation of the movable contact and the fixed contact.

6. The circuit interrupting portion of claim 2, wherein,

the U-shaped magnetic body comprises:

a first magnetic body extending from the fixed contact base to a position between the protruding contact and an arc extinguishing portion disposed above the protruding contact;

a second magnetic body spaced apart from and facing the first magnetic body; and

and a third magnetic body integrally formed with the first and second magnetic bodies and disposed between the slider and the fixed contact stage.

7. The circuit interrupting portion of claim 6, wherein,

the first magnetic body, the second magnetic body, and the third magnetic body are formed by stacking magnetic bodies.

8. The circuit interrupting portion of claim 7, wherein,

the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body are configured to form an induced magnetic field by the generated arc;

the induced magnetic field is formed such that the generated arc is subjected to an upward electromagnetic force.

9. The circuit interrupting portion of claim 2, wherein,

the holder includes a gassing substance that, when applied with heat generated by an arc, generates molecules that extinguish the arc.

10. The circuit interrupting portion of claim 1, wherein,

The movable contact comprises a protruding contact which extends to the upper side of the movable contact, can be electrified when the protruding contact is contacted with the lower sliding piece, and is separated from the lower sliding piece when the movable contact trips.

11. The circuit interrupting portion of claim 10, wherein,

the protruding contact extends upward such that at least a part thereof overlaps with a side plate of an arc extinguishing portion disposed on the upper side of the protruding contact.

12. The circuit interrupting portion of claim 11, wherein,

the U-shaped component extends between the arc extinguishing part and the protruding contact on two sides of the lower slide piece.

13. The circuit interrupting portion of claim 12, wherein,

the U-assembly extends in such a way as to surround the sides of the protruding contacts in the case where the protruding contacts are set to the tripped state.

14. The circuit interrupting portion of claim 13, wherein,

a separate space, i.e., an air gap, is formed between the U-assembly and the protruding contact.

15. A circuit interrupting portion, comprising:

a fixed contact;

a movable contact contacting with or separated from the fixed contact;

and a magnet part arranged between the slider and the fixed contact base to form a magnetic field so that the generated arc is subjected to electromagnetic force to the left or right.

16. The circuit interrupting portion of claim 15, wherein,

the magnet portion includes:

a first surface magnetized as an N-pole; and

a second surface magnetized as an S-pole;

the magnet portion is arranged such that the first surface faces in a direction toward the fixed contact and the second surface faces in an opposite direction to the first surface.

17. The circuit interrupting portion of claim 15, wherein,

the magnet portion includes:

a first surface magnetized as an N-pole; and

a second surface magnetized as an S-pole;

the magnet portion is arranged such that the second surface faces in a direction toward the fixed contact, and the first surface faces in an opposite direction to the second surface.

18. The circuit interrupting portion of claim 15, wherein,

the movable contact is arranged on the movable contact platform, and comprises a lower slide piece and a fixed contact platform, wherein the lower slide piece is arranged on the movable contact platform;

the U-shaped component is arranged at the lower part of the magnet part.

19. The circuit interrupting portion of claim 18, wherein,

the U-shaped member is formed to extend on both sides of the slider so that pressure applied to an arc when the arc is generated becomes high.

20. The circuit interrupting portion of claim 18, wherein,

the U assembly includes:

21. The circuit interrupting portion of claim 20, wherein,

the magnet portion is disposed inside the fixed portion, the slider is disposed on the front surface of the magnet portion, and the fixed contact base is disposed on the rear surface of the magnet portion.

22. The circuit interrupting portion of claim 20, wherein,

the U-shaped magnetic body comprises:

and a third magnetic body integrally formed with the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body and disposed between the slider and the fixed contact stage.

23. The circuit interrupting portion of claim 22, wherein,

24. The circuit interrupting portion of claim 23, wherein,

25. The circuit interrupting portion of claim 22, wherein,

the magnet portion is disposed above the third magnetic body.

26. An air circuit breaker, comprising:

a cover;

an arc extinguishing portion disposed in the cover and including a plurality of side plates and a grill coupled between the side plates; and

A breaking unit disposed adjacent to the arc extinguishing unit;

the breaking section includes:

a fixed contact;

a movable contact contacting with or separated from the fixed contact;

27. The air circuit breaker of claim 26, wherein,

the grille includes a grille leg extending from at least one end of the grille in a width direction, and extending downward so as to surround an outer side of the U assembly.

28. An air circuit breaker, comprising:

A cover;

a breaking unit disposed adjacent to the arc extinguishing unit;

the breaking section includes:

a fixed contact;

a movable contact contacting with or separated from the fixed contact;

29. The air circuit breaker of claim 28, wherein,

the magnet portion is disposed so that at least a part thereof overlaps the grill.