WO2012033262A1

WO2012033262A1 - Electric power switching apparatus preventing malfunction

Info

Publication number: WO2012033262A1
Application number: PCT/KR2010/008950
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ki Young Sung; Jae Yu Choi
Original assignee: Ematech Inc.; Han Kwang Electric Co., Ltd.; Hancess Co., Ltd
Priority date: 2010-09-09
Filing date: 2010-12-14
Publication date: 2012-03-15
Also published as: KR101109099B1

Abstract

Provided is an electric power switching apparatus preventing a malfunction. In the electric power switching apparatus, an armature is disposed adjacent to a magnetic path formation member and the armature is pulled toward the magnetic path formation member by a magnetic field generated by the magnetic path formation member and moves to a releasing position when a control current is applied to a stator coil, and moves to a locking position away from the magnetic path formation member when the control current applied to a closing-side coil is cut off and the magnetic field of the magnetic path formation member disappears so as to stop movement of an interlock guide.

Description

ELECTRIC POWER SWITCHING APPARATUS PREVENTING MALFUNCTION

This disclosure relates to an electric power switching apparatus, and more particularly, to an electric power switching apparatus which is provided with an armature and an interlock guide to prevent malfunction caused by an unexpected external force or carelessness in use.

In this disclosure, an "electric power switching apparatus" refers to an apparatus for opening (disconnecting) or closing (connecting) the main power supplied to a load in a power system and includes a magnetic contactor, a magnetic switch, and the like.

For example, the magnetic contactor (also called the electromagnetic contactor) is used for switching on and off a power supply circuit connected to a drive circuit of a motor or the like. This is typically used for constituting a magnetic switch (also called an electromagnetic switch) along with a thermal overload relay.

The magnetic contactor is a kind of an electromagnetic relay having large contact capacity and voltage resistance and is mainly used for turning on and off high currents or controlling starting, stopping, and the like of an electric motor by opening and closing a contact point.

The applicant has conducted researches on an electric power switching apparatus which has a simple structure and maximizes operationability, and particularly, on an electric power switching apparatus which does not need power supply after an operation is completed and thus reduces power consumption.

In Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0968462 (Patent Application No. 2010-0001306, Operator Using Permanent Magnet and Driving Apparatus Having the Same), Korean Utility Model Application No. 2010-0002441 (Operator Minimizing Flux Loss and Driving Apparatus Having the Same), and Korean Utility Model Application No. 2010-0002442 (Operator with Improved Linkage Structure of Mover Element and Driving Apparatus Having the Same) which were filed by the applicant, an electric power switching apparatus is disclosed which moves a mover using electromagnetic force due to current applied to a coil and magnetic force of a permanent magnet and is maintained in the moved state by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet or force of an opening spring without additional control current after the moving operation is completed.

An example of the existing electric power switching apparatus disclosed in the patents or utility models is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the existing electric power switching apparatus, and Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of Fig. 1.

As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, inside a

case

111, 112, an operator 1001 and a movable contact point assembly 150 are provided. A mover element 1201 of the operator 1001 is joined to a holder 151 of the movable contact point assembly 150 which is a moved element.

The holder 151 of the movable contact point assembly 150 is provided with a plurality of movable contactors 160 in which

movable contact points

161 and 162 are formed, and a power-side terminal 171 and a load-side terminal 172 having

fixed contact points

181 and 182 corresponding to the

movable contact points

161 and 162 are provided on both sides of the

case

111, 112.

By moving the holder 151 of the mover element 1201 to an opening position (the upper side in the figures) or a closing position (the lower side in the figures), the

movable contact points

161 and 162 are separated from the fixed contact points 181 and 182 (the contact points are opened) or attached to the fixed contact points 181 and 182 (the contact points are closed). Accordingly, power supplied to the load side is disconnected or connected.

The operator 1001 includes a stator element 1101 and the above-described mover element 1201. The stator element 1101 includes a fixed iron core 1120 and a stator coil 1130 wound on the outer periphery of the fixed iron core 1120. The stator coil 1130 is divided into a closing-side coil 1140 and an opening-side coil 1150 in an axial direction, which are wound around a bobbin 1160.

The mover element 1201 of the operator 1001 includes a permanent magnet 1210. A magnetic force of the permanent magnet 1210 is combined with an electromagnetic force of the stator coil 1130 to form a magnetic circuit, and the magnetic circuit applies attraction or repulsion to the fixed iron core 1120.

An opening spring 2001 elastically supports the mover element 1201 in a direction away from the stator element 1101, and a magnetic path formation member 3000 is provided to surround the bottom surface and side surfaces of the stator element 1101 to form a magnetic flux path.

In the electric power switching apparatus, when a control current is applied to the closing-side coil 1140, the mover element 1201 including the permanent magnet 1210 is pulled toward the fixed iron core 1120. Accordingly, the

movable contact points

161 and 162 come in contact with the

fixed contact points

181 and 182 and thus the closed state in which the mainpower side and the main load side are electrically connected to each other is achieved. After the closing operation is completed, even though the control current is disconnected, the closed state is maintained by the attraction between the fixed iron core 1120 and the permanent magnet 1210.

When a control current is applied to the opening-side coil 1150, the mover element 1201 including the permanent magnet 1210 is detached from the fixed iron core 1120. Accordingly, the

movable contact points

161 and 162 are separated from the

fixed contact points

181 and 182 and the opened state in which the main power side and the main load side are disconnected from each other is achieved. After the opening operation is completed, even though the control current is disconnected, the opened state is maintained by the elastic force of the opening spring 2001.

In the electric power switching apparatus, even though the control current is supplied to the coil only during the closing (ON) operation or the opening (OFF) operation and the control current is not supplied to the coil when the operator reaches the closing or opening position, the state is maintained by the permanent magnet or the opening spring. Therefore, there is a great advantage in that additional power is not needed after the operation is completed.

However, there is a concern that the holder 151 protruding outward may be physically pressed down in a state where the control current is not applied to the operator after the opening operation. For example, when the holder 151 protruding outward is pressed by a force equal to or greater than the elastic force of the opening spring 2001, the holder 151 and the mover element 1201 are lowered. Accordingly, an interval between the permanent magnet 1210 and the fixed iron core 1120 is reduced. If the holder 151 is further lowered and the permanent magnet 1210 approaches the fixed iron core 1120 so that a magnetic force in proportion to the square of the distance between the permanent magnet 1210 and the fixed iron core 1120 exceeds the restoring force of the opening spring 2001, the permanent magnet 1210 is pulled toward and attached to the fixed iron core 1120 by the magnetic force, and the contact points are connected undesirably. Therefore, in order to maximize utilization of the electric power switching apparatus, any possibility that contact points are malfunctioned by a manager's mistake or external impacts or vibrations has to be perfectly prevented in advance.

This disclosure provides an electric power switching apparatus which is provided with an armature and an interlock guide to prevent a malfunction caused by an unexpected external force or carelessness in use.

In one aspect, there is provided an electric power switching apparatus preventing malfunction, including: a stator element including a fixed iron core and a stator coil wound around an outer periphery of the fixed iron core; a mover element which includes a permanent magnet spaced above the fixed iron core and moves in a closing direction approaching the fixed iron core and in an opening direction away from the fixed iron core; an opening spring elastically supporting the mover element in the opening direction; a moved element formed integrally with the mover element; a magnetic path formation member which is provided in the stator element and forms a magnetic flux path; an interlock guide which is formed integrally with the mover element or the moved element to move in the closing direction and the opening direction; and an armature disposed adjacent to the magnetic path formation member, wherein the armature moves toward the magnetic path formation member to a releasing position by a magnetic field generated by the magnetic path formation member when a control current is applied to the stator coil, and moves to a locking position away from the magnetic field formation member when the magnetic field of the magnetic path formation member disappears when the control current applied to a closing-side coil is cut off in order to stop movement of the interlock guide.

The armature may be configured as a pivoting assembly which is provided with a protrusion part and elastically pivots to be returned to the locking position from the releasing position when the magnetic field of the magnetic path formation member disappears, and the interlock guide may include a catching part which is caught on the protrusion part when the pivoting assembly is at the locking position and which deviates from the protrusion part when the pivoting assembly is at the releasing position.

The pivoting assembly may include: a pivoting plate provided with the protrusion part; and a bent leaf spring for connecting a lower end of the pivoting plate to the stator element.

Alternatively, the pivoting assembly may include: a pivoting plate which is provided with the protrusion part on one side and is fastened to a lower part of the stator element as a hinge; and a tension spring which connects the pivoting plate to a side wall of a case to pull the pivoting plate toward the locking position.

Otherwise, the pivoting assembly may include: a pivoting plate which is provided with the protrusion part on one side and is in contact with a lower part of the stator element to be fastened by a hinge axis; and a torsion spring which is fastened to the hinge axis to elastically press the pivoting plate to the locking position.

When the pivoting assembly is returned to the locking position, a distance Y between the catching part of the interlock guide and the protrusion part of the pivoting assembly in the closing and opening directions may be greater than a distance X between the catching part of the interlock guide and the protrusion part of the pivoting assembly in locking and releasing directions.

A part of the interlock guide may be embedded in the moved element to be formed integrally by insert injection molding when the moved element is subjected to injection molding.

The stator coil may include the closing-side coil and an opening-side coil which are independently disposed on the outer periphery of the fixed iron core in an axial direction and form electromagnetic circuits in opposite directions as independent control currents are applied.

Alternatively, the stator coil may include the closing-side coil and an opening-side coil which are overlapped and wound around the outer periphery of the fixed iron core in a radial direction and form electromagnetic circuits in opposite directions as independent control currents are applied.

Otherwise, the stator coil may include a single coil wound around the outer periphery of the fixed iron core and forms an electromagnetic circuit in a forward direction or in a reverse direction as a control current is applied to the single coil in the forward direction or in the reverse direction.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a malfunction of the holder or the mover element caused by an unexpected external force or carelessness in use can be prevented by the mechanical catching operations selectively performed by the interlock guide and the armature.

Therefore, a problem that may occur in a power system as contact points are unexpectedly closed by a manager's mistake or external impacts or vibrations can be prevented.

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the disclosed exemplary embodiments will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an existing electric power switching apparatus;

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an interlock structure of an electric power switching apparatus according to an embodiment;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of a main part of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a front cross-sectional view of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a physical interlock state when a control current is not applied to the electric power switching apparatus according to an embodiment;

Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining a mesh length for releasing the physical interlock when the control current is applied to the electric power switching apparatus according to an embodiment;

Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state where the physical interlock state is released when the control current is applied to an operatorin the electric power switching apparatus according to an embodiment;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an interlock structure according to another embodiment;

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an interlock structure according to another embodiment;

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an interlock structure according to another embodiment;

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating a state where the physical interlock state is released according to another embodiment;

Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating an electric power switching apparatus according to another embodiment;

Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating an electric power switching apparatus according to another embodiment; and

Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating an electric power switching apparatus according to another embodiment.

Exemplary embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth therein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the description, details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presented embodiments.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. does not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denotes the presence of at least one of the referenced item. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising", or "includes" and/or "including" when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In the drawings, like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements. The shape, size and regions, and the like, of the drawing may be exaggerated for clarity.

Directions in the following descriptions, claims, and drawings, that is, "upward (upper side)", "downward (lower side)", "left", "right", "forward", and "reverse" are determined for the convenience of description and better understanding. Therefore, the directions indicated in the description are not absolute directions but may be changed depending on installation conditions. For example, when operators or electric power switching apparatuses are laid down, the directions are changed accordingly.

In addition, a closing position and an opening position are positions set arbitrarily to distinguish two directions or positions in which a mover element moves therebetween for better understanding. Therefore, the closing position does not necessarily mean a position for connecting (closing) a circuit, and the opening position does not necessarily mean a position for opening the circuit.

Embodiment 1

Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an interlock structure of an electric power switching apparatus according to an embodiment, Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of a main part of Fig. 3, and Fig. 5 is a front cross-sectional view.

As illustrated in Figs. 3 to 5, an electric power switching apparatus according to anembodiment operates a moved element 151 called a holder by an operator 1001. The holder has been already described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2.

The operator 1001 includes a stator element 1101 including a fixed iron core 1120 and a stator coil 1130, a mover element 1201 including a permanent magnet 1210 which is spaced above the fixed iron core 1120 and maintained, and an opening spring 2001 which elastically supports the mover element 1201 in a direction away from the stator element 1101.

The mover element 1201 and the moved element 151 form a single body and move in a closing direction (the lower side in the figures) and in an opening direction (the upper side in the figures) together.

The stator element 1101 is provided with a magnetic path formation member 3000 for forming a magnetic flux path.

In this embodiment, the stator coil 1130 includes a closing-side coil 1140 and an opening-side coil 1150 which are independently arranged in an axial direction of the fixed iron core 1120. The shapes of the stator coil 1130 are disclosed in Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0968462 and Korean Utility Model Application Nos. 2010-0002441 and 2010-0002442 which are mentioned above. The closing-side coil 1140 and the opening-side coil 1150 form electromagnetic circuits in opposite directions (i.e., the closing direction and the opening direction) as independent control currents are applied.

An interlock guide 500 is formed integrally with the mover element 1201 or the moved element 151 to move in the closing direction and the opening direction along with the mover element 1201.

An armature 600 is installed at the stator element 1101 to selectively restrict the movement of the interlock guide 500. That is to say, the armature 600 stops or permits the movement of the interlock guide 500 in the closing direction depending on whether or not the control current is applied to the stator coil 1130.

In this embodiment, the interlock guide 500 is formed integrally with the moved element 151 into a single body. The interlock guide 500 may be formed integrally by insert injection molding when the moved element 151 is subjected to injection molding.

In addition, the interlock guide 500 is provided with a catching part 510 protruding outward from the side surface. The catching part 510 of the interlock guide 500 is selectively caught on the armature 600 depending on whether or not the control current is applied to the closing-side coil 1140 such that the movement of the catching part 510 in the closing direction is stopped or permitted. In addition, the catching part 510 may be provided with a catching projection 512 for smooth catching operations.

The armature 600 is disposed adjacent to the magnetic path formation member 3000 on one side of the stator element 1101. When the control current is applied to the closing-side coil 1140, the closing-side coil 1140 is excited and an electromagnetic field is generated by the fixed iron core 1120, so that the mover element 1201 is pulled toward the closing position (the lower side in the figures). The magnetic flux forming the electromagnetic field of the fixed iron core 1120 also flows through the magnetic path formation member 3000. The armature is pulled toward the magnetic path formation member 3000 by the magnetic field exerted on the magnetic path formation member 3000 such that the interlock guide 500 freely passes by the armature 600. The position at which the armature 600 is pulled toward the magnetic path formation member 3000 so that the interlock 500 freely passes by is referred to as a "releasing position".

Contrary to this, when the control current applied to the closing-side coil 1140 is cut off while the mover element 1201 is at the opening position (the upper side in the figures), the magnetic field of the magnetic path formation member 3000 disappears, and the armature 600 is returned to its original position away from the magnetic path formation member 3000. In this state, when a movable contact point assembly 150, the moved element 151, the mover element 1201, and the interlock guide 500 are pressed in the closing direction by an unexpected force, the interlock guide 500 is caught on the armature 600 and the movement of theinterlock guide 500 is stopped. When the movement of the interlock guide 500 in the closing direction is stopped, the mover element 1201 and the moved element 151 are not able to move in the closing direction of course, so that connection between the contact points 161 and 181 and connection between the contact points 162 and 182 are prevented. The position at which the armature 600 is returned to its original position away from the magnetic path formation member 3000 so as not to allow the interlock guide 500 to move in the closing direction is referred to as a "locking position".

In this embodiment, the armature 600 is formed as a pivoting assembly 610 to return to the locking position by electric force of, for example, a spring. For this, the pivoting assembly 610 includes a pivoting plate 620 extending to the catching part 510 of the interlock guide 500, and a bent left spring 630 which connects the lower end of the pivoting plate 620 to the stator element 1101.

The pivoting plate 620 is provided with a protrusion part 622. The protrusion part 622 corresponds to the catching part 510 of the interlock guide 500. For example, when the pivoting plate 620 is at the locking position, if the interlock guide 500 is lowered in the closing direction, the catching part 510 of the interlock guide 500 hits on the protrusion part 622 of the pivoting plate 620 to be stopped. However, when the pivoting plate 620 is at the releasing position, the protrusion part 622 of the pivoting plate 620 deviates from the movement path of the catching part 510 of the interlock guide 500. Accordingly, the interlock guide 500 passes by the pivoting plate 620 and moves in the closing direction.

An intermediate portion of the bent leaf spring 630 is bent, one side thereof is fixed to the stator element 1101, and the opposite side is fixed to the pivoting plate 620 by welding or the like. The bent leaf spring 630 allows the pivoting plate 620 to easily return to the locking position which is the original position by the elastic restoring force.

Next, an interlock operation of the electric power switching apparatus according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 8. For the elements not shown in Figs. 5 to 8, please refer to the description given referring to Figs. 1 to 4.

In Fig. 5, a state where the mover element 1201 and the moved element 151 are completely moved to the opening position and held at the opening position by the opening spring 2001 is illustrated.

As illustrated in Fig. 5, from a time point at which the mover element 1201 of the operator 1001 is completely moved to the opening position, the control current supplied to the stator coil 1130, specifically to the closing-side coil, 1140 is cut off. Therefore, the mover element 1201 is held at the opening position by the supporting force of the opening spring 2001. Since the mover element 1201 is held at the opening position, the moved element 151 is also held at the opening position, and thus the movable contact points 161 and 162 are separated from the fixed contact points 181 and 182. Therefore, the main power supplied to the load side is cut off.

In addition, since the control current is not applied to the closing-side coil 1140, a magnetic field is not generated in the magnetic path formation member 300. Accordingly, the pivoting assembly 610 of the armature 600 is returned to its original position by the restoring force of the bent leaf spring 630 to be maintained in the state separated from the magnetic path formation member 3000.

In this state, when an unexpected external physical force caused by a manager's mistake or an external impact or vibration is exerted on the holder which is the moved element 151 or the movable contact point assembly 150, if the exerted force is equal to or greater than the elastic force of the opening spring 2001, the mover element 1201 and the moved element 151 are pressed down in the closing direction.

When the mover element 1201 and the moved element 151 are moved in the closing direction by the external physical force as illustrated in Fig. 6, the interlock guide 500 starts moving downward together.

During the movement, the catching part 510 of the interlock guide 500 is caught on the protrusion part 622 of the armature 600 and stopped. Due to the stopping of the interlock guide 500, the mover element 1201 and the moved element 151 are also stopped, and accordingly a malfunction of the main circuit being arbitrarily closed is prevented.

Figs. 7 and 8 are diagrams for explaining an operation of releasing the interlock. Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining a mesh length for releasing the mechanical interlock when the control current is applied to the operator, and Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state where the mechanical interlock is released when the control current is applied to the operator.

In the state the mover element 1201 of the operator 1001 is completely moved to the opening position on the upper side and then the control current applied to the closing-side coil 1140 is cut off so that the mover element 1201 is held at the opening position by the force of the opening spring 2001 (see Figs. 5 and 7), an operation of normally closing the circuit is started by applying the control current (drive current) to the closing-side coil 1140 under the control of a controller.

When the control current is applied to the closing-side coil 1140, the closing-side coil 1140 is excited, and the fixed iron core 1120 is magnetized. Then, a magnetic circuit passing through the fixed iron core 1120, the permanent magnet 1210, and the magnetic path formation member 3000 is formed, so that the permanent magnet 1210 is pulled toward the closing position, i.e. toward the fixed iron core 1120.

At the same time, the pivoting plate 620 of the armature 600 is pulled toward the magnetic path formation member 3000 by the magnetic force generated by the magnetic path formation member 3000.

When the pivoting plate 620 is pulled toward the magnetic path formation member 3000, the protrusion part 622 of the armature 600 deviates from the movement path of the catching part 510 of the interlock guide 500, and thus the interlock is released. By the releasing of the interlock, as illustrated in Fig. 8, the mover element 1201 and the moved element 151 are moved toward the closing side, and accordingly, the movable contact points 161 and 162 are attached to the fixed contact points 181 and 182 and main power is supplied to the load side.

Next, referring to Figs. 7 and 8, when the control current is applied to the closing-side coil 1140, the mover element 1201 and the armature 600 are simultaneously moved. That is, the mover element 1201 moves from the opening position to the closing position (in the downward direction in the figures), and the armature 600 moves from the locking position to the releasing position (to the left from the right in the figures). During the movement, by a false movement, a phenomenon in which the interlock guide 500 and the armature 600 collide with each other may occur. The contact point closing operation and the interlock releasing operation have to be simultaneously performed without the collision between the interlock guide 500 and the armature 600.

For this, relative positions of the interlock guide 500 and the armature 600 are determined as illustrated in Fig. 7. Specifically, when the pivoting assembly 610 is returned to the locking position, a distance Y between the catching part 510 of the interlock guide 500 and the pivoting assembly 610 in the closing and opening directions is greater than a distance X between the catching part 510 of the interlock guide 500 and the protrusion part 622 of the pivoting assembly 610 in the locking and releasing directions. Then, in the case where the interlock guide 500 and the armature 600 are moved simultaneously at the same speed, the protrusion part 622 of the pivoting plate 620 deviates from the movement path of the catching part 510 of the interlock guide 500 before the catching part 510 of the interlock guide 500 reaches the protrusion part 622 of the pivoting plate 620, so that the releasing operation is properly performed without interference or collision.

Embodiment 2

In Figs. 9 and 10, an interlock structure according to another embodiment is illustrated.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10, the configuration is the same as that of the embodiment described above with reference to Figs. 3 to 8 except for the pivoting assembly 610. Therefore, only the pivoting assembly 610 will be described, and detailed description of other components will be omitted.

According to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10, the pivoting assembly 610 includes a pivoting plate 1620 and a tension spring 1630.

One side of the pivoting plate 1620 on which the protrusion part 622 is provided extends to the catching part 510 of the interlock guide 500, and the opposite side thereof is pivotably fastened as a hinge at a position adjacent to the stator element 1101.

The hinge includes a hinge block 113 provided on the bottom of the case 111 or the stator element 1101 and a hinge pin 114 which connects the end portion of the pivoting plate 1620 to the hinge block 113 to be pivotable.

The tension spring 1630 connects the pivoting plate 1620 to a side wall of the case 111. For this, as illustrated in Fig. 10, a first block 641 may be welded to the pivoting plate 1620, a second block 642 may be fixed to the side wall of the case 111, and both ends of the tension spring 1630 may be hooked by the

blocks

641 and 642.

The tension spring 1630 provides an elastic force of pulling the pivoting plate 1620 to the locking position. The tensile force of the tension spring 1630 is set to be smaller than the magnetic force (attraction) generated by the magnetic field in the magnetic path formation member 3000. Therefore, when the magnetic field is formed in the magnetic path formation member 3000 as the control current is applied to the closing-side coil 1140, the pivoting plate 1620 overcomes the elastic force of the tension spring 1630 and is pulled toward the magnetic path formation member 3000.

Embodiment 3

Figs. 11 and 12 illustrate an interlock structure according to another embodiment.

The embodiment illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12 has the same configuration as those of the embodiments described above with reference to Figs. 3 to 10 except for the shapes of the interlock guide 500 and the pivoting assembly 610. Therefore, only the interlock guide 500 and the pivoting assembly 610 will be described, and detailed description of other components will be omitted.

According to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12, the pivoting assembly 610 includes a pivoting plate 2620 and a torsion spring 2630.

The pivoting plate 2620 includes two plates corresponding to both sides of the magnetic path formation member 3000. For this, the shape of the catching part 510 of the interlock guide 500 has a length corresponding to the both sides of the magnetic path formation member 3000. Therefore, the pivoting plate 2620 and the interlock guide 510 are respectively provided with two protrusion parts 622 and two catching projections 512. Due to those shapes, the pivoting plate 2620 is pulled by applying both electromagnetic fields formed on the both sides of the magnetic path formation member 3000, so that the operation of the pivoting plate 2620 is performed more effectively. In addition, the interlock operation is performed more accurately and stably by the two protrusion parts 622, the long catching part 510, and the two catching projections 512.

The pivoting plate 2620 is fastened by a hinge axis 115 so as to be pivotable adjacent to lower parts of the stator element 1101 and the magnetic path formation member 3000. The torsion spring 2630 is fastened to the hinge axis 115 to elastically press the pivoting plate 2620 to the locking position (in a direction away from the magnetic path formation member). For this, one end of the torsion spring 2630 is supported by the bottom of the magnetic path formation member 3000, and the other end thereof is supported by the inner surface of the pivoting plate 2620. In this embodiment, two torsion springs 2630 are provided on the both sides. However, the number of the torsion springs 2630 is not limited.

In the figures, as an example of a hinge part of the pivoting plate 2620, a configuration is illustrated in which both lower sides of the pivoting plate 2620 are fastened to the magnetic path formation member 3000 by a hinge. Specifically, a hinge plate 3001 is provided on the both lower sides of the magnetic path formation member 300, a hinge plate 2621 is provided on the both sides of the pivoting plate 2620, and the two hinge plates 3001 and the 2621 penetrate the hinge axis 115.

In the description provided according to the foregoing embodiments, the pivoting assembly 610 may employ various types of elastic means as well as the leaf spring, the tension spring, and the torsion spring.

In addition, as described in foregoing embodiments, the pivoting

plates

620, 1620, and 2620 and the hinge forms thereof may employ various types as well as the shapes illustrated in the figures.

Embodiment 4

Fig. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an interlock structureaccording to another embodiment and Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 13. Also, Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating a state where the physicalinterlock state is released according to another embodiment.

The embodiment illustrated in Figs. 13 to 15 has the same configuration as those of the embodiments described above with reference to Figs. 3 to 12 except for the shapes of the pivoting assembly 610. Therefore, only the pivoting assembly 610 will be described, and detailed description of other components will be omitted.

According to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 13 to 15, the pivoting assembly 610 includes a pivoting plate 620 and an interlock magnet 640.

The pivoting plate 620 includes two plates corresponding to both sides of the magnetic path formation member 3000. For this, the shape of the catching part 510 of the interlock guide 500 has a lengthcorresponding to the both sides of the magnetic path formation member 3000. Therefore, the pivoting plate 620 and the interlock guide 510 are respectively provided with two protrusion parts 622 and two catching projections 512. Due to those shapes, the pivoting plate 620 is pulled by applying both electromagnetic fields formed on the both sides of the magnetic path formation member3000, so that the operation of the pivoting plate 620 is performed more effectively. In addition, the interlock operation is performed more accurately and stably by the two protrusion parts 622, the long catching part 510, and the two catching projections 512.

Meanwhile, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the pivoting plate 620 includes one plate corresponding to oneside of the magnetic path formation member 3000. For this, the pivoting plate 620 and the interlock guide 510 are respectively provided with oneprotrusion part 622 and one catching projection 512. Single interlock magnet 640 may be disposed inside the protrusion part 622of the pivoting plate 620.

The pivoting plate 620 is fastened by a hinge axis 115 so as to be pivotable adjacent to lower parts of the stator element 1101 and the magnetic path formation member 3000.

When a power is not supplied to the stator coil 1130, the magnetic poles of the permanent magnet 1210 of the mover element 1201 and the armature magnet 640 are same north-pole so that the armature 600 moves to a locking position by a repulsive force of the

magnets

1210 and 640 as shown in Fig 14.

When a control current is applied to the stator coil 1130, a magnetic pole of an upper part of the fixed iron core 1120 is the south-pole so that the permanent magnet 1210 and the armature magnet 640 stick to a magnetic path formation member 3000. The armature 600 moves from a locking position to a releasing position by an attractive force. That is,the movement of the armature 600 can be controlled by controlling a current applied to the stator coil 1130.

In Figs. 13 and 14, the north-pole and the south-pole of the permanent magnet 1210 and the armature magnet 640 may be reversed, and when a control current is applied to the stator coil 1130, a magnetic pole of an upper part of the fixed iron core 1120 may be the north-pole.

In contrast to the foregoing embodiments, the pivoting assembly 610of this embodiment includes the interlock magnet 640 instead of the spring. Therefore, the movement of the armature 600 is controlled by repulsive force and repulsive force of the magnets.

Embodiment 5

Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating an electric power switching apparatus according to another embodiment.

The embodiment illustrated in Fig. 16 has the same configuration as those of the embodiments described above except for the configuration of an opening spring 2002. Therefore, only the opening spring 2002 will be described, and detailed description of other components will be omitted.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 16, the opening spring 2002 is interposed between the mover element 1201 and the stator element 1101.

The opening spring 2001 described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2 and Figs. 3 to 12 (Embodiments 1 to 3) is configured so that two springs with small diameters are disposed outside the stator element 1101 to support the moved element 151.

Contrary to this, the opening spring 2002 according to this embodiment is configured so that a single spring with a large diameter supports the lower end of the mover element 1201 and the upper end of the stator element 1101. The shapes of the opening spring 2002 may be those presented in Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0968462 and Korean Utility Model Application Nos. 2010-0002441 and 2010-0002442 which are mentioned above.

In brief, the shapes of the opening spring may employ various shapes as well as the shapes of the opening springs 2001 and 2001 disclosed in the description and the drawings.

Embodiment 6

Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating an electric power switching apparatus according to another embodiment.

The embodiment illustrated in Fig. 17 has the same configuration as those of the foregoing embodiments except for the configuration of the stator coil 1130. Therefore, only the stator coil 1130 will be described, and detailed description of other components will be omitted.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 17, the stator coil 1130 includes a closing-side coil 1141 and an opening-side coil 1151 which are overlapped and wound around the outer periphery of the fixed iron core 1120 in the radial direction. Either the closing-side coil 1141 or the opening-side coil 1151 may be wound first.

In the foregoing embodiments, the closing-side coil 1140 and the opening-side coil 1150 of the stator coil 1130 are arranged in the axial direction of the fixed iron core 1120. However, in this embodiment, they are modified to be overlapped in the radial direction.

Of course, the closing-side coil 1141 and the opening-side coil 1151 form electromagnetic circuits in opposite directions as independent control currents are applied.

The shapes of the stator coil 1130 may be those presented in Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0968462 and Korean Utility Model Application Nos. 2010-0002441 and 2010-0002442 which are mentioned above.

Embodiment 7

The embodiment illustrated in Fig. 18 has the same configuration as those of the embodiments described above except for the configuration of the stator coil 1130. Therefore, only the stator coil 1130 will be described, and detailed description of other components will be omitted.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 18, the stator coil 1130 includes a single coil 1131 wound around the outer periphery of the fixed iron core 1120.

The control current is applied to the single coil 1131 in a forward direction or in a reverse direction. As the control current is applied in the forward direction or in the reverse direction, an electromagnetic circuit is formed by the fixed iron core 1120 in the forward direction or in the reverse direction. For example, to move the mover element 1201 in the closing direction, the control current is applied to the single coil 1131 in the forward direction, and to move the mover element 1201 in the opening direction, the control current is applied to the single coil 1131 in the reverse direction.

This embodiment illustrates another example of the stator coil 1130.

The shape of the stator coil 1130 may employ various shapes as well as the shapes disclosed in the description and in the drawings.

The mover element 1201 may also employ various shapes. That is, the embedded shape of the permanent magnet 1210, the joined state of the moved element 151, and the like are not limited to those disclosed in the description and the drawings.

For example, including various shapes disclosed in Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0968462 and Korean Utility Model Application Nos. 2010-0002441 and 2010-0002442 which are mentioned above, other modifications may be employed.

The moved element 151 is not limited to the description and the drawings or Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0968462 and Korean Utility Model Application Nos. 2010-0002441 and 2010-0002442 which are mentioned above, and may be modified in various forms.

In the foregoing description, only the electric power switching apparatuses having the structures illustrated in the accompanying drawings are exemplified. However, the electric power switching apparatus according to the present disclosure may be applied to any electric power switching apparatus as well as the magnetic contactor (MC), the magnetic switch (MS), and the like as described above.

While the exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure not be limited to the particular exemplary embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that this disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

An electric power switching apparatus preventing a malfunction, comprising:

a stator element including a fixed iron core and a stator coil wound around an outer periphery of the fixed iron core;

a mover element which includes a permanent magnet spaced above the fixed iron core and moves in a closing direction approaching the fixed iron core and in an opening direction away from the fixed iron core;

an opening spring elastically supporting the mover element in the opening direction;

a moved element formed integrally with the mover element;

a magnetic path formation member which is provided in the stator element and forms a magnetic flux path;

an interlock guide which is formed integrally with the mover element or the moved element to move in the closing direction and the opening direction; and

an armature disposed adjacent to the magnetic path formation member,

wherein the armature moves toward the magnetic path formation member to a releasing position by a magnetic field generated by the magnetic path formation member when a control current is applied to the stator coil, and moves to a locking position away from the magnetic field formation member when the control current applied to a closing-side coil is cut off and the magnetic field of the magnetic path formation member disappears so as to stop movement of the interlock guide.
The electric power switching apparatus according to claim 1,

wherein the armature is configured as a pivoting assembly which is provided with a protrusion part and elastically pivots to be returned to the locking position from the releasing position when the magnetic field of the magnetic path formation member disappears, and

the interlock guide includes a catching part which is caught on the protrusion part when the pivoting assembly is at the locking position and which deviates from the protrusion part when the pivoting assembly is at the releasing position.
The electric power switching apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pivoting assembly includes:

a pivoting plate provided with the protrusion part; and

a bent leaf spring for connecting a lower end of the pivoting plate to the stator element.
The electric power switching apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pivoting assembly includes:

a pivoting plate which is provided with the protrusion part on one side and is fastened to a lower part of the stator element as a hinge; and

a tension spring which connects the pivoting plate to a side wall of a case to pull the pivoting plate toward the locking position.
The electric power switching apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pivoting assembly includes:

a pivoting plate which is provided with the protrusion part on one side and is in contact with a lower part of the stator element to be fastened by a hinge axis; and

a torsion spring which is fastened to the hinge axis to elastically press the pivoting plate to the locking position.
The electric power switching apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pivoting assembly includes:

a pivoting plate which is provided with the protrusion part on one side and is in contact with a lower part of the stator element to be fastened by a hinge axis; and

an armature magnet which is disposed inside the protrusion part,

wherein when a control current is applied to the stator coil, a magnetic pole of an upper part of the fixed iron coreis opposed to a magnetic pole of the armature magnet so that the armature moves to a releasing position by an attractive force, and when the control current applied to the stator coil is cut off, the magnetic poles of the permanent magnet of the mover element and the armature magnet are same so that the armature moves to a locking position by a repulsive force.
The electric power switching apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, when the pivoting assembly is returned to the locking position, a distance Y between the catching part of the interlock guide and the protrusion part of the pivoting assembly in the closing and opening directions is greater than a distance X between the catching part of the interlock guide and the protrusion part of the pivoting assembly in locking and releasing directions.
The electric power switching apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a part of the interlock guide is embedded in the moved element to be formed integrally by insert injection molding when the moved element is subjected to injection molding.
The electric power switching apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stator coil includes the closing-side coil and an opening-side coil which are independently disposed on the outer periphery of the fixed iron core in an axial direction and form electromagnetic circuits in opposite directions as independent control currents are applied.
The electric power switching apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stator coil includes the closing-side coil and an opening-side coil which are overlapped and wound around the outer peripheryof the fixed iron core in a radial direction and form electromagnetic circuits in opposite directions as independent control currents are applied.
The electric power switching apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stator coil includes a single coil wound around the outer periphery of the fixed iron core and forms an electromagnetic circuit in a forward direction or in a reverse direction as a control current is applied to the single coil in the forward direction or in the reverse direction.