Arc quenching assembly and circuit breaker comprising the same

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of arc extinguishing assembly and circuit breaker comprising the arc extinguishing assembly, the arc extinguishing assembly includes: side member, at a certain distance apart from each other and oppositely configuration;Exhaust part, set in the upper portion of the side member;Multiple grids, set between the side member, and both ends are fixed to each side member;Arc guider, one side is combined with the side member, set in the lower portion of multiple grids;And magnet, set as in the lower portion of multiple grids, both ends are combined with the side member respectively, and electromagnetic force is formed in the direction towards the grid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an arc extinguishing assembly and a circuit breaker including the arc extinguishing assembly, wherein the arc extinguishing assembly is provided with a magnet to effectively extinguish an electric arc generated by interrupting current. Background Technology

[0002] A circuit breaker is a device that interrupts the flow of current when abnormal currents such as leakage, short circuit, or overcurrent occur in a circuit. This prevents accidents that may occur in the circuit or in electronic equipment connected to the circuit. Circuit breakers are installed at specific locations in the circuit in a energized manner to allow current to pass through them.

[0003] When a normal current flows through a circuit breaker, the movable contact and the fixed contact are in contact, and if the movable contact and the fixed contact are in contact with each other, they are connected to form an energized circuit.

[0004] When an overcurrent or abnormal current flows through the circuit breaker, the movable and fixed contacts, which are in contact, are separated from each other. At this time, the current flowing between the movable and fixed contacts does not immediately extinguish, but changes into the form of an arc and extends along the movable contact.

[0005] An electric arc is the flow of electrons under high temperature and pressure. If the generated arc remains inside the circuit breaker for an extended period, various components of the circuit breaker may be damaged. Furthermore, if the arc is discharged to the outside of the circuit breaker without any further treatment, the user may be injured.

[0006] Therefore, circuit breakers are equipped with arc-extinguishing components for extinguishing and discharging the electric arc. As the generated arc passes through the extinguishing device, the arc pressure increases, its movement speed accelerates, and simultaneously the generated arc cools and can be discharged to the outside.

[0007] An existing circuit breaker (Korean Utility Model Document No. 20-2008-0009468) discloses the structure of an air circuit breaker, which includes: a grid stacked in an arc chamber with a certain gap and having guide grooves for contact positioning; and a grid plate disposed on the side wall of the guide grooves of the grid.

[0008] As mentioned above, the circuit breaker can guide the arc toward the grid using a guide plate. However, when the current is a small current, the pressure generated is not large, so there is a problem that it is difficult to generate an arc along the grid.

[0009] Therefore, it is necessary to study a scheme to generate electromagnetic force separately inside the arc extinguishing component so that an arc can be effectively formed along the grid even when a small current is applied. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0011] One object of the present invention is to provide a structure for an arc-extinguishing assembly capable of extending the generated electric arc into the grid and the flow channel.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure for an arc extinguishing assembly that, even when a small current is applied, can push an arc generated by a magnetic field produced by a magnet into a flow channel by arranging a magnet inside to smoothly form a movement path of the arc.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure for an arc extinguishing assembly that can stably set a magnet for forming a moving path of an electric arc without requiring excessive design changes for setting the magnet.

[0014] Technical solutions to the problem

[0015] In this invention, an arc-extinguishing assembly capable of solving the above-mentioned problems may include: side members spaced apart from each other and arranged opposite to each other; an exhaust portion disposed on the upper part of the side members; a plurality of grids disposed between the side members and fixed at both ends to each side member; an arc guide with one side connected to the side member and disposed at the lower part of the plurality of grids; and a magnet disposed at the lower part of the plurality of grids, with both ends connected to the side members respectively, and generating an electromagnetic force in the direction toward the grids.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the magnet may include: an electromagnet, which is fixed on both sides of the lower part of the side member and is magnetized by an electric current to form a magnetic field; and a permanent magnet, which is disposed inside the electromagnet and rotates in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the electromagnet.

[0017] At this time, the electromagnet may include: a cylindrical core formed of a magnetizable material; and a coil extending in a shape that surrounds the outer side of the core.

[0018] Additionally, fixed shafts protrude from both ends of the core to be inserted into and supported by the inner surfaces of the respective side components.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixed shaft may pass through the arc guide and be mounted in a fixing groove formed with the side member.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the permanent magnet may be located in a permanent magnet receiving portion formed by a space formed inside the electromagnet.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the permanent magnet may be configured as at least one or more.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the magnets can be fixed to both sides of the arc guide.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, an arc flow channel may also be included, which is inserted between the side members and positioned at a distance from one side of the plurality of grilles and curved toward the lower part of the grilles.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the magnet may be configured such that its two ends are respectively connected to the side member at a certain distance away from the arc guide.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, an insulating material may be formed on the outer surface of the side member.

[0026] In this invention, a circuit breaker capable of solving the above-mentioned problems includes: a fixed contact; a movable contact that moves toward or away from the fixed contact; and an arc-extinguishing assembly positioned adjacent to the fixed contact and the movable contact, extinguishing the electric arc generated between the fixed contact and the movable contact. The arc-extinguishing assembly may include: side members spaced apart from each other and arranged opposite to each other; an exhaust portion disposed on the upper part of the side members; a plurality of grids disposed between the side members and fixed at both ends to each side member; an arc guide connected to the side member on one side and disposed on the lower part of the plurality of grids; and a magnet disposed on the lower part of the plurality of grids, with both ends connected to the side members respectively, generating an electromagnetic force in the direction toward the grids.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the magnet may include: an electromagnet, fixed on both sides of the lower part of the side member, magnetized by an electric current to form a magnetic field; and a permanent magnet, disposed inside the electromagnet and rotating in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the electromagnet.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electromagnet may include: a cylindrical core formed of a magnetizable material; and a coil extending in a shape that surrounds the outer surface of the core.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the permanent magnet may be located in a permanent magnet receiving portion formed by a space formed inside the electromagnet.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the permanent magnet may be configured as at least one or more.

[0031] Invention Effects

[0032] With the structure of the arc extinguishing component as described above, the generated arc can receive a force toward the arc flow channel side according to the electromagnetic force formed by the magnet, thereby further improving the arc extinguishing performance by increasing the arc elongation speed in the direction toward the arc flow channel.

[0033] Furthermore, by utilizing a structure that simultaneously incorporates an electromagnet for generating electromagnetic force and a permanent magnet inside the arc-extinguishing assembly, arc-extinguishing performance can be ensured without significantly altering the design structure of the arc-extinguishing assembly.

[0034] In addition, in the arc extinguishing assembly, the electromagnet can be stably fixed on both sides between the side members. By setting at least one permanent magnet in the space formed inside the electromagnet, the advantage of ensuring space while ensuring greater electromagnetic force can be obtained. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the circuit breaker from the outside.

[0036] Figure 2 This is an exploded 3D view of a circuit breaker.

[0037] Figure 3 It is Figure 1 A sectional view of the circuit breaker cut along line A-A'.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view showing the shape of the arc-extinguishing component.

[0039] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the arc extinguishing component.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the arc extinguishing component.

[0041] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the shape of a magnetic field formed by a magnet.

[0042] Figure 8a This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an electromagnet with a permanent magnet.

[0043] Figure 8b This is a schematic diagram showing the shape when an electric current is applied to a magnet.

[0044] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an arc-extinguishing assembly equipped with a plurality of permanent magnets. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail. Identical or similar constituent elements will be given the same or similar reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. The suffixes "model" and "part" used for constituent elements in the following description are assigned for ease of specification preparation and are interchangeable; they do not inherently have a distinguishing meaning or function. Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions of related well-known technologies will be omitted if it is determined that a detailed explanation of the relevant prior art would obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. Additionally, the accompanying drawings are only for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification and are not intended to limit the technical ideas disclosed in this specification. They should be understood to include the inventive concept and all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions included within the scope of the technology.

[0046] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" can be used to describe various constituent elements, but the constituent elements are not limited by the terms. The terms are used for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from another.

[0047] When referring to a constituent element as being "connected" or "connected" to another constituent element, it can be understood as being directly connected or connected to that other constituent element, but it can also be understood as having other constituent elements in between. Conversely, when referring to a constituent element as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another constituent element, it should be understood as having no other constituent elements in between.

[0048] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning.

[0049] In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" should be understood as intended to indicate the presence of a feature, or number, or step, or action, or constituent element, or component, or combination thereof as described in the specification, rather than intended to pre-exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, or numbers, or steps, or actions, or constituent elements, or components, or combinations thereof.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of circuit breaker 10. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing circuit breaker 10. Additionally, Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of circuit breaker 10 cut along line A-A'.

[0051] Circuit breaker 10 serves to block the flow of current when an abnormal current is generated; it can refer to an air circuit breaker.

[0052] Here, an air circuit breaker is a type of circuit breaker that blocks the flow of current in a circuit when the current, which is in the state of the circuit breaker performing a blocking operation, exceeds the abnormal current leakage value of the current range preset in the circuit breaker.

[0053] The circuit breaker 10 includes a circuit breaker body 11, which forms the exterior and has an internal receiving space. A plurality of arc-extinguishing components 100 may be disposed inside the circuit breaker body 11.

[0054] The circuit breaker body 11 is joined together with the front side cover 11b and the rear side cover 11a in a direction that is opposite to each other to form an internal space.

[0055] The circuit breaker body 11 can be formed of a material with high heat resistance and high rigidity. This is to prevent damage to the internal components and to prevent damage from electric arcs generated inside. For example, the circuit breaker body 11 can be formed of synthetic resin or reinforced plastic.

[0056] The internal space of the circuit breaker body 11 can be energized with the outside, and the various components installed inside can be connected to be energized with the external power source or load.

[0057] At the front of the circuit breaker body 11, a power supply side connection part 12a that can be energized to the power supply side and a load side connection part 12b that can be energized to the load side can be respectively provided.

[0058] In addition, in the accommodating space formed by the combination of the front side cover 11b and the rear side cover 11a, a fixed contact 13 and a movable contact 14 for blocking or energizing the power supply side connection 12a and the load side connection 12b can be respectively provided.

[0059] A fixed contact point 13a can be formed on the fixed contact body 13, and a movable contact point 14a can be formed on the movable contact body 14. Therefore, when a normal current flows through the circuit, the fixed contact point 13a and the movable contact point 14a are in contact with each other, so that the current can flow between the power supply side connection portion 12a and the load side connection portion 12b.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, the firing device 21 can rotate together with the movable contact body 14 as it rotates away from the fixed contact body 13.

[0061] The firing device 21 can be configured to be connected to the crossbar 22 and the lever 23. Specifically, one end of the firing device 21 is restricted by the crossbar 22, and an elastic member is provided at the other end of the firing device 21.

[0062] With the fixed contact point 13a and the movable contact point 14a in contact with each other, the firing device 21 applies pressure to the elastic member and stores restoring force. At this time, the external force for applying pressure can be provided by the state of the crossbar 22 rotating toward the fixed contact body 13.

[0063] With the movable contact point 14a located apart from the fixed contact point 13a, the movable contact 14 rotates away from the fixed contact 13. In this case, the crossbar 22 can rotate; specifically, one end of the firing mechanism 21 is released and can rotate by the restoring force provided by the elastic member. As the firing mechanism 21 rotates and strikes the lever 23, the lever 23 can also rotate and execute the trip mechanism.

[0064] Lever 23 may be partially exposed on the outside of the air circuit breaker 10, and lever 23 may be rotated by being struck by the rotating ejector 21. When the tripping mechanism is executed, lever 23 may rotate in a predetermined direction, and the user can easily know that the tripping mechanism has been executed. In addition, the user can operate the rotation of lever 23 to readjust the air circuit breaker 10 to a energized state.

[0065] That is, in the circuit breaker 10, when an abnormal current flows through the circuit, the movable contact 14 rotates by a predetermined angle in a direction separated from the fixed contact 13, so that the fixed contact 13a and the movable contact 14a are separated from each other while the flow of current is blocked.

[0066] At this time, with the movable contact 14a and the fixed contact 13a separated from each other, an electric arc is generated between the movable contact 14a and the fixed contact 13a.

[0067] An electric arc is a high-temperature plasma of electrons and ions. If the generated electric arc remains in the internal space of the circuit breaker for a long time, the various components of the circuit breaker may be damaged.

[0068] Furthermore, if the electric arc is discharged to the outside of the circuit breaker without any additional treatment, the user may be injured.

[0069] If the arc is not extinguished quickly, the components constituting the circuit breaker will be damaged. The circuit breaker 10 is equipped with an extinguishing device for extinguishing and discharging the arc. The generated arc passes through the extinguishing device, the arc pressure increases, the moving speed increases, and at the same time the generated arc is cooled and can be discharged to the outside.

[0070] The circuit breaker 10 of the present invention is provided with an arc extinguishing assembly 100 for extinguishing the arc generated above the fixed contact point 13a and the movable contact point 14a.

[0071] The structure of the arc extinguishing assembly 100 will be explained in detail below.

[0072] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the shape of the arc-extinguishing assembly 100. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the arc extinguishing component 100.

[0073] The arc extinguishing assembly 100 can be inserted into the open side of the receiving space formed inside the circuit breaker body 11 described above.

[0074] After the electric arc generated by the circuit breaker 10 is extinguished by the arc extinguishing assembly 100, it is discharged to the outside of the circuit breaker 10 through the exhaust section 120 of the arc extinguishing assembly 100. At this time, the electric arc will elongate as it flows along the grid 130 and the arc flow channel 140 of the arc extinguishing assembly 100.

[0075] The arc extinguishing assembly 100 includes a pair of side members 111 that are combined with the exhaust section 120, a grille 130, an arc flow channel 140, and an arc guide 150.

[0076] An exhaust section 120 for discharging extinguished electric arcs can be formed on the upper part of the plurality of grilles 130. The exhaust section 120 has the function of discharging metallic gas to the outside of the circuit breaker 10.

[0077] The exhaust section 120 includes an exhaust section body 124, an insulating plate 123, a filter 122, and an exhaust cover 121.

[0078] A pair of side members 111 are attached to the left and right sides of the exhaust body 124 respectively. A receiving portion (not marked) for accommodating the insulating plate 123 and the filter 122 is recessed in the center of the upper side of the exhaust body 124. A plurality of exhaust holes (not marked) can penetrate the insulating plate 123.

[0079] An exhaust cover 121 is attached to the upper side of the exhaust body 124, and a plurality of gas outlets (not marked) can be formed through the center of the exhaust cover 121.

[0080] In the exhaust section 120, the insulating plate 123, the filter 122, and the exhaust cover 121 are arranged sequentially from bottom to top. Therefore, the metallic gas flowing into the exhaust hole (not shown) of the insulating plate 123 can be discharged to the outside of the circuit breaker 10 through the gas outlet (not shown) after passing through the filter 122.

[0081] The arc extinguishing assembly 100 can be combined with the main body 11 of the circuit breaker 10 through the venting part 120.

[0082] Fastening holes (not marked) are formed on the front and rear sides of the exhaust cover 121, and when the exhaust cover 121 covers the open portion of the receiving space (S1) of the circuit breaker 10, the fastening member (not shown) can pass through the fastening holes and be engaged with the circuit breaker body 11.

[0083] The exhaust section 120 functions as a means of increasing the pressure inside the arc-extinguishing assembly 100. Specifically, the exhaust section 120 covers the opening of the receiving space (S1), allowing the internal pressure of the arc-extinguishing assembly 100 to rise instantaneously when metallic gas is generated. In this case, a temporary pressure difference is created between the internal pressure of the arc-extinguishing assembly 100 and the external pressure of the circuit breaker 10, allowing the metallic gas to move toward the exhaust port of the exhaust section 120.

[0084] The side members 111 can be formed as a pair of plates, the pair of plate-shaped side members 111 being spaced apart from each other and arranged opposite each other.

[0085] A grille 130 and an electric arc flow channel 140 are arranged between the side members 111.

[0086] In addition, the grille fastening hole 111b and the arc flow channel fastening hole (not shown) can penetrate through the central part of the side member 111.

[0087] The grid fastening hole 111b and the arc flow channel fastening hole (not shown) can respectively insert the grid fastening protrusion (not shown) and the arc flow channel fastening protrusion (not shown).

[0088] The grille fastening hole 111b and the arc flow channel fastening hole (not shown) can be formed to a size corresponding to or slightly smaller than the grille fastening protrusion (not shown) and the arc flow channel fastening protrusion (not shown). Therefore, the grille fastening protrusion 141 and the arc flow channel fastening protrusion 135 can be pressed into the grille fastening hole 111b and the arc flow channel fastening hole (not shown), respectively.

[0089] Arc guides 150 can be attached to each side member 111. An arc guide fastening hole 111c for engaging with the arc guide 150 is formed through the lower side of the side member 111. The arc guide fastening hole 111c can be formed as a cylindrical hole through one side of the side member 111.

[0090] Additionally, a fixed shaft support groove 111d can be formed on the side member 111, so that the fixed shaft 213 of the core 211 is located at a certain distance from the arc guide fastening hole 111c.

[0091] One side of the arc guide 150 is positioned to be in close contact with the side member 111.

[0092] At this time, on one side of the arc guide 150, the arc guide fastening part 151 can be formed to protrude in the direction toward the side member 111.

[0093] Additionally, a fixing shaft insertion hole 152 may be formed on one side for fixing the core 211 at a position spaced apart from the arc guide fastening part 151.

[0094] The arc guide fastening part 151 protruding from the arc guide 150 is combined with the arc guide fastening hole 111c, so that the arc guide 150 can be combined with the side member 111.

[0095] A fixed shaft 213 with a core 211 is inserted into the fixed shaft insertion hole 152 formed in the arc guide 150, and the fixed shaft 213 will be located in the fixed shaft support groove 111d.

[0096] On the upper side of the side member 111, a screw fastening hole 111a is formed for engaging with the exhaust portion 120, so that a pair of side members 111 can be engaged with the exhaust portion 120 respectively. In the exhaust portion body 124, a threaded engagement groove (not shown) can be formed for engaging with the side member 111.

[0097] With the side member 111 engaged with the exhaust body 124, a fastening screw (not shown) passes through the screw fastening hole 111a and engages with the screw fastening groove 124a.

[0098] The grille 130 is formed in the shape of a plate and is spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval in a direction away from the fixed contact point 13a, thus having a structure of stacked plurality of them.

[0099] On both sides of the grille 130, grille fastening protrusions (not shown) are formed, which are positioned to insert into grille fastening holes 111b. The grille 130 can be fixed between a pair of side members 111.

[0100] The grid 130 can be formed of any material capable of exerting electromagnetic attraction on the electric arc, for example, it can be formed of iron (Fe).

[0101] The electric arc extends and moves between multiple grids 130, thereby increasing the arc voltage and cooling the arc.

[0102] The arc flow channel 140 can be formed in the shape of a plate and can be positioned at a predetermined distance rearward from the plurality of grids 130.

[0103] The generated arc extends to the lower end of the arc flow channel 140 and flows along the arc flow channel 140. If the arc does not reach the arc flow channel 140, the arc extinguishing performance may be reduced, so the lower end of the arc flow channel 140 may be formed into a tortuous shape toward the fixed contact point 13a.

[0104] The lower end of the arc flow channel 140, which is formed in a tortuous manner, is located below the rear side of the grid 130, which is positioned among a plurality of grids 130. Due to the tortuous structure of the arc flow channel 140, the distance between the lower end of the arc flow channel 140 and the fixed contact point 13a may be shortened.

[0105] The arc flow channel 140 can be formed of any material capable of applying electromagnetic attraction to the arc; for example, the arc flow channel can be formed of iron (Fe) material.

[0106] Arc guides 150 can be configured as a pair and can be combined with a pair of side members 111 on the underside of the grid 130, respectively.

[0107] The arc guide 150 can be formed of an insulating material and can extend along the stacking direction of the grid 130. That is, the arc guide 150 can extend in a direction away from the fixed contact point 13a.

[0108] The arc guide 150 can be formed into a shape that extends from the lower side of the grille 130 to the rear side.

[0109] The arc guide 150 can be formed from a pair of components positioned opposite each other, and the size of the space formed between the components can be reduced. Therefore, when an abnormal current is generated, the dispersion of metallic gas generated at the fixed contact can be reduced.

[0110] In addition, the distance between the components (not shown) constituting the arc guide 150 increases from the front side to the rear side, and the size of the space between a pair of components can increase from the front side to the rear side.

[0111] In this situation, when metallic gas is generated at the fixed contact point, a pressure difference is created between the front and rear sides, causing the metallic gas to be pushed towards the rear side due to this pressure difference. Consequently, the arc's elongation length and elongation speed from the front to the rear side may increase.

[0112] In addition, the arc extinguishing assembly 100 may include a magnet 200.

[0113] The magnet 200 is located at the lower part of the side member 111 and can be configured between the arc guides 150 that are arranged opposite to each other.

[0114] When a small current is applied to the circuit breaker 10, the pressure of the arc generated during rotation and execution of the trip mechanism, with the fixed contact 13a and the movable contact 14a separated from each other, makes it difficult to smoothly guide the arc to the arc extinguishing assembly 100. Therefore, a magnet 200 is provided in the arc extinguishing assembly 100, which serves to guide the movement of the arc.

[0115] The structure of the arc-extinguishing assembly 100 using the magnet 200 will be described in detail below.

[0116] Figure 6 A longitudinal sectional view of the arc-extinguishing assembly 100 is shown. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the shape of the magnetic field formed by the magnet 200.

[0117] in addition, Figure 8a This is a perspective view showing the configuration in which a permanent magnet 220 is combined with an electromagnet 210. Figure 8b This is a schematic diagram showing the shape of current flowing through magnet 200.

[0118] As described above, if the movable contact point 14a is separated from the fixed contact point 13a on the underside of the arc extinguishing assembly 100, an electric arc will be generated. The electric arc can elongate along with the movable contact point 14a.

[0119] Metallic gas is generated between the movable contact point 14a and the fixed contact point 13a, causing the pressure at the fixed contact point 13a to rise instantaneously. Due to the pressure difference, the electric arc will extend toward the grid 130 and the arc flow channel 140.

[0120] The elongated electric arc reaches a plurality of grids 130 and arc channels 140, and the arc extends upward and is cooled as it flows along the grids 130 and arc channels 140.

[0121] However, when it is necessary to interrupt small currents, a potential problem may arise that the force of the arc generated when the movable contact 14a moves away from the fixed contact 13a and pushes it toward the grid 130 and the arc flow channel 140 may be insufficient, and other components of the circuit breaker may be damaged due to insufficient arc extinguishing.

[0122] To resolve this issue, the arc extinguishing assembly 100 may include a magnet 200 disposed on the underside of the side member 111.

[0123] like Figure 6 As shown, the magnet 200 is positioned adjacent to the arc guide 150, and the magnet 200 serves to generate a magnetic field in the direction toward the grid 130.

[0124] The magnet 200 can cause the generated electric arc to move toward the grid 130 and the arc flow channel 140.

[0125] The magnet 200 can be composed of an electromagnet 210 and a permanent magnet 220.

[0126] The electromagnet 210 can be composed of a core 211 and a coil 212. The core 211 is formed of a cylindrical strong magnetic body, and the coil 212 is configured to surround the outer surface of the core 211.

[0127] The core 211 is configured as a cylindrical shape extending in one direction and can be formed of a magnetizable material. The core 211 can be magnetized by the current flowing through the coil 212 to form a magnetic field.

[0128] At this time, core 211 can generate different directions of electromagnetic force depending on the direction of the current flowing through coil 212. For example, from... Figure 8a With the right side of the core 211 as a reference, the current can flow in the core 211 in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. At this time, if the current moves clockwise along the coil 212 that surrounds the core 211, the left side of the electromagnet 210 in the diagram can be magnetized as the N pole and the right side can be magnetized as the S pole.

[0129] Similarly, if the current moving along coil 212 moves counterclockwise, the right side of electromagnet 210 in the figure can be magnetized as the N pole, and the left side can be magnetized as the S pole.

[0130] Therefore, even if the direction of current movement changes depending on whether the circuit breaker is connected in the forward or reverse direction, the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet 210 acts on the arc, thereby applying force to the arc in the direction towards the upper part of the arc-extinguishing assembly 100. As a result, the arc can be extinguished more smoothly along the grid 130.

[0131] At both ends of the core 211, fixed shafts 213 can be protruded to be inserted into and supported on the inner surface of the side member 111. Each fixed shaft 213 can be placed and fixed on the inner surface of the side member 111.

[0132] Specifically, the fixed shaft 213 can pass through the fixed shaft insertion hole 152 formed in the arc guide 150 and be positioned in the fixed shaft support groove 111d formed in the side member 111.

[0133] Alternatively, as another embodiment, although not shown, the core 211 can be positioned at a distance from the adjacent position of the arc guide 150.

[0134] In this case, the fixed shaft 213 formed in the core 211 can be directly coupled to the fixed shaft support groove 111d formed in the side member 111 at a certain distance from the arc guide 150. That is, the core 211 can be configured to be directly fixed to the side member 111 without contacting the arc guide 150.

[0135] At this time, on one side of the arc guide 150, the arc guide fastening part 151 can be formed to protrude toward the side member 111. A plurality of arc guide fastening parts 151 can be formed, and in this case, a plurality of arc guide fastening holes 111c can be formed on the side member 111 corresponding to each arc guide fastening part 151.

[0136] like Figure 7 As shown, when a current I is applied along coil 212, the core 211 of electromagnet 210 is magnetized as the S pole on the right side and the N pole on the left side, thus forming a magnetic field. While the current I moves along coil 212, and the core 211 of electromagnet 210 is magnetized, the side member 111 in contact with it can also be magnetized, further strengthening the magnetic field.

[0137] The side member 111, being a metal, can be formed from a strongly magnetic material such as iron (Fe). When the side member 111 is formed from a strongly magnetic material, the side member 111 can be magnetized by the magnet 200, thereby forming a stronger magnetic field together with the magnet 200.

[0138] If no insulating material is formed on the outer surface of the side member 111, there will be a problem that the electric arc moving along the grid 130 will move through the side member 111.

[0139] Therefore, an insulating material (not shown) can be applied to the outer surfaces of the side members 111 located on both sides of the plurality of grilles 130. The insulating material surrounds or coats the outer exposed surfaces of the side members 111, thereby forming a certain layer.

[0140] Here, the term "insulating material" refers to non-metallic materials, which can include polymeric resins such as plastics, rubber, and any of the non-metallic materials.

[0141] At this time, when the direction of the current acting on the circuit breaker is outward from the plane of the paper, the resultant force of the force F applied to the arc is formed in the upward direction. Therefore, a force can be applied to the arc generated by the circuit breaker 10 in the upward direction towards the arc extinguishing assembly 100. As a result, the arc moves along the grid 130, thereby extinguishing the arc more smoothly.

[0142] As another example, when the direction of the current acting on the circuit breaker is towards the plane of the paper, the direction of the current flowing through the coil 212 surrounding the core 211 of the electromagnet 210 can be reversed to exert a force on the arc generated in the circuit breaker 10 towards the upper part of the arc extinguishing assembly 100.

[0143] The magnet 200 may include a permanent magnet 220, which can generate an electromagnetic force in the same direction as the electromagnetic force generated by the electromagnet 210.

[0144] The permanent magnet 220 is formed in a cylindrical shape and may include a first pole 221 and a second pole 222 as well as a rotation shaft 223 located on the core 211 of the electromagnet for rotation.

[0145] The first pole 221 and the second pole 222 of the permanent magnet 220 can be composed of S poles or N poles with different polarities, and the permanent magnet 220 serves to increase the magnitude of the magnetic field by magnetizing the electromagnet 210.

[0146] A permanent magnet 220 can be disposed inside the electromagnet 210. The electromagnet 210 can have a permanent magnet receiving portion 214, which is formed into a space capable of accommodating the permanent magnet. The permanent magnet 220 can rotate in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the electromagnet 210 while positioned within the permanent magnet receiving portion 214.

[0147] Therefore, when current flows through the coil 212 of the electromagnet 210 and the core 211 is magnetized, the permanent magnet 220 can rotate with respect to the rotation axis 223 and reinforce the magnitude of the magnetic flux formed in the electromagnet 210.

[0148] That is, if an abnormal current is sensed and the movable contact 14a is separated from the fixed contact 13a, metallic gas is generated instantaneously, and the electric arc flows through the generated metallic gas.

[0149] If metallic gas is generated, the pressure in the part where the metallic gas is generated increases instantaneously, and as a result, the metallic gas rises towards the exhaust section 120 of the arc-extinguishing assembly 100 due to the pressure difference. As a result, the electric arc flowing through the metallic gas rises and elongates into an arch shape.

[0150] The generated electric arc should pass through the space between the arc guides 150 and move towards the grid 130 and the arc flow channel 140, and be discharged to the outside of the circuit breaker 10 after an arc extinguishing process in the grid 130 and the arc flow channel 140.

[0151] The generated electric arc is a high-temperature, high-pressure electron flow, which is preferably discharged to the outside of the circuit breaker 10 in a short time. For this purpose, the generated electric arc preferably extends rapidly to the arc flow channel 140 furthest from the fixed contact point 13a, and then extends rapidly toward the exhaust section 120.

[0152] However, when the current applied to the circuit breaker is small, the instantaneous pressure increase generated when the fixed contact 13a and the movable contact 14a are separated is relatively low. Therefore, the arc does not reach the arc flow channel 140, which may lead to a decrease in arc extinguishing performance.

[0153] Therefore, in the arc extinguishing assembly 100 of the present invention, the arc can be smoothly extended to the arc flow channel 140 by means of an electromagnet 210 disposed between the side members 111 positioned opposite each other and adjacent to the arc guide 150, and a permanent magnet 220 disposed inside the electromagnet 210.

[0154] Figure 9 The configuration of an arc-extinguishing assembly 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0155] The arc extinguishing assembly 100 of this embodiment has the same structure as the arc extinguishing assembly 100 described above, except for the deformed magnet 200.

[0156] Therefore, the structure of the deformed magnet 200 will be described in detail below, and the description of the remaining structures will be omitted to the extent that they are repeated.

[0157] like Figure 9 As shown, a plurality of permanent magnets 220a, 220b, and 220c can be disposed within the electromagnet 210 of the magnet 200.

[0158] In this case, a plurality of permanent magnet receiving portions 214 are formed in the core 211 constituting the electromagnet 210 to accommodate each of the permanent magnets 220a, 220b, and 220c shown.

[0159] The terms 220a, 220b, and 220c refer to two or more permanent magnets, for example, such as... Figure 9 As shown, it can be constructed with three permanent magnets. However, this is just an example, and the number of permanent magnets can be chosen by the user based on considerations such as the width and length of the core.

[0160] Based on the electromagnetic force generated by the plurality of permanent magnets 220a, 220b, and 220c, the force acting on the arc in the upward direction increases, so the arc can extend more rapidly along the grid 130 and the arc flow channel 140, and as a result, the arc extinguishing performance of the arc can be improved.

[0161] In particular, when the user uses a small current, the instantaneous pressure increase caused by the separation of the fixed contact point 13a and the movable contact point 14a is relatively small, so the arc does not reach the arc flow channel 140, which can reduce the arc extinguishing performance.

[0162] Therefore, by setting a plurality of permanent magnets 220a, 220b, and 220c inside the electromagnet 210 of the magnet 200, and applying electromagnetic force to the electric arc together with the electromagnet 210, the arc can be extended more smoothly into the arc flow channel 140.

[0163] The arc-extinguishing components and circuit breakers having the arc-extinguishing components described above are not limited to the configuration and methods of the embodiments described above. The embodiments can also be configured by selectively combining all or part of the embodiments to achieve various modifications.

[0164] Industrial utilization potential

[0165] The present invention provides an arc-extinguishing assembly equipped with a magnet and a circuit breaker including the arc-extinguishing assembly to effectively extinguish electric arcs generated by interrupting current, and therefore has industrial applicability.

Claims

1. An arc quenching assembly, wherein comprises: side members spaced apart at a certain distance and arranged opposite to each other; an exhaust portion provided at an upper portion of the side members; a plurality of grids provided between the side members and fixed at both ends to each of the side members; a pair of arc guides each of which is combined with the side members at one side thereof and provided at a lower portion of the plurality of grids; and a magnet provided at the lower portion of the plurality of grids, combined with the side members at both ends thereof, and provided between the pair of arc guides to form an electromagnetic force in a direction toward the grids. both ends of the magnet are fixed to the pair of arc guides, respectively.

2. The arc extinguishing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the magnet comprises: an electromagnet fixed at both sides thereof at a lower portion of the side members and magnetized by a current to form a magnetic field; and a permanent magnet provided inside the electromagnet and rotated in a direction intersecting an extension direction of the electromagnet.

3. The arc extinguishing assembly according to claim 2, wherein the electromagnet comprises: a cylindrical core formed of a magnetizable material; and a coil extending in a shape surrounding an outer side surface of the core.

4. The arc extinguishing assembly according to claim 3, wherein a fixing shaft is protruded at both ends of the core to be inserted into and supported by an inner side surface of each of the side members.

5. The arc extinguishing assembly according to claim 4, wherein the fixing shaft penetrates the arc guides to be seated in a fixing groove provided at the side members.

6. The arc extinguishing assembly according to claim 2, wherein the permanent magnet is positioned in a permanent magnet housing portion which is a space provided inside the electromagnet.

7. The arc extinguishing assembly according to claim 6, wherein the permanent magnet is provided in at least one.

8. The arc extinguishing assembly according to claim 1, wherein further comprising: an arc runner inserted between the side members and provided to be spaced apart at a certain distance from one side of the plurality of grids and bent toward a lower portion of the grids.

9. The arc extinguishing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the magnet is combined with the side members at both ends thereof at a position spaced apart at a certain distance from the arc guides.

10. The arc extinguishing assembly according to claim 1, wherein an insulating material is included in an outer side surface of the side members.

11. A circuit breaker, wherein comprises: a fixed contact; a movable contact moved in a direction toward or away from the fixed contact; and an arc extinguishing assembly positioned adjacent to the fixed contact and the movable contact to extinguish an arc generated by the fixed contact and the movable contact being spaced apart, the arc extinguishing assembly comprises: side members spaced apart at a certain distance and arranged opposite to each other; an exhaust portion provided at an upper portion of the side members; a plurality of grids provided between the side members and fixed at both ends to each of the side members; a pair of arc guides each of which is combined with the side members at one side thereof and provided at a lower portion of the plurality of grids; and a magnet provided at the lower portion of the plurality of grids, combined with the side members at both ends thereof, and provided between the pair of arc guides to form an electromagnetic force in a direction toward the grids. magnets disposed at lower portions of the plurality of the grids, both ends of which are coupled to the side members respectively, and disposed between a pair of the arc guides, and generating an electromagnetic force in a direction toward the grids; both ends of the magnets are fixed to a pair of the arc guides respectively.

12. The circuit breaker according to claim 11, wherein the magnets include: electromagnets whose both sides are fixed to lower portions of the side members respectively, and magnetized by a current to generate a magnetic field; and permanent magnets disposed inside the electromagnets and rotating in a direction intersecting an extension direction of the electromagnets.

13. The circuit breaker according to claim 12, wherein the electromagnets include: a cylindrical core formed of a magnetizable material; and a coil extending in a shape surrounding an outer side surface of the core.

14. The circuit breaker according to claim 12, wherein the permanent magnets are located in permanent magnet accommodation portions that are spaces disposed inside the electromagnets.

15. The circuit breaker according to claim 14, wherein the permanent magnets are provided at least one.

Images