Buckle member and air circuit breaker comprising same

Abstract

Disclosed are a buckle member and an air circuit breaker comprising same. The buckle member, according to one aspect of the present invention, comprises: a buckle body which is formed so as to have a length in a first direction and a width in a second direction; a buckle base which is continuous with one heightwise side of the buckle body and is extended in a third direction; and a sealing member which is extended while at least partially surrounding the outer periphery of the buckle base and the buckle body, wherein the sealing member may be in close contact with each of the outer periphery of the buckle body and the outer periphery of the buckle base, and the inner periphery of a contact assembly surrounding a contact opening into which the buckle body and the buckle base are inserted.

Description

Buckle member and a circuit breaker including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a buckle member and an air circuit breaker including the same, and more specifically, to a buckle member having a structure capable of preventing insulation breakdown caused by the occurrence of a gap and an air circuit breaker including the same.

[0002] A circuit breaker is installed in a power system and connected to the power source and the load, respectively, to enable current flow. If an abnormal current occurs between the power source and the load, the circuit breaker performs a tripping operation to interrupt the current flow between them. As a result, the power source and the load can be protected from damage caused by the abnormal current.

[0003] Typically, a circuit breaker includes a fixed contact that is fixedly installed and a movable contact that is movably provided. The movable contact is provided to be movable in a direction toward the fixed contact or in a direction opposite to the fixed contact. When the movable contact is in contact with the fixed contact, the power source and the load can be energized to each other. In the event of an abnormal current, the movable contact separates from the fixed contact, and the energization of the power source and the load is released.

[0004] Even at the moment when the movable contact and the fixed contact separate, the current—specifically the abnormal current—continues to flow through them. Therefore, when the movable contact and the fixed contact separate, the energy of the current being conducted is converted into a flow of electrons at high temperature and high pressure. This converted flow of electrons is called an arc.

[0005] As mentioned above, an arc is a flow of electrons at high temperature and high pressure. Therefore, if the arc remains inside the circuit breaker instead of being discharged to the outside, there is a risk that other components of the breaker may be damaged by the heat or pressure of the arc. Accordingly, a process is required to discharge the generated arc to the outside while reducing its temperature and pressure; this is called the arc extinguishing process.

[0006] Meanwhile, if the arc or the pressure generated along with the arc leaks out unintentionally without undergoing the arc extinguishing process, insulation breakdown may occur. Therefore, it is desirable for the airtightness of parts of the air circuit breaker other than the arc extinguishing mechanism provided for arc extinguishing to be ensured.

[0007] Korean Published Patent Document No. 10-2024-0165760 discloses an arc extinguishing device for a circuit breaker and a circuit breaker including the same. Specifically, it discloses an arc extinguishing device for a circuit breaker and a circuit breaker including the same that can prevent inter-phase short circuits caused by insulation breakdown by reducing contact of exhaust gases that may occur between adjacent phases.

[0008] However, the arc extinguishing device for a circuit breaker disclosed in the aforementioned prior art and the circuit breaker including the same merely adjust the discharge direction by forming the pores formed in the exhaust plate at an angle. The aforementioned prior art fails to provide a method for preventing insulation breakdown by maintaining airtightness in the area where the arc is generated.

[0009] Korean Published Patent Document No. 10-2020-0107644 discloses a gas circuit breaker for a gas-insulated switchgear. Specifically, it discloses a gas circuit breaker for a gas-insulated switchgear that includes a foreign matter collection unit located on the lower side of an insulating housing filled with insulating gas, capable of collecting foreign matter particles discharged through a through hole. The prior art discloses the effect of preventing insulation breakdown caused by foreign matter rise by collecting foreign matter particles.

[0010] However, the gas circuit breaker of the gas-insulated switchgear disclosed in the aforementioned prior art only provides a method to prevent insulation breakdown caused by foreign substances. The aforementioned prior art fails to provide a method to prevent insulation breakdown caused by arcs.

[0011] Korean Published Patent Document No. 10-2024-0165760 (Nov. 25, 2024)

[0012] Korean Published Patent Document No. 10-2020-0107644 (September 16, 2020)

[0013] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a buckle member having a structure capable of preventing insulation breakdown caused by a generated arc, and an air circuit breaker including the same.

[0014] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a buckle member having a structure capable of preventing accidental leakage of a generated arc, and an air circuit breaker including the same.

[0015] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a buckle member having a structure capable of preventing accidental leakage of pressure generated with an arc, and an air circuit breaker including the same.

[0016] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a buckle member having a structure that can stably seal the space where an arc occurs, and an air circuit breaker including the same.

[0017] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a buckle member having a structure that can stably maintain the space where an arc is generated in a sealed state, and an air circuit breaker including the same.

[0018] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a buckle member having a structure that facilitates combination with other components, and an air breaker including the same.

[0019] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a buckle member having a structure in which a coupled state with other components can be stably maintained, and an air breaker including the same.

[0020] The problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, a buckle member is provided, comprising: a buckle body formed to have a length in a first direction and a width in a second direction; a buckle base that is continuous with one side in the height direction of the buckle body and extends in a third direction; and a sealing member that extends and at least partially surrounds the outer circumference of the buckle body and the buckle base, wherein the sealing member is in close contact with the outer circumference of the buckle body and the outer circumference of the buckle base, and with the inner circumference of a contact assembly that surrounds a contact opening into which the buckle body and the buckle base are inserted.

[0022] At this time, a buckle member may be provided, comprising: a plate-shaped buckle base body extending in the third direction and having a thickness in the first direction and a width in the second direction; and a buckle base boss portion that is continuous with the buckle body and the buckle base body, respectively, and extends along the third direction by a length shorter than that of the buckle base body.

[0023] Additionally, a buckle member may be provided such that the width of the second direction of the buckle base body is formed to be longer than the width of the second direction of the buckle body.

[0024] At this time, a buckle member may be provided, wherein the buckle base body is continuous with one end of the first direction of the buckle body, and the buckle base boss is located inside the buckle base body along the first direction.

[0025] Additionally, a buckle member may be provided, comprising: a first buckle arm that is continuous with the other side in the height direction of the buckle body and extends in the third direction; and a second buckle arm that is continuous with the other side in the height direction of the buckle body, is spaced apart from the first buckle arm along the first direction, and extends in the third direction.

[0026] At this time, a buckle member may be provided, comprising: a first buckle arm that is continuous with one end of the first direction of the buckle body; and a first buckle head that is continuous with the end of the first buckle arm and is positioned to face the buckle body with the first buckle arm in between.

[0027] Additionally, a buckle member may be provided, wherein the first buckle head is formed to have a length in the first direction, and one end of the first buckle head in the first direction is located outside the one end of the buckle body in the first direction.

[0028] At this time, a buckle member may be provided, comprising: a second buckle arm that is continuous with the other end of the first direction of the buckle body; and a second buckle head that is continuous with the end of the second buckle arm and is positioned to face the buckle body with the second buckle arm in between.

[0029] Additionally, a buckle member may be provided, wherein the second buckle head is formed to have a length in the first direction, and one end of the second buckle head in the first direction is located outside the other end of the buckle body in the first direction.

[0030] At this time, the second buckle arm may be provided with a buckle member including a buckle projection formed protruding from the outer surface of the first direction of the second buckle arm.

[0031] Additionally, a buckle member may be provided, comprising a compensation space formed between the first buckle arm and the second buckle arm along the first direction and providing a space for the second buckle arm to move inward in the first direction.

[0032] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present invention, an air breaker is provided, comprising: a housing having an arc-extinguishing space formed therein; a contact assembly movably accommodated in the arc-extinguishing space; and a buckle member inserted into the contact assembly and configured to seal the space inside the contact assembly, wherein the contact assembly comprises: a finger member movably provided; a contact cover surrounding the finger member on one side in the height direction; and a contact opening formed recessed in the contact cover to accommodate the buckle member, wherein the buckle member comprises: a buckle body formed to have a length in a first direction and a width in a second direction; and a sealing member extending to at least partially surround the outer circumference of the buckle body, wherein the sealing member is in close contact with the inner circumference of the contact cover surrounding the contact opening and the outer circumference of the buckle body, respectively.

[0033] At this time, an air circuit breaker may be provided, wherein the contact opening comprises: a first contact opening having a length in the first direction, a width in the second direction, and a height in the third direction; a second contact opening communicating with one side in the first direction of the first contact opening and having a length in the second direction and a width in the first direction; and a third contact opening located below the first contact opening, communicating with the first contact opening and the second contact opening, respectively, and having a length in the first direction, a width in the second direction, and a height in the third direction.

[0034] Additionally, the first contact opening is formed with a longer length in the first direction and a wider width in the second direction compared to the third contact opening, so that a step is formed in the portion where the first contact opening and the third contact opening are continuous, which is defined as part of the inner circumference of the contact cover, and the buckle member includes a buckle head that is seated and supported on the step, thereby providing an air breaker.

[0035] At this time, an air breaker may be provided, wherein the contact cover is located on one side surrounding the second contact opening and the third contact opening and includes a coupling protrusion that hook-fits with the buckle member, and the buckle member is formed to protrude from one side facing the coupling protrusion and includes a buckle projection that supports the lower side of the coupling protrusion.

[0036] Additionally, the buckle member may be provided with a buckle base that is continuous with one side in the height direction of the buckle body and extends in a third direction, and is received in the second contact opening and the third contact opening, respectively, and the sealing member may be provided with a breaker that extends while at least partially surrounding the outer circumference of the buckle base.

[0037] At this time, an air breaker may be provided, comprising: a buckle base body formed as a plate extending in the third direction and having a thickness in the first direction and a width in the second direction, and received in the second contact opening; and a buckle base boss portion that is continuous with the buckle body and the buckle base body, respectively, and extends along the third direction by a length shorter than that of the buckle base body and received in the third contact opening.

[0038] According to the above configuration, the buckle member according to an embodiment of the present invention and the air circuit breaker including the same can prevent insulation breakdown caused by a generated arc.

[0039] In addition, according to the above configuration, the buckle member according to the embodiment of the present invention and the circuit breaker including the same can prevent accidental leakage of the generated arc.

[0040] In addition, according to the above configuration, the buckle member according to the embodiment of the present invention and the air circuit breaker including the same can prevent any leakage of pressure generated together with the arc.

[0041] In addition, according to the above configuration, the buckle member according to the embodiment of the present invention and the air circuit breaker including the same can stably seal the space where an arc occurs.

[0042] In addition, according to the above configuration, the buckle member according to the embodiment of the present invention and the air circuit breaker including the same can stably maintain the space where the arc is generated in a sealed state.

[0043] In addition, according to the above configuration, the buckle member according to the embodiment of the present invention and the air breaker including the same can be easily combined with other configurations.

[0044] In addition, according to the above configuration, the buckle member according to the embodiment of the present invention and the air breaker including the same can stably maintain a coupled state with other configurations.

[0045] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the invention described in the detailed description or claims of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an air-circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 2 is a plan view illustrating the air breaker of Figure 1.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a contact assembly and a buckle member provided in the air-draining circuit breaker of FIG. 1.

[0049] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the contact assembly and buckle member of FIG. 3.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the contact assembly of FIG. 3.

[0051] Figure 6 is a plan view illustrating the contact assembly of Figure 5.

[0052] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of part A illustrating the contact assembly of Figure 5.

[0053] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view AA illustrating the contact assembly of FIG. 5.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the BB showing the contact assembly of FIG. 5.

[0055] FIGS. 10 and FIGS. 11 are perspective views illustrating the buckle member of FIG. 5.

[0056] FIG. 12 is a front view illustrating the buckle member of FIG. 10.

[0057] FIGS. 13 and FIGS. 14 are side views illustrating the buckle member of FIG. 10.

[0058] FIGS. 15 and FIGS. 16 are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, illustrating the joining process of the contact assembly and buckle member of FIG. 5.

[0059] FIGS. 17 and FIGS. 18 are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view DD illustrating the joining process of the contact assembly and buckle member of FIG. 5.

[0060] FIGS. 19 to 23 are a perspective view, a cross-sectional view EE, an enlarged view of part B, a cross-sectional view FF, and an enlarged view of part C illustrating the joining process of the contact assembly and buckle member of FIG. 5.

[0061] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. To clearly explain the present invention, parts unrelated to the description in the drawings have been omitted, and the same reference numerals have been used throughout the specification for identical or similar components.

[0062] The words and terms used in this specification and claims are not limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention in accordance with the principles by which the inventor defines terms and concepts to best describe his invention.

[0063] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings correspond to preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all technical ideas of the present invention; thus, various equivalents and modifications that may replace such configurations may exist at the time of filing the present invention.

[0064] In the following description, descriptions of some components may be omitted to clarify the features of the present invention.

[0065]

[0066] In the following description, the term "connection" refers to one or more members being connected to each other in a manner that allows for fluid communication. In one embodiment, the connection may be formed by members such as a conduit, a pipe, or a piping system. In the following description, the term "connection" may be used interchangeably with the meaning that one or more members are "fluidly connected" to each other.

[0067] In the following description, the term "conduction" means that one or more components are connected to each other to transmit current or electrical signals. In one embodiment, the conduction may be formed in a wired form by a conductor member, etc., or in a wireless form such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or RFID. In one embodiment, the conduction may include the meaning of "communication."

[0068] As used in the following description, the term "fluid" refers to any form of substance that flows due to an external force and whose shape or volume, etc., can be deformed. In one embodiment, the fluid may be a liquid such as water or a gas such as air.

[0069] The terms "upper side," "lower side," "left side," "right side," "front side," and "rear side" used in the following description shall be understood by referring to the coordinate system depicted throughout the attached drawings.

[0070]

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an air circuit breaker (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as an example. The air circuit breaker (10) according to the illustrated embodiment can be connected to an external power source and a load, respectively, so as to be electrically connected. The air circuit breaker (10) can allow or block the electrical connection between the external power source and the load.

[0072] The circuit breaker (10) may be provided with a configuration that allows it to be electrically connected to an external power source and a load, namely a fixed contact and a movable contact. The fixed contact is fixedly provided at a specific position, and the movable contact is provided to be movable toward the fixed contact. By moving the movable contact, the external power source and the load can be electrically connected or disconnected.

[0073] When the movable contact is separated from the fixed contact, an arc is generated by the energy of the current being conducted. The arc is a flow of electrons at high temperature and high pressure, and high heat and pressure may be generated together. In addition, if the generated arc leaks out unintentionally, there is a risk that the insulation of each component of the air circuit breaker (10) will be destroyed.

[0074] At this time, the air circuit breaker (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to seal the space where an arc is generated. Accordingly, the generated arc is extinguished as intended and discharged to the outside, but may not leak to the outside at will.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the air breaker (10) includes a housing (100), a panel (200), a contact assembly (300), and a buckle member (400).

[0076] The housing (100) forms the outer shape of the air circuit breaker (10). The housing (100) may be combined with other components of the air circuit breaker (10) to support or accommodate them. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing (100) is combined with the panel (200) and accommodates the contact assembly (300) and the buckle member (400).

[0077] A space is formed inside the housing (100). A configuration for performing the function of an air circuit breaker (10), for example, a fixed contact (not shown) or a movable contact (not shown), may be accommodated. The space of the air circuit breaker (10) is electrically connected to the outside, so that the accommodated fixed contact (not shown) and movable contact (not shown) may also be electrically connected to the outside.

[0078] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing (100) includes a housing body (110) and an arc space (120).

[0079] The housing body (110) constitutes the body of the housing (100). Other components of the housing (100) may be formed or combined in the housing body (110). In the illustrated embodiment, an arc space (120) is formed inside the housing body (110).

[0080] The housing body (110) is coupled to the panel (200). One side of the housing body (110) in the longitudinal direction, the front side in the illustrated embodiment, is coupled to the panel (200). Some components housed inside the housing body (110) may be electrically connected to the panel (200).

[0081] The housing body (110) surrounds the contact assembly (300) and the buckle member (400). Specifically, the housing body (110) is positioned to surround the contact assembly (300) and the buckle member (400) accommodated in the arc space (120). Accordingly, the contact assembly (300) and the buckle member (400) may not be arbitrarily exposed to the outside of the housing body (110).

[0082] The housing body (110) may have any shape capable of accommodating an arc space (120) within it, surrounding the contact assembly (300) and the buckle member (400), and being combined with and supporting the panel (200). In the illustrated embodiment, the housing body (110) is formed in a three-dimensional shape having a length in the front-rear direction, a width in the left-right direction, and a height in the up-down direction.

[0083] An arc space (120) is formed on one side in the longitudinal direction of the housing body (110), on the rear side in the illustrated embodiment.

[0084] The Soh space (120) is defined as a part of the space formed inside the housing body (110). The Soh space (120) is enclosed by the housing body (110), but a part is formed open. In the illustrated embodiment, one side in the height direction of the Soh space (120), i.e., the upper side, is formed open.

[0085] The Soho space (120) is positioned along one side of the housing body (110) in the longitudinal direction, in the illustrated embodiment, towards the rear side. In other words, the Soho space (120) is positioned opposite the panel (200).

[0086] The arc-extinguishing space (120) accommodates a contact assembly (300). While accommodated in the arc-extinguishing space (120), the contact assembly (300) can be electrically connected to an external power source or load. Additionally, while accommodated in the arc-extinguishing space (120), the contact assembly (300) can be moved toward a fixed contact or in a direction opposite thereto. Therefore, it can be said that the arc-extinguishing space (120) movably accommodates the contact assembly (300).

[0087] As will be described later, the contact assembly (300) is coupled with the buckle member (400). Accordingly, the arc space (120) can be said to accommodate the buckle member (400) as well.

[0088] Although not illustrated, an arc extinguishing mechanism (not illustrated) for extinguishing an arc generated in a contact assembly (300) may be disposed on one side in the height direction of the arc extinguishing space (120), i.e., the upper side. As is known, the arc extinguishing mechanism (not illustrated) may be configured to include a plurality of magnetic plates.

[0089] The arc space (120) may be of any shape capable of accommodating the contact assembly (300). In the illustrated embodiment, the arc space (120) is a polygonal prism-shaped space having a rectangular cross-section and a height in the vertical direction.

[0090] Each side in the horizontal direction of the arc extinguishing space (120), in the illustrated embodiment, the front side, rear side, left side, and right side, is enclosed by the housing body (110). One side in the height direction of the arc extinguishing space (120), in the illustrated embodiment, the upper side, is formed open so that a contact assembly (300) and a buckle member (400) coupled thereto can be accommodated. The above-described arc extinguishing mechanism (not shown) can be positioned above the contact assembly (300) and the buckle member (400).

[0091] Multiple arc spaces (120) may be formed. Each of the multiple arc spaces (120) may accommodate multiple contact assemblies (300) and buckle members (400). In the illustrated embodiment, three arc spaces (120) are provided, including a first arc space (121), a second arc space (122), and a third arc space (123).

[0092] The first arc space (121), the second arc space (122), and the third arc space (123) are spaced apart in the width direction of the housing body (110), and in the left-right direction in the illustrated embodiment. The first arc space (121), the second arc space (122), and the third arc space (123) can each accommodate the first contact assembly (301), the second contact assembly (302), and the third contact assembly (303).

[0093] The number and arrangement method of the Soho space (120) can be changed to correspond to the type of phase of the current flowing through the air circuit breaker (10) and the arrangement method of the contact assembly (300).

[0094] The panel (200) receives control information for controlling the operation of the housing (100). The panel (200) can be electrically connected to another component placed inside the housing (100). The control information input to the panel (200) is transmitted to the other component and can be utilized for the operation of the air circuit breaker (10).

[0095] Additionally, the panel (200) may receive a physical force to operate the configuration of the air circuit breaker (10). For example, any member (not shown) may be inserted into the panel (200) to be configured to engage or disengage a part of the configuration of the air circuit breaker (10).

[0096] The panel (200) is coupled to the housing (100). The panel (200) is coupled to one side in the longitudinal direction of the housing body (110), the front side in the illustrated embodiment. The panel (200) may be electrically connected or physically connected to a configuration housed inside the housing (100).

[0097] The contact assembly (300) is a configuration in which the air circuit breaker (10) is connected to an external power source or load. The contact assembly (300) is electrically connected to either the external power source or the load. The contact assembly (300) may be in contact with or disconnected from a fixed contact (not shown) that is electrically connected to the other of the external power source or the load. By contacting the contact assembly (300) with the fixed contact (not shown), the external power source or the load may be electrically connected.

[0098] The contact assembly (300) is coupled with the housing (100). Specifically, the contact assembly (300) may be accommodated in the arc-extinguishing space (120) and surrounded and supported by the housing body (110).

[0099] The contact assembly (300) is coupled with the buckle member (400). The space formed inside the contact assembly (300), that is, the space where the arc is formed, can be sealed by the buckle member (400).

[0100] At this time, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the contact assembly (300) may be configured to include a space for accommodating a buckle member (400). The buckle member (400) accommodated in the space may seal the space. A detailed description thereof will be provided later.

[0101] A plurality of contact assemblies (300) may be provided. A plurality of contact assemblies (300) may each be accommodated in a plurality of arc extinguishing spaces (120). As described above, since the contact assemblies (300) can be moved toward a fixed contact (not shown), it can be said that a plurality of contact assemblies (300) may each be movably accommodated in a plurality of arc extinguishing spaces (120).

[0102] Additionally, the internal space of a plurality of contact assemblies (300) can be sealed by a plurality of buckle members (400).

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the contact assembly (300) is provided with three contact assemblies, including a first contact assembly (301), a second contact assembly (302), and a third contact assembly (303). The first contact assembly (301), the second contact assembly (302), and the third contact assembly (303) are each accommodated in a first arc extinguishing space (121), a second arc extinguishing space (122), and a third arc extinguishing space (123), respectively, and are each coupled with a first buckle member (401), a second buckle member (402), and a third buckle member (403), respectively.

[0104] The first contact assembly (301), the second contact assembly (302), and the third contact assembly (303) each have different arc-extinguishing spaces (120) and buckle members (400) that are connected, but their structure and function are the same. Therefore, regarding the common parts below, the first contact assembly (301), the second contact assembly (302), and the third contact assembly (303) will be collectively referred to as the contact assembly (300) for description.

[0105] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 9, the contact assembly (300) includes a contact housing (310), a contact cover (320), a finger member (330), a contact member (340), a terminal (350), and a contact opening (360).

[0106] The contact housing (310) forms part of the outer shape of the contact assembly (300). The contact housing (310) may be combined with other components of the contact assembly (300) to support them. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact housing (310) is combined with and supports the contact cover (320), finger member (330), and terminal (350).

[0107] The contact housing (310) extends in the height direction of the housing body (110), in the up-and-down direction in the illustrated embodiment. One side of the contact housing (310) in the height direction, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper side, is coupled with the contact cover (320). One side of the contact housing (310) in the length direction, in the illustrated embodiment, the rear side, movably supports the finger member (330). The lower side of the said side in the length direction of the contact housing (310) supports the terminal (350).

[0108] The contact housing (310) may be of any shape capable of movably supporting other components of the contact assembly (300), particularly the finger member (330). In the illustrated embodiment, the contact housing (310) is formed to have a height in the vertical direction, a length in the front-rear direction, and a width in the left-right direction.

[0109] One side in the height direction of the contact housing (310), that is, the upper side, is combined with the contact cover (320).

[0110] The contact cover (320) constitutes another part of the external shape of the contact assembly (300). The contact cover (320) is coupled to the contact housing (310) and partially covers the finger member (330). In the illustrated embodiment, the contact cover (320) is coupled to the upper side of the contact housing (310) and configured to partially cover the finger member (330) from the upper side.

[0111] A contact opening (360) is formed inside the contact cover (320). As described later, a buckle member (400) may be inserted into the contact opening (360). As the buckle member (400) is inserted, the contact opening (360) is closed, thereby blocking communication with the outside.

[0112] Accordingly, even if an arc is generated along the moving contact member (340), the airtightness of the contact opening (360) is ensured so that the arc does not enter the contact opening (360). As a result, insulation breakdown caused by the generated arc can be prevented.

[0113] The contact cover (320) may include a portion that supports the first buckle arm (420) of the buckle member (400) inserted into the contact opening (360). That is, referring further to FIG. 21, the interior of the contact cover (320) may include a coupling protrusion (321) that supports the first buckle head (422) of the first buckle arm (420) from the lower side. Accordingly, the distance at which the buckle member (400) is inserted into the contact opening (360) may be limited.

[0114] Additionally, the coupling protrusion (321) can be hook-coupled with the buckle projection (433) of the buckle member (400). One side in the height direction of the coupling protrusion (321), the lower side in the illustrated embodiment, can support the upper surface of the buckle projection (433). Accordingly, the unauthorized withdrawal of the buckle member (400) inserted into the contact opening (360) can be prevented.

[0115] The finger member (330) is a movably provided component of the contact assembly (300). The finger member (330) can be movably supported by being coupled with the contact housing (310). The finger member (330) can be moved in a direction toward a fixed contact (not shown) and a direction opposite thereto, and in the forward and backward direction in the illustrated embodiment.

[0116] The finger member (330) is coupled with the contact cover (320). Specifically, the finger member (330) can be elastically supported on the contact cover (320) by a sealing member (not given a reference numeral) (see FIG. 8). Accordingly, the finger member (330) can be subjected to an elastic force in a direction toward the fixed contact (not shown), that is, in a direction toward the rear side.

[0117] Therefore, even when an electronic repulsion force is generated between the contact member (340) and the fixed contact (not shown), the contact state between the contact member (340) and the fixed contact (not shown) can be maintained.

[0118] The finger member (330) is coupled with the contact member (340) to conduct electricity. The finger member (330) moves together with the contact member (340). By moving, the contact member (340) may come into contact with a fixed contact (not shown) to conduct electricity, or be separated to block electricity. In the illustrated embodiment, one side in the longitudinal direction of the finger member (330), i.e., the rear side, is coupled with the contact member (340).

[0119] That is, the finger member (330) can function as a movable contact.

[0120] The finger member (330) is rotatably coupled to the contact housing (310) and may have any shape that can be coupled with the contact member (340) and moved together. In the illustrated embodiment, the finger member (330) is in the shape of a bar that extends vertically.

[0121] The contact member (340) is configured such that the contact assembly (300) comes into contact with a fixed contact (not shown). As the contact member (340) comes into contact with the fixed contact (not shown), an external power source and load can be electrically connected.

[0122] The contact member (340) is coupled with the finger member (330). In the illustrated embodiment, the contact member (340) is located on one side of the finger member (330), in the illustrated embodiment, on the rear side. The contact member (340) can be moved in the forward and backward direction together with the finger member (330).

[0123] The terminal (350) is one of the configurations in which the circuit breaker (10) is connected to an external power source or load. The terminal (350) is coupled to the housing (100) but is positioned so as to be at least partially exposed to the outside of the housing (100). A connector (not shown) that is electrically connected to an external power source or load may be coupled to the terminal (350).

[0124] The terminal (350) is coupled to the contact housing (310). The terminal (350) is coupled to and supported on one side in the longitudinal direction of the contact housing (310), and in the illustrated embodiment, on the lower side at the rear. The terminal (350) is coupled to and electrically connected to the finger member (330). The finger member (330) can be electrically connected to an external power source or load by the terminal (350).

[0125] The terminal (350) may be of any shape that is combined with and supported by the contact housing (310) and can be electrically connected to the finger member (330). In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal (350) is a cylindrical shape having a circular cross-section and a length in the front-rear direction.

[0126] The contact opening (360) is a part where the contact assembly (300) is coupled with a mechanism (not shown) provided in the air circuit breaker (10). A link member provided in the mechanism (not shown) is connected to a link (not given a reference numeral) located on the front side of the contact housing (310).

[0127] The above link (not labeled) is connected to a pin (located in the lower part of the third contact opening (363) of FIG. 8) located in the contact opening (360). Accordingly, the operation of the mechanism (not shown) can be transmitted to the contact assembly (300).

[0128] If the contact opening (360) is kept open, an arc generated in the contact member (340) may flow into the contact opening (360). In this case, there is a risk that each component of the contact cover (320) and the contact assembly (300) will be insulated by the arc.

[0129] Accordingly, a buckle member (400) is coupled to the contact opening (360). The contact opening (360) accommodates the buckle member (400). At this time, other components of the contact assembly (300) surrounding the contact opening (360) can support the buckle member (400) so that the buckle member (400) is not arbitrarily pulled out.

[0130] The contact opening (360) can be sealed by the buckle member (400). The generated arc may not be allowed to enter the contact opening (360) by the buckle member (400). Therefore, insulation breakdown of the contact assembly (300) that could occur if the generated arc enters the contact opening (360) can be prevented.

[0131] The contact opening (360) is formed inside the contact cover (320). The contact opening (360) is formed as a recess on one side in the height direction of the contact cover (320), in the illustrated embodiment, on the upper side. The contact opening (360) is positioned on one side in the width direction of the contact cover (320), off-center to the right in the illustrated embodiment.

[0132] The contact opening (360) is in communication with the outside. Specifically, one side of the contact opening (360) in the height direction, the upper side in the illustrated embodiment, is formed open and is in communication with the outside. The buckle member (400) can be inserted into the contact opening (360) through the said side, i.e., the upper side. Additionally, one side of the lower part of the contact opening (360) in the height direction, the right side in the illustrated embodiment, can be in communication with the outside (see FIG. 9).

[0133] Each part of the contact opening (360) communicating with the outside, namely the upper and lower right sides in the illustrated embodiment, can be closed by a buckle member (400). A detailed description thereof will be provided later.

[0134] The contact opening (360) may be of any shape that accommodates the buckle member (400) and can be closed by the buckle member (400). In the illustrated embodiment, the contact opening (360) is formed as a space of a three-dimensional shape having a polygonal cross-section and a height in the vertical direction.

[0135] The contact opening (360) may be divided into multiple parts. Each of the multiple parts may be connected to one another and formed to have different shapes. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact opening (360) includes a first contact opening (361), a second contact opening (362), and a third contact opening (363).

[0136] The first contact opening (361) constitutes a part of the contact opening (360). In the illustrated embodiment, the first contact opening (361) constitutes one side in the height direction of the contact opening (360), i.e., the upper side. The first contact opening (361) is a part of the contact opening (360) that communicates with the outside.

[0137] The first contact opening (361) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the buckle body (410). In the illustrated embodiment, the first contact opening (361) is formed as a polygonal prism-shaped space having a length in the left-right direction longer than the width in the front-back direction and a height in the up-down direction.

[0138] At this time, one side in the height direction of the first contact opening (361), the upper side in the illustrated embodiment, is formed open and communicates with the outside. The other side in the height direction of the first contact opening (361), the lower side in the illustrated embodiment, is formed open and communicates with the third contact opening (363).

[0139] One side in the longitudinal direction of the first contact opening (361), the right side in the illustrated embodiment, is in communication with the second contact opening (362). The second contact opening (362) may be formed extending in the width direction of the first contact opening (361), that is, in the front-rear direction, on the said side, i.e., the right side of the first contact opening (361).

[0140] At this time, the cross-sectional area in the horizontal direction of the first contact opening (361), that is, the cross-sectional area along the front-back and left-right directions, can be formed to be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the third contact opening (363).

[0141] That is, as best illustrated in FIG. 9, the first contact opening (361) is formed to have a larger cross-sectional area than the third contact opening (363), so that a step is formed in the part where the first contact opening (361) and the third contact opening (363) are connected.

[0142] The above step can support the first buckle head (422) and the second buckle head (432). Accordingly, the distance at which the buckle member (400) is inserted into the contact opening (360) may be limited.

[0143] The second contact opening (362) constitutes another part of the contact opening (360). In the illustrated embodiment, the second contact opening (362) constitutes a part of the contact opening (360) in the height direction, i.e., the upper part. The second contact opening (362) is positioned off-center to one side of the first contact opening (361) in the length direction, i.e., to the right.

[0144] The second contact opening (362) extends in the vertical direction of the first contact opening (361), in the illustrated embodiment. At this time, one side of the second contact opening (362) in the vertical direction, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper side is formed open to accommodate the buckle base (450).

[0145] The other side in the height direction of the second contact opening (362), the lower side in the illustrated embodiment, is formed open so that the lower end of the buckle base (450) can be positioned thereon. The above portion of the second contact opening (362) can also communicate with the outside of the contact housing (310).

[0146] The second contact opening (362) can accommodate the buckle base (450). The second contact opening (362) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the buckle base (450). In the illustrated embodiment, the second contact opening (362) is formed as a polygonal prism-shaped space having a length in the front-rear direction longer than the width in the left-right direction and a height in the up-down direction.

[0147] At this time, the height of the second contact opening (362) may be greater than or equal to the sum of the height of the first contact opening (361) and the height of the third contact opening (363). Additionally, the length of the second contact opening (362), i.e., the length in the front-rear direction, may exceed the length in the width direction, i.e., the length in the front-rear direction, of the first contact opening (361) or the third contact opening (363).

[0148] Accordingly, the buckle base (450) inserted into the second contact opening (362) may not move in its thickness direction, that is, in the left-right direction in the illustrated embodiment.

[0149] The third contact opening (363) constitutes the remaining part of the contact opening (360). In the illustrated embodiment, the third contact opening (363) constitutes the other side in the height direction of the contact opening (360), i.e., the lower side.

[0150] The third contact opening (363) is in communication with the first contact opening (361). One side of the third contact opening (363) in the height direction, the upper side in the illustrated embodiment, is formed open and is in communication with the other side of the first contact opening (361) in the height direction, i.e., the lower side.

[0151] The third contact opening (363) is in communication with the second contact opening (362). One side in the height direction and one side in the length direction of the third contact opening (363), the upper side and the right side in the illustrated embodiment, are formed open and are in communication with the second contact opening (362).

[0152] The third contact opening (363) can be sealed by the buckle member (400). Specifically, the third contact opening (363) can be sealed by a sealing member (460) provided on the buckle member (400). A detailed description thereof will be provided later.

[0153] The third contact opening (363) may be of any shape that partially accommodates the buckle member (400) and can be sealed by the sealing member (460). In the illustrated embodiment, the third contact opening (363) is formed as a space of a three-dimensional shape having a square cross-section and a height in the vertical direction.

[0154] At this time, as described above, the cross-sectional area of ​​the third contact opening (363) may be formed to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first contact opening (361). That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the length in the left-right direction and the width in the front-back direction of the third contact opening (363) may be formed to be shorter than the length in the left-right direction and the width in the front-back direction of the first contact opening (361).

[0155] Accordingly, as described above, a step supporting the buckle member (400) is formed in the portion where the third contact opening (363) and the first contact opening (361) are connected.

[0156] A detailed description of the process in which a buckle member (400) is inserted into a contact opening (360) and the contact opening (360) is sealed will be provided later.

[0157] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 4, an air-blocking circuit breaker (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a buckle member (400).

[0158] The buckle member (400) is coupled to the contact assembly (300) and configured to block any leakage of an arc or pressure generated inside the contact assembly (300). The buckle member (400) can be inserted into a contact opening (360) formed in the contact assembly (300) to seal the contact opening (360). Additionally, the buckle member (400) may be supported by other components of the contact assembly (300) so that it cannot be arbitrarily withdrawn from the contact opening (360).

[0159] The buckle member (400) is coupled with the housing (100). Specifically, the buckle member (400) is received in the arc-extinguishing space (120) while coupled with the contact assembly (300). The buckle member (400) can also perform the role of securing a link pin (not shown), etc., received in the housing (100).

[0160] As described above, the contact assembly (300) can be coupled to a mechanism (not shown) through a pin (not given a reference numeral) received in the contact opening (360). At this time, if the contact opening (360) is kept open, there is a risk that an arc generated from the contact member (340) will flow in and cause the contact assembly (300) to be insulated.

[0161] Accordingly, the buckle member (400) according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to seal the contact opening (360). In addition, the buckle member (400) is in close contact with the inner circumference of the contact cover (320) surrounding the contact opening (360), thereby preventing the occurrence of a gap caused by an arc or pressure.

[0162] Accordingly, insulation breakdown of the contact assembly (300) caused by an arc generated inside the circuit breaker (10) can be prevented. Furthermore, even if pressure is generated along with the arc, a gap is not formed between the buckle member (400) and the contact assembly (300), thereby preventing insulation breakdown caused by the formation of a gap.

[0163] This can be achieved by the sealing member (460) to be described later. A detailed explanation of this will be provided later.

[0164] A plurality of buckle members (400) may be provided. A plurality of buckle members (400) may each be coupled to a plurality of contact assemblies (300). In the illustrated embodiment, three buckle members (400) are provided, including a first buckle member (401), a second buckle member (402), and a third buckle member (403). The first buckle member (401), the second buckle member (402), and the third buckle member (403) are each coupled to a first contact assembly (301), a second contact assembly (302), and a third contact assembly (303).

[0165] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 14, the buckle member (400) includes a buckle body (410), a first buckle arm (420), a second buckle arm (430), a compensation space (440), a buckle base (450), and a sealing member (460).

[0166] At this time, the components of the buckle member (400) excluding the sealing member (460), namely the buckle body (410), the first buckle arm (420), the second buckle arm (430), the compensation space (440), and the buckle base (450), may be formed of a material that is hard but has a certain elasticity. When the buckle member (400) is received in the contact opening (360), the buckle member (400) is pressed by the inner surface of the contact cover (320) surrounding the contact opening (360), thereby deforming its shape and storing a restoring force.

[0167] Additionally, when the buckle member (400) is fully received, the buckle member (400) is deformed back to its original shape by the stored restoring force and can be coupled to the contact opening (360) and supported by the inner surface of the contact cover (320). Accordingly, the coupled state of the buckle member (400) and the contact opening (360) can be stably maintained.

[0168] In one embodiment, the buckle member (400) can be received in the contact opening (360) and hook-coupled with the contact cover (320).

[0169] The buckle body (410) forms part of the outer shape of the buckle member (400). The buckle body (410) is combined with other components of the buckle member (400) to support them. In the illustrated embodiment, the buckle body (410) is combined with and supports the first buckle arm (420), the second buckle arm (430), and the buckle base (450).

[0170] The buckle body (410) is combined with a sealing member (460). The outer circumference of the buckle body (410) is at least partially surrounded by the sealing member (460). As will be described later, the sealing member (460) is formed of an elastic material, so the sealing member (460) can be in close contact with the outer circumference of the buckle body (410).

[0171] The buckle body (410) may be of any shape that can be combined with the first buckle arm (420), the second buckle arm (430), and the buckle base (450) to support them and be surrounded by a sealing member (460). In the illustrated embodiment, the buckle body (410) is a three-dimensional shape having a length in the left-right direction that is longer than the width in the front-back direction and a height in the up-down direction.

[0172] The shape of the buckle body (410) can be formed to correspond to the shape of the first contact opening (361) and the third contact opening (363). At this time, the cross-sectional area of ​​the buckle body (410) can be formed to be less than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the third contact opening (363). Accordingly, the third contact opening (363) that accommodates the buckle body (410) can be sealed by a sealing member (460) coupled with the buckle body (410).

[0173] In the above embodiment, one side in the height direction of the buckle body (410), the upper side in the illustrated embodiment, is connected to and supports the first buckle arm (420) and the second buckle arm (430), respectively. Specifically, one side in the length direction of the buckle body (410), i.e., the left side, is continuous with the first buckle arm (420). The other side in the length direction of the buckle body (410), i.e., the right side, is continuous with the second buckle arm (430).

[0174] The other side in the longitudinal direction of the buckle body (410), the right side in the illustrated embodiment, is coupled with the buckle base (450). At this time, the width of the buckle body (410), that is, the length in the front-rear direction, may be formed to be shorter than the length of the buckle base (450).

[0175] The first buckle arm (420) constitutes another part of the outer shape of the buckle member (400). The first buckle arm (420) can be coupled to and supported by the buckle body (410). In the illustrated embodiment, the first buckle arm (420) is coupled to one side in the height direction of the buckle body (410), namely the upper left side.

[0176] The first buckle arm (420) extends in the height direction of the buckle body (410), and in the illustrated embodiment, in the vertical direction. One part of the first buckle arm (420) is received in the first contact opening (361), and the other part is received in the third contact opening (363). The said part of the first buckle arm (420) may be supported by a step formed in the continuous portion of the first contact opening (361) and the third contact opening (363).

[0177] The first buckle arm (420) is positioned adjacent to the second buckle arm (430). The first buckle arm (420) is positioned facing the second buckle arm (430) along the longitudinal direction of the buckle body (410), in the illustrated embodiment, with the compensation space (440) in between. The first buckle arm (420) partially surrounds the compensation space (440). In the illustrated embodiment, the first buckle arm (420) surrounds the compensation space (440) on one side in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the left side.

[0178] One side of the first buckle arm (420) in the height direction, the upper side in the illustrated embodiment, is located at the first contact opening (361). The other side of the first buckle arm (420) in the height direction, the lower side in the illustrated embodiment, is located at the third contact opening (363) and is continuous with the buckle body (410).

[0179] In the illustrated embodiment, the first buckle arm (420) includes a first buckle arm body (421) and a first buckle head (422).

[0180] The first buckle arm body (421) constitutes a part of the first buckle arm (420). The first buckle arm body (421) is the part of the first buckle arm (420) that is received in the third contact opening (363). One side of the first buckle arm body (421), the left side in the illustrated embodiment, is positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the contact cover (320) surrounding the third contact opening (363).

[0181] The first buckle arm body (421) is continuous with the buckle body (410). The first buckle arm body (421) is continuous with one side in the height direction of the buckle body (410), the upper side in the illustrated embodiment. The first buckle arm body (421) extends in the height direction of the buckle body (410), the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment.

[0182] The first buckle arm body (421) is continuous with the first buckle head (422). One side in the height direction of the first buckle arm body (421), the upper end in the illustrated embodiment, is joined to and supports the first buckle head (422). At this time, the outer side in the length direction of the first buckle arm body (421), the left end in the illustrated embodiment, may be located relatively inward compared to the left end of the first buckle head (422).

[0183] The first buckle head (422) constitutes another part of the first buckle arm (420). The first buckle head (422) is the part of the first buckle arm (420) that is received in the first contact opening (361). The first buckle head (422) may be supported by a step formed in the part where the first contact opening (361) and the third contact opening (363) communicate.

[0184] The first buckle head (422) may be formed to have a wider cross-sectional area than the first buckle arm body (421). In the illustrated embodiment, the first buckle head (422) has a three-dimensional shape in which the length in the left-right direction is longer than the width in the front-back direction and the height in the up-down direction is greater.

[0185] At this time, one side in the longitudinal direction of the first buckle head (422), the left end in the illustrated embodiment, may be located outward from the left side of the first buckle arm body (421). In other words, the first buckle head (422) is formed to protrude further toward the left than the first buckle arm body (421).

[0186] Accordingly, the left end of the first buckle head (422) can be supported by a step formed in the portion where the first contact opening (361) and the third contact opening (363) are connected.

[0187] The second buckle arm (430) forms another part of the outer shape of the buckle member (400). The second buckle arm (430) can be coupled to and supported by the buckle body (410). In the illustrated embodiment, the second buckle arm (430) is coupled to the upper right side of the buckle body (410) in the height direction.

[0188] The second buckle arm (430) extends in the height direction of the buckle body (410), and in the illustrated embodiment, in the vertical direction. One part of the second buckle arm (430) is received in the first contact opening (361), and the other part is received in the third contact opening (363). The said part of the second buckle arm (430) may be supported by a step formed in the continuous portion of the first contact opening (361) and the third contact opening (363).

[0189] The second buckle arm (430) is positioned adjacent to the first buckle arm (420). The second buckle arm (430) is positioned facing the first buckle arm (420) along the longitudinal direction of the buckle body (410), in the illustrated embodiment, with the compensation space (440) in between. The second buckle arm (430) partially surrounds the compensation space (440). In the illustrated embodiment, the second buckle arm (430) surrounds the compensation space (440) on the other side in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the right side.

[0190] One side of the second buckle arm (430) in the height direction, the upper side in the illustrated embodiment, is located at the first contact opening (361). The other side of the second buckle arm (430) in the height direction, the lower side in the illustrated embodiment, is located at the third contact opening (363) and is continuous with the buckle body (410).

[0191] In the illustrated embodiment, the second buckle arm (430) includes a second buckle arm body (431), a second buckle head (432), and a buckle projection (433).

[0192] The second buckle arm body (431) constitutes a part of the second buckle arm (430). The second buckle arm body (431) is the part of the second buckle arm (430) that is received in the third contact opening (363). One side of the second buckle arm body (431), the right side in the illustrated embodiment, is positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the contact cover (320) surrounding the third contact opening (363).

[0193] The second buckle arm body (431) is continuous with the buckle body (410). The second buckle arm body (431) is continuous with one side in the height direction of the buckle body (410), the upper side in the illustrated embodiment. The second buckle arm body (431) extends in the height direction of the buckle body (410), the up-and-down direction in the illustrated embodiment.

[0194] The second buckle arm body (431) is continuous with the second buckle head (432). One side in the height direction of the second buckle arm body (431), the upper end in the illustrated embodiment, is joined to and supports the second buckle head (432). At this time, the outer side in the length direction of the second buckle arm body (431), the right end in the illustrated embodiment, may be located relatively inward compared to the right end of the second buckle head (432).

[0195] Additionally, the outer side in the longitudinal direction of the second buckle arm body (431), the right end in the illustrated embodiment, may be located relatively inward compared to the right end of the buckle projection (433).

[0196] The second buckle head (432) constitutes another part of the second buckle arm (430). The second buckle head (432) is the part of the second buckle arm (430) that is received in the first contact opening (361). The second buckle head (432) may be supported by a step formed in the part where the first contact opening (361) and the third contact opening (363) communicate.

[0197] The second buckle head (432) may be formed to have a wider cross-sectional area than the second buckle arm body (431). In the illustrated embodiment, the second buckle head (432) has a three-dimensional shape in which the length in the left-right direction is longer than the width in the front-back direction and the height in the up-down direction is greater.

[0198] At this time, one side in the longitudinal direction of the second buckle head (432), the right end in the illustrated embodiment, may be located outward from the right side of the second buckle arm body (431). In other words, the second buckle head (432) is formed to protrude further toward the right than the second buckle arm body (431).

[0199] Accordingly, the left end of the second buckle head (432) can be supported by a step, i.e., a connecting protrusion (321), formed in the portion where the first contact opening (361) and the third contact opening (363) are connected.

[0200] The buckle projection (433) is the part where the buckle member (400) is hook-coupled with the contact cover (320). The buckle projection (433) is hook-coupled and supported with the lower side of the coupling protrusion (321). Accordingly, the buckle member (400) received in the contact opening (360) may not be arbitrarily withdrawn.

[0201] The buckle projection (433) is continuous with the second buckle arm body (431). The buckle projection (433) is formed to protrude outward from the right side in the longitudinal direction of the second buckle arm body (431). The outer end of the buckle projection (433) is located further outward than the right side of the second buckle arm body (431).

[0202] The buckle projection (433) may be composed of a plurality of parts. In the illustrated embodiment, the buckle projection (433) is composed of a first part extending horizontally outward and a second part that is continuous with the first part and extends downward at an angle toward the second buckle arm body (431).

[0203] In other words, the buckle projection (433) is formed such that its horizontal cross-section decreases from the upper side to the lower side.

[0204] Accordingly, when the buckle member (400) is inserted into the contact opening (360), the buckle projection (433) can be pressed inward together with the second buckle arm body (431) and the second part of the buckle projection comes into contact with the inner surface of the coupling projection (321). When the buckle member (400) is inserted to a sufficient depth, the buckle projection (433) can be supported by the coupling projection (321) and the first part of the buckle projection (433) is drawn inward to the lower side of the coupling projection (321).

[0205] A detailed explanation of the above process will be provided later.

[0206] The compensation space (440) provides a space for a portion of the buckle member (400) to be elastically deformed when the buckle member (400) is received in the contact opening (360). The compensation space (440) is defined by being surrounded by the buckle body (410), the first buckle arm (420), and the second buckle arm (430).

[0207] In the illustrated embodiment, one side in the height direction of the compensation space (440), i.e., the lower side, is surrounded by the buckle body (410). Each side in the length direction of the compensation space (440), the left and right sides in the illustrated embodiment, is surrounded by the first buckle arm (420) and the second buckle arm (430), respectively.

[0208] The compensation space (440) may provide a space for a part of the buckle member (400), in particular the second buckle arm (430), to move when elastically deformed. That is, as described below, when the buckle member (400) is inserted into the contact opening (360), the buckle projection (433) comes into contact with the inner surface of the contact cover (320) and is pressed.

[0209] Accordingly, the buckle projection (433) and the second buckle arm body (431) coupled thereto are deformed in shape toward the first buckle arm (420), to the left in the illustrated embodiment. At this time, the compensation space (440) can provide space for the second buckle arm body (431) to be deformed to the left.

[0210] The buckle base (450) constitutes another part of the outer shape of the buckle member (400). The buckle base (450) is the part into which the buckle member (400) is inserted into the second contact opening (362). The buckle base (450) is inserted into the second contact opening (362) to close the second contact opening (362), thereby sealing the contact opening (360) along the horizontal direction.

[0211] The buckle base (450) is coupled to the buckle body (410). The buckle base (450) is continuous with one side in the height direction of the buckle body (410), in the illustrated embodiment, the lower side. The buckle base (450) is located on one side in the length direction of the buckle body (410), in the illustrated embodiment, the right side, and is positioned to face the second buckle arm (430) with the buckle body (410) in between.

[0212] The buckle base (450) is combined with a sealing member (460). A portion of the outer circumference of the buckle base (450), the upper portion in the illustrated embodiment, may be surrounded by the sealing member (460).

[0213] In the illustrated embodiment, the buckle base (450) includes a buckle base body (451) and a buckle base boss (452).

[0214] The buckle base body (451) constitutes a part of the buckle base (450). The buckle base body (451) is a part of the buckle base (450) that is inserted into the second contact opening (362). The buckle base body (451) is configured to close the second contact opening (362).

[0215] The buckle base body (451) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the second contact opening (362). In the illustrated embodiment, the buckle base body (451) is formed as a plate having a height in the vertical direction, a length in the front-back direction, and a thickness in the left-right direction.

[0216] At this time, the length in the front-rear direction of the buckle base body (451) may be less than or equal to the length in the front-rear direction of the second contact opening (362). Additionally, the thickness in the left-right direction of the buckle base body (451) may be less than or equal to the thickness in the left-right direction of the second contact opening (362).

[0217] The buckle base boss portion (452) constitutes another part of the buckle base (450). The buckle base boss portion (452) is the part of the buckle base (450) that is received in the third contact opening (363). The buckle base boss portion (452) is continuous with the inner side of the buckle base body (451), the left side in the illustrated embodiment.

[0218] The buckle base boss (452) is continuous with the buckle body (410). One side of the buckle base boss (452) in the height direction, the upper side in the illustrated embodiment, is continuous with the lower end of the buckle body (410).

[0219] The buckle base boss (452) is continuous with the buckle base body (451) and the buckle body (410), respectively, and may have any shape that can be received in the third contact opening (363). In the illustrated embodiment, the buckle base boss (452) has a square cross-section and a vertical height, and is a three-dimensional shape.

[0220] The sealing member (460) surrounds at least partially the outer circumference of the buckle body (410) and the buckle base (450). The sealing member (460) is positioned between the outer circumference of the buckle body (410) and the buckle base (450) and the inner circumference of the contact cover (320) (i.e., the inner circumference surrounding the third contact opening (363)). The sealing member (460) is closely coupled to the outer circumference of the buckle body (410) and the buckle base (450) and the inner circumference of the contact cover (320), respectively.

[0221] Accordingly, the sealing member (460) can seal the third contact opening (363) to block communication with the outside. Therefore, even if an arc and pressure are generated in the arc extinguishing space (120), the combined state of the buckle member (400) and the contact cover (320) can be stably maintained.

[0222] The sealing member (460) may be formed from a material having a predetermined elasticity. The sealing member (460) may be shaped and, while storing a restoring force, may be in close contact with the buckle body (410), the buckle base (450), and the contact cover (320), respectively. Accordingly, the third contact opening (363) can be stably sealed.

[0223] In one embodiment, the sealing member (460) may be formed of rubber or silicone material.

[0224] The sealing member (460) may be positioned at any location capable of sealing the third contact opening (363). In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing member (460) may be positioned at a point adjacent to the upper end of the buckle body (410) and the buckle base (450) to seal the lower portion of the third contact opening (363) (see FIG. 21).

[0225] The sealing member (460) can be manufactured in any shape that surrounds the outer circumference of the buckle body (410) and the buckle base (450) and can be combined with the buckle body (410) and the buckle base (450). In one embodiment, the sealing member (460) can be manufactured in the form of two-material injection molding, two-color injection molding, or insert injection molding.

[0226] A detailed description of the process of sealing the third contact opening (363) by the sealing member (460) will be provided later.

[0227]

[0228] Referring to FIGS. 15 to 23, a process in which a buckle member (400) provided in an air-circuit breaker (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention is coupled with a contact assembly (300) and the internal space of the contact assembly (300) is sealed is illustrated as an example.

[0229] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the buckle member (400) is moved downward toward the contact opening (360). Since the contact opening (360) is formed with one side in its height direction, the upper side in the illustrated embodiment, it will be understood that the buckle member (400) is inserted into the contact opening (360) through the first contact opening (361).

[0230] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, a state in which the buckle member (400) is partially inserted into the contact opening (360) is illustrated as an example.

[0231] In the above state, the buckle body (410), the first buckle arm (420), the second buckle arm (430), the compensation space (440), and the sealing member (460) pass through the first contact opening (361) and enter the third contact opening (363). Additionally, the buckle base body (451) of the buckle base (450) is inserted into the second contact opening (362).

[0232] Referring to FIGS. 19 to 21, an example is shown in which the buckle member (400) is fully inserted into the contact opening (360).

[0233] In the above state, the buckle body (410) and the buckle base (450) are received in the third contact opening (363). The sealing member (460) surrounding the outer circumference of the buckle body (410) and the buckle base (450) is in close contact with the inner circumference of the contact cover (320) surrounding the third contact opening (363). Accordingly, the third contact opening (363) can be sealed so that communication with the outside is blocked. Additionally, the buckle base body (451) is inserted into the second contact opening (362) to seal it.

[0234] The first buckle arm body (421) is supported by a step formed on the left side of the portion of the coupling protrusion (321) where the first contact opening (361) and the third contact opening (363) are continuous. Additionally, the second buckle arm body (431) is supported by the upper side of the coupling protrusion (321).

[0235] At this time, the second buckle projection (433) is pressed by the inner surface, i.e., the left side, of the coupling protrusion (321) and inserted into the third contact opening (363) in a state where it is deformed to the left together with the second buckle arm body (431). When the insertion of the buckle member (400) is completed, the second buckle arm body (431) is restored to its original shape and the second buckle projection (433) is moved to the lower side of the coupling protrusion (321).

[0236] At this time, the second buckle projection (433) has a horizontally extended portion located below the coupling protrusion (321), so the second buckle projection (433) can be hook-coupled with the coupling protrusion (321).

[0237] Therefore, unless any external force, specifically an external force that presses the second buckle arm body (431) to the left, is applied, the combined state of the buckle member (400) and the contact cover (320) can be stably maintained.

[0238] Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, the state in which the third contact opening (363) is sealed by the sealing member (460) is illustrated as an example.

[0239] That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the sealing member (460) is in close contact with the outer circumference of the buckle body (410) and the buckle base (450), and with the inner circumference of the contact cover (320) surrounding the third contact opening (363), respectively. Additionally, the buckle base (450) is inserted into the second contact opening (362).

[0240] Accordingly, the second contact opening (362) and the third contact opening (363) are both sealed, so that communication with the outside can be blocked. Accordingly, the arc generated in the contact member (340) is prevented from proceeding to the contact opening (360), thereby preventing insulation breakdown of the contact assembly (300) caused by the arc.

[0241]

[0242] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented in this specification. Those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention may easily propose other embodiments within the scope of the same spirit by adding, changing, deleting, or adding components, and such embodiments shall also be considered to fall within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

[0243] 10: Air circuit breaker 100: Housing

[0244] 110: Housing body 120: SOHO space

[0245] 121: The 1st Soho Space 122: The 2nd Soho Space

[0246] 123: The 3rd Soho Space 200: Panel

[0247] 300: Contact assembly 301: First contact assembly

[0248] 302: Second contact assembly 303: Third contact assembly

[0249] 310: Contact housing 320: Contact cover

[0250] 321: Connecting protrusion 330: Finger member

[0251] 340: Contact absence 350: Terminal

[0252] 360: Contact opening 361: First contact opening

[0253] 362: Second contact opening 363: Third contact opening

[0254] 400: Buckle part 401: First buckle part

[0255] 402: Second buckle missing 403: Third buckle missing

[0256] 410: Buckle body 420: First buckle arm

[0257] 421: First buckle arm body 422: First buckle head

[0258] 430: Second buckle arm 431: Second buckle arm body

[0259] 432: Second buckle head 433: Buckle projection

[0260] 440: Reward Space 450: Buckle Base

[0261] 451: Buckle base body 452: Buckle base boss

[0262] 460: Sealing member

Claims

1. A buckle body formed to have a length in a first direction and a width in a second direction; A buckle base that is continuous with one side in the height direction of the buckle body and extends in a third direction; and It includes a sealing member that extends and at least partially surrounds the outer circumference of the buckle body and the buckle base, and The sealing member above is, The outer circumference of the buckle body and the outer circumference of the buckle base, and the inner circumference of the contact assembly surrounding the contact opening into which the buckle body and the buckle base are inserted, respectively, are in close contact with each other. Buckle missing.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above buckle base is, A plate-shaped buckle base body extending in the third direction and having a thickness in the first direction and a width in the second direction; and A buckle base boss portion that is continuous with the buckle body and the buckle base body, respectively, and extends along the third direction by a length shorter than that of the buckle base body. Buckle missing.

3. In Paragraph 2, The width of the second direction of the buckle base body is, formed to be longer than the width of the second direction of the buckle body, Buckle missing.

4. In Paragraph 2, The buckle base body is continuous with one end of the first direction of the buckle body, and The buckle base boss portion is located on the inner side of the buckle base body along the first direction. Buckle missing.

5. In Paragraph 1, A first buckle arm that is continuous with the other side in the height direction of the buckle body and extends in the third direction; and A second buckle arm that is continuous with the other side in the height direction of the buckle body, spaced apart from the first buckle arm along the first direction, and extends in the third direction. Buckle missing.

6. In Paragraph 5, The first buckle arm above is, A first buckle arm continuous with one end of the first direction of the buckle body; and A first buckle head that is continuous with the end of the first buckle arm and is positioned to face the buckle body with the first buckle arm in between, Buckle missing.

7. In Paragraph 6, The first buckle head is formed to have a length in the first direction, and One end of the first buckle head in the first direction is located outside the one end of the first direction of the buckle body. Buckle missing.

8. In Paragraph 5, The above second buckle arm is, A second buckle arm continuous with the other end of the first direction of the buckle body; A second buckle head that is continuous with the end of the second buckle arm and is positioned to face the buckle body with the second buckle arm in between. Buckle missing.

9. In Paragraph 8, The second buckle head is formed to have a length in the first direction, and One end of the second buckle head in the first direction is located outside the other end of the buckle body in the first direction. Buckle missing.

10. In Paragraph 8, The above second buckle arm is, A buckle projection formed protruding from the outer surface of the first direction of the second buckle arm, Buckle missing.

11. In Paragraph 5, Compensation space formed between the first buckle arm and the second buckle arm along the first direction and providing a space in which the second buckle arm moves inward in the first direction. Buckle missing.

12. Housing with an internal Soho space formed; A contact assembly movably accommodated in the above Soho space; and It includes a buckle member inserted into the contact assembly and configured to seal the space inside the contact assembly, and The above contact assembly is, A finger member movably provided; A contact cover surrounding the finger member on one side in the height direction; and It includes a contact opening formed by being recessed in the contact cover to accommodate the buckle member, and The above buckle member is, A buckle body formed to have a length in a first direction and a width in a second direction; and It includes a sealing member that extends and at least partially surrounds the outer circumference of the buckle body, and The sealing member above is, The inner circumference of the contact cover surrounding the contact opening and the outer circumference of the buckle body, respectively, are in close contact with each other. Crane circuit breaker.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above contact opening is, A first contact opening having a length in the first direction, a width in the second direction, and a height in the third direction; A second contact opening communicating with one side of the first direction of the first contact opening and having a length in the second direction and a width in the first direction; and A third contact opening located below the first contact opening, communicating with the first contact opening and the second contact opening, respectively, and having a length in the first direction, a width in the second direction, and a height in the third direction. Crane circuit breaker.

14. In Paragraph 13, The first contact opening is formed with a longer length in the first direction and a wider width in the second direction compared to the third contact opening, and a step is formed in the portion where the first contact opening and the third contact opening are continuous, which is defined as part of the inner circumference of the contact cover. The above buckle member is, A buckle head including a buckle head that is seated and supported on the above step, Crane circuit breaker.

15. In Paragraph 13, The above contact cover is, It includes a coupling protrusion located on one side surrounding the second contact opening and the third contact opening, and hook-fitting with the buckle member. The above buckle member is, A buckle projection formed protruding from one side toward the aforementioned coupling protrusion and supporting the lower side of the aforementioned coupling protrusion, Crane circuit breaker.

16. In Paragraph 13, The above buckle member is, It includes a buckle base that is continuous with one side in the height direction of the buckle body, extends in a third direction, and is received in the second contact opening and the third contact opening, respectively. The sealing member above is, Extending and at least partially surrounding the outer circumference of the above-mentioned buckle base, Crane circuit breaker.

17. In Paragraph 16, The above buckle base is, A buckle base body extending in the third direction and formed as a plate having a thickness in the first direction and a width in the second direction, and received in the second contact opening; and A buckle base boss portion that is continuous with the buckle body and the buckle base body, respectively, and extends along the third direction by a length shorter than that of the buckle base body and is received in the third contact opening. Crane circuit breaker.

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