Crossbar assembly and trip assembly comprising same

Abstract

A crossbar assembly for a trip assembly, according to the present invention, may comprise a crossbar, an instant bar, and at least one support part. The crossbar can be rotatably supported by means of a rotary shaft. The instant bar can be an arc-shaped member which extends in the axial direction of the crossbar, and which is disposed to encompass the lower portion of the circumference of the crossbar. The at least one support part can have an arc-shaped loading surface on which the bottom surface of the instant bar is loaded. The at least one support part can support the instant bar so as to be rotatable about the rotary shaft of the crossbar by the sliding of the instant bar along the loading surface. In addition, the trip assembly including the described crossbar assembly can also be provided.

Description

Crossbar assembly and trip device including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to an instantaneous trip device for a circuit breaker, and more specifically, to a crossbar assembly configured such that a crossbar and an instant bar rotate on the same, and a trip device including the same.

[0002] Generally, a Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) is an electrical device that protects circuits and loads by automatically interrupting the circuit in the event of an electrical overload or short circuit. MCCBs are commonly used in low-voltage systems.

[0003] A circuit breaker is largely composed of a terminal section that can be connected to the power source or the load side, a contact section including a fixed contact and a movable contact that contacts or separates the circuit to connect or disconnect the circuit, a switching mechanism that moves the movable contact to provide power necessary for opening or closing the circuit, a trip assembly that detects an overcurrent or short-circuit current flowing in the circuit and induces a trip operation of the switching mechanism, and an arc extinguishing section for extinguishing an arc generated when interrupting an abnormal current.

[0004] Fault currents can be classified in various ways. Generally, a current exceeding 130% of the rated current is called an overcurrent, and a sudden current exceeding 10 times the rated current is called an instantaneous current. Additionally, a sudden large current including instantaneous current is called a short-circuit current.

[0005] The tripping device included in the circuit breaker is configured to handle both overcurrent and instantaneous current.

[0006] In the overcurrent region, a method of tripping the circuit breaker using a bimetal element is typically used, and in the case of instantaneous current, a method is used in which a conductor is placed between a magnet and an armature, and when a current greater than the set current flows through the conductor, a magnetic path is formed, causing the armature to be attracted to the magnet and trip the circuit breaker.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a tripping device for a circuit breaker according to the prior art.

[0008] A tripping device is typically provided on the load side of a circuit breaker. The tripping device (10) may include a heater member (11) that conducts current between a fixed contact of the circuit breaker and the load, a bimetal (12) coupled to the heater member (11) to detect heat and bend according to the amount of heat, an electromagnet (13) and an armature (14) installed around the heater member (11), a crossbar (15) installed to rotate by contact with the bimetal (12) or the armature (14), and a shooter (16) that is restrained or released by the rotation of the crossbar (15) to operate an opening and closing mechanism. The armature (14) is maintained in a state separated from the electromagnet by an elastic member (17), such as a coil spring.

[0009] Typically, when a small current is delayed, the heat generated in the heater member (11) causes the bimetal (12) to bend and push the crossbar (15), thereby causing the crossbar (15) to rotate and release the shooter (16), and the opening / closing mechanism is operated accordingly. When a large current is instantaneous, the magnetic force energized by the electromagnet (13) causes the armature (14) to overcome the elastic force of the elastic member (17) and be attracted to the electromagnet (13), thereby rotating the crossbar (15), the shooter (16) is released and the opening / closing mechanism is operated.

[0010] Meanwhile, the trip device (10) can be configured to set the magnitude of the instantaneous current at which the shooter (16) can be released when the instantaneous current is cut off.

[0011] To this end, an instant bar (18) may be positioned parallel to the crossbar (15). The instant bar (18) may be equipped with a support arm (18a) and an adjustment arm (18b).

[0012] The support arm (18a) contacts the back surface of the armature (14) and supports the armature (14). The adjustment arm (18b) adjusts the rotation angle of the instant bar (18) by pivoting by an instant dial not shown.

[0013] When the angle position of the instant bar (18) is adjusted by rotating the instant dial, the support arm (18a) of the instant bar (18) that supports the back of the armature (14) rotates, causing the armature (14) to move closer to the electromagnet (13) or the armature (14) to move away from the electromagnet (13).

[0014] If the armature (14) is located close to the electromagnet (13), it can be attracted to the electromagnet (13) even by the magnetic force generated by a small instantaneous current. Conversely, if the armature (14) is far from the electromagnet (13), a larger magnetic force must be generated in the electromagnet (13) to overcome the elasticity of the elastic member (17) and attract the armature (14). In other words, a larger instantaneous current is required.

[0015] In this way, by changing the distance between the electromagnet (13) and the armature (14) using the instant bar (18), the magnitude of the instantaneous current that triggers the trip operation to release the shooter (16) can be adjusted.

[0016] In the conventional trip device (10) as described above, the crossbar (15) and the instant bar (18) are arranged to rotate on separate rotation axes. Accordingly, space is required for each of the crossbar (15) and the instant bar (18) to rotate, and there is a disadvantage that the overall size of the trip device (10) increases.

[0017] Korean Patent No. 10-2271519 (published May 26, 2021, Patent Document 1) discloses a crossbar assembly in which a crossbar and an instant bar are rotatably coupled coaxially. The crossbar assembly of Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which the instant bar acts as the rotation axis of the crossbar by inserting the instant bar into the interior of the crossbar. Accordingly, the overall size of the trip device can be reduced compared to the illustrated trip device (10).

[0018] However, in the crossbar assembly of Patent Document 1, the instant bar acts as the axis of rotation of the crossbar, so the instant bar and the crossbar may be twisted by the force applied to each other as the instant bar and the crossbar rotate relative to each other. Such twisting of the instant bar and the crossbar may cause operational failures such as malfunction or non-operation of the instant bar and the crossbar.

[0019] In addition, the crossbar assembly of Patent Document 1 has a complex shape to enable the crossbar and instant bar to perform overcurrent interruption and instantaneous current interruption without interfering with each other's rotation. As a result, the process of assembling and disassembling the crossbar and instant bar is complex and difficult.

[0020] Meanwhile, the trip device of the illustrated example and Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the assembly work is difficult and assembly defects may occur during this process because, when assembling the cover of the trip device to the case during the production process of the trip device or during the assembly process after disassembly for maintenance, the position of the pre-assembled instant bar must be aligned with the instant dial while rotating it from the outside of the case.

[0021] The objective of the present invention, devised to solve the problems of the prior art mentioned above, is to provide a crossbar assembly with a structure capable of reducing the space occupied within a trip device.

[0022] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a crossbar assembly with a structure that rotates coaxially without causing operational failure.

[0023] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a crossbar assembly that is easy to assemble due to its simple structure.

[0024] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a crossbar assembly that facilitates assembly and prevents assembly defects by eliminating the need to adjust the position of the instant dial of the instant bar during the assembly process of the trip device.

[0025] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a trip device having a structure that reduces size.

[0026] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a trip device with a structure capable of preventing failure of trip operation.

[0027] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a trip device with a structure that can resolve the difficulties of assembly work caused by instant bars.

[0028] To achieve this purpose, a crossbar assembly for a tripping device may be provided, comprising a crossbar, an instant bar, and at least one support member. The crossbar may be rotatably supported by a rotation axis. The instant bar may be an arc-shaped member that extends in the axial direction of the crossbar and is positioned to wrap around the lower circumference of the crossbar. At least one support member may have an arc-shaped seating surface on which the bottom surface of the instant bar is seated. At least one support member may support the instant bar so that it can rotate about the rotation axis of the crossbar by the instant bar sliding along the seating surface.

[0029] In one embodiment, the angle of the arc of the instant bar may be 180 degrees or less, and the angle of the arc of the seating surface of at least one support may be 180 degrees or less.

[0030] In one embodiment, the instant bar may be spaced apart from the lower circumference of the crossbar.

[0031] In one embodiment, at least one support member may include a plurality of support members spaced apart along the axial direction.

[0032] In one embodiment, the crossbar may include at least one trigger arm extending downward, and the instant bar may have a trigger arm through hole formed to have a circumferential width that allows circumferential movement of the trigger arm while passing through the trigger arm.

[0033] In one embodiment, the crossbar may be movable axially along the axis of rotation.

[0034] Additionally, a trip device comprising a case, a crossbar assembly, and a shooter may be provided. The case may define an internal space. The shooter may be installed operablely by the crossbar assembly. The crossbar assembly may be installed in the internal space of the case and may include a crossbar, an instant bar, and at least one support member. The crossbar may be rotatably supported by a rotation axis installed across both side walls of the case and may include a shooter restraint member that restrains or releases the shooter. The instant bar may be an arc-shaped member that extends in the axial direction of the crossbar and is positioned to wrap around the lower circumference of the crossbar. At least one support member may have an arc-shaped seating surface on which the bottom surface of the instant bar rests. At least one support member may support the instant bar so that it can rotate about the rotation axis of the crossbar by sliding the instant bar along the seating surface.

[0035] In one embodiment, the angle of the arc of the instant bar may be 180 degrees or less, and the angle of the arc of the seating surface of at least one support may be 180 degrees or less.

[0036] In one embodiment, the instant bar may be spaced apart from the lower circumference of the crossbar.

[0037] In one embodiment, the case may include at least one partition wall arranged parallel to both side walls to divide the internal space of the case into a plurality of spaces, and at least one support member may be integrally formed with at least one partition wall.

[0038] In one embodiment, at least one support member may be formed on the upper surface of at least one bulkhead of the case.

[0039] In one embodiment, the trip device may further include at least one heater member that electrically connects the internal space and the outside of the case; at least one electromagnet that is magnetized by an electromagnetic field generated from the heater member; at least one armature positioned spaced apart from the electromagnet and attracted to the electromagnet by magnetic force; at least one elastic member that elastically supports the armature at a position spaced apart from the electromagnet; and at least one bimetal that is bent by heat generated from the heater member. The crossbar may be equipped with at least one instantaneous current trigger arm that contacts the armature attracted to the electromagnet and rotates the crossbar to release the shooter restraint, and at least one overcurrent trigger arm that contacts the bimetal by bending the bimetal by the heat of the heater member and rotates the crossbar to release the shooter restraint.

[0040] In one embodiment, at least one instantaneous current trigger arm can penetrate the instant bar and extend downward from the instant bar, and the instant bar may have a trigger arm penetration hole formed to have a circumferential width that allows circumferential movement of the instantaneous current trigger arm while passing through the instantaneous current trigger arm.

[0041] In one embodiment, the trip device may further include an instantaneous current adjustment unit for adjusting the distance to the electromagnet of the armature. The instantaneous current adjustment unit may include an instantaneous current adjustment arm extending from the instant bar in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction; an instant dial for adjusting the angular position centered on the rotation axis of the instant bar by pressing the instantaneous current adjustment arm; and at least one armature support arm extending from the instant bar to contact the armature and support the armature. The distance to the electromagnet of the armature supported by the armature support arm can be adjusted by adjusting the angular position of the instant bar by the instant dial.

[0042] In one embodiment, the case includes a cover that covers an open top surface, and the instant bar may include a position fixing arm that extends from the instant bar and contacts one side inside the case to maintain the instant bar's initial angle position. The position fixing arm may be configured not to interfere with the angle position adjustment of the instant bar by the instant current adjustment unit.

[0043] In one embodiment, at least one bulkhead may include a pair of opposing side plates and a front plate and a rear plate that connect the pair of side plates and define a hollow together with the pair of side plates, and a positioning arm may extend from an instant bar to contact the rear plate within the hollow of one of the at least one bulkhead.

[0044] In one embodiment, the trip device may further include an overcurrent adjustment unit for adjusting the distance between the bimetal and the overcurrent trigger arm. The overcurrent adjustment unit may include an overcurrent adjustment arm extending from the crossbar in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction; a crossbar dial for adjusting the axial position on the axis of rotation of the crossbar by pressing the overcurrent adjustment arm; and an inclined surface of the bimetal configured to be inclined along the axial direction and facing the crossbar. By adjusting the position on the axis of rotation of the crossbar by the crossbar dial, the position of the inclined surface of the bimetal in contact with the overcurrent trigger arm can be adjusted.

[0045] According to a crossbar assembly and a trip device including the same according to one embodiment of the present invention, the crossbar and the instant bar are configured to rotate coaxially. Accordingly, the space occupied by the crossbar assembly within the trip device can be reduced, and furthermore, the overall size of the trip device can be reduced.

[0046] In addition, the crossbar and instant bar rotate coaxially, but the crossbar is rotatably supported on the rotation axis and the instant bar is rotatably supported on the support member. Accordingly, the crossbar and instant bar rotate independently of each other, preventing interference between them and thus avoiding deformation and operational failures as in conventional designs.

[0047] In addition, since the structure is configured such that an instant bar is seated on a support member and a cross bar supported by a rotation axis is placed on the instant bar, the assembly of the cross bar assembly can be facilitated.

[0048] In addition, the instant bar can be held in place using a position-fixing arm during the assembly process of the trip device. Accordingly, assembly is facilitated and assembly defects can be prevented without having to adjust the position of the instant bar during the assembly process as in conventional methods.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a trip device according to the prior art.

[0050] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the cover removed from a trip device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the trip device of FIG. 2 with some parts removed and the crossbar assembly separated.

[0052] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a crossbar assembly of a trip device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a bottom view illustrating the crossbar assembly of FIG. 4.

[0054] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the crossbar and rotation axis of the crossbar assembly shown in FIG. 4.

[0055] FIG. 7 is a rear view illustrating the assembled state of the crossbar and rotation axis of FIG. 6.

[0056] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the instant bar of the crossbar assembly shown in FIG. 4.

[0057] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the instant bar of FIG. 8 from a different angle.

[0058] FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating a state in which normal current flows in a trip device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating a tripping operation caused by overcurrent in a tripping device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating a tripping operation by instantaneous current in a tripping device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating how the assembly position of the instant bar is fixed during the assembly process of the trip device.

[0062] FIGS. 14 and 15 are side cross-sectional views illustrating the process of adjusting the magnitude of the instantaneous current at which a tripping operation occurs in a tripping device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Hereinafter, a crossbar assembly and a tripping device including the same according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described herein are intended to enable those skilled in the art to easily understand and implement the present invention, and the technical concept and scope of the present invention are not limited by the preferred embodiments of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings and described with reference thereto.

[0064] In the following description, the term "circuit breaker" refers to a device capable of opening and closing an electrical circuit. In one embodiment, the circuit breaker may be a wiring circuit breaker.

[0065] In the following description, the term "overcurrent" refers to a type of current for which a circuit breaker is operated. In one embodiment, the overcurrent may be classified as a "small current." The overcurrent may be a current that generates heat for the bimetal to bend toward the crossbar assembly.

[0066] In the following description, the term "instantaneous current" refers to a type of current for a circuit breaker to operate. In one embodiment, the instantaneous current may be classified as a "large current." The instantaneous current may be a current that magnetizes an electromagnet to generate a magnetic field that attracts an armature.

[0067] In the following description, the terms "upper side," "lower side," "left side," "right side," "front side," and "rear side" should be understood by referring to the coordinate system shown in FIG. 2.

[0068] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a trip device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention with the cover removed. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the trip device (100) of FIG. 2 with some parts removed and the crossbar assembly (200) separated.

[0069] A trip device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided in a circuit breaker and can interrupt an electrical circuit when an overcurrent or instantaneous current occurs. In one embodiment, the trip device (100) may be provided in a circuit breaker. In addition, the circuit breaker equipped with the trip device (100) according to one embodiment may be a circuit breaker composed of three phases: U phase, V phase, and W phase.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a trip device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a case (110), an overcurrent blocking unit (120), an overcurrent adjustment unit (130), an instantaneous current blocking unit (140), an instantaneous current adjustment unit (150), and a crossbar assembly (200).

[0071] case

[0072] The case (110) forms the outer shape of the trip device (100) and limits the space inside. Various components for performing a trip operation can be accommodated in the internal space of the case (110).

[0073] The case (110) includes a case body with an open top surface and a cover (not shown) that covers the open top surface of the case body. In the attached drawings, the illustration and description of the cover are omitted to more clearly show the components of the trip device (100), including the crossbar assembly (200). Additionally, for convenience of explanation, the case (110) may be used to refer to the case body.

[0074] The case (110) may be formed of an insulating material. Additionally, the case (110) may be formed of a pressure-resistant and heat-resistant material to prevent damage caused by an arc that may occur during the operation of the trip device (100). In one embodiment, the case (110) may be formed of a synthetic resin material.

[0075] The case (110) includes left and right side walls (112) and a pair of partitions (114) positioned between the side walls (112). Additionally, the case (110) may include a front wall (116), a rear wall (118), and a bottom wall (119) connecting the side walls (112) and the partitions (114). The rear wall (118) may be provided in multiple numbers, three in the illustrated example, to connect the rear ends of the side walls (112) and the partitions (114) and the rear ends of the partitions (114).

[0076] A shooter (102) is positioned on one side of the upper portion of the front wall (116). As shown in FIG. 10, the shooter (102) is rotatably coupled around a shooter rotation axis (103) and is elastically supported by a spring (104) in the direction of operating the opening and closing mechanism. The shooter rotation axis (103) may be installed on the front wall (116) of the case (110). At the rear end of the shooter (102), a shooter hook (1022) is provided to which a hook (2142) of a shooter restraint part (214), described later, engages.

[0077] A pair of partitions (114) divide the internal space of the case (110), defined by the left and right side walls (112), the front wall (116), the rear wall (118), and the bottom wall (119), into three phase spaces (110a) corresponding to each of the three phases. If the circuit breaker includes an N phase in addition to the three phases of U, V, and W, the case (110) may include four phase spaces divided by the three partitions (114). The partitions (114) not only physically divide adjacent phase spaces (110a) but also serve to prevent any contact or current flow between components housed in each phase space (110a).

[0078] Each partition wall (114) may include a pair of side plates (1142) facing each other at a predetermined distance in the left-right direction, and a front plate (1144) and a rear plate (1146) connecting the front end and the rear end of the pair of side plates (1142), respectively.

[0079] The space within the bulkhead (114) can be limited by a pair of side plates (1142), a front plate (1144), and a rear plate (1146) of the bulkhead (114), and by this configuration of the bulkhead (114), sufficient spacing can be secured between adjacent upper spaces (110a) while reducing the material used to form the bulkhead (114). A position fixing arm (234) of the instant bar (230), which will be described later, can be accommodated in the space of one of the bulkheads (114).

[0080] The upper surface of the bulkhead (114) is open, and a support portion (240) of the crossbar assembly (200) described later may be provided at the upper end of a pair of side plates (1142). The support portion (240) will be described in detail in relation to the crossbar assembly (200) below.

[0081] A heater member (106) for conducting current in each phase can be placed in each phase space (110a) partitioned by side walls (112) and partition walls (114).

[0082] The heater member (106) is positioned to protrude a predetermined length each from the upper front side and the lower rear side of the case (110) outside the case (110) at both sides of the internal space of the case (110), that is, in the illustrated example, from the upper front side and the lower rear side of the case (110). In the internal space of the case (110), the heater member (106) is bent into a roughly L-shape to connect the parts protruding outside the case (110).

[0083] One end of the heater member (106), in the illustrated example, the front end, is electrically connected to a fixed contact (not shown) of a circuit breaker. When a tripping operation is not performed, current passing through the fixed contact can flow into the heater member (106).

[0084] The other end of the heater member (106), in the illustrated example, the rear end, is electrically connected to an external power source or a load (not shown). When a tripping operation is not performed, the current flowing into the circuit breaker can pass through the heater member (106) and flow out to the external power source or the load.

[0085] In the illustrated example, since the circuit breaker equipped with the trip device (100) of the present invention has three phases, three heater members (106) are also provided.

[0086] This heater member (106) can generate heat that can activate the overcurrent blocking unit (120) described later when an overcurrent flows. Additionally, the heater member (106) can form an electromagnetic field that can activate the instantaneous current blocking unit (140) described later when an instantaneous current flows. The overcurrent blocking unit (120) or the instantaneous current blocking unit (140) can be operated by the heat or electromagnetic field generated by the heater member (106) to rotate the crossbar (210) of the crossbar assembly (200), thereby performing a tripping operation.

[0087] Overcurrent protection unit

[0088] The overcurrent blocking unit (120) operates by heat generated from the heater member (106) to rotate the crossbar (210) of the crossbar assembly (200) so that a tripping operation is performed when an overcurrent flows.

[0089] The overcurrent blocking unit (120) may include a plurality of bimetals (122). Since the trip device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided in a three-phase circuit breaker, three bimetals (122) corresponding to the three phases may be provided. One of the three bimetals (122) may be accommodated in each of the three phase spaces (110a).

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the bimetal (122) is coupled to the rear of the vertical portion (106a) of the heater member (106) and extends upward to the upper side of the crossbar assembly (200), and a pressure member (124) may be provided at the upper end of the bimetal (122).

[0091] The pressure member (124) can be positioned at a predetermined distance from the contact member (2162) of the overcurrent trigger arm (216) of the crossbar (210).

[0092] When an overcurrent flows, heat is generated in the heater member (106), and due to this heat, the bimetal (122) bends backward toward the crossbar (210) and presses the contact member (2162) of the overcurrent trigger arm (216) backward, thereby causing the crossbar (210) to rotate and the shooter restraint part (214) provided on the crossbar (210) to release the shooter (102), thereby performing a tripping operation.

[0093] Overcurrent regulator

[0094] The overcurrent adjustment unit (130) allows the magnitude of the overcurrent that causes the tripping operation to release the shooter (102) to be adjusted.

[0095] The degree to which the bimetal (122) is bent by heat is proportional to the heat generated in the heater member (106), that is, the magnitude of the current passing through the heater member (106). Therefore, by adjusting the distance between the pressurizing member (124) of the bimetal (122) and the contact member (2162) of the overcurrent trigger arm (216), the magnitude of the overcurrent that causes the tripping operation can be set.

[0096] The overcurrent adjustment unit (130) may include an inclined surface (136) provided on the crossbar dial (132), the overcurrent adjustment arm (134), and the pressing member (124) of the bimetal (122).

[0097] The overcurrent adjustment arm (134) may be composed of a pair of arm members (1342) extending forward from the upper outer surface of the body of the crossbar (210) as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The pair of arm members (1342) may be spaced apart at a predetermined interval and may extend in parallel.

[0098] The crossbar dial (132) is coupled to the overcurrent adjustment arm (134) through an adjustment pin (1322) inserted between a pair of arm members (1342). The rotation of the crossbar dial (132) is transmitted to the overcurrent adjustment arm (134) through the adjustment pin (1322) and can be converted into linear motion of the crossbar (210) following the axial direction of the rotation axis (220), that is, the left-right direction.

[0099] The surface in contact with the contact member (2162) of the overcurrent trigger arm (216) of the pressure member (124) of the bimetal (122) may be an inclined surface (136) formed to be inclined in the forward and backward direction along the axial direction of the rotation axis (220).

[0100] When the crossbar (210) moves along the axial direction of the rotation axis (220) by rotating the crossbar dial (132), the position of the contact member (2162) of the overcurrent trigger arm (216) on the inclined surface (136) of the opposing pressure member (124) may change. Accordingly, the distance between the inclined surface (136) of the pressure member (124) that the contact member (2162) of the overcurrent trigger arm (216) contacts, that is, the distance between the contact member (2162) and the pressure member (124), changes.

[0101] In this way, by changing the distance between the pressing member (124) of the bimetal (122) and the contact member (2162) of the overcurrent trigger arm (216), the magnitude of the overcurrent that causes the tripping operation to release the shooter (102) can be adjusted.

[0102] Meanwhile, the magnitude of such overcurrent may be adjusted by adjusting the forward and backward position of the contact member (2162) of the overcurrent trigger arm (216).

[0103] As described below, the contact member (2162) of the overcurrent trigger arm (216) is formed in the shape of a circular bar that extends in the forward and backward directions through a contact member receiving hole formed in the upper part of the overcurrent trigger arm (216), and is movable in the forward and backward directions along the contact member receiving hole.

[0104] Accordingly, by adjusting the forward and backward position of the contact member (2162), the distance between the pressing member (124) of the bimetal (122) and the contact member (2162) of the overcurrent trigger arm (216) can be changed, and the magnitude of the overcurrent that causes the tripping operation to release the shooter (102) can be adjusted.

[0105] Instantaneous current interruption unit

[0106] The instantaneous current interruption unit (140) rotates the crossbar (210) by operating with an electromagnetic field generated from the heater member (106) so that a tripping operation is performed when instantaneous current flows.

[0107] The instantaneous current interruption unit (140) may include an electromagnet (142) and an armature (144). As with the overcurrent interruption unit (120), since the trip device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided in a three-phase circuit breaker, three pairs of electromagnets (142) and armatures (144) corresponding to the three phases may be provided. One pair of the three pairs of electromagnets (142) and armatures (144) may be accommodated in each of the three phase spaces (110a).

[0108] The electromagnet (142) is positioned so that it can be magnetized by the electromagnetic field formed by the heater member (106). In the illustrated example, the electromagnet (142) may include a coupling part (1422) attached to the front of the vertical part (1062) of the heater member (106) and a pair of wing parts (1421) extending from both left and right ends of the coupling part (1422) toward the rear of the vertical part (1062) of the heater member (106) (see FIG. 10).

[0109] Since the electromagnet (142) is directly coupled to the heater member (106), the electromagnetic field generated in the heater member (106) can be effectively transmitted to the electromagnet (142).

[0110] The armature (144) is a plate-shaped member positioned at a predetermined distance from the electromagnet (142) and also positioned at a distance from the heater member (106) behind the electromagnet (142).

[0111] The armature (144) can be installed to pivot around a hinge axis (145) positioned parallel to the axial direction of the rotation axis (220). Referring to FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 12, the lower end of the armature (144) can be connected to the hinge axis. The armature (144) can be positioned so as to be inclined backward from the lower end to the upper end.

[0112] Additionally, the armature (144) can be elastically supported by an elastic member (146) in the rear, that is, in the opposite direction to the electromagnet (142). For example, the elastic member (146) may be a coil spring as shown in FIG. 3.

[0113] The elastic force of the elastic member (146) can be set so that when the strength of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet (142) is smaller than the strength corresponding to the magnitude of the instantaneous current that causes the tripping operation, the armature (144) is not attracted to the electromagnet (142), and when the strength of the magnetic field is greater than or equal to the strength corresponding to the strength of the instantaneous current, the armature (144) is attracted to the electromagnet (142).

[0114] Additionally, the lower end of the instantaneous current trigger arm (218) of the crossbar (210) may be positioned within the pivot radius of the armature (144). Accordingly, when the armature (144) is attracted to the electromagnet (142) and pivots forward, the armature (144) strikes the instantaneous current trigger arm (218) of the crossbar (210).

[0115] When an instantaneous current flows, the electromagnet (142) coupled to the heater member (106) becomes magnetized and attracts the armature (144). As the armature (144) is attracted toward the electromagnet (142), the armature (144) strikes the overcurrent trigger arm (216) of the crossbar (210), and accordingly, as the crossbar (210) rotates, the shooter restraint part (214) provided on the crossbar (210) releases the shooter (102), thereby performing a tripping operation.

[0116] Instantaneous current adjustment unit

[0117] The instantaneous current adjustment unit (150) is capable of adjusting the magnitude of the instantaneous current at which a tripping operation occurs to release the shooter (102).

[0118] The elastic force of the elastic member (146) that elastically supports the armature (144) backward by resisting the magnetic field of the electromagnet (142) corresponds to the magnitude of the instantaneous current. Therefore, the magnitude of the instantaneous current that causes the tripping operation can be set by adjusting the elastic force of the elastic member (146).

[0119] In this embodiment, instead of adjusting the elastic force of the elastic member (146) itself, the elastic force of the elastic member (146) is configured to be adjusted by adjusting the distance of the armature (144) supported by the elastic member (146) to the electromagnet (142).

[0120] The instantaneous current adjustment unit (150) may include an instant dial (152), an instantaneous current adjustment arm (154), and a plurality of armature support arms (156).

[0121] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the instant current adjustment arm (154) and the plurality of armature support arms (156) extend upward and downward, respectively, from the front and rear ends of the body of the instant bar (230). The upper end of the instant current adjustment arm (154) contacts the instant dial (152), and the lower end of the armature support arm (156) contacts the rear side of the upper part of the armature (144).

[0122] The instant dial (152) may be provided with a cam portion (1522) that contacts the upper end of the instantaneous current adjustment arm (154).

[0123] By rotating the instant dial (152), the instant bar (230) equipped with an instant current adjustment arm (154) that contacts the cam portion (1522) of the instant dial (152) is rotated, and accordingly, a plurality of armature support arms (156) equipped on the instant bar (230) rotate in the forward and backward directions, thereby rotating the armature (144) in the forward and backward directions.

[0124] In this way, by rotating the armature (144) in the forward and backward directions, the distance between the armature (144) and the electromagnet (142) is changed, thereby adjusting the elastic force of the elastic member (146) that elastically supports the armature (144) in the rear, and accordingly, the magnitude of the instantaneous current that causes the tripping operation to release the shooter (102) can be adjusted.

[0125] crossbar assembly

[0126] The crossbar assembly (200) is operated by the overcurrent blocking unit (120) or instantaneous current blocking unit (140) described above when an overcurrent or instantaneous current flows through the heater member (106), thereby releasing the restraint of the shooter (102) to cause a tripping operation, and also performs the role of adjusting the magnitude of the overcurrent and instantaneous current when the overcurrent blocking unit (120) and instantaneous current blocking unit (140) operate.

[0127] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the crossbar assembly (200) has a semicircular instant bar (230) positioned below a circular crossbar (210) that is rotatably arranged around a rotation axis (220), and the instant bar (230) is supported rotatably around the rotation axis (220), that is, coaxially with the crossbar (210), by a support member (240) that supports the bottom surface of the instant bar (230).

[0128] However, in the crossbar assembly (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention, although the crossbar (210) and the instant bar (230) rotate around the same rotation axis (220), the rotation of the instant bar (230) is performed along the support member (240) that supports the instant bar (230). In other words, when the instant bar (230) rotates, the crossbar (210) does not act as the rotation axis of the instant bar (230).

[0129] Accordingly, the rotation of the crossbar (210) and the instant bar (230) respectively does not affect each other. Preferably, the crossbar (210) and the instant bar (230) do not come into direct contact with each other, even though they are arranged coaxially.

[0130] In this way, by arranging the crossbar (210) and the instant bar (230) coaxially, the space occupied by the crossbar (210) within the case (110) of the trip device (100) can be saved, and accordingly, the overall size of the trip device (100) can be reduced.

[0131] In addition, by configuring the crossbar (210) and the instant bar (230) to rotate independently of each other, the crossbar (210) and the instant bar (230) rotate on the same axis without affecting each other, thereby preventing deformation or malfunction of the crossbar (210) and the instant bar (230) during the trip operation.

[0132] The rotation shaft (220) may be installed across a pair of side walls (112) of the case (110) as shown in FIG. 2. Both ends of the rotation shaft (220) are inserted into rotation shaft insertion holes (1122) formed in the side walls (112). The ends (222) of the rotation shaft (220) inserted into the rotation shaft insertion holes (1122) may have a smaller diameter than the central portion between the two ends. The rotation shaft (220) may be made of a material with low longitudinal deformation and excellent rigidity to rotatably support the crossbar (210). For example, the rotation shaft (220) may be made of metal or engineering plastic.

[0133] crossbar

[0134] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the crossbar (210) may include a cylindrical body (212), a shooter restraint part (214) attached to the body (212), an overcurrent trigger arm (216), an instantaneous current trigger arm (218), and an overcurrent adjustment arm (134).

[0135] The cylindrical body (212) has a hollow into which the rotation axis (220) is inserted. The length of the body is slightly shorter than the length of the rotation axis (220). By this, the crossbar (210) can move along the rotation axis (220) in the left-right direction, that is, in the longitudinal direction of the rotation axis (220), by the overcurrent adjustment unit (130) described above.

[0136] The shooter restraint part (214) extends a predetermined length toward the shooter (102) from one side of the body (212) of the crossbar (210), and a hook (2142) is formed at the end of the shooter restraint part (214) so ​​as to be engaged with the shooter hook (1022) of the shooter (102).

[0137] When the hook (2142) of the shooter restraint part (214) is engaged with the shooter hook (1022), the shooter restraint part (214) restrains the shooter (102) so that it does not rotate to the trip position. When the hook (2142) of the shooter restraint part (214) is separated from the shooter hook (1022), the shooter (102) rotates to the trip position due to the elasticity of the spring (104), and thereby the opening and closing mechanism of the circuit breaker operates to perform a trip operation.

[0138] The overcurrent trigger arm (216) extends upward from the outer surface of the body (212). The overcurrent trigger arm (216) is configured to rotate the crossbar (210) by means of the bimetal (122) of the overcurrent blocking part (120).

[0139] In the illustrated example, three overcurrent trigger arms (216) may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the body (212) of the crossbar (210). Each overcurrent trigger arm (216) may be accommodated one in each of the three upper spaces (110a) as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0140] A contact member (2162) that contacts a pressing member (124) of a bimetal (122) may be provided on the upper portion of each overcurrent trigger arm (216). The contact member (2162) may extend through the upper portion of the overcurrent trigger arm (216) in the front-rear direction.

[0141] The contact member (2162) may be formed integrally with the overcurrent trigger arm (216) or inserted and fixed so as to be movable in the forward and backward directions into the contact member receiving hole formed in the overcurrent trigger arm (216).

[0142] The instantaneous current trigger arm (218) extends from the outer surface of the body (212) through the trigger arm penetration hole (2322) formed in the instant bar (230) to the lower side of the instant bar (230). The instantaneous current trigger arm (218) is configured to rotate the crossbar (210) by contacting the armature (144) of the instantaneous current interruption part (140) described above.

[0143] In the illustrated example, three instantaneous current trigger arms (218) may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the crossbar body. Each instantaneous current trigger arm (218) may be accommodated in each of the three upper spaces (110a) as illustrated in FIG. 2. Each instantaneous current trigger arm (218) and the overcurrent trigger arm (216) may extend in opposite directions when positioned adjacent to each other within the upper space (110a).

[0144] The overcurrent adjustment arm (134) may be composed of a pair of arm members (1342) extending forward from the upper outer surface of the body (212) of the crossbar (210). The pair of arm members (1342) may be spaced apart at a predetermined interval and may extend in parallel.

[0145] As described above, the crossbar dial (132) of the overcurrent adjustment unit (130) is coupled to the overcurrent adjustment arm (134) through the adjustment pin (1322), and the rotation of the crossbar dial (132) is transmitted to the overcurrent adjustment arm (134) and can be converted into linear motion of the crossbar (210) following the axial direction of the rotation axis (220), that is, the left and right direction.

[0146] Instant bar

[0147] FIGS. 8 and FIGS. 9 illustrate an instant bar (230).

[0148] The instant bar (230) may include a body (232) having a semicircular cross-section and an instantaneous current adjustment arm (154), an armature support arm (156), and a position fixing arm (234) attached to the body (232).

[0149] The body (232) of the instant bar (230) extends along the longitudinal direction of the rotation axis (220) from the lower side of the crossbar (210). The length of the instant bar (230) may be slightly shorter than the length of the crossbar (210).

[0150] The cross-section of the body (232) of the instant bar (230) may be formed in an arc shape with the top open. The angle of the arc of the body (232) of the instant bar (230) may be 180 degrees or less. Accordingly, the body (232) of the instant bar (230) may be approximately semicircular.

[0151] The instant bar (230) can be positioned below the crossbar (210) in such a way that the crossbar (210) is accommodated within an arc so as to have the same center of rotation as the crossbar (210).

[0152] The body (232) of the instant bar (230) can be positioned to rotate coaxially with the rotation axis (220) of the crossbar (210) by being seated on the seating surface (242) of the support member (240) having the same radius of curvature as the body (232).

[0153] The inner diameter of the instant bar (230) may be equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the crossbar (210). Preferably, the inner diameter of the instant bar (230) may be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the crossbar (210). Accordingly, the instant bars (230) may be spaced apart from each other so as not to come into direct contact with the crossbar (210).

[0154] Since the arc angle of the body (232) of the instant bar (230) is 180 degrees or less, when the crossbar (210) is placed inside the instant bar (230), the instant bar (230) and the crossbar (210) do not interfere with each other, so the assembly work can be simplified.

[0155] In addition, since the instant bar (230) and the crossbar assembly (200) do not come into direct contact, the crossbar (210) and the instant bar (230) do not interfere with each other even when they rotate relative to each other while the crossbar assembly (200) is assembled. Accordingly, deformation or malfunction caused by interference between the crossbar (210) and the instant bar (230) does not occur.

[0156] A roughly rectangular trigger arm penetration hole (2322) may be formed on the bottom surface of the body (232) of the instant bar (230). The instant current trigger arm (218) of the crossbar (210) may extend downward from the instant bar (230) by penetrating the trigger arm penetration hole (2322) of the body of the instant bar (230).

[0157] In the illustrated example, the length of the body (232) of the instant bar (230) is shorter than the length of the crossbar (210), so the leftmost instant current trigger arm (218) among the three instant current trigger arms (218) may be located outside the longitudinal direction of the body (232) of the instant bar (230). Accordingly, the number of trigger arm penetration holes (2322) of the body (232) of the instant bar (230) may be two, which is one less than the number of instant current trigger arms (218).

[0158] If the length of the body (232) of the instant bar (230) does not differ significantly from the length of the crossbar (210), three trigger arm penetration holes (2322) equal to the number of instantaneous current trigger arms (218) of the crossbar (210) may be formed on the bottom surface of the body (232).

[0159] The left-right length of the trigger arm penetration hole (2322) can be set to be equal to or greater than the range of movement of the crossbar (210) that is moved in the axial direction of the rotation axis (220) by the overcurrent adjustment arm (134) of the crossbar (210).

[0160] The circumferential width of the trigger arm penetration hole (2322) can be set to be equal to or greater than the operating range of the instantaneous current trigger arm (218). In other words, the circumferential width of the trigger arm penetration hole (2322) can be set to a width sufficient for the angle of rotation of the crossbar (210), which is rotated by the rotating instantaneous current trigger arm (218) when the armature (144) of the instantaneous current cutoff part (140) strikes the instantaneous current trigger arm (218) while being attracted by the electromagnet (142), to allow the shooter restraint part (214) to release the restraint of the shooter (102).

[0161] An instantaneous current adjustment arm (154) extends upward from one side of the front end of the body (232), and three armature support arms (156) corresponding to a plurality of phases, in the illustrated example, three phases, extend downward from the rear end of the body (232) of the instant bar (230).

[0162] The upper end of the instantaneous current adjustment arm (154) contacts the cam portion (1522) of the instant dial (152) of the instantaneous current adjustment unit (150). By rotating the instant dial (152), the upper end of the instantaneous current adjustment arm (154) can be moved in the forward and backward directions.

[0163] Each of the three armature support arms (156) supports the armature (144) housed in each upper space (110a) from the rear. Specifically, the lower end of the armature support arm (156) contacts the upper rear surface of the armature (144).

[0164] When the instant dial (152) is rotated, the instant bar (230) rotates around the rotation axis (220) as the upper end of the instant current adjustment arm (154) moves in the forward and backward directions. Accordingly, the angular position of the instant bar (230) changes, and the position of the armature support arm (156) attached to the body (232) of the instant bar (230) also changes, thereby allowing the distance to the electromagnet (142) of the armature (144) supported by the armature support arm (156) to be adjusted.

[0165] Additionally, the instant bar (230) is equipped with a position fixing arm (234). The position fixing arm (234) extends downward from the bottom surface of the instant bar (230) at a position corresponding to one of the two bulkheads (114).

[0166] The position fixing arm (234) facilitates the assembly process by keeping the instant bar (230) in a fixed state during the assembly of the trip device (100).

[0167] Support

[0168] The support portion (240) of the crossbar assembly (200) is positioned below the instant bar (230) to rotatably support the instant bar (230) so that the instant bar (230) does not interfere with the crossbar (210).

[0169] In the illustrated example, the support member (240) may be formed integrally with a pair of partitions (114). Specifically, it may be formed integrally with the upper end of a pair of side plates (1142) of the partition (114). Accordingly, a plurality of support members (240) may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the instant bar (230). In other examples not illustrated, the support member (240) may be formed separately from the partition (114), or part may be formed on the partition (114) and other part may be formed separately from the partition (114).

[0170] The upper end of each side plate (1142) constituting the support member (240) may be provided with a seating surface (242) on which the body (232) of the instant bar (230) is seated. The seating surface (242) may be formed to have the same radius of curvature as the body of the instant bar (230). It should be understood that in FIG. 4, only one side plate and the support member formed thereon are shown for each partition wall.

[0171] With the body (232) of the instant bar (230) seated on the seating surface (242), the instant bar (230) can rotate while sliding along the seating surface (242) around the rotation axis (220).

[0172] As the crossbar (210) is rotatably supported on the rotation axis (220) while the instant bar (230) is rotatably supported on the support member (240), the crossbar (210) and the instant bar (230) rotate independently of each other and do not interfere with each other.

[0173] Trip operation

[0174] A crossbar assembly (200) having the above configuration and a tripping operation of a tripping device (100) including the same will be described.

[0175] FIGS. 10 to 12 are side views for explaining the tripping operation of a tripping device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 illustrates a state in which normal current flows through a heater member (106) of a tripping device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 illustrates a state in which a tripping operation by an overcurrent blocking unit (120) occurs due to an overcurrent flowing through the heater member (106), and the shooter (102) is released from restraint. FIG. 12 illustrates a state in which a tripping operation by an instantaneous current blocking unit (140) occurs due to an instantaneous current flowing through the heater member (106), and the shooter (102) is released from restraint.

[0176] As illustrated in FIG. 10, when normal current flows, the bimetal (122) is maintained in a state that is not deformed, i.e., not bent, and the pressing member (124) of the bimetal (122) is spaced apart from the contact member (2162) of the overcurrent trigger arm (216) by a predetermined distance. In addition, the hook (2142) of the shooter restraint part (214) of the crossbar (210) engages with the shooter hook (1022) of the shooter (102), so the opening / closing mechanism (not shown) does not operate.

[0177] If an overcurrent flows into the circuit breaker, heat is generated in the heater member (106) due to the overcurrent. Due to the heat generated in the heater member (106), the bimetal (122) can be bent backward as shown in FIG. 11.

[0178] When the bimetal (122) is bent beyond the distance between the pressure member (124) and the contact member (2162) of the overcurrent trigger arm (216), the pressure member (124) of the bimetal (122) presses the contact member (2162), causing the crossbar (210) formed with the overcurrent trigger arm (216) to rotate backward, that is, counterclockwise, in the illustrated example.

[0179] The instantaneous current trigger arm (218) of the crossbar (210) rotates circumferentially within the trigger arm penetration hole (2322) formed on the bottom surface of the body (232) of the instant bar (230). Since the circumferential width of the trigger arm penetration hole (2322) is formed to be larger than the maximum rotation angle range of the instantaneous current trigger arm (218), the rotation of the crossbar (210) to which the instantaneous current trigger arm (218) is attached is not hindered by the instant bar (230) positioned on the lower side of the crossbar (210).

[0180] As the crossbar (210) rotates counterclockwise, the hook (2142) of the shooter restraint part (214) provided on the crossbar (210) is released from the shooter hook (1022) of the shooter (102), and the shooter (102) is released from the restrained state by the shooter restraint part (214). Then, the opening / closing mechanism (not shown) can be operated by the elasticity of the spring (104) causing the shooter (102) to rotate to the trip position, thereby enabling the tripping operation to be performed.

[0181] When instantaneous current flows into the circuit breaker, an electromagnetic field is generated in the heater member (106) by the instantaneous current, and the electromagnet (142) coupled to the heater member (106) is magnetized by this. The magnetic field of the magnetized electromagnet (142) overcomes the elastic force of the elastic member (146) supporting the armature (144) backward and attracts the armature (144) toward the electromagnet (142).

[0182] Accordingly, the armature (144) rotates forward toward the electromagnet (142) around the hinge axis. As the armature (144) rotates toward the electromagnet (142), the armature (144) strikes the instantaneous current trigger arm (218) of the crossbar (210), and as a result, the crossbar (210) rotates backward, that is, counterclockwise.

[0183] As previously explained, since the trigger arm penetration hole (2322) formed on the bottom surface of the body (232) of the instant bar (230) is formed larger than the maximum rotation angle range of the instant current trigger arm (218), the rotation of the crossbar (210) is not hindered by the instant bar (230).

[0184] As the crossbar (210) rotates counterclockwise by the armature (144), the hook (2142) of the shooter restraint part (214) provided on the crossbar (210) is released from the shooter hook (1022) of the shooter (102), and the shooter (102) is released from the restrained state by the shooter restraint part (214). Then, the opening and closing mechanism (not shown) can be operated by the elasticity of the spring (104) causing the shooter (102) to rotate to the trip position, thereby enabling the tripping operation to be performed (Fig. 12).

[0185] During the process of performing the tripping operation as described above, the crossbar (210) rotates around the rotation axis (220), whereas the instant bar (230), which is rotatably supported on the seating surface (242) of the support member (240), does not affect the rotation of the crossbar (210). Accordingly, deformation or malfunction caused by interference with the instant bar (230) while the crossbar (210) is rotating in the tripping device (100) according to the prior art does not occur in the tripping device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0186] Overcurrent magnitude adjustment

[0187] Next, a method for adjusting the magnitude of the overcurrent that causes a tripping operation in a tripping device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

[0188] The crossbar dial (132) and the crossbar (210) are connected to each other through the adjustment pin (1322) and the overcurrent adjustment arm (134) of the crossbar dial (132), and accordingly, when the crossbar dial (132) is rotated, the crossbar (210) moves in the left and right directions, that is, along the rotation axis (220) in the axial direction.

[0189] Then, the position of the inclined surface (136) of the pressing member (124) of the overcurrent blocking part (120), i.e., the bimetal (122), which is opposed by the contact member (2162) of the overcurrent trigger arm (216) provided on the crossbar (210) changes. Since the inclined surface (136) of the pressing member (124) is formed to be inclined in the front-rear direction along the axial direction of the rotation axis (220), when the position of the inclined surface (136) which is opposed by the contact member (2162) changes, the distance between the contact member (2162) and the pressing member (124) changes.

[0190] In this way, by changing the distance between the pressing member (124) of the bimetal (122) and the contact member (2162) of the overcurrent trigger arm (216), the magnitude of the overcurrent that causes the tripping operation to release the shooter (102) can be adjusted.

[0191] In the process of performing such adjustment of the magnitude of the overcurrent, the crossbar (210) moves along the axial direction of the rotation axis (220) on the rotation axis (220), whereas the instant bar (230), which is rotatably supported on the seating surface (242) of the support member (240), does not affect the axial movement of the crossbar (210) and does not come into contact with the crossbar while the crossbar (210) is moving. Accordingly, deformation or malfunction caused by interference with the instant bar (230) while the crossbar (210) is moving axially in the trip device (100) according to the prior art does not occur in the trip device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0192] Additionally, in an example where the contact member (2162) of the overcurrent trigger arm (216) is coupled to the upper part of the overcurrent trigger arm (216) so as to be movable in the forward and backward direction, the magnitude of the overcurrent that causes the tripping operation may be adjusted by adjusting the forward and backward position of the contact member (2162).

[0193] Instantaneous current magnitude adjustment

[0194] Meanwhile, the operation of adjusting the magnitude of the instantaneous current at which the tripping operation occurs can be performed by rotating the instant dial (152) of the instantaneous current adjustment unit (150) to adjust the angle position of the instant bar (230). This is explained with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 shows the state before adjusting the magnitude of the instantaneous current, and FIG. 15 shows the state after adjusting the magnitude of the instantaneous current. For clarity, the elastic member (146) that elastically supports the armature (144) to the rear is omitted from the illustration in FIGS. 14 and 15.

[0195] In FIG. 14, the armature support arm (156) of the instant bar (230) is moved as far back as possible, and the armature (144) is also pulled as far back as possible by the elastic force of the elastic member (146). And the upper end of the instant current adjustment arm (154) that is in contact with the cam portion (1522) of the instant dial (152) is moved as far forward as possible.

[0196] When the cam portion (1522) of the instant dial (152) presses the instant current adjustment arm (154) backward by rotating the instant dial (152), the body of the instant bar (230) on which the instant current adjustment arm (154) is formed rotates clockwise together with the instant current adjustment arm (154), thereby changing the angular position of the instant bar (230). Accordingly, the armature support arm (156) attached to the rear end of the body of the instant bar (230) also rotates clockwise, causing the armature (144) to rotate counterclockwise, that is, forward.

[0197] When the armature (144) is rotated forward, the distance between the armature (144) and the electromagnet (142) is reduced, and the elastic member (146) that elastically supports the armature (144) backward, in the illustrated example, the coil spring is stretched, and the elastic force of the coil spring is weakened.

[0198] In this way, when the distance between the armature (144) and the electromagnet (142) is reduced, the armature (144) can be attracted to the electromagnet (142) at a lower instantaneous current than in the state shown in FIG. 14. Accordingly, a setting can be made to reduce the magnitude of the instantaneous current at which the tripping operation occurs.

[0199] Conversely, the process of setting the instantaneous current to increase the magnitude of the tripping operation can be performed by rotating the instant dial (152) so that the instant bar (230) and the armature (144) are in the state shown in FIG. 15 and the state shown in FIG. 14, that is, the instant bar (230) rotates counterclockwise and the armature (144) rotates clockwise so that the distance between the armature (144) and the electromagnet (142) increases.

[0200] In the process of adjusting the magnitude of the instantaneous current as described above, the instant bar (230) rotates around the rotation axis (220) by sliding on the seating surface (242) of the support member (240), but the crossbar (210), which is rotatably supported by the rotation axis (220), does not affect the rotation of the instant bar (230). Accordingly, deformation or malfunction caused by interference with the crossbar (210) while the instant bar (230) is rotating in the trip device (100) according to the prior art does not occur in the trip device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0201] Fixed Instant Bar initial position

[0202] Referring to FIG. 13, the operation of the position fixing arm (234) of the instant bar (230) of the crossbar assembly (200) of the present invention will be explained.

[0203] The instant bar (230) is provided with a position fixing arm (234) extending from the bottom surface of the body (232) of the instant bar (230) to contact the rear plate (1146) of one of the two partitions (114).

[0204] More specifically, the position fixing arm (234) contacts the rear plate (1146) of the bulkhead (114) when the upper end of the instant current adjustment arm (154), which contacts the instant dial (152), is moved to the furthest forward position.

[0205] By the position fixing arm (234) contacting the rear plate (1146) of the bulkhead (114), the instant bar (230) can be supported by the bulkhead (114) so ​​that it does not rotate counterclockwise. On the opposite side, that is, the instant current adjustment arm (154) of the instant bar (230) is in contact with the cam of the instant dial (152), so the instant bar (230) can be kept in place without rotating unless the instant dial (152) is rotated.

[0206] Accordingly, when covering the case (110) with a cover during the assembly of the trip device (100), it is not necessary to cover the cover while rotating the instant bar (230) as in the conventional method so that the instant bar (230) maintains an accurate position relative to the instant dial (152). Therefore, the process of assembling the cover on the case (110) can be made very easy.

[0207] Additionally, since the position fixing arm (234) is accommodated within the bulkhead (114) and the upper end of the instantaneous current adjustment arm (154) is moved to the furthest forward position and contacts the rear plate (1146) of the bulkhead (114), the angle position adjustment of the instant bar (230) using the instantaneous current adjustment unit (150), i.e., the instantaneous current adjustment operation, is not obstructed by the position fixing arm (234).

[0208] In addition, the position fixing arm (234) housed within the bulkhead (114) does not interfere with the operation of other components of the crossbar (210), such as the overcurrent trigger arm, instantaneous current trigger arm, or overcurrent adjustment arm.

[0209] The crossbar assembly (200) of the present invention and the trip device (100) including the same are configured such that the crossbar (210) and the instant bar (230) rotate in the same axis. Accordingly, the space occupied by the crossbar assembly (200) within the trip device (100) can be reduced, and furthermore, the overall size of the trip device (100) can be reduced.

[0210] In addition, the crossbar assembly (200) of the present invention and the trip device (100) including the same have a crossbar (210) and an instant bar (230) that rotate coaxially, but the crossbar (210) is rotatably supported on a rotation axis (220) and the instant bar (230) is rotatably supported on a support member (240). Accordingly, the crossbar (210) and the instant bar (230) rotate independently of each other, so that there is no interference between the crossbar (210) and the instant bar (230), thereby preventing deformation and operational failure as in the past.

[0211] In addition, the crossbar assembly (200) of the present invention and the trip device (100) including it can maintain the instant bar (230) in place using a position fixing arm (234) during the process of assembling the trip device (100). Accordingly, the assembly process can be made easier and assembly defects can be prevented without adjusting the position of the instant bar (230) during the assembly process as in the conventional method.

[0212] The embodiments described above illustrate the best embodiments for implementing the present invention, and those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, these embodiments are merely for illustrative purposes, not for limiting the technical concept of the present invention. Consequently, it should be understood that the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. That is, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. A crossbar rotatably supported by a rotation axis; An arc-shaped instant bar extending in the axial direction of the crossbar and arranged to wrap around the lower circumference of the crossbar; and A crossbar assembly for a trip device comprising at least one support member that supports the instant bar, wherein the lower surface of the instant bar is seated on an arc-shaped seating surface, and wherein the instant bar is rotatably rotated around the axis of rotation of the crossbar by sliding along the seating surface.

2. In Paragraph 1, A crossbar assembly for a tripping device, wherein the arc angle of the instant bar is 180 degrees or less, and the arc angle of the seating surface of at least one support is 180 degrees or less.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above instant bar is a crossbar assembly for a tripping device spaced apart from the lower circumference of the above crossbar.

4. In Paragraph 1, A crossbar assembly for a tripping device comprising at least one support member spaced apart along the axial direction.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above crossbar includes at least one trigger arm extending downward, and The above instant bar is a crossbar assembly for a trip device having a trigger arm penetration hole formed to have a circumferential width that allows circumferential movement of the trigger arm while passing the trigger arm.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above crossbar is a crossbar assembly for a tripping device that is axially movable along a rotation axis.

7. Cases that limit internal space; A crossbar assembly installed in the internal space of the above case; and It includes a shooter installed operable by the above crossbar assembly, The above crossbar assembly is, A crossbar rotatably supported by a rotation axis installed across both side walls of the above case, and including a shooter restraint portion that restrains or releases the shooter; An arc-shaped instant bar extending in the axial direction of the crossbar and arranged to wrap around the lower circumference of the crossbar; and A trip device comprising at least one support member that supports the instant bar, wherein the bottom surface of the instant bar is seated on an arc-shaped seating surface, and wherein the instant bar can rotate around the rotation axis of the crossbar by sliding along the seating surface.

8. In Paragraph 7, A trip device in which the arc angle of the instant bar is 180 degrees or less, and the arc angle of the seating surface of at least one support is 180 degrees or less.

9. In Paragraph 7, The above instant bar is a tripping device spaced apart from the lower circumference of the above crossbar.

10. In Paragraph 7, The above case includes at least one partition wall arranged parallel to both side walls to divide the internal space of the case into a plurality of spaces, and The above at least one support member is a trip device integrally formed with the above at least one bulkhead.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above at least one support member is a trip device formed on the upper surface of the above at least one bulkhead of the case.

12. In Paragraph 10, At least one heater member that electrically connects the internal space and the outside of the above case; At least one electromagnet magnetized by an electromagnetic field generated in the heater member; At least one armature positioned spaced apart from the electromagnet and attracted to the electromagnet by magnetic force; At least one elastic member elastically supporting the above armature at a position spaced apart from the electromagnet; and It further includes at least one bimetal that is bent by heat generated from the heater member, and The above crossbar is, At least one instantaneous current trigger arm that contacts the armature attracted to the electromagnet and rotates the crossbar to release the shooter restraint, and A trip device having at least one overcurrent trigger arm that causes the shooter restraint to release the restraint of the shooter by rotating the crossbar through contact with the bimetal as the bimetal is bent by the heat of the heater member.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above at least one instantaneous current trigger arm penetrates the instant bar and extends downward from the instant bar, and The trip device having a trigger arm penetration hole formed to have a circumferential width that allows circumferential movement of the instantaneous current trigger arm while passing the instantaneous current trigger arm through the instantaneous current trigger arm.

14. In Paragraph 12, It further includes an instantaneous current adjustment unit for adjusting the distance of the above-mentioned armature to the above-mentioned electromagnet, and The above instantaneous current adjustment unit is, An instantaneous current adjustment arm extending from the above instant bar in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction; An instant dial for adjusting the angular position around the rotation axis of the instant bar by applying pressure to the instant current adjustment arm; and It includes at least one armature support arm extending from the instant bar to contact and support the armature, and A trip device in which the distance of the armature supported by the armature support arm to the electromagnet is adjusted by adjusting the angle position of the instant bar by the instant dial.

15. In Paragraph 14, The above case includes a cover that covers the open top surface, and The instant bar includes a position fixing arm that extends from the instant bar and contacts one side inside the case, thereby allowing the instant bar to maintain an initial angle position. The above position fixing arm is a trip device configured so as not to interfere with the angle position adjustment of the instant bar by the above instant current adjustment unit.

16. In Paragraph 15, The above at least one bulkhead includes a pair of opposing side plates and a front plate and a rear plate that connect the pair of side plates and define an internal space together with the pair of side plates. The above position fixing arm is a trip device extending from the instant bar to contact the rear plate in the internal space.

17. In Paragraph 12, It further includes an overcurrent adjustment unit for adjusting the distance between the bimetal and the overcurrent trigger arm, The above-mentioned overcurrent adjustment unit is, An overcurrent adjustment arm extending from the above crossbar in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction; A crossbar dial for adjusting the axial position of the crossbar on the rotation axis by applying pressure to the overcurrent adjustment arm; and It includes an inclined surface of the bimetal configured to be inclined along the axial direction opposite to the crossbar, and A trip device in which the position of the overcurrent trigger arm of the inclined surface of the bimetal is adjusted by adjusting the position of the crossbar on the rotation axis by the crossbar dial.

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