Patent Description:
In general, a semiconductor circuit breaker is a circuit breaker designed to break a circuit using a power semiconductor device such as a MOSFET, an IGBT, or the like. Since the semiconductor circuit breaker performs circuit breaking using the current breaking characteristic of the power semiconductor device, an arc is not generated during circuit breaking, so an arc removal function is not required. Therefore, there is an advantage in that an arc extinguishing part is removed to reduce its volume. Furthermore, there is an advantage in that an arc breaking time is short. On the contrary, a low-capacity circuit breaker has a disadvantage in that manufacturing cost increases due to the use of a power semiconductor device.

The semiconductor circuit breaker is often used in a system that requires quick breaking. In the case of a general mechanical circuit breaker, a breaking speed thereof is several to several hundred ms, whereas a breaking speed of the semiconductor circuit breaker is several tens of µs, thereby breaking a current in a much shorter time.

Accordingly, the semiconductor circuit breaker is being actively used in a switchboard with a large current capacity, a direct current system with a rapid increase in fault current, or an energy storage system (ESS) that requires stable current supply and breaking. In recent years, considering an accident in which an ignition occurs in the ESS system, the importance of a circuit breaker for stable current supply considering heat generation is becoming more urgent.

Such a circuit breaker is provided with a terminal cover in order to improve the insulation performance of a terminal part.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of a molded case circuit breaker provided with a terminal cover according to the related art.

A molded case circuit breaker <NUM> according to the related art is provided with terminal parts <NUM> connected to a power source or a load on both sides thereof, and a terminal cover <NUM> is provided on each terminal part <NUM>.

The terminal cover <NUM> installed on the terminal part <NUM> may be used for dust prevention, bus bar drawn-out, and terminal drawn-out depending on the purpose. Here, the purpose of dust prevention is to close the terminal part <NUM> as much as possible to prevent dust from entering thereinside and to maximize insulation between phases, the purpose of the bus bar drawn-out is to open a lower portion of the terminal part <NUM> to connect a bus bar (not shown) to the terminal part <NUM>, and the purpose of terminal drawn-out is to open the terminal part <NUM> up to a middle portion thereof to connect the terminal part <NUM> to a terminal (not shown).

The terminal cover <NUM> is provided with a drawn-out part disposed with a groove, and a cover member <NUM> for drawing out a bus bar or a terminal is disposed to be removable in the drawn-out part. A user may remove the cover member <NUM> from the drawn-out part by separating or breaking a connection part between the drawn-out part and the cover member <NUM> using a force.

However, an interlock is not applied to the terminal cover of the molded case circuit breaker according to the related art as described above. Therefore, since an arbitrary access is allowed, there is a risk of a change of the terminal part or a breakdown of insulation.

In addition, although not shown separately, in a molded case circuit breaker provided with an interface module, an authority to open the terminal cover may be required only when the interface module is coupled to a circuit breaker body.

<CIT> discloses an electronic circuit interrupter digital display and a keypad. The digital display includes a display to view circuit breaker settings. The keypad is configured to select settings and values to be displayed. The display and keypad device removably connects to an electronic trip unit within the circuit interrupter by means of a plug-in connector.

<CIT> discloses a switching device. The switching device includes a housing having a base and a switching device cover coupled to the base. The device further includes a line side terminal positioned on a line side of the housing. The device further includes a load side terminal positioned on a load side of the housing.

The present disclosure is made to solve the foregoing problems, and an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a semiconductor circuit breaker having an interlock function for a terminal cover.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a semiconductor circuit breaker having an interface module that is separated from a circuit breaker body to operate the circuit breaker body from an outside thereof, the semiconductor circuit breaker allowing the terminal cover to be open only when the interface module is coupled to the circuit breaker body.

A semiconductor circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a circuit breaker body connected to a main circuit, and provided with a module receiving part on an outer surface thereof; and an interface module provided independently from the circuit breaker body, and detachably coupled to the module receiving part, wherein the circuit breaker body includes a terminal cover coupled to a terminal part of the circuit breaker body; and an interlock member provided in the circuit breaker body to restrict or release the opening of the terminal cover, and the interface module includes an interlock driver that operates the interlock member.

Here, the terminal cover may be provided with a rotary part so as to be rotatably coupled to the terminal part.

Furthermore, a locking lever restricted to the interlock member may be disposed to protrude from the rotary part of the terminal cover.

Furthermore, a first return spring may be provided in the rotary part of the terminal cover to apply a force in a direction in which the terminal cover is closed.

Furthermore, the interlock member may be rotatably coupled to an inside of the circuit breaker body, wherein a second return spring is provided in the interlock member to apply a force to the interlock member in a direction of restricting the locking lever.

Furthermore, an engaging portion that restricts the locking lever may be disposed to protrude from one end of the interlock member.

Furthermore, the interlock driver may include a magnet.

Furthermore, the interlock member may include an interlock release portion configured with a magnetic body to be attracted to the interlock driver.

Furthermore, a guide hole may be defined in a vertical slit shape in the interlock member, and a guide part inserted into the guide hole may be disposed to protrude from the circuit breaker body so as to guide a vertical movement of the interlock member.

Furthermore, an interlock driver that presses the interlock member downward may be disposed to protrude from the interface module.

Furthermore, an insertion hole into which the interlock driver is inserted may be disposed in the module receiving part.

Furthermore, the interlock member may be configured with a length reaching the two terminal covers provided in both terminal parts of the circuit breaker body, respectively.

Furthermore, the engaging portions may be disposed at both end portions of the interlock member, respectively.

In addition, the guide holes may be respectively disposed in support portions protruding from both end portions of the interlock member, respectively.

According to a semiconductor circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an interlock is applied to a terminal cover provided in a terminal part of a circuit breaker body, thereby preventing an arbitrary access to the terminal part.

Accordingly, an arbitrary change of the terminal part is restricted, and a risk of insulation breakdown of the terminal part is reduced.

The opening of the terminal cover is allowed only when an interface module is coupled to the circuit breaker body.

Accordingly, the control of the circuit breaker body by the interface module is strengthened.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to describe the present disclosure in detail to allow a person skilled in the art to easily carry out the invention, but not to mean that the technical concept and scope of the present disclosure are limited thereto.

A semiconductor circuit breaker according to each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded perspective view of a circuit breaker body and an interface module of a semiconductor circuit breaker according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, and <FIG> illustrates a connection relationship of a circuit breaker body, an interface module, a power source and a load, and a basic configuration of each apparatus in the semiconductor circuit breaker according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

A semiconductor circuit breaker according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a circuit breaker body <NUM> connected to a main circuit; and an interface module <NUM> independent from the circuit breaker body <NUM>.

The circuit breaker body <NUM> has a module receiving part <NUM> provided on the outer surface of the breaker body <NUM>, and the interface module <NUM> is detachably coupled to the module receiving part <NUM>.

The circuit breaker body <NUM> includes a terminal cover <NUM> rotatably coupled to terminal parts <NUM>, <NUM>; a locking lever <NUM> provided in the terminal cover <NUM>; and an interlock member <NUM> provided in the circuit breaker body <NUM> to restrict or release the locking lever <NUM>.

The interface module <NUM> includes an interlock driver <NUM> that operates the interlock member <NUM>.

The semiconductor circuit breaker of the present embodiment is divided into (separated into) a circuit breaker body <NUM> and an interface module <NUM>.

The circuit breaker body <NUM> is connected to the main circuit <NUM> and a load <NUM>. The circuit breaker body <NUM> is open when an overcurrent occurs between the main circuit <NUM> and the load <NUM> or a fault current such as a ground fault occurs to break the main circuit <NUM> to protect the load <NUM> and apparatuses and facilities associated therewith.

The circuit breaker body <NUM> may be independently provided and connected between the main circuit <NUM> and the load <NUM>. Furthermore, the circuit breaker body <NUM> is integrally installed in the external apparatus <NUM> to be used as an accessory apparatus.

The interface module <NUM> is detachably coupled to the circuit breaker body <NUM>. That is, the interface module <NUM> may be independently configured, and may be coupled to or separated from the circuit breaker body <NUM>. Here, the circuit breaker body <NUM> may perform a breaking function (operation) by itself, and may additionally perform a breaking function by the interface module <NUM>. That is, the operation part is provided in the circuit breaker body <NUM>, and the operation part is also provided in the interface module <NUM>. Meanwhile, the interface module <NUM> may perform an additional function other than the breaking function of the circuit breaker body <NUM>.

The circuit breaker body <NUM> is provided with the module receiving part <NUM>. The module receiving part <NUM> is provided on an outer surface of the circuit breaker body <NUM>. The module receiving part <NUM> may be configured with a groove having a predetermined depth as shown in <FIG>. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the module receiving part <NUM> may be configured with a flat plate or a protrusion portion. That is, although not illustrated separately, a receiving part configured with a protrusion portion may be provided in the circuit breaker body <NUM>, and a groove portion fitted to the receiving portion may be disposed in the interface module <NUM>.

The circuit breaker body <NUM> is provided with terminal parts <NUM>, <NUM> configured with a power-side terminal part <NUM> connected to an external power source <NUM> and a load-side terminal part <NUM> connected to the load <NUM>. A terminal is provided in each of the terminal parts <NUM>, <NUM>. That is, the load-side terminal part <NUM> is provided to expose a load-side terminal, and the power-side terminal part <NUM> is provided to expose a power-side terminal.

The circuit breaker body <NUM> is provided with a handle <NUM> for manually performing a breaking operation by a user's operation. A user may manually operate the circuit breaker body <NUM>.

A reset button <NUM> for re-insertion after the circuit breaker trips due to a fault current is provided on one side of the handle <NUM>. The reset button <NUM> provides a reset operation for re-insertion after a trip operation.

The circuit breaker body <NUM> is provided with a trip display part <NUM> for displaying a trip state.

The circuit breaker body <NUM> may be provided with a configuration for performing a breaking operation and a re-insertion operation as described above at an outside thereof, and may be installed and used independently. That is, even when the interface module <NUM> is not connected thereto, a function may be independently performed. Such a function may be selectively provided. When the circuit breaker body <NUM> is applied only as a passive terminal operator, such a mechanical operation configuration may be eliminated, and configured to allow only an operation by the interface module <NUM>. In this case, the manufacturing cost of the circuit breaker body <NUM> is reduced.

The interface module <NUM> may be defined in the form of a plate or box having a predetermined thickness.

The interface module <NUM> is provided with a handle <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is provided to allow a user to easily attach and detach the interface module <NUM> to and from the circuit breaker body <NUM>. Furthermore, the rotation direction of the interface module <NUM> may be adjusted using the handle <NUM>.

A coupling part <NUM> is provided on a rear surface of the interface module <NUM>. The coupling part <NUM> is detachably coupled to the circuit breaker body <NUM> to provide a coupling force so as not to be naturally separated therefrom during coupling. Since the interface module <NUM> is provided with a force of the coupling part <NUM>, it does not fall freely even when the circuit breaker body <NUM> is coupled in a standing state, and is not separated from the circuit breaker body <NUM> under a predetermined force.

For an example of a coupling method between the interface module <NUM> and the circuit breaker body <NUM>, a fitting coupling method may be applied. The interface module <NUM> is provided with a coupling part <NUM> and fitted and coupled to the module receiving part <NUM> of the circuit breaker body <NUM>, and is not naturally released even when the circuit breaker body <NUM> is disposed in a standing state. Although it is shown and described a case in which the module receiving part <NUM> is configured with a groove and the coupling part <NUM> is configured with a protrusion, and vice versa is also possible as described above.

For another example of a coupling method between the interface module <NUM> and the circuit breaker body <NUM>, a coupling method by a magnetic force may be applicable. A magnet (not shown) may be provided in the coupling part <NUM> of the interface module <NUM>. Meanwhile, a magnetic body <NUM> is provided in the module receiving part <NUM> of the circuit breaker body <NUM>. That is, the module receiving part <NUM> is provided with a magnetic body <NUM> made of a material coupled by a magnetic force of the coupling part <NUM>. For example, the magnetic body <NUM> may be made of a metal material.

In addition, the module receiving part <NUM> and the coupling part <NUM> may be configured in an opposite manner. That is, the module receiving part <NUM> is provided with a magnet, and the coupling part <NUM> is provided with a magnetic body.

Meanwhile, both the coupling part <NUM> and the magnetic body <NUM> may be configured to include a magnet.

The interface module <NUM> is provided with the interlock driver <NUM>. The interlock driver <NUM> may be provided on one side of the coupling part <NUM>. Alternatively, the interlock driver <NUM> may be included in the coupling part <NUM>. That is, the coupling part <NUM> may serve as the interlock driver <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a connection relationship of the circuit breaker body <NUM>, the interface module <NUM>, the power source <NUM>, and the load <NUM>, and a basic configuration of respective apparatuses.

First, the circuit breaker body <NUM> will be described.

A power supply part <NUM> is provided in the circuit breaker body <NUM>. The power supply part <NUM> supplies power to each component in the circuit breaker body <NUM> such as the circuit breaking part <NUM>.

The power supply part <NUM> may be connected to the external power source <NUM> or may receive independent power by itself. The power supply part <NUM> may include an AC/DC converter or a DC/DC converter.

The circuit breaker body <NUM> is provided with a circuit breaking part <NUM>.

The circuit breaking part <NUM> is a main contact part that breaks or connects an electrical connection of the main circuit <NUM>. The circuit breaking part <NUM> is provided with a power semiconductor device (not shown) as a core device of the semiconductor circuit breaker. As such a power semiconductor device, a metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) or an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) may be applied.

The circuit breaking part <NUM> may include a protection circuit (not shown) connected in parallel to the power semiconductor device to protect the power semiconductor device from a sudden voltage generated during switching. As an example of such a protection circuit, a snubber circuit or a metal oxide varistor (MOV) may be applied. For the detailed configuration or operation of the circuit breaking part and the protection circuit, reference may be made to the applicant's application "bidirectional semiconductor circuit breaker (<NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>)" and the like.

The power supply part <NUM> is connected to the external power source <NUM> to supply power to the circuit breaker body <NUM>. Furthermore, the power supply part <NUM> may supply power to the interface module <NUM>. The interface module <NUM> is provided with a module power supply part <NUM>.

The power supply part <NUM> may be connected to the module power supply part <NUM> of the interface module <NUM> in a wired or wireless manner to supply power.

The power supply part <NUM> of the circuit breaker body <NUM> and the module power supply part <NUM> of the interface module <NUM> are provided with coils through which mutually induced currents flow.

Accordingly, when the interface module <NUM> is coupled to the circuit breaker body <NUM>, power may be supplied to an inside of the interface module <NUM> by a wireless charging method without any separate line connection.

A battery may be provided in the module power supply part <NUM> of the interface module <NUM>. Accordingly, electricity by the induced current may be stored in the battery. Furthermore, a battery in which energy is stored may be provided by wired charging instead of using the foregoing wireless charging method.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of the semiconductor circuit breaker of the first embodiment.

The semiconductor circuit breaker according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, as a terminal cover interlock configuration, includes the terminal cover <NUM> rotatably coupled to the terminal parts <NUM>, <NUM> of the circuit breaker body <NUM>; the locking lever <NUM> provided in the terminal cover <NUM>; the interlock member <NUM> provided in the circuit breaker body <NUM> to restrict or release the locking lever <NUM>; and the interlock driver <NUM> provided in the interface module <NUM> to operate the interlock member <NUM>.

The terminal cover <NUM> is provided in the terminal parts <NUM>, <NUM> of the circuit breaker body <NUM>, respectively. The terminal cover <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the terminal parts <NUM>, <NUM>. That is, the terminal cover <NUM> is coupled to the circuit breaker body <NUM> by a cover shaft <NUM>.

The terminal cover <NUM> maintains a closed state of the terminal parts <NUM>, <NUM> as long as no external force is applied. Accordingly, an arbitrary access to the terminal parts <NUM>, <NUM> is prevented.

The terminal cover <NUM> is formed of an insulating material. Accordingly, the terminal cover <NUM> prevents the insulation breakdown of the terminal parts <NUM>, <NUM> from occurring due to an external electric shock or a ground fault in the closed state.

The terminal cover <NUM> may be defined in an "L" shape when viewed from the side. That is, the terminal cover <NUM> includes an upper surface portion <NUM> and a front surface portion <NUM>. Here, the upper surface portion <NUM> is closed, and a terminal connection groove <NUM> for each phase may be disposed in the front surface portion <NUM> for each phase.

A rotary part <NUM> is provided behind the upper surface portion <NUM> of the terminal cover <NUM>. The rotary part <NUM> is disposed to protrude in an arc shape behind the upper surface portion <NUM>. The rotary part <NUM> is inserted and installed in the shaft groove part <NUM> of the circuit breaker body <NUM>.

The rotary shaft <NUM> is inserted and installed in the rotary part <NUM>. The rotary shaft <NUM> is inserted and installed in a shaft groove or shaft hole (not shown) of the circuit breaker body <NUM> to allow the terminal cover <NUM> to rotate.

A first return spring <NUM> may be provided on the rotary shaft <NUM>. In this embodiment, a force is applied to the first return spring <NUM> in a direction in which the terminal cover <NUM> is closed. Accordingly, when no external force is applied, the terminal cover <NUM> is placed in a closed state. Even when the terminal cover <NUM> is opened by the user, the terminal cover <NUM> is closed by a restoring force of the first return spring <NUM> when the external force is removed. The first return spring <NUM> may be configured with a torsion spring or a coil spring.

A locking lever <NUM> is provided on the upper surface portion <NUM> of the terminal cover <NUM> or the rotary part <NUM>. The locking lever <NUM> may be disposed to partially protrude from the upper surface portion <NUM> or the rotary part <NUM>. A first engaging protrusion may be disposed at an end portion of the locking lever <NUM>.

An interlock member <NUM> is provided. The interlock member <NUM> may be installed at an inside of the circuit breaker body <NUM>. The interlock member <NUM> may be defined in a "T" shape. The interlock member <NUM> is rotatably installed by a shaft part <NUM>.

An engaging portion <NUM> is provided at one end of the interlock member <NUM>. The rotation of the locking lever <NUM> is limited, and the opening of the terminal cover <NUM> is restricted by the engaging portion <NUM>.

A second engaging protrusion may be disposed adjacent to the first engaging protrusion of the locking lever <NUM> in the engaging portion <NUM>.

An interlock release portion <NUM> is provided at the other end of the interlock member <NUM>. The interlock release portion <NUM> may be configured with a magnetic body. Alternatively, the interlock release portion <NUM> may include a magnet.

A second return spring <NUM> may be provided on the interlock member <NUM>. The second return spring <NUM> returns in a direction of restricting the locking lever <NUM> when no external force is applied.

<FIG> shows a state in which the interface module <NUM> is coupled.

When the interface module <NUM> is coupled, the interlock driver <NUM> pulls the interlock member <NUM> by a magnetic force. The interlock member <NUM> rotates clockwise to be in contact with the interlock driver <NUM>, and release restriction to the locking lever <NUM>. Accordingly, it becomes a state in which the terminal cover <NUM> can be opened by the user.

In summary, when the interface module <NUM> is coupled, the interlock driver <NUM> rotationally moves the interlock member <NUM>, and restriction to the terminal cover <NUM> is released to become a state in which the terminal cover <NUM> can be opened. The user may open the terminal cover <NUM> and perform an operation for the terminal parts <NUM>, <NUM> as needed.

A semiconductor circuit breaker according to a second embodiment will be described. The semiconductor circuit breaker of the second embodiment follows the semiconductor circuit breaker of the first embodiment except for a terminal cover interlock portion. Accordingly, the detailed description of the same portions as those of the first embodiment will be omitted and only portions different therefrom will be described. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate side views of a second embodiment.

A semiconductor circuit breaker according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure includes a circuit breaker body <NUM> connected to a main circuit; and an interface module <NUM> independent from the circuit breaker body <NUM>, wherein the circuit breaker body <NUM> has a module receiving part <NUM> provided on an outer surface of the circuit breaker body <NUM>, and the interface module <NUM> includes a terminal cover that is detachably coupled to the module receiving part <NUM>, and rotatably coupled to terminal parts <NUM>, <NUM> of the circuit breaker body <NUM>; a locking lever <NUM> provided in the terminal cover <NUM>; an interlock member <NUM> provided in the circuit breaker body <NUM> to restrict or release the locking lever <NUM>; and an interlock driver <NUM> provided in the interface module <NUM> to operate the interlock member <NUM>.

The rotary part <NUM> is provided behind the upper surface portion <NUM> of the terminal cover <NUM>. The rotary part <NUM> is disposed to protrude in an arc shape behind the upper surface portion <NUM>. The rotary part <NUM> is inserted and installed in the shaft groove part <NUM> of the circuit breaker body <NUM>.

The first return spring <NUM> may be provided on the rotary shaft <NUM>. In this embodiment, a force is applied to the first return spring <NUM> in a direction in which the terminal cover <NUM> is closed. Accordingly, when no external force is applied, the terminal cover <NUM> is placed in a closed state. Even when the terminal cover <NUM> is opened by the user, the terminal cover <NUM> is closed by a restoring force of the first return spring <NUM> when the external force is removed. The first return spring <NUM> may be configured with a torsion spring or a coil spring.

The locking lever <NUM> is provided on the upper surface portion <NUM> of the terminal cover <NUM> or the rotary part <NUM>. The locking lever <NUM> may be disposed to partially protrude from the upper surface portion <NUM> or the rotary part <NUM>. A first engaging protrusion may be disposed at an end portion of the locking lever <NUM>.

The interlock member <NUM> is provided. The interlock member <NUM> may be installed at an inside of the circuit breaker body <NUM>. The interlock member <NUM> may be defined in a "T" shape. The interlock member <NUM> is installed to be vertically and linearly movable by a guide part <NUM>.

A guide hole <NUM> is disposed in the interlock member <NUM>. The guide hole <NUM> is defined in a slit shape having a predetermined length up and down to allow the guide part <NUM> to be inserted thereinto for operation.

The guide part <NUM> protrudes from a portion of an enclosure of the circuit breaker body <NUM> to guide a vertical movement of the interlock member <NUM>.

An interlock release portion <NUM> is provided at the other end of the interlock member <NUM>. The interlock release portion <NUM> may be configured as a protruding lever.

A second return spring <NUM> may be provided on the interlock member <NUM>. The second return spring <NUM> acts in a direction to pull the interlock member <NUM> upward when no external force is applied. The second return spring <NUM> may be configured with a coil spring.

The interface module <NUM> is provided with an interlock driver <NUM> that moves the interlock member <NUM>. The interlock driver <NUM> is provided on one side of the coupling part <NUM>. The interlock driver <NUM> is disposed to protrude from one side of the coupling part <NUM>.

An insertion hole <NUM> into which the interlock driver <NUM> of the interface module <NUM> can be inserted is disposed in the module receiving part <NUM> of the circuit breaker body <NUM>. When the interface module <NUM> is coupled to the module receiving part <NUM>, the interlock driver <NUM> is inserted into the insertion hole <NUM> to operate the interlock member <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a state in which the interface module <NUM> is coupled.

When the interface module <NUM> is coupled, the interlock driver <NUM> presses the interlock release portion <NUM> of the interlock member <NUM> to move the interlock member <NUM> downward while overcoming the force of the second return spring <NUM>. When the interlock member <NUM> moves downward, the engaging portion <NUM> also moves downward, and thus restriction to the locking lever <NUM> of the terminal cover <NUM> is released. Accordingly, it becomes a state in which the terminal cover <NUM> can be opened by the user.

In summary, when the interface module <NUM> is coupled, the interlock driver <NUM> moves the interlock member <NUM> downward, and restriction to the terminal cover <NUM> is released to become a state in which the terminal cover <NUM> can be opened. The user may open the terminal cover <NUM> and perform an operation for the terminal parts <NUM>, <NUM> as needed.

A semiconductor circuit breaker according to a third embodiment will be described. The semiconductor circuit breaker of the third embodiment follows the semiconductor circuit breaker of the second embodiment except for a terminal cover interlock portion. Accordingly, the detailed description of the same portions as those of the second embodiment will be omitted and only portions different therefrom will be described. <FIG> illustrates a side view of a third embodiment.

A semiconductor circuit breaker according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure includes a circuit breaker body <NUM> connected to a main circuit; and an interface module <NUM> independent from the circuit breaker body <NUM>, wherein the circuit breaker body <NUM> has a module receiving part <NUM> provided on an outer surface of the circuit breaker body <NUM>, and the interface module <NUM> includes a terminal cover that is detachably coupled to the module receiving part <NUM>, and rotatably coupled to terminal parts <NUM>, <NUM> of the circuit breaker body <NUM>; a locking lever <NUM> provided in the terminal cover <NUM>; an interlock member <NUM> provided in the circuit breaker body <NUM> to restrict or release the locking lever <NUM>; and an interlock driver <NUM> provided in the interface module <NUM> to operate the interlock member <NUM>.

An interlock member <NUM> is provided. The interlock member <NUM> may be installed at an inside of the circuit breaker body <NUM>. The interlock member <NUM> may be formed in a "π" shape. The interlock member <NUM> is installed to be vertically and linearly movable by a guide part <NUM>.

The interlock member <NUM> is configured with a length reaching the terminal cover <NUM> of the terminal parts <NUM>, <NUM> on both sides. The support portions <NUM> of the interlock member <NUM> are disposed at both ends thereof, respectively.

Guide holes <NUM> are disposed in the support portions <NUM> on both sides of the interlock member <NUM>, respectively. The guide hole <NUM> is defined in a slit shape having a predetermined length up and down to allow the guide part <NUM> to be inserted thereinto for operation.

Engaging portions <NUM> are provided at both ends of the interlock member <NUM>, respectively. The rotation of the locking lever <NUM> is limited, and the opening of the terminal cover <NUM> is restricted by the engaging portion <NUM>.

An interlock release portion <NUM> is provided at an intermediate portion of the interlock member <NUM>. The interlock release portion <NUM> may be a portion of the body of the interlock member <NUM>.

A second return spring <NUM> may be provided on the interlock member <NUM>. The second return spring <NUM> may be provided on the support portions <NUM>, respectively. The second return spring <NUM> acts in a direction to pull the interlock member <NUM> upward when no external force is applied. The second return spring <NUM> may be configured with a coil spring.

When the interface module <NUM> is coupled, the interlock driver <NUM> presses the interlock release portion <NUM> of the interlock member <NUM> to move the interlock member <NUM> downward while overcoming the force of the second return spring <NUM>. When the interlock member <NUM> moves downward, restriction to the locking lever <NUM> of the terminal cover <NUM> is released. Accordingly, it becomes a state in which the terminal cover <NUM> can be opened by the user. At this time, the terminal covers <NUM> of both terminal parts <NUM>, <NUM> are simultaneously released from restriction.

Claim 1:
A semiconductor circuit breaker comprising:
a circuit breaker body (<NUM>) connected to a main circuit, and provided with a module receiving part (<NUM>) on an outer surface thereof; and
an interface module (<NUM>) provided independently from the circuit breaker body (<NUM>), and detachably coupled to the module receiving part (<NUM>),
wherein the circuit breaker body (<NUM>) comprises:
a terminal cover (<NUM>) coupled to a terminal part (<NUM>,<NUM>) of the circuit breaker body (<NUM>);
characterized in that an interlock member (<NUM>) is provided in the circuit breaker body (<NUM>) to restrict or release the opening of the terminal cover (<NUM>),
and in that the interface module (<NUM>) comprises:
an interlock driver (<NUM>) that operates the interlock member (<NUM>).