Patent ID: 12198883

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, a trip device10according to an implementation of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following description, descriptions of some components will be omitted to help understanding of the present disclosure.

1. Definition of Terms

The term “circuit breaker” used in the following description refers to a device that opens and closes an electric circuit. In one implementation, the circuit breaker may be a molded case circuit breaker (MCCB).

The term “overcurrent” used in the following description means a type of current for operating a circuit breaker. In one implementation, the overcurrent may be classified as a “small current”.

The term “fault current” used in the following description means a type of current for operating a circuit breaker. In one implementation, the overcurrent may be classified as a “large current”.

The terms “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right”, “front” and “rear” used in the following description will be understood based on a coordinate system illustrated inFIG.3andFIGS.9to12.

2. Description of Configuration of Trip Device10According to Implementation

A trip device10according to an implementation may be provided in a circuit breaker to block a circuit when an overcurrent or a fault current occurs. In one implementation, the trip device10may be disposed in a molded case circuit breaker.

Referring toFIGS.3and4, the trip device10according to the illustrated example may include a frame100, a pressing unit200, a shooter assembly300, a bimetal400, and an adjustment crossbar500.

Hereinafter, each component of the trip device10according to the implementation will be described with reference toFIGS.3and4, and the adjustment crossbar500will be described as a separate clause.

(1) Description of Frame100

The frame100may define appearance of the trip device10. Various components for performing a trip operation may be accommodated in the frame100.

The frame100may be formed of an insulating material. This may prevent an arbitrary electrical connection between inside and outside of the trip device10.

The frame100may be formed of a material having pressure resistance and thermal resistance. This can prevent damage due to an arc that is generated when a movable contactor and a fixed contactor are separated from each other as the trip device10is driven.

In one implementation, the frame100may be formed of a synthetic resin.

The frame100may extend in one direction, namely, in an up and down (vertical) direction in the illustrated implementation. Accordingly, the components accommodated in an inner space of the frame100may be arranged in the vertical direction.

The frame100may include an accommodating portion110, a partition wall120, and a shooter coupling portion130.

The accommodating portion110may be a space defined inside the frame100. Various components for performing a trip operation may be accommodated in the accommodating portion110.

The accommodating portion110may be provided in plurality. The plurality of accommodating portions110may be disposed adjacent to each other. In the illustrated implementation, a total of four accommodating portions110may be formed to be continuously arranged adjacent to one another in left and right directions.

This may result from that the circuit breaker having the trip device10is configured to block currents of three phases, which include R-phase, S-phase, and T-phase or U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase, and N-phase. The number of the accommodating portion110may vary.

The partition wall120may be disposed between the accommodating portions110. The partition wall120may be located between the accommodating portions110adjacent to each other. The partition wall120may make the adjacent accommodating portions110physically spaced apart from each other. In other words, it can be said that the partition wall120divides the single big accommodating portion110into a plurality of small accommodating portions110.

The partition wall120can prevent an arbitrary contact or electrical connection between components accommodated in the respective accommodating portions110.

The shooter assembly300may be rotatably coupled to the shooter coupling portion130. An arc-shaped groove to which the shooter assembly300is coupled may be formed in one side of the shooter coupling portion130, namely, in an upper side in the illustrated implementation.

The shooter coupling portion130may extend from one side of the partition wall120, namely, from an upper end portion in the illustrated implementation. In the illustrated implementation, the shooter coupling portion130may be located on the partition wall120which is located at the center in the left and right directions, that is, on the partition wall120where two accommodating portions110are located at each of right and left sides.

The position of the shooter coupling portion130may change depending on the position of the shooter assembly300.

(2) Description of Pressing Unit200

The pressing unit200may generate driving force for performing a trip operation when a fault current or an overcurrent flows through the circuit breaker. The pressing unit200may be accommodated in the accommodating portion110.

The pressing unit200may be provided in plurality. As described above, the trip device10according to the implementation may include the four accommodating portions110. Accordingly, four pressing units200may also be provided to be accommodated in the plurality of accommodating portions110, respectively.

The pressing unit200may include a heater210, a magnet220, an armature230, and a pressing protrusion240.

The heater210may be a portion through which the trip device10is electrically connected to the outside. The heater210may protrude by predetermined distances from both sides of the accommodating portion110, namely, from front and rear sides in the illustrated implementation. The heater210may extend between the protruded portions.

In other words, the heater210may be continuously formed from the outside of the front side to the outside of the rear side of the frame100.

One end portion of the heater210, namely, a rear end portion in the illustrated implementation may be electrically connected to a fixed contactor disposed in the circuit breaker. Accordingly, when a trip operation is not performed, a current passing through the fixed contactor may flow through the heater210.

Another end portion of the heater210, namely, a front end portion in the illustrated implementation may be electrically connected to external power source and load. When a trip operation is not performed, a current flowing into the circuit breaker may flow to the external power source or load through the heater210.

When an overcurrent flows through the heater210, the heater210may generate heat. The heat may cause the bimetal400to be curved toward a distance adjustment bar630such that the bimetal400presses the distance adjustment bar630. Accordingly, the adjustment crossbar500may be moved away from the shooter assembly300, thereby causing a trip operation.

When a fault current passes through the heater210, the magnet220may generate electromagnetic force for attracting the armature230, in response to an electromagnetic field formed by the current.

The magnet220may be disposed adjacent to the heater210. The magnet220may be magnetized by the electromagnetic field formed by the current flowing through the heater210.

The magnet220may be disposed adjacent to the armature230. In the illustrated implementation, the magnet220may be located between the heater210and the armature230. In addition, the magnet220may be located at the front of the heater210and simultaneously at the rear of the armature230.

The magnet220may also be disposed to be spaced apart from the armature230by a predetermined distance. When the magnet220is magnetized, the armature230may be moved toward the magnet220.

The magnet220may be implemented as any member that can be magnetized by an electromagnetic field. In one implementation, the magnet220may be implemented as a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

In the illustrated implementation, the magnet220may include a body portion formed in parallel with the heater210, and wing portions extending toward the armature230from both sides of the body portion, that is, from left and right end portions. Accordingly, a surface area of the magnet220can increase, so that the electromagnetic force generated as the magnet220is magnetized can be strengthened.

The armature230may be attracted by the electromagnetic force generated by the magnetization of the magnet220. That is, when the magnet220is magnetized, the armature230may be moved toward the magnet220. Accordingly, driving force for performing the trip operation can be generated.

The armature230may be disposed adjacent to the magnet220. In the illustrated implementation, the armature230may be disposed at the front side of the magnet220.

The armature230may be accommodated in the accommodating portion110. The armature230may be rotatably coupled to the frame100. That is, the armature230may be rotated centering on an armature rotation shaft231.

The armature230may be in contact with the adjustment crossbar500. When the armature230is rotated toward the magnet220, the adjustment crossbar500may be moved away from the shooter assembly300.

That is, as the armature230is moved, the adjustment crossbar500may be moved in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the armature230. In the illustrated implementation, the armature230may be moved toward the rear side, and accordingly the adjustment crossbar500may be moved toward the front side.

This can release the coupling between the adjustment crossbar500and the shooter assembly300, so that the shooter assembly300can perform a trip operation. A detailed description thereof will be described later.

The pressing protrusion240may extend from one end portion of the armature230. In the illustrated implementation, the pressing protrusion240may extend toward the adjustment crossbar500that is located above the armature230. One end portion of the pressing protrusion240may be in contact with one surface of a pushed protrusion730of the adjustment crossbar500, namely, a rear surface in the illustrated implementation.

The one end portion of the pressing protrusion240may be located above the armature rotation shaft231. Accordingly, the pressing protrusion240may be rotated in a direction opposite to the rotating direction of the armature230.

The pressing protrusion240may be rotated integrally with the armature230. That is, when the armature230is rotated toward the magnet220, the pressing protrusion240may be rotated in the opposite direction, that is, away from the magnet220. In other words, the pressing protrusion240may be rotated toward the adjustment crossbar500.

When the pressing protrusion240is rotated toward the adjustment crossbar500, the pressing protrusion240may be brought into contact with the pushed protrusion730. When the rotary motion of the pressing protrusion240continues, the pressing protrusion240may press the pushed protrusion730. Accordingly, the adjustment crossbar500can be moved away from the shooter assembly300, thereby enabling a trip operation.

(3) Description of Shooter Assembly300

The shooter assembly300may be rotated when an overcurrent or a fault current flows. An opening/closing mechanism (not illustrated) may be regulated by the rotation of the shooter assembly300so that the circuit breaker can block a current.

In a situation in which a trip operation is not required, that is, in a situation in which a normal current flows along the circuit breaker, the shooter assembly300may be maintained in the contact state with the adjustment crossbar500. Accordingly, the movement of the shooter assembly300can be restricted.

In a situation in which a trip operation should be performed, that is, in a situation in which an overcurrent or a fault current flows along the circuit breaker, the shooter assembly300may be spaced apart from the adjustment crossbar500. Accordingly, the shooter assembly300can be rotated to regulate the opening/closing mechanism (not illustrated).

The shooter assembly300may be rotatably coupled to the frame100. Specifically, a shooter body portion310may be rotatably coupled to the shooter coupling portion130.

The shooter assembly300may be supported by the adjustment crossbar500. Specifically, a lower side of a crossbar contact portion330may be supported by a shooter support portion760. The support state may be stably maintained by an elastic member320that pulls the shooter assembly300downward.

The shooter assembly300may be connected to the opening/closing mechanism (not illustrated). When the shooter assembly300is rotated, the opening/closing mechanism (not illustrated) may also be rotated.

In the illustrated implementation, the shooter assembly300may be located in a central portion of the frame100in the left and right directions. That is, the two accommodating portions110may be located at each of the left and right sides of the shooter assembly300. The position of the shooter assembly300may change depending on the position of the shooter coupling portion130.

The shooter assembly300may include a shooter body portion310, an elastic member320, and a crossbar contact portion330.

The shooter body portion310may define the body of the shooter assembly300. The shooter body portion310may include a first portion extending from a lower end portion to be curved upward, and a second portion extending from an end of the first portion toward the front.

In other words, the shooter body portion310may include a first portion extending from the shooter coupling portion130to be curved toward the heater210, and a second portion extending from the shooter coupling portion130toward the adjustment crossbar500. The second portion may be defined as the crossbar contact portion330.

The shooter body portion310may be rotatably coupled to the shooter coupling portion130.

The elastic member320may apply elastic force to the shooter assembly300. The contact state between the crossbar contact portion and the shooter support portion760can be maintained by the elastic force.

The elastic member320may be located below the crossbar contact portion330. One side, that is, an upper end of the elastic member320facing the crossbar contact portion330may be connected to the crossbar contact portion330. Another side, that is, a lower end of the elastic member320located in a direction away from the crossbar contact portion330may be connected to an arbitrary member inside the accommodating portion110.

The elastic member320may be tensioned between the crossbar contact portion330and the arbitrary member. That is, the elastic member320may be located below the crossbar contact portion330in a state in which predetermined restoring force is stored. In other words, the elastic member320may apply elastic force for pulling the crossbar contact portion330downward.

Accordingly, the crossbar contact portion330can receive the elastic force applied downward in a state in which it is seated on the shooter support portion760. This can prevent the crossbar contact portion330from being arbitrarily separated from the shooter support portion760.

In addition, when the pressing protrusion240presses the pushed protrusion730, the adjustment crossbar500may be moved away from the shooter assembly300, namely, toward the front side in the illustrated implementation.

Therefore, the shooter support portion760located beneath the crossbar contact portion330can also be moved toward the front side, thereby releasing the contact state between the crossbar contact portion330and the shooter support portion760.

In this case, the crossbar contact portion330may be moved downward by the restoring force of the elastic member320. In the illustrated implementation, it will be understood that the crossbar contact portion330is rotated clockwise centering on the shooter coupling portion130.

The elastic member320may be arbitrarily configured to be capable of storing restoring force by deformation and applying the stored restoring force to another member. In one implementation, the elastic member320may be configured as a coil spring.

The crossbar contact portion330may be a portion where the shooter assembly300is in contact with the adjustment crossbar500.

When the trip operation is not performed, the lower side of the crossbar contact portion330may be seated on the shooter support portion760. When the trip operation is performed, the crossbar contact portion330may be rotated clockwise by the restoring force of the elastic member320, so that an end portion thereof faces downward.

The crossbar contact portion330may extend from a portion where the shooter assembly300comes in contact with the shooter coupling portion130toward one side, namely, toward the front side in the illustrated implementation by a predetermined distance.

The crossbar contact portion330may preferably extend to such an extent that it is seated on the shooter support portion760when the trip operation is not performed but does not come in contact with the shooter support portion760when the trip operation is performed.

(4) Description of Bimetal400

The bimetal400may be curved toward the distance adjustment bar630by heat generated in the heater210as an overcurrent flows. The bimetal400may press the distance adjustment bar630. Accordingly, the adjustment crossbar500may be moved away from the bimetal400, namely, toward the front side in the illustrated implementation.

Responsive to the movement, the crossbar contact portion330and the shooter support portion760may be spaced apart from each other, thereby rotating the shooter body portion310. This can result in performing a trip operation.

The bimetal400may be formed of a plurality of metal materials having different thermal expansion coefficients. Among the metal materials constituting the bimetal400, a thermal expansion coefficient of a metal material located in a direction away from the distance adjustment bar630may be greater than a thermal expansion coefficient of a metal material located adjacent to the distance adjustment bar630.

Accordingly, when heat is transferred to the bimetal400, the bimetal400may be curved toward the distance adjustment bar630.

The bimetal400may be inclined in the extending direction of the adjustment crossbar500, namely, in the left and right directions in the illustrated implementation. That is, the shortest distance between the bimetal400and the distance adjustment bar630may be different along the left and right directions of the bimetal400.

In the illustrated implementation, the shortest distance between the bimetal400and the distance adjustment bar630may decrease from left to right.

Accordingly, the shortest distance between the bimetal400and the distance adjustment bar630can be adjusted by moving the distance adjustment bar630in the left and right directions. This can adjust magnitude of a reference current for the trip device10to perform a trip operation.

The bimetal400may be provided in plurality. The plurality of bimetals400may be spaced apart from one another by predetermined distances and accommodated in the plurality of accommodation portions110, respectively. In the illustrated implementation, four bimetal400may be provided to be accommodated in the respective accommodating portions110.

The bimetal400may be spaced apart from one end portion of the distance adjustment bar630facing the bimetal400, namely, a rear end portion in the illustrated implementation by a predetermined distance.

The bimetal400may be disposed adjacent to the heater210. Heat generated by the heater210may be transferred to the bimetal400. In one implementation, the bimetal400may extend in the vertical direction.

3. Description of Adjustment Crossbar500According to Implementation

Referring back toFIGS.3and4, the trip device10according to the implementation may include the adjustment crossbar500.

The adjustment crossbar500may be moved in one direction, namely, in front and rear directions in the illustrated implementation, to be brought into contact with or spaced apart from the shooter assembly300. Accordingly, the trip device10can be driven to open or close a circuit.

The adjustment crossbar500may be rotatably coupled to the frame100. When the pressing protrusion240presses the pushed protrusion730, the adjustment crossbar500may be rotated away from the shooter assembly300, namely, clockwise in the illustrated implementation.

Also, the adjustment crossbar500may be moved in another direction, namely, in the left and right directions in the illustrated implementation. Accordingly, the shortest distance between the bimetal400and the distance adjustment bar630can be adjusted, thereby adjusting magnitude of a current to be blocked.

Hereinafter, the adjustment crossbar500according to the implementation will be described in detail, with reference toFIGS.5to8.

In the illustrated implementation, the adjustment crossbar500may include a movable crossbar600and a fixed crossbar700. The adjustment crossbar500may be configured by the combination of the movable crossbar600and the fixed crossbar700. In the illustrated implementation, the movable crossbar600may be located at the front of the fixed crossbar700.

Accordingly, it will be understood that each configuration of the movable crossbar600and the fixed crossbar700to be described below is included in the adjustment crossbar500.

(1) Description of Movable Crossbar600

Referring toFIG.5, the movable crossbar600included in the adjustment crossbar500according to the implementation is illustrated.

The movable crossbar600may be slidably coupled to the fixed core700. That is, the movable crossbar600may slide relative to the fixed crossbar700in the longitudinal direction, namely, in the left and right directions in the illustrated implementation.

The movable crossbar600may move integrally with the fixed crossbar700. That is, when the bimetal400is curved to press the distance adjustment bar630, the movable crossbar600may move together with the fixed crossbar700.

At this time, it will be understood that the movable crossbar600is rotated clockwise to be away from the shooter assembly300, namely, toward the front side in the illustrated embodiment.

The movable crossbar600may extend in one direction, namely, in the left and right directions in the illustrated implementation. An extension length of the movable crossbar600may be determined to be shorter than or equal to an extension length of the frame100in the left and right directions. Accordingly, the movable crossbar600may slide by a predetermined distance in a state of being coupled to the frame100.

The movable crossbar600may include a movable body portion610, a distance adjustment bar holder620, a distance adjustment bar630, a knob coupling portion640, and an insertion protrusion650.

The movable body portion610may define the body of the movable crossbar600. The movable body portion610may extend in one direction, namely, in the left and right directions in the illustrated implementation.

The movable body portion610may be formed of a non-conductive material. In one implementation, the movable body portion610may be formed of a synthetic resin. This can prevent an arbitrary electrical connection between the movable body portion610and the pressing unit200.

The insertion protrusion650may protrude by a predetermined length from one side of the movable body portion610facing the fixed crossbar700, namely, from the rear side in the illustrated implementation.

The distance adjustment bar holder620may protrude by a predetermined length from another side of the movable body portion610in a direction away from the pressing unit200, namely, from an upper side in the illustrated implementation.

The distance adjustment bar630may be coupled through the distance adjustment bar holder620. The distance adjustment bar630may be movable by a predetermined distance along a coupling direction, namely, along the front and rear directions in the illustrated implementation, in an inserted state in the distance adjustment bar holder620. This can adjust the shortest distance between the distance adjustment bar630and the bimetal400.

The distance adjustment bar holder620may be provided in plurality. The plurality of distance adjustment bar holders620may be disposed to be spaced apart from one another by predetermined distances. In the illustrated implementation, four distance adjustment bar holders620may be provided. The number of the distance adjustment bar holder620may be determined depending on the number of the accommodating portion110or the pressuring unit200.

The distance adjustment bar holder620may be located on one side of the movable body portion610in the direction away from the pressing unit200, namely, on an upper side in the illustrated implementation.

The distance adjustment bar holder620may include an extension portion621, a bar insertion portion622, and a locking protrusion623.

The extension portion621may define the body of the distance adjustment bar holder620. The extension portion621may extend by a predetermined length from the movable body portion610. One side of the extension portion621facing the movable body portion610, namely, a lower end portion in the illustrated implementation, may be coupled to the movable body portion610.

The bar insertion portion622may be formed on another side of the extension portion621in the direction away from the movable body portion610, namely, on an upper end portion in the illustrated implementation.

The distance adjustment bar630may be inserted through the bar insertion portion622. The bar insertion portion622may include a hollow portion formed through an inside thereof. The distance adjustment bar630may be inserted through the hollow portion.

In the illustrated implementation, the distance adjustment bar630may have a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section. Accordingly, the hollow portion may also be formed to have a circular cross section corresponding to the shape.

An inner diameter of the hollow portion may be smaller than or equal to an outer diameter of the distance adjustment bar630. Accordingly, when the distance adjustment bar630is inserted through the hollow portion, the distance adjustment bar630may not arbitrarily move toward or away from the bimetal400.

The locking protrusion623may be inserted into a holder insertion portion711. The locking protrusion623may be moved by a predetermined distance in the left and right directions, in response to the movement of the movable body portion610, in a state of being inserted into the holder insertion portion711.

The locking protrusion623may be formed on one side of the extension portion621facing the movable body portion610, namely, on a lower end portion in the illustrated implementation. The locking protrusion623may protrude by a predetermined length. A protrusion length of the locking protrusion623may preferably be shorter than or equal to a length by which the holder insertion portion711is recessed.

The locking protrusion623may have a predetermined thickness in the extending direction of the movable body portion610, that is, in the left and right directions. The thickness of the locking protrusion623may preferably be less than or equal to a length of the holder insertion portion711in the extending direction, that is, in the left and right directions.

Accordingly, when the locking protrusion623is inserted into the holder insertion portion711, a sliding distance of the movable crossbar600can be limited. That is, the movable crossbar600can be slidable between a position where a left surface of the locking protrusion623is brought into contact with a surface surrounding the holder inserting portion711at the left and a position where a right surface of the locking protrusion623is brought into contact with a surface surrounding the holder insertion portion711at the right.

The distance adjustment bar630may be pressed by the bimetal400in a situation where a trip operation is required. The distance adjustment bar630may extend toward the bimetal400.

The distance adjustment bar630may be coupled to the distance adjustment bar holder620. Specifically, the distance adjustment bar630may be inserted through the hollow portion formed through the inside of the bar insertion portion622.

In the illustrated implementation, the distance adjustment bar630may be formed in a cylindrical shape having a circular cross section and extending in the front and rear directions.

One end portion of the distance adjustment bar630facing the bimetal400may be rounded. That is, the one end portion of the distance adjustment bar630may be convex toward the bimetal400. Accordingly, regardless of a curved angle of the bimetal400, the bimetal400can stably press the distance adjustment bar630.

A distance between the one end portion of the distance adjustment bar630and the bimetal400, that is, the shortest distance between the distance adjustment bar630and the bimetal400may vary. This may be achieved by the sliding movement of the movable crossbar600. A detailed description thereof will be described later.

A knob (not illustrated) may be inserted into the knob coupling portion640. The knob (not illustrated) may be rotatably coupled to the frame100. When the knob (not illustrated) is rotated, the knob coupling portion640and the movable body portion610connected thereto may be slidable to left or right.

The knob coupling portion640may be formed on one side of the movable body portion610in the direction away from the pressing unit200, namely, on an upper side in the illustrated implementation. In the illustrated implementation, the knob coupling portion640may be located adjacent to the distance adjustment bar holder620located at the rightmost side. The position of the knob coupling portion640may change depending on the position of the knob (not illustrated).

The knob coupling portion640may include an extension portion641and a knob insertion portion642.

The extension portion641may extend by a predetermined length toward the rear side. The extension portion641may include a first extension portion641aand a second extension portion641bspaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance may be determined according to a diameter of the knob (not illustrated) inserted into the knob insertion portion642.

The knob insertion portion642may be a space into which the knob (not illustrated) is inserted. The knob insertion portion642may be defined by a space formed as the first extension portion641aand the second extension portion641bare spaced apart from each other.

The insertion protrusion650may be a portion by which the movable crossbar600is coupled to the fixed crossbar700. The insertion protrusion650may be inserted into an insertion space740.

The insertion protrusion650may protrude by a predetermined length from one side of the movable body portion facing the fixed crossbar700, namely, from the rear side in the illustrated implementation. A protrusion length of the insertion protrusion650may preferably be determined to be shorter than or equal to a recessed length of the insertion space740.

The insertion protrusion650may be provided in plurality. In the illustrated implementation, three insertion protrusions650may be provided. The plurality of insertion protrusions650may be located to be spaced apart from one another by predetermined distances. In the illustrated implementation, each insertion protrusion650may be located between the adjacent distance adjustment bar holders620.

The insertion protrusion650may be formed to have a predetermined thickness in a direction in which the distance adjustment bar holder620extends, namely, in the vertical direction in the illustrated implementation.

A groove may be provided inside the insertion protrusion650to be recessed into one end portion facing the fixed crossbar700by a predetermined distance. The groove may define a space in which upper and lower surfaces of the insertion protrusion650can face each other. Accordingly, the insertion protrusion650may be fitted into the insertion space740.

The insertion protrusion650may be moved in the extending direction of the movable body portion610, namely, in the left and right directions in the illustrated implementation, in the inserted state in the insertion space740.

(2) Description of Fixed Crossbar700

Referring toFIG.6, the fixed crossbar700included in the adjustment crossbar500according to the implementation is illustrated.

The movable crossbar600may be slidably coupled to the fixed crossbar700.

The fixed crossbar700may move integrally with the movable crossbar600. That is, when the bimetal400is curved to press the distance adjustment bar630, the fixed crossbar700may move together with the movable crossbar600.

At this time, it will be understood that the fixed crossbar700is rotated clockwise to be away from the shooter assembly300, namely, toward the front side in the illustrated embodiment.

The fixed crossbar700may extend in one direction, namely, in the left and right directions in the illustrated implementation. That is, the fixed crossbar700may extend in the same direction as the movable crossbar600.

An extension length of the fixed crossbar700may be determined to be equal to a length of the frame100in the left and right directions. Accordingly, the fixed crossbar700coupled to the frame100may not move in the left and right directions.

The fixed crossbar700may be rotatably coupled to the frame100. Specifically, a rotation shaft720may be rotatably inserted into a rotation shaft insertion hole111. Accordingly, the fixed crossbar700can rotate in a direction away from the shooter assembly300, that is, in a clockwise direction.

The fixed crossbar700may include a fixed body portion710, a rotation shaft720, a pushed protrusion730, an insertion space740, a support protrusion750, and a shooter support portion760.

The fixed body portion710may define the body of the fixed crossbar700. The fixed body portion710may extend in one direction, namely, in the left and right directions in the illustrated implementation. It will be understood that an extending direction of the fixed body portion710is the same as the extending direction of the movable body portion610.

The fixed body portion710may be formed of a non-conductive material. In one implementation, the fixed body portion710may be formed of a synthetic resin. This can prevent an arbitrary electrical connection between the fixed body portion710and the pressing unit200.

The rotation shaft720may protrude by predetermined lengths from both end portions in the extending direction of the fixed body portion710, namely, both end portions in the left and right directions in the illustrated implementation.

The pushed protrusion730and the shooter support portion760may protrude by predetermined lengths from one side of the fixed body portion710in a direction away from the pressing unit200, namely, upward in the illustrated implementation.

The insertion space740may be formed by being recessed into another side of the fixed body portion710facing the movable crossbar600, namely, into a front side in the illustrated implementation.

The support protrusion750may protrude by a predetermined length from another side of the fixed body portion710facing the pressing unit200, namely, from a lower side in the illustrated implementation.

The fixed body portion710may include a holder insertion portion711and a ridge portion712.

The holder insertion portion711may be recessed by a predetermined length into one side of the fixed body portion710in the direction away from the pressing unit200, namely, into an upper side in the illustrated implementation. A recessed length of the holder insertion portion711may be longer than or equal to the protrusion length of the locking protrusion623.

The holder insertion portion711may be formed through the fixed body portion710in a direction in which the fixed crossbar700and the movable crossbar600are coupled to each other, namely, in the front and rear directions in the illustrated implementation.

The holder insertion portion711may extend by a predetermined length in the direction in which the fixing body portion710extends, that is, in the left and right directions in the illustrated implementation. Left and right sides of the holder insertion portion711may be surrounded by the ridge portions712.

Accordingly, the locking protrusion623can be moved by a predetermined distance in the left or right direction while being inserted into the holder insertion portion711.

The holder insertion portion711may be provided in plurality. The plurality of holder insertion portions711may be located to be spaced apart from one another in the extending direction of the fixed body portion710, that is, in the left and right directions. The number and position of the holder insertion portion711may be determined depending on the position and number of the locking protrusion623.

The holder insertion portion711may be located between the ridge portions712.

The ridge portions712may define one side of the fixed body portion710in the direction away from the pressing unit200, that is, an upper surface in the illustrated implementation.

The ridge portions712may surround both end portions in a longitudinal direction of the holder insertion portion711. That is, in the illustrated implementation, the ridge portions712may surround the left and right end portions of the holder insertion portion711.

Accordingly, a movement distance in the left and right directions of the locking protrusion623inserted into the holder insertion portion711may be limited to a distance at which the locking protrusion is in contact with the ridge portion712.

The ridge portion712may be divided into two parts that surround the holder insertion portion711at the left and right sides, respectively.

The ridge portion712may be provided in plurality. The plurality of ridge portions712may be spaced apart from one another by predetermined distances in the extending direction of the fixed body portion710. The plurality of ridge portions712may be located to define the left and right sides of each holder insertion portion711, respectively.

The rotation shaft720may be a portion by which the fixed crossbar700is rotatably coupled to the frame100. The rotation shaft720may be rotatably inserted into the rotation shaft insertion hole111formed through each end surface of the frame100in the longitudinal direction.

The rotating shaft720may be located at each end portion of the fixed body portion710in the longitudinal direction, that is, in the left and right directions in the illustrated implementation. The rotation shaft720may protrude from each end portion of the fixed body portion710by a predetermined length.

By the rotation shaft720, the fixed crossbar700and the adjustment crossbar500including the fixed crossbar700can be rotated relative to the frame100.

The pushed protrusion730may be a portion pressed by the pressing protrusion240. When the pushed protrusion730is pressed, the fixed crossbar700and the adjustment crossbar500may be rotated away from the shooter assembly300.

The pushed protrusion730may be located on one side of the fixed body portion710in the direction away from the pressing unit200, namely, on the upper side in the illustrated implementation. The pushed protrusion730may protrude from the upper side of the fixed body portion710by a predetermined length.

The pushed protrusion730may be provided in plurality. The plurality of pushed protrusions730may be spaced apart from one another by predetermined distances along the extending direction of the fixed body portion710. In the illustrated implementation, four pushed protrusions730may be provided to be spaced apart from one another by predetermined distances in the left and right directions. The holder insertion portion711and the ridge portion712may be located between pushed protrusions730.

It will be understood that the number and position of the pushed protrusion730is determined depending on the number and position of the pressing protrusion240.

The insertion space740may be a space into which the locking protrusion623is inserted. The insertion space740may be recessed by a predetermined distance into one side of the fixed body portion710facing the movable crossbar600, namely, into a front surface in the illustrated implementation.

The insertion space740may extend by a predetermined length in the extending direction of the fixed body portion710, that is, in the left and right directions in the illustrated implementation. Due to the shape of the insertion space740, the locking protrusion623inserted into the insertion space740may be moved in the left and right directions.

The insertion space740may be provided in plurality. The plurality of insertion spaces740may be partitioned by partition walls. The partition walls can reinforce rigidity of the fixed body portion710.

Although not illustrated, the partition wall may not be provided. That is, the insertion space740may continuously extend along the extending direction of the fixed body portion710.

The insertion space740may have a predetermined width in a heightwise direction, namely, in the vertical direction in the illustrated implementation. The width may be the same as the thickness of the insertion protrusion650in the vertical direction.

As described above, the insertion protrusion650may be inserted into the insertion space740by being deformed to some extent due to the groove formed therein. In the implementation, the insertion protrusion650inserted into the insertion space740may not be arbitrarily separated.

The support protrusion750may support the movable body portion610of the movable crossbar600from a lower side. The support protrusion750may protrude from the lower side of the fixed body portion710toward the movable crossbar600by a predetermined length.

The support protrusion750may be provided in plurality. The plurality of support protrusions750may be spaced apart from one another by predetermined distances in the extending direction of the fixed body portion710, that is, in the left and right directions in the illustrated implementation.

In the illustrated implementation, the support protrusions750may be located below the pushed protrusions730, respectively. With the arrangement, when the pushed protrusion730is pressed in a direction toward the movable crossbar600, the support protrusion750may support the lower side of the movable body portion610.

Accordingly, when the pushed protrusion730is pushed by the pressing protrusion240, the adjustment crossbar500may be rotated centering on the rotation shaft720. As described above, the rotating direction may be the direction away from the shooter assembly300, that is, the clockwise direction in the illustrated implementation.

The shooter support portion760may support the shooter assembly300. Specifically, the crossbar contact portion330of the shooter assembly300may be seated on the shooter support portion760. The shooter support portion760and the crossbar contact portion330may be in surface-contact with each other.

As described above, the crossbar contact portion330may receive elastic force in a direction toward the pressing unit200, namely, downward in the illustrated implementation by the elastic member320. Therefore, the crossbar contact portion330can be stably maintained in the seated state on the shooter support portion760.

The shooter support portion760may be located on one side of the fixed body portion710in the direction away from the pressing unit200, namely, on the upper side in the illustrated implementation. The shooter support portion760may protrude from the upper side of the fixed body portion710by a predetermined length.

In one implementation, the shooter support portion760may protrude as long as the seated crossbar contact portion330can be maintained horizontally.

In the illustrated implementation, the shooter support portion760may be disposed such that two pushed protrusions730and another two pushed protrusions730are located in the longitudinal direction of the fixed body portion710, that is, at the left and right sides, respectively. That is, the shooter support portion760may be located in the middle of the plurality of pushed protrusions730.

The position of the shooter support portion760may be determined to correspond to the position of the shooter assembly300.

The shooter support portion760may not move in the longitudinal direction, namely, in the left and right directions in the illustrated implementation. Therefore, the crossbar contact portion330can be stably maintained in the contact state with the shooter support portion760.

Accordingly, the bimetal400may not be affected by the contact between the shooter support portion760and the crossbar contact portion330.

(3) Description of Coupling Process of Adjustment Crossbar500

Referring toFIGS.7and8, a process of configuring the adjustment crossbar500according to an implementation is illustrated.

As described above, the adjustment crossbar500may be configured by the combination of the movable crossbar600and the fixed crossbar700.

The movable crossbar600may be disposed such that a distance from the shooter assembly300is longer than a distance between the fixed crossbar700and the shooter assembly300. That is, the movable crossbar600may be disposed to be farther away from the shooter assembly300than the fixed crossbar700.

In the illustrated implementation, the movable crossbar600may be disposed at the front of the fixed crossbar700.

The fixed crossbar700may be disposed at the rear of the movable crossbar600. That is, the fixed crossbar700may be disposed between the shooter assembly300and the movable crossbar600.

The insertion protrusion650of the movable crossbar600may be inserted into the insertion space740of the fixed crossbar700. Each of the insertion protrusion650and the insertion space740may be provided in plurality. The plurality of insertion protrusions650may be respectively inserted into the plurality of insertion spaces740.

In one implementation, the thickness of the insertion protrusion650may be greater than or equal to the height of the insertion space740. In addition, the groove may be formed inside the insertion protrusion650such that upper and lower surfaces of the insertion protrusion650surrounding the groove can move toward each other.

In the implementation, the insertion protrusion650may be fitted into the insertion space740. Accordingly, the movable crossbar600and the fixed crossbar700can be stably coupled to each other.

In this case, the insertion space740may extend in the longitudinal direction of the fixed crossbar700. Accordingly, the insertion protrusion650can be moved in the left and right directions in the inserted state in the insertion space740.

The locking protrusion623of the movable crossbar600may be inserted into the holder insertion portion711of the fixed crossbar700. The holder insertion portion711may extend in the longitudinal direction of the fixed crossbar700. Accordingly, the locking protrusion623can also be moved in the left and right directions in the inserted state in the holder insertion portion711.

By the coupling, the movable crossbar600can be slidably coupled to the fixed crossbar700. As described above, the sliding movement may be performed in the direction in which the adjustment crossbar500extends, that is, in the left and right directions in the illustrated implementation.

The distance adjustment bar holder620formed on the movable crossbar600may extend toward the fixed crossbar700. That is, when the movable crossbar600is coupled to the fixed crossbar700, the distance adjustment bar holder620may extend toward the shooter assembly300via the fixed body portion710.

Accordingly, the distance between the distance adjustment bar630coupled to the distance adjustment bar holder620and the bimetal400may be formed to be sufficient to perform a trip operation.

When the adjustment crossbar500is formed, the pushed protrusion730and the distance adjustment bar holder620may be alternately disposed in the longitudinal direction of the adjustment crossbar500, that is, in the left and right directions.

In addition, the shooter support portion760may be located at a central portion in the left and right directions of the adjustment crossbar500. As described above, the position may correspond to the position of the shooter assembly300.

4. Description of Process of Operating Trip Device10According to Implementation

Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of a process of operating the trip device according to an implementation, with reference toFIGS.9to12.

In the following description, the term “shortest distance” between the bimetal400and the distance adjustment bar630refers to a distance between the bimetal400and one end portion of the distance adjustment bar630facing the bimetal400.

Next, a description will further be given of a process of decreasing the shortest distance between the bimetal400and the distance adjustment bar630, with reference toFIGS.9and10.

In the illustrated implementation, the movable crossbar600may be slid to the left relative to the fixed crossbar700. As described above, the movement distance of the movable crossbar600may be limited by the coupling between the locking protrusion623and the holder insertion portion711or the coupling between the insertion protrusion650and the insertion space740.

In addition, the movement may be expressed using the change in a relative distance between the distance adjustment bar holder620and the pushed protrusion730. That is, as the movable crossbar600is moved, the distance between the distance adjustment bar holder620and the pushed protrusion730located adjacent to each other may become the maximum distance d1.

Accordingly, as the movable crossbar600is moved to the left, the distance adjustment bar630coupled to the distance adjustment bar holder620may also be moved to the left. In addition, the bimetal400may be disposed such that the shortest distance to the distance adjustment bar630is getting shorter toward the left.

This can increase the shortest distance between the bimetal400and the distance adjustment bar630. Also, a reference current value for performing a trip operation may be adjusted to be reduced.

In this case, the fixed crossbar700may not move regardless of the sliding of the movable crossbar600. Accordingly, the shooter support portion760of the fixed crossbar700on which the crossbar contact portion330of the shooter assembly300is seated may not move as well.

Accordingly, even if the movable crossbar600is moved so that the shortest distance between the bimetal400and the distance adjustment bar630is reduced, friction may not occur between the crossbar contact portion330and the shooter support portion760.

Hereinafter, a description will be given of a process of increasing the shortest distance between the bimetal400and the distance adjustment bar630, with reference toFIGS.11and12.

In the illustrated implementation, the movable crossbar600may be slid to the right relative to the fixed crossbar700. As described above, the movement distance of the movable crossbar600may be limited by the coupling between the locking protrusion623and the holder insertion portion711or the coupling between the insertion protrusion650and the insertion space740.

In addition, the movement may be expressed using the change in a relative distance between the distance adjustment bar holder620and the pushed protrusion730. That is, as the movable crossbar600is moved, the distance between the distance adjustment bar holder620and the pushed protrusion730located adjacent to each other may become the minimum distance d2.

Accordingly, as the movable crossbar600is moved to the right, the distance adjustment bar630coupled to the distance adjustment bar holder620may also be moved to the right. In addition, the bimetal400may be disposed such that the shortest distance to the distance adjustment bar630is getting longer toward the right.

This can increase the shortest distance between the bimetal400and the distance adjustment bar630. Also, a reference current value for performing a trip operation may be adjusted to be increased.

In this case, the fixed crossbar700may not move regardless of the sliding of the movable crossbar600. Accordingly, the shooter support portion760of the fixed crossbar700on which the crossbar contact portion330of the shooter assembly300is seated may not move as well.

Accordingly, even if the movable crossbar600is moved so that the shortest distance between the bimetal400and the distance adjustment bar630is increased, friction may not occur between the crossbar contact portion330and the shooter support portion760.

Although it has been described above with reference to the preferred implementations of the present disclosure, it will be understood that those skilled in the art are able to variously modify and change the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the invention described in the claims below.10: Trip device100: Frame110: Accommodating portion111: Rotation shaft insertion hole120: Partition wall130: Shooter coupling portion200: Pressing unit210: Heater220: Magnet230: Armature231: Armature rotation shaft240: Pressing protrusion300: Shooter assembly310: Shooter body portion320: Elastic member330: Crossbar contact portion400: Bimetal500: Adjustment crossbar600: Movable crossbar610: Movable body portion620: Distance adjustment bar holder621: Extension portion622: Bar insertion portion623: Locking protrusion630: Distance adjustment bar640: Knob coupling portion641: Extension portion641a: First extension portion641b: Second extension portion642: Knob insertion portion650: Insertion protrusion700: Fixed crossbar710: Fixed body portion711: Holder insertion portion712: Ridge portion720: Rotation shaft730: Pushed protrusion740: Insertion space750: Support protrusion760: Shooter support portion1000: Trip device according to the related art1100: Trip device case1110: Armature1120: Magnet1130: Heater1200: Crossbar1210: Gap adjusting portion1220: Pushed protrusion1230: Knob connecting portion1240: Shooter contact portion1300: Bimetal1400: Shooter1500: Knob1510: Knob adjusting portion