WO2007032641A1

WO2007032641A1 - Circuit breaker for keeping warm lamp

Info

Publication number: WO2007032641A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/003636
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ki-Joo Kim
Original assignee: Ki-Joo Kim
Priority date: 2005-09-13
Filing date: 2006-09-12
Publication date: 2007-03-22
Also published as: KR100668720B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to the circuit breaker forwarming lamps used to light and warm livestock barns. More particularly, the circuit breaker for warming lamps of the present invention simplifies mechanical structure to cut off power automatically when lamp clamp is corroded with age or cattle pull the warming lamp to fall onto the ground of livestock barn. Thus the circuit breaker of the present invention prevents sparks and short circuit regardless of whether the lamp breaks, also prevents a fire caused by the electric sparks, and livestock from being killed by electric shocks. More over, the circuit breaker for warming lamps of the present invention is moisture-proof to prevent leak of electricity and of a simplified structure, which increases efficiency in assembling process enough to maximize productivity while reducing production cost for the circuit breaker with lessened weight and size.

Description

CIRCUIT BREAKER FOR KEEPING WARM LAMP

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the circuit breaker for warming lamps used to light and warm livestock barns. More particularly, the circuit breaker for warming lamps of the present invention simplifies mechanical structure to cut off power automatically when lamp clamp is corroded with age or cattle pull the warming lamp to fall onto the ground of livestock barn. Thus the circuit breaker of the present invention prevents sparks and short circuit regardless of whether the lamp breaks, also prevents a fire caused by the electric sparks, and livestock from being killed by electric shocks.

More over, the circuit breaker for warming lamps of the present invention is moisture-proof to prevent leak of electricity and of a simplified structure, which increases efficiency in assembling process enough to maximize productivity while reducing production cost for the circuit breaker with lessened weight and size.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventional circuit breakers for warming lamps were developed to achieve the effect to cut off the power automatically to prevent fire and livestock from being killed by electric shocks, when cattle pull the warming lamp to fall and broken onto the ground.

As examples, Korean patent KR0508536 and the patent application KR2004-40272 comprise the prior arts however, the circuit breaker sets have complex structure to limit assembling efficiency and to decrease productivity. Circuit breakers of the examples are composed of housings comprising upper body assembly and bottom part combined to the said upper body. The structures still retain problem to decrease productivity to be assembled after fixing all the components from the bottom opening toward upper body assembly, and need more of time to assemble elements like micro switches or switch fixtures for each component should be fitted by fixing elements. In addition to the said problems, those breaker set have none of countermeasure for water-proof, are exposed to the possible leak of electricity from moisture. Korean patent application 2004-90806 comprises a circuit breaker for warming lamps to solve the said problems, as shown in the figure 1 to figure 3b. An example of conventional circuit breakers will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings . FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the related art, with a warming lamp connected to the circuit breaker. FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the conventional circuit breaker according to the embodiment of the related art.

As shown in the drawings, the conventional circuit breaker for warming lamps comprises a symmetrical shape housing 10, 20 with power supply cable inlets 12, 22 and power output cable outlet 13, 23, where those housings 10, 20 are assembled through ultrasonic welding; a power switch 30 exposely attached to the one side of the said housing; a micro switch 40 fixed into the said housing; on off actuator 50 to actuate the said micro switch; a warming lamp 1 (described precisely, this lamp 1 unit a lamp unit comprising a lamp and a shade, but, for ease of description, the lamp unit will be referred to simply as a "lamp" herein below) connected to the said on off actuator 50 through the said power switch and micro switch toward the power line; a spring 60 compressed by the weight of the said lamp as on off actuator 50 moves down, and to elevate the said on off actuator 50 when the weight of the said lamp is eliminated.

FIG. 3a is a partial perspective view of the conventional circuit breaker according to the embodiment of the related art, showing the parts of the circuit breaker in a power on state, and FIG. 3b is a partial perspective view of the conventional circuit breaker showing the parts of the circuit breaker in a power cut off state.

First, referring to the FIG 3a the operation of the circuit breaker in a power on state will be described in detail herein below.

The wire W connected to the lamp 1 is pulled down by the weight of the lamp 1 itself, and also on off actuator 50 connected to the end of said wire W moves down along the guide member ( not numbered in the figure) inside the housing 10, 20. Followed by the said operation, the spring 60 is compressed between the said on off actuator 50 and spring stopper 18. When the said on off actuator 50 moves down as above, on off actuator 50 contacts on off button 42 of the said micro switch 40 to turn on the power of the said micro switch 40. If the power switch 30 is on state, the power output cable 36 is connected to power line through the said micro switch 40 and the said power switch 30. Hence the power is supplied to the warming lamp 1 (shown in the figure 1) to turn on and to radiate light and heat. Wile the lamp 1 is on to radiate light and heat as described above, if lamp clamp is corroded with age or cattle pull the warming lamp can cause to pull out nail for the lamp clamp or to loosen the tied strap for the lamp 1 to fall onto the ground of livestock barn to break down. Then the said spring 60 becomes free from the compression power to expand to push up the said on off actuator 50. Thus the said on off actuator 50 moves upward from the on off button 42 of the micro switch 40. (FIG 3b) By the operation above the power supplied to the broken lamp is cut off. The conventional circuit breaker for warming lamps having the above-mentioned construction is advantageous in that, when animals pull the lamps down onto the bottom of a livestock barn and break the lamps, the circuit breaker can automatically cut off the power supply to the warming lamps, thus preventing fire from being started in the livestock barn by the sparks or preventing animals from being killed by electric shocks.

However, the conventional circuit breaker for warming lamps has a simple construction and symmetric housing structure, so that work efficiency in the assembly of the parts of the circuit breaker is increased, thereby holds better productivity. Furthermore, the micro switch is mounted at desired locations in the housing without using locking members to decrease time for assemble.

Also the conventional circuit breaker for warming lamp has housings 10, 20 sealed by ultrasonic welding to maintain a waterproof state, so that electricity may be conducted from the circuit breaker. However, the conventional circuit breaker for warming lamps still has a complex construction inside of the housings as shown in FIG 2, the cost for a mold and molding compounds increases relatively, and it is not possible to check or fix inside of the circuit breaker for the housing is welded and sealed by ultrasonic welder. This causes maintenance cost because whole of the circuit break unit must be changed even for the simple trouble which can be fixed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a circuit breaker for warming lamps, which is supported to the ceiling or sidewall of a livestock barn using a hanging ring formed on the upper surface of a housing of the circuit breaker, and which has a simple construction and does not require separate locking member fastening work of locking the parts to the housing, thereby maximizing work efficiency and productivity in the assembly of the parts of circuit breakers, reducing production costs, and reducing the weight and volume of the circuit breakers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a circuit breaker for warming lamps, which has a hermetically sealed structure to prevent water from infiltrating into the housing of the circuit breaker, thus solving the problems associated with conduction of electricity from the circuit breaker.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a circuit breaker for warming lamps, which has an integral structure to be disassembled so that, easy to maintain.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a circuit breaker for warming lamps, which has an integral structure for a lamp and a shade in a set so that, increases more value as a product.

In order to accomplish the above objects, the present

invention provides a circuit breaker for warming lamps

installed in a livestock barn, comprising: a symmetrical shape

housing with power supply cable inlets and power output cable

outlets, where those housings are assembled by fixing members

to be disassembled, through ultrasonic welding a power switch

exposely attached to the one side of the said housing a micro

switch fixed into the said housing; on off actuator to

actuate the said micro switch a warming lamp 1 connected to the

said on off actuator through the said power switch and micro

switch toward the power line; a spring 60 compressed by the

weight of the said lamp as on off actuator moves down, and to elevate the said on off actuator when the weight of the said

lamp is eliminated, an insulator post connected to the lower

part of the said housing to connect power switch and micro

switch, the warming lamp connected electrically to the said

insulator post, a lamp shade combined to the bottom of the said

housing to protect the said lamp, to enable easy maintenance

for the circuit breaker set can be disassembled.

The on off actuator of the present invention is composed to contact along the guide member inside of the housing, and the said micro switch is fixed inside of the housing by a fixing pin and a pushing pin, and the said power switch is fixed inside of the housing by a supporting member and a pushing member, the circuit breaker according to the present invention has a simple construction to maximize work efficiency and productivity in the assembly of the parts of the circuit breaker, reducing production costs, and reducing the weight and volume of the circuit breaker.

On the body part of the on off actuator of the present invention, a groove in the longitudinal direction is prepared to dissipate heat, and the upper part of the groove more has projection part in shape of umbrella.

According to the circuit breaker of the present invention, the combining face of the said housing is combined by sealing member like gasket, the said switch exposed toward outside is more covered by rubber to prevent water or moisture to cause leak electricity. The combining face of the said symmetrical housings of the present invention more comprises combining projections and insertion holes to increase linkage power and guarantee easier assemble labor.

Furthermore, the circuit breaker for warming lamps according to the present invention may further comprise an alarm unit for generating an alarm sound or turning on an alarm lamp to inform a user of a power cutoff state in response to a signal from a sensing unit which senses the power cutoff state when the ON/OFF actuator comes into contact with the micro switch, by which the micro switch is turned off to cut off the power supply to the warming lamp.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the related art, with a warming lamp connected to the circuit breaker; FIG. 2 is a partially disassembled, exploded perspective view of the conventional circuit breaker according to the embodiment of the related art;

FIG. 3a is a perspective view of the conventional circuit breaker according to the embodiment of the related art, in a power supplying state;

FIG. 3b is a perspective view of the conventional circuit breaker according to the embodiment of the related art, in a power cut off state;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a circuit breaker for warming lamps according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the parts in an assembled state;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the circuit breaker for warming lamps according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing the parts in a disassembled state; FIGS. 6A and 6B are plan views illustrating left-side and right-side housings, respectively, of the circuit breaker for warming lamps according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of the circuit breaker for warming lamps according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the circuit breaker according to the present invention, with on off actuator and spring in combined state; FIG. 9 is a sectional view illustrating the circuit breaker according to the present invention, with warming lamp and shade unit;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a circuit breaker for warming lamps according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the circuit breaker combined with the warming lamp and shade in an assembled state;

FIG. 11a is a view illustrating the circuit breaker according to the present invention in a power supply state.

FIG. lib is a view illustrating the circuit breaker according to the present invention in a power cutoff state.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a circuit breaker for warming lamps according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing sealing element mount.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of FIG.12

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference now should be made to the drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used throughout the different drawings to designate the same or similar components .

Herein below, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings .

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a circuit breaker for warming lamps according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the parts in an assembled state. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the circuit breaker for warming lamps according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 6A and 6B are plan views illustrating left- side and right-side housing parts, respectively, of the circuit breaker for warming lamps according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The circuit breaker for warming lamps according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail herein below with reference to the drawings.

The circuit breaker for warming lamps according to the present invention comprises a housing, which is symmetrically divided into a left-side housing part 100 and a right-side housing part 200, with a power switch 30 provided on the housing to supply power to or cut off the power supply to a warming lamp 1 (see FIG. 9) , preferably selected from halogen lamps or incandescent lamps .

In the circuit breaker, a first hanging ring 100a is integrally formed on the upper surface of the left-side housing part 100, with two support pins 102 formed on the inner surface of the sidewall of the left-side housing part 100 and supporting a micro switch 50 on a desired place in the housing. Each of the two support pins 102 is configured such that the lower part of each pin 102 from the intermediate portion to the root end is thicker than the upper part, thus efficiently supporting the micro switch 50.

Furthermore, two support plates 104 to support the micro

switch 50 are formed in the left-side housing part 100 at

positions between the two support pins 102, thus increasing

the strength of support of the micro switch 50. In addition,

two first guide plates 106 are formed at positions in the

right side of the support pins 102, with a spring stopper 108

protruding from the first housing part 100 at a position

between the two first guide plates 106. Three support plates

110, defining a triangular arrangement, are provided at

positions in the right side of the first guide plates 106 and

support the body 33 of the power switch 30. In addition,

first upper and lower support pieces 112a and 112b protrude

outside the support plates 110 and support the body 33 of the

power switch 30, thus preventing the body 33 from undesirably

moving, and the upper center part of the said first housing

part 100 first guide plates 106 is formed in the shape of " ^L

^J ", and the upper part of the first guide plates 106 comprises first combining holes 106a and right under part of the said first

guide plates 106 a support plate 108 of the shape ^Xλ+" is

prepared in a set. The right perimeter part of the support

plate 108 has the first semicircle shaped through-hole 107 for

the button of said power switch 30 is formed.

A first semicircle inlet port 110 is formed at a predetermined position of the upper surface of the left-side housing part 100, thus allowing a power supply cable 36 (see FIGS. 11a and lib) to pass through the inlet port 110. A first semicircle outlet port 120 is formed at a predetermined position of the lower surface of the left-side housing part 100, so that a power output cable 36 (see FIGS. 11a and lib) can pass through the first semicircle outlet port 120. Locking protrusions 140 protrude from the junction surface of the left-side housing part 100, with a first the first isolation pole notch 126 formed on an intermediate portion of part of the junction surface and allowing the power switch 30 to pass outwards.

The outer part of the said isolation pole locking projection 126, the first isolation pole supporting projection is prepared. On the perimeter surface of the said left-side housing part 100, least one of combining notches 130 (in the figure 4 are drawn) are formed. The right-side housing part 200 has a construction similar to that of the left-side housing part 100, but the two housing parts 100 and 200 are symmetrical with respect to each other . The right- side housing part 200 is configured as follows . At a predetermined position of the upper surface of the right-side

housing part 200, a pushing pin 202 to push the micro switch 40 is

formed . the upper center part of the said housing part 200 second guide plates 106 is formed in the

shape of " ' — ' " , and the upper part of the second guide plates 206 comprises second combining

holes 206a and right under part of the said second guide plates 106 a support plate 108 of the shape "+" is

prepared in a set. The right perimeter part of the support plate 208 has the second semicircle shaped through-

hole 207 for the button of said power switch 30 is formed.

A second semicircle inlet port 210 is formed at a predetermined position of the upper surface of the

left-side housing part 200, thus allowing a power supply cable 36 (see FIGS. 11a and 1 Ib) to pass through

the inlet port 210.

A second semicircle outlet port 220 is formed at a predetermined position of the lower surface of

the left-side housing part 100, so that a power output cable 36 (see FIGS. 1 Ia and 1 Ib) can pass through the

second semicircle outlet port 220. Locking protrusions 140 protrude from the junction surface of the left-side

housing part 100, with a second the second isolation pole notch 126 formed on an intermediate portion of

part of the junction surface and allowing the power switch 30 to pass outwards. At predetermined positions of the inner surface of the right-side housing part 200, two holding plates 204 are provided to compress and hold the micro switch 50 in cooperation with the two support plates 104 of the left-side housing part 100. In the left side of the two holding plates 204, two second guide plates 206 are formed on the right-side housing part 200 such that the guide plates 206 correspond to the two first guide plates 106 of the left-side housing part 100.

Furthermore, in left side of the second guide plates 206, three holding plates 210 are formed to compress and hold the body 33 of the power switch 30 in cooperation with the support plates 110 of the left-side housing part 100. Second upper and lower support pieces 212a and 212b protrude from the inner surface of the right-side housing part 200 at positions outside the holding plates 210, thus supporting the body 33 of the power switch 30 such that the body 33 cannot be undesirably moved.

Furthermore, at a predetermined position of the upper surface of the right-side housing part 200, a second semicylindrical inlet port 220, which corresponds to the first semicylindrical inlet port 120 of the left-side housing part 100, is formed. In addition, a second semicylindrical outlet port 230, which corresponds to the first semicylindrical outlet port 130 of the left-side housing part 100, is formed at a predetermined position of the lower part of the right- side housing part 200. The junction surface of the right-side housing part 200 is provided with four locking slots 240 that engage with the four locking protrusions 140 of the left-side housing part 100. Furthermore, at an intermediate position on the junction surface, a second semicylindrical notch 250 is formed such that the notch 250 corresponds to the first semicylindrical notch 150 of the left-side housing part 100. A second slit 260, which corresponds to the first slit 160 of the left-side housing part 100, is formed in the lower part of the right-side housing part 200 at a predetermined position around the second guide plates 206.

Herein below, the ON/OFF actuator 300, which is assembled in the housing formed by fusion-welding the left-side and right-side housing parts 100 and 200 and automatically cuts off power supply to the warming lamp 1, will be described in detail.

The ON/OFF actuator 300 comprises an upper body 310, which moves along the first guide plates 106 and second guide plates 206 of the left-side and right-side housing parts 100 and 200, and a lower body 330 which is integrally formed on the lower part of the upper body 310 and inserted into the first and second slits 160 and 260 of the left-side and right- side housing parts 100 and 200. A wire locking hole 350 to lock a lamp connection wire (see FIG. 8) is formed in the lower end of the lower body 330. A spring seat 320 is formed in a predetermined portion of the upper body 310 and receives therein a spring 70, which is normally compressed by the weight of the warming lamp 1. However, when the weight of the warming lamp 1 is removed from the spring 70, the spring 70 elastically extends to bias the ON/OFF actuator 300 upwards. On the upper end of the spring seat 320, a spring holding protrusion 322 to hold the spring 70 is provided. Furthermore, an intermediate surface of the ON/OFF actuator 300, which is a connection surface between the upper body 310 and the lower body 330, is configured as a tapered surface 325 which is brought into contact with the ON/OFF button 52 of the micro switch 50.

In the present invention, the power switch 30 and the micro switch 50 may be selected from conventional switches, therefore a detailed description thereof is deemed unnecessary. Herein below, the operation of the circuit breaker according to the present invention to control power supply will be described.

The power supply to the warming lamp 1 is controlled by operation of both the power switch 30 and the micro switch 50 as shown in FIG. 7. Described in detail, power supply cables 34 are electrically connected to a power ON/OFF terminal plate, which is provided on the body 33 (see FIG. 5) of the power switch 30 but is not designated by any reference numeral in the drawing, and the micro switch 50, respectively. The power output cables 36, which are electrically connected to the power ON/OFF terminal plate and the micro switch 50, are connected to the warming lamp 1. The electric connection between the power switch 30, the micro switch 50 and the warming lamp 1 is well known to those skilled in the related art, therefore further explanation is deemed unnecessary.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the circuit breaker according to the present invention, with a warming lamp connected to the circuit breaker.

First, the two locking holes 54 of the micro switch 50 are fitted over respective support pins 102 provided on the inner surface of the left-side housing part 100, and thereafter, the micro switch 50 is seated in the space defined between the two support plates 104.

Thereafter, the ON/OFF actuator 300 is seated in the space defined between the two first guide plates 106 of the left-side housing part 100. In the above state, the upper end of the spring 70 is first fitted over the spring holding protrusion 322 provided in the upper body 310. Thereafter, the spring 70 is correctly placed in the spring seat 320. After seating the spring 70 in the spring seat 320, the upper body 310 is placed in the space between the two first guide plates 106 and, at the same time, the lower body 330 is inserted into the first slit 160 of the left-side housing part 100. In the above state, the lower end of the spring 70 comes into close contact with the spring stopper 108 so that, when the ON/OFF actuator 300 moves upwards or downwards, the spring 70 can be compressed or can extend in a space between the spring holding protrusion 322 of the spring seat 320 and the spring stopper 108.

During downward movement of the ON/OFF actuator 300, the tapered surface 325, which is formed on the intermediate part of the ON/OFF actuator 300, is placed at a position at which the tapered surface 325 comes into contact with the ON/OFF button 52 of the micro switch 50.

When the ON/OFF actuator 300 is completely assembled in the left-side housing part 100, the body 33 of the power switch 30 is placed in the space defined between the first upper and lower support pieces 112a and 112b of the left-side housing part 100. Thus, the body 33 of the power switch 30 is supported by the three support plates 110 and is prevented from being undesirably moved. Furthermore, the power switch 30 passes outwards through the first semicylindrical notch 150 formed at the intermediate portion of the junction surface of the left-side housing part 100. In the above state, the power switch 30 is preferably combined with a waterproof cover (not shown) made of a sealing material, such as rubber.

In the circuit breaker of the present invention, an electric circuit, which comprises electric cables and can selectively supply power to or cut off the power supply to the warming lamp 1 according to operation of the power switch 30 and the micro switch 50, is provided. The electric circuit, comprising a plurality of cables and electric elements, is shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. The power supply cable 34 having a plug 35 closely passes through the first semicylindrical inlet port 120 of the left-side housing part 100, while the power output cable, connected to the warming lamp 1, closely passes through the first semicylindrical outlet port 130 of the leftside housing part 100. When the above-mentioned electric connection is accomplished, the right-side housing part 200 is closely combined with the left-side housing part 100. The combination of the right-side housing part 200 with the left-side housing part 100 will be described herein below. When the right-side housing part 200 is compressed to the left-side housing part 100, the four locking protrusions 140 formed on the junction surface of the left-side housing part 100 are inserted into and locked to the four locking slots 240 which are formed on the junction surface of the right-side housing part 200.

Therefore, when the assembly is finished, the second hanging ring 200a, which is exteriorly formed on the upper surface of the right-side housing part 200, is aligned with the first hanging ring 100a of the left-side housing part 100. furthermore, the two holding plates 204, which are formed on the inner surface of the right-side housing part 200, compress and securely hold the micro switch 50. Furthermore, the second guide plates 206 of the right-side housing part 200 are aligned with the first guide plates 106 of the left-side housing part 100, thus guiding movement of the ON/OFF actuator 300. In addition, the second slit 260 of the right-side housing part 200 is correctly aligned with the first slit 160 of the left-side housing part 100, thus guiding movement of the lower body 330 of the ON/OFF actuator 300. Furthermore, the three holding plates 210 of the right- side housing part 200 are aligned with the three support plates 110 of the left-side housing part 100 and hold the body 33 of the power switch 30 in cooperation with the three support plates 110 of the left-side housing part 100. Furthermore, the second upper and lower support pieces 212a and 212b support the body 33 of the power switch 30, thus preventing the body 33 from being undesirably moved.

In addition, the second semicylindrical inlet port 220, formed on the upper surface of the right-side housing part 200, is aligned with the first semicylindrical inlet port 120 of the left-side housing part 100, thus defining an inlet port to receive the power supply cable 34 therein. In the same manner, the second semicylindrical outlet port 230 is aligned with the first semicylindrical outlet port 130 of the left- side housing part 100, thus defining an outlet port to receive therein the power output cable 36.

Furthermore, each of the first semicylindrical inlet port 120, the second semicylindrical inlet port 220, the first semicylindrical outlet port 130 and the second semicylindrical outlet port 230 is provided with at least one locking protrusion 120a, 130a, 220a or 230a, thus preventing the power supply cable 34 and the power output cable 36 from slipping in the ports .

When the left-side housing part 100 is completely combined with the right-side housing part 200, the junction surface between the left-side housing part 100 and the right- side housing part 200 is subjected to ultrasonic fusion welding, thus accomplishing a completely waterproof structure. Furthermore, as described above, the power switch 30 is combined with the waterproof cover made of a sealing material (not shown) , such as rubber, so that the housing does not allow foreign substances, such as water, to infiltrate through the junction between the left-side housing part 100 and the right-side housing part 200. When the warming lamp is completely assembled with the circuit breaker of the present invention, the circuit breaker is held to the sidewall or the ceiling of a livestock barn by fastening the hanging ring, comprising the first hanging ring 100a and the second hanging ring 200a, to a clamp (not shown) on the sidewall or a hanging loop (not shown) extending from the ceiling.

Thereafter, the upper end of the lamp connection wire W is connected to the wire locking hole 350, which is formed in the end of the lower body 330 of the ON/OFF actuator 300. The warming lamp 1 is connected to the lower end of the lamp connection wire W.

Hereinbelow, the operation of the circuit breaker for warming lamps having the above-mentioned construction according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 8, 9A and 9B.

FIG. 9A is a sectional view illustrating the circuit breaker according to the present invention in a power supply state. FIG. 9B is a sectional view illustrating the circuit breaker according to the present invention in a power cutoff state.

First, the power supply state of the circuit breaker for warming lamps will be described with reference to FIG. 9A.

In a normal state, the lamp connection wire W, which suspends the warming lamp 1 as shown in FIG. 8, is pulled downwards by the weight of the warming lamp 1, so that the

ON/OFF actuator 300 connected to the end of the wire W is moved downwards along the first guide plates 106 and the second guide plates 206 which are provided in the left-side and right-side housing parts 100 and 200. Thus, the spring 70, which is placed between the ON/OFF actuator 300 and the spring stopper 108, is in a compressed state.

When the ON/OFF actuator 300 is placed in a lower position as described above, the tapered surface 325 of the ON/OFF actuator 300 comes into contact with the ON/OFF button 52 of the micro switch 50, thus turning on the micro switch 50. In the present invention, to enhance the operational reliability of the ON/OFF button 52 of the micro switch 50, an elastic arm 52a is formed around the ON/OFF button 52, with a roller 52b mounted to the end of the elastic arm 52a. Thus, the roller 52b comes into sliding contact with the tapered surface 325 of the ON/OFF actuator 300. Due to the sliding contact of the roller 52b with the tapered surface 325, the elastic arm 52a is brought into contact with the ON/OFF button 52 of the micro switch 50, thus turning on the micro switch 50.

In the above state, the power switch 30 is in an ON state, so that electric current flows through the power output cable 36 which passes through the micro switch 50 and the power switch 30. Thus, the electric current is supplied to the warming lamp 1 electrically connected to the end of the power output cable 36, so that the warming lamp 1 emits heat and light.

While the warming lamp 1 is electrically activated and emits heat and light as described above, an animal, such as a pig, may pull the warming lamp 1. In the above state, the clamp, which has secured the circuit breaker of the warming lamp to a sidewall of a livestock barn, may fall off due to age, or the hanging loop, which has suspended the lamp to the ceiling of the livestock barn, may be loosened or broken by the pulling force of the animal.

In the above state, the circuit breaker of the present invention falls onto the bottom of the livestock barn along with the warming lamp 1, so that the warming lamp 1 strikes the bottom of the livestock barn and may be broken. Thus, the compression force, which has loaded the spring 70, is released from the spring 70, so that the spring 70 elastically extends to bias the ON/OFF actuator 300 upwards. Therefore, the tapered surface 325 of the ON/OFF actuator 300, which has been in contact with the ON/OFF button 52 of the micro switch 50, is moved upwards away from the ON/OFF button 52 of the micro switch 50. Thus, the micro switch 50 is turned off (see FIG. 9B)

Due to the above-mentioned operation, the power supply to the warming lamp 1 is cut off. Of course, although the warming lamp 1 falls onto the bottom of the livestock barn, the lamp 1 may not break, but may remain in an unbroken state. However, in the unbroken warming lamp 1 on the bottom of the livestock barn, the spring 70 is released from the compression force, so that the spring 70 in the above state elastically extends to cut off the power supply to the micro switch 50.

Therefore, even if the warming lamp 1 falls onto the bottom of a livestock barn by an animal and breaks as described above, the power supply to the power output cable 36 is cut off. Thus, the circuit breaker prevents a fire from being caused in the barn by sparks, or animals from being killed by electric shocks.

Furthermore, the junction surfaces of the left-side and right-side housing parts 100 and 200 of the circuit breaker for warming lamps according to the present invention are integrated into a single structure through ultrasonic fusion welding. Thus, it is possible to prevent foreign substances, such as mud, on the bottom of the barn from infiltrating into the circuit breaker, thereby preventing conduction of electricity from the circuit breaker for warming lamps of the present invention.

Furthermore, an alarm unit may be added to the circuit breaker for warming lamps of the present invention. The alarm unit may comprise a sensing unit (sensor) , which senses the falling of the warming lamp 1 onto the bottom of the livestock barn or the power cutoff state of the circuit breaker, wherein the power supply to the warming lamp is cut off, and generates an alarm sound through a speaker or turns on an alarm lamp to generate a visual alarm signal. Described in more detail, if the circuit breaker falls onto the bottom of the livestock barn along with the warming lamp 1 due to an animal, so that the spring 70 is released from the compression force of the warming lamp 1, thereby cutting off the power supply to the micro switch 50, the sensing unit senses the power cutoff state of the micro switch and generates alarm sound or turns on an alarm lamp.

The above-mentioned alarm unit is well known to those skilled in the related art, so that those skilled in the art may easily embody and modify the construction of the alarm unit without affecting the functionality of the present invention.

As described above, the present invention provides a circuit breaker for warming lamps, which is supported to the ceiling or sidewall of a livestock barn using a hanging ring formed on the upper surface of a housing, which has a simple construction, and which does not require separate locking member fastening work of locking the parts to the housing, thereby maximizing work efficiency and productivity in the assembly of the parts of circuit breakers, reducing production costs, and reducing the weight and volume of the circuit breakers .

Furthermore, the circuit breaker for warming lamps has a hermetically sealed structure to prevent water from infiltrating into the housing, thus solving the problems caused by conduction of electricity from the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker also has an integral structure so that, once the circuit breaker is completely assembled, the circuit breaker cannot be disassembled, thus being semipermanently usable. Furthermore, the circuit breaker for warming lamps according to the present invention may further comprise an alarm unit which can generate an alarm sound or turn on an alarm lamp in response to the sensing operation of a sensor if the power supply to the lamp is cut off. Thus, a user can conveniently and efficiently use the circuit breaker of the present invention.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A circuit breaker for warming lamps mounted in a livestock barn, comprising: a housing divided into symmetrical housing parts, each of which has a power supply cable inlet port and a power output cable outlet port, a power switch provided on the housing and exposed outside the housing; a micro switch mounted in the housing; an ON/OFF actuator mounted in the housing and used to actuate the micro switch; an isolation pole attached to the bottom of the said housing to connect through the said power switch and the said micro switch; a warming lamp connected to the ON/OFF actuator and connected to a power supply through both the power switch and the micro switch; and a spring provided in the housing such that, when the ON/OFF actuator is biased downwards due to the weight of the warming lamp, the spring is compressed, and when the weight of the warming lamp is removed from the spring, the spring extends to bias the ON/OFF actuator upwards.

2. The circuit breaker for warming lamps according to claim 1, wherein the ON/OFF actuator is placed in the housing to come into contact with the micro switch during movement of the ON/OFF actuator along guide plates provided in the housing.

3. The circuit breaker for warming lamps according to claim 1, wherein the ON/OFF actuator more has groove to dissipate heat.

4. The circuit breaker for warming lamps according to claim 3, wherein the said groove has umbrella-shape projection to protect water and moisture.

5. The circuit breaker for warming lamps according to claim 4, wherein the said on off actuator is equipped with rubber tube shape cover.

6. The circuit breaker for warming lamps according to claim 1, wherein the said micro switch is fixed by fixing pin and pushing pin.

7. The circuit breaker for warming lamps according to claim 1, wherein the said power switch is fixed by supporting plate and pushing plate.

8. The circuit breaker for warming lamps according to claim 1, further comprising: an alarm unit for generating an alarm sound or turning on an alarm lamp to inform a user of a power cutoff state according to sensing operation of a sensing unit which senses the power cutoff state when the ON/OFF actuator comes into contact with the micro switch, thus turning off the micro switch and cutting off a power supply to the warming lamp.

9. The circuit breaker for warming lamps according to claim 1, wherein the symmetrical housing parts are provided with a locking protrusion and a locking slot on junction surfaces thereof.

10. The circuit breaker for warming lamps according to claim 1, wherein the symmetrical housing parts are assembled more with sealing element.

11. The circuit breaker for warming lamps according to claim 1, wherein the power switch is assembled with sealing element

12. The circuit breaker for warming lamps according to claim 1, a negative ion generating unit is equipped inside the housing with the power line for the said warming lamp is connected to the a negative ion generating unit, and the said negative ion generating unit generates ions at the 2500 volt output, and the said negative ion generating unit emits ion through the punched holes of the negative ion generating unit housing.