Molded case circuit breaker with a movable electrical contact positioned by a camming spring loaded clip
US4642431A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 18, 1985 |
| Grant date | Feb 10, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 18, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H77/104
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A molded case circuit breaker includes a movable upper electrical contact carried by a movable arm having an end portion with an arcuate cam surface formed thereon for engaging an outwardly projecting cam surface of a spring-loaded clip that is disposed in a recess formed in a rotatable cross-bar of an operating mechanism of the circuit breaker. At least one compression spring is retained within the recess between the cross-bar and the spring clip. The spring clip is configured to transfer sufficient biasing force to the end portion of the movable upper electrical contact end to enable the upper electrical contact arm to move in unison with the cross-bar when the circuit breaker is tripped. Upon the occurrence of a high level short circuit or fault current of sufficient magnitude, the upper electrical contact arm and contact rotate independently of the cross-bar and the arcuate cam surface of the arm is moved against the then stationary spring clip cam surface. The outwardly projecting surface of the spring clip and the arcuate cam surface of the end portion of the movable contact arm are configured to provide decreased biasing force as the upper electrical contact rotates to its B…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.