Circuit breaker having a trip actuator
US5192934A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 6, 1991 |
| Grant date | Mar 9, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 6, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H71/32
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A circuit breaker having a trip actuator which mechanically trips the breaker in response to an electrical trip pulse. The trip actuator includes first and second parallel magnetic circuits, with the first circuit having a lower reluctance than the second circuit. A magnet provides magnetic flux for both circuits. A pivotally mounted clapper has a first position in which it is releasably held in the first circuit by a magnetic force, and a second position. Bias springs urge the clapper towards the second position, with the bias springs providing a biasing force which is less than the magnetic force holding the clapper. The electrical trip pulse creates a magnetic flux which opposes the magnetic flux in the first circuit, switching the magnetic flux to the second circuit. The clapper member pivots to the second position, and a trip link associated with the clapper actuates a trip mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.