Intermediate latch for a molded case circuit breaker
US5909161A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 10, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 10, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H71/7445
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A molded case circuit breaker includes a generally "Z" shaped intermediate latch structure which has upper and lower substantially planar sections that are each bent at an angle with respect to a center pivot section. The upper portion of the intermediate latch includes one or two latch surfaces. One of these latch surfaces engages the cradle of the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker, to latch the operating mechanism when the circuit breaker is closed. The other latch surface engages a trip bar or an intermediate latch bar, which is rotated by the trip unit when an overcurrent condition occurs. The lower portion of the intermediate latch structure also includes a latch surface which may engage a trip bar. This latch surface is sloped such that when the latch surface of the trip bar is moved along this sloped latch surface, the trip bar rotates. This rotation of the trip bar adjusts the spacing between the trip bar and a bimetallic strip or magnetic armature of a thermal and magnetic trip unit to allow the rating of the circuit breaker to be changed in the field. The pivot portion of the intermediate latch structure includes two mounting tabs, one on either side of the latch…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.