Circuit breaker having selected ambient temperature sensitivity
US6229426A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 25, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 25, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H73/30
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A circuit breaker (10) is shown having a movable electrical contact (36) adapted to move into and out of engagement with a stationary electrical contact (38, 40). A current carrying thermostatic trip member (42) has a portion movable in response to changes in temperature with a motion transfer member (46) transferring the motion to latch/catch mechanism (20, 24, 30, 32). The catch portion (30, 32) comprises a generally U-shaped adjustment element (30) formed of thermostatic material whose legs are fixed to the base (32a) of a catch member (32) which in turn is pivotably mounted in the casing of the circuit breaker. The bight (30c) of the adjustment element is free to move in response to temperature changes relative to the catch member. Overcurrent will cause the thermostatic trip member to transfer motion to the bight of the adjustment element causing the adjustment element and catch member to pivot and release a latch to thereby open the circuit breaker. According to a first embodiment, the thermostatic adjustment element (30) is oriented relative to the thermostatic trip member such that the two components move in opposite directions upon a change in temperature making the circui…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.