Breaker tripping mechanisms, circuit breakers, systems, and methods of using same

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9601295-B2
Application number	US-201514797920-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jul 13, 2015
Priority date	Mar 23, 2009
Publication date	Mar 21, 2017
Grant date	Mar 21, 2017

Abstract

Embodiments provide tripping unit of a circuit breaker. The tripping unit includes a magnet, a bimetal member extending alongside of the magnet, and an armature pivotable on the magnet, wherein the armature having an engagement portion engageable with the bimetal member at a moveable end of the bimetal member. Circuit breakers including triggering mechanisms and tripping units are also disclosed, as are low-profile, electronic circuit breakers including a maximum transverse width (Wt) limited to occupy only a single standard breaker panelboard location. System and methods are provided, as are other aspects.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A circuit breaker, comprising:
a housing containing a moveable electrical contact;
an electronic processing circuit in a form of a printed circuit board; and
a tripping mechanism coupled to the moveable electrical contact, the tripping mechanism including a tripping unit including:
a magnet,
a bimetal member extending alongside of the magnet,
an armature pivotable on the magnet, the armature having an engagement portion that engages with the bimetal member at a moveable end of the bimetal member, wherein the armature comprises a first end,
an arc chamber formed by a first housing portion and a center housing portion, the arc chamber defined by an end wall, and
an actuator that couples to the armature at the first end, the actuator is located in a pocket formed adjacent to the end wall and the actuator is further located along a back side of the circuit breaker opposite from a handle side, and within a space formed by an interaction of the first housing portion and the center housing portion, wherein the electronic processing circuit is mounted in a pocket of the first housing portion or sandwiched between the first housing portion and the center housing portion.

2. The circuit breaker of claim 1 , wherein the armature comprises a second end opposite the first end, and a pivot location pivotable on the magnet and located between the first end and the second end.

3. The circuit breaker of claim 2 , comprising a latching surface on the second end of the armature, and a cradle that couples to the armature at the second end.

4. The circuit breaker of claim 2 , comprising a latching surface on a terminal end of the armature farthest away from the pivot location on the magnet.

5. The circuit breaker of claim 1 , comprising a coil provided on the magnet or armature and operable to attract the armature towards the magnet.

6. The circuit breaker of claim 5 , wherein the coil comprises a plurality of windings formed about a pole extending from the magnet.

7. The circuit breaker of claim 1 , comprising an electrical strap extending between a load terminal and the bimetal member, the electrical strap including a cantilevered end extending beyond the bimetal member, the cantilevered end being connected to a calibration screw.

Assignees

• Siemens Industry Inc

Inventors

• Deboer John
• Mccoy Brian Timothy
• Yang Guang
• Cowans John Quentin

Classifications

• H01H2071/168

  Provisions for avoiding permanent deformation and thus decalibration of bimetal, e.g. due to overheating or action of a magnet · CPC title

• H01H71/1045

  Multiple circuits-breaker, e.g. for the purpose of dividing current or potential drop · CPC title

• H01H71/325

  Housings, assembly or disposition of different elements in the housing · CPC title

• H01H71/12

  Automatic release mechanisms with or without manual release · CPC title

• H01H2205/002

  fixed to operating part · CPC title