US 6,211,757 B1 · Fast acting high force trip actuator

Abstract

A trip actuator (66) includes a trip spring (106) to bias the trip arm (104) in a clockwise direction about trip arm pivot (120). In the latched and ready to operate state, the clockwise moment about the axis of the latch pivot (132) created by force “F” opposes the counterclockwise moment created about the axis of the latch pivot (132) created by the horizontal component “fx” of force “f”, to hold the latch (110) in the upright position against the force of the trip arm (104). When a trip (triggering) signal is provided to the flux shifter (102), the flux shifter (102) releases the plunger (130). With the force “F” removed, the trip arm (104) will drive the latch pin (134), causing the latch (110) to rotate counterclockwise about the latch pivot (132). As the latch (110) and trip arm (104) rotate, the latch pin (134) slides off the latch surface (126), fully releasing the trip arm (104) and allowing the trip paddle (96) to move the secondary latch tab (50).

Claims20

Dependent claims

A trip actuator for actuating an operating mechanism in a circuit breaker, the trip actuator comprising:

a trip arm biased to pivot in a first direction about a first axis;
a latch arranged to pivot about a second axis, said trip arm acting on said latch at a first distance from said second axis to create a moment in a second direction about said second axis;
an electromechanical device including a plunger, said plunger acting on said latch at a second distance from said second axis to create a moment in said first direction about said second axis, said second distance being greater than said first distance;
and
wherein providing a signal to said electromechanical device releases said plunger to allow said trip arm to pivot in said first direction and actuate the operating mechanism.

2 more elements

A circuit breaker for providing overcurrent protection to a protected load, the circuit breaker including:

a pair of separable contacts;
an operating mechanism arranged to separate said pair of separable contacts;
an operating handle interconnected to said operating mechanism;
and
a trip actuator arranged proximate said operating handle for actuating said operating mechanism, the trip actuator comprising:
a trip arm biased to pivot in a first direction about a first axis,
a latch arranged to pivot about a second axis, said trip arm acting on said latch at a first distance from said second axis to create a moment in a second direction about said second axis,
an electromechanical device including a plunger, said plunger acting on said latch at a second distance from said second axis to create a moment in said first direction about said second axis, said second distance being greater than said first distance, and
wherein providing a signal to said electromechanical device releases said plunger to allow said trip arm to pivot in said first direction and actuate said operating mechanism to separate said contacts.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Fast acting high force trip actuator

Life of this patent

Fast acting high force trip actuator

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20