Overload relay switch without springs
AssigneeEaton Corporation
InventorDaniel Patrick Heckenkamp
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The disclosed concept relates to an overload relay and, more specifically, to an overload relay switch having a reduced number of components and less complex components. The reduced number of components includes the lack of a return spring on the manual actuators. Further, the relay switch member, which was typically a snap switch conducting member structured to change its configuration, is a substantially flat blade. Further, a circuit is used to detect an over-current condition and a solenoid actuates the relay switch assembly, thereby eliminating the need for a mechanical over-current detection and switch actuation device.
Claims18
An overload relay structured to be disposed between a low voltage power source and a motor, said power source and said motor selectively coupled, and in electric communication, by a plurality of electrical conductors, a contactor switch assembly disposed on said line conductors, said contactor switch assembly having a plurality of switch members structured to move between a first, open configuration, wherein electricity cannot be communicated from said power source to said motor, and a second, closed configuration, wherein electricity is communicated from said power source to said motor, said contactor switch assembly switch members configuration controlled by a contact switch actuator, said contact switch actuator structured to receive a command signal, wherein, when said command signal is being received, said contact switch actuator maintains said contactor switch assembly switch members in said second, closed configuration, and, when said command signal is not being received, said contact switch actuator maintains said contactor switch assembly switch members in said first, open configuration, said overload relay comprising:
- a housing defining an enclosed space;
- a current monitoring circuit structured to detect an over-current condition in any of said plurality of electrical conductors and to provide a first signal, said current monitoring circuit disposed in said housing;
- an actuator having an output member and structured to receive said first signal, said actuator output member structured to move between a first position and a second position, said actuator in electrical communication with said current monitoring circuit, said actuator disposed in said housing;
- a first switch assembly having at least a first pair of electrical terminals and at least a first movable switch member, said first switch assembly first switch member structured to move between a first open position, wherein said first switch assembly at least first pair electrical terminals are not in electrical communication, and a second, closed position, wherein said first switch assembly at least a first pair electrical terminals are m electrical communication, said first switch assembly at least a first pair electrical terminals in electrical communication with said contact switch actuator and structured to provide said command signal thereto when said first switch assembly switch member is in said second, closed position, said first switch assembly disposed in said housing;
- said actuator output member coupled to said first switch assembly switch member wherein, when said actuator output member is in said first position, said first switch assembly switch member is in said first, open position, and when said actuator output member is in said second position, said first switch assembly switch member is in said second, closed position;
- at least one manual actuator slidably disposed through said housing, said at least one manual actuator structured to be coupled to said first switch assembly switch member and structured to move said first switch assembly switch member;
- and
- wherein said at least one manual actuator is not effectively coupled to a spring.
An overload relay structured to be disposed between a low voltage power source and a motor, said power source and said motor selectively coupled, and in electric communication, by a plurality of electrical conductors, a contactor switch assembly disposed on said line conductors, said contactor switch assembly having a plurality of switch members structured to move between a first, open configuration, wherein electricity cannot be communicated from said power source to said motor, and a second, closed configuration, wherein electricity is communicated from said power source to said motor, said contactor switch assembly switch members configuration controlled by a contact switch actuator, said contact switch actuator structured to receive a command signal, wherein, when said command signal is being received, said contact switch actuator maintains said contactor switch assembly switch members in said second, closed configuration, and, when said command signal is not being received, said contact switch actuator maintains said contactor switch assembly switch members in said first, open configuration, said overload relay comprising:
- a housing defining an enclosed space;
- a current monitoring circuit structured to detect an over-current condition in any of said plurality of electrical conductors and to provide a first signal, said current monitoring circuit disposed in said housing;
- an actuator having an output member and structured to receive said first signal, said actuator output member structured to move between a first position and a second position, said actuator in electrical communication with said current monitoring circuit, said actuator disposed in said housing;
- a first switch assembly having at least a first pair of electrical terminals and at least a first movable switch member, said first switch assembly first switch member structured to move between a first open position, wherein said first switch assembly at least first pair electrical terminals are not in electrical communication, and a second, closed position, wherein said first switch assembly at least a first pair electrical terminals are in electrical communication, said first switch assembly at least a first pair electrical terminals in electrical communication with said contact switch actuator and structured to provide said command signal thereto when said first switch assembly switch member is in said second, closed position, said first switch assembly disposed in said housing;
- said actuator output member coupled to said first switch assembly switch member wherein, when said actuator output member is in said first position, said first switch assembly switch member is in said first, open position, and when said actuator output member is in said second position, said first switch assembly switch member is in said second, closed position;
- at least one manual actuator slidably disposed through said housing, said at least one manual actuator structured to be coupled to said first switch assembly switch member and structured to move said first switch assembly switch member;
- said first movable switch member includes a conductive member and a nonconductive base;
- said first movable switch member conductive member structured to selectively couple said at least first pair of electrical terminals;
- said first movable switch member base coupled to said actuator output member;
- said first movable switch member base pivotally coupled to said housing, said first movable switch member base having a pivot point;
- and
- said first movable switch member conductive member being elongated and extending generally radially relative to said pivot point.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.