Breaker tripping mechanisms, circuit breakers, systems, and methods of using same
AssigneeSiemens Industry, Inc.
InventorsJohn DeBoer, Brian Timothy McCoy, Guang Yang, John Quentin Cowans
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims7
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.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.