Circuit breaker accessory gap control mechanism

Details Circuit breaker accessory gap control mechanism Circuit breaker accessory gap control mechanism

2000-01-11

2001-04-03

Donovan, Lincoln (Department: 2832)

Electricity: magnetically operated switches, magnets, and electr

Electromagnetically actuated switches

With housing or support means

C335S132000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06211758

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to circuit breaker accessories, and, more particularly to gap control mechanisms for circuit breaker accessories.
Circuit breakers commonly implement accessories to add various functionalities. These accessories may provide a mechanical force to an operating mechanism of a circuit breaker, for example, in response to a trip event that provides an electronic signal to interrupt the circuit (i.e., electronic trip actuators, shunt trip actuators, under voltage actuators, etc.).
Accessories typically include movable linkages and members that change position to perform a function upon occurrence of a trip event. For example, the accessory may include an actuating mechanism that acts on a link in response to a trip event, such as the overcurrent conditions detected from various circuitry. The link, when not acted upon, engages or holds a trip member against the bias of a spring. When the link is acted upon, it disengages or releases the trip member, whereby the bias of the spring acts on the trip member. The trip member then provides a mechanical force to a circuit interrupter. However, after use, the trip member must be reset to the original, ready to trip position. After resetting, it is desirable that the space between the actuating mechanism and the link is consistently maintained so the release of the trip member is properly effectuated.
Furthermore, it is desirable to provide an engagement that prevents the members from becoming disengaged from each other due to vibrations occurring under normal operating conditions (commonly referred to as “shock-out”). It is also important that the engagement be quickly and reliable releasable upon occurrence of a trip event so that the motion of the members, hence the force provided to the operating mechanism, is rapid and unhindered.
For the foregoing reasons, there exists a particular need for an arrangement between movable members that consistently provides the desired spacing between the members, securely maintains the engagement between the members, and allows for rapid disengagement of the members upon occurrence of an event, i.e., a trip event.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An accessory for use with a circuit breaker is provided herein. The accessory is employed within a circuit breaker that includes a separable contact structure and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contact structure. The accessory has an electrical or actuating device with a movable component. The movable component interfaces with a first member, or link, such that the first member is in a first position or latched position when the movable component is not actuated, and is moved to a second position or tripped position when the movable component is actuated. The first member also engages a second member, or trip member, when the first member is in the latched position. The second member is configured to interface the operating mechanism when the engagement between the first member and the second member is released, i.e., when the first member is moved to its second position. The second member includes a seat portion that interfaces the first member, whereby the shape and configuration of the seat portion sets a gap between the movable component and the first member.


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