Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-08
2001-08-21
Thompson, Gregory (Department: 2835)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...
C200S307000, C335S018000, C361S656000, C361S733000, C361S735000, C361S744000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06278605
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
THIS invention relates to a modular circuit breaker system comprising a plurality of inter-connectable modules, and to the modules themselves.
The use of conventional circuit breakers is increasingly being supplemented by specialised modules which can be mounted on a conventional mounting rail of an electrical distribution board. For example, earth leakage sensors, energy measurement modules and various other functional modules can be provided in miniature circuit breaker housings.
It is an object of the invention to provide a modular system which incorporates circuit breakers and other components.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention there is provided a modular circuit breaker system comprising at least first and second modules adapted for mounting side by side, at least one of the first and second modules including electrical terminals for connection to live and neutral conductors of an electrical supply; and at least one electrical conductor extending between the modules and arranged to connect electrical or electronic circuitry of one module to electrical or electronic circuitry of the other module.
Preferably, at least one of the modules includes a circuit breaker or other switching means.
Each module may comprise a housing adapted to be mounted on a rail or other mounting means adjacent to other modules.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each module has a housing with generally planar sides which abut the sides of adjacent modules in use, the at least one electrical conductor extending transversely through respective apertures in the abutting sides of adjacent modules.
The at least one electrical conductor preferably comprises a rigid metallic conductor connected removably to electrical contact means in each respective module.
In the preferred embodiment, the conductor comprises a threaded metal rod having a first end which can be screwed into a complementally threaded contact receptacle in a first module.
At least one second module preferably includes a contact defining an aperture through which a second end of the threaded rod can extend in use, the rod being maintained in electrical contact with the contact by a fastener screwed onto the second end of the rod.
For example, the contact may comprise a conductive pad having an aperture extending therethrough, the fastener comprising a nut bearing against the pad in use to connect the rod physically and electrically thereto.
The nut is preferably long enough to receive a first end of a further conductor, which can be screwed into the nut.
The system may comprises a plurality of different second modules connectable side by side in the above manner.
The system preferably includes a third module which serves to cover the exposed side of the last of the adjacent second modules.
The system may comprise a base module which includes a first communication circuit, and at least one further module comprising a second communication circuit, the first and second communication circuits communicating with one another in use via the at least one electrical conductor extending between the modules.
The base module may include a circuit breaker, and a control circuit operable to open at least one set of contacts of the circuit breaker.
The at least one further module may be arranged to transmit a switch signal to the base module, the control circuit of the base module being responsive to the trip signal to operate the circuit breaker.
In a typical embodiment, the system comprises first and second electrical conductors extending between the modules, the first conductor serving as a common or reference conductor and the second conductor serving as a signal conductor.
The invention includes a module for use in a modular circuit breaker system comprising at least first and second modules mounted side by side and wherein at least one of the first and second modules includes electrical terminals for connection to live and neutral conductors of an electrical supply, the module comprising a housing adapted to be mounted on a rail or other mounting means adjacent to at least one other module; an electrical or electronic circuit adapted for connection to an electrical or electronic circuit of said at least one other module; and electrical contact means for receiving at least one electrical conductor which connects the module to said at least one other module in use.
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patent: WO93/07597 (1993-04-01), None
Burns Doane , Swecker, Mathis LLP
Circuit Breaker Industries Limited
Thompson Gregory
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