CA3021488C - Trip light circuit breaker - Google Patents
Trip light circuit breaker Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA3021488C CA3021488C CA3021488A CA3021488A CA3021488C CA 3021488 C CA3021488 C CA 3021488C CA 3021488 A CA3021488 A CA 3021488A CA 3021488 A CA3021488 A CA 3021488A CA 3021488 C CA3021488 C CA 3021488C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- contact
- indicator
- stationary
- electrically coupled
- circuit breaker
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 230000007935 neutral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 15
- 241000510672 Cuminum Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000007129 Cuminum cyminum Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000009434 Actinidia chinensis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000298697 Actinidia deliciosa Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000009436 Actinidia deliciosa Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241001133287 Artocarpus hirsutus Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000270298 Boidae Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000320892 Clerodendrum phlomidis Species 0.000 description 1
- 206010010071 Coma Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 241001481828 Glyptocephalus cynoglossus Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001653634 Russula vesca Species 0.000 description 1
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000722921 Tulipa gesneriana Species 0.000 description 1
- 208000024780 Urticaria Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 235000013532 brandy Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 201000002266 mite infestation Diseases 0.000 description 1
- VYQNWZOUAUKGHI-UHFFFAOYSA-N monobenzone Chemical compound C1=CC(O)=CC=C1OCC1=CC=CC=C1 VYQNWZOUAUKGHI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- SYHDSBBKRLVLFF-UHFFFAOYSA-N triparanol Chemical compound C1=CC(OCCN(CC)CC)=CC=C1C(O)(C=1C=CC(C)=CC=1)CC1=CC=C(Cl)C=C1 SYHDSBBKRLVLFF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229950005498 triparanol Drugs 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
- H01H71/04—Means for indicating condition of the switching device
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
- H01H71/04—Means for indicating condition of the switching device
- H01H2071/042—Means for indicating condition of the switching device with different indications for different conditions, e.g. contact position, overload, short circuit or earth leakage
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
- H02H3/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection
- H02H3/02—Details
- H02H3/04—Details with warning or supervision in addition to disconnection, e.g. for indicating that protective apparatus has functioned
Landscapes
- Breakers (AREA)
Abstract
A circuit breaker is referenced that has an indicator lamp that identifies a fault condition after power is interrupted to the circuit breaker. This solution uses light emitting diodes (LEDs) to indicate the trip condition. This solution does not require the power to be enabled to the load side of the circuit breaker in order to power the LEDs to display a trip condition. An overload may be detected when the fault current generates sufficient heat in a strip composed of a resistive element or bimetal to cause the bimetal to deflect and/or bend. The mechanical deflection triggers a trip assembly that includes a spring trip lever to a force a moveable contact attached to a moveable conductive blade away from a stationary contact, thereby breaking the circuit.
Description
=
2 PCT/11S2016/031418 TRIP ufila CIRCUIT BREAKER
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
1000111 This application claiinsi the benefit neco-pouling applicatital Serial N.
621125,.69, filed on jamary .21 , 2O.5.entitled TRIP LITE: CIR.CUIT BREAKER.
FIELD
100021 The pitasent invention genemlly ftlagefi to cti1eitcuit break:en, and more pattictalatly, io electrical circuit hmaken that prookle a positive% and r1bk diqjti when the circuit braiker has been tri.ppell.
BACKGROUND
10003j Electrical circuit breakers are. known in the art. Circuit breakers are elearkal switches desiened to protect an electrical circuit and Us brandies (wiring) firm damage caused by overluads on circuits. Its basic Ante:ben i to detect. an overload or electrical Arm condition and intenwt current IICAV, Unlike a f`use, which opetates once and out be replaced.. a circuit breaker can be met to reatune normal operation one die problem has been identified and concord. Circuit breakers. are t1fYW an industry standard and commonplace in most hones and commercial .SplOri; worldwide.
10041 Generally a circuit breaker includes a switch coupled to ruoviug wawa, an operating or trip mechanism, arid a stationary coatad. When the switch is in the OF1i. pattion, the moving conact is separated from the Statiallafy contact and the circuit aopen w timely CA11110i 110W through the cimuit. When the switch is in the ON position, the moving C0301As3 iS ill contact with the stationary contact and the circuit is closed %Amity catireat ilows through the circuit 1./ them is. a short in the circuit or too notch cumin flows through the circuit, an eleetroinagmie short circuit sensing element or a thermal OVOCIirfera sensing eiernent releases the nip mechanism to open the contacts and disrupt current flow through the circuit l000:51 la many VMS a breaker in the trippedifintlt state is undetectable because many tittles the ONI(IFF or tripped .toggie switch does not fully flip to the tripped or OFF post tkm When a circuit breaker in fault :state is not easily identified it results: in the homeowner or electrician s y,stentatically resetting each breaker wad the actual tripped breaker is located. This process often motdts. in an undesirable disravion of power to other electrical componern and may cattse a power upike ni the circuit damaging ialsiiive eleormica..
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
1000111 This application claiinsi the benefit neco-pouling applicatital Serial N.
621125,.69, filed on jamary .21 , 2O.5.entitled TRIP LITE: CIR.CUIT BREAKER.
FIELD
100021 The pitasent invention genemlly ftlagefi to cti1eitcuit break:en, and more pattictalatly, io electrical circuit hmaken that prookle a positive% and r1bk diqjti when the circuit braiker has been tri.ppell.
BACKGROUND
10003j Electrical circuit breakers are. known in the art. Circuit breakers are elearkal switches desiened to protect an electrical circuit and Us brandies (wiring) firm damage caused by overluads on circuits. Its basic Ante:ben i to detect. an overload or electrical Arm condition and intenwt current IICAV, Unlike a f`use, which opetates once and out be replaced.. a circuit breaker can be met to reatune normal operation one die problem has been identified and concord. Circuit breakers. are t1fYW an industry standard and commonplace in most hones and commercial .SplOri; worldwide.
10041 Generally a circuit breaker includes a switch coupled to ruoviug wawa, an operating or trip mechanism, arid a stationary coatad. When the switch is in the OF1i. pattion, the moving conact is separated from the Statiallafy contact and the circuit aopen w timely CA11110i 110W through the cimuit. When the switch is in the ON position, the moving C0301As3 iS ill contact with the stationary contact and the circuit is closed %Amity catireat ilows through the circuit 1./ them is. a short in the circuit or too notch cumin flows through the circuit, an eleetroinagmie short circuit sensing element or a thermal OVOCIirfera sensing eiernent releases the nip mechanism to open the contacts and disrupt current flow through the circuit l000:51 la many VMS a breaker in the trippedifintlt state is undetectable because many tittles the ONI(IFF or tripped .toggie switch does not fully flip to the tripped or OFF post tkm When a circuit breaker in fault :state is not easily identified it results: in the homeowner or electrician s y,stentatically resetting each breaker wad the actual tripped breaker is located. This process often motdts. in an undesirable disravion of power to other electrical componern and may cattse a power upike ni the circuit damaging ialsiiive eleormica..
-3-WW1 A11 overloaded or short is caused when. the road. cumin generates excessive heat doe to load M aattip of a bimetal elonent within the circuit breaker mechanism. The bimetal demerit is designed to cause the bitnetal 10 deflect andlor bend.. The defterrion triggers the spring loaded tip mechanism 'alba 111ditdeti a tip lever to move die conductive blade away .frotn s stationary portion ofthe bitottal contact, thus breaking the circuit.
When the citottit is expowd to a current above its rated level for a paled of time, the Trip naembly activates tuvri opens the circuit by tripping to the fault state.
109071 Attempts have been Made tO idetify the tripped bleaker.. Some meeharkital s;,y,stetris use brielit mange or yellow ilidicators ot an area of the switch that is visible only when the switch ia in the tripml cif OFT position. Thee breakers, wflite useful:, are insufficient in low lighting or dark locations., and often fail to fully reach. the tripped position, thus not exposing the brightly colored indicator. Additionally, these broken may also extlost the Nightly colored indicator when in the ON position., thus defeating the tripnedOEF tadtcator function.
MOM Other breakers have been proposed that include an indicator lamp that is illuminated when the breaker is in the ON position. While positively identifying the ON
breakers, the indicator lamps are constantly burning., .wasting enemy-, and when they bum out, provide a 'NW: CW011; fault indication 'These breakers must be reptaced if the Indkator ramp burns otit, which is costly. Further, if an itulicater lamp is burtu.4 out, it may crate a dangerous situation for an electrician or .person working an the circuit, believing:
that the circuit breaker is off when power is still applied to the affected circuit, letnum Still other breakers Wive been proposed that include an indicator /amp that illiuninatea when the breaker is in the tripped position. The indicator tulip ia connected to the
When the citottit is expowd to a current above its rated level for a paled of time, the Trip naembly activates tuvri opens the circuit by tripping to the fault state.
109071 Attempts have been Made tO idetify the tripped bleaker.. Some meeharkital s;,y,stetris use brielit mange or yellow ilidicators ot an area of the switch that is visible only when the switch ia in the tripml cif OFT position. Thee breakers, wflite useful:, are insufficient in low lighting or dark locations., and often fail to fully reach. the tripped position, thus not exposing the brightly colored indicator. Additionally, these broken may also extlost the Nightly colored indicator when in the ON position., thus defeating the tripnedOEF tadtcator function.
MOM Other breakers have been proposed that include an indicator lamp that is illuminated when the breaker is in the ON position. While positively identifying the ON
breakers, the indicator lamps are constantly burning., .wasting enemy-, and when they bum out, provide a 'NW: CW011; fault indication 'These breakers must be reptaced if the Indkator ramp burns otit, which is costly. Further, if an itulicater lamp is burtu.4 out, it may crate a dangerous situation for an electrician or .person working an the circuit, believing:
that the circuit breaker is off when power is still applied to the affected circuit, letnum Still other breakers Wive been proposed that include an indicator /amp that illiuninatea when the breaker is in the tripped position. The indicator tulip ia connected to the
-4-iirke voltage and the ccimmon terminal only when in the 'breaker is in the hipped position. When in the ON or OFF position,. the indicator lamp is ncri ilhitninami. A problem with thew ilreaken is when the breaker is tripped, the circuit thmugh the indiedwr lamp is grin clowd. Thin current is sari present in the cinznit creating .a dangerous s'ituation ibr an 0v:1i:tenni or mann mAing the eireint, believing that the CifCltil breaker is Off wium powa i pplied k the affected circuit.
.=
.=
-5-SUMMARY
[0010] The present invention relates to a circuit breaker indicator device and particularly to a circuit breaker with an LED fault indicator lamp integrated within the circuit breaker. The improved design instantly identifies a tripped breaker by energizing an indicator lamp when the breaker has tripped, and de-energizing the affected circuit.
[0011] The present invention, a circuit breaker, comprised of a plastic housing containing the circuit breaker components including an indicator lamp. The indicator lamp only activates when the circuit has become overloaded and has tripped. The breaker in the tripped position is readily identified and aids in the identification of the electrical circuit to determine what caused the circuit fault.
[0011a] In a broad aspect, moreover, the present invention provides a circuit breaker comprising: a stationary contact electrically coupled to a power source; a moving contact pivotable between an on position electrically coupled to said stationary contact and a load terminal, and a tripped position spaced from said stationary contact; a stationary indicator contact electrically coupled to said power source; an indicator arm having a moveable indicator contact pivotable between an off position wherein said moveable indicator contact is spaced from said stationary indicator contact, and an on position wherein said moveable indicator contact is electrically coupled to said stationary indicator contact; and an indicator lamp electrically coupled to said moveable indicator contact and an electrical ground; whereas said indicator lamp is off when said moving contact is in said on position; whereas said indicator lamp is illuminated when said moving contact is in said tripped position disengaged from said . .
-5a-stationary contact and said moveable indicator contact is electrically coupled to said stationary indicator contact.
[0011b] In a broad aspect, the present invention provides a circuit breaker comprising:
a stationary contact electrically coupled to a hot side of a power source; a neutral contact electrically coupled to a neutral side of said power source; a moving contact pivotable between an on position electrically coupled to said stationary contact and a load terminal, and a tripped position spaced from said stationary contact; a load electrically coupled between said neutral contact and said moving contact; a stationary indicator contact electrically coupled to said power source; an indicator arm having a moveable indicator contact pivotable between an off position wherein said moveable indicator contact is spaced from said stationary indicator contact, and an on position wherein said moveable indicator contact is electrically coupled to said stationary indicator contact; and an indicator lamp electrically coupled to said moveable indicator contact and an electrical ground; whereas said indicator lamp is off when said moving contact is in said on position; whereas said indicator lamp is illuminated when said moving contact is in said tripped position and said moveable indicator contact is electrically coupled to said stationary indicator contact; whereas power is disconnected from said load when said moving contact is in said tripped position.
[0011c1 In a broad aspect, the present invention provides a circuit breaker comprising:
a stationary contact electrically coupled to a hot side of a power source; a neutral contact electrically coupled to a neutral side of said power source; a moving contact pivotable between an on position electrically coupled to said stationary contact and a load terminal, and a tripped position spaced from said stationary contact; a load electrically coupled between said neutral . . , , -5b-contact and said load terminal; a stationary indicator contact electrically coupled to said power source; an indicator arm having a moveable indicator contact pivotable between an off position wherein said moveable indicator contact is spaced from said stationary indicator contact, and an on position wherein said moveable indicator contact is electrically coupled to said stationary indicator contact; and a light emitting diode electrically coupled to said moveable indicator contact and an electrical ground; whereas said light emitting diode is off when said moving contact is in said on position; whereas said moving contact engages said indicator arm when in said tripped position pivoting said indicator arm from said off position to said on position;
whereas said light emitting diode is illuminated when said moving contact is in said tripped position and said moveable indicator contact is electrically coupled to said stationary indicator contact; whereas power is disconnected from said load when said moving contact is in said tripped position.
[0010] The present invention relates to a circuit breaker indicator device and particularly to a circuit breaker with an LED fault indicator lamp integrated within the circuit breaker. The improved design instantly identifies a tripped breaker by energizing an indicator lamp when the breaker has tripped, and de-energizing the affected circuit.
[0011] The present invention, a circuit breaker, comprised of a plastic housing containing the circuit breaker components including an indicator lamp. The indicator lamp only activates when the circuit has become overloaded and has tripped. The breaker in the tripped position is readily identified and aids in the identification of the electrical circuit to determine what caused the circuit fault.
[0011a] In a broad aspect, moreover, the present invention provides a circuit breaker comprising: a stationary contact electrically coupled to a power source; a moving contact pivotable between an on position electrically coupled to said stationary contact and a load terminal, and a tripped position spaced from said stationary contact; a stationary indicator contact electrically coupled to said power source; an indicator arm having a moveable indicator contact pivotable between an off position wherein said moveable indicator contact is spaced from said stationary indicator contact, and an on position wherein said moveable indicator contact is electrically coupled to said stationary indicator contact; and an indicator lamp electrically coupled to said moveable indicator contact and an electrical ground; whereas said indicator lamp is off when said moving contact is in said on position; whereas said indicator lamp is illuminated when said moving contact is in said tripped position disengaged from said . .
-5a-stationary contact and said moveable indicator contact is electrically coupled to said stationary indicator contact.
[0011b] In a broad aspect, the present invention provides a circuit breaker comprising:
a stationary contact electrically coupled to a hot side of a power source; a neutral contact electrically coupled to a neutral side of said power source; a moving contact pivotable between an on position electrically coupled to said stationary contact and a load terminal, and a tripped position spaced from said stationary contact; a load electrically coupled between said neutral contact and said moving contact; a stationary indicator contact electrically coupled to said power source; an indicator arm having a moveable indicator contact pivotable between an off position wherein said moveable indicator contact is spaced from said stationary indicator contact, and an on position wherein said moveable indicator contact is electrically coupled to said stationary indicator contact; and an indicator lamp electrically coupled to said moveable indicator contact and an electrical ground; whereas said indicator lamp is off when said moving contact is in said on position; whereas said indicator lamp is illuminated when said moving contact is in said tripped position and said moveable indicator contact is electrically coupled to said stationary indicator contact; whereas power is disconnected from said load when said moving contact is in said tripped position.
[0011c1 In a broad aspect, the present invention provides a circuit breaker comprising:
a stationary contact electrically coupled to a hot side of a power source; a neutral contact electrically coupled to a neutral side of said power source; a moving contact pivotable between an on position electrically coupled to said stationary contact and a load terminal, and a tripped position spaced from said stationary contact; a load electrically coupled between said neutral . . , , -5b-contact and said load terminal; a stationary indicator contact electrically coupled to said power source; an indicator arm having a moveable indicator contact pivotable between an off position wherein said moveable indicator contact is spaced from said stationary indicator contact, and an on position wherein said moveable indicator contact is electrically coupled to said stationary indicator contact; and a light emitting diode electrically coupled to said moveable indicator contact and an electrical ground; whereas said light emitting diode is off when said moving contact is in said on position; whereas said moving contact engages said indicator arm when in said tripped position pivoting said indicator arm from said off position to said on position;
whereas said light emitting diode is illuminated when said moving contact is in said tripped position and said moveable indicator contact is electrically coupled to said stationary indicator contact; whereas power is disconnected from said load when said moving contact is in said tripped position.
-6-BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DR.AWINGS
MO OA Pig. 1 is an illustration dm cimtrical circuit breaker of the present inveantionin thE.! ON 'position.
f001,31 Fig. 2 is en illtitantim of the elechkal &mit breaker ilf..1"-itt.
I in the hipped 10,0141 Fig_ 3 iS a fiiMPlified ithatration cf die electrical circuit breaker Of the present invention th the ON position.
pM151 Fig_ 4 as a simplified illustration of lilt tiettfiCAI (*mit breaker of Eat. 3 in tht, triptvd position.
DETAILED DESCRIP'noN
100141 As required, detailed embodiments of the ple.Seni ink:MI:At are disciesed herein.
However. it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the ention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, The times are not necessarily to scale., some features may .be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components, 'Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein. are not tube interpreted ifs Limiting, but merely as a representative basis for the claims anti/or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the an to variously employ the pPeRtIn invention.
100171 Moreover,. except where otherwise expressly indicated, all turnetical quantities in ti'ft description and in the claims are to be 'understood as modified by the word "'about" in describing the broader scope of this invention. Prutice within the numerical limits stated is generally preferiall Aiao, tialm ext,nessly stated to the contriny, the description of a group or 0/ass of niriterials suitable or preferred for a given purpose i.n coonectim with the invention implies that rarstures or combinations of any two or ntone inernbets of the: group or class may be equally suitable or preferred..
luto t Retraiirig initially to F. I. a illusvarion titan e /wheal irtki breaker of the present itivention is gesteradly indicated by reference numeral 10. Electrical circuit breaker 10 may also be info-11'0d to as circuit bmilter 10 or breaker 10. One of ordinary -skill in the an will readily recalplize arid understand the use of any of these descriptions,. which are not intended to limit the elitimad imention: Further, the components described herein are mounted within a housing. which is not snowai so as to view the breaker 10 CeinpOlkenti.
1011191 Breaker 10 includes a switch 12 coupled to a latch assembly 14 coupled roan operatius mechanism 16 and a moving coinact The latch mei:ably J4 inChtdes a latch spring 20 coupled to the witch 1.2. Breaker 10 includes an timer trip atin 22, a lower trip arin 23 with a emelt 24, which is designed to engage a notch 25 in one end elite Upp.31 Win arni 22. The catch 24 sehictively couples the upper trip ann :2:2 to the lower trip arm 23, which in turn selectively couples die upper trip ann 22 to the operating ineetturism 16 to hold. the moving.
contact 18 in the closed or ON pot.ii don The :lower trip arm 23 .is releasably coupled -to a nipper bar 26, which hcouiph.?d w b-ntetncontrolleesnip or thomul overcumert sensing element 2$ and an.
dectroomkpett Awl( citcuit atoning element 30. The breaker 10 also includes a stationary contact 32 electrically c=oupleO
to inn hot input 33 .Ihnia the AC power source 34., end a load terminal. 36.
Within the bluaker parbe not shown) is also a neutral 'bus her 37, which is coupled to the neutral line 'A. from the AC power source 34õ.; nommetallienon-maluctive indicator am 38 includes a moveable indicator contact 40 electainally coupled to an indicator light 42, which In electrically coupled o 8roan/144. A stationary indicator contact 46 i5 electrically coupled to the power toti...rce 34. A
load 48 voripli.,i.d to the load tonna-al 36 and the neuttal ht i bar 37 convietes the circuit 50, 100201 As illustrated in Fig. I, when he 5W1101. 1.2. is io 04 ON position, moIriap contact 18 is in contact with stationary contact 32. The latch assembly 14 is. held in place by the cinch 34, which boids the upper trip arm 32 in an engaged position 3pit11,4 the operating mechanism lb, wheth is biased against a hp 52 at one end of the upper trip arm 22 by the latch spring 20 coupled v.1,th switch 12.. In the ON -position, current from power source 34 flows through stationary coma 32, riming contact 18, line 54. Nine:lel strip 28, electornasnetic flon circuit sensing clement 30, and load 1tnlii11411 36 to supply power to load 48, As long as switch 12 In in the ON position, movable itutieator contact 40 is spaced from Stati011ary indicator cointiet 46 and indicator liOt 42 :is off.
100211 Refuting; to Pig. 2, -if circuit 50 expe.liences a climax overload situation, or a short, then biAnetal controller 28 or electromagnetic shod circuit sensing element .10 engages tripper tray 26, which engaµmes lower nip arm 23 an4 causes lower trip arm n to pivot. M
the lower triplinti 23 pivots, the catch 24 moves out of an engaged position with the notch 25 in the end of upper trip arm 23., causing the upper trip .anal Z3 to pivot When die upper trip arm 23 piNotsõ the operating .9-mechanism /6 i. pimted away from the tipper trip arm 23 by latch spring 20, which CUM'S Haraving conotct 18 pivot nrid disengage stationary contact 32. Mos opening the ciriatit 50 and dismipting powe to the: load 48. As the moving contact 18 pivots, a. tail end 36 of moving contact 18 engagai, the indicator atm .38 eMiSing the indicator timi 38 to pivot movable indicator convict 40 into comet with stationary indicator contact 46. When the movable indkator comet 40 is in physical tstrint3ei with the stanonasy indicator contact 46, power is supplied lo indicator lamp 42 and the lamp 42 is A:s illustrated inFig. 2, the circuit 50 is open and current from AC source .34 is not delivered to the load 48, 100221 Referring to Fig. 3, a simplified illustration of an electrical iomit bmker f dw ptesent invention is generally indicated by rtibrertc(,t nuinaat 100. Mk>.
romsol skti am:: power suurce 102 is connected to a neutral hos bar 104 mounted. in a circuit breaker panel (not shown), and the hot side or AC. power source is connected to a stationary contact 06 or breaker 100, In the ON
position illustrated in F. 3, a .movable contact 108 is M contact with the stationary contact Ilk, thus supplying power to a load 110, When the breaker 100 is tripped., as ahritattd iiiFig. 4. the movable contact / 0/1 pivots away from the stationary contact 1.06, opening the circuit, and contacts a moveable indicator 'block 112, which pivots 3 movable indicator exintaet 114 into comet with a fixad judicator contact 116. The fixed indicator contact 116 is electrically connected to the hot aide of the AC power sounce 10.2. When the movable indicator contact 114 is in contact with the fixed indicator contact 116., power is delivered to am indicator laitip 118, which is connected to ground 120 to complete the circuit and illuminate the lamp 118. in this manner, the lighted lamp 118 readily identifies the cirruit breaker 100 that has tripped without. continuing 00 supply current to the lead 110.
1041231 This is an improved design of a typical residential:lien commercial circuit breaket found in AVM boom and commercial spaces. In many case:s an overloaded griped) breaker is undetectable because often times the switch does not flirt y nip to the triplxsd or off position.
Because the switch tia,sio illy flipped aini there are often 10 to 20 r in an electrical mod the Weaker that haa tripped ii.;{ not easily identified, requiring the homeowner or electrician 11? $yiteMittiCAily reset .each breaker one at a time inlet the actual tripped breaker is 'located, This process ofitui results in an unwanted disruption or power spike in other electrical Catrtpanetitti d0WrkgreatIl (Within ate madam) hum the 0,N:tie-al panel box.
[0241 In the pre e$ embodiment, the indicator lamp ia at LED lamp, which only activates itaxin an kiwi...it:4.44444nd breaker thus iminediately identifying the breaker that bas In certain erribodiments, the LED rimy Ile protected by resistor at .or Mt pkd to an integmed chain.
[tX).ZflAnttlaitiOttill. Contact poMt has been added to the terininal of the baker and stwonthiry contact .poirit has been added to the homing of the breaker and aitached to the positive lead ,of the LED lamp. The negative lead from the LED lamp attaches to the wounding her of the 1:vaiel box. A nowinetallic wedge ha a been .added to the pivot eontim allowing power favnt the LINE SIDE to cc 4)4)CCA with the contut attached to the, breaker housing thus supplying power to the positive lead of the LED lamp in the fault' tripped eonditicm,.
Asi with any CINIIXDOrt Cifratit .bmaker.,. power will not flow to the load side in a .fatilethpped state.
11)0261 'nvit new design with the iterated LED lamp thus allows a person of ordinary skill to reconfigure the electrical load (devices phIgged in) on the drettil thAt At ft141.1.. As car!
he wen, there isa need for an integrated device that 'Inn:ides an instant-vistad notification for an overloaded or tripped circuit breaker. The [.ED indicator lamp in the improved design has been integared within the circuit breaker housing:
1002.7l It is to be taidersiood that while Miain now piefen-ed fririns or this lineation have been illustrated and de,setibed,, it is .not limited thereto except insofar as stieb ltations 4411! ludet1 in tile following Litwin:is.. However. it is. to be unilintood that the mini:ties disiaissed herein may be applied to. oilier type cirenit breakets...
MO OA Pig. 1 is an illustration dm cimtrical circuit breaker of the present inveantionin thE.! ON 'position.
f001,31 Fig. 2 is en illtitantim of the elechkal &mit breaker ilf..1"-itt.
I in the hipped 10,0141 Fig_ 3 iS a fiiMPlified ithatration cf die electrical circuit breaker Of the present invention th the ON position.
pM151 Fig_ 4 as a simplified illustration of lilt tiettfiCAI (*mit breaker of Eat. 3 in tht, triptvd position.
DETAILED DESCRIP'noN
100141 As required, detailed embodiments of the ple.Seni ink:MI:At are disciesed herein.
However. it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the ention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, The times are not necessarily to scale., some features may .be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components, 'Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein. are not tube interpreted ifs Limiting, but merely as a representative basis for the claims anti/or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the an to variously employ the pPeRtIn invention.
100171 Moreover,. except where otherwise expressly indicated, all turnetical quantities in ti'ft description and in the claims are to be 'understood as modified by the word "'about" in describing the broader scope of this invention. Prutice within the numerical limits stated is generally preferiall Aiao, tialm ext,nessly stated to the contriny, the description of a group or 0/ass of niriterials suitable or preferred for a given purpose i.n coonectim with the invention implies that rarstures or combinations of any two or ntone inernbets of the: group or class may be equally suitable or preferred..
luto t Retraiirig initially to F. I. a illusvarion titan e /wheal irtki breaker of the present itivention is gesteradly indicated by reference numeral 10. Electrical circuit breaker 10 may also be info-11'0d to as circuit bmilter 10 or breaker 10. One of ordinary -skill in the an will readily recalplize arid understand the use of any of these descriptions,. which are not intended to limit the elitimad imention: Further, the components described herein are mounted within a housing. which is not snowai so as to view the breaker 10 CeinpOlkenti.
1011191 Breaker 10 includes a switch 12 coupled to a latch assembly 14 coupled roan operatius mechanism 16 and a moving coinact The latch mei:ably J4 inChtdes a latch spring 20 coupled to the witch 1.2. Breaker 10 includes an timer trip atin 22, a lower trip arin 23 with a emelt 24, which is designed to engage a notch 25 in one end elite Upp.31 Win arni 22. The catch 24 sehictively couples the upper trip ann :2:2 to the lower trip arm 23, which in turn selectively couples die upper trip ann 22 to the operating ineetturism 16 to hold. the moving.
contact 18 in the closed or ON pot.ii don The :lower trip arm 23 .is releasably coupled -to a nipper bar 26, which hcouiph.?d w b-ntetncontrolleesnip or thomul overcumert sensing element 2$ and an.
dectroomkpett Awl( citcuit atoning element 30. The breaker 10 also includes a stationary contact 32 electrically c=oupleO
to inn hot input 33 .Ihnia the AC power source 34., end a load terminal. 36.
Within the bluaker parbe not shown) is also a neutral 'bus her 37, which is coupled to the neutral line 'A. from the AC power source 34õ.; nommetallienon-maluctive indicator am 38 includes a moveable indicator contact 40 electainally coupled to an indicator light 42, which In electrically coupled o 8roan/144. A stationary indicator contact 46 i5 electrically coupled to the power toti...rce 34. A
load 48 voripli.,i.d to the load tonna-al 36 and the neuttal ht i bar 37 convietes the circuit 50, 100201 As illustrated in Fig. I, when he 5W1101. 1.2. is io 04 ON position, moIriap contact 18 is in contact with stationary contact 32. The latch assembly 14 is. held in place by the cinch 34, which boids the upper trip arm 32 in an engaged position 3pit11,4 the operating mechanism lb, wheth is biased against a hp 52 at one end of the upper trip arm 22 by the latch spring 20 coupled v.1,th switch 12.. In the ON -position, current from power source 34 flows through stationary coma 32, riming contact 18, line 54. Nine:lel strip 28, electornasnetic flon circuit sensing clement 30, and load 1tnlii11411 36 to supply power to load 48, As long as switch 12 In in the ON position, movable itutieator contact 40 is spaced from Stati011ary indicator cointiet 46 and indicator liOt 42 :is off.
100211 Refuting; to Pig. 2, -if circuit 50 expe.liences a climax overload situation, or a short, then biAnetal controller 28 or electromagnetic shod circuit sensing element .10 engages tripper tray 26, which engaµmes lower nip arm 23 an4 causes lower trip arm n to pivot. M
the lower triplinti 23 pivots, the catch 24 moves out of an engaged position with the notch 25 in the end of upper trip arm 23., causing the upper trip .anal Z3 to pivot When die upper trip arm 23 piNotsõ the operating .9-mechanism /6 i. pimted away from the tipper trip arm 23 by latch spring 20, which CUM'S Haraving conotct 18 pivot nrid disengage stationary contact 32. Mos opening the ciriatit 50 and dismipting powe to the: load 48. As the moving contact 18 pivots, a. tail end 36 of moving contact 18 engagai, the indicator atm .38 eMiSing the indicator timi 38 to pivot movable indicator convict 40 into comet with stationary indicator contact 46. When the movable indkator comet 40 is in physical tstrint3ei with the stanonasy indicator contact 46, power is supplied lo indicator lamp 42 and the lamp 42 is A:s illustrated inFig. 2, the circuit 50 is open and current from AC source .34 is not delivered to the load 48, 100221 Referring to Fig. 3, a simplified illustration of an electrical iomit bmker f dw ptesent invention is generally indicated by rtibrertc(,t nuinaat 100. Mk>.
romsol skti am:: power suurce 102 is connected to a neutral hos bar 104 mounted. in a circuit breaker panel (not shown), and the hot side or AC. power source is connected to a stationary contact 06 or breaker 100, In the ON
position illustrated in F. 3, a .movable contact 108 is M contact with the stationary contact Ilk, thus supplying power to a load 110, When the breaker 100 is tripped., as ahritattd iiiFig. 4. the movable contact / 0/1 pivots away from the stationary contact 1.06, opening the circuit, and contacts a moveable indicator 'block 112, which pivots 3 movable indicator exintaet 114 into comet with a fixad judicator contact 116. The fixed indicator contact 116 is electrically connected to the hot aide of the AC power sounce 10.2. When the movable indicator contact 114 is in contact with the fixed indicator contact 116., power is delivered to am indicator laitip 118, which is connected to ground 120 to complete the circuit and illuminate the lamp 118. in this manner, the lighted lamp 118 readily identifies the cirruit breaker 100 that has tripped without. continuing 00 supply current to the lead 110.
1041231 This is an improved design of a typical residential:lien commercial circuit breaket found in AVM boom and commercial spaces. In many case:s an overloaded griped) breaker is undetectable because often times the switch does not flirt y nip to the triplxsd or off position.
Because the switch tia,sio illy flipped aini there are often 10 to 20 r in an electrical mod the Weaker that haa tripped ii.;{ not easily identified, requiring the homeowner or electrician 11? $yiteMittiCAily reset .each breaker one at a time inlet the actual tripped breaker is 'located, This process ofitui results in an unwanted disruption or power spike in other electrical Catrtpanetitti d0WrkgreatIl (Within ate madam) hum the 0,N:tie-al panel box.
[0241 In the pre e$ embodiment, the indicator lamp ia at LED lamp, which only activates itaxin an kiwi...it:4.44444nd breaker thus iminediately identifying the breaker that bas In certain erribodiments, the LED rimy Ile protected by resistor at .or Mt pkd to an integmed chain.
[tX).ZflAnttlaitiOttill. Contact poMt has been added to the terininal of the baker and stwonthiry contact .poirit has been added to the homing of the breaker and aitached to the positive lead ,of the LED lamp. The negative lead from the LED lamp attaches to the wounding her of the 1:vaiel box. A nowinetallic wedge ha a been .added to the pivot eontim allowing power favnt the LINE SIDE to cc 4)4)CCA with the contut attached to the, breaker housing thus supplying power to the positive lead of the LED lamp in the fault' tripped eonditicm,.
Asi with any CINIIXDOrt Cifratit .bmaker.,. power will not flow to the load side in a .fatilethpped state.
11)0261 'nvit new design with the iterated LED lamp thus allows a person of ordinary skill to reconfigure the electrical load (devices phIgged in) on the drettil thAt At ft141.1.. As car!
he wen, there isa need for an integrated device that 'Inn:ides an instant-vistad notification for an overloaded or tripped circuit breaker. The [.ED indicator lamp in the improved design has been integared within the circuit breaker housing:
1002.7l It is to be taidersiood that while Miain now piefen-ed fririns or this lineation have been illustrated and de,setibed,, it is .not limited thereto except insofar as stieb ltations 4411! ludet1 in tile following Litwin:is.. However. it is. to be unilintood that the mini:ties disiaissed herein may be applied to. oilier type cirenit breakets...
Claims (13)
1. A circuit breaker comprising:
a stationary contact electrically coupled to a power source;
a moving contact pivotable between an on position electrically coupled to said stationary contact and a load terminal, and a tripped position spaced from said stationary contact;
a stationary indicator contact electrically coupled to said power source;
an indicator arm having a moveable indicator contact pivotable between an off position wherein said moveable indicator contact is spaced from said stationary indicator contact, and an on position wherein said moveable indicator contact is electrically coupled to said stationary indicator contact; and an indicator lamp electrically coupled to said moveable indicator contact and an electrical ground;
whereas said indicator lamp is off when said moving contact is in said on position;
whereas said indicator lamp is illuminated when said moving contact is in said tripped position disengaged from said stationary contact and said moveable indicator contact is electrically coupled to said stationary indicator contact.
a stationary contact electrically coupled to a power source;
a moving contact pivotable between an on position electrically coupled to said stationary contact and a load terminal, and a tripped position spaced from said stationary contact;
a stationary indicator contact electrically coupled to said power source;
an indicator arm having a moveable indicator contact pivotable between an off position wherein said moveable indicator contact is spaced from said stationary indicator contact, and an on position wherein said moveable indicator contact is electrically coupled to said stationary indicator contact; and an indicator lamp electrically coupled to said moveable indicator contact and an electrical ground;
whereas said indicator lamp is off when said moving contact is in said on position;
whereas said indicator lamp is illuminated when said moving contact is in said tripped position disengaged from said stationary contact and said moveable indicator contact is electrically coupled to said stationary indicator contact.
2. The circuit breaker of claim 1 wherein said moving contact engages said indicator arm when in said tripped position pivoting said indicator arm from said off position to said on position.
3. The circuit breaker of claim 1 wherein said indicator lamp is a light-emitting diode.
4. The circuit breaker of claim 1 wherein said moving contact is further pivotable to an off position spaced from said stationary contact.
5. The circuit breaker of claim 4 wherein said indicator arm remains in said off position when said moving contact pivots to said off position.
6. A circuit breaker comprising:
a stationary contact electrically coupled to a hot side of a power source;
a neutral contact electrically coupled to a neutral side of said power source;
a moving contact pivotable between an on position electrically coupled to said stationary contact and a load tenninal, and a tripped position spaced from said stationary contact;
a load electrically coupled between said neutral contact and said moving contact;
a stationary indicator contact electrically coupled to said power source;
an indicator aim having a moveable indicator contact pivotable between an off position wherein said moveable indicator contact is spaced from said stationary indicator contact, and an on position wherein said moveable indicator contact is electrically coupled to said stationary indicator contact; and an indicator lamp electrically coupled to said moveable indicator contact and an electrical ground;
whereas said indicator lamp is off when said moving contact is in said on position;
whereas said indicator lamp is illuminated when said moving contact is in said tripped position and said moveable indicator contact is electrically coupled to said stationary indicator contact;
whereas power is disconnected from said load when said moving contact is in said tripped position.
a stationary contact electrically coupled to a hot side of a power source;
a neutral contact electrically coupled to a neutral side of said power source;
a moving contact pivotable between an on position electrically coupled to said stationary contact and a load tenninal, and a tripped position spaced from said stationary contact;
a load electrically coupled between said neutral contact and said moving contact;
a stationary indicator contact electrically coupled to said power source;
an indicator aim having a moveable indicator contact pivotable between an off position wherein said moveable indicator contact is spaced from said stationary indicator contact, and an on position wherein said moveable indicator contact is electrically coupled to said stationary indicator contact; and an indicator lamp electrically coupled to said moveable indicator contact and an electrical ground;
whereas said indicator lamp is off when said moving contact is in said on position;
whereas said indicator lamp is illuminated when said moving contact is in said tripped position and said moveable indicator contact is electrically coupled to said stationary indicator contact;
whereas power is disconnected from said load when said moving contact is in said tripped position.
7. The circuit breaker of claim 6 wherein said moving contact engages said indicator min when in said tripped position pivoting said indicator arm from said off position to said on position.
8. The circuit breaker of clairn 6 wherein said indicator lamp is a light-ernitting diode.
9. The circuit breaker of claim 6 wherein said moving contact is further pivotable to an off position spaced from said stationary contact.
10. The circuit breaker of claim 9 wherein said indicator arm remains in said off position when said moving contact pivots to said off position.
1 1. A circuit breaker comprising:
a stationary contact electrically coupled to a hot side of a power source;
a neutral contact electrically coupled to a neutral side of said power source;
a moving contact pivotable between an on position electrically coupled to said stationary contact and a load terminal, and a tripped position spaced from said stationary contact;
a load electrically coupled between said neutral contact and said load terminal;
a stationary indicator contact electrically coupled to said power source;
an indicator arm having a moveable indicator contact pivotable between an off position wherein said moveable indicator contact is spaced from said stationary indicator contact, and an on position wherein said moveable indicator contact is electrically coupled to said stationary indicator contact; and a light emitting diode electrically coupled to said moveable indicator contact and an electrical ground;
whereas said light emitting diode is off when said moving contact is in said on position;
whereas said moving contact engages said indicator arm when in said tripped position pivoting said indicator arm from said off position to said on position;
whereas said light emitting diode is illuminated when said moving contact is in said tripped position and said moveable indicator contact is electrically coupled to said stationary indicator contact;
whereas power is disconnected from said load when said moving contact is in said tripped position.
a stationary contact electrically coupled to a hot side of a power source;
a neutral contact electrically coupled to a neutral side of said power source;
a moving contact pivotable between an on position electrically coupled to said stationary contact and a load terminal, and a tripped position spaced from said stationary contact;
a load electrically coupled between said neutral contact and said load terminal;
a stationary indicator contact electrically coupled to said power source;
an indicator arm having a moveable indicator contact pivotable between an off position wherein said moveable indicator contact is spaced from said stationary indicator contact, and an on position wherein said moveable indicator contact is electrically coupled to said stationary indicator contact; and a light emitting diode electrically coupled to said moveable indicator contact and an electrical ground;
whereas said light emitting diode is off when said moving contact is in said on position;
whereas said moving contact engages said indicator arm when in said tripped position pivoting said indicator arm from said off position to said on position;
whereas said light emitting diode is illuminated when said moving contact is in said tripped position and said moveable indicator contact is electrically coupled to said stationary indicator contact;
whereas power is disconnected from said load when said moving contact is in said tripped position.
12. The circuit breaker of claim 11 wherein said moving contact is further pivotable to an off position spaced from said stationary contact.
13. The circuit breaker of claim 11 wherein said indicator arm remains in said off position when said moving contact pivots to said off position.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2016/031418 WO2017196292A1 (en) | 2016-05-09 | 2016-05-09 | Trip light circuit breaker |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA3021488A1 CA3021488A1 (en) | 2017-11-16 |
| CA3021488C true CA3021488C (en) | 2022-03-08 |
Family
ID=60267374
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3021488A Active CA3021488C (en) | 2016-05-09 | 2016-05-09 | Trip light circuit breaker |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA3021488C (en) |
| MX (1) | MX2018012308A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2017196292A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN113205978A (en) * | 2021-04-01 | 2021-08-03 | 浙江天正电气股份有限公司 | Circuit breaker with built-in auxiliary function and alarm system thereof |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4301342A (en) * | 1980-06-23 | 1981-11-17 | General Electric Company | Circuit breaker condition indicator apparatus |
| US4554524A (en) * | 1984-08-23 | 1985-11-19 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Secondary circuit breaker for distribution transformer with indicator light switch mechanism |
| US5012495A (en) * | 1990-03-19 | 1991-04-30 | Eagle Electric Mfg. Co. Inc. | Switch and circuit breaker combination device |
| EP1098337A3 (en) * | 1999-11-05 | 2002-08-07 | Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. | Signal accessory for a molded case circuit breaker |
| US6864447B1 (en) * | 2003-08-28 | 2005-03-08 | Eaton Corporation | Circuit breaker empolying illuminating indicators for open and closed positions |
| US7336457B2 (en) * | 2005-08-08 | 2008-02-26 | Hubbell Incorporated | Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) end-of-life (EOL) status indicator |
-
2016
- 2016-05-09 CA CA3021488A patent/CA3021488C/en active Active
- 2016-05-09 MX MX2018012308A patent/MX2018012308A/en unknown
- 2016-05-09 WO PCT/US2016/031418 patent/WO2017196292A1/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| MX2018012308A (en) | 2019-01-14 |
| WO2017196292A1 (en) | 2017-11-16 |
| CA3021488A1 (en) | 2017-11-16 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| KR890002044B1 (en) | Improved circuit breaker indication | |
| US8243411B2 (en) | Electronic miniature circuit breaker with trip indication using the breaker tripping function as the feedback mechanism | |
| ES2973789T3 (en) | System and method for monitoring the life of circuit breaker contacts | |
| US7656640B2 (en) | Voltage surge protection device | |
| US8169757B2 (en) | Circuit breaker with bistable display | |
| CN109473322B (en) | Circuit interrupter with status indicator | |
| CN1988284B (en) | Safety lug suitable for the connection to a current outlet | |
| US9799477B2 (en) | Circuit breaker with current limiting and high speed fault capability | |
| CN103633614B (en) | Electronic protection, for driving method and the application thereof of electronic protection | |
| CA3021488C (en) | Trip light circuit breaker | |
| CN101379579B (en) | Vacuum-type electrical switching apparatus | |
| US8958192B2 (en) | Circuit breaker | |
| MX2012010909A (en) | Collapsible mechanism for circuit breakers. | |
| US20100134306A1 (en) | Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter With End-Of-Life Indicator | |
| US10002735B2 (en) | Trip light circuit breaker | |
| US5657002A (en) | Resettable latching indicator | |
| CN104380400A (en) | Safety device for electrical transformers and related electrical transformer | |
| US20150248986A1 (en) | Thermal trip device of a thermal magnetic circuit breaker having a resistor element, thermal magnetic circuit breaker and switching device for interrupting a current flow and method for protecting an electrical circuit from damage | |
| US20160276114A1 (en) | Remote Tripping Device | |
| US20160240340A1 (en) | Thermal circuit breaker | |
| US20210391705A1 (en) | Temperature control method for terminal connection | |
| US20030128095A1 (en) | Resettable fuse/circuit interrupter with visual fault indication | |
| US2434728A (en) | Plug type circuit breaker | |
| CN202474809U (en) | State indicating mechanism of surge protection device and surge protection device | |
| US10312045B2 (en) | Interruption apparatus employing actuator having movable engagement element |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20181018 |