EP2636052A2 - Limit stop apparatus, circuit breakers including limit stops, and methods of using same - Google Patents
Limit stop apparatus, circuit breakers including limit stops, and methods of using sameInfo
- Publication number
- EP2636052A2 EP2636052A2 EP12706149.7A EP12706149A EP2636052A2 EP 2636052 A2 EP2636052 A2 EP 2636052A2 EP 12706149 A EP12706149 A EP 12706149A EP 2636052 A2 EP2636052 A2 EP 2636052A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- arc
- electrical contact
- limit stop
- stop apparatus
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H33/00—High-tension or heavy-current switches with arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means
- H01H33/02—Details
- H01H33/04—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
- H01H33/08—Stationary parts for restricting or subdividing the arc, e.g. barrier plate
-
- 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
- H01H71/10—Operating or release mechanisms
- H01H71/1009—Interconnected mechanisms
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
- H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
- H01H9/34—Stationary parts for restricting or subdividing the arc, e.g. barrier plate
Definitions
- LIMIT STOP APPARATUS CIRCUIT BREAKERS INCLUDING LIMIT STOPS
- the present invention relates generally to circuit breakers, and more particularly to apparatus adapted to limit rotation of components used in circuit breakers.
- one or moveable electrical contacts may be provided.
- moveable electrical contacts are included on moveable contact arms that pivot relative to a circuit breaker housing.
- a spring biases the moveable contact to a closed configuration such that intimate contact is provided between a stationary and moveable electrical contact.
- Some circuit breakers may include multiple interconnected contact assemblies. For example, a single electrical phase may be directed and coupled to
- Each electrical contact assembly may be connected to adjacent ones through a cross member , and each of the side-by-side electrical contact assemblies is adapted to pivot about a common pivot axis.
- a limit stop apparatus in a first embodiment, includes a connecting bar, and arc shields molded to the connecting bar, the arc shields comprising phase-to-phase arc shields and contact-to-component arc shields .
- a multi-pole electrical contact assembly includes a plurality of electrical contact assemblies, each electrical contact assembly having a crossbar and one or more contact arms pivotable relative to the crossbar, and a limit stop apparatus coupled to the crossbar of each electrical contact assembly, wherein the limit stop apparatus has limit stops configured and adapted to engage the one or more contact arms on a same side of the one or more contact arms containing moveable electrical contacts.
- a circuit breaker in another apparatus embodiment, includes a circuit breaker housing, a plurality of electrical contact assemblies, each electrical contact assembly having a crossbar and one or more contact arms moveable relative to the crossbar, and a limit stop apparatus coupled to the crossbars of each of the plurality of electrical contact assemblies, wherein the limit stop apparatus has limit stops configured and adapted to engage the one or more contact arms on a same side of the one or more contact arms containing moveable electrical contacts .
- a method of operating a multi- pole electrical contact assembly includes providing a plurality of electrical contact
- each electrical contact assembly having a crossbar and one or more contact arms having one or more moveable electrical contacts pivotable relative to the crossbar, and a limit stop apparatus having limit stops , the limit stop apparatus coupled to and interconnecting to the crossbar of each electrical contact assembly, and engaging with the limit stop apparatus, the one or more contact arms on a same side of the one or more contact arms containing the one or more moveable electrical contacts.
- FIG. 1A illustrates a front isometric view of a limit stop apparatus adapted to mount to a plurality of electrical contact assemblies according to embodiments.
- FIG. IB illustrates a rear isometric view of the limit stop apparatus according to embodiments.
- FIG. IC illustrates a front isometric view of a connecting bar of a limit stop apparatus according to
- FIG . ID illustrates a cross-sectioned side view of the limit stop apparatus taken along section line ID-ID of
- FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of an
- FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of a multi-pole contact assembly including a plurality of electrical contact assemblies of FIG. 2 interconnected by the limit stop
- FIGs . 4A and 4B illustrates partially cross- sectioned partial side views of various spring assemblies that may be used in an electrical contact assembly according to embodiments .
- FIG. 5A illustrates an isometric view of spring assemblies mounted between contact arms and a common crossbar insert of an electrical contact assembly according to
- FIG . 5B illustrates an isometric view of a bracket adapted to mount an electrical contact assembly to a circuit breaker housing according to embodiments .
- FIG . 6A illustrates a partially cross-sectioned side view of an electrical contact assembly shown in a closed (ON) configuration according to embodiments.
- FIG. 6B illustrates a partially cross-sectioned side view of an electrical contact assembly shown in an open (OFF) configuration according to embodiments.
- FIG . 6C illustrates a partially cross-sectioned side view of an electrical contact assembly shown in a blown open configuration according to embodiments .
- FIG . 6D illustrates a partially cross-sectioned side view of an electrical contact assembly shown in a blown open configuration illustrating an internal construction according to embodiments .
- FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of a circuit breaker including that may include a multi-pole electrical contact assembly according to embodiments .
- FIG . 8 shows an isometric view of a circuit breaker housing with an upper housing portion removed including a multi-pole electrical contact assembly according to embodiments .
- FIG, 9 illustrates a partially cross-sectioned side view of a circuit breaker housing including a multi-pole electrical contact assembly mounted therein according to embodiments .
- FIG. 10 illustrates a partially cross-sectioned side view of a circuit breaker including a multi-pole electrical contact assembly mounted therein according to embodiments .
- FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an electrical contact assembly according to
- FIGs . 12-13 are flowcharts illustrating other methods of operating electrical contact assemblies according to embodiments .
- an improved limit stop apparatus is provided, as well as an electrical contact assembly including the limit stop apparatus .
- a circuit breaker including the improved limit stop apparatus and multi-pole electrical contact assembly is provided. Methods of operating a multi-pole electrical contact assembly including the limit stop apparatus are also provided.
- the limit stop apparatus has limit stops that advantageously limit motion of the one or more contact arms of the individual contact assemblies.
- the limit stop functions to tie the individual electrical contact assemblies together such that the crossbars thereof move in unison, such as when a circuit breaker handle is actuated.
- the limit stop apparatus may include arc shields that function to limit exposure of the internal contact assembly components to arcing and arc debris upon encountering an interruption event (e.g., after breaker tripping) .
- the limit stop apparatus 100 is a part of a multi-pole contact assembly 300 (FIG. 3) that may be installed in a circuit breaker housing 660 of a circuit breaker 700, as shown in FIGs. 7-10, for example.
- the limit stop apparatus 100 may perform multiple functions within the circuit breaker 700, and is functionally coupled to, and interconnects, individual contact assemblies 200 (FIG. 2) with one another.
- the electrical contact assembly 200 will first be described.
- the electrical contact assembly 200 will be referred to herein as an "electrical contact
- the contact assembly 200 may be installed in a circuit breaker housing 660 of a circuit breaker 700 , as shown in FIGs . 6A-10 , for
- the circuit breaker 700 may include multiple individual contact assemblies 200 (e.g. , one for each electrical phase) .
- a multi-pole contact assembly 300 may be included in a three-pole circuit breaker (See FIGs . 3 and 8) and may include three electrical contact assemblies 200 oriented in a side-by side configuratio .
- each electrical contact assembly 200 may be interconnected to a respective load terminal (e.g. , a single phase) via one or more flexible electrical conductors 501 (FIG. 5A) .
- the flexible electrical conductor 501 may be one or more braided or laminated conductive metal lines .
- the flexible electrical conductor 501 may be connected to each of the contact arms 206 (described below) , such as by braising, welding, soldering, or the like . Other means for connection may be employed.
- the contact assembly 200 may include one or more contact arms 206.
- the electrical contact assembly 200 may include a body structure such as a crossbar 202 , a pivot pin 204 mounted in the crossbar 202 , and one or more contact arms 206 pivotally mounted on the pivot pin 204 and rotatable about a first pivot axis 207 extending along a length of the pivot pin 204.
- the pivot pin 204 may be manufactured from a rigid material , such as steel . Other rigid materials may be used.
- the pivot pin 204 may be a rivet .
- pivotal attachment of the contact assembly 200 to a circuit breaker housing 660 of a circuit breaker 700 as shown in FIGs .
- the crossbar 202 may function as a body to enable the pivotal attachment of the contact assembly 200 relative to a circuit breaker housing 660 , such as shown in FIGs . 6A-6D, and FIGs . 9 and 10.
- Pivoting rotation of the contact assembly 200 about the second pivot axis 208 may be provided by pilots 213 extending laterally from either side of the crossbar 202 and rotationally received within holes 570A, 57GB in a bracket 315 (FIGs. 3 and 5B) .
- the crossbar 202 may be manufactured from a suitably rigid material, such as a filled plastic or a metal (e.g. , steel ) sheet, and may include generally parallel first and second sidewalls 202A, 202B and a pocket 202C .
- the pivot pin 204 may extend between the first and second sidewalls 202A, 202B .
- the multiple contact arms 206 are pxvotally mounted on the pin 204 in a side-by-side orientation wherein the pin 204 passes through apertures 215. Suitable spacers (e.g.
- bosses on each arm 206 may maintain a proper spacing between the respective contact arms 206 such that they may rotate freely thereon.
- the moveable electrical contact 209M is spaced from the first pivot axis 207 on the first arm portion by a first distance .
- the first distance may be between about 40 mm and 60 mm, and about 54 mm in some embodiments, for example . Other first distances may be used.
- a spring assembly 210 Pivotally coupled to a second arm portion of each contact arm 206 , is a spring assembly 210.
- the spring assembly 210 pivotally connects to the second arm portion by a pivoting connector at a connection location that is spaced a second distance from the first pivot a is 207.
- the second distance may be between about 15 and 25 mm, and about 19 mm in some embodiments , for example . Other distances may be used.
- the second distance is less than the first
- the second arm portion of the contact arm 206 may be located on an opposite side of the pivot axis 207 from the first arm portion of the contact arm 206.
- the spring assembly 210 may comprise a strut .
- the spring assembly 210 is coupled between the crossbar 202 and the second arm portion of the contact arm 206.
- the spring assembly 210 may include, as shown in FIGs . 4A-4B, a clevis pin 212 , and a spring 214 received on the clevis pin 212.
- the clevis pin 212 may be a cylindrical pin including an end portion 212A that is configured and adapted to be received and pivot relative to the crossbar 202.
- the crossbar 202 may include a crossbar insert 216 (FIGs . 4A-4B, 5A and 6D) .
- each of the spring assemblies 210 couples to the crossbar 202 via the crossbar insert 216.
- Crossbar insert 216 may be received in the pocket 202C of the crossbar 202 or otherwise retained for rotation therein.
- the crossbar 216 may be fastened by screws in the pocket 202C .
- the crossbar insert 216 may be a cast metal , such as steel , for example .
- a representative crossbar insert 216 is shown in cross section in FIGs . 4 ⁇ -4 ⁇ . Another crossbar insert is shown in FIG. 5A.
- the crossbar insert 216 is adapted to receive the ends 212A of the clevis pins 212 of spring assemblies 210.
- electrical contact assemblies 200 having any number of spring assemblies therein, such as one, two, three , four, five, or more may be provided. Each respective spring assembly 210 engages the crossbar insert 216.
- each clevis pin 212 may be received in a pivot recess 218 formed in the crossbar insert 216 , for example .
- the pivot recess 218 may be oversized (e.g. , larger in dimension) as compared to an outside dimension of the clevis pin 212 at the end 212A.
- the clevis pin 212 may include a diameter of the cylindrical portion of between about 3 mm and 8 mm, or even about 3 mm and 5 mm, and may be about 4 mm in some embodiments . Other diameters may be used.
- the pivot recess 218 may be
- a curved or pointed surface 216A may be included on a portion of the crossbar insert 216 contacted by the spring 214 (See FIG. 6D) .
- the surface of the crossbar insert 216 may also include lubrication or other low friction surface treatment thereon.
- the structure of the crossbar insert 216 may be integral with the crossbar 202.
- the ridge may extend along the transverse width of the crossbar insert 216.
- the pointed ridge may be formed by the intersection of two planes formed on upper and lower sides of the front surface of the crossbar insert 216. A small radius may be provided on the ridge.
- the spring assembly 210 may include a spring retainer 219 in contact with a first end of the spring 214.
- the spring retainer 219 may be a separate component or part of the pivoting connector of the spring assembly 210, such as part of a clevis 220 (FIG. 4B) or rod end 228 (FIG . 4A) .
- the spring 214 may be a helical coil spring.
- the spring 214 may have a spring constant (K) of between about 8 and 75 N/mm, for example .
- the spring 214 may have a length between about 30 mm and 50 mm, for example .
- the outer diameter of the helical coil spring 214 may be between about 6 mm and 14 mm, for example .
- the wire diameter of the spring 214 may be between about 1 mm and 3 mm. Other spring stiffnesses , lengths , outer diameters , and wire diameters may be used .
- springs 214 may be used and received over the clevis pin 112 , such as conical springs , bellville washers , volute spring, wave springs , dome springs , or the like .
- Table 1 below outlines various coil springs that may be used for several designs. However, in some embodiments
- a first end of the spring assembly 210 may include a pivoting
- the connector comprising a clevis 220 that is pivotally coupled to a terminal end of a second arm portion of the contact arm 206.
- the pivoting connection may be accomplished by passing a cross pin 222 through apertures formed in each side of the clevis 220 and through a hole formed at the terminal end of the second end portion of the contact arm 206.
- the cross pin 222 may be of any suitable configuration.
- the cross pin 222 may be a steel rivet .
- Cross pin 222 may be suitably press fit into clevis 220.
- the cross pin 220 may include a head.
- a low friction pivot connection is formed at the first end by the pin 222 received in the pivoting connector and in the hole formed in the contact arm 206.
- Other pivoting connections may be used.
- the spring retainer 219 comprises the portion of the clevis 220 that connects the respective sides of the clevis 220.
- the dimension of the spring retainer 219 in each embodiment should be sufficient to allow the spring 214 to be suitably compressed between crossbar insert 216 and the spring retainer 219 upon installation .
- a contact surface area of the spring retainer 219 in contact with the spring 214 may be at least as large as the end of the spring 214.
- the spring retainer 219 may comprise a planar surface contacting the first end of the spring 21 .
- the diameter of the clevis pin 212 should be sufficient to minimize any buckling of the spring 214 in the as-compressed condition.
- the spring 214 may be pre-compressed between the surface of the spring retainer 219 and the crossbar insert 216 sufficiently to provide a contact force between the stationary contact 209S and the moving contact 209M of between about 25 N and 120 N, for example. Other contact forces may be used.
- the spring assembly 210 may include a pivoting connector comprising a rod end 228 pivotally coupled to a terminal end of a second arm portion of the contact arm 206 with a cross pin 222 as is shown in FIG. 4A.
- the rod end 228 may be coupled directly to the spring retainer 219.
- the rod end 228 can be integral with the spring retainer 219.
- Rod end 228 includes a rigid hoop of material surrounding a hole that receives the cross pin 222.
- the spring retainer 219 and rod end 228 may be separate components in some embodiments .
- clevises 220 may be provided.
- the outer two spring assemblies 210 may include pivoting connectors that are rod ends 228, whereas the center spring assembly may include a pivoting connector that is a clevis 220. Any combination of rod ends 228 and clevises 220 may be utilized .
- each of the spring assemblies 210 includes rod ends 228 that are laterally offset from a centerline of the clevis pin 212.
- Each rod end 228 includes an offset configuration wherein the hoop of the rod end 228 is offset laterally from an axial centerline of the clevis pin 212.
- This allows the spring assembly 210 to be mounted to the contact arms 206 in a number of different configurations .
- Such lateral offsets may allow for larger springs 214 to be used, while keeping the spacing between the contact arms 206 small . Larger springs can provide greater contact forces .
- Cross pins 222 are inserted through the offset rod ends 228 and may be peened for retention.
- the springs 214 may be pre-compressed between the crossbar insert 216 and the integral spring retainers 219.
- Arc horns 240 may be provided on the ends of the contact arms 206 opposite the moveable contacts 209M.
- individual contact assemblies 200 may be assembled into a multi-pole contact assembly 300.
- a three-phase contact assembly 300 is show , but various combinations of components 200 are identical to one another, and each one is adapted to receive a single electrical phase provided from a polyphase electrical power distribution system (not shown) .
- a three-phase contact assembly 300 is show , but various combinations of components 200 are identical to one another, and each one is adapted to receive a single electrical phase provided from a polyphase electrical power distribution system (not shown) .
- a three-phase contact assembly 300 is show , but various
- embodiments are equally adapted for use with four-phase systems , five-phase systems , or the like .
- individual contact assemblies 200 may be pivotally mounted to the circuit breaker housing 660 (FIG. 6A-6D) by the bracket 315 ⁇ FIG. 3), as is described further herein.
- the limit stop apparatus 100 may be provided underneath the contact arms 206 and include limit stops 102 , 103 , 104 engageable with the one or more contact arms 206 of each contact assembly 200 (FIGs . 3» 6A-6D, and 8-10) .
- the limit stop apparatus 100 includes limits stops 102» 103» 104 that are engageable with the contact arms 206 on a same side of the contact arms 206 containing the moveable contact 209M between the first pivot axis 207 and the moveable contacts 209M.
- Providing the limit stop apparatus 100 including limit stops 102, 103, 104 under the contact arm 206 may allow for a lower overall profile height of the contact assembly 300.
- the limit stop apparatus 100 may limit a motion of the spring assemblies 210 and rotation of contact arms 206,
- the limit stop apparatus can allow all electrical phases to be opened or closed simultaneously by operating the handle 725 of the circuit breaker 700 (FIG. 7).
- the limits stops 102, 103, 104 rest against the contact arms 206 and prevent the contact arms 206 from pivoting beyond an intended range.
- the limit stop apparatus 100 may be rotated into the OFF position a short delay time after a tripping event by a tripping device.
- the pivot stop apparatus 100 may prevent the contact arms 206 from over rotation due to contact erosion due to mechanical wear or fatigue, for example.
- the limit stop apparatus 100 may include features that function as a barrier wall or shield to minimize arcing between adjacent phases from the separation of the electrical contacts 209M, 209S of each phase, but also to minimize an extent of spray of arcing debris onto contact assembly components or between the phases .
- the limit stop apparatus 100 is attached to a front end of the crossbar 202 facing the stationary and moveable electrical contacts 209S, 209M and functions as a shield that pre ⁇ r ents arcing debris from
- the limit stop apparatus 100 may include a reinforcing connecting bar _ 101 , which may be manufactured from a nonferrous material .
- a reinforcing connecting bar _ 101 may be manufactured from a nonferrous material .
- suitable nonferrous materials comprise a reinforcing steel rod such as a stainless steel rod.
- the connecting bar 101 may be about 7mm tall 7mm wide x 180 mm long and may extend across a lateral width of the circuit breaker housing 660. In some embodiments , the connecting bar 101 may include a chamfer along an entire length of one or more edges , for exam le . Other sizes and shapes may be used.
- the remaining portion of the limit stop apparatus 100 ⁇ that is not the connecting bar 101) and the limit stops may be manufactured from a moldable material .
- integrated limit stops 102 , 103 , 104 and arc shields may be formed.
- Suitable molded materials comprise plastic (e.g. , a thermoplastic ) , such as the plastic used for the circuit breaker housing 660 , rubber, or the like .
- a suitable material is fiberglass-filled polyester .
- the connecting bar 101 e.g. , reinforcing steel rod
- the connecting bar 101 may be received through all of the limit stops 102 , 103 , 104 and connector portions 105 , and in some embodiments may be bonded thereto .
- a skin of molded material should cover all portions of the connecting bar 101.
- the skin thickness may be greater than about 1mm. In some embodiments , the skin thickness may be between about 1 mm to about 5 mm, or even between about 1.5 mm to about 3 mm.
- the limit stop apparatus 100 may include one or more arc shields .
- the one or more arc shields may be molded, such as by an injection molding process .
- the arc shields may comprise contact—to- components arc shields 102A, 103A, 104A embodied in the limit stops 102 , 103, 104 that are spaced laterally from one another and may be molded to, interconnected, and/or structurally reinforced (e.g., stiffened) by the connecting bar 101.
- the contact—to-components arc shields 102A, 1Q3A, 104A may be provided with a curved frontal surface on each of the limit stops 102, 103, 104 facing the moveable contacts 209M.
- the curved surfaces may closely mesh with a similar curved surface (e.g., curved surfaces 660B, 660C) formed on the circuit breaker housing 660 (FIGs . 6A-6D) for each phase.
- a small gap e.g., approx. 0.5 mm
- Similar gaps may be provided between arc shield 103A and the curved surface 660B and between the arc shield 102A and the curved surface on the circuit breaker housing 660 for the first phase .
- Other sized gaps may be used.
- each of the limit stops 102, 103, 104 may include upper projections 109A and lower projections 109B extending from a side of each limit stop 102, 103, 104 facing the tabs 232.
- the projections 109A, 109B may function to allow ease of assembly by registering on the tabs 232.
- the curved frontal surface of the contact—to-components arc shield 104A moves (e.g. , rotates ) relative to the stationary surface 660C of the circuit breaker housing 660.
- the contact—to-components arc shield 104A and the curved surface 660C may still slightly overlap at the maximum rotational excursion of the crossbar 202.
- the contact-to-components arc shields 102A, 103A, 104A effectively form a barrier wall or shield for each electrical phase that may operatively minimize arc debris from exiting each respective arc chamber 858A-858C (FIG.
- arc plate assembly 959 ⁇ FIG. 9 may include the stationary electrical contact 209S, and an arc plate assembly 959 ⁇ FIG. 9 ) .
- Arc plate assemblies are not shown in FIG. 8.
- splattering of debris may be minimized into a respective separated chamber 855A-855C containing the other contact assembly components of each of the contact assemblies 200 (e.g. , pivoting connectors , spring assemblies 210 , brackets 500 , or the like) .
- Such arc debris may over time impact the smooth tripping action of the circuit breaker 700. Minimization of the travel of such arcing debris splatter is desired.
- the contact—to-compone ts arc shields 102A, 103A, 104A of the limit stops 102, 103, 104 function to block splattering of arc debris generated by the separation of the moving and stationary electrical contacts 209M, 209S from traveling from the respective arc chambers 858A-858C to the respective separated chambers 855A-855C where the various contact assembly components reside .
- the limit stop apparatus 100 may also include , for example, formed as a molded projection, an interlock interface 110.
- the interlock interface 110 may extend from the back side of the limit stop apparatus 100 and function to interface with a plunger to allow interlock of two adjacent circuit breakers .
- the arc shields may comprise phase—to-phase arc shields 106 , 107 that are spaced laterally along a length of the limit stop apparatus 100 and integral with the limit stops 102 , 103, 104 of the limit stop apparatus 100.
- the phase—to-phase arc shields 106, 107 may include planar surfaces 106A, 107A that interface with openings in walls 865A, 665B of the circuit breaker housing 660 (FIG. 8) that separate the respective electrical phases.
- phase-to- phase arc shields 106, 107 are shown molded to the connecting bar 101 on an inner end of the outermost limit stops 102, 104, However, additionally, or alternatively, they may be molded on the ends of the center limit stop 103.
- Each of the phase-to- phase arc shields 106, 107 may include stiffening portions 106A, 107A that are adapted to reinforce and limit lateral flexing of the phase—to-phase arc shields 106, 107.
- Stiffening portions 106A, 107A may be rib areas of the molding that are thicker .
- Each of the phase—to-phase arc shields 106, 107 may be shaped and sized so that the openings in the walls 865A, 865B are covered regardless of the position of the limit stop apparatus 100. As installed, the connecting portions 105 are received in the openings of the walls 865A, 865B. Accordingly, the limit stop apparatus 100 in some embodiments provides a single component that interconnects the contact assemblies 200, and also includes integrated arc shields that shield rearward spray of arc debris towards the respective contact components, and also minimizes phase-to-phase arcing.
- the limit s op apparatus 100 is sufficiently rigid to t ansfer the load from operation of the handle 725 of the circuit breaker 700 connected to the handle assembly 1090 (FIG. 10) to
- a first electrical phase and the components thereof is received and operable in arc chamber 858A and separated chamber 855A .
- a second electrical phase and the components thereof are
- FIGs , 3 and 8 illustrates the limit stop apparatus 100 for. a three-pole circuit breaker 700 wherein the three contact assemblies 200 (see FIG. 2) are coupled together by the limit stop apparatus 100.
- the crossbars 202 all rotate in unison.
- the limit stop apparatus 100 may be coupled to the respective crossbar 202 by mounting features .
- fasteners 311 e.g. , screws, bolts , rivets or the like
- Tabs 232 may include captured or welded nuts .
- action of the spring assembly 210 provides a spring force to maintain the moveable and stationary contacts 209S, 209M in intimate contact and under suitable contact pressure .
- the force vector crosses over the pivot axis 207 as the contact arm 206 moves from a closed configuration to an open configuration (FIG. 6C) .
- the force vector extends from the crossbar insert 216 through the spring 214 and spring retainer 219 and through the connection of the spring assembly 210 to the contact arm portion, and the force vector is now provided on the opposite side of the pivot axis 207. Accordingly, the spring force provided by the spring assembly 210 now holds the contact arms 206 in an open configuration. A short duration after a trip is
- an actuator may rotate the assembly of crossbars 202 and limit stop apparatus 100 into a position as shown in FIG. 6B .
- Resetting of the contact arms 206 to a closed configuration may be provided by any suitable mechanical mechanism 1090 contacting the one or more contact arms 206 or crossbars 202 to cause the one or more arms 206 to move back to the closed configuration .
- FIGs . 6A-10 illustrates a circuit breaker 700 including a circuit breaker housing 660 that receives a plurality of electrical contact assemblies 200 therein.
- each of the contact assemblies 200 may be pivotally attached to the housing 660 by the bracket 315 (FIG. 5B) .
- Bracket 315 includes holes 570A, 570B that are received over pilots 213. Pilots 213 allow the respective contact assemblies 200 to pivot relative to the bracket 315 , and, thus , the breaker housing 660.
- FIG . 10 illustrates some additional components of the circuit breaker 700 , such as arc plate stack 959 and handle assembly 1090 adapted to reset the circuit breaker 700 after a tripping event to the "ON" configuration or otherwise turn the circuit breaker 700 to the "OFF" configuration .
- FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a multi-pole electrical contact assembly (e.g. , 300 ) according to embodiments .
- the method 1100 includes , in 1102 , providing a plurality of electrical contact assemblies (e.g. , contact assemblies 200 ) , each electrical contact assembly having a crossbar (e.g. , crossbar 202 ) and one or more contact arms (e.g. , contact arms 206 ) having one or more moveable electrical contacts (e.g. , moveable electrical contacts 209M) moveable relative to the crossbar, and a limit stop apparatus (e.g. , limit stop apparatus 100 ) cou led to and
- a limit stop apparatus e.g. , limit stop apparatus 100
- the limit stop apparatus engages the one or more contact arms on a same side of the one or more contact arms containing the one or more moveable electrical contacts .
- the limit stop apparatus 100 is positioned very close to the moveable contact 209M and engages the one or more contact arms between the moveable contacts 209M and the first pivot axis 207.
- a method 1200 of operating a multi-pole electrical contact assembly includes, in 1202, providing arc chambers (e.g., 858A-858C) in a circuit breaker housing (e.g., circuit breaker housing 660) adjacent to the one or more moveable electrical contacts (e.g., moveable electrical contacts 209M) for each respective electrical contact assembly (e.g., contact assemblies 200).
- arc chambers e.g., 858A-858C
- a circuit breaker housing e.g., circuit breaker housing 660
- moveable electrical contacts e.g., moveable electrical contacts 209M
- the method 1200 also includes minimizing arc debris from exiting the respective arc chambers of the circuit breaker housing by shielding arc debris with contact-to-component arc shields ( 102A, 102B, 102C) formed on the limit stop apparatus (e.g., limit stop apparatus 100) .
- the contact-to-component arc shields 102A, 103A, 104A may be integral to and molded with the limit stops 102, 103, and 104.
- a method 1300 of operating a multi-pole electrical contact assembly includes, in 1302, providing arc chambers (e.g., 858A-858C) in a circuit breaker housing (e.g. , circuit breaker housing 660 ) adjacent to the one or more moveable electrical contacts (e.g., moveable electrical contacts 209M) for each respective electrical contact assembly (e.g., contact assemblies 200).
- arc chambers e.g., 858A-858C
- a circuit breaker housing e.g. , circuit breaker housing 660
- moveable electrical contacts e.g., moveable electrical contacts 209M
- the method 1300 also includes minimizing arcing arc between adjacent phases of the circuit breaker housing by shielding with phase-to phase arc shields (e.g., phase-to-phase arc shields 106, 10?) on the limit stop apparatus (e.g., limit stop apparatus 100) that are moveable relative to a wall ⁇ e.g., walls 865A, 865B) of the circuit breaker housing separating respective phases of the circuit breaker housing.
- the with phase- o phase arc shields e.g. , phase-to-phase arc shields 106, 107
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Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2011/024016 WO2011097612A1 (en) | 2010-02-08 | 2011-02-08 | Circuit breaker electrical contact assembly, and systems and methods using same |
PCT/US2012/024269 WO2012109317A2 (en) | 2011-02-08 | 2012-02-08 | Limit stop apparatus, circuit breakers including limit stops, and methods of using same |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2636052A2 true EP2636052A2 (en) | 2013-09-11 |
EP2636052B1 EP2636052B1 (en) | 2017-11-29 |
Family
ID=48918525
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP12706149.7A Not-in-force EP2636052B1 (en) | 2011-02-08 | 2012-02-08 | Limit stop apparatus, circuit breakers including limit stops, and methods of using same |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2636052B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN103443893B (en) |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3133164A (en) * | 1960-08-12 | 1964-05-12 | Cutler Hammer Inc | Reversing drum switch |
US3132225A (en) * | 1961-08-23 | 1964-05-05 | Cutler Hammer Inc | Electric switch having arcing and current carrying contacts of bridging type |
US3243558A (en) * | 1963-05-29 | 1966-03-29 | Cutler Hammer Inc | High voltage three-phase circuit breaker module |
US4061896A (en) * | 1974-05-24 | 1977-12-06 | Clancy John F | Modular vault-type load break switch |
FR2436491A1 (en) * | 1978-09-12 | 1980-04-11 | Merlin Gerin | LOW VOLTAGE MULTIPOLAR ELECTRIC CIRCUIT BREAKER WITH AUXILIARY CONTROL BLOCKS |
DE10222010C1 (en) * | 2002-05-17 | 2003-11-20 | Moeller Gmbh | Circuit breakers for high currents and low voltage |
US6977568B1 (en) * | 2005-01-13 | 2005-12-20 | Eaton Corporation | Blow open moving contact assembly for electric power switching apparatus with a very high current interruption rating |
US20070268100A1 (en) * | 2006-05-18 | 2007-11-22 | Eaton Corporation | Electrical switching apparatus, and movable contact assembly and shield therefor |
-
2012
- 2012-02-08 EP EP12706149.7A patent/EP2636052B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2012-02-08 CN CN201280008179.4A patent/CN103443893B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2636052B1 (en) | 2017-11-29 |
CN103443893A (en) | 2013-12-11 |
CN103443893B (en) | 2016-12-14 |
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