EP2636052B1 - 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 same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2636052B1 EP2636052B1 EP12706149.7A EP12706149A EP2636052B1 EP 2636052 B1 EP2636052 B1 EP 2636052B1 EP 12706149 A EP12706149 A EP 12706149A EP 2636052 B1 EP2636052 B1 EP 2636052B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- arc
- electrical contact
- circuit breaker
- phase
- limit stop
- 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.)
- Not-in-force
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Classifications
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- 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
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- 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 H01H73/00Â -Â H01H83/00
- H01H71/10—Operating or release mechanisms
- H01H71/1009—Interconnected mechanisms
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00Â -Â 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
- 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 individual side-by-side electrical contact assemblies of a multi-phase circuit breaker. Three or four phase breaker assemblies are commonplace. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 214.
- the diameter of the clevis pin 212 should be sufficient to minimize any buckling of the spring 214 in the as-compressed condition.
- the contact-to-components 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.
- 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.
- 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. In some embodiment, 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 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, in 1304, 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, 107) 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-to phase arc shields e.g., phase-to-phase arc shields 106, 107) may prevent arc debris from exiting one phase and traveling to an adjacent phase of the circuit breaker housing by shielding the arc debris with phase-to phase arc shields.
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- Breakers (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates generally to circuit breakers, and more particularly to apparatus adapted to limit rotation of components used in circuit breakers.
- Within circuit breakers, one or moveable electrical contacts may be provided. Typically, such moveable electrical contacts are included on moveable contact arms that pivot relative to a circuit breaker housing. Generally, 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 individual side-by-side electrical contact assemblies of a multi-phase circuit breaker. Three or four phase breaker assemblies are commonplace. 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.
- However, existing pivoting constructions may lead to certain design compromises. Thus, improved pivoting apparatus adapted to use in side-by-side electrical contact assemblies are sought. In
US 3 133 164 A a reversing drum switch is described. The switch is easily adjustable to change either the "forward" or "reverse" setting of the switch, or both, from a maintained position to a momentary one or different combinations thereof. -
EP 1 363 299 A2 describes a power switch which has contact holders made of insulating molded material, unitarily connected to a connecting link, so that a steel core lies outside contact pressure springs. A metal holding plate is rigidly connected to the connecting link in a center pole space, swivelably connected to an operating mechanism, and pivotably mounted at the side pieces. - In a system embodiment, a multi-pole electrical contact assembly is provided. The 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.
- In another apparatus embodiment, a circuit breaker is provided. The circuit breaker 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.
- In a method aspect, a method of operating a multi-pole electrical contact assembly is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of electrical contact assemblies, 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.
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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. 1B illustrates a rear isometric view of the limit stop apparatus according to embodiments. -
FIG. 1C illustrates a front isometric view of a connecting bar of a limit stop apparatus according to embodiments. -
FIG. 1D illustrates a cross-sectioned side view of the limit stop apparatus taken alongsection line 1D-1D ofFIG. 1B according to embodiments. -
FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of an electrical contact assembly according to embodiments. -
FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of a multi-pole contact assembly including a plurality of electrical contact assemblies ofFIG. 2 interconnected by the limit stop apparatus ofFIG. 1A-1B according to embodiments. -
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 embodiments. -
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 embodiments. -
FIGs. 12-13 are flowcharts illustrating other methods of operating electrical contact assemblies according to embodiments. - In view of the foregoing difficulties, an improved limit stop apparatus is provided, as well as an electrical contact assembly including the limit stop apparatus. In another aspect, 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.
- As will become apparent from the various embodiments, 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. Furthermore, 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).
- These and other embodiments of the limit stop apparatus, multi-pole electrical contact assembly, circuit breakers including a multi-pole electrical contact assembly and methods of operating multi-pole electrical contact assemblies are described below with reference to
FIGs. 1A-13 . The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like numerals are used throughout to denote like elements. - Referring now in specific detail to
FIGs. 1A-1B , alimit stop apparatus 100 is shown. Thelimit stop apparatus 100 is a part of a multi-pole contact assembly 300 (FIG. 3 ) that may be installed in acircuit breaker housing 660 of acircuit breaker 700, as shown inFIGs. 7-10 , for example. Thelimit stop apparatus 100 may perform multiple functions within thecircuit breaker 700, and is functionally coupled to, and interconnects, individual contact assemblies 200 (FIG. 2 ) with one another. In order to understand the function of thelimit stop apparatus 100, theelectrical contact assembly 200 will first be described. - Referring now in specific detail to
FIG. 2 to FIG. 5B , an embodiment of theelectrical contact assembly 200 and its components are shown. Theelectrical contact assembly 200 will be referred to herein as an "electrical contact assembly," "contract assembly," or just "assembly." Thecontact assembly 200 may be installed in acircuit breaker housing 660 of acircuit breaker 700, as shown inFIGs. 6A-10 , for example. As depicted, thecircuit breaker 700 may include multiple individual contact assemblies 200 (e.g., one for each electrical phase). For example, amulti-pole contact assembly 300 may be included in a three-pole circuit breaker (SeeFIGs. 3 and8 ) and may include threeelectrical contact assemblies 200 oriented in a side-by side configuration. - Again referring to
FIGs. 2-5B , eachelectrical 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 ). In some embodiments, the flexibleelectrical conductor 501 may be one or more braided or laminated conductive metal lines. The flexibleelectrical 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. Thecontact assembly 200 may include one ormore contact arms 206. - Referring to
FIGs. 2 and4A-4B , theelectrical contact assembly 200 may include a body structure such as acrossbar 202, apivot pin 204 mounted in thecrossbar 202, and one ormore contact arms 206 pivotally mounted on thepivot pin 204 and rotatable about afirst pivot axis 207 extending along a length of thepivot pin 204. Thepivot pin 204 may be manufactured from a rigid material, such as steel. Other rigid materials may be used. In some embodiments, thepivot pin 204 may be a rivet. In the depicted embodiment, pivotal attachment of thecontact assembly 200 to acircuit breaker housing 660 of acircuit breaker 700, as shown inFIGs. 9 and10 , may be about asecond pivot axis 208. Thecrossbar 202 may function as a body to enable the pivotal attachment of thecontact assembly 200 relative to acircuit breaker housing 660, such as shown inFIGs. 6A-6D , andFIGs. 9 and10 . Pivoting rotation of thecontact assembly 200 about thesecond pivot axis 208 may be provided bypilots 213 extending laterally from either side of thecrossbar 202 and rotationally received withinholes FIGs. 3 and5B ). - 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 andsecond sidewalls pocket 202C. In the depicted embodiment, thepivot pin 204 may extend between the first andsecond sidewalls multiple contact arms 206 are pivotally mounted on thepin 204 in a side-by-side orientation wherein thepin 204 passes throughapertures 215. Suitable spacers (e.g., bosses on each arm 206) may maintain a proper spacing between therespective contact arms 206 such that they may rotate freely thereon. Mounted on each of thecontact arms 206, such as on a first arm portion thereof, is a moveableelectrical contact 209M. The moveableelectrical contact 209M is spaced from thefirst 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. - Pivotally coupled to a second arm portion of each
contact arm 206, is aspring assembly 210. Thespring assembly 210 pivotally connects to the second arm portion by a pivoting connector at a connection location that is spaced a second distance from thefirst pivot axis 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. Generally, the second distance is less than the first distance. Furthermore, the second arm portion of thecontact arm 206 may be located on an opposite side of thepivot axis 207 from the first arm portion of thecontact arm 206. - In some embodiments, the
spring assembly 210 may comprise a strut. Thespring assembly 210 is coupled between thecrossbar 202 and the second arm portion of thecontact arm 206. Thespring assembly 210 may include, as shown inFIGs. 4A-4B , aclevis pin 212, and aspring 214 received on theclevis pin 212. Theclevis pin 212 may be a cylindrical pin including anend portion 212A that is configured and adapted to be received and pivot relative to thecrossbar 202. - In some embodiments, the
crossbar 202 may include a crossbar insert 216 (FIGs. 4A-4B ,5A and 6D ). In the depicted embodiment, each of thespring assemblies 210 couples to thecrossbar 202 via thecrossbar insert 216.Crossbar insert 216 may be received in thepocket 202C of thecrossbar 202 or otherwise retained for rotation therein. In some embodiments, thecrossbar 216 may be fastened by screws in thepocket 202C. Thecrossbar insert 216 may be a cast metal, such as steel, for example. Arepresentative crossbar insert 216 is shown in cross section inFIGs. 4A-4B . Another crossbar insert is shown inFIG. 5A . Thecrossbar insert 216 is adapted to receive theends 212A of the clevis pins 212 ofspring assemblies 210. As should be understood,electrical contact assemblies 200 having any number of spring assemblies therein, such as one, two, three, four, five, or more may be provided. Eachrespective spring assembly 210 engages thecrossbar insert 216. - Specifically, each
clevis pin 212 may be received in apivot recess 218 formed in thecrossbar insert 216, for example. Thepivot recess 218 may be oversized (e.g., larger in dimension) as compared to an outside dimension of theclevis pin 212 at theend 212A. For example, theclevis 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. In some embodiments, thepivot recess 218 may be elongated in one direction, such as along a direction of pivot of theclevis pin 212 in thecrossbar insert 216. The elongation provides a larger dimension than the end of theclevis pin 212 along the direction of pivoting, as compared to the dimension perpendicular thereto, which may be only slightly larger than theend 212A of theclevis pin 212. The pivoting results from tripping of thecontact assembly 200 from a closed (ON) configuration (FIG. 6A ) to an open (OFF) configuration (seeFIG. 6B ). - To minimize restriction (e.g., friction) due to pivoting resistance of the
spring assembly 210 relative to thecrossbar insert 216 as thespring assembly 210 pivots from the closed (FIG. 6A ) to the open configuration (FIG. 6B ), a curved or pointedsurface 216A may be included on a portion of thecrossbar insert 216 contacted by the spring 214 (SeeFIG. 6D ). The surface of thecrossbar insert 216 may also include lubrication or other low friction surface treatment thereon. In some embodiments, the structure of thecrossbar insert 216 may be integral with thecrossbar 202. In the case of a pointed ridge, the ridge may extend along the transverse width of thecrossbar 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 thecrossbar insert 216. A small radius may be provided on the ridge. - As best shown in
FIGs. 4A-4B , thespring assembly 210 may include aspring retainer 219 in contact with a first end of thespring 214. Thespring retainer 219 may be a separate component or part of the pivoting connector of thespring assembly 210, such as part of a clevis 220 (FIG. 4B ) or rod end 228 (FIG. 4A ). In the depicted embodiment, thespring 214 may be a helical coil spring. Thespring 214 may have a spring constant (K) of between about 8 and 75 N/mm, for example. Thespring 214 may have a length between about 30 mm and 50 mm, for example. The outer diameter of thehelical coil spring 214 may be between about 6 mm and 14 mm, for example. The wire diameter of thespring 214 may be between about 1 mm and 3 mm. Other spring stiffnesses, lengths, outer diameters, and wire diameters may be used. - Other types of
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 different spring constants may be used. As will be described below, certain attachments of therod end 228 to the second arm portion of thecontact arm 206 may allow for use of slightly larger spring diameters. In some embodiments, use of larger springs may improve the withstand rating (maximum short time current the circuit breaker can withstand without opening the contacts) of thecircuit breaker 700.Table 1 - Spring Examples # Of Contact Arms 2 3 4 Contact Force (N) 68 44 33 Spring Force (N) 263.5 170.5 129.4 Coil OD (mm) 12.2 10 7.25 Wire Diameter (mm) 2.2 1.8 1.4 Free Spring Length (mm) 39.2 39.5 39.8 - In some embodiments, as is shown in
FIG. 4B , a first end of thespring assembly 210 may include a pivoting connector comprising aclevis 220 that is pivotally coupled to a terminal end of a second arm portion of thecontact arm 206. The pivoting connection may be accomplished by passing across pin 222 through apertures formed in each side of theclevis 220 and through a hole formed at the terminal end of the second end portion of thecontact arm 206. Thecross pin 222 may be of any suitable configuration. For example, in some embodiments, thecross pin 222 may be a steel rivet.Cross pin 222 may be suitably press fit intoclevis 220. In some embodiments, thecross pin 220 may include a head. In embodiments, a low friction pivot connection is formed at the first end by thepin 222 received in the pivoting connector and in the hole formed in thecontact arm 206. Other pivoting connections may be used. - In the depicted embodiment of
FIG. 4B , thespring retainer 219 comprises the portion of theclevis 220 that connects the respective sides of theclevis 220. The dimension of thespring retainer 219 in each embodiment should be sufficient to allow thespring 214 to be suitably compressed betweencrossbar insert 216 and thespring retainer 219 upon installation. In some embodiments, a contact surface area of thespring retainer 219 in contact with thespring 214 may be at least as large as the end of thespring 214. Thespring retainer 219 may comprise a planar surface contacting the first end of thespring 214. The diameter of theclevis pin 212 should be sufficient to minimize any buckling of thespring 214 in the as-compressed condition. As installed, thespring 214 may be pre-compressed between the surface of thespring retainer 219 and thecrossbar insert 216 sufficiently to provide a contact force between thestationary contact 209S and the movingcontact 209M of between about 25 N and 120 N, for example. Other contact forces may be used. - In an alternate embodiment, the
spring assembly 210 may include a pivoting connector comprising arod end 228 pivotally coupled to a terminal end of a second arm portion of thecontact arm 206 with across pin 222 as is shown inFIG. 4A . Therod end 228 may be coupled directly to thespring retainer 219. In some embodiments, therod end 228 can be integral with thespring retainer 219. Rod end 228 includes a rigid hoop of material surrounding a hole that receives thecross pin 222. However, thespring retainer 219 androd end 228 may be separate components in some embodiments. - To reduce an overall width of the
contact assembly 200, combinations ofspring assemblies 210 having pivoting connectors of one or more rod ends 228 and one ormore clevises 220 may be provided. For example, the outer twospring assemblies 210 may include pivoting connectors that are rod ends 228, whereas the center spring assembly may include a pivoting connector that is aclevis 220. Any combination of rod ends 228 andclevises 220 may be utilized. - In the depicted embodiment of
FIG. 5A , each of thespring assemblies 210 includes rod ends 228 that are laterally offset from a centerline of theclevis pin 212. Eachrod end 228 includes an offset configuration wherein the hoop of therod end 228 is offset laterally from an axial centerline of theclevis pin 212. This allows thespring assembly 210 to be mounted to thecontact arms 206 in a number of different configurations. Such lateral offsets may allow forlarger springs 214 to be used, while keeping the spacing between thecontact 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. Thesprings 214 may be pre-compressed between thecrossbar insert 216 and theintegral spring retainers 219.Arc horns 240 may be provided on the ends of thecontact arms 206 opposite themoveable contacts 209M. - Again referring to
FIGs 1-3 ,individual contact assemblies 200 may be assembled into amulti-pole contact assembly 300. In the depicted embodiment, thecontact assemblies 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 shown, but various embodiments are equally adapted for use with four-phase systems, five-phase systems, or the like. Each of theindividual 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. Thelimit stop apparatus 100 may be provided underneath thecontact arms 206 and include limit stops 102, 103, 104 engageable with the one ormore contact arms 206 of each contact assembly 200 (FIGs. 3 ,6A-6D , and8-10 ). - In operation, the
limit stop apparatus 100 includes limits stops 102, 103, 104 that are engageable with thecontact arms 206 on a same side of thecontact arms 206 containing themoveable contact 209M between thefirst pivot axis 207 and themoveable contacts 209M. Providing thelimit stop apparatus 100 including limit stops 102, 103, 104 under thecontact arm 206 may allow for a lower overall profile height of thecontact assembly 300. Thelimit stop apparatus 100 may limit a motion of thespring assemblies 210 and rotation ofcontact arms 206. For example, the limit stop apparatus can allow all electrical phases to be opened or closed simultaneously by operating thehandle 725 of the circuit breaker 700 (FIG. 7 ). At other times, the limits stops 102, 103, 104 rest against thecontact arms 206 and prevent thecontact arms 206 from pivoting beyond an intended range. For example, thelimit stop apparatus 100 may be rotated into the OFF position a short delay time after a tripping event by a tripping device. Thepivot stop apparatus 100 may prevent thecontact arms 206 from over rotation due to contact erosion due to mechanical wear or fatigue, for example. Additionally or alternatively, thelimit stop apparatus 100 may include features that function as a barrier wall or shield to minimize arcing between adjacent phases from the separation of theelectrical contacts - As best shown in
FIG. 9 , thelimit stop apparatus 100 is attached to a front end of thecrossbar 202 facing the stationary and moveableelectrical contacts electrical contacts areas respective arc chambers - As best depicted in
FIGs. 1C and 1D thelimit stop apparatus 100 may include a reinforcing connecting bar_101, which may be manufactured from a nonferrous material. Suitably rigid nonferrous materials comprise a reinforcing steel rod such as a stainless steel rod. Other suitably rigid, electrically-nonconductive materials may be used, such as filled plastics. The connectingbar 101 may be about 7mm tall x 7mm wide x 180 mm long and may extend across a lateral width of thecircuit breaker housing 660. In some embodiments, the connectingbar 101 may include a chamfer along an entire length of one or more edges, for example. Other sizes and shapes may be used. - In the depicted embodiment, 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. Thus, a
limit stop apparatus 100 including 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 thecircuit breaker housing 660, rubber, or the like. A suitable material is fiberglass-filled polyester. The connecting bar 101 (e.g., reinforcing steel rod) may be received through all of the limit stops 102, 103, 104 andconnector portions 105, and in some embodiments may be bonded thereto. A skin of molded material should cover all portions of the connectingbar 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. For example, in the depicted embodiment, 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 connectingbar 101. The contact-to-components arc shields 102A, 103A, 104A may be provided with a curved frontal surface on each of the limit stops 102, 103, 104 facing themoveable contacts 209M. The curved surfaces may closely mesh with a similar curved surface (e.g.,curved surfaces FIGs. 6A-6D ) for each phase. For example, a small gap (e.g., approx. 0.5 mm) may be provided between the curved frontal surface of contact-to-components arc shield 104A and thecurved surface 660C. Similar gaps may be provided betweenarc shield 103A and thecurved surface 660B and between thearc shield 102A and the curved surface on thecircuit breaker housing 660 for the first phase. Other sized gaps may be used. - Again referring to
FIG. 1A-1B , each of the limit stops 102, 103, 104 may includeupper projections 109A andlower projections 109B extending from a side of eachlimit stop tabs 232. Theprojections tabs 232. - In an ON configuration (see
FIG. 6A ) the curved frontal surface of the contact-to-components arc shield 104A of thelimit stop 104 is received proximate to a surface (e.g.,curved surface 660C) of the circuit breaker housing 660 (only a portion shown). Upon tripping or opening, the curved frontal surface of the cantact-to-components arc shield 104A moves (e.g., rotates) relative to thestationary surface 660C of thecircuit breaker housing 660. The contact-to-components areshield 104A and thecurved surface 660C may still slightly overlap at the maximum rotational excursion of thecrossbar 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 eachrespective arc chamber 858A-858C (FIG. 8 ) of thecircuit breaker housing 660. In particular, the cooperation of thecurved surfaces circuit breaker housing 660 and the contact-to-components arc shields 102A, 103A, 104A are particular effective at limiting arc spatter. - Referring to
FIGs. 8 and9 , each of thearc chambers 858A-858C may include the stationaryelectrical contact 209S, and an arc plate assembly 959 (FIG. 9 ). Arc plate assemblies are not shown inFIG. 8 . Thus, splattering of debris may be minimized into a respective separatedchamber 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 thecircuit breaker 700. Minimization of the travel of such arcing debris splatter is desired. Thus, the contact-to-components 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 stationaryelectrical contacts respective arc chambers 858A-858C to the respectiveseparated chambers 855A-855C where the various contact assembly components reside. - Again referring to
FIGs 1A-1B , thelimit stop apparatus 100 may also include, for example, formed as a molded projection, aninterlock interface 110. Theinterlock interface 110 may extend from the back side of thelimit stop apparatus 100 and function to interface with a plunger to allow interlock of two adjacent circuit breakers. - Referring to
FIGs. 1A-1B ,1D ,FIGs. 6A-6D , andFIG. 8 , the arc shields may comprise phase-to-phase arc shields 106, 107 that are spaced laterally along a length of thelimit stop apparatus 100 and integral with the limit stops 102, 103, 104 of thelimit stop apparatus 100. The phase-to-phase arc shields 106, 107 may includeplanar surfaces walls 865A, 665B of the circuit breaker housing 660 (FIG. 8 ) that separate the respective electrical phases. In the depicted embodiment, the phase-to-phase arc shields 106, 107 are shown molded to the connectingbar 101 on an inner end of the outermost limit stops 102, 104. However, additionally, or alternatively, they may be molded on the ends of thecenter limit stop 103. Each of the phase-to-phase arc shields 106, 107 may include stiffeningportions portions - Each of the phase-to-phase arc shields 106, 107 may be shaped and sized so that the openings in the
walls limit stop apparatus 100. As installed, the connectingportions 105 are received in the openings of thewalls limit stop apparatus 100 in some embodiments provides a single component that interconnects thecontact 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. Thelimit stop apparatus 100 is sufficiently rigid to transfer the load from operation of thehandle 725 of thecircuit breaker 700 connected to the handle assembly 1090 (FIG. 10 ) to simultaneously move each of theinterconnected contact assemblies 200 such that all electrical phases may be simultaneously actuated. - In the depicted embodiment of
FIG. 8 , a first electrical phase and the components thereof is received and operable inarc chamber 858A and separatedchamber 855A. A second electrical phase and the components thereof are received and operable inarc chamber 858B and separatedchamber 855B. A third electrical phase and the components thereof are received and operable inarc chamber 858C and separatedchamber 855C. -
FIGs. 3 and8 illustrates thelimit stop apparatus 100 for a three-pole circuit breaker 700 wherein the three contact assemblies 200 (seeFIG. 2 ) are coupled together by thelimit stop apparatus 100. Thus, thecrossbars 202 all rotate in unison. Thelimit stop apparatus 100 may be coupled to therespective crossbar 202 by mounting features. For example, fasteners 311 (e.g., screws, bolts, rivets or the like) may be received through holes 108 (FIG. 1A ) and coupled (e.g., by threaded nuts) totabs 232 formed on the sides of crossbars 202 (FIG. 2 ).Tabs 232 may include captured or welded nuts. - In operation, when a tripping event occurs, such as due to a current over the rated current of the phase, rotation of the
moveable contact arms 206 occurs. This causes thecontact arms 206 to rapidly rotate and move from a closed (ON) configuration (FIG. 6A ) to a blown open configuration (FIGs. 6C and 6D ). Initially (in the closed configuration), a force vector is oriented and directed from thecrossbar insert 216 through thespring 214 andspring retainer 219 to the pivoting connection location of thespring assembly 210 to the second arm portion ofcontact arm 206. This force vector is provided on a first side of thepivot axis 207. Accordingly, action of thespring assembly 210 provides a spring force to maintain the moveable andstationary contacts pivot axis 207 as thecontact arm 206 moves from a closed configuration to an open configuration (FIG. 6C ). In the opened configuration, as shown inFIG. 6C , the force vector extends from thecrossbar insert 216 through thespring 214 andspring retainer 219 and through the connection of thespring assembly 210 to the contact arm portion, and the force vector is now provided on the opposite side of thepivot axis 207. Accordingly, the spring force provided by thespring assembly 210 now holds thecontact arms 206 in an open configuration. A short duration after a trip is experienced, an actuator (not shown) may rotate the assembly ofcrossbars 202 and limitstop apparatus 100 into a position as shown inFIG. 6B . - Resetting of the
contact arms 206 to a closed configuration (e.g.,FIG. 6A ) may be provided by any suitablemechanical mechanism 1090 contacting the one ormore contact arms 206 orcrossbars 202 to cause the one ormore arms 206 to move back to the closed configuration. -
FIGs. 6A-10 illustrates acircuit breaker 700 including acircuit breaker housing 660 that receives a plurality ofelectrical contact assemblies 200 therein. As best shown inFIGs. 6A-6D , each of thecontact assemblies 200 may be pivotally attached to thehousing 660 by the bracket 315 (FIG. 5B ).Bracket 315 includesholes pilots 213.Pilots 213 allow therespective contact assemblies 200 to pivot relative to thebracket 315, and, thus, thebreaker housing 660. -
FIG. 10 illustrates some additional components of thecircuit breaker 700, such asarc plate stack 959 and handleassembly 1090 adapted to reset thecircuit breaker 700 after a tripping event to the "ON" configuration or otherwise turn thecircuit 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. Themethod 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., moveableelectrical contacts 209M) moveable relative to the crossbar, and a limit stop apparatus (e.g., limit stop apparatus 100) coupled to and interconnecting the crossbar of each electrical contact assembly. In 1104, 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. In some embodiment, thelimit stop apparatus 100 is positioned very close to themoveable contact 209M and engages the one or more contact arms between themoveable contacts 209M and thefirst pivot axis 207. - According to alternative or additional embodiments as shown in
FIG. 12 , amethod 1200 of operating a multi-pole electrical contact assembly (e.g., multi-pole electrical contact assembly 300) 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., moveableelectrical contacts 209M) for each respective electrical contact assembly (e.g., contact assemblies 200). Themethod 1200, in 1204, 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). In particular, the contact-to-component arc shields 102A, 103A, 104A may be integral to and molded with the limit stops 102, 103, and 104. - According to another alternative or additional embodiment as shown in
FIG. 13 , amethod 1300 of operating a multi-pole electrical contact assembly (e.g., multi-pole electrical contact assembly 300) 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., moveableelectrical contacts 209M) for each respective electrical contact assembly (e.g., contact assemblies 200). Themethod 1300, in 1304, 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, 107) on the limit stop apparatus (e.g., limit stop apparatus 100) that are moveable relative to a wall (e.g.,walls
Claims (14)
- A multi-pole electrical contact assembly (300), comprising:a plurality of electrical contact assemblies (200), each electrical contact assembly (200) having a crossbar (202) and one or more contact arms (206) pivotable relative to the crossbar (202); anda limit stop apparatus (100) coupled to the crossbar (202) of each electrical contact assembly (200), wherein the limit stop apparatus (100) has limit stops (102, 103, 104) configured and adapted to engage the one or more contact arms (206) on a same side of the one or more contact arms containing moveable electrical contacts (209M), wherein the limit stop apparatus (100) comprises:a connecting bar (101); andone or more arc shields (102A, 103A, 104A) molded to the connecting bar (101).
- The multi-pole electrical contact assembly (300) of claim 1, wherein the one or more arc shields (102A, 103A, 104A) comprises a contact-to-component arc shield (102A, 103A, 104A) for each of the electrical contact assemblies (200) of the plurality of electrical contact assemblies.
- The multi-pole electrical contact assembly (300) of claim 1, wherein the one or more arc shields comprises a phase-to-phase arc shield (106, 107) for each of the electrical contact assemblies (200) of the plurality of electrical contact assemblies.
- The multi-pole electrical contact assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more arc shields comprises phase-to-phase arc shields (106, 107) and contact-to-component arc shields (102A, 103A, 104A).
- The multi-pole electrical contact assembly (300) of claim 1, wherein the limit stop apparatus (100) includes a contact-to-component arc shield (102A, 103A, 104A) for each of the electrical contact assemblies (200) of the plurality of electrical contact assemblies, and each contact-to-component arc shield has a curved surface adapted to be received proximate a surface (660B, 660C) of a circuit breaker housing(660), the curved surface being moveable relative to the surface (660B, 660C) of the circuit breaker housing to operatively minimize arc debris from exiting an arc chamber (858A, 858B, 858C) of the circuit breaker housing (660).
- The multi-pole electrical contact assembly (300) of claim 1, wherein the limit stop apparatus (100) is mounted to tabs (232) formed on sides of each of the crossbars (202).
- The multi-pole electrical contact assembly (300) of claim 1, wherein the limit stop apparatus (100) comprises:a non-ferrous connecting bar (101); and phase-to-phase arc shields (106, 107) and contact-to-component arc shields (102A, 103A, 104A) molded to the non-ferrous connecting bar (101).
- The multi-pole electrical contact assembly (300) of claim 1, wherein the arc shields (102A, 103A, 104A, 106, 107) comprises fiberglass-filled polyester.
- The multi-pole electrical contact assembly (300) of claim 1, comprising mounting features that are configured and adapted to couple to and interconnect the crossbars (202) of multiple electrical contact assemblies (200).
- A circuit breaker (700), comprising:a circuit breaker housing (660); a plurality of electrical contact assemblies (200), each electrical contact assembly having a crossbar (202) and one or more contact arms (206) moveable relative to the crossbar; anda limit stop apparatus (100) coupled to the crossbars of each of the plurality of electrical contact assemblies, wherein the limit stop apparatus has limit stops (102, 103, 104) 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, wherein the limit stop apparatus comprises:a connecting bar (101); andone or more arc shields (102A, 103A, 104A, 106, 107) molded to the connecting bar.
- The circuit breaker (700) of claim 10, wherein the limit stop apparatus comprises:contact-to-component arc shields (102A, 103A, 104A) moveable relative to a surface of the circuit breaker housing (660) to operatively minimize arc debris from exiting respective arc chambers (858A, 858B, 858C) of the circuit breaker housing; andphase-to-phase arc shields (106, 107) moveable relative to a phase separating wall separating respective phases of the circuit breaker to operatively minimize arc debris from exiting a respective arc chamber and entering an adjacent phase.
- The circuit breaker (700) of claim 10, wherein the limit stop apparatus (100) comprises:a non-ferrous connecting bar (101);contact-to-component arc shields (102A, 103A ,104A) molded to the non-ferrous connecting bar and moveable relative to a surface of the circuit breaker housing (660) to operatively minimize arc debris from exiting respective arc chambers (858A, 858B, 858C) of the circuit breaker housing; andphase-to-phase arc shields (106, 107) molded to the non-ferrous connecting bar and moveable relative to a phase separating wall separating respective phases of the circuit breaker to operatively minimize arc debris from exiting a respective arc chamber and entering an adjacent phase.
- The circuit breaker (700) of claim 10, wherein the arc shields (102A ,103A, 104A, 106, 107) comprises fiberglass-filled polyester.
- The circuit breaker (700) of claim 10, comprising mounting features that are configured and adapted to couple to and interconnect the crossbars (200) of multiple electrical contact assemblies (200).
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 EP2636052A2 (en) | 2013-09-11 |
EP2636052B1 true 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 |
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EP (1) | EP2636052B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN103443893B (en) |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1363299A2 (en) * | 2002-05-17 | 2003-11-19 | Moeller GmbH | Circuit breaker for low voltage and high currents |
Family Cites Families (7)
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 |
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 CN CN201280008179.4A patent/CN103443893B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2012-02-08 EP EP12706149.7A patent/EP2636052B1/en not_active Not-in-force
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1363299A2 (en) * | 2002-05-17 | 2003-11-19 | Moeller GmbH | Circuit breaker for low voltage and high currents |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP2636052A2 (en) | 2013-09-11 |
CN103443893B (en) | 2016-12-14 |
CN103443893A (en) | 2013-12-11 |
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