KR101046374B1 - Breaker assembly for circuit breaker and its assembly method - Google Patents

Abstract

A preferred embodiment of a circuit breaker assembly for a circuit breaker comprises a first contact, a conductor, and a second contact mounted on the conductor. The second contact and the conductor are movable relative to the first contact between a first position and a second position at which the first and second contacts are in electrical contact. The breaker assembly also includes a body having first and second halves each having a plurality of recesses formed therein. This recess forms a chamber in the body that holds the insulating fluid when the first and second halves are joined. The body receives the second contact and the conductor such that the conductor and the second contact enter the chamber as the second contact moves from the first position to the second position.

Description

Breaker assembly for circuit breaker and its assembly method {INTERRUPTER ASSEMBLY FOR A CIRCUIT BREAKER AND ASSEMBLING METHOD THEREOF}

1 is a top perspective view of one preferred embodiment of a circuit breaker with the second half of the circuit breaker back plate removed.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the circuit breaker shown in FIG. 1 in a fully assembled state. FIG.

3 is a bottom perspective view of the circuit breaker shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the second half of the backplate removed and the second half of the housing of the circuit breaker assembly of the circuit breaker removed;

4 is a top exploded perspective view of the breaker assembly shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5A is a bottom perspective view of the breaker assembly shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, showing the movable contact assembly of the breaker assembly in the closed state and removing the second half of the housing.

FIG. 5B is a bottom perspective view of the breaker assembly shown in FIGS. 3-5A showing the mobile contact assembly in the open position and removing the second half of the housing.

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the first half of the housing of the breaker assembly shown in FIGS. 3-5.

7 is a top exploded perspective view of the first and second half of the housing of the breaker assembly shown in FIGS. 3-6.

8 is a side view of the breaker assembly shown in FIGS. 3-7 in assembled state, showing a plurality of blocking chambers of the breaker assembly in dashed lines;

9 is a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit including the circuit breaker shown in FIGS.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

10 circuit breaker 12 circuit breaker assembly

28: movable contact assembly 30: conductor

32, 34: movable contact 50, 55: fixed contact

70: body 74, 82: recess

90, 91: recess 92: chamber

The present invention relates to a circuit breaker for breaking current paths in electrical devices such as distribution transformers. More specifically, the present invention relates to an interrupter assembly for a circuit breaker.

Distribution transformers and other types of electrical devices are often subjected to transient currents (leakage) or transient temperature conditions caused by factors such as electrical shorts across the distribution line, internal electrical shorts, overheating, and the like. Transient currents and transients can damage or destroy distribution transformers if they do not provide adequate protection.

Distribution transformers generally have a circuit breaker that interrupts, i.e., interrupts, the current path between the primary winding and the associated voltage source in response to a transient current or transient temperature condition.

This circuit breaker generally includes a moving contact and a fixed contact. The moving contact and the fixed contact are in electrical and mechanical contact during normal operation of the distribution transformer and form part of the current path between the primary winding and the voltage source. This circuit breaker allows the moving contacts to be disconnected from the fixed contacts in response to transient or transient temperature conditions, thereby breaking the current path between the primary winding and the voltage source, and distributing at transient or transient temperatures. Can protect the transformer.

An electric arc is formed between the movable contact and the fixed contact when the movable contact falls apart from the fixed contact. This arc is potentially a safety hazard and should be extinguished as quickly as possible. The fixed contact and the moving contact are generally housed in a chamber of the interrupter assembly of the circuit breaker. The chamber is filled with insulating fluid, for example transformer oil, which helps to extinguish the arc easily.

This insulating fluid can evaporate in response to the heat generated by the arc. It is not desirable for this insulating fluid to evaporate because the vaporized insulating fluid is less effective at extinguishing the arc than the non-evaporating insulating fluid.

Circuit breakers have been developed to address the problem of evaporation of insulating fluid caused by arcing. For example, one particular type of circuit breaker includes a housing formed from a stackable cylinder each forming a separate arc chamber. When stacking the arc chambers, the arc chambers are aligned so that the moving contacts can be drawn into this chamber while detaching from the fixed contacts.

Using multiple arc chambers is believed to be more effective at extinguishing an arc than using one chamber. However, the requirement to manufacture and stack a plurality of individual cylinders can increase the component score (number) of this circuit breaker and can increase the number of steps in the process of assembling this circuit breaker.

Thus, a preferred embodiment of a circuit breaker assembly for a circuit breaker includes first and second fixed contacts and a mobile contact assembly. The movable contact assembly includes a substantially U-shaped conductor, a first movable contact mounted on the first end of the conductor, and a second movable contact mounted on the second end of the conductor. The movable contact assembly includes a first position in which the first and second movable contacts are in electrical contact with each of the first and second fixed contacts, and the first and second movable contacts are respectively connected with the first and second fixed contacts. It is movable between second positions that are electrically disconnected.

The breaker assembly also includes a body having a first and a second half each having a plurality of recesses formed therein. A recess formed in the first half faces a corresponding one of the recesses formed in the second half to form a chamber that retains insulating fluid when the first and second halves are joined. The body receives a movable contact assembly such that the first and second movable contacts enter each of the chambers as the movable contact assembly moves from the first position to the second position.

Another preferred embodiment of a circuit breaker assembly for a circuit breaker includes first and second fixed contacts and a mobile contact assembly. The movable contact assembly includes a first leg, a second leg adjacent to the first leg, and a third leg adjacent to the second leg. The first and third legs are substantially perpendicular to the second leg and have almost the same length so that the conductor is almost U-shaped.

The breaker assembly also includes a first moving contact mounted on the first leg and a second moving contact mounted on the second leg. The movable contact assembly includes a first position in which the first and second movable contacts are in electrical mechanical contact with each of the first and second fixed contacts, and the first and second movable contacts are respectively connected with the first and second fixed contacts. It is movable between second positions that are electrically disconnected.

Another preferred embodiment of a circuit breaker assembly for a circuit breaker includes a first contact, a conductor, and a second contact mounted on the conductor. The second contact and the conductor are movable relative to the first contact between a first position and a second position at which the first and second contacts are in electrical contact.

The breaker assembly also includes a body having first and second halves each having a plurality of recesses formed therein. This recess forms a chamber in the body that retains the insulating fluid when the first and second halves are joined. The body receives the second contact and the conductor so that the conductor and the second contact enter the chamber as the second contact moves from the first position to the second position.

Another preferred embodiment of a circuit breaker assembly for a circuit breaker includes a first contact, a conductor, and a second contact mounted on the conductor. The second contact and the conductor are movable relative to the first contact between a first position at which the first and second contacts are in electrical contact and a second position at which the second contact is electrically disconnected from the first contact.

The breaker assembly also includes a body for receiving the first and second contacts and the conductor. The body includes a first chamber and a second half and has a plurality of chambers formed therein for holding the insulating fluid. Each chamber is defined by a recess formed in the first half and a corresponding recess formed in the second half adjacent to the recess formed in the first half when the first and second halves are joined. The second contact enters the chamber as the second contact moves from the first position to the second position.

A preferred method of assembling a circuit breaker assembly for a circuit breaker includes providing a body for a circuit breaker assembly comprising a first and a second half, each having a plurality of recesses formed therein. The method also includes engaging the first and second halves such that the recess forms a chamber that holds the insulating fluid and receives the moving contacts of the breaker assembly.

A preferred embodiment of the circuit breaker includes a breaker assembly comprising first and second fixed contacts and a moving contact assembly. The moving contact assembly includes a substantially U-shaped conductor, a first moving contact mounted on the first end of the conductor, and a second moving contact mounted on the second end of the conductor. The movable contact assembly includes a first position in which the first and second movable contacts are in electrical contact with each of the first and second fixed contacts, and the first and second movable contacts are electrically in contact with each of the first and second fixed contacts. It is movable between the second positions to be disconnected.

The breaker assembly also includes a body having first and second halves each having a plurality of recesses formed therein. A recess formed in the first half faces a corresponding one of the recesses formed in the second half to form a chamber that retains insulating fluid when the first and second halves are joined. The body receives the movable contact assembly such that the first and second movable contacts enter each of the chambers as the movable contact assembly moves from the first position to the second position.

The circuit breaker also includes an actuator assembly for moving the moving contact assembly from the first position to the second position. The actuator assembly includes a contact arm mechanically connected to the conductor and a spring for bending the contact arm. The circuit breaker further includes a current sensor assembly for actuating the actuator mechanism in response to the transient temperature and the transient current condition.

The foregoing summary as well as the foregoing detailed description of the preferred embodiments may be better understood when read with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. To illustrate the present invention, the drawings show one presently preferred embodiment, but the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in this figure.

A preferred embodiment of the circuit breaker 10 is shown in Figs. The circuit breaker 10 may be installed in the distribution transformer 100 (see FIG. 9). This circuit breaker 10 may be electrically connected to the primary winding 102 of the distribution transformer 100 and to the voltage source 104 used to supply current to the primary winding 102. The circuit breaker 10 may be used to interrupt (break) the current path between the primary winding 102 and the voltage source 104 in response to a transient current (circuit) or transient temperature condition.

It should be noted that the specific application for the circuit breaker 10 is specified for illustrative purposes only. The circuit breaker 10 can be used with other types of electrical devices that require the blocking of the current path in response to one or more predetermined transient current or transient temperature conditions.

The circuit breaker 10 includes a breaker assembly 12 and a back plate 14 having a first half 14a and a second half 14b (see FIGS. 1 to 3). The circuit breaker 10 may be mounted on the distribution transformer 100 via a flange 15 formed in each of the first and second halves 14a, 14b. {The circuit breaker 10 is generally mounted in the distribution transformer 100 and is immersed in the insulating fluid of the distribution transformer 100, ie transformer oil.}

The breaker assembly 12 is mounted on the back plate 14 such that a portion of the breaker assembly 12 is sandwiched between the first and second halves 14a, 14b. The circuit breaker assembly 12 forms part of the current path between the primary winding 102 and the voltage source 104, as described below, and can block the current path in response to a predetermined transient current and transient temperature condition. Can be.

Circuit breaker 10 may also include current sensor assembly 16 and actuator assembly 18 (see FIG. 2). The current sensor assembly 16 is responsive to a predetermined transient current condition in the current path between the primary winding 102 and the voltage source 104, or in response to a predetermined transient temperature condition within the distribution transformer 100. Release the actuator assembly 18. The actuator assembly 18, upon release, activates the breaker assembly 12 to block the current path between the primary winding 102 and the voltage source 104.

The current sensor assembly 16 is located in the current path between the breaker assembly 12 and the primary winding 102. {The current sensor assembly 16 has a tab 19 that connects the current sensor assembly 16 to a lead (not shown) of the primary winding 102.} The current sensor assembly 16 It may be a thermal-magnetic sensor having a magnetic element 22 (see FIG. 2).

The actuator assembly 18 includes a contact arm 23 and a contact arm spring 24. The contact arm 23 is movable between the first or closed position (FIGS. 1, 3, 5a) and the second or open position (FIG. 5b). The contact arm spring 24 bends the contact arm 23 towards the open position. The actuator assembly 18 also includes a connection 26 mechanically connected to the contact arm 23.

The current sensor assembly 16 contacts the contact arm 23 in a closed position through this connection 26 during normal operation of the distribution transformer 100, ie, while the distribution transformer 100 is not subjected to transient currents or transients. Holds). In particular, the magnetic element 22 generates a magnetic force that constrains this connection at the position shown in FIG. 1 during normal operation of the distribution transformer 100.

The current sensor assembly 16 releases this connection 26 in response to a transient current or transient temperature condition in the distribution transformer 100 so that the contact arm 23 opens in response to the bending of the contact arm spring 24. Let's move on. More specifically, the transient current or the transient temperature state heats the magnetic element 22. The intensity of the magnetic force generated by the magnetic element 22 decreases as the temperature of the magnetic element 22 rises. Heating this magnetic element 22 to a sufficiently high temperature causes the strength of the magnetic force to decrease to a level at which the magnetic force can no longer hold the contact arm 23 in the closed position.

It should be noted that the current sensor assembly 16 is described as a thermomagnetic sensor for illustrative purposes only. Other types of sensors may alternatively be used. Moreover, actuator assembly 18 is also described for illustrative purposes only. Other configurations for the actuator 18 can also be used in alternative embodiments.

The breaker assembly 12 includes a moving contact assembly 28 having a conductor 30, a first moving contact 32, and a second moving contact 34 (FIGS. 3-5B). The conductor 30 includes a first leg 30a, a second leg 30b adjacent to the first leg 30a, and a third leg 30c adjacent to the second leg 30b. Include. The second leg 30b is substantially perpendicular to the first and third legs 30a and 30c. The first and third legs 30a and 30c are about the same length. This configuration provides the conductor 30 in an almost U-shaped configuration.

The first moving contact 32 is mounted on one end of the first leg 30a and the second moving contact 34 is mounted on one end of the third leg 30c. The first and second moving contacts 32, 34 are preferably formed of a material suitable for exposure to an electric arc formed in the circuit breaker 10 during operation. For example, the first and second moving contacts 32 and 34 may be formed of copper tungsten.

The breaker assembly 12 also includes a first contact / spring assembly 46 and a second contact / spring assembly 48 (see FIGS. 3-5B). The first contact / spring assembly 46 includes a first fixed contact 50 and a spring 52 (this spring 52 is not shown in FIG. 5A or 5B for clarity). The first fixed contact 50 has a bore 53 formed therein for receiving the first moving contact 32. The second contact / spring assembly 48 includes a second fixed contact 54 and a spring 56 (this spring 56 is not shown in FIG. 5A or 5B for clarity). The second fixed contact 54 has a bore 57 formed therein for receiving the second moving contact 34.

The breaker assembly 12 also includes a first lead 62 and a second lead 64 (see FIGS. 1-5B). The first lead 62 is electrically connected to the first fixed contact 50 and the current sensor assembly 16. The second lead 64 is electrically connected to the second fixed contact 54 and the voltage source 104.

The breaker assembly 12 further includes a body 70 having a first half 70a and a second half 70b. The moving contact assembly 28 and the first and second contact / spring assemblies 46, 48 are mounted on the body 70 as described below. Body 70 is formed of an electrically insulating material. Preferably, body 70 is formed of a material that is resistant to carbonizing (tracking) that can potentially result from an electric arc phenomenon.

A first plurality of recesses 74 are formed in the first half 70a adjacent to the first side surface 70a '(see FIGS. 3-7). Each recess 74 is preferably defined in part by a curved surface 76 extending inwardly from the major surface 75 of the first half 70a. Each recess 74 is separated from each other by adjacent recesses 74 by ribs 78.

Each rib 78 includes a curved surface 80. Each curved surface 80 extends inward from the major surface 75 and defines a recess 82. The recess 82 receives a portion of the first leg 30a of the conductor 30 as described below.

A recess 84 is formed in the first half 70a adjacent to the lower edge. (Terms indicating orientation, such as bottom, top, bottom, top, etc., are used for the orientation of the components shown in FIGS. 4 and 7.) The recess 84 extends inward with respect to the main surface 75, and 1 Accepts the fixed contact 50 and the spring 52.

The second plurality of recesses 74 and the ribs 78 are formed in the first half 70a adjacent to the second side surface 70a ". The recesses 80 formed in the second plurality of ribs 78 are formed. Receives the third leg 30c of the conductor 30. In addition, another recess 84 is formed in the first half 70a to receive the second fixed contact 54 and the spring 56. .

Two elongated recesses 90 are preferably formed in the first half 70a adjacent the centerline (see FIGS. 3-7). The recess 90 extends inwardly from the major surface 75 and receives an elastomeric sealing material.

Two recesses 91 are preferably formed in the first half 70a and extend inwardly from the main surface 75. The first recess 91 extends from one of the lowermost recesses 74 to the first side 70a ′. The second recess 91 extends from the other one of the bottom recesses 74 to the second side 70a ″.

The second half 70b of the body 70 comprises a major surface 75 and is recessed into recesses 74, 82, 84, 90, 91 and ribs 78 in substantially the same manner as the first half 70a. It is composed.

The first half 70a is fixed (coupled) to the second half 70b such that the main surface 75 of the first half 70a is adjacent to the main surface 75 of the second half 70b (FIG. 7). Reference). The first and second halves 70a, 70b may be secured by receiving appropriate means, such as fasteners (not shown) received in the flange 88 formed in the first and second halves 70a, 70b. .

Each recess 74 formed in the first half 70a faces a corresponding one of the recesses 74 formed in the second half 70b when the first and second halves 70a and 70b are coupled. see. Each corresponding set of recesses 74 defines a cylindrically shaped interruption chamber 92 (see FIG. 8). {The blocking chamber 92 may be formed in a shape other than cylindrical in alternative embodiments.}

The shutoff chamber 92 is filled with insulating fluid used in the distribution transformer 100. The insulating fluid assists in extinguishing the electric arc occurring within the circuit breaker 10 as the moving contact assembly 28 moves from the closed position to the open position, as described below.

Body 70 houses moving contact assembly 28. In particular, each recess 82 defined by the first half 70a faces the corresponding recess 82 defined by the second half 70b. Each corresponding set of recesses 82 receives a first leg 30a or a third leg 30c of the conductor 30. {The blocking chamber 92 and the recess 82 associated with the first leg 30a are aligned such that the first leg 30a extends through. The blocking chamber 92 and the recess 82 associated with the third leg 30c are aligned such that the third leg 30c extends through it.

The curved surface 80 of each rib 78 allows the first leg 30a and the third leg 30c to properly seat in the corresponding recess 82 and the first and third legs 30a. , 30c are sized to slide up and down within the body 70 in the reciprocating motion.

The moving contact assembly 28 can reciprocate between the closed position (FIGS. 3 and 5A) and the open position (FIG. 5B) with respect to the body 70 and the first and second fixed contacts 50, 54. . In particular, the contact arm 23 is constructed so that the movement of the contact arm 23 between the closed position and the open position moves the moving contact assembly 28 between each closed position and the open position. It is mechanically connected to the leg 30b.

The first and second fixed contacts 50, 54 receive respective first and second moving contacts 32, 34 when the moving contact assembly 28 is in the closed position. {The first and second moving contacts 32, 34 are preferably in a tapered shape, as shown in Figs. The electrical contact is thus established between the mobile contact assembly 28 and each of the first and second fixed contacts 50, 54, the primary winding 102 and the voltage source 104. The current path in between is not blocked when the mobile contact assembly 28 is in the closed position.

The first and second fixed contacts 50, 54 may move in a limited size relative to the body 70 in substantially the same direction as the first and second moving contacts 30, 32. The spring 52 of the first contact / spring assembly 46 and the spring 56 of the second contact / spring assembly 48 connect the first and second fixed contacts 50, 54 to the first and second, respectively. Bend toward the movement contact (30, 32). This feature is sufficient to move the first and second moving contacts 30 and 32 to fully engage the first and second moving contacts 30 and 32 and the respective first and second fixed contacts 50 and 54. Can help to ensure that

Moving the movable contact assembly 28 from the closed position to the open position separates the first and second movable contacts 32, 34 from their respective first and second fixed contacts 50, 54, thereby providing a primary winding ( It will block the current path between 102 and the voltage source 104. {The contact assembly 28 is moved from the closed position to the open position in response to the transient current in the primary winding 102 or the transient temperature condition in the distribution transformer 100, as described above.}

When the first moving contact 32 is separated from the first fixed contact 50 and falls, an electric arc (hereinafter referred to as "first arc") between the first moving contact 32 and the first fixed contact 50. Is formed. Another electric arc (hereinafter referred to as "second arc") between the second moving contact 34 and the second fixed contact 54 when the second moving contact 34 falls apart from the second fixed contact 54. ) Is formed. It is contemplated that the blocking chamber 92 can extinguish the first and second arcs more quickly than would otherwise be possible for the following reasons.

The first moving contact 32 moves upward through successive ones of the associated blocking chambers 92 as the moving contact assembly 28 moves toward the open position. Accordingly, the first arc is drawn upward into the continuous chamber of the blocking chamber 92. It is believed that when the first arc reaches each blocking chamber 92 and heats the insulating fluid therein, the first arc causes the insulating fluid in the blocking chamber 92 to evaporate. {The evaporated insulating fluid may exit the body 70 through recesses 91 formed in the first and second halves 70a, 70b adjacent each side 70a ', 70b'.}

Similarly, the second moving contact 34 also moves upward through successive ones of the associated blocking chambers 92 as the moving contact assembly 28 moves toward the open position. As a result, the second arc enters the continuous chamber of the blocking chamber 92 upwards. It is believed that the second arc causes the insulating fluid in the blocking chamber 92 to evaporate as the second arc reaches each blocking chamber 92 and heats the insulating fluid therein. {The evaporated insulating fluid may exit the body 70 through a recess 91 formed in the first and second halves 70a, 70b adjacent to each side 70a ", 70b".}

Adjacent shutoff chambers 92 are substantially disconnected from each other by corresponding ribs in ribs 78 and by first leg 30a or third leg 30c of conductor 30. Thus, the insulating fluid in each blocking chamber 92 evaporates almost independently of the insulating fluid in the other blocking chamber 92. This function is considered to delay evaporation of the insulating fluid in the blocking chamber 92 rather than the lowermost blocking chamber 92. In other words, the evaporation of the insulating fluid in the lowermost blocking chamber 92 (which is first exposed to the first and second arcs) does not accelerate the evaporation of the insulating fluid in the other blocking chamber 92.

Further, using a plurality of blocking chambers 92, it is believed that the non-evaporated insulating fluid in the upper blocking chamber 92 is not released and replaced by the insulating fluid evaporated in the lower blocking chamber 92.

The use of a plurality of blocking chambers 92 thus allows the first and second arcs to be exposed to insulating fluids that do not evaporate (more effective to extinguish the electric arc than evaporated insulating fluids) for longer periods than would otherwise be possible. do. Thus, it is believed that the interruption rating of the breaker assembly 12 is higher than that of a similar circuit breaker with a single arc chamber.

The elastomeric material in the recess 90 prevents the insulating fluid evaporated from the blocking chamber 92 associated with the first leg 30a of the conductor 30 to leak into the blocking chamber 92 associated with the third leg 30c. To prevent and vice versa.

The U-shape of the conductor 30 causes the first moving contact 32 to also be separated from the first fixed contact 50 when the second moving contact 34 is separated from the second fixed contact 54. Thus, the first and second arcs are formed at about the same time. It is contemplated that this feature may provide the circuit breaker 10 with a higher interruption rating than would otherwise be possible. In particular, the electrical energy blocked by the circuit breaker 10 is separated between the two sets of fixed and mobile contacts, resulting in two arcs with relatively low energy (a single generated in a conventional circuit breaker assembly of similar capacity). Compared to arc).

The U-shape of the conductor 30 makes it possible to form two arcs simultaneously using only a single moving component set. In other words, the two moving contacts 32, 34 can be operated using the same actuator assembly 18. Thus, the second electric arc can be generated without significantly increasing the component score of the circuit breaker 10.

Furthermore, the U-shaped conductor 30 is relatively compact. Thus, the outer size of the breaker assembly 12 is believed to be similar to or smaller than that of a conventional breaker assembly that generates only one electric arc.

The configuration of the body 70 allows the blocking chamber 92 to be formed without the need to stack individual cylinders. In particular, the recesses 74 in the first and second halves 70a, 70b are formed when the recesses 74 form the blocking chamber 92 when the first and second halves 70a, 70b are joined. It is configured to. Thus, a plurality of blocking chambers 92 can be formed without significantly increasing the component score of the circuit breaker 10 and without the additional assembly steps associated with stacking individual cylinders.

The foregoing detailed description is provided for illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the invention. Although the present invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments or preferred methods, it will be understood that the words used herein are words of description or illustration, not of words that limit the invention. Furthermore, while the present invention has been described herein with respect to specific structures, methods, and embodiments, the present invention may be extended to all structures, methods, and uses within the scope of the appended claims, and thus the present invention is disclosed herein. It is not intended to be limited to any particular content. Those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein may implement many variations on the invention described herein, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. You will be able to make changes.

For example, an alternative embodiment of the circuit breaker 10 may be configured to have only one of the fixed contacts 50, 54 and one of the movable contacts 32, 34. Another alternative embodiment may be comprised of a U-shaped conductor 30 and a body that does not include the blocking chamber 92.

As mentioned above, the present invention is directed to electrical, in distribution transformers and other types of electrical devices, in the presence of transients (short circuits) or transients caused by factors such as electrical shorts across the distribution lines, internal electrical shorts, overheating, etc. By blocking the current path in the device, it does not damage or destroy the distribution transformer.

Claims (31)

In a interrupter assembly for a circuit breaker, First and second fixed contacts, A movable contact assembly comprising a U-shaped conductor, a first movable contact mounted on a first end of the conductor, and a second movable contact mounted on a second end of the conductor, wherein the movable contact assembly comprises: A first position at which the first and second movable contacts are in electrical contact with each of the first and second fixed contacts, and wherein the first and second movable contacts are electrically disconnected from each of the first and second fixed contacts. A movable contact assembly, movable between the second position, A body having a first and a second half having a plurality of recesses formed therein, the recesses formed in the first half being the first and second half. Facing the corresponding one of the recesses formed in the second half to form a chamber for holding the insulating fluid when the addition is engaged, the body being adapted to move the movable contact assembly from the first position to the second position. A body accommodating the movable contact assembly such that the first and second movable contacts enter each of the chambers Breaker assembly for a circuit breaker, comprising. 2. The circuit breaker assembly of claim 1, wherein each recess is at least partially defined by a curved surface of one of the first and second halves. 2. The circuit breaker assembly of claim 1, wherein the chamber is cylindrical. 2. The circuit breaker assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second fixed contacts each have a bore formed therein for receiving each of the first and second moving contacts. 2. The conductor of claim 1 wherein the conductor comprises a first leg, a second leg adjacent to the first leg, and a third leg adjacent to the second leg, wherein the first leg and the third leg. Is the same length and perpendicular to the second leg. The method of claim 1, wherein a first electric arc is formed between the first moving contact and the first fixed contact as the moving contact assembly moves from the first position to the second position. A second electric arc is formed between the movable contact and the second fixed contact, wherein the first and second arcs are corresponding ones of the chambers such that the first and second arcs are extinguished by the insulating fluid. Breaker assembly for circuit breaker. 7. The circuit breaker assembly of claim 6, wherein the first and second moving contacts continuously enter adjacent ones of the respective chambers. 7. The circuit breaker assembly of claim 6, wherein the insulating fluid in each chamber is separate from the insulating fluid in an adjacent one of the chambers. 2. The circuit breaker assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second halves each comprise a plurality of ribs separating adjacent ones of the chambers from each other. 10. The circuit breaker assembly of claim 9, wherein each rib has a conductor and a recess formed therein for receiving one of the first and second moving contacts. 12. The recess of claim 10 wherein each recess formed in the rib of the first half corresponds to one of the recesses formed in one of the ribs of the second half when the first half is engaged with the second half. Breaker assembly for a circuit breaker facing the recess. A circuit breaker assembly for a circuit breaker comprising first and second fixed contacts and a movable contact assembly, the circuit breaker assembly comprising: The moving contact assembly, A conductor having a first leg, a second leg adjacent to the first leg, and a third leg adjacent to the second leg, wherein the first and third legs are perpendicular to the second leg and have the same length. The conductor is U-shaped, A first moving contact mounted on the first leg, A second moving contact mounted on the second leg, the moving contact assembly comprising: a first position in which the first and second moving contacts are in electrical mechanical contact with each of the first and second fixed contacts; A second moving contact, the first and second moving contact being movable between a second position in which the first and second fixed contact are electrically disconnected from each of the first and second fixed contacts Breaker assembly for a circuit breaker, comprising. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the U-shaped shape of the conductor allows the first and second fixed contacts to simultaneously move with each of the first and second fixed contacts as the moving contact assembly moves from the first position to the second position. Breaker assembly for a circuit breaker, which can be separated from. 13. The circuit breaker assembly of claim 12, further comprising a body for receiving the movable contact assembly and the fixed contact. 15. The body of claim 14, wherein the body has first and second halves each having a plurality of recesses formed therein, the recesses formed in the first half being coupled to the first and second halves. The body faces a corresponding one of the recesses formed in the second half to form a chamber for retaining the insulating fluid, the body being adapted to move as the movable contact assembly moves from the first position to the second position. A circuit breaker assembly for receiving a moving contact assembly such that a first and second moving contact enters each of said chambers. A circuit breaker assembly for a circuit breaker, comprising: The first contact point, Conductors, A second contact mounted on the conductor, the second contact and the conductor being movable relative to the first contact between a first position and a second position at which the first and second contacts are in electrical contact; With the second contact, A body having first and second halves, each having a plurality of recesses formed therein, the recesses forming a chamber in the body that retains insulating fluid when the first and second halves are joined. And the body accommodates the second contact and the conductor such that the conductor and the second contact enter the chamber as the second contact moves from the first position to the second position. Breaker assembly for a circuit breaker, comprising. 17. The circuit breaker assembly of claim 16, wherein each recess is at least partially defined by a curved surface of one of the first and second halves. 17. The circuit breaker assembly of claim 16, wherein the chamber is cylindrical. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein an electric arc is formed between the first and second contacts as the conductor and the second contact move from the first position to the second position, such that the arc is extinguished by the insulating fluid. And the arc enters the chamber. 17. The circuit breaker assembly of claim 16, wherein the second contact continuously enters an adjacent one of the chambers. 17. The circuit breaker assembly of claim 16, wherein the insulating fluid in each chamber is disconnected from the insulating fluid in an adjacent one of the chambers. 17. The circuit breaker assembly of claim 16, wherein the first and second halves each comprise a plurality of ribs separating adjacent ones of the chambers from each other. 23. The circuit breaker assembly of claim 22, wherein each of the ribs has a recess formed therein for receiving the conductor and the second contact. 24. The recess of claim 23 wherein each of the recesses formed in the ribs of the first half corresponds to one of the recesses formed in one of the ribs of the second half when the first half is engaged with the second half. Breaker assembly for a circuit breaker facing the recess. 20. The circuit breaker assembly of claim 19, wherein the electric arc enters the chamber and is extinguished by the insulating fluid. 17. The circuit breaker assembly of claim 16, further comprising a third contact, wherein the conductor is U-shaped and the first and third contacts are mounted on opposite ends of the conductor. 23. The circuit breaker assembly of claim 22, wherein the rib substantially separates an adjacent one of the chambers. A circuit breaker assembly for a circuit breaker, comprising: The first contact point, Conductors, A second contact mounted on the conductor, wherein the second contact and the conductor comprise a first position at which the first and second contacts are in electrical contact, and the second contact is electrically disconnected from the first contact A second contact movable relative to said first contact between said second position, A body accommodating the first and second contacts and the conductor, the body including first and second halves, the body having a plurality of chambers formed therein for holding an insulating fluid, each The chamber is defined by a recess formed in the first half and a corresponding recess formed in the second half adjacent to the recess formed in the first half when the first and second halves are coupled and And the second contact enters the chamber when the second contact moves from the first position to the second position. Breaker assembly for a circuit breaker, comprising. 29. The circuit breaker assembly of claim 28, further comprising a third contact, wherein the conductor is U-shaped and the first and third contacts are mounted on opposing ends of the conductor. A method of assembling a breaker assembly for a circuit breaker, the method comprising: Providing a body for the breaker assembly comprising first and second halves each having a plurality of recesses formed therein; Engaging the first and second halves such that the recess forms a chamber for holding an insulating fluid and for receiving a moving contact of the breaker assembly. And a breaker assembly for the circuit breaker. Circuit breaker, As a breaker assembly, First and second fixed contacts, A movable contact assembly comprising a U-shaped conductor, a first movable contact mounted on a first end of the conductor, and a second movable contact mounted on a second end of the conductor, wherein the movable contact assembly comprises: A first position at which the first and second movable contacts are in electrical contact with each of the first and second fixed contacts, and wherein the first and second movable contacts are electrically disconnected from each of the first and second fixed contacts. A movable contact assembly, movable between the second position, A body having first and second halves, each having a plurality of recesses formed therein, the recesses formed in the first half retaining insulating fluid when the first and second halves are joined. Facing a corresponding one of the recesses formed in the second half to form a chamber, the body moves the first and second movements as the movable contact assembly moves from the first position to the second position. A body for receiving the mobile contact assembly such that a contact enters each of the chambers and is extinguished by the insulating fluid Breaker assembly comprising a, An actuator assembly mechanically connected to the conductor, a spring for bending the contact arm, the actuator assembly for moving the movable contact assembly from a first position to a second position; Current sensor assembly for actuating said actuator mechanism in response to transient temperatures and transient conditions; Including, a circuit breaker.

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