US3534195A - Circuit breaker with novel terminal strap - Google Patents

Circuit breaker with novel terminal strap Download PDF

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Publication number
US3534195A
US3534195A US794245*A US3534195DA US3534195A US 3534195 A US3534195 A US 3534195A US 3534195D A US3534195D A US 3534195DA US 3534195 A US3534195 A US 3534195A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
terminal
strap
support plate
strip
mounting
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US794245*A
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English (en)
Inventor
Keith W Klein
Joseph M Palmieri
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
General Electric Co
Original Assignee
General Electric Co
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by General Electric Co filed Critical General Electric Co
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3534195A publication Critical patent/US3534195A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
    • H01R4/30—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a screw or nut clamping member
    • H01R4/36—Conductive members located under tip of screw
    • H01R4/363—Conductive members located under tip of screw with intermediate part between tip and conductive member
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/08—Terminals; Connections
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/58—Electric connections to or between contacts; Terminals
    • H01H1/5855—Electric connections to or between contacts; Terminals characterised by the use of a wire clamping screw or nut
    • H01H2001/5861—Box connector with a collar or lug for clamping internal rail and external conductor together by a tightening screw

Definitions

  • a composite metal terminal strap for circuit breakers and the like is comprised of a rigid steel support plate and a substantially thinner copper strip in intimate surface confronting relationship with the support plate throughout its length.
  • the support plate includes a mounting portion and a terminal end portion adapted to support a terminal connecting lug.
  • the copper strip is reversely bent around the terminal end of the plate to laminably enclose it and provide top and bottom conductive surfaces.
  • the copper strip may advantageously mount a contact on its free end while the support plate is capable of acting as an arc runner.
  • the present invention generally relates to electrical connectors for switches, circuit breakers and the like and is particularly directed to a new and improved electric terminal strap construction of the type finding particular application in making connections to circuit breakers and the like.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved terminal strap of composite metal construction which permits the use of flexible current conducting members without loss in the sturdiness and rigidity of the terminal portions thereof and without requiring the current conducting members to provide a mounting or supporting function for the terminal portions.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a terminal strap of the type described which effects substantial economies in construction and increased ease of assembly. Included in this object is the provision for a contact support strap adapted to prolong the useful life of the contact while providing a highly efficient and durable arc runner independent of the contact.
  • Patented Oct. 13,, 1970 These and related objects are accomplished in accordance with the present invention by providing a composite metal terminal strap which utilizes the rigidity and strength of a steel mounting and supporting plate and the current conducting capability of a substantially thinner copper strip positioned in surface confronting relationship with the plate and having an end portion thereof reversely bent so as to sandwich the steel plate between layers of the copper strip at the terminal connecting portion thereof.
  • the thin copper strip may mount a contact of the circuit breaker on one end thereof while the steel supporting plate serves as an arc runner.
  • the plate additionally provides for securely mounting the terminal strap within the circuit breaker and can support a connecting lug within the terminal recess of the breaker.
  • the invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereafter set forth.
  • FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a circuit breaker, partially broken away and partially in section, illustrating both line and load terminal straps constructed in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the line terminal strap and terminal clamping lug depicted in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the strap and lug of FIG. 2 taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a fragmentary plan view illustrating the line terminal of FIG. 2 as mounted in the circuit breaker of FIG. 1',
  • FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view illustrating the construction at the load terminal of the circuit breaker of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 6 is a fragmented view, partially broken away and partially in section, illustrating another type of connection between a terminal strap of the present invention and a current conductor.
  • a circuit breaker which includes an insulating casing 10 having a plurality of recesses 12, 14 on opposite ends thereof for housing the line and load terminals respectively.
  • a contact carrying line terminal strap 16 is securely fastened to the base 18 of the casing 10 and projects into the end recess 12 while the load terminal strap 22 is shown securely mounted between the walls 24 of the load terminal recess 14.
  • both terminals are provided with lead connecting lugs 26 securely fastened to the terminal straps 16, 22 by means of mounting screws 28.
  • Each connecting lug 26 includes a generally rectangular frame member 30 defining an enlarged central passage 32 extending through the lug and adapted to receive a terminal end of the strap.
  • the frame 30 includes a substantially flat base portion 34 having a central aperture 36 through which extends the mounting screw 28 for fastening the lug 26 to the terminal strap.
  • a clamping plate 40 is mounted within the passage 32 by means of a threaded plate operator 42 carried by the top 44 of frame member 30. As can be appreciated, the clamping plate 40 can be moved reciprocally toward and away from the flat base portion 34 by means of the operator 42 to compressively clamp and hold an electrical lead in firm contact with the terminal end of the strap.
  • the terminal strap of the present invention is a composite metal member and generally includes a strong durable support plate preferably having terminal and mounting portions and a substantially thinner current conducting strip disposed in surface confronting relationship with the support plate.
  • the conducting strip is reversely bent at one end to laminably enclose the terminal portion of the support strip.
  • the line terminal strap 16 is shown as a composite metal member comprised of an elongated support plate 50 having a flat, generally rectangular, terminal portion 52 at one end thereof and an integral angularly disposed mounting portion 54 at its opposite end.
  • the support plate 50 is preferably a rigid metal member constructed of high strength material, such as steel, and imparts to the composite strap a major portion of its structural rigidity, particularly at the terminal portion 52 which is suspended within the recess 12 of the circuit breaker.
  • the terminal strap additionally comprises a current conducting strip in intimate surface contact with the support plate.
  • the current conducting strip is a thin generally rectangular copper strip 58 which underlies the plate 50 in face to face relationship along its entire length and extends beyond both ends thereof.
  • One end of strip 58 mounts a stationary contact 60 of the circuit breaker while the opposite end thereof is reversely bent around the terminal portion 52 of the support plate to provide top and bottom conducting layer portions 62, 64, respectively, in contact with opposite flat surfaces of the terminal portion.
  • the current conducting strip not only have good electrical properties such as those posessed by copper strips or bars but also be formed of thin, somewhat flexible material which can be easily formed into the desired shape to provide the terminal strap with conductive top and bottom surfaces at the terminal end thereof.
  • the contact '60 and support plate 50 are of appropriate size so that the free end 66 of the plates mounting portion 54 substantially abuts the rear edge 68 of the contact carried by the current conducting strip 58. In this manner the plate 50 is able to advantageously serve as an arc runner for the terminal strap 16 of the circuit breaker.
  • mounting portion 54 of the support plate is provided with a pair of side planar extensions 70 projecting outwardly from opposite sides thereof to provide an increased arc runner area.
  • the support plate 50 can be easily assembled on the current conducting strip 58 by sliding the terminal portion 52 between overlying and underlying strip portions 62, 64 until end 66 is properly positioned adjacent the rear edge 68 of contact 60. This in turn brings the central threaded aperture 72 within mounting 1 portion 54 into registry with the aperture 74 in strip 58 for threadably receiving the fastener 78 extending through the base 18 of the casing. In this manner the terminal strap 16 is securely attached to'the base of the casing while firmly holding the flexible current conducting strip 58 in a firm secure position between the plate and the base 18.
  • the terminal portion 52 of the support plate is provided with an enlarged threaded aperture 82 for threadably receiving the mounting screw 28 of connecting lug 26, strip portions 62, 64 having apertures 84, 86, respectively, disposed in alignment with aperture 82 to permit the free passage of screw 28 therethrough.
  • the present invention additionally relieves the current conducting copper strip of any mounting or supporting function at the terminal end of the strap thereby facilitating the useof thinner copper stock material.
  • the support plate 90 includes a substantially fiat terminal portion 92 at one end thereof and an integral mounting portion 94 of greater transverse dimension than the terminal portion.
  • the mounting portion 94 of plate 90 also is angularly disposed relative to the terminal portion.
  • the mounting portion of the A plate is at substantially a right angle to its integral terminal portion whereas in strap 16 the mounting portion 54 was disposed at an angle of about 30 to the plane of terminal portion 52.
  • the current conducting strip '96 employed in the load terminal strap also is an elongated generally rectangular strip of copper or the like which is similarly bent around the terminal end portion 92 of the support plate to provide a substantially identical laminar structure at the load terminal having highly conductive top and bottom conductive layer portions 102 respectively.
  • the conductive layers are apertured at the terminal end of the strap 22 in much the same manner as strap 16 to provide access to the threaded aperture 98 within the support plates terminal portion 92.
  • the copper strip 96 extends beyond the mounting portion 94 of the support blade so that a suitable conducting braid 104 or the like may be aflixed thereto.
  • the walls 24 of the load terminal recess 14 are provided with a pair of aligned' grooves or channels 106 providing a mounting slide adapted to receive the transversely extending side portions 110 projecting outwardly beyond the side edges of terminal portion 92.
  • a fiber board separator 112 substantially equal in width to the mounting portion 94 readily slides along the channels 106 after mounting of the strap 22 in the recess 14.
  • the separator 112 is efiective in masking the end portion of the copper conducting strip 96 having the conducting braid 104 affixed thereto from the recess 14 and particularly the lug 26 mounted therein.
  • the support plate 90 may be securely attached to the current conducting strip 96 by means of a fastener 114 and the side portions 110- received by channels 106 may be provided with a slight transversely extending bend as at 116 in order to assure a tight fit within the channels of the recess 14.
  • the terminal straps of the present invention provide an electrical terminal which includes an exposed copper surface on both the top and bottom thereof.
  • this construction permits the attachment of current conductors thereto through means other than the connecting lug 26 described hereinbefore.
  • a bus bar 124 may be suitably connected to the line terminal strap 16 through a copper strip 126 secured to the terminal end of the strap by means of the threaded connector 128.
  • the present invention provides a simple yet highly desirable composite terminal stra construction which provides substantial economies in the manufacture and assembly thereof without interfering with the structural or electrical properties. Additionally, the structure of the present invention provides great versatility of application facilitating its use in a wide number of applications.
  • a composite electrical terminal strap comprising an elongated rigid support plate including a substantially planar terminal portion at one end thereof and a current conducting strip in intimate surface contact with said support plate along a substantial portion of its length including the terminal portion, the current conducting strip including overlying and underlying current conducting portions laminably confining the terminal portion of said support plate.
  • the terminal strap of claim 1 for use in circuit breakers and the like wherein the support plate includes a mounting portion integral with the terminal portion, said mounting portion including means for firmly affixing the strap in a stabilized position within the circuit breaker, the current conducting strip extending substantially the full length of said support plate and smoothly bent around the terminal portion thereof to provide an interconnection between the overlying and underlying portions of the current conducting strip and assure positive current conductivity between exposed opposite surfaces of the strap at the terminal portion.
  • the terminal strap of claim 1 wherein the support plate is a substantially rigid metal member including a mounting portion of enlarged transverse dimension for securely mounting the strap and providing a rigid support for the terminal portion thereof, the current conducting strip being substantially thinner and more flexible than the support plate and having one end bent around the terminal portion of the support plate to provide a laminar structure with the overlying and underlying portions comprising exposed top and bottom surfaces for the strap at its terminal portion.
  • terminal strap of claim 1 for use in circuit breakers and the like wherein the current conducting strip mounts a contact on one end thereof, said support plate being positioned adjacent the contact to provide an arc runner for the strap.
  • terminal strap of claim 1 for use in circuit breakers and the like wherein the terminal portion of the support plate is a substantially flat generally rectangular portion and the support plate includes an angularly disposed integral mounting portion providing a rigid support for the terminal portion and having means for securely mounting the strap in the circuit breaker, the current conducting strip being of greater longitudinal dimension than the support plate and disposed in abutting face to face relationship therewith, said current conducting strip having an end portion bent around the terminal portion of the support plate to provide a laminar structure suitable for current conduction on external opposed surfaces thereof.
  • terminal strap of claim 1 for use in circuit breakers and the like wherein the terminal portion of the support plate includes means for mounting a conductive connector thereon in initimate contact with one of said overlying and underlying current conducting portions.
  • An electrical apparatus assembly comprising a supporting base of insulating material and a composite electrical terminal strap assembly supported on said insulating base, said terminal strap assembly comprising a support plate of relatively low conductivity, relatively high strength metal, means fixedly mounting said support plate on said base of insulating material, and an elongated strip of relatively high conductivity, relatively low strength metal in initimate surface contact with said support plate along a substantial portion of its length, said elongated strip including a portion bent around an edge portion of said support plate to provide interconnected portions of the elongated strip overlying and underlying said support plate, electrical connecting means supported on said insulating base for connecting an external conductor to said terminal strap assembly, said electrical connecting means including a portion in engagement with one of said overlying and underlying portions of said elongated strip.
  • said electrical connecting means comprises a generally rectangular frame member defining an enlarged central passage extending therethrough and receiving an end portion of said terminal strap assembly, said frame member including a substantially fiat base portion having an aperture, mounting means extending through said aperture and connecting said frame member to said underlying portion of said elongated strip at one end of said terminal strap assembly, said electrical connecting means including clamping means for clamping an external conductor to said overlying portion of said elongated strip at said end portion of said terminal strap assembly.
  • said elongated strip includes an end portion opposite said terminal end portion extending beyond said support plate, and an electrical contact member supported on said extended end portion of said elongated strip in closely juxtaposed relation to an edge portion of said support plate.
  • said assembly also includes means rigidly anchoring said support plate to said insulating base with said elongated strip trapped between said support plate and said insulating base, said anchoring means including means extending through an aperture in said insulating mounting base and clampingly engaging said support plate.

Landscapes

  • Breakers (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
  • Multi-Conductor Connections (AREA)
US794245*A 1969-01-27 1969-01-27 Circuit breaker with novel terminal strap Expired - Lifetime US3534195A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US79424569A 1969-01-27 1969-01-27

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3534195A true US3534195A (en) 1970-10-13

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ID=25162111

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US794245*A Expired - Lifetime US3534195A (en) 1969-01-27 1969-01-27 Circuit breaker with novel terminal strap

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US3534195A (OSRAM)
BR (1) BR7016303D0 (OSRAM)
DE (1) DE2003134A1 (OSRAM)
ES (1) ES375943A1 (OSRAM)
FR (1) FR2030197A1 (OSRAM)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3781727A (en) * 1970-06-03 1973-12-25 Siemens Ag Electromagnetic switching device
US4809132A (en) * 1987-10-23 1989-02-28 General Electric Co. Field installable line and load lug connectors for molded case circuit breakers
US5190485A (en) * 1992-02-03 1993-03-02 Ransdell Jimmy D Electrical termination lug
EP0525565A3 (en) * 1991-07-20 1993-04-07 Kloeckner-Moeller Gmbh Conductor connection for single- or multipole switching device
US20050217985A1 (en) * 2004-04-01 2005-10-06 Fleege Dennis W Terminal support for a circuit breaker trip unit
WO2008046765A1 (de) * 2006-10-17 2008-04-24 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Leistungsschalter, insbesondere kompaktleistungsschalter, und hilfsleiteranschluss für einen leistungsschalter
USD796455S1 (en) * 2016-06-15 2017-09-05 Eaton Corporation Electrical terminal
USD797687S1 (en) * 2014-12-23 2017-09-19 Eaton Corporation Switch apparatus component
CN107706054A (zh) * 2016-08-09 2018-02-16 哥维斯股份公司 辅助接触件组件
USD831571S1 (en) * 2016-09-01 2018-10-23 Eaton Intelligent Power Limited Current limiter lug adapter

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2535534A1 (fr) * 1982-10-27 1984-05-04 Merlin Gerin Dispositif de raccordement par serrage mecanique d'un cable ou d'une barre de connexion a une plage de contact d'un appareil electrique
DE3421875A1 (de) * 1984-06-13 1985-12-19 Brown, Boveri & Cie Ag, 6800 Mannheim Anschlussklemme
DE29822051U1 (de) 1998-12-10 1999-03-18 Stadtfeld Elektrotechnische Fabrik GmbH & Co. KG, 42499 Hückeswagen Klemmbaustein zur Verbindung mehrerer elektrischer Leiter

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2173206A (en) * 1937-06-10 1939-09-19 Wadsworth Electric Mfg Co Solderless lug
US2710387A (en) * 1952-11-01 1955-06-07 Square D Co Solderless connector with set screw
US2811704A (en) * 1956-08-07 1957-10-29 Meter Devices Company Solderless connector
US3075164A (en) * 1960-02-15 1963-01-22 Gen Electric Connector for strap conductor
US3187299A (en) * 1962-04-13 1965-06-01 Square D Co Electrical connector
US3344394A (en) * 1966-05-16 1967-09-26 Zinsco Electrical Products Limited engagement lug assembly

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2173206A (en) * 1937-06-10 1939-09-19 Wadsworth Electric Mfg Co Solderless lug
US2710387A (en) * 1952-11-01 1955-06-07 Square D Co Solderless connector with set screw
US2811704A (en) * 1956-08-07 1957-10-29 Meter Devices Company Solderless connector
US3075164A (en) * 1960-02-15 1963-01-22 Gen Electric Connector for strap conductor
US3187299A (en) * 1962-04-13 1965-06-01 Square D Co Electrical connector
US3344394A (en) * 1966-05-16 1967-09-26 Zinsco Electrical Products Limited engagement lug assembly

Cited By (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3781727A (en) * 1970-06-03 1973-12-25 Siemens Ag Electromagnetic switching device
US4809132A (en) * 1987-10-23 1989-02-28 General Electric Co. Field installable line and load lug connectors for molded case circuit breakers
DE3834980A1 (de) * 1987-10-23 1989-05-03 Gen Electric Lastanschlussglieder fuer schalter mit gehaeuse
DE3834980C2 (de) * 1987-10-23 1999-05-27 Gen Electric Anschlußanordnung für einen Schalter mit Formgehäuse
EP0525565A3 (en) * 1991-07-20 1993-04-07 Kloeckner-Moeller Gmbh Conductor connection for single- or multipole switching device
US5190485A (en) * 1992-02-03 1993-03-02 Ransdell Jimmy D Electrical termination lug
US20050217985A1 (en) * 2004-04-01 2005-10-06 Fleege Dennis W Terminal support for a circuit breaker trip unit
US7250836B2 (en) * 2004-04-01 2007-07-31 Square D Company Terminal support for a circuit breaker trip unit
WO2008046765A1 (de) * 2006-10-17 2008-04-24 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Leistungsschalter, insbesondere kompaktleistungsschalter, und hilfsleiteranschluss für einen leistungsschalter
USD797687S1 (en) * 2014-12-23 2017-09-19 Eaton Corporation Switch apparatus component
USD799435S1 (en) * 2014-12-23 2017-10-10 Eaton Corporation Switch apparatus component
USD800079S1 (en) * 2014-12-23 2017-10-17 Eaton Corporation Switch apparatus component
USD800673S1 (en) * 2014-12-23 2017-10-24 Eaton Corporation Switch apparatus component
USD808911S1 (en) * 2014-12-23 2018-01-30 Eaton Corporation Switch apparatus component
USD796455S1 (en) * 2016-06-15 2017-09-05 Eaton Corporation Electrical terminal
CN107706054A (zh) * 2016-08-09 2018-02-16 哥维斯股份公司 辅助接触件组件
CN107706054B (zh) * 2016-08-09 2021-03-30 哥维斯股份公司 辅助接触件组件
USD831571S1 (en) * 2016-09-01 2018-10-23 Eaton Intelligent Power Limited Current limiter lug adapter

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BR7016303D0 (pt) 1973-01-16
DE2003134A1 (de) 1970-07-30
ES375943A1 (es) 1972-04-16
FR2030197A1 (OSRAM) 1970-10-30

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