CA1113983A - Circuit breaker utilizing improved arc chambers - Google Patents

Circuit breaker utilizing improved arc chambers

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Publication number
CA1113983A
CA1113983A CA315,637A CA315637A CA1113983A CA 1113983 A CA1113983 A CA 1113983A CA 315637 A CA315637 A CA 315637A CA 1113983 A CA1113983 A CA 1113983A
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CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
contact
deionization
secured
arcing
contacts
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
Application number
CA315,637A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
John A. Wafer
Alfred E. Maier
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.)
CBS Corp
Original Assignee
Westinghouse Electric Corp
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 Westinghouse Electric Corp filed Critical Westinghouse Electric Corp
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA1113983A publication Critical patent/CA1113983A/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Abstract

CIRCUIT BREAKER UTILIZING
IMPROVED ARC CHAMBERS

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A circuit breaker has first and second spaced-apart stationary contacts, a plurality of movable contacts and an arcing contact which are capable of operating between open and closed positions. An arc chamber is disposed adjacent one of the stationary contacts, the arcing contact, and the movable contacts, and comprises a frame with back and two parallel sides. A plurality of deionization plates are supported by the frame, and each deionization plate has an opening therein distant from the back of the frame. The deionization plate openings are aligned with each other, and the arcing contact is disposed within the aligned openings.
A generally U-shaped arc runner is secured to one of the end deionization plates and one of the stationary contacts. An insulating member is disposed between the arc runner and the stationary contact so that the arc runner is electrically insulated from the stationary contact except where it is secured thereto. Also included is means for effecting movement of the movable and arcing contacts between the open and closed positions.

Description

1~7,lOO

BACKGROUND OF TH INVENTION
This invention relates generally to single or multi-pole circuit breakers9 and more particularly to circuit breakers having improved arc chambers~
The basic functions of circuit breakers are to provide electrical s~s~em prot.ec~îon and coordination when ever abnormalities occur on any part of the system. The operating voltage, continuous curren~ frequency, short cir~uit interrupting capabilit~, and time~current coordina-tion needed are some o~ the fac~ors which must be considered when designing a breaker. Government and industry are placing increasing demands upon the elec~rical indus~ry for interrupters wi~h improved perfo~mance in a smaller package and with numerous new and novel ~eatures.
Stored energy mechanisms ~or use in circuit :~
breakers of the single pole or multi~pole type have been known in the art~ A particular construction of such X

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117,100 mechanisms is primarily dependent upon the parameters such as rating of the breaker. Needless to say, many stored energy circuit breakers having closing springs cannot be charged while the circuit breaker is in operation. For that reason, some circuit breakers have the disadvantage of not "
always being ready to close in a moment's notice. These circuit breakers do not have, for example, an open-close-open feature which users of the equipment ~ind desirable.
Another problem present in some prior art circuit breakers is that associated with matching the spring torque curve to the breaker loading. These prior art breakers utilize charging and discharging strokes which are each 180. The resulting spring torque curve is predetermined, and usually cannot be matched with the breaker loading.
Such a predetermined curve mandates that the elements asso-ciated with the breaker be matched for this peak torque rather than be matched with the breaker load curve.
Another desirable characteristic in these circuit breakers is to provide an efficient arc chamber to extinguish any arcs present when the contacts move from closed to open positions. The arc chamber should be designed to maximize i;
the interrupting current of the circuit breaker so that higher current ratings can be achieved safely.
SUMMARY OF THR INVENTION
In accordance with this invention, it has been found that a more desirable circuit breaker is provided which comprises stationary and movable contacts operable between open and closed positions with respect to the stationary contact. ~eans for ef~ecting movement o~ the moyable contacts between the open and closed positions are 3 Ll 7 ,10 0 included. A pivotally operable arcing contact is movable with the movable contacts between the open and closed positions, and extends outwardly beyond the movable con~acts. An arc chamber is disposed adjacent the stationary contacts, the arcing contact, and the movable contacts, and includes a frame with a back and two parallel sides. A plurality of deioni~ation plates are supported by the ~rame with each deionization plate having an opening therein. The deioniza-tion plate openings are aligned with each other, and the arcing contact is disposed within these aligned openings. A
generally U-shaped arc runner is secured to one of the deionization plates~ and the arc runner is also secured to the stationary contact at locations ad~acent the movable contacts and on opposite sides of the arcing contact. An insulating member is disposed between the arc runner and the stationary contact so that the arc runner is electrically insulated from the stationary contact except at those points where the arc runner is secured to the stationary contact.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference is now made to the description of the preferred embodiment, illustrated in the accompanying draw-ings, in which:
Figure 1 is an elevational sectional view of a circuit breaker according to the teachings of this invention;
Figure 2 is an end view taken along line II-II of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a plan view of the mechanism illus- r trated in Figure 4;
Figure 4 is a detailed sectional view of the oper-ating mechanism of the circuit breaker in the spring dis-Ll_ :.: . :.. . ..,: ~, .: . : : , ,. - ; :, :: . . : :.

3 Ll7 ,100 charged, contact open position;
- Figure 5 is a modification o~ a view in Figure 4 -~
with the spring partially charged and the contact in the open position, Figure 6 is a modification of the views illus-trated in Figures 4 and 5 with the spring charged and the contact open, Figure 7 is a modirication of the view of Figures 4, 5, and 6 in the spring discharged, contact closed posi-tion;
; Figure 8 is a modification of the view of Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7 with the spring parkially charged and the contact closed;
Figure 9 is a modification of the view of Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 with the spring charged and the contact closed;
Figure 10 is a plan view of a current carrying :~
contact system;
Figure 11 is a side, sectional view of the current conducting systemj Figure 12 is a detailed view of the movable contact;
Figure 13 is a side view of the crossbar structure;
Figure 14 is a modification of the multi-pole contact structure;
Figure 15 is a plan view of the arc runner utilized in this in~ention, Figure 16 is an end view of the arc runner;
Figure 17 is an elevational view of the arc runner;
Figure 18 is a plan view illustrating the relation-ship between the deionization plate and the arc runner;

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3 47,1oo Figure 19 is an elevational view of Figure 18;
~ igure 20 is an elevational view o~ the arc chamber;
Figure 21 illustrates a modification o~ the de-ionization plate utilized in the invention; and Figure 22 is a further modification o~ the de-ionization plate.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
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Referring now more particularly to Figure 1, therein is shown a circuit breaker utilizing the teachings of this invention. The circuit breaker 10 includes support 12 which is comprised of a mounting base 14, side walls 16~
~upport walls 13, 15~ and a frame structure 18. The mounting base 14 and support walls 13, 15 are, in the preferred embodiment, molded of an electrically insulating material such as plastic. A pair of stationary contacts 20, 22 are ;;
disposed within the support 12, with the support walls 13, 15 disposed between adjacent pairs of stationary contacts 20, 22. Stationary contact 22 would, for example, be con-nected to an incoming power line 23, while the other station-ary contact 20 would be connected to the load (not shown?.
Electrically connecting the two stationary contacts 20~ 22 is a movable contact structure 24. The movable contact structure 24 comprises a movable contact 26, a movable arcing contact 28~ a contact carrier 30 and a crossbar insulator 64. The movable contact 26 and the arcing contact 28 are pivotally secured to the stationary contact 20, and are capable of being in open and closed positions with respect to the stationary contact 22. Throughout this application, the term "open'' as used with respect to the ~ ,3~P~ ~ 47,100 ~: contact positions means that the movable contacts 26, 28 are spaced apart ~rom the stationary contact 22, whe~eas the term "closed" indicates the position wherein the movable contacts 2~, 28 are contacting both stationary contacts 22 and 20. The movable contacts 26, 28 are mounted to and carried by the contact carrier 30 and crossbar insulator 64. '~
Also included within the circuit breaker 10 is an operating mechanism ,2, a toggle means 34, and an arc chamber 36 which extinguishes any arc which may be present when the movable contacts 26, 28 change from the closed to open posi-tion. A current transformer 38 is utilized to monitor the ~;
amount of current flowing through the stationary contact 20.
Figures 15-22 are detailed views of the arc chamber 36. Referring now to Figures 15-17, therein is illustrated the arc runner 31. The arc runner 31 is comprised of a base : portion 33 and two side portions 35, 37 which together form a generally U-shaped structure. The arc runner 31, and more particularly the base 33, has an opening 39 therein within which, when the runner 31 is in the circuit breaker 10, the arcing contact 28 extends. The arc runner 31 has a pair of spaced apart openings 41, 43 on opposite sides of the opening 39 which are utilized for securing the arc runner 31 to the ` stationary contact 22. The arc runner 31 is also secured to ; the lowermost deionization plate Ll5 as illustrated in Figures : 18 and lg. In Figure 18, it can be seen that extensions 47 of the arc runner 31 extend through aligned openings 49 in the deionization plate 45, and then these extensions 47 are riveted or bent over to secure the arc runner 31 to the deionization plate ll5. As also can be seen in Figure lB, the deionization plate 45 is secured to a support frame 51 .. . . . . .

47,100 which comprises a back portion 53 and two generally parallel sides 55, 57. The deionization plate 45 has an opening 59 therein through whi.ch extends the arcing contact 28.
As can be seen in Figure 20, the arc runner 31 is secured to the stationary contact 22 by a pair of bolts 61 which extend through the openings 41, 43 in the arc runner 31~ Inserted between the arc runner 31 and the stationary contact 22 is an insulating member 63 which electrically insulates the arc runner 31 from the stationary contact 22 except at those points where the bolts 61 secure the arc runner 31 to the stationary contact 22. This insulation of the arc runner 31 from the stationary contact 22 insures that a reverse current loop is formed to help drive any existing arc into the arcing chamber 36.
As also can be seen from Figure 20, the deionization plates 45 are of first and second differing lengths. For example, the deionization plate 45 is of a first length which is longer than the length of the deionization plate 65. This use of two different length deionization plates, 45, 65, which alternate, provides the optimum arrangement with respect to the maximum number of deionization plates which are held within the frame 51 while at the same time not allowing too close a proximity of the plates 45, 65.
Another feature illustrated in Figure 20 is the back 53 of the frame 51. It can be seen that this back 53 has a plurality of slots 67 therein which provide for venting of the back of the arc chamber 36. Preferably, these slots 67 are located adjacent alternate or every other deionization plate 45 and 65.
Referring now to Figures 18 and 22, therein are ~
:

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r~
117,100 illustrated plan views o~ the deionization plate 45. Although not expressly illustrated, it is to be understood that de- !
ioni~ation plate 65 is of a similar construction. In ~igure 18, the deionization plate 45, and more particularly the opening 59 therein, is o~ a generally V-shape, with the base portion 71 of the opening 59 being distal from the back 53 o~ the frame, and the apex 73 o~ the opening 59 being proximate to the back 53. Figure 22 illustrates a modification of the deionization plate 45 which may be utilized to direct the arc into the corners of each deionization plate 45 so that the maximum length of the deionization plate 45 may be utilized for cooling deionization of the resulting plasma.
This deionization plate 45' likewise has an opening 59' therein which is generally in the shape of a V. However, the apex 73' of the V-shaped opening 59' is directed towards one of the frame sides 55 or 57 ( see Figure 18). When inserted into the frame 51~ these plates would be positioned such that adjacent plates would have their apex 73 ' directed to opposite side walls 55, 57 org put another way, alternate -plates would have their apex 73 ~ directed toward the same side 55 or 57.
Figure 21 illustrates another modification of the deionization plate 45 which may be utilized to increase the effectiveness of the arc chamber 36. In this modification, the deionization plate 45 has secured thereto a pair of vertical arc gassing insulation plates 81, 83. The arc gassing plates 81, 83 are disposed on opposite sides of the generally V-shaped opening 5~ and the arcing contact 28.
The arc gassing plates 81, 83 are of a suitable arc gassing material such as glass polyester or a ceramic-type material, ' , ~ , . . ." : ~ ' , ~ ', , 3~

~7,100 and are inserted on either side of the arcing contac-t 2~ to increase the pressure a~ the arcing contact 2~ to drive the resulting arc more rapidly into ~he arcing chamber 36 while concurren~ly allowing any arcs presen~ a~ the mai.n movable contacts 26 ~o enter the arcing chamber 36~
Referring now to Figure 12J there is shown a de-tailed view of the movable contact 26. The movable contact 26 is of a good electrically conducting material such as copper3 and has a contact surface 40 whlch mates with a similar contact sur~ace 42 (see Figure 13 of stationary contact 22 whenever the movable contact 26 i5 in the closed position. The movable contact 26 has a circular segment 44 cut out at the end opposite to the contact surface 40, and also has a slottèd portion 46 extending along the movable contact 26 from the removed clrcular segment 1~4. At the end of the slot 46 is an opening 4~. The movable contac~ 26 also has a depression 50 at the end thereo~ opposite *he contact surface 40, The circular segment 4~ o~ the movable contact 26 2Q is sized so as to engage a circular segment 52 ~1hich is part of ~he sta~ionary con~act 20 (see Figure 11). The clrcular segment 44 and the slo~ 46 are utilized to clamp about the circular segment 52 to ~hereby allow pivoting of ~he movable contact 26 while maintaining electrical contact l~h the :` :

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~ ~ 3~
47,100 stationary contact 20. As shown in Figure 11~ the arcing contact 2~ is designed similarly to the movable con~act 26, except tha~ the arcing contact 2~ ex~ends outwardly beyond the movable contact 26 and provides an arcing mating surface 54 ~hîch contact a similarly disposed surface ~ on the stationary contact 22. The arcing contac~ 2~ and the movable contact 26 are mounted to, and carried by a con~act carrier 30, A pin 5~ extends through the openings ~ in the movable contact 26 and the arcing contact 2g 9 and this pin 5~ extends outwardly ~o, and is secured ~o~ the contact carrier 30.
The con~act carrier 30 is secured by screws 60, 62 (see also Fig. 10) to a crossbar insulator 6~. The crossbar insulator 6~ is typically of a molded plastîc~ By so con-structing the connec~ions of the movable contact 26 to the contact carrier 30) the movable contacts 26 ara permitted a small degree o~ freedom wlth respect to each other. To maintain contact pressure between the movable contact sur~
face 40 and the stationary contact surface 42 when the movable contact 26 is in the closed position~ a spring 66 is disposed w~thin the recess 50 oP the movable contact 26 and is secured to the crossbar insulator 6~ (see ~igure 10)c The spring 66 resists the forces which may be tending to separate the movable contacts 26 from the stationary con~
tact 22~
Also shown in Figure 10 is a crossbar 6~ which extends between the individual crossbar insula~ors 64. The crossbar 6~ assures that each of the three poles illustrated ~ ~^
~11 move simultaneously upon movement of the operakin~
: mechanism 32 to drive the contacts 26, 2~ into closed or` 30 open position, As shown in Figure 13, the crossbar 6 extends ~thin an opening 70 in the crossbar insulator 6 ~ .

3~ 47,100 and through openings 69, 71 in support walls 13, 15 (see Figure 2) . A pin 72 extends through an opening 74 in the crossbar insulator 64 and an opening 76 in the crossbar 68 to prevent the crossbar 68 from sliding out of the crossbar insulator 64. Also attached to the crossbar 68 are pusher rods 78. The pusher rods 78 have an opening 80 therein, and the crossbar 68 extends through the pusher rod openings 80.
The pusher rod 78 has a tapered end portion 82, and a shoulder portion 84. The pusher rod 78, and more particularly the tapered portion 82 extends into openings 86 within the support walls 13, 15 (see Figure 2~ and disposed around the pusher rods 78 are springs 88. These springs 88 function to exert a force against the shoulder 84 of the pusher rod 78, thereby biasing the crossbar 68 and the movable contacts 26 in the open position. To close the movable contacts 26~ it is necessary to move the crossbar 68 such that the pusher rods 78 will compress the spring 88. This movement is accomplished through the operating mechanism 32 and the toggle means 34.
Referring now to Figures 2 4, there is shown the toggle means 34 and the operating mechanism 32. The toggle means 34 comprise a first link 90, a second link 92, and a toggle lever 94. The first link 90 is comprised of a pair of spaced-apart first link elements 96, 98, each of which have a slot 100 therein. The ~irst link elements 96, 98 ~
C~pc:ni~g S
extend through e~ cpe~ 87, 89 respectively in the insu-lating barrier 33, and within openings 75, 77 in the support walls 13, 15 respectively~ The first link elements 96, 98 and the slot 100 engage the crossbar 68 intermediate the 3Q three crossbar insulators 6LI, and provide movement of the ` - 12 -47,100 crossbar 68 upon the link 90 going into toggle position.
The location o~ the link elements 96, 98 intermediate the crossbar insulators 64 reduces any deflection of the crossbar 68 under high short circult forces. Also~ the use of the slot 100 to connect to the crossbar 68 provides for easy removal of the operating mechanism 32 from the crossbar 68.
Although described with respect to the three-pole breaker illustrated in Figure 2, it is to be understood that this description is likewise applicable to the four-pole breaker illustrated in Figure 14. With the ~our-pole breaker, the first link elements 96, 98 are disposed between the interior crossbar insulators 186, 188 and the exterior insulators 187, 189. Also, if desired, additional links or additional springs (not shown) may be disposed between the interior insulators 186, 188.
The second link 92 comprises a pair of spaced-apart second link elements 102, 104 which are pivotally connected to the first link elements 96, 98, respectively at pivot point 103. The toggle latch lever 94 is comprised of 20 a pair of spaced-apart toggle latch lever elements 106, 108 which are pivotally connected to the second link elements 102, 104 at pivot point 107, and the toggle latch lever elements 106, 108 are also pivotally connected to side walls ~-16 at pivotal connection 110. Fixedly secured to the second link elements 102, 104 are aligned drive pins 112, 114. The drive pins 112, 114 extend through aligned openings 116, 118 in the side walls 16 ad~acent to the ~ollower plates 120, ~.
122.
The operating mechanism 32 is comprised of a drive 30 shaft 124 rotatable about lits axis 125 having a pair of l3_ `` ~.9.3.3~
47,100 spaced apart aligned cams 126, 128 secured thereto. The cams 126, 128 are rotatable with the drive shaft 124 and are shaped to provide a constant load on the turning means 129.
~ Turning means, such as the handle 129 may be secured to ~he drive shaft 124 to impart rotation thereto. The operating mechanism 32 also includes the follower plates 120, 122 which are ~ixedly secured together by the follower plate connector 130 (see Figure 3). Fixedly secured to the follower plates 120, 122 is a cam roller 132 which also functions in latching the follower plates 120, 122 in the charged position, as will be hereinafter described. Also secured to each follower plate 120, 122 is a drive pawl 134, 136, respec-tively, which is positioned adjacent to the drive pins 112, 114. The drive pawls 134, 136 are pivotally secured to the -follower plates 120, 122 by pins 138, 140, and are biased by the springs 142, 144.
The follower plates 122, 120 are also connected by a connecting bar 146 ~hich extends between the two follower plates 120, 122, and pivotally connected to the connecting bar 146 are spring means 148. Spring means 148 is also pivotally connected to the support 12 by connecting rod 150.
If desired, indica~ing apparatus 152 (see Figure 2) may be incorporated within the breaker 10 to display the positions of the contacts 26, 28 and the spring means 148.
The operation of the c~rcuit brea~er can be best understood with reference to Figures 3-9. Figures 4-9 illustrate, in sequence, the movement of the various comp-onents as the circuit breaker 10 changes position from spring discharged, contact openg to spring charged, contact closed positions. In Figure 4, the spring 148 is discharged, -~ -14-.

4 7 ,100 and the movable contact 26 is in the open position. Although the contacts 20~ 22, and 26, 28 are not illustrated in Figures 4-9, the crossbar 68 to which they are connected is illustrated, and it is to be understood that the position of the crossbar 68 indicates the position of the movable contact 26 with respect to the stationary contact 22. To begin, the drive shaft 124 is rotated in the clockwise direction by the turning means 129. As the drive shaft 124 rotates, the cam roller 132 which is engaged therewith, is pushed outwardly a distance equivalent to the increased diameter portion of the cam. Figure 5 illustrates the position of the elements once the cam 126 has rotated about its axis 125 approximately 180 ~rom its initial starting position. As can be seen, the cam roller 132 has moved outwardly with respect to its initial position. This move-ment of the cam roller 132 has caused a rotation of the follower plate 120 about its axis 107, and this rotation has stretched the spring 148 to partially charge it. Also to be noted is that the drive pawl 134 has likewise rotated along ~20 with the follower plate 120. (The preceding, and all sub-`~ sequent descriptions of the movements of the various comp-onents will be made with respect to only those elements viewed in elevation. Most of the components incorporated within the circuit breaker preferably have corresponding, identical elements on the opposite side of the breaker. It is to be understood that although these descriptions will not mention these corresponding components, they behave in a manner similar to that herein described, unless otherwise .~
indicated.) Figure 6 illustrates the position of the components ` -15-~ .

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47,100 once the cam 126 has furter rotated. The cam roller 132 has traveled beyond the end point 151 of the cam 126, and has come into contact with a ~lat surface 153 of a latch member 154. The follower plate 120 has rotated about its axis 107 to its furthest e~tent, and the spring lLl8 is totally charged.
The drive pawl 134 has moved to its position adjacent to the drive pin 112. The latch member 154, at a second flat surface 156 thereof has rotated underneath the curved portion of a D-latch 158. In this position, the spring 148 is charged and would cause counterclockwise rotation of the follower plate 120 if it were not for the latch member 154.
The surface 153 of lakch member 154 is in the path of movement of the cam roller 132 as the cam roller 132 would move during counterclockwise rotation of the follower plate 120.
Therefore, so long as the sur~ace 153 of the latch member 154 remains in this path, the cam roller 132 and the follower plate 120 fixedly secured thereto cannot move counterclockwise.
The latch member 154 is held in its position in the path of the cam roller 132 by the action of the second surface 156 20 against the D-latch 158. The latch member 154 is pivotally , .
mounted on, but independently movable from~ the drive shaft 124 (see Figures 2 and 3), and is biased by the spring 160.
The force of the cam roller 132 is exerted against the r `-~ surface 153 and, if not ~or the D-latch 158, would cause the ` latch member 154 to rotate about the drive shaft 124 in the clockwise direction to release the roller 132 and discharge the spring 148. Therefore, the D-latch 158 prevents the surface 156 from moving in a clockwise direction which would thereby move khe first surface 153 out of the path of move ment of the cam roller 132 upon rotation o~ the ~ollower , .
'`' " ` ~

~ ~ 47,100 plate 120. To release the latch member 154, the releasable release means 162 are depressed, which causes a clockwise rotation of D-latch 158. The clockwise movement of the D-latch 158 disengages from the second surface 156 of the latch member 154, and the latch member 154 is permitted to rotate clockwise, resulting in the movement o~ the first sur~ace 153 away from the path o~ the cam roller 132. The results of such release is illustrated in Figure 7.
Once the latch member 154 is released, the spring 148 discharges, causing rotation of the ~ollower plate 120 about its pivot axis 107. The rotation of the follower plate 120 moves the cam roller 132 into its position at the smallest diameter portion of the cam 126~ At the same time, the rotation of the follower plate 120 causes the drive pawl 134 to push against the drive pin 112. This pushing àgainst the drive pin 112 causes the drive pin 112 ~ and the second - link element 102 to which it is connected to move to the right as illustrated in the drawing. This movement causes the second link element 102 and the first link element 96 to :r 20 move into toggle position with the toggle latch lever element 106. This movement into the toggle position causes movement of the crossbar 68~ which compresses the shoulder 84 O~ the pusher rod 78 against the springs 88 (see Figure 2) ~ and moves the movable contacts 26 into the closed position in -~
electrical contact with the stationary contact 22. The movable contact 26 will remain in the closed position because of the toggle position of the toggle means 34. Once the toggle means 34 are in toggle position, they w~ll remain there until the toggle latch lever 94 is released. As can 30 be noticed from the illustration, the drive pawl 134 is now 1~7 .$~
47,100 in its original position but adjacent to the drive pin 112.
The first link 90 and the second link 92 are limited in their movement as they move into toggle position by the limiting bolt 164. This bolt 164 prevents the two links 90, 92 from knuckling over backwards and moving out of toggle position. (Throughout this application, the term "toggle position" refers to not only that position when the first and second links are in precise alignment, but also includes the position when they are slightly over-toggled.) The status of the breaker at this position is that the spring 148 is discharged, and the contacts 26 are closed.
Figure 8 then illustrates that the spring 148 can be charged while the contacts 26 are closed3 to thereby store energy to provide an open-close-open series. Figure 8 is similar to Figure 5, in that the cam lZ6 has been rotated about 180, and the follower plate 120 has rotated about its pivot point 107 to partially charge the spring 148. Again, the drive pawl 134 has rotated with the follower plate.
Figure 9 illustrates the situation wherein the spring 148 is 20 totally charged and the contacts 26 are closed. The drive `
` pawl 134 is in the same position it occupied in Figure 6~
except that the drive pin 112 is no longer contacted with it. The latch member 154 and more particularly the surface 153, is in the path of the cam roller 132 to thereby prevent rotation of the follower plate 120. The second surface 156 is held in its location by the D-latch 158 as previously ; described. In this position, it can be illustrated that the ~ mechanism is capable of an open-close-open series. Upon -~ release of the toggle latch release means 166, the toggle latch lever 94 will no longer be kept in toggle posltlon : . . , - . : , .

3~~ Ll 7 ,10 0 with links 90 and 92, but will instead rnove slightly in the counterclockwise direction. Upon counterclockwise movement of the toggle latch lever 94, the second link 92 will move in the clockwise direction, pivoting about the connection with the toggle latch lever 94, and the first link 90 will move in the counterclockwise direction with the second link 92. Upon so moving out of toggle, the ~orce on the crossbar 68 which pushed the pusher rod 78 against the spring 88 will be released, and the release o~ the spring 88 will force the crossbar 68 and the movable contacts 26 into the open position. This then is the position o~ the components as illustrated in Figure 6. To then immediately close the contacts 26, the latch member 154 is released, which, as previously described, causes rotation of the follower plate ,~
120 such that the drive pawl 134 contacts the drive pin 112 to cause movement of the drive pin 112 and the second link element 102 to whic~ it is ~ixedly secured to move back into toggle position. This then results in the position o~ the components as illustrated in Figure 7. The breaker 10 then can immediately be opened again by releasing the toggle latch release means 166~ which will position the components , .
to the position illustrated in Figure 4. Thus it can be seen that the mechanism permits a rapid open-close-open series.
~` As can be appreciated ~rom the foregoing~ the operating mechanism 32 and the toggle means 34 are elec-trically insulated ~rom the current carrying parts o~ the breaker. The movable contacts 26, 28 are held by~ and carried by the crossbar insulator 64 which is of an elec-trically insulating material such as a molded plastic. The .
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3 ~J7,100 crossbar 68 is inserted within the crossbar insulators 64, and thereby is electrically insulated from the movable contacts 26, 28. The first link 90 contacts and engages the crossbar 68, and likewise is not in direct electrical contact with the current carrying movable contacts 26. All the other elements of the toggle means 34 and the operating mechanism 32 are disposed on the other side of ~æ insulating ~ no~ sJJo~vf.) barrier ~ distal from the moving contacts 26. There~ore, emergency repairs to the operating mechanism 32 or the toggle means 34 may be undertaken while the movable contacts 26 are in the closed or open position. Also, the arc chute 36 has an outer support 123 which likewise is of an insulating material such as plastic, and also electrically insulates the arcing contact 28 from the operating mechanism 32 and the toggle means 34.
In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the positions of the various components have been determined to provide for the most economical and compact operation. The input shaft 124 to the operating mechanism 32 is through a rotation of approximately 360. However, the output torque occurs over a smaller angle, thereby resulting in a greater mechanical advantage. As can be seen from the sequential illustration, the output torque occurs over an angle of less than 90. This provides a mechanical advantage of greater than 4 to 1 For compactness and maximum efficiency the pivotal connection of the second link 92 to the toggle latch lever 94 is coincident with, but on separate shafts ~rom, the rotational axis of the follower plates 120, 122. Another mechanical advantage is present in the toggle latch release means 16G when it is desired to release the toggle means 34 - ~: ;. " , ~: . :
... . . .... .

47,100 from toggle position.
The toggle latch release means 166 are illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. The toggle latch release means 166 are conlprised of the latch member release lever 168, the two D-latches 170 and 172, the catch 174, biasing springs 176 and 178 and the stop pin 180. To release the toggle means 34, the latch member release lever 168 is depressed. The depressing of this lever 168 causes a clockwise rotation of the D-latch 170. The catch 174 which had been resting on the D-latch 170 but was biased for counterclockwise rotation by the spring 176 is then permitted to move clockwise. The clock~ise movement o~ the catch 174 causes a corresponding clockwise movement o~ the D-latch 172 to whose shaft 179 the catch 174 is fixedly secured. The clockwise movement on the D-latch 172 causes the latch lever 94, and more particularly the flat surface 182 upon which the D-latch 172 originally rested, to move, such that the surface 184 is now resting upon the D-latch 172. This then allows the toggle latch lever 94 to move in a counterclockwise direction, thereby , releasing the toggle of the toggle means 34. After the toggle means 34 have been released, and the movable contact 26 positioned in the~ open position~ the biasing spring 178 returns the toggleJlever 94 to its position wherein the surface 182 is resting upon the D-latch 172. To prevent the ` toggle latch lever 94 from moving too far in the clockwise direction, the stop pin 180 is utilized to stop the toggle latch lever 94 at its correct location. The mechanical advantage in this release system occurs because of the very slight clockwise rotation o~ the D-latch 172 which releases the toggle latch lever 94 as compared to the larger rotation 3~ 7,loo of the latch release lever 168.
As can be seen in Figure 3, the D-latches 170 and 158 are attached to two levers each. Levers 183 and 190 are secured to D-latch 158, and levers 168 and 192 are secured to D-latch 170. The extra lever 190 is present to permit electromechanical or remote tripping or closing of the breaker and spring discharge. An electromechanical flux transfer shunt trip 193 (See Figure 3~ may be secured to the frame 1~4 and connected through a trip unit (not shown) to the current transformer 38 so that, upon the occurrence of an overcurrent condition, the flux transfer shunt trip 193 will move lever 192 in the clockwise direction to provide release of the toggle latch lever 94 and opening of the contacts 24. An electrical solenoid device may be positioned on the frame 194 adjacent to lever 190 so that the remote pushing of a switch (not shown) will cause rotation of lever 190 causing rotation of D-latch 158 and discharging of the spring 148 to thereby close the breaker. ~^
Accordingly, the device of the present invention :`:
20 achieves certain new and novel advantages resulting in a - ;
compact and more efficient circuit breaker. The arc chamber extinguishes the arc while maximizing the lnterrupting capa-city of the circuit breaker and providing an improved commu-tation to the runner.

..

Claims (10)

We claim as our invention.
1. A circuit breaker comprising:
first and second spaced apart stationary contacts;
a plurality of pivotally operable movable contacts electrically secured to said first stationary contact and oper-able between open and closed positions with respect to said second stationary contact;
a pivotally operable arcing contact electrically secured to said first stationary contact and operable between open and closed positions with respect to said second station-ary contact, said arcing contact extending outwardly beyond said movable contacts;
an arc chamber disposed adjacent said second station-ary contact, said arcing contact, and said movable contacts and comprising:
a frame including a back and first and second parallel sides;
a plurality of deionization plates supported by said frame, each of said deionization plates having an opening therein at the plate end distal said frame back, said deionization plate openings being aligned with each other, said arcing contact being disposed within said deionization plate aligned openings, said deionization plates being of first and second differing lengths, said de-ionization plates being supported by said frame with alternate deionization plates being of the same length;
a generally U-shaped arc runner secured to one of said deionization plates, said arc runner being secured to said second stationary contact at locations adjacent said movable contacts and on opposite sides of said arcing contact, said arc runner having an opening therein aligned with said deionization plate openings; and an insulating member disposed intermediate said arc runner and said second stationary contact such that said arc runner is electrically insu-lated from said second stationary contact except at locations wherein said arc runner is secured to said second stationary contact; and movement effecting means for effecting movement of said movable and arcing contacts between said open and closed positions.
2. The circuit breaker according to claim 1 wherein said frame back has a plurality of slots therein, said slots being disposed adjacent alternate deionization plates.
3. The circuit breaker according to claim 1 wherein said deionization plates are of first and second differing lengths, said deionization plates being supported by said frame with alternate deionization plates being of the same length.
4. m e circuit breaker according to claim 1 wherein said arc runner is secured to said second stationary contact by two bolts disposed on opposite sides of said arcing contact.
5. A circuit breaker comprising:
first and second spaced apart stationary contacts, a plurality of pivotally operable movable contacts electrically secured to said first stationary contact and operable between open and closed positions with respect to said second stationary contact;

a pivotally operable arcing contact electrically secured to said first stationary contact and operable between open and closed positions with respect to said second stationary contact, said arcing contact extending outwardly beyond said movable contacts;
an arc chamber disposed adjacent said second stationary contact, said arcing contact, and said movable contacts and comprising:
a frame including a back and first and second parallel sides;
a plurality of deionization plates supported by said frame, each of said deionization plates having an opening therein at the plate end distal said frame back, said deionization plate openings being aligned with each other, said arcing contact being disposed within said deionization plate aligned openings;
a pair of arc gasing plates secured to each said deionization plate on opposite sides of said deionization plate openings and said arcing contact and distal from said frame;
a generally U-shaped arc runner secured to one of said deionization plates, said arc runner being secured to said second stationary contact at locations adjacent said movable contacts and on opposite sides of said arcing contact, said arc runner having an opening therein aligned with said deionization plate openings; and an insulating member disposed intermediate said arc runner and said second stationary contact such that said arc runner is electrically insu-lated from said second stationary contact except at locations wherein said arc runner is secured to said second stationary contact; and movement effecting means for effecting movement of said movable and arcing contacts between said open and closed positions.
6. The circuit breaker according to claim 1 wherein said deionization plate openings are generally in the shape of a V, with the apex of the opening being distal from, and the base of the opening being adjacent to, said movable contacts.
7. The circuit breaker according to claim 6 wherein said deionization plates are of first and second designs with said first design opening apex being directed towards said frame first side and said second design opening apex being directed towards said frame second side, said deionization plates being supported by said frame with alter-nate deionization plates being of the same design.
8. The circuit breaker according to claim 1 wherein said arcing contact is disposed intermediate said movable contacts.
9. The circuit breaker according to claim 1 wherein said second stationary contact is electrically connected to an electrical power source.
10. The circuit breaker according to claim 1 wherein said movement effecting means comprises:
a contact carrier engaging said movable and arcing contacts such that said arcing and movable contacts operate together;
a crossbar insulator secured to said contact carrier;
toggle means engaging said contact and spring holder for moving said movable and arcing contacts between said open and closed positions, said toggle means comprising first and second links and a toggle latch lever, said first link operationally engaging said crossbar insulator, said second link being pivotally connected to said first link, said toggle latch lever being pivotally connected to said second link, said second link having a drive pin fixedly secured thereto;
a rotatable drive shaft having a cam secured thereto, said cam being rotatable with said drive shaft;
means for rotating said drive shaft;
a rotatable follower plate having a cam roller secured thereto, said follower plate having a drive pawl pivotally secured thereto, said cam roller engaging said cam, said drive pawl being disposed adjacent said drive pin;
spring means pivotally connected to said follower plate and capable of being in spring charged and spring dis-charged positions, said spring means being charged by the rotation of said cam causing said cam roller engaged there-with to move outwardly causing rotation of said follower plate causing charging of said spring means, the changing of position of said spring means from charged to discharged causing rotation of said follower plate such that said drive pawl is capable of engaging said drive pin to move said toggle means into a toggle position, the movement of said toggle means into toggle position causing movement of said crossbar insulator which moves said movable and arcing con-tacts into closed position;
releasable toggle latch means for holding said toggle means in toggle position; and, releasable drive latch means for holding said follower plate in the spring charged position.
CA315,637A 1978-03-17 1978-10-31 Circuit breaker utilizing improved arc chambers Expired CA1113983A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US88789478A 1978-03-17 1978-03-17
US887,894 1978-03-17

Publications (1)

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CA1113983A true CA1113983A (en) 1981-12-08

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA315,637A Expired CA1113983A (en) 1978-03-17 1978-10-31 Circuit breaker utilizing improved arc chambers

Country Status (4)

Country Link
AU (1) AU526060B2 (en)
CA (1) CA1113983A (en)
NZ (1) NZ189803A (en)
PL (1) PL214175A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104992860B (en) * 2015-08-07 2018-05-18 飞策防爆电器有限公司 Arc protection safety cut-out

Also Published As

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AU526060B2 (en) 1982-12-16
NZ189803A (en) 1981-07-13
PL214175A1 (en) 1979-12-17
AU4480979A (en) 1979-09-20

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