US20200027678A1 - Electrical switching apparatus and trip assembly therefor - Google Patents
Electrical switching apparatus and trip assembly therefor Download PDFInfo
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- US20200027678A1 US20200027678A1 US16/037,507 US201816037507A US2020027678A1 US 20200027678 A1 US20200027678 A1 US 20200027678A1 US 201816037507 A US201816037507 A US 201816037507A US 2020027678 A1 US2020027678 A1 US 2020027678A1
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- trip
- locking member
- assembly
- lockout assembly
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- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 claims description 14
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 9
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002238 attenuated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
- H01H71/10—Operating or release mechanisms
- H01H71/12—Automatic release mechanisms with or without manual release
- H01H71/24—Electromagnetic mechanisms
- H01H71/2463—Electromagnetic mechanisms with plunger type armatures
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
- H01H71/10—Operating or release mechanisms
- H01H71/1009—Interconnected mechanisms
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
- H01H71/02—Housings; Casings; Bases; Mountings
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
- H01H9/20—Interlocking, locking, or latching mechanisms
- H01H9/24—Interlocking, locking, or latching mechanisms for interlocking two or more parts of the mechanism for operating contacts
-
- 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
- H01H71/04—Means for indicating condition of the switching device
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
- H01H71/10—Operating or release mechanisms
- H01H71/50—Manual reset mechanisms which may be also used for manual release
- H01H71/52—Manual reset mechanisms which may be also used for manual release actuated by lever
Definitions
- the disclosed concept relates generally to electrical switching apparatus and, more particularly, to electric switching apparatus, such as for example, circuit breakers.
- the disclosed concept also relates to trip assemblies for circuit breakers.
- Electrical switching apparatus such as molded case circuit breakers, generally include at least one pair of separable contacts which are operated either manually, by way of a handle disposed on the outside of the circuit breaker housing, or automatically by way of a trip mechanism in response to a trip condition (e.g., without limitation, an overcurrent condition; a relatively high level short circuit or fault condition; a ground fault or arc fault condition).
- a trip condition e.g., without limitation, an overcurrent condition; a relatively high level short circuit or fault condition; a ground fault or arc fault condition.
- a shunt trip actuator is a type of electronic trip mechanism, which can be actuated from a remote location.
- Shunt trip actuators typically include a spring to bias a plunger to an actuated position. Permanent magnets generate sufficient magnetic force to override the actuating force generated by this spring and hold the plunger in an unactuated, typically retracted, position.
- the actuating signal is applied to a coil to generate an electromagnetic force which overcomes the force generated by the permanent magnets. With the magnetic field at least partially attenuated, the spring actuates the plunger.
- Such shunt trip actuators must be reset.
- Agency code requirements may include, for example, means for deenergizing electrical service to the residence under emergency circumstances (e.g., without limitation, fire) in order to eliminate dangerous exposure by responders to live voltages.
- emergency circumstances e.g., without limitation, fire
- a trip assembly for an electrical switching apparatus.
- the electrical switching apparatus has a base, a pair of separable contacts coupled to the base, and a trip bar coupled to the base and being structured to cooperate with the pair of separable contacts in order to trip open the pair of separable contacts.
- the trip assembly includes a housing member structured to be coupled to the base, and an lockout assembly comprising an actuation member and a locking member each coupled to the housing member.
- the actuation member is configured to engage the trip bar in order to trip open the pair of separable contacts.
- the lockout assembly is structured to move between a FIRST position corresponding to the separable contacts being in a closed position, and a SECOND position corresponding to the separable contacts being in an open position. When the lockout assembly is in the SECOND position, the locking member engages the actuation member in order to maintain the separable contacts in the open position.
- an electrical switching apparatus includes a base, a pair of separable contacts coupled to the base, a trip bar coupled to the base and being structured to cooperate with the pair of separable contacts in order to trip open the pair of separable contacts, and the aforementioned trip assembly.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an electrical switching apparatus and trip assembly therefor, in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept;
- FIG. 2 is another isometric view of the electrical switching apparatus and trip assembly therefor of FIG. 1 , shown with portions of the base removed in order to see hidden structures, and with a lockout assembly of the trip assembly in a FIRST position;
- FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of a portion of the electrical switching apparatus and trip assembly therefor of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 3 is another isometric view of the electrical switching apparatus and trip assembly therefor of FIG. 2 , shown with the lockout assembly of the trip assembly moved to a SECOND position;
- FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a locking member for the trip assembly of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an actuation member for the trip assembly of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 6 is another isometric view of the electrical switching apparatus and trip assembly therefor of FIG. 3 , shown with portions of the trip assembly removed in order to see hidden structures;
- FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of a portion of the electrical switching apparatus and trip assembly therefor of FIG. 6 .
- the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Still further, as used herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (e.g., a plurality).
- Coupled shall mean that two or more parts are joined together directly or joined through one or more intermediate parts.
- directly connected shall mean that two or more parts are joined together directly, without any intermediate parts being disposed therebetween at the point or location of the connection.
- electrically connected shall mean that two or more parts or components are joined together either directly or joined through one or more intermediate parts such that electricity, current, voltage, and/or energy is operable to flow from one part or component to the other part or component, and vice versa.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an electrical switching apparatus (e.g., without limitation, circuit breaker 2 ), in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept.
- the circuit breaker 2 includes a base 4 , a pair of separable contacts 6 (shown in simplified form) coupled to the base 4 , and an operating mechanism 7 (shown in simplified form) for opening and closing the separable contacts 6 .
- FIGS. 2 and 3 show additional isometric views of the circuit breaker 2 , each with portions of the base 4 removed in order to see hidden structures.
- the circuit breaker 2 further includes a trip bar 8 coupled to the base 4 , and a novel trip assembly 100 .
- the trip bar 8 is structured to trip open the separable contacts 6 ( FIG.
- the trip assembly 100 in response to actuation by the trip assembly 100 , as will be discussed below.
- the trip assembly 100 provides a novel mechanism through which after tripping, the circuit breaker 2 will be locked such that the separable contacts 6 remain open unless an operator manually resets the circuit breaker 2 .
- the trip assembly 100 includes a housing member 104 and a lockout assembly 120 .
- the trip assembly 100 also includes a frame member (e.g., solenoid frame 102 ) and a plate member 106 each coupled to the housing member 104 .
- the housing member 104 is coupled to the base 4 , and has a distal surface 108 located opposite and distal the plate member 106 .
- the lockout assembly 120 has an actuation member 122 and a locking member 142 each coupled to the housing member 104 .
- FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of the locking member 142 , which includes a body portion 144 , a cylindrical-shaped indication portion 146 extending from the body portion 144 , and an extension portion 148 extending from the body portion 144 away from the indication portion 146 .
- the body portion 144 has a retention feature in the form of a grooved region 150 .
- the grooved region 150 has a first surface 152 , a second surface 154 extending from and being located substantially perpendicular to the first surface 152 , and a third surface 155 extending from and being located substantially perpendicular to the second surface 154 , and spaced from the first surface 152 .
- the indication portion 146 has an end portion 156 located opposite and distal from the body portion 144 .
- FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of the actuation member 122 , which includes a body portion 124 having a tail portion 126 , a generally fork-shaped latching portion 128 , and a middle region 130 located between the tail portion 126 and the latching portion 128 .
- the actuation member 122 further includes a retention feature in the form of a protrusion 132 extending outwardly from the latching portion 128 .
- FIG. 6 shows another isometric view of the circuit breaker 2 , and shown with additional portions (e.g., the solenoid frame 102 and the housing member 104 ) removed in order to see hidden structures.
- the lockout assembly 120 further includes a driving member (e.g., without limitation, solenoid 172 (partially shown in FIG. 6 )), and a plunger 174 extending outwardly from the solenoid 172 .
- the plunger 174 is located between and engages opposing legs of the latching portion 128 of the actuation member 122 .
- the solenoid 172 FIG. 6
- the solenoid 172 is located internal and is coupled to the housing member 104 .
- the lockout assembly 120 is structured to move between a FIRST position ( FIG. 2 ) corresponding to the separable contacts 6 being in a closed position and a SECOND position ( FIGS. 3 and 6 ) corresponding to the separable contacts 6 being in an open position.
- the circuit breaker 2 may be communicable with a remotely wired, manually operated switch (not shown).
- the switch (not shown) may be located external the circuit breaker 2 and electrically connected (e.g., via wires) to the solenoid 172 in order to actuate the solenoid 172 and thus trip open the separable contacts 6 ( FIG. 1 ).
- the solenoid 172 when the solenoid 172 is caused to fire, the solenoid 172 pulls the plunger 174 inwardly. As such, when the lockout assembly 120 moves from the FIRST position ( FIG. 2 ) toward the SECOND position ( FIGS. 3 and 6 ), the solenoid 172 drives the plunger 174 , thereby pulling a portion of the actuation member 122 toward the solenoid 172 and allowing the locking member 142 to move linearly along a longitudinal axis.
- the lockout assembly 120 further includes a biasing element (e.g., compression spring 162 ) coupled to the locking member 142 .
- a biasing element e.g., compression spring 162
- the extension portion 148 ( FIG. 4 ) of the locking member 142 extends through the spring 162 to maintain the spring 162 in position.
- the protrusion 132 of the actuation member 122 extends into and engages the grooved region 150 .
- the protrusion 132 is engaged with the first surface 152 of the grooved region 150 , and is generally maintained in that position by two features of the trip assembly 100 .
- a distal end of the plunger 174 is generally maintained at a fixed location with respect to the latching portion 128 . As such, when the plunger 174 is extended ( FIGS.
- the protrusion 132 stays extended, and thus engaged with the first surface 152 of the grooved region 150 , until a change in operating conditions (e.g., a trip condition).
- a change in operating conditions e.g., a trip condition.
- the spring 162 is biasing the first surface 152 of the grooved region 150 in the upward direction (i.e., from the perspective of FIGS. 2 and 2A ) and thus toward engagement with the protrusion 132 .
- the protrusion 132 extends into and engages the grooved region 150 (e.g., engages the first surface 152 ) in order to maintain the locking member 142 in the FIRST position.
- the lockout assembly 120 is structured to move to the SECOND position ( FIGS. 3 and 6 ).
- the solenoid 172 FIG. 6
- the plunger 174 FIG. 6
- the actuation member 122 rotates.
- the plate member 106 has a slot, that the tail portion 126 is located on a first side of the slot, and the latching portion 128 is located on a second side of the slot.
- the actuation member 122 rotates about the middle region 130 , thereby allowing the locking member 142 to move linearly on a longitudinal axis.
- the tail portion 126 of the actuation member 122 is configured to engage the trip bar 8 in order to trip open the separable contacts 6 .
- the protrusion 132 is being caused to rotate off of the first surface 152 of the grooved region 150 . Compare, for example, the position of the protrusion 132 in FIGS. 2 and 2A , to the position of the protrusion 132 in FIGS. 6 and 6A . As shown in FIG. 6A , the protrusion 132 has been moved into engagement with the third surface 155 . It will be appreciated that once the protrusion 132 is rotated off of the first surface 152 , the spring 162 is uninhibited from driving the locking member 142 upwards.
- the spring 162 drives the locking member 142 toward the SECOND position. Accordingly, when the lockout assembly 120 moves from the FIRST position toward the SECOND position, the protrusion 132 rotates out of engagement with the first surface 152 and into engagement with the third surface 155 , thereby releasing the locking member 142 and allowing the locking member 142 to move to the SECOND position. With the tail portion 126 of the actuation member 122 extended into engagement with the trip bar 8 , the separable contacts 6 are maintained (e.g., locked) in the open position.
- any attempted motion by the actuation member 122 in the clockwise direction will result in the protrusion 132 almost immediately engaging the second surface 154 of the grooved region 150 , thereby preventing the tail portion 126 from releasing the trip bar 8 , and thus maintaining the separable contacts 6 ( FIG. 1 ) in an open position.
- the locking member 142 engages the actuation member 122 in order to maintain the separable contact 6 ( FIG. 1 ) in the open position.
- circuit breaker 2 performs this function via the aforementioned tripping capabilities, and further functions to lock the circuit breaker 2 once it has tripped, thus maintaining the separable contacts 6 ( FIG. 1 ) of the circuit breaker 2 in an open position.
- operators who might be within a relatively close proximity of the circuit breaker 2 will have an additional mechanism to substantially minimize the likelihood and/or prevent any inadvertent reenergizing of the circuit breaker 2 .
- the interference between the protrusion 132 of the actuation member 122 and the grooved region 150 of the locking member 142 functions to maintain the lockout assembly 120 in the SECOND position, a position which protects operators because the circuit breaker 2 is deenergized.
- the circuit breaker 2 provides a mechanism to indicate that the separable contacts 6 ( FIG. 1 ) have tripped. Compare, for example, the position of the end portion 156 of the indication portion 146 in FIGS. 2 and 3 . As shown, the indication portion 146 extends through the distal surface 108 . When the lockout assembly 120 is in the FIRST position ( FIGS. 2 and 2A ), the end portion 156 of the indication portion 146 is spaced a first distance from the distal surface 108 . When the lockout assembly 120 is in the SECOND position, the end portion 156 of the indication portion 146 is spaced a second distance from the distal surface 108 , the second distance being greater than the first distance. As also shown in FIG. 2 , the extension portion 148 of the locking member 142 extends through the plate member 106 , thereby further aiding in positioning the locking member 142 in the trip assembly 100 .
- the disclosed concept provides for an improved (e.g., without limitation, safer) electrical switching apparatus 2 and trip assembly 100 therefor, in which a lockout assembly 120 of the trip assembly 100 allows separable contacts 6 of the electrical switching apparatus 2 to be maintained (e.g., locked) in an open position, thereby protecting operators who may be near the electrical switching apparatus 2 .
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Abstract
Description
- The disclosed concept relates generally to electrical switching apparatus and, more particularly, to electric switching apparatus, such as for example, circuit breakers. The disclosed concept also relates to trip assemblies for circuit breakers.
- Electrical switching apparatus, such as molded case circuit breakers, generally include at least one pair of separable contacts which are operated either manually, by way of a handle disposed on the outside of the circuit breaker housing, or automatically by way of a trip mechanism in response to a trip condition (e.g., without limitation, an overcurrent condition; a relatively high level short circuit or fault condition; a ground fault or arc fault condition).
- Numerous types of trip mechanisms exist and are often tailored to meet specific needs of particular applications. For example, it is common to have electrically actuated devices actuating or tripping the operating mechanism. A shunt trip actuator is a type of electronic trip mechanism, which can be actuated from a remote location. Shunt trip actuators typically include a spring to bias a plunger to an actuated position. Permanent magnets generate sufficient magnetic force to override the actuating force generated by this spring and hold the plunger in an unactuated, typically retracted, position. The actuating signal is applied to a coil to generate an electromagnetic force which overcomes the force generated by the permanent magnets. With the magnetic field at least partially attenuated, the spring actuates the plunger. Such shunt trip actuators must be reset.
- Agency code requirements may include, for example, means for deenergizing electrical service to the residence under emergency circumstances (e.g., without limitation, fire) in order to eliminate dangerous exposure by responders to live voltages.
- There is room for improvement in electrical switching apparatus and in trip assemblies therefor.
- These needs and others are met by embodiments of the invention, which are directed to an improved electrical switching apparatus and trip assembly therefor.
- As one aspect of the disclosed concept, a trip assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus has a base, a pair of separable contacts coupled to the base, and a trip bar coupled to the base and being structured to cooperate with the pair of separable contacts in order to trip open the pair of separable contacts. The trip assembly includes a housing member structured to be coupled to the base, and an lockout assembly comprising an actuation member and a locking member each coupled to the housing member. The actuation member is configured to engage the trip bar in order to trip open the pair of separable contacts. The lockout assembly is structured to move between a FIRST position corresponding to the separable contacts being in a closed position, and a SECOND position corresponding to the separable contacts being in an open position. When the lockout assembly is in the SECOND position, the locking member engages the actuation member in order to maintain the separable contacts in the open position.
- As another aspect of the disclosed concept, an electrical switching apparatus is provided. The electrical switching apparatus includes a base, a pair of separable contacts coupled to the base, a trip bar coupled to the base and being structured to cooperate with the pair of separable contacts in order to trip open the pair of separable contacts, and the aforementioned trip assembly.
- A full understanding of the disclosed concept can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an electrical switching apparatus and trip assembly therefor, in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept; -
FIG. 2 is another isometric view of the electrical switching apparatus and trip assembly therefor ofFIG. 1 , shown with portions of the base removed in order to see hidden structures, and with a lockout assembly of the trip assembly in a FIRST position; -
FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of a portion of the electrical switching apparatus and trip assembly therefor ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 3 is another isometric view of the electrical switching apparatus and trip assembly therefor ofFIG. 2 , shown with the lockout assembly of the trip assembly moved to a SECOND position; -
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a locking member for the trip assembly ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an actuation member for the trip assembly ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 6 is another isometric view of the electrical switching apparatus and trip assembly therefor ofFIG. 3 , shown with portions of the trip assembly removed in order to see hidden structures; and -
FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of a portion of the electrical switching apparatus and trip assembly therefor ofFIG. 6 . - For purposes of the description hereinafter, directional phrases used herein such as, for example “left”, “right”, “up”, “down”, “top”, “bottom”, “clockwise”, “counterclockwise”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosed concept, as it is oriented in the drawings. It is to be understood that the specific elements illustrated in the drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept. Therefore, specific orientations and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting with respect to the scope of the disclosed concept.
- As employed herein, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Still further, as used herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (e.g., a plurality).
- As employed herein, the term “coupled” shall mean that two or more parts are joined together directly or joined through one or more intermediate parts. Furthermore, as employed herein, the phrase “directly connected” shall mean that two or more parts are joined together directly, without any intermediate parts being disposed therebetween at the point or location of the connection.
- As employed herein, the phrase “electrically connected” shall mean that two or more parts or components are joined together either directly or joined through one or more intermediate parts such that electricity, current, voltage, and/or energy is operable to flow from one part or component to the other part or component, and vice versa.
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FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an electrical switching apparatus (e.g., without limitation, circuit breaker 2), in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. Thecircuit breaker 2 includes abase 4, a pair of separable contacts 6 (shown in simplified form) coupled to thebase 4, and an operating mechanism 7 (shown in simplified form) for opening and closing the separable contacts 6.FIGS. 2 and 3 show additional isometric views of thecircuit breaker 2, each with portions of thebase 4 removed in order to see hidden structures. As shown, thecircuit breaker 2 further includes atrip bar 8 coupled to thebase 4, and anovel trip assembly 100. Thetrip bar 8 is structured to trip open the separable contacts 6 (FIG. 1 ) in response to actuation by thetrip assembly 100, as will be discussed below. As will also be discussed in greater detail below, thetrip assembly 100 provides a novel mechanism through which after tripping, thecircuit breaker 2 will be locked such that the separable contacts 6 remain open unless an operator manually resets thecircuit breaker 2. - As shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3 , thetrip assembly 100 includes ahousing member 104 and alockout assembly 120. Thetrip assembly 100 also includes a frame member (e.g., solenoid frame 102) and aplate member 106 each coupled to thehousing member 104. Thehousing member 104 is coupled to thebase 4, and has adistal surface 108 located opposite and distal theplate member 106. Thelockout assembly 120 has anactuation member 122 and alocking member 142 each coupled to thehousing member 104. -
FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of thelocking member 142, which includes abody portion 144, a cylindrical-shaped indication portion 146 extending from thebody portion 144, and anextension portion 148 extending from thebody portion 144 away from theindication portion 146. Thebody portion 144 has a retention feature in the form of agrooved region 150. For purposes that will be more apparent below, thegrooved region 150 has afirst surface 152, asecond surface 154 extending from and being located substantially perpendicular to thefirst surface 152, and athird surface 155 extending from and being located substantially perpendicular to thesecond surface 154, and spaced from thefirst surface 152. Furthermore, theindication portion 146 has anend portion 156 located opposite and distal from thebody portion 144. -
FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of theactuation member 122, which includes abody portion 124 having atail portion 126, a generally fork-shaped latching portion 128, and amiddle region 130 located between thetail portion 126 and thelatching portion 128. As shown inFIG. 5 , theactuation member 122 further includes a retention feature in the form of aprotrusion 132 extending outwardly from thelatching portion 128. -
FIG. 6 shows another isometric view of thecircuit breaker 2, and shown with additional portions (e.g., thesolenoid frame 102 and the housing member 104) removed in order to see hidden structures. Specifically, it will be appreciated that thelockout assembly 120 further includes a driving member (e.g., without limitation, solenoid 172 (partially shown inFIG. 6 )), and aplunger 174 extending outwardly from thesolenoid 172. Additionally, for reasons that will be described below, theplunger 174 is located between and engages opposing legs of thelatching portion 128 of theactuation member 122. Moreover, comparingFIGS. 2 and 3 toFIG. 6 , it will be appreciated that the solenoid 172 (FIG. 6 ) is located internal and is coupled to thehousing member 104. - Continuing to refer to
FIGS. 2, 3, and 6 , thelockout assembly 120 is structured to move between a FIRST position (FIG. 2 ) corresponding to the separable contacts 6 being in a closed position and a SECOND position (FIGS. 3 and 6 ) corresponding to the separable contacts 6 being in an open position. In order to move between positions (e.g., to trip open), thecircuit breaker 2 may be communicable with a remotely wired, manually operated switch (not shown). For example and without limitation, the switch (not shown) may be located external thecircuit breaker 2 and electrically connected (e.g., via wires) to thesolenoid 172 in order to actuate thesolenoid 172 and thus trip open the separable contacts 6 (FIG. 1 ). In turn, when thesolenoid 172 is caused to fire, thesolenoid 172 pulls theplunger 174 inwardly. As such, when thelockout assembly 120 moves from the FIRST position (FIG. 2 ) toward the SECOND position (FIGS. 3 and 6 ), thesolenoid 172 drives theplunger 174, thereby pulling a portion of theactuation member 122 toward thesolenoid 172 and allowing the lockingmember 142 to move linearly along a longitudinal axis. - More specifically, as shown in
FIGS. 2, 3, and 6 , thelockout assembly 120 further includes a biasing element (e.g., compression spring 162) coupled to the lockingmember 142. The extension portion 148 (FIG. 4 ) of the lockingmember 142 extends through thespring 162 to maintain thespring 162 in position. - Referring to
FIGS. 2 and 2A , when thelockout assembly 120 is in the FIRST position, theprotrusion 132 of theactuation member 122 extends into and engages the groovedregion 150. As shown more clearly inFIG. 2A , theprotrusion 132 is engaged with thefirst surface 152 of thegrooved region 150, and is generally maintained in that position by two features of thetrip assembly 100. First, as shown most clearly inFIG. 6 , a distal end of theplunger 174 is generally maintained at a fixed location with respect to the latchingportion 128. As such, when theplunger 174 is extended (FIGS. 2 and 2A ), theprotrusion 132 stays extended, and thus engaged with thefirst surface 152 of thegrooved region 150, until a change in operating conditions (e.g., a trip condition). Second, in the position ofFIGS. 2 and 2A , thespring 162 is biasing thefirst surface 152 of thegrooved region 150 in the upward direction (i.e., from the perspective ofFIGS. 2 and 2A ) and thus toward engagement with theprotrusion 132. Accordingly, when thelockout assembly 120 is in the FIRST position, theprotrusion 132 extends into and engages the grooved region 150 (e.g., engages the first surface 152) in order to maintain the lockingmember 142 in the FIRST position. - However, as stated above, the
lockout assembly 120 is structured to move to the SECOND position (FIGS. 3 and 6 ). When the solenoid 172 (FIG. 6 ) fires and pulls the plunger 174 (FIG. 6 ) inwardly, theactuation member 122 rotates. It will be appreciated that theplate member 106 has a slot, that thetail portion 126 is located on a first side of the slot, and the latchingportion 128 is located on a second side of the slot. When thelockout assembly 120 moves from the FIRST position toward the SECOND position, theactuation member 122 rotates about the slot in theplate member 106. As such, when thelockout assembly 120 moves from the FIRST position toward the SECOND position, theactuation member 122 rotates about themiddle region 130, thereby allowing the lockingmember 142 to move linearly on a longitudinal axis. In this manner, thetail portion 126 of theactuation member 122 is configured to engage thetrip bar 8 in order to trip open the separable contacts 6. - In accordance with the disclosed concept, while the
tail portion 126 is cooperating with thetrip bar 8 to trip open the separable contacts 6 (FIG. 1 ), theprotrusion 132 is being caused to rotate off of thefirst surface 152 of thegrooved region 150. Compare, for example, the position of theprotrusion 132 inFIGS. 2 and 2A , to the position of theprotrusion 132 inFIGS. 6 and 6A . As shown inFIG. 6A , theprotrusion 132 has been moved into engagement with thethird surface 155. It will be appreciated that once theprotrusion 132 is rotated off of thefirst surface 152, thespring 162 is uninhibited from driving the lockingmember 142 upwards. That is, when thelockout assembly 120 moves from the FIRST position toward the SECOND position, thespring 162 drives the lockingmember 142 toward the SECOND position. Accordingly, when thelockout assembly 120 moves from the FIRST position toward the SECOND position, theprotrusion 132 rotates out of engagement with thefirst surface 152 and into engagement with thethird surface 155, thereby releasing the lockingmember 142 and allowing the lockingmember 142 to move to the SECOND position. With thetail portion 126 of theactuation member 122 extended into engagement with thetrip bar 8, the separable contacts 6 are maintained (e.g., locked) in the open position. - Specifically, it will be appreciated with reference to
FIGS. 3, 6, and 6A that generally the only practical way in which the separable contacts 6 (FIG. 1 ) may be closed is if theactuation member 122 is caused to rotate about the slot in theplate member 106, and in the clockwise direction (i.e. from the orientation ofFIGS. 3 and 6 ). However, as shown most clearly inFIGS. 6 and 6A , the lockingmember 142, which is biased upwards by thespring 162, inhibits such a motion. Specifically, any attempted motion by theactuation member 122 in the clockwise direction will result in theprotrusion 132 almost immediately engaging thesecond surface 154 of thegrooved region 150, thereby preventing thetail portion 126 from releasing thetrip bar 8, and thus maintaining the separable contacts 6 (FIG. 1 ) in an open position. As such, when thelockout assembly 120 is in the SECOND position, the lockingmember 142 engages theactuation member 122 in order to maintain the separable contact 6 (FIG. 1 ) in the open position. Furthermore, while the disclosed concept has been described herein in association with theactuation member 122 having aprotrusion 132 and the lockingmember 142 having a groovedregion 150, it will be appreciated that suitable alternative interacting mechanisms (e.g., without limitation, an actuation member having a grooved region and a locking member having a protrusion, not shown) are contemplated herein. - Additionally, it will be appreciated that while FIRST and SECOND positions have been described herein, the
circuit breaker 2 has other positions. For example, while movement from the FIRST position to the SECOND position was generally described herein in association with tripping via thesolenoid 172, manual opening of the separable contacts 6 (FIG. 1 ) would present with the separable contacts 6 being open, but with thetrip assembly 100 being in the position depicted inFIGS. 2 and 2A . - Certain residential code proposals may require an exterior means for deenergizing electrical service to the residence under emergency situations (e.g., fire) in order to eliminate exposure of responders to live voltages. Accordingly, the
circuit breaker 2 performs this function via the aforementioned tripping capabilities, and further functions to lock thecircuit breaker 2 once it has tripped, thus maintaining the separable contacts 6 (FIG. 1 ) of thecircuit breaker 2 in an open position. As such, operators who might be within a relatively close proximity of thecircuit breaker 2 will have an additional mechanism to substantially minimize the likelihood and/or prevent any inadvertent reenergizing of thecircuit breaker 2. More specifically, it can be appreciated that unless theindication portion 146 of the lockingmember 142 is depressed downwardly, the interference between theprotrusion 132 of theactuation member 122 and thegrooved region 150 of the lockingmember 142 functions to maintain thelockout assembly 120 in the SECOND position, a position which protects operators because thecircuit breaker 2 is deenergized. - Additionally, the
circuit breaker 2 provides a mechanism to indicate that the separable contacts 6 (FIG. 1 ) have tripped. Compare, for example, the position of theend portion 156 of theindication portion 146 inFIGS. 2 and 3 . As shown, theindication portion 146 extends through thedistal surface 108. When thelockout assembly 120 is in the FIRST position (FIGS. 2 and 2A ), theend portion 156 of theindication portion 146 is spaced a first distance from thedistal surface 108. When thelockout assembly 120 is in the SECOND position, theend portion 156 of theindication portion 146 is spaced a second distance from thedistal surface 108, the second distance being greater than the first distance. As also shown inFIG. 2 , theextension portion 148 of the lockingmember 142 extends through theplate member 106, thereby further aiding in positioning the lockingmember 142 in thetrip assembly 100. - Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the disclosed concept provides for an improved (e.g., without limitation, safer)
electrical switching apparatus 2 andtrip assembly 100 therefor, in which alockout assembly 120 of thetrip assembly 100 allows separable contacts 6 of theelectrical switching apparatus 2 to be maintained (e.g., locked) in an open position, thereby protecting operators who may be near theelectrical switching apparatus 2. - While specific embodiments of the disclosed concept have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the disclosed concept which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/037,507 US20200027678A1 (en) | 2018-07-17 | 2018-07-17 | Electrical switching apparatus and trip assembly therefor |
CA3116602A CA3116602A1 (en) | 2018-07-17 | 2019-07-12 | Electrical switching apparatus and trip assembly therefor |
PCT/EP2019/025232 WO2020015859A1 (en) | 2018-07-17 | 2019-07-12 | Electrical switching apparatus and trip assembly therefor |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/037,507 US20200027678A1 (en) | 2018-07-17 | 2018-07-17 | Electrical switching apparatus and trip assembly therefor |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20200027678A1 true US20200027678A1 (en) | 2020-01-23 |
Family
ID=67544147
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/037,507 Abandoned US20200027678A1 (en) | 2018-07-17 | 2018-07-17 | Electrical switching apparatus and trip assembly therefor |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20200027678A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3116602A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020015859A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11508540B2 (en) * | 2018-04-23 | 2022-11-22 | Abb S.P.A. | Circuit breaker |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2013137846A1 (en) * | 2012-03-12 | 2013-09-19 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Circuit breaker trip blocking apparatus, systems, and methods of operation |
US9646779B2 (en) * | 2014-12-18 | 2017-05-09 | Eaton Corporation | Circuit breakers with polarity sensitive shunt trip mechanisms and methods of operating the same |
-
2018
- 2018-07-17 US US16/037,507 patent/US20200027678A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2019
- 2019-07-12 CA CA3116602A patent/CA3116602A1/en active Pending
- 2019-07-12 WO PCT/EP2019/025232 patent/WO2020015859A1/en active Application Filing
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11508540B2 (en) * | 2018-04-23 | 2022-11-22 | Abb S.P.A. | Circuit breaker |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CA3116602A1 (en) | 2020-01-23 |
WO2020015859A1 (en) | 2020-01-23 |
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