US3238331A - Circuit breaker and control ambient temperature compensator including weakening slot adjusting means - Google Patents

Circuit breaker and control ambient temperature compensator including weakening slot adjusting means Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3238331A
US3238331A US318258A US31825863A US3238331A US 3238331 A US3238331 A US 3238331A US 318258 A US318258 A US 318258A US 31825863 A US31825863 A US 31825863A US 3238331 A US3238331 A US 3238331A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
circuit breaker
contact
spring
overload
terminals
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
US318258A
Inventor
Malcolm T Lybrook
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.)
Duracell Inc USA
Original Assignee
PR Mallory and Co Inc
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 PR Mallory and Co Inc filed Critical PR Mallory and Co Inc
Priority to US318258A priority Critical patent/US3238331A/en
Priority to GB41521/64A priority patent/GB1077677A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3238331A publication Critical patent/US3238331A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/50—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member
    • H01H13/56—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member the contact returning to its original state upon the next application of operating force
    • H01H13/60—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member the contact returning to its original state upon the next application of operating force with contact-driving member moved alternately in opposite directions
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H5/00—Snap-action arrangements, i.e. in which during a single opening operation or a single closing operation energy is first stored and then released to produce or assist the contact movement
    • H01H5/04—Energy stored by deformation of elastic members
    • H01H5/18—Energy stored by deformation of elastic members by flexing of blade springs
    • H01H5/28—Energy stored by deformation of elastic members by flexing of blade springs two separate blade springs forming a toggle
    • 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
    • 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
    • H01H71/14—Electrothermal mechanisms
    • H01H71/16—Electrothermal mechanisms with bimetal element
    • H01H71/162—Electrothermal mechanisms with bimetal element with compensation for ambient temperature
    • 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
    • H01H71/74—Means for adjusting the conditions under which the device will function to provide protection
    • H01H71/7427—Adjusting only the electrothermal mechanism

Definitions

  • the present invention precludes these possibilities by means of a compensator which maintains contact pressure up to the instant of opening.
  • a resettable circuit breaker having considerable advantage over the use of separate fuses and circuit breakers as safety devices for example, the natural reaction to a cessation of power to any appliance is to turn the unit off by means provided thereon whether it be a knob, push button, lever, etc.
  • the act of opening the switch contacts in the present invention resets the circuit breaker in preparation for a return to normal conditions.
  • a further object of the present invention is to eliminate the need for a separate fuse or circuit breaker in numerous electrical appliances.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a temperature responsive circuit breaker capable of being 3,238,331 Patented Mar. 1, 1966 reset manually by normal manipulation of a control knob.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the general configuration of the present invention as it cooperates with a metal cup containing an insulative rotor movably carrying a floating contact ring and an actuating projection for the present circuit breaker.
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the cooperative relationship of the component parts of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a top view of the switch-circuit breaker assembly with the top of the upper chamber removed showing the components in the operating, current-carrying position.
  • FIG. 4 is the same as FIG. 3, except the bow spring, conductive leaf and bimental contact spring are shown as they would appear after a thermal overload had been introduced placing the conductive leaf spring in a cocked position for resetting.
  • FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 represent typical applications for the present invention such as a push-push switch; a variable resistor in which the operating shaft moves both radially, to regulate resistance, and axially to manipulate the switch and circuit breaker; a conventional rotary switch and a multi-plunger pushbutton switch.
  • the basic unit consists of a housing of insulative material adapted to be attached to a circular cup containing a movable rotor which carries a floating ring type contact and an integral actuator for resetting a bimetal circuit breaker assembled in a cavity in the in sulative housing.
  • the switch proper is manipulated manually from one position to another through an overcenter spring while the circuit breaker only responds to a pre-determined thermal condition in one direction and is manually reset in the other direction.
  • the circuit breaker is capable of withstanding normal ambient temperatures as well as brief current surges without opening the contacts or permitting contact pressure to diminish until just prior to breaking.
  • the housing provides a base for the power switch contacts and a chamber on a different level for the overload mechanism. An adjustment is also provided whereby the thermal resistance of the circuit breaker can be increased or decreased depending on the temperature operating range desired.
  • Terminal 12 is an integral part of contact frame 15 which serves as a carrier for circuit breaker assembly 16 comprising a bow spring 17 and a bimetal spring 19 welded to conductive leaf spring 18 as shown at 26.
  • Tab 21 of spring 18 is welded to tab 22 of contact frame 15.
  • the assembly consisting of bow spring 17, conductive leaf spring 18, bimetal contact spring 19 and contact frame 15, is inserted into cavity 23 of housing 10 and secured thereto by rivet 14.
  • An actuating tab 24 projects through aperture 25 of contact frame and is actuated into reset position by rotor projection 26, shown in FIG. 1.
  • a three point contact is necessary to complete an active circuit. Therefore, when terminal 11 and contact 27 are assembled to housing It by rivets 13 and 28, a nest is formed to receive contact ring 29 shown in FIG. 1. A three point contact between terminal 11, terminal 12 and contact 27, completes the circuit with two terminations.
  • a weakening slot 30 is provided in contact frame 15 in order that the bow spring pivot arm 31 may be adjusted to increase or decrease the mechanical stress of the bimetal leaf thereby changing the range of currents to be tolerated by the circuit breaker.
  • FIG. 3 normal on position
  • a live circuit is formed through contact frame 15 and integral terminal 12, contact ring '29, terminal 11 and contact 27.
  • circuit breaker assembly 16 snaps into open position as shown by solid lines in FIG. 4, thereby isolating terminal 11, contact ring 29 and contact 27 for which there is no wire connection.
  • contact ring 29 opens the connection between contact 27 and terminal 11, cutting oif the power supply and at the same time resetting the circuit breaker in preparation for a return to normal conditions when reverse manipulation of the switch shaft to the on position places the rotor projection back to the position shown in FIG. 3. Until a subsequent overload is again encountered the projection is ineffective in both positions.
  • an electric switch and overload mechanism responsive to an overload current of a range of overload currents comprising: a housing carrying a plurality of terminals; a first level formed within said housing; a means carrying a contact ring and mounted within said first level, said means for actuating said ring from a disengaged position to an engaged position with said terminals so as to allow current to pass therethrough; a second level formed in said housing, said second level including an adjustable contact frame means containing a weakening slot for pivotally mounting an overcenter snap action circuit breaker means, the position of said adjustable contact frame determinative of said overload current of said range of overload currents, said circuit breaker means including a contact carrying bimetal spring means having a contact carrying end normally biased into engagement with one of said terminals, said contact remaining in engagement with said one terminal as an initial flow of said overload current flows therethrough, continued flow of said overload current displacing said circuit breaker means so as to store energy therein, said circuit breaker means releasing said stored energy after said overcenter condition is exceeded thereby disp
  • an electric switch and overload 'mechanism adjustable so as to respond to a particular overload current of a plurality of overload currents
  • a housing having a base, said base carrying a plurality of terminals; a first level formed within said housing by said base; a rotor means carrying a floating contact ring and mounted within said first level, said rotor means for actuating said ring from a disengaged position to an engaged position with said terminals so as to allow current to pass therethrough; a second level formed in said base, said second level including an adjustable contact frame means for pivotally mounting an overcenter snap action circuit breaker means, said adjustable contact frame including a slot whose width is determinative of the longitudinal compression under which said circuit breaker means is mounted, said circuit breaker means including a contact carrying bimetal spring means having a free contact carrying end normally biased into engagement with one of said terminals, said contact remaining in engagement with said one terminal as an initial overload current flows therethrough, continued fiow of said overload current displacing said circuit breaker means so as to store
  • an electric switch and overload mechanism adjustable so as to respond to a particular overload current of a plurality of overload currents
  • a housing having a base, said base carrying a plurality of terminals; a first level formed within said housing by said base; a rotor means carrying a floating contact ring and mounted within said first level, said rotor means for actuating said ring from a disengaged position to an engaged position with said terminals so as to allow current to pass therethrough; a second level formed in said base, said second level including an adjustable contact frame means for pivotally mounting an overcenter snap action circuit breaker means, said adjustable contact frame including a slot whose Width is determinative of the longitudinal compression under which said circuit breaker means is mounted, said circuit breaker means including a contact carrying bimetal spring means having a free contact carrying end normally biased into engagement with one of said terminals, said contact remaining in engagement with said one terminal as an initial flow of said overload current flows therethrough, continued flow of said overload current displacing said circuit breaker means so as to store
  • an electric switch and overload mechanism comprising: a housing carrying a plurality of terminals; a first level formed within said housing; means carrying a contact ring and mounted within said first level, said rotor means for actuating said ring from a disengaged position to an engaged position with said terminals so as to allow current to pass therethrough; and a second level formed in said housing, said second level including an adjustable means containing a weakening slot for mounting an overcenter snap action circuit breaker means, said circuit breaker means including a leaf spring means having an end coupled to said mounting means, a contact carrying bimetal spring means having one end coupled to said leaf spring, said bimetal spring extending angularly with respect to said leaf spring to normally bias said contact into engagement with one of said terminals, a bowed spring having one extremity coupled to the other end of said leaf spring and said other extremity of said bowed spring coupled to said mounting means, said contact of said bimetal spring remaining in engagement with said one terminal as in initial overload current flows therethrough, continued flow of said overload
  • an electric switch and overload mechanism adjustable so as to respond to a particular overload current of a plurality of overload currents comprising: a housing carrying a plurality of terminals; a first level formed within said housing, a means carrying a contact ring and mounted within said first level, said rotor means for actuating said ring from a disengaged position to an engaged position with said terminals so as to allow current to pass therethrough; and a second level formed in said housing, said second level includmg an adjustable contact frame means containing a weakening slot for mounting an overcenter snap action circuit breaker means, the position of said adjustable contact frame determinative of said overload current of said range of overload currents, said circuit breaker means including a leaf spring means having an end coupled to said mounting means, a contact carrying bimetal spring means having one end coupled to said leaf spring, said bimetal spring extending angularly with respect to said leaf spring to normally bias said contact into engagement with one of said terminals, a bowed spring having one extremity coupled to the other
  • an electric switch and overload responsive to an overload current of a range of overload currents mechanism comprising: a housing carrying carrying a plurality of terminals; a first level formed with-in said housing; a means carrying a contact ring and mounted within said first level, said rotor means for actuating said ring from a disengaged position to an engaged position with said terminals so as to allow current to pass therethrough; a second level formed in said housing, said second level including an adjustable contact frame means for pivotally mounting an overcenter snap action circuit breaker means, said adjustable contact frame including a slot whose width is determinative of the longitudinal compression under which said circuit breaker means is mounted, said circuit breaker means including a leaf spring means having an end coupled to said mounting means, a contact carrying bimetal spring means having one end coupled to said leaf spring, said bimetal spring extending angularly with respect to said leaf spring to normally bias said contact into engagement with one of said terminals, a bowed spring having one extremity pivotally coupled to the other end of said leaf spring and said other
  • said bowed spring releasing said stored energy after said overcenter condition is exceeded so as to displace said contact of said bimetal spring from said engaged position with said one terminal with a snap action motion; and means for resetting said circuit breaker means, said circuit breaker means resettable only when said ring is disengaged from said terminals.
  • an electric switch and overload mechanism adjustable so as to respond to a particular overload current of a plurality of overload currents
  • a housing having a base, said base carrying a plurality of terminals; a first level formed within said housing by said base; a rotor means carrying a floating contact ring and mounted within said first level, said rotor means for actuating said ring from a disengaged position to an engaged position with said terminals so as to allow current to pass thcrethrough; a second level formed in said base, said level including an adjustable contact frame means for pivotally mounting an overcenter snap action circuit breaker means, said adjustable contact frame in cluding a slot, whose width is determinative of the longitudinal compression under which said circuit breaker means is mounted, said circuit breaker means including a leaf spring means having an end coupled to said mounting means, a contact carrying bimetal spring means having one end coupled to said leaf spring, said bimetal spring extending angularly with respect to said leaf spring to normally bias said contact into engagement with one of said terminals,
  • an electric switch and overload mechanism adjustable so as to respond to a particular overload current of a plurality of overload currents comprising: a housing having a base, said base carrying a plurality of terminals; a first level formed within said housing by said base; a rotor means carrying a floating contact ring and mounted within said first level, said rotor means for actuating said ring from a disengaged position to an engaged position with said terminals so as to allow current to pass therethrough; a second level formed in said base, said second level including an adjustable contact frame means for pivotally mounting an overcenter snap action circuit breaker means, said adjustable contact frame including a slot whose width is determinative of the longitudinal compression under which said circuit breaker means is mounted, said circuit breaker means including a leaf spring means having an end coupled to said mounting means, a contact carrying bimetal spring meas having one end coupled to said leaf spring, said bimetal spring extending angularly with respect to said leaf spring to normally bias said contact into engagement with one of said terminals, a b

Landscapes

  • Adjustable Resistors (AREA)
  • Breakers (AREA)

Description

March 1, 1966 M. T. LYBROOK 3,238,331
CIRCUIT BREAKER AND CONTROL AMBIENT TEMPERATURE COMPENSATOR INCLUDING WEAKENING SLOT ADJUSTING MEANS 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 23, 1963 SPOT WELDED TOGETHER INVENTOR; MALCOLM T LYBROOK ATTORNEY March 1, 1966 T LYBROOK 3,238,331
CIRCUIT BREAKER AND CONTROL AMBIENT TEMPERATURE COMPENSATOR INCLUDING WEAKENING SLOT ADJUSTING MEANS Filed Oct. 25, 1963 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR, MALCOLM T LYBROOK ATTORNEY I 3,238,331 PENSA'IOR March 1966 M. T. LYBROOK CIRCUIT BREAKER AND CONTROL AMBIENT TEMPERATURE COM INCLUDING WEAKENING SLOT ADJUSTING MEANS Filed Oct. 25, 1963 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.
MALCOLM 1'. LYBRO ATTORNE United States Patent 3,238,331 CIRCUIT BREAKER AND CONTROL AMBIENT TEMPERATURE COMPENSATOR INCLUDING WEAKENING SLOT ADJUSTING MEANS Malcolm T. Lybrook, Frankfort, Ind., assignor to P. R. Mallory & Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., a corporation of Delaware Filed Oct. 23, 1963, Ser. No. 318,253 13 Claims. (Cl. 200114) This invention relates to electric controls and particularly to fast break snap switches of the type usually found in radio and television receivers in combination with variable resistors, as well as other electrical apparatus. The present invention is a modification of the device described in application Serial No. 272,309, filed April 11, 1963, entitled Thermal Safe Power Switch for Controls.
As pointed out in assignees application Serial No. 272,309, the use of fuses and other separate thermal safe devices, some of which are independently mounted and actuated, is presently known and the aforementioned aplication provides a circuit breaker which tolerates limited current fluctuations under ordinary circumstances while the present improvement allows for ambient temperature changes, keeping the circuit closed during temporary current surges, the intensity of which would not be great enough to cause damage to components or the appliance itself.
Certain circuit breakers without ambient temperature compensation inherently have several undesirable operating characteristics for example; any heat rise introduced into the bi-metal strip invariably reduces contact pressure, and at times to the point where premature contact opening will occur; the slow displacement of the contact element induces contact welding or sticking and, of course, the possibility of intermittent opening and closing of the contacts is ever present.
The present invention precludes these possibilities by means of a compensator which maintains contact pressure up to the instant of opening. I have thus provided a resettable circuit breaker having considerable advantage over the use of separate fuses and circuit breakers as safety devices for example, the natural reaction to a cessation of power to any appliance is to turn the unit off by means provided thereon whether it be a knob, push button, lever, etc. The act of opening the switch contacts in the present invention resets the circuit breaker in preparation for a return to normal conditions.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved snap switch for operation under fluctuating current conditions.
It is another object of the present invention to pro vide a new and novel snap switch having an integral temperature responsive circuit breaker which will not be falsely tripped or opened due to normal momentary surges of current.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a circuit breaker having a means for holding back the opening action of the circuit breaker against a transient harmless overload.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a combination snap switch and circuit breaker.
A further object of the present invention is to eliminate the need for a separate fuse or circuit breaker in numerous electrical appliances.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a temperature responsive circuit breaker capable of being 3,238,331 Patented Mar. 1, 1966 reset manually by normal manipulation of a control knob.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a circuit breaker which can be adjusted to various critical ranges of thermal response.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a compact power switch and circuit breaker combination which is small in size and economical to manufacture.
Other objects will become apparent when the following description is taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the general configuration of the present invention as it cooperates with a metal cup containing an insulative rotor movably carrying a floating contact ring and an actuating projection for the present circuit breaker.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the cooperative relationship of the component parts of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a top view of the switch-circuit breaker assembly with the top of the upper chamber removed showing the components in the operating, current-carrying position.
FIG. 4 is the same as FIG. 3, except the bow spring, conductive leaf and bimental contact spring are shown as they would appear after a thermal overload had been introduced placing the conductive leaf spring in a cocked position for resetting.
FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 represent typical applications for the present invention such as a push-push switch; a variable resistor in which the operating shaft moves both radially, to regulate resistance, and axially to manipulate the switch and circuit breaker; a conventional rotary switch and a multi-plunger pushbutton switch.
Generally speaking, the basic unit consists of a housing of insulative material adapted to be attached to a circular cup containing a movable rotor which carries a floating ring type contact and an integral actuator for resetting a bimetal circuit breaker assembled in a cavity in the in sulative housing. The switch proper is manipulated manually from one position to another through an overcenter spring while the circuit breaker only responds to a pre-determined thermal condition in one direction and is manually reset in the other direction. The circuit breaker is capable of withstanding normal ambient temperatures as well as brief current surges without opening the contacts or permitting contact pressure to diminish until just prior to breaking. The housing provides a base for the power switch contacts and a chamber on a different level for the overload mechanism. An adjustment is also provided whereby the thermal resistance of the circuit breaker can be increased or decreased depending on the temperature operating range desired.
Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown at 10 a generally circular housing made of insulating molding material carrying a plurality of wire connecting terminals 11 and 12 securely fastened to a housing 10 by rivets 13 and 14. Terminal 12 is an integral part of contact frame 15 which serves as a carrier for circuit breaker assembly 16 comprising a bow spring 17 and a bimetal spring 19 welded to conductive leaf spring 18 as shown at 26. Tab 21 of spring 18 is welded to tab 22 of contact frame 15. The assembly consisting of bow spring 17, conductive leaf spring 18, bimetal contact spring 19 and contact frame 15, is inserted into cavity 23 of housing 10 and secured thereto by rivet 14. An actuating tab 24 projects through aperture 25 of contact frame and is actuated into reset position by rotor projection 26, shown in FIG. 1. As described in application Serial No. 272,309, a three point contact is necessary to complete an active circuit. Therefore, when terminal 11 and contact 27 are assembled to housing It by rivets 13 and 28, a nest is formed to receive contact ring 29 shown in FIG. 1. A three point contact between terminal 11, terminal 12 and contact 27, completes the circuit with two terminations. A weakening slot 30 is provided in contact frame 15 in order that the bow spring pivot arm 31 may be adjusted to increase or decrease the mechanical stress of the bimetal leaf thereby changing the range of currents to be tolerated by the circuit breaker.
Contact frame 15 is prevented from rotating around rivet 14 when aperture 32 is assembled over projection 33 extending above the surface 34 of housing 10.
As can be more clearly seen in FIG. 3 (normal on position), a live circuit is formed through contact frame 15 and integral terminal 12, contact ring '29, terminal 11 and contact 27. When an overload current is introduced, circuit breaker assembly 16 snaps into open position as shown by solid lines in FIG. 4, thereby isolating terminal 11, contact ring 29 and contact 27 for which there is no wire connection. When the appliance is turned off, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 4, contact ring 29 opens the connection between contact 27 and terminal 11, cutting oif the power supply and at the same time resetting the circuit breaker in preparation for a return to normal conditions when reverse manipulation of the switch shaft to the on position places the rotor projection back to the position shown in FIG. 3. Until a subsequent overload is again encountered the projection is ineffective in both positions.
While I have described a single embodiment of the present invention, it is to be understood that modifiications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. I claim as my invention:
1. In a combination an electric switch and overload mechanism adjustable so as to respond to a particular overload current of a plurality of overload currents comprising: a housing carrying a plurality of terminals; a first level formed within said housing; a means carrying a contact ring and mounted within said first level, said rotor means for actuating said ring from a disengaged position to an engaged position with said terminals so as to allow current to pass therethrough; and a second level formed in said housing, said second level including an adjustable contact frame means containing a weakening slot for mounting an overcenter snap action circuit breaker means, the position of said adjustable contact frame determinative of said overload current of said range of overload currents, said circuit breaker means including a contact carrying bimetal spring means having a contact carrying end normally biased into engagement with one of said terminals, said contact remaining in engagement with said one terminal as an initial flow of said overload current flows therethrough, continued flow of said overload current displacing said circuit breaker means so as to store energy therein, said circuit breaker means releasing said stored energy after said overcenter condition is exceeded thereby displacing said contact of said bimetal spring from said engaged position with said one terminal with a snap action motion.
I 2. In combination an electric switch and overload mechanism responsive to an overload current of a range of overload currents comprising: a housing carrying a plurality of terminals; a first level formed within said housing; a means carrying a contact ring and mounted within said first level, said means for actuating said ring from a disengaged position to an engaged position with said terminals so as to allow current to pass therethrough; a second level formed in said housing, said second level including an adjustable contact frame means containing a weakening slot for pivotally mounting an overcenter snap action circuit breaker means, the position of said adjustable contact frame determinative of said overload current of said range of overload currents, said circuit breaker means including a contact carrying bimetal spring means having a contact carrying end normally biased into engagement with one of said terminals, said contact remaining in engagement with said one terminal as an initial flow of said overload current flows therethrough, continued flow of said overload current displacing said circuit breaker means so as to store energy therein, said circuit breaker means releasing said stored energy after said overcenter condition is exceeded thereby displacing said contact of said bimetal spring from said engaged position with said one terminal with a snap action motion; and means for resetting said circuit breaker means, said circuit breaker means resettable only when said ring is disengaged from said terminals.
3. In combination an electric switch and overload mechanism adjustable so as to respond to a particular overload current of a plurality of overload currents comprising: a housing carrying a plurality of terminals; a first level formed within said housing; a means carrying a contact ring and mounted within said first level, said means for actuating said ring from a disengaged position to an engaged position with said terminals so as to allow current to pass therethrough; a second level formed in said housing, said second level including an adjustable contact frame means for pivotally mounting an overcenter snap action circuit breaker means, said adjustable contact frame including a slot whose width is determinative of said overload current of said plurality of overload currents, said circuit breaker means including a contact carrying bimetal spring means having a contact carrying end normally biased into engagement with one of said terminals, said contact remaining in engagement with said one terminal as an initial flow of said overload current flows therethrough, continued flow of said overload current displacing said circuit breaker means so as to store energy therein, said circuit breaker means releasing said stored energy after said overcenter condition is exceeded thereby displacing said contact of said bimetal spring from said engaged position with said One terminal with a snap action motion; and means for resetting said circuit breaker means, said circuit breaker means resettable only when said ring is disengaged from said terminals.
4. In combination an electric switch and overload mechanism responsive to an overload current of a range of overload currents comprising: a housing carrying a plurality of terminals; a first level formed within said housing; a means carrying a contact ring and mounted Within said first level, said rotor means for actuating said ring from a disengaged position to an engaged position with said terminals so as to allow current to pass therethrough; a second level formed in said housing, said second level including an adjustable contact frame means for pivotally mounting an overcenter snap action circuit breaker means, said adjustable contact frame including a slot whose width is determinative of the longitudinal compression under which said circuit breaker means is mounted, said circuit breaker means including a contact carrying bimetal spring means having a contact carrying end normally biased into engagement with one of said terminals, said contact remaining in engagement with said one terminal as an initial overload current flows therethrough, continued flow of said overload current displacmg said circuit breaker means so as to store energy therein, said circuit breaker means releasing said stored energy after said overcenter condition is exceeded thereby displacing said contact of said bimetal spring from said engaged position with said one terminal with a snap action motion; and means for resetting said circuit breaker means, said circuit breaker means resettable only when said ring is disengaged from said terminals.
5. In combination an electric switch and overload 'mechanism adjustable so as to respond to a particular overload current of a plurality of overload currents comprising: a housing having a base, said base carrying a plurality of terminals; a first level formed within said housing by said base; a rotor means carrying a floating contact ring and mounted within said first level, said rotor means for actuating said ring from a disengaged position to an engaged position with said terminals so as to allow current to pass therethrough; a second level formed in said base, said second level including an adjustable contact frame means for pivotally mounting an overcenter snap action circuit breaker means, said adjustable contact frame including a slot whose width is determinative of the longitudinal compression under which said circuit breaker means is mounted, said circuit breaker means including a contact carrying bimetal spring means having a free contact carrying end normally biased into engagement with one of said terminals, said contact remaining in engagement with said one terminal as an initial overload current flows therethrough, continued fiow of said overload current displacing said circuit breaker means so as to store energy therein, said circuit breaker means releasing said stored energy after said overcenter condition is exceeded thereby displacing said contact of said bimetal spring from said engaged position with said one terminal with a snap action motion; and means for resetting said circuit breaker means, said circuit breaker means resettable only when said ring is disengaged from said terminals.
6. In combination an electric switch and overload mechanism adjustable so as to respond to a particular overload current of a plurality of overload currents comprising: a housing having a base, said base carrying a plurality of terminals; a first level formed within said housing by said base; a rotor means carrying a floating contact ring and mounted within said first level, said rotor means for actuating said ring from a disengaged position to an engaged position with said terminals so as to allow current to pass therethrough; a second level formed in said base, said second level including an adjustable contact frame means for pivotally mounting an overcenter snap action circuit breaker means, said adjustable contact frame including a slot whose Width is determinative of the longitudinal compression under which said circuit breaker means is mounted, said circuit breaker means including a contact carrying bimetal spring means having a free contact carrying end normally biased into engagement with one of said terminals, said contact remaining in engagement with said one terminal as an initial flow of said overload current flows therethrough, continued flow of said overload current displacing said circuit breaker means so as to store energy therein, and increasing the contact pressure exerted by said contact carrying bimetal spring against said one terminal, said circuit breaker means releasing said stored energy after said overcenter condition is exceeded thereby displacing said contact of said bimetal spring from said engaged position with said one terminal with a snap action motion; and means for resetting said circuit breaker means, said circuit breaker means resettable only when said ring is disengaged from said terminals.
7. In combination an electric switch and overload mechanism comprising: a housing carrying a plurality of terminals; a first level formed within said housing; means carrying a contact ring and mounted within said first level, said rotor means for actuating said ring from a disengaged position to an engaged position with said terminals so as to allow current to pass therethrough; and a second level formed in said housing, said second level including an adjustable means containing a weakening slot for mounting an overcenter snap action circuit breaker means, said circuit breaker means including a leaf spring means having an end coupled to said mounting means, a contact carrying bimetal spring means having one end coupled to said leaf spring, said bimetal spring extending angularly with respect to said leaf spring to normally bias said contact into engagement with one of said terminals, a bowed spring having one extremity coupled to the other end of said leaf spring and said other extremity of said bowed spring coupled to said mounting means, said contact of said bimetal spring remaining in engagement with said one terminal as in initial overload current flows therethrough, continued flow of said overload current straightening said bimetal spring thereby displacing said leaf spring and said bowed spring so as to store energy in said bowed spring, said bowed spring releasing said stored energy after said overcenter condition is exceeded so as to displace said contact of said bimetal spring from said engaged posit-ion with said one terminal with a snap action motion.
'8. In combination an electric switch and overload mechanism adjustable so as to respond to a particular overload current of a plurality of overload currents comprising: a housing carrying a plurality of terminals; a first level formed within said housing, a means carrying a contact ring and mounted within said first level, said rotor means for actuating said ring from a disengaged position to an engaged position with said terminals so as to allow current to pass therethrough; and a second level formed in said housing, said second level includmg an adjustable contact frame means containing a weakening slot for mounting an overcenter snap action circuit breaker means, the position of said adjustable contact frame determinative of said overload current of said range of overload currents, said circuit breaker means including a leaf spring means having an end coupled to said mounting means, a contact carrying bimetal spring means having one end coupled to said leaf spring, said bimetal spring extending angularly with respect to said leaf spring to normally bias said contact into engagement with one of said terminals, a bowed spring having one extremity coupled to the other end of said leaf spring and said other extremity of said bowed spring coupled to said mounting means, said contact of said bimetal spring remaining in engagement with said one terminal as an initial overload current flows therethrough, contmued fiow of said overload current straightening said bimetal spring thereby displacing said leaf spring and said bowed spring so as to store energy in said bowed sp-rmg, said bowed spring releasing said stored energy after said overcenter condition is exceeded so as to displace said contact of said bimetal spring from said engaged position with said one terminal with a snap action motion.
9. In combination an electric switch and overload mechanism responsive to an overload current of a range of overload currents comprising: a housing carrying a plurality of terminals; a first level formed within said housing; a means carrying a contact ring and mounted with said first level, said means for actuating said ring from a disengaged position to an engaged position with said terminals so as to allow current to pass therethrough; a second level formed in said housing, said second level including an adjustable contact frame means containing a weakening slot for pivotally mounting an overcenter snap action circuit breaker means, the position of said adjustable contact frame determinative of said overload current of said range of overload currents, said circuit breaker means including a leaf spring means having an end coupled to said mounting means, a contact carrying bimetal spring means having one end coupled to said leaf spring, said bimetal spring extending angularly with respect to said leaf spring to normally bias said contact into engagement with one of said terminals, a bowed spring having one extremity pivotally coupled to the other end of said leaf spring and said other extremity of said bowed spring pivotally coupled to said mounting means, said contact of said bimetal spring remaining in engagement with said one terminal as an initial flow of said overload current flows therethrough, continued flow of said overload current straightening said bimetal spring thereby displacing said leaf spring and said bowed spring so as to store energy in said bowed spring, said bowed spring releasing said stored energy after said overcenter condition is exceeded so as to displace said contact of said bimetal spring from said engaged position with said one terminal with a snap action motion; and means for resetting said circuit breaker means, said circuit breaker means resettable only when said ring is disengaged from said terminals.
10. In combination an electric switch and overload mechanism adjustable so as to respond to a particular overload current of a plurality of overload currents comprising: a housing carrying a plurality of terminals; a first level formed within said housing; a means carrying a contact ring and mounted within said first level, said means for actuating said ring from a disengaged position to an engaged position with said terminals so as to allow current to pass therethrough; a second level formed in said housing, said second level including an adjustable contact frame means for pivotally mounting an overcenter snap action circuit breaker means, said adjustable contact frame including a slot whose width is determinative of said overload current of said plurality of overload currents, said circuit breaker means including a leaf spring means having an end coupled to said mounting means, a contact carrying bimetal spring means having one end coupled to said leaf spring, said bimetal spring extending angularly with respect to said leaf spring to normally bias said contact into engagement with one of said terminals, a bowed spring having one extremity pivotally coupled to the other end of said leaf spring and said other extremity of said bowed spring pivotally coupled to said mounting means, said contact of said bimetal spring remaining in engagement with said one terminal as an initial flow of said overload current flows therethrough, continued flow of said overload current straightening said bimetal spring thereby displacing said leaf spring and said bowed spring so as to store energy in said bowed spring, said bowed spring releasing said stored energy after said overcenter condition is exceeded so as to displace said contact of said bimetal spring from said engaged position with said one terminal with a snap action motion; and means for resetting said circuit breaker means, said circuit breaker means resettable only when said ring is disengaged from said terminals.
11. In combination an electric switch and overload responsive to an overload current of a range of overload currents mechanism comprising: a housing carrying carrying a plurality of terminals; a first level formed with-in said housing; a means carrying a contact ring and mounted within said first level, said rotor means for actuating said ring from a disengaged position to an engaged position with said terminals so as to allow current to pass therethrough; a second level formed in said housing, said second level including an adjustable contact frame means for pivotally mounting an overcenter snap action circuit breaker means, said adjustable contact frame including a slot whose width is determinative of the longitudinal compression under which said circuit breaker means is mounted, said circuit breaker means including a leaf spring means having an end coupled to said mounting means, a contact carrying bimetal spring means having one end coupled to said leaf spring, said bimetal spring extending angularly with respect to said leaf spring to normally bias said contact into engagement with one of said terminals, a bowed spring having one extremity pivotally coupled to the other end of said leaf spring and said other extremity of said bowed spring pivotally coupled to said mounting means, said contact of said bimetal spring remaining in engagement with said one terminal as an initial overload current flows therethrough, continued fiow of said overload current straightening said bimetal spring thereby displacing said leaf spring and said bowed spring so as to store energy in said bowed spring,
said bowed spring releasing said stored energy after said overcenter condition is exceeded so as to displace said contact of said bimetal spring from said engaged position with said one terminal with a snap action motion; and means for resetting said circuit breaker means, said circuit breaker means resettable only when said ring is disengaged from said terminals.
12. In combination an electric switch and overload mechanism adjustable so as to respond to a particular overload current of a plurality of overload currents comprising: a housing having a base, said base carrying a plurality of terminals; a first level formed within said housing by said base; a rotor means carrying a floating contact ring and mounted within said first level, said rotor means for actuating said ring from a disengaged position to an engaged position with said terminals so as to allow current to pass thcrethrough; a second level formed in said base, said level including an adjustable contact frame means for pivotally mounting an overcenter snap action circuit breaker means, said adjustable contact frame in cluding a slot, whose width is determinative of the longitudinal compression under which said circuit breaker means is mounted, said circuit breaker means including a leaf spring means having an end coupled to said mounting means, a contact carrying bimetal spring means having one end coupled to said leaf spring, said bimetal spring extending angularly with respect to said leaf spring to normally bias said contact into engagement with one of said terminals, a bowed spring having one extremity pivotally coupled to the other end of said leaf spring and said other extremity of said bowed spring pivotally coupled to said mounting means, said contact of said bimetal spring remaining in engagement with said one terminal as an initial overload current flows therethrough, continued flow of said overload current straightening said bimetal spring thereby displacing said leaf spring and said bowed spring so as to store energy in said bowed spring, said bowed spring releasing said stored energy after said overcenter condition is exceeded so as to displace said contact of said bimetal spring from said engaged position with said one terminal with a snap action motion; and means for resetting said circuit breaker means, said circuit breaker means resettable only when said ring is disengaged from said terminals.
13. In combination an electric switch and overload mechanism adjustable so as to respond to a particular overload current of a plurality of overload currents comprising: a housing having a base, said base carrying a plurality of terminals; a first level formed within said housing by said base; a rotor means carrying a floating contact ring and mounted within said first level, said rotor means for actuating said ring from a disengaged position to an engaged position with said terminals so as to allow current to pass therethrough; a second level formed in said base, said second level including an adjustable contact frame means for pivotally mounting an overcenter snap action circuit breaker means, said adjustable contact frame including a slot whose width is determinative of the longitudinal compression under which said circuit breaker means is mounted, said circuit breaker means including a leaf spring means having an end coupled to said mounting means, a contact carrying bimetal spring meas having one end coupled to said leaf spring, said bimetal spring extending angularly with respect to said leaf spring to normally bias said contact into engagement with one of said terminals, a bowed spring having one extremity pivotally coupled to the other end of said leaf spring and said other extremity of said bowed spring pivotally coupled to said mounting means, said contact of said bimetal spring remaining in engagement with said one terminal as a initial flow of said overload current flows therethrough, continued flow of said overload current straightening said bimetal spring thereby displacing said leaf spring and said bowed spring so as to store energy in said bowed spring and increasing the contact pressure exerted by said contact carrying bimetal spring against said one terminal, said bowed spring releasing said stored energy after said overcenter condition is exceeded so as to displace said contact of said bimetal spring from said engaged position with said one terminal with a snap action motion; and means for resetting said circuit breaker means, said circuit breaker means resettable only when said ring is disengaged from said terminals.
References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,275,893 3/1942 Ettinger 200139 2,521,120 9/1950 Harrold 20067 2,611,845 9/1952 Miller 20067 BERNARD A. GILHEANY, Primary Examiner. H. A. LEWITTER, Assistant Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. IN A COMBINATION AN ELECTRIC SWITCH AND OVERLOAD MECHANISM ADJUSTABLE SO AS TO RESPOND TO A PARTICULAR OVERLOAD CURRENT OF A PLURALITY OF OVERLOAD CURRENTS COMPRISING: A HOUSING CARRYING A PLURALITY OF TERMINALS; A FIRST LEVEL FORMED WITHIN SAID HOUSING; A MEANS CARRYING A CONTACT RING AND MOUNTED WITHIN SAID FIRST LEVEL, SAID ROTOR MEANS FOR ACTUATING SAID RING FROM A DISENGAGED POSITION TO AN ENGAGED POSITION WITH SAID TERMINALS SO AS TO ALLOW CURRENT TO PASS THERETHROUGH; AND A SECOND LEVEL FORMED IN SAID HOUSING, SAID SECOND LEVEL INCLUDING AN ADJUSTABLE CONTACT FRAME MEANS CONTAINING A WEAKENING SLOT FOR MOUNTING AN OVERCENTER SNAP ACTION CIRCUIT BREAKER MEANS, THE POSITION OF SAID ADJUSTABLE CONTACT FRAME DETERMINATIVE OF SAID OVERLOAD CURRENT OF SAID RANGE OF OVERLOAD CURRENTS, SAID CIRCUIT BREAKER MEANS INCLUDING A CONTACTING CARRYING BIMETAL SPRING MEANS HAVING A
US318258A 1963-10-23 1963-10-23 Circuit breaker and control ambient temperature compensator including weakening slot adjusting means Expired - Lifetime US3238331A (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US318258A US3238331A (en) 1963-10-23 1963-10-23 Circuit breaker and control ambient temperature compensator including weakening slot adjusting means
GB41521/64A GB1077677A (en) 1963-10-23 1964-10-12 Combined electric switch and overload mechanism

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US318258A US3238331A (en) 1963-10-23 1963-10-23 Circuit breaker and control ambient temperature compensator including weakening slot adjusting means

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3238331A true US3238331A (en) 1966-03-01

Family

ID=23237395

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US318258A Expired - Lifetime US3238331A (en) 1963-10-23 1963-10-23 Circuit breaker and control ambient temperature compensator including weakening slot adjusting means

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US3238331A (en)
GB (1) GB1077677A (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2289165A (en) * 1994-04-25 1995-11-08 Home Automation Ltd Dimmer switch

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2275893A (en) * 1940-04-17 1942-03-10 Edison General Elec Appliance Control device
US2521120A (en) * 1946-12-11 1950-09-05 Gen Motors Corp Overload protector
US2611845A (en) * 1951-03-31 1952-09-23 Hotpoint Inc Temperature control device

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2275893A (en) * 1940-04-17 1942-03-10 Edison General Elec Appliance Control device
US2521120A (en) * 1946-12-11 1950-09-05 Gen Motors Corp Overload protector
US2611845A (en) * 1951-03-31 1952-09-23 Hotpoint Inc Temperature control device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB1077677A (en) 1967-08-02

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0014102A1 (en) Thermostat
US2677026A (en) Circuit breaker
US5847638A (en) Thermal circuit protector and switch
GB1566231A (en) Overcurrent cutout
US3707694A (en) Thermally sensitive circuit control apparatus
US2293179A (en) Circuit breaker
US2897319A (en) Electric switch
CA1160663A (en) Creepless, snap action thermostat
US2783330A (en) Automatic circuit breaker
US2842635A (en) Circuit breaker with thermal and magnetic trip means
US1809275A (en) Circuit breaker
US3238331A (en) Circuit breaker and control ambient temperature compensator including weakening slot adjusting means
US2701284A (en) Latch insulation for quick break circuit breakers
US3413583A (en) Circuit breaker
GB1028634A (en) Overload protective electric switch
US2771528A (en) Thermal overload switch
US2345451A (en) Switch
US5214405A (en) Miniature circuit-breaker with remote tripping
US3701068A (en) Motor protector
US2513748A (en) Electric switch
US2498039A (en) Thermostatic circuit breaker with contact arc prevention
US3043937A (en) Electrical control means
US3171928A (en) Electric circuit breaker with cam surfaces and wedging roller
US4520336A (en) Electrothermally actuated switch
US3014105A (en) Thermostatic controls