Square D Company

Square, Inc.

Matthew D Sortland

John M Winter

Jerry Lynn Scheel

Randall L Siebels

Thomas A Edds

James V Fixemer

Charles H Wagner

Dale W Bennett

Gary W Scott

Duane Lee Turner

Eugene W Wehr

Rodney J Brune

Guntis U Strauss

A circuit breaker includes a first section and a second section with independently operating pairs of contact assemblies in each respective section. In the first section, at least one of the contact assemblies is constructed and arranged to interrupt the current by moving from a normally closed position to a blown-open position and latching with the contact assemblies separated. The second section has a biasing extension spring for biasing the contact assemblies of the second section so as to permit interruption of the current in response to a blow-open force, which causes the contacts to separate only momentarily and then return to a normally closed position. The first and second pairs of contact assemblies separate substantially simultaneously in response to the blow-open force, and only the first section reacts to lower-level over-current conditions. In addition to the contact assemblies, the second section of the circuit breaker is designed to operate using only a spring which is 'Z-axis' mountable. Other aspects of the invention include one-piece tripping actuator, a screw retainer assembly for securing the line or load terminal, a bimetal arrangement involving an improved calibration process and an associated stress-reducing line terminal.

Circuit breaker having double break mechanism

A circuit breaker includes a first section and a second section with substantially independently operating pairs of contact assemblies in each respective section. In the first section, at least one of the contact assemblies is constructed and arranged to interrupt the current by moving from a normally closed position to a blown-open position and latching with the contact assemblies separated. The second section has a biasing extension spring for biasing the contact assemblies of the second section so as to permit interruption of the current in response to a blow-open force, which causes the contacts to separate only momentarily and then return to a normally closed position. The first and second pairs of contact assemblies separate substantially simultaneously in response to the blow-open force, and only the first section reacts to lower-level over-current conditions. To prevent welding or sticking of the contacts in the second section, a kicker is interposed between the pairs of contact assemblies so as to slightly open the contact assemblies in the second section in response to the contact assemblies of the first section reacting to the lower-level over-current conditions. The circuit breaker is designed to operate using 'Z-axis' mountable components.

Double break circuit breaker having improved secondary section

A high current capacity blade for a circuit breaker, comprises a conductive blade body having front and rear sections connected to one another, where the rear section includes a surface attachment area for fastening a flexible connector of the circuit breaker thereto. A strain relief tang extending from the rear section of the blade body is used to engage the flexible connector so as to stabilize the fastening of the flexible connector to the surface attachment area. A broad conductive lateral section is connected to and extends laterally from the front section, and includes a blade tab for engaging a toggle spring of the circuit breaker. A broad moveable contact is mounted on the broad lateral section and is adapted to interface with a stationary contact of the circuit breaker. A pair of substantially parallel L-shaped blade legs are spaced from one another to permit the toggle spring to pass therebetween. Each of the blade legs has first and second ends with the first ends connected to the rear portion of the blade body and the second ends including respective blade pivots for engaging notches in a handle of the circuit breaker. The assembly accommodates automated Z-axis assembly.

High current capacity blade for a circuit breaker

An improved miniature circuit breaker is provided which is adapted to improved automatic assembly of all components thereof. Key components of the breaker are individually and collectively designed to be susceptible to total Z-axis assembly. In particular, the circuit breaker operating mechanism which operates the contacts thereof to make or break the electric circuit is formed of elements designed to interact in a Z-axis assemblable fashion. The movable contact is defined on a contact carrier or blade assembly which is adapted for Z-axis assembly and also provides increased arc erosion resistance and improved opening of the breaker contacts.

Automatic miniature circuit breaker with Z-axis assemblable contact

An improved miniature circuit breaker is provided which is adapted to improved automatic assembly of all components thereof. Key components of the breaker are individually and collectively designed to be susceptible to total Z-axis assembly. In particular, the magnetic-yoke and armature which comprise the current response mechanism for the circuit breaker are designed to interact with each other so that the magnetic armature can easily be Z-axis assembled onto the magnetic yoke.

Automatic miniature circuit breaker with Z-axis assemblage current

An improved miniature circuit breaker is provided which is adapted to improved automatic assembly of all components thereof. Key components of the breaker are individually and collectively designed to be susceptible to total Z-axis assembly. In particular, the trip mechanism including the trip lever, and the associated activation means, tension means and reset means are defined by elements designed to interact in a Z-axis assemblable fashion. The trip mechanism components are also designed for improved trip action and enhanced breaker performance in repeated OPEN, CLOSED, and TRIP operations.

Automatic miniature circuit breaker with Z-axis assemblable trip

A circuit breaker control system includes a motor driven fork assembly, activated from a remote location, for simultaneously opening all of the breaker load contacts and locking them in an open condition. A DC voltage is selectively applied to energize the reversible DC motor. The switch at the remote location can be operated to enable a user-customer to return the breaker to operable condition at the breaker site. This is accomplished with an SCR circuit that is enabled by the remote switch and actuated by the user to operate the motor in a reverse direction to release the load contacts.

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Swisher, IA, United States of America

Matthew D Sortland