Current direction sensitive circuit interrupter

摘要

A circuit interrupter includes a first terminal, a second terminal, separable contacts moveable between a closed position and an open position, an operating mechanism configured to open said separable contacts, an electromagnetic element electrically connected between the first terminal and the second terminal and cooperating with said operating mechanism, and a diode electrically connected between the first terminal and the second terminal and in parallel with the electromagnetic element. When a current flowing through the circuit interrupter flows in a first direction from the first terminal toward the second terminal, the current flows through the diode. When the current flowing through the circuit interrupter flows in a second direction from the second terminal toward the first terminal, the current flows through the electromagnetic element.

主权项

1. A circuit interrupter comprising:
a first terminal; a second terminal; separable contacts moveable between a closed position and an open position; an operating mechanism configured to open said separable contacts; an electromagnetic assembly cooperating with said operating mechanism, said electromagnetic assembly comprising:
an armature coupled with said operating mechanism, said armature being movable between a first position and a second position that causes the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts;a coil electrically connected between the first terminal and the second terminal cooperating with said armature to move said armature between the first position and the second position based on a current flowing through the coil;a magnet;a platform disposed between the magnet and the armature;a spring structured to bias the armature toward the first position; anda housing surrounding the coil, the magnet, the platform, and a portion of the armature, said housing including an opening structured to allow the armature to pass through it, wherein a current flowing through the circuit interrupter flows in a direction from the first terminal toward the second terminal, the current flows in a first direction through the coil and causes the armature to move to or maintain the first position; and wherein when the current flowing through the circuit interrupter flows in a direction from the second terminal toward the first terminal, the current flows in a second direction through the coil and causes the armature to move to or maintain the second position.