Circuit breaker having an unlocking mechanism and methods of operating same

摘要

Embodiments provide an electronic circuit breaker. The electronic circuit breaker has a moveable contact arm having a moveable main electrical contact, and a lockout mechanism operable to contact the moveable contact arm and block motion of thereof, the lockout mechanism having a lockout latch with one or more pivot joints, a moveable stop on, and an offset engagement portion, the moveable stop adapted to contact the moveable contact arm, and an unlock actuator providing an unlock force at the engagement portion causing lockout latch pivoting and release of the moveable contact arm. Also disclosed are secondary electrical contacts configured to engage each other in the ON configuration, with a leaf spring operably supporting a moveable one of the secondary contacts, the leaf spring configured to be flexed to close the secondary contacts. A method of operating the electronic circuit breaker is provided, as are other aspects.

主权项

1. An electronic circuit breaker,
comprising:
a housing;main electrical contacts configurable between an opened and closed condition, the main electrical contacts including a moveable main electrical contact coupled to a moveable contact arm;secondary electrical contacts adapted to supply power to an electronic circuit when closed;a handle moveable between at least an ON configuration and an OFF configuration whereas motion of the handle causes motion of the moveable contact arm;a lockout mechanism configured and operable to normally block motion of the moveable contact arm, the lockout mechanism including
a lockout latch having one or more pivot joints pivotal on the housing about a pivot axis on a first end, a moveable stop on a second end, and an engagement portion, andan unlock actuator configured and operative to provide an unlock force at the engagement portion causing pivoting of the lockout latch on the housing to cause the moveable stop to release the moveable contact arm.