IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO MOLDED CASE CIRCUIT BREAKER WITH MOVABLE LOWER ELECTRICAL CONTACT

摘要

This invention relates generally to electric circuit breakers and, more particularly, to an improved contact structure especially for use in molded-case circuit breakers having small dimensions but relatively high interrupting capacities and current-limiting capability. …??The contact structure of the currently preferred embodiment comprises an elongate stationary conductor (62) and an electrically conductive contact arm (66) which together, form a pivotal connection (62F-G and 78) designed to facilitate the assembly of the structure in a small space and to provide good current transfer between the stationary conductor and the contact arm. The contact structure further includes springs (68) which maintain both pivotal engagement and contact pressure between the parts (62F-G, 78) forming the pivotal connection. The stationary conductor has a terminal portion (38B) formed integral therewith, and has a stop surface (62J) coacting with a stop portion (68) of the contact arm (66) to prevent movement of the latter beyond a position of initial contact engagement with respect to a movable companion contact (308) forming part of the complete contact means of the circuit breaker.