Abstract An electrical control device or relay characterized by a pair of relatively separable contacts, means for moving the contacts between open and closed positions and comprising a latch member movable between unlatched and latched positions corresponding respectively to the open and closed positions of the contacts, three pole units of which each pole unit comprises a bimetal element responsive to current flow to effect heating thereof, a slide assembly associated with the bimetal elements of the pole unit and comprising first and second slides and a lever, the slide assembly being movable as a unit to move the latched member to the unlatched position when all of the bimetal elements are oerated, the lever being pivotally mounted on the second slide and engageable with the latch member, the first slide being movable in response to movement of at least one bimetal element to move the latch member through the lever to the unlatched position, the second slide being limited against movement when at least one of the bimetal elements is unoperable, and the first slide contacting the lever at a location between the location of mounting of the lever on the second slide and of engagement between the lever and the latch member.
An electrical control device comprising a first stationary contact, a movable contact, means for activating the contacts between open and closed positions and comprising a latch member movable between unlatched and latched positions corresponding respectively to the open and closed positions of the contacts, a plurality of pole units, each pole unit comprising bimetal means including a bimetal element responsive to current flow to effect heating thereof, a slide assembly associated with the bimetal elements of the pole unit and comprising first and second slides and a lever, the slide assembly being movable as a unit to move the latch member to the unlatched position when all of the bimetal elements are operated, the lever being pivotally mounted on the second slide and engageable with the latch member, the first slide being movable in response to movement of at least one bimetal element to move the latch member through the lever to the unlatched position, the second slide being limited against movement when at least one of the bimetal elements is unoperable, the first slide contacting the lever at a location between the location of mounting of the lever on the second slide and of engagement between the lever and the latch member, whereby when less than all of the bimetal elements respond to a predetermined amount of current in the pole units the first slide moves the lever against the latch member at a greater speed than where both slides move simultaneously, the device being enclosed within a housing and the first slide having an end portion external of the housing whereby the contacts may be manually tripped to the open position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
273 words
An electrical control device comprising a first stationary contact, a movable contact, means for activating the contacts between open and closed positions and comprising a latch member movable between unlatched and latched positions corresponding respectively to the open and closed positions of the contacts, a plurality of pole units, each pole unit comprising bimetal means including a bimetal element responsive to current flow to effect heating thereof, a slide assembly associated with the bimetal elements of the pole unit and comprising first and second slides and a lever, the slide assembly being movable as a unit to move the latch member to the unlatched position when all of the bimetal elements are operated, the lever being pivotally mounted on the second slide and engageable with the latch member, the first slide being movable in response to movement of at least one bimetal element to move the latch member through the lever to the unlatched position, the second slide being limited against movement when at least one of the bimetal elements is unoperable, the first slide contacting the lever at a location between the location of mounting of the lever on the second slide and of engagement between the lever and the latch member, whereby when less than all of the bimetal elements respond to a predetermined amount of current in the pole units the first slide moves the lever against the latch member at a greater speed than where both slides move simultaneously, the device being enclosed within a housing and the first slide having an end portion external of the housing whereby the contacts may be manually tripped to the open position.