Patent ID: 6590482
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
An electrical circuit breaker comprising:a circuit breaker housing; a first electrical contact fixed within said housing; a contact arm rotatably secured within said housing, said contact arm having a second electrical contact secured to an end thereof; an operating mechanism secured within said housing, said operating mechanism including: a lower link operatively connected to the contact arm; an upper link including first and second legs extending from a central portion, said first leg pivotally secured to said lower link, said second leg including a cam surface formed thereon; a roller in intimate contact with said cam surface when said pair of electrical contacts are open, said cam surface being configured to increase a first displacement of said upper link about said central portion during said intimate contact relative to a second displacement of said upper link about said central portion prior to said intimate contact; and wherein said first displacement of said upper link about said central portion during said intimate contact moves said lower link causing said contact arm to rotate and move said second contact away from said first contact, said increase in said first displacement results in a gap between said pair of electrical contacts that is larger than with said second displacement.