Patent ID: 6034586
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
A circuit breaker, comprising:(a) first and second electrical leads;(b) an inductive coil having first and second ends, a first end of said inductive coil being connected to said first electrical lead, said inductive coil surrounding a magnetically permeable core, said magnetically permeable core being displaceable against a spring force in response to a current flowing through said inductive coil, a movement of said magnetically permeable core being damped by a viscous fluid;(c) an armature, disposed proximate to an end of said inductive coil such that a current in said inductive coil induces a magnetic field which acts to attract said armature;(d) at least two spring loaded collapsible toggle links, each having a collapse trigger, and actuating a displaceable contact arm having a first contact surface thereon, each of said displaceable contact arms being electrically connected to said second end of said inductive coil; and(e) at least two second contact surfaces, each being disposed intersecting a path of a respective one of said first contact surfaces, and being electrically connected to said second electrical lead,a movement of said armature selectively activating a respective collapse triggers associated with each of said collapsible toggle links to cause a displacement of said first contact away from said second contact.