Patent ID: 8642907
Filing Date: 2014-02-04
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. An opening assembly for an electrical switching apparatus, said electrical switching apparatus including a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing said separable contacts, said operating mechanism including a poleshaft, said opening assembly comprising: a spring link comprising a first portion structured to be pivotably coupled to said poleshaft, and a second portion disposed generally opposite of the first portion, said spring link being movable between an open position and a closed position; and a number of opening springs each including a fixed end structured to be fixedly coupled to the housing, and a movable end coupled to the second portion of said spring link, wherein, when said spring link is disposed in said open position, said number of opening springs are structured to bias said spring link and said poleshaft to maintain full separation of said separable contacts, and wherein, when said spring link is disposed in said closed position, said number of opening springs are structured not to bias said poleshaft.