Patent ID: 7294798
Filing Date: 2007-11-13
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A mechanical locking device for mechanically connected contactors, the device comprising a first and a second actuating member configured to move in a direction parallel to a first connecting sidewall of a first contactor and a second connecting sidewall of a second contactor, the first actuating member being operatively connected to a first electromagnetic operating mechanism and a first movable contact of the first contactor, the second actuating member being operatively connected to a second electromagnetic operating mechanism and a second movable contact of the second contactor, the first actuating member defining a first curved recess disposed adjacent the first connecting sidewall, the second actuating member defining a second curved recess disposed adjacent the second connecting sidewall; and a locking element including a rolling element configured to be received in a respective opening in each of the first and second connecting sidewalls; wherein the first actuating member is configured to urge the locking element into the second recess when the first contactor is in a switched-on condition and the second actuating member is configured to urge the locking element into the first recess when the second contactor is in a switched-on condition.