Patent ID: 6265685
Filing Date: 2001-07-24
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
An electrical switchgear apparatus comprising:at least one pair of first and second separable contact means,the first contact means having a longitudinal axis, a first end with a contact zone, a second end with an electrical connection zone, and a slot in the first contact means between the contact and connection zones, the slot being close to the contact zone and opening toward the second separable contact means, the slot having a contact zone side edge closer to the contact zone than a distal-side edge, andthe second contact means having a contact zone, and being positioned so that the contact zone of the second contact means can contact the contact zone of the first means, thereby achieving a closed position and when separated an open position;an operating mechanism to move the at least one pair of contact means between the closed and open positions, along a path traced by the second contact means as the mechanism moves from the closed to open position, the path forming an angle with the longitudinal axis of the first contact means, in the direction of the second contact means, that is more than 45.degree. at a locus of the path where separation of the contact means takes place.