Energy-storage operating mechanisms for circuit-interrupting structures

Abstract

An improved operating mechanism of the energy-storage type is provided for circuit-interrupting structures, including an energy-storing means having the energy content therein increased by the movement of a movable member, during the closing operation and a collapsible toggle-linkage is provided between the energy-storing means and the separable arcing contact structure of the circuit-interrupter structure. Improved means are provided for tripping operation, and thereby effecting the collapse of said toggle-linkage to effect the opening of said separable contact structure, and a second releasing means is preferably provided for discharging the stored-energy of the energy-storing means to effect thereby the straightening of said toggle-linkage and the consequent closing of the separable contacts within the circuit-interrupter during the closing operation. The energy-storing means, preferably, is provided by suitable spring-means, such as, for example, compression-spring means, which has the energy content therein increased during the closing operation of the circuit interrupter by suitable crank-means, for example, which increases the energy content of the energy-storage means until a certain point in closing travel is reached, at which point releasing means effects an extenson of said spring means to thereby effect straightening of the toggle-linkage associated with the contacts of the circuit-interrupter and consequent closing of the separable contacts thereof.