US3171938A

US3171938A - Manual slow-close on spring operated breaker

Info

Publication number: US3171938A
Application number: US79734A
Authority: US
Inventors: Frank J Pokorny
Original assignee: ITE Circuit Breaker Co
Current assignee: ABB Inc USA; ITE Circuit Breaker Co
Priority date: 1960-12-30
Filing date: 1960-12-30
Publication date: 1965-03-02
Anticipated expiration: 1982-03-02

Description

March 2, 1965 F. J. POKORNY 3,171,938

MANUAL SLOW-CLOSE 0N SPRING OPERATED BREAKER Filed Dec. 50. 1960 4 1o Sheets-Sheet 1 INV EN TOR.

March 2, 1965 F. J. POKORNY, J ,1

MANUAL SLOW-CLOSE ON SPRING OPERATED BREAKER Filed Dec. so, 1960 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 37 m. Ea-

I 26 2 /2\ 27\ :/L I 33- I jfl 11?}. 5 c- 5 .58 i 173 42 L 1 4/ I 39 I INVENTOR.

\ Fez/w Fame/W March 2, 1965 F. J. POKORNY MANUAL SLOW-CLOSE ON SPRING OPERATED BREAKER 10 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 30, 1960 BY JJrQazE/m; fiwaqfw/Jbvav J. POKORNY March 2, 1965 I MANUAL SLOW-CEOSE ON SPRING OPERATED BREAKER 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 30, 1960 INVENTOR. ez/we a. Pal JEN! March 2, 1965 F. .1. POKORNY MANUAL SLOW-CLOSE 0N SPRING OPERATED BREAKER l0 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec. 30. 1960 INVENTOR. fe/sWA Pam/m? Arm/944.

March 2, 1965 F. J. POKORNY 3 MANUAL SLOW-CLOSE ON SPRING OPERATED BREAKER Filed Dec. 30. 1960 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 Iva/w March 2, 1965 F. J. POKORNY MANUAL SLOW-CLOSE ON SPRING OPERATED BREAKER 1O Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Dec. 30, 1960 ZE/n.

INV EN TOR. Fem/x: fawn/v.7

March 2, 1965 F. J. POKORNY MANUAL SLOW-CLOSE ON SPRING OPERATED BREAKER l0 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Dec. 30, 1960 March 2, 1965 F. J. POKORNY 3,171,933

- MANUAL SLOW-CLOSE 0N SPRING OPERATED BREAKER Filed Dec. 30. 1960 10 Sheets-Sheet 10 INV EN TOR. F/Ffl/VK J. F0101? Y United States Patent 3,171,938 I MANUAL SLOW-CLOSE 0N SPRING OPERATED BREAKER Frank J. Pokorny, Hatboro, Pa, assigner to I-T-E Circuit Breaker Company, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Filed Dec. 359, 1960, Ser. No. 79,734 24 Claims. (Ci. Nth-153) My invention relates to circuit breakers and, more particularly, to circuit breakers having a novel actuating mechanism adapted to close the circuit breaker either slowly or rapidly and to prevent a slow-closing operation when the circuit breaker is connected to an energized bus.

Circuit breakers presently in use are designed to be tripped automatically during short circuit or overload conditions. The tripping operation, of necessity, must be performed rapidly in order to minimize the efiects of a destructive are which is created when the breaker contacts begin to separate.

Once the source of an overload or short-circuit condition is discovered and the faulty condition is corrected the circuit breaker must be designed to rapidly close the breaker contacts into an energized bus. if the contacts are closed slowly, the voltage drop existing between the approaching contacts cause an arc to be drawn between the contacts. This are current path generates a blowopen force which urges the contacts toward separation requiring an extremely large closing force. In addition, the heat generated by the arc causes the contact surfaces to melt so that the contacts weld together and will not separate upon a subsequent short circuit or overload condition resulting in serious damage to the circuit breaker and the circuit being protected.

It is, however, desirable to incorporate a slow-close feature in the circuit breaker for inspection purposes. Due to the rapid speed at which breaker contacts are closed it is not possible by a visual examination to determine whether the contacts are closing in the proper sequence.

My novel actuating mechanism is so arranged to include a rapid tripping and opening operation. The actuating mechanism is further designed to permit a slowclose operation of the breaker contacts.

The actuating mechanism of my novel circuit breaker is so arranged to permit the circuit breaker to be closed slowly so that the closing sequence of the contacts may be readily observed, thus enabling the observer to make the adjustments needed to correct the closing sequence of the breaker contacts. The actuating mechanism is further designed to incorporate a safety feature so that the slow-close operation cannot be performed when the terminals of the circuit breaker are connected to an energized bus, even though the operator attempting to close my novel circuit breaker on to the energized bus is completely unfamiliar with the circuit breaker.

The actuating mechanism of my novel circuit breaker consists of a first and second toggle system which control the opening of the breaker contacts. The toggle systems are pivotally mounted between the operating arm of the actuating mechanism and the circuit breaker carriage. When the first toggle system is in the expanded state, the breaker contacts are engaged and when the first toggle system is in the collapsed state the breaker contacts are disengaged.

An opening spring is connected between the end links of the first toggle system which spring urges the first toggle system towards the collapsed position. The second toggle system has a first position which prevents the collapse of the first toggle system and a second position which permits the first toggle system to assume its collapsed state under the influence of the opening spring. The second toggle includes a trip roller carrier which is movable between a latched and an unlatched position. When in the latched position the trip roller carrier prevents the first toggle system irom collapsing. When the trip roller carrier is either manually or automatically unlatched, the first toggle system is able to collapse causing the breaker contacts to separate.

Operatively associated with the first toggle system is an eccentric cam which urges the first toggle system to its extended position when the cam is subjected to counterclockwise rotation. A plurality of closing springs drive the eccentric cam into engagement with the first toggle system. The closing springs may be charged by either manual or motor driven means.

The closing springs once charged are prevented from rotating the eccentric cam by means of a closing latch which is opcratively connected to the eccentric cam. The losing latch may be tripped either manually or automatically causing the breaker contacts to be rapidly closed.

The closing springs are charged by charging means mounted within the carriage. Once charged, the closing spring is prevented from releasing its stored energy by means of a closing latch which may be tripped either manually or automatically.

The charging means includes a driving motor which automatically recharges the closing spring upon completion of the closing operation.

My novel breaker operating mechanism is so arranged that even in emergency situations, where the power source for the charging motor is not functioning, the circuit breaker may still be closed on to the energized bus. This is accomplished by a manually operable charging means contained in the operating mechanism which permits the closing spring to be charged preparatory to the closing operation completely independent of the charging motor.

The circuit breaker carriage is slidably mounted in a grounded metal compartment which acts as a protective shield between the live parts and the men who operate it.' The manual tripping and closing controls are arranged so that the circuit breaker can be operated without opening the compartment door. The circuit breaker carriage includes a racking mechanism which moves the circuit breaker between its connected and disconnected positions. The operating handle for the racking mechanism is arranged to be inserted through an opening in the compartment door panel so that the circuit breaker may be moved between the connected and disconnected positions without opening the compartment door.

The operating mechanism is further arranged to include a slow-close operation of the breaker contacts.

The slow-close operation must not be capable of being performed when the breaker terminals are connected to the energized bus which the circuit breaker is designed to protect.

My novel operating mechanism is designed so that the slow-close operation cannot be performed unless the circuit breaker is at least partially removed from the breaker compartment which position insures that the breaker is disconnected from its associated energized bus.

A slow-close bracket must then be inserted into the operating mechanism. When properly positioned, the slowclose bracket permits the operating mechanism to slowly close the breaker contacts under the control of the manually operable charging means. The configuration of the handle portion of the slow-close bracket is such that the bracket may not be inserted into the operating mechanism unless the circuit breaker is in the partially removed position with respect to the associated breaker compartment. The handle also prevents the circuit breaker from being moved back into contact with the energized bus either accidentally or purposely during the slow-close operation. Even after the slow-close operation is completed the circuit breaker may not be reinserted into the breaker compartment due to the interference of the slow-close bracket with the compartment side wall. The slow-close bracket must be removed before the circuit breaker can be put back into normal operation. The slow-close bracket is further designed to enable the closing spring to remain in its charged state during the slow-close operation without danger of the contacts being rapidly closed by the charged closing spring after the slow-close operation. The circuit breaker is then in condition to be rapidly closed on to the energized bus Without recharging the closing spring.

It is therefore one object of my invention to provide a .novel operating mechanism for a circuit breaker which is capable of performing a rapid tripping operation.

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel operating mechanism for a circuit breaker which is capable of performing a rapid closing operation.

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel operating mechanism for a circuit breaker which is capable of performing a slow-close operation.

Still another object of my invention is to provide an operating mechanism for a circuit breaker which has a novel toggle system for controlling the operation of the breaker contacts.

Another object of my invention is to provide an operating mechanism for a circuit breaker having a novel slow-close operation which may not be performed when the circuit breaker is connected to an energized bus.

Still another object of my invention is to provide an operating mechanism with as low-close feature in which the circuit breaker being controlled by the operating mechanism may not be moved into engagement with its associated energized bus during the slow-close operation.

These and other objects will become readily apparent in connection with accompanying description and drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of my novel circuit breaker shown in the connected position in the breaker v I compartment.

FIGURES 2a through 20 are showing the circuit breaker of FIGURE 1 in three diiferent positions.

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the circuit breaker of FIGURE 1 partially removed from the breaker compartment in readiness for a slow-close operation.

FIGURES 4 through 7 are perspective views of the operating mechanism for the circuit breaker of FIGURE 2 showing the various positions of the operating mechanism.

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of the closing spring structure of FIGURES 4 through 7.

FIGURE 8a is a cross-sectional view of the slow-close bracket of FIGURE 8 taken along line A-A of FIG- URE 8.

FIGURE 9 is a view of the manual close lever.

FIGURE 10 is a side plan view of the operating mechanism of FIGURES 4 through 7 showing the operating mechanism in greater detail.

FIGURE 11 is a top plan view of the slow-close bracket shown in FIGURE 2.

FIGURES 12a, 12b and 120 are plan views of another embodiment of the slow-close bracket for use in combination with the circuit breaker shown in FIGURE 2.

FIGURES 13 through 15 are perspective views of other embodiments of the slow-close bracket to be used with the circuit breaker shown in FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 16 is a schematic diagram of the electrical system used in the operating mechanism of FIGURE 10.

FIGURE 1 shows circuit breaker Iii, which comprises three sets of cooperating contacts for a three-phase sys- 'tem, enclosed in a metal compartment Ill which is shown in fragmentary form in order to expose circuit breaker 10 to view. It should be understood that my novel operating device can be used in a single bus system as well as the phase system shown in FIGURE 1 since the operating mechanism does not require a three phase system for its novel operation. An aperture 14 is provided in door 12 to make the controls on circuit breaker 1% accessible, while door 12 of compartment II is closed as will be described more fully. A sliding panel 13 guided by runners 15 covers aperture 14 during routine operation so that compartment 11 fully encloses circuit breaker 16.

Circuit breaker I0 is comprised of a carriage 17 which houses the operating mechanism (not shown) of the circuit breaker. The controls and indicators (which will be more fully described) for circuit breaker II are mounted on front plate 23 of carriage 17 and are easily accessible for operating circuit breaker It).

A cover 24, which has been partially cut away to expose the elements of circuit breaker Iii, is mounted on carriage I! to further isolate the contact structure of circuit breaker lit to protect an operator from the live elements of the breaker. Mounted on said carriage are three cooperating contact structures 19 one of which is exposed to view. Contact structure 19 consists of a movable bridge 25 carrying fixedly mounted arcing 27 and main 29 contacts. Arcing 28 and main 3t? contacts which cooperate with arcing 2'7 and main 29 contacts respectively, are movably mounted to stationary head 26. Movable bridge 25 is controlled between an open and a closed position by pushrod 20 which is pivotally connected to bridge 25 at SI. The pushrod connected at its opposite end to the operating mechanism (not shown) which is housed in carriage 17. An arc chute 18 positioned immediately above contact structure 19 aids in the rapid extinguishment of an are formed between the cooperating contact structure I9 during a tripping operation of circuit breaker. Any well known arc chute may be employed in circuit breaker 10 such as for example, the arc chute described in copending US. application, Serial No. 77,432, filed December 21, 1960, entitled Arc Chute Side With Encapsulated Face Wound Blowout Coil, by F. J. Pokorny, and assigned to the assignee of the instant application. It should be understood that the instant invention does not rely upon the above-noted arc chute for its novely and the arc chute referred to is cited as merely exemplary. Carriage I7 may be moved into or out of compartment II by means of rollersZZ (only two of which are shown) which are pivotally mounted to the underside of carriage I7 by any well known means. A pointer 32 mounted on the side of carriage 17 cooperates with an indicator 33 pointed carried by circuit breaker I0 cooperate with contacts which are fastened to metal compartment 11 whereby

primary disconnects

36 and 33 cooperate with stationary discon nects 4i) and 42 respectively, while

secondary disconnects

35 and 39 cooperate with stationary disconnects 37 and 41 respectively. The circuit breaker III is movable with respect to compartment 11 by a racking mechanism (not shown) which is housed in carriage 17. The racking screw 43 (see FIGURE 1) is mounted on front plate 23 and is made accessible by means of aperture 14 in compartment door 12. The racking mechanism utilized may be any racking mechanism presently in use such as, for example, the racking mechanism described in US. application, Serial No. 812,634 entitled Four Position Drawout Unit, filed May 12, 1959, by C. H. Yarrick and F. J. Pokorny, and assigned to the same assignee as this application, or in copending US. application, Serial No. 86,349, entitled Racking Mechanism, filed February 1, 1961, by F. J. Pokorny and G. A. Wilson, and assigned by means of circuit breaker 10.

to the same assignee as the instant invention. It should be understood that the racking mechanism employed plays no part in the novelty of the instant invention.

When the circuit interrupter is in its operating position, as shown in FIGURE 2a, the primary disconnects 36 and 36 engage the stationary disconnects 4t? and 42, while the

secondary disconnects

35 and 38 engage the secondary disconnects 37 and 41.

When the circuit breaker is in the position of FIGURE 2a, it is obvious that the circuit connected to

terminals

40 and 42 may be selectively energized and de-energized In the event that the circuit being protected is to be completely deenergized, the circuit breaker may be moved from the position of FIGURE 2a to the position of FIGURE 2b which is the circuit breaker test position. In this test position, the

main disconnects

36 and 38 are disengaged with respect to

disconnects

40 and 42, but the

secondary disconnects

35 and 38 remain engaged with respect to contacts 37 and 41. Thus. test potentials may be connected to the circuit breaker 10 through contacts 37 and 41.

Note that the circuit breaker I8 is brought to the position of FIGURE 2b through the action of a racking mechanism (not shown) moving circuit breaker 10 to the left with respect to compartment 11.

Finally the circuit breaker 10 may be moved to a fully disconnected position, as shown in FIGURE 20 where the

secondary contacts

35 and 38 are separated from cooperating contacts 37 and 41. The movement of the circuit breaker 10, however, does not require the opening of compartment door 11 permitting the racking operation shown in FIGURES 2a to 2c to take place with compartment door 111 closed. As in the case where the circuit breaker 10 cannot be moved from the position of FIG- URE 2a to the position of FIGURE 2a unless the circuit breaker contacts are disengaged likewise the circuit breaker It cannot be moved from the position shown in FIGURE 2!) back to the position shown in FIGURE 2a unless the circuit breaker contacts are disengaged in order to pre vent the circuit breaker to be connected into an energized line when the contacts are in an engaged position. Once the circuit breaker is moved to the position of FIGURE 20, it may beremoved by opening compartment door 12 and rolling carriage 17 to the left.

Contacts 27 through 55B are rapidly closed and opened during the closing and tripping operation respectively under control of the operating mechanism. A full description. of the contact structure and the closing and opening sequences of contacts 27 through 3% is set forth in copending US. application Serial No. 79,425, entitled Stationary Contact Structure for Circuit Breaker, filed December 29, 1960, by F. J. Pokorny and G. A. Wilson, and assigned to the same assignee as this application. The contact structure shown in FIGURES 1 and 2 plays no part in the inventive structure of this device and is set forth merely as exemplary. FIGURE 3 shows the circuit breaker It) in position for a slow-close operation. Slowclose bracket 44 is positioned into the closing mechanism (not shown) as will be more fully described. End 46 of bracket 4-4 prevents the slow-close bracket 44; from being inserted into the closing mechanism when circuit breaker It is in the positions shown in FIGURES 2a through 20 thus preventing the slow-close operation from being performed when the circuit breaker is connected to or in close proximity with stationary connects 4t and 42.. This feature insures that the breaker contacts 27-30 will not close into an energized line. This is due tothe end 46 of bracket 44 abutting the door12 of compartment 11. Circuit breaker It must be moved to the position shown in FIGURE 2c in order to properly insert the slow-close bracket into engagement with the closing mechanism. During the slow-close operation the slow-close bracket prevents the circuit breaker 19 from being moved into engagement with stationary disconnects 4d and 42 since the engagement of end 46 of bracket 44 with compartment 11 prevents movement of circuit breaker 10 into compartment 11 insuring complete safety of the operator during the entire slow-close operation.

Referring to FIGURES 3-10, the operating mechanism 1% housed in carriage 17 of circuit breaker It is pivotally linked to pushrod 2th through operating arms 181 which are mounted to rotate about stationary shaft 1ti2 which is mounted to the side walls of carriage 17. The operating mechanism 106 is capable of controlling the engagement and separation of a. plurality of contact structures such as the circuit breaker of FIGURE 1 for a three-phase system. Separate operating arms 1633 for the other contact structures (see FIGURES 1 and 3) are pivotally mounted to shaft 1R2. Cylinders 163a are movably mounted on shaft 102 with their ends rigidly secured to the sides of operating

arms

101 and 103 in any well known manner. Fixedly securing the operating arms 1R3 and 1R1 to cylinders 103a imparts any movement of central operating arms 101 to outer arms 163 thereby synchronizing the movement of the three contact structures 19 (see FIGURE. 1).

A three link toggle system consisting of links 1%., 167 and 108 controls the movement of operating arms ltlhlltlfi. The upper ends of links 1% are pivotally linked to operating arms 191 by pin 10.5. The lower end of links 1% are pivotally connected to the upper ends of links 197 by means of pin 1R9. A roller 111 is also mounted on pin 1&9 between links 1%. The function of roller 111 will be more fully described in connection with the operation of operating mechanism Ititi. The lower ends of links 107 are pivotally connected to links 1% by pin 112. The lower ends of links 1% are rotatably mounted to shaft 113 which is fixedly secured to carriage 17 (not shown) in any well known manner.

A second toggle system consisting of link 11d and trip roller carrier 115 controls the state of toggle system 119 between a collapsed and an extended position as will be more fully described. Link 114 is pivotally connected to pin 11?; which connects links 107 and 108. The opposite end of link 114 is connected to trip roller carrier 115 by pin 115a. Trip roller carrier 115 is constructed to rotate about stationary pin 116. Roller 118 is pivotally mounted to the third corner of trip roller carrier 115 by pin 1'17. Trip latch 15d pivotally mounted to shaft 151 abuts roller 118.

The closing mechanism consists of shaft 121 upon which closing cam 122, ratchet wheel 123 and driving-driven members 124 are fixedly mounted. Roller 142 is pivotally mounted to closing cam 122 by means of pin 143. Driving pawl 1.3 7 and holding pawl I38, pivotally mounted to

pins

136 and 139, cooperate with ratchet wheel 123.

Pawls

137 and 138 are biased towards engagement with ratchet wheel 123 by spring means (not shown). Driving pawl 136 is connected to arm 134 by pin 1%. The opposite end of arm 134 is pivotally connected to link 132 at 135. The opposite end of link 132 ispivotally connected to rotating arm 130. Motor 123 is connected to driving arm through speed reducing member 129.

A pair of closing springs 1.27 are connected to drivingdriven members 124 at 126- by spring head 125. A cotter pin 140 secures head 125 to pin 126 (see FIGURE 8). Inserted through springs 127 are slotted guides 15d consisting of two heavy metal strips 151 which are spaced apart by cylinders 152 which are held in place by bolts 153. Metal strips 151 are fixedly secured at one end to spring head 125 and slidably mounted to. rod 154- which is fixedly secured to carriage 17 in any suitable manner. Although slotted guide is permitted tornove withrespect to rod 154 spring 127 abuts against rod 154 as will be more fully described.

Opening springs 171, only one of which is shown, are connected to operating arm 1% end 1772 passing through aperture 172a in arm 103.

Roller 142 on cam I22 abuts against one end of latch assembly 141 which is pivotally connected to shaft 113.

- check switch 501.

The opposite forked end of latch assembly 141 has a roller 144 pivotally mounted to latch assembly 141 by pin 144a. Firing latch 145 which is pivotally mounted to shaft 161 abuts roller 144. Firing latch 145 is biased into engagement with roller 144 by torsion spring 155. Connecting link 156 connects firing latch 145 to manual firing lever 156 at 158 and 159 respectively. The elongated slot 161 and pin 158 form a lost motion linkage the function of which will be more fully described. Torsion spring 160 which abuts pin 159 biases manual firing lever 156 in the counter-clockwise direction.

The manual spring charging means for operating mechanism 100 is shown in FIGURE 9. Charging lever 200 is pivotally connected at its center to shaft 151 (see FIG- URES 4-10). One end 201 of level 200 extends through the front panel of carriage 17 (not shown) and is engaged by manual charging handle 202. The opposite end 202 abuts against roller 204 (shown by dotted lines). Roller 204 is pivotally connected to driving member 203 by pin 205. Driving member 203 is fixedly secured to shaft 121 adjacent ratchet wheel 123. A pawl 138 is pivotally mounted to driving member by pin 139 and biased into engagement with ratchet wheel 123 by torsion spring 210. Spring 207 mounted between pin 206 on driving member 203 and stationary pin 200 biases driving member 203 in the counter-clockwise direction.

The electrical system can best be seen and described in connection with FIGURES 3, and 15. Motor 128 is connected between a source of voltage 500 which may be either AC. or DC. In series with motor 128 are contacts 502a of limit switch 502 and contacts 501a prop Limit switch 502 is controlled by limit switch level 503 which rests against eccentric earn 504 which is fixedly mounted to shaft 121. Roller 505 of check switch 501 abuts against trip latch 145 and is pivoted at pin 506. Motor 128 is energized when both switches 501 and 502 are closed as will be more fully described.

Trip coil 320, mounted in close and trip coil assembly 315, is connected between voltage source 500. In series with trip coil 320 is latch check switch 311 and electrical trip switch 312. Remote electrical trip switch 313 is connected in parallel with electrical trip switch 312. Remote electrical trip switch 313 is connected in parallel with electrical trip switch 312. Trip coil 320 is energized to cause counter-clockwise movement of trip latch 150 when latch check switch and either trip unit 312 or remote trip switch 313 are closed as will be more fully described.

Closing coil 310, also mounted in closing and trip coil assembly 315, is connected between voltage source 500. In series with closing coil 310 are limit switch contacts 502!) of limit switch 502 and local electrical closing switch 504. Remote electrical closing switch 505 is in parallel with local electrical closing switch 504 to close circuit breaker 10 at either a remote or local position as will be more fully described.

The closing operation of circuit breaker 10 is as follows: FIGURE 4 shows the operating mechanism im- I mediately after the circuit breaker has been tripped. Toggle system 110 is now in a collapsed position, links 100 having rotated clockwise about shaft 113 and links 107 having rotated counter-clockwise around pin 109. Toggle system 110, in the extended state, retains opening springs 172 in their charged state. Toggle system having collapsed, permits opening springs 172 to pull down operating arm 103 (see arrow 173) causing movable bridge 25 to rotate clockwise around pivot 31 separating

contacts

27 and 29 from 28 and 30.

In order to close contacts 27-30 closing springs 127 must be charged. Motor 120 is automatically energized causing it to rotate clockwise about its own axis. Driving member 130 rotates clockwise in response to motor 120 imparting a reciprocating motion to linking member 132. When linking member moves to the right, driving member 134 is moved counter-clockwise about shaft 121 carrying charging pawl 137 along with it. Charging pawl, biased into engagement with ratchet wheel 123, picks up a tooth in ratched wheel 123 driving ratchet wheel 123 counterclockwise.

When linking member 132 moves to the left, charging pawl 137 is released from the tooth it engaged but holding pawl 138 prevents ratchet wheel from slipping back under the influence of closing springs 127.

Closing cam 122 and driving-driven members 124 move counter-clockwise around shaft 121 under the influence of ratched wheel 123. The edge of closing cam 122 abutting roller 111 permits toggle system 110 to collapse further causing links 106 to rotate clockwise about pivot pin 105. As links rotate clockwise about pivot pin 105 trip latch 150 under the influence of torsion spring 155 presses against roller 110 causing trip roller carrier to rotate counter-clockwise about shaft 116.

When the charging operation reaches the stage shown in FIGURE 5, the edge of closing cam 122 abutting roller 111 is furthest away from roller 111 permitting trip latch to reset trip roller carrier to the position of FIGURE 5. Trip latch is prevented from moving any further in the counter-clockwise direction due to stop pin on trip roller carrier 115 (see FIGURE 10).

At this instant closing springs 127 have been compressed by the counter-clockwise movement of driving-driven members 124 which has compressed closing springs 127 between spring head 125 and stationary bar 154 (see FIG- URE 5). Driving-driven members 124 rotate counterclockwise to a position whereby pin 126 is over center with regard to a center line 181 drawn between the center of shaft 121 and the center of stationary bar 154.

Although closing springs 127 are not prevented by

pawls

137 and 138 from driving shaft 121 counter-clockwise, they are prevented from driving shaft 121 counterclockwise due to roller 142 abutting latch assembly 141.

Ratchet wheel 123 has been designed with a missing tooth to alleviate the need for a motor braking means. It

will be recalled that charging pawl 137, under control of motor 128, picks up one tooth at a time. At the instant that closing springs are fully charged in their over-center position charging pawl 137 traverses the section of ratchet wheel 123 having no tooth. Thus motor 128 is effective 7 1y operating in a no-load condition and motor 1120 need only be deenergized and permitted to come to a stop under the influence of only the dampening forces present in the motor. Limit switch 301 deenergized motor 128 due to lever 303 which raises under the influence of eccentric cam 304. 7

Contacts 27-30 may now be rapidly closed by pulling the hooked end of manual closing lever 148 to the right. Manual closing lever 148 rotates clockwise about shaft 157 causing link 147 to move to the right. Link 147 urges pin 158 towards the right causing the end 145a of firing latch 145 to move to the right of roller 144 on closing latch assembly 141.

Closing cam 122, under the influence of charged closing springs 127, urges roller 142 against closing latch assembly 141. Closing latch assembly 141 having been unlatched by tripping latch 145, rotates counter-clockwise out of engagement with roller 142. Shaft 121 is now free to rotate counter-clockwise under the extremely large force of charged closing springs 127. Closing cam 122 driven by shaft 121, rotates counter-clockwise driving roller 111 to the right (see arrow which causes toggle system 110 to assume its extended position. The extension of toggle system 110 drives operating arms 101 upward causing pushrod 20 to move bridge 25 counter-clockwise towards conductive head 26, thereby engaging contacts 27-28 and 29-30.

Firing latch 145 biased by torsion spring 155 is rotated clockwise automatically resetting end 145a of firing latch 145 immediately above roller 144 in preparation for the next closing operation.

Tripping latch 145 may also be rotated out of engage- 9 ment with roller 1% by trip coil 310 of close and trip coil assembly 311. By actuating either local 321 or remote 322 electrical close switch, closing coil 320 is energized driving plunger 32% downward (see FIGURE 10). Plunger 3213a abuts end 1451) of closing latch 145 rotating closing latch 14S counter-clockwise about shaft 161 driving end 145a out of engagement with roller 14-4. The remainder of the closing operation and the resetting of firing or closing latch 14 is the same as set forth above.

The opening or tripping operation is as follows: Immediately after the closing operation, the operating mechanism 1% is in the position shown in FIGURE 6. To manually trip circuit breaker 19, manual trip button 190 (FIGURE is pressed towards the left urging bracket 191 to the left. Pin 192 linking bracket 191 to bell crank lever 1% causes bell crank lever 192 to move to the left. Lower edge 193a of bell crank lever 193 abuts pin 156:: which is fixedly secured to trip latch 150 urging trip latch 15-11 clockwise about pivot 146 thus releasing the restraining force on roller 118 of trip roller carrier 115. Opening springs 171 urge first toggle assembly 111) towards a collapsed position but the second toggle system 1211 locked in position by trip latch 1511 prevents the first toggle system 1151 from collapsing.

Second toggle system 1211 having been unlocked by the movement or" tripping latch 1 17 is now free to move. Both pins 112-9 and 112 lie to the right of center line 195. However, roller 111 abutting against stop pin 194 prevents the knee formed by links 1% and 1il7 from moving to the right. The knee formed by links 107 and 108, however, is permitted to move to the right under the influence of opening springs 171 causing links 1% to rotate clockwise about shaft 113 and links 107 to rotate counterclockwise about pin 1119 driving trip roller carrier 115 clockwise about shaft 116 through connecting link 114.

The collapse of first toggle system 1111 under the influence of opening springs 171 causes operating arms 1111 to rotate clockwise about shaft 102, pulling pushrod 20 down. The downward movement of pushrod 20 rotates movable bridge clockwise separating contacts 27-31). The fully tripped position of operating mechanism is shown in FIGURE 4.

Circuit breaker 119 may also be tripped electrically. Electrical trip switch 312 is depressed, energizing trip coil 310 (see FIGURE 10). Plunger or armature 310a is urged downward. The lower edge of plunger 310a abuts against pin 15% which is fixedly secured to trip latch 1519. Trip latch 15th is rotated clockwise about pivot 14%, unlocking trip roller carrier 115. The remainder of the tripping operation is the sarne as set forth above.

Trip latch 15% is urged towards its reset position by torsion spring 155 abutting pin 15%. However, the force of opening springs 171 is greater than the resetting force of torsion spring 155 preventing trip latch 1541 from being reset. By charging closing springs 127, closing cam 122 rotates counter-clockwise to the position shown in FIG- URE 5 permitting the knee of toggle system 110 formed by links 1116 and 11%! to break towards the left. Although the knee formed by links 1% and 1tl7 permits first toggle system to collapse still further, operating arms 1131 are prevented from moving any further downward by step pin 1%. Torsion spring 155 is no longer opposed by opening springs 171 and urges trip latch 15% counter-clockwise about shaft 14s resetting trip roller carrier 115 and trip latch 15% to the position shown in FZGURE 7.

If circuit breaker 15B is closed into a short-circuit or overload condition, the trip-free design of toggle system 119 permits contacts 2730 to separate even during the closing operation. Although closing cam 122 in rotating counter-clockwise urges the first toggle system 110 towards its extended position by driving roller 111 towards the right, the release of trip roller carrier 115 causes first toggle system to collapse (see FIGURE 4) under the influence of opening springs 171 providing trip free operation even during the closing operation of operating mechanism 160.

Closing springs 127 may be manually charged by mounting manual charge lever 220 onto end 2111 of manual close lever 200 (see FIGURE 9a). Pumping manual charge lever 221), as shown by arrow 211), rotates manual close lever 2th clockwise about shaft 147. The opposite end 202 of manual close lever 2M abuts roller 2194 (shown by dotted lines) which is pivotally mounted to holding pawl carrier assembly 2% by pin 235 rotating holding pawl carrier assembly counter-clockwise about shaft 121. Holding pawl 133, which is pivotally mounted to, carrier assembly 2113, is biased towards ratchet wheel 123 by spring 211 causing ratchet wheel to be rotated counter-clockwise about shaft 121. Carrier assembly is prevented from rotating beyond stop pin 212 limiting holding pawl 138 from rotation beyond the arc width of one tooth on ratchet wheel 123.

When manual close lever 220 is released, spring 207 urges carrier assembly clockwise about shaft 121 causing holding pawl 133 to pick up the next tooth on ratchet wheel 123. Ratchet wheel 123 is prevented from skipping clockwise by charging pawl 137 of the motor charging means of FIGURES 4 through 7 which now acts as a holding pawl during the manual charging operation. The manual charging operation is continued until closing springs 127 are fully charged as shown in FIGURE 5.

The slow-close operation is as follows: Closing springs 127 are manually charged in the same manner as set forth above. When closing springs 127 pass the over-center position shown in FIGURE 5, the charging springs 127 snap into the locked position due to roller 142 abutting latch assembly 141.

Slotted guide 1519 guided by pin 154 is moved to the right due to the rotation of driving-driven member 124. Closing springs 127 are prevented by moving to the right by pin 154. The movement to the right of slotted guide 1511 causes the right-hand end of slotted guide 159 to extend beyond front panel 23 (see FIGURE 1) of carriage 17. An aperture 363 in each upper portion 151a of slotted guide 1511 is exposed to view.

Slow-close bracket Still is then inserted as follows: The tangs 3131 of slow-close bracket (see FIGURES 8, 8a and 11) each have a tooth 3192 near their ends. The tooth 3112 of each tang 3111 is engaged by aperture 363 in upper portion 15111 of slotted guide 1%. Each end 3%.01 tangs 391 abuts the associated ends of closing springs 127.

Manual closing lever 148 is then rotated clockwise thereby releasing trip latch 14-5. Latch assembly 141 is now free to rotate counter-clockwise about shaft 113 releasing roller 1 12 of closing cam 122. This permits shaft 121 to rotate counter-clockwise. The rapid closing opera tion is restrained, however, by slow-close bracket 3% which restrains closing springs 127 from discharging by locking the closing springs in their charged position between closing spring head 125 and end 3% of slow-close bracket 3%.

Manual close lever 221i is then pumped downward as shown by arrow 216 in FIGURE 9. Trip latch 14S having been released, permits shaft 121 to rotate counterclockwise about its axis. The edge of closing cam 122 abuts against roller 111 urging first toggle system towards the extended position. Since the pumping of manual charge lever advances ratchet wheel 123 only one tooth at a time, the slow-close operation is slow enough to permit accurate observation of the closing sequence of contacts 274111 (see FIGURE 1). Thus contacts 27-313 may be adjusted to operate in the proper sequence.

The slow-close operation would be very dangerous if performed when the circuit breaker 10 is in the connected position of FIGURE 2a. The end 3195 of slow-close bracket Sill), however, is designed to prevent this. End 365 abuts against the door 12 of compartment 11 preventing the slow-close bracket 3% from being inserted properly reset.

circuit breaker It? in the manner previously described.

I I into the slotted guide 15%. Circuit breaker 10 must be moved to the disconnected position shown in FIGURE 2b t3 permit insertion of slow-close bracket 3%. Likewise during the slow-close operation when slow-close bracket is inserted as shown in FIGURES 3 and 8 circuit breaker It may not be moved into compartment 11 to engage contacts as and 33 of circuit breaker It with contacts iii and 42 respectively, thereby preventing the slowclose operation to be performed in complete safety. Slowclose bracket 3% may be removed upon completion of the slow-close operation by pumping manual charge handie 22%) until closing cam 122 is in the position shown in FIGURE 5. Closing springs 127 now abut stop pin 154 which retains closing springs 127 in their charged position. This removes the force of compressed closing springs 127 from slow-close bracket dtltl enabling slow-close bracket to be easily removed- The electrical control system for operating mechanism 1% operates as follows, with the circuit breaker operating mechanism ran in the open position: Contacts 592a of limit switch are closed when closing springs 127 are discharged. Contacts ltlia of prop check switch Still are closed when prop or trip latch 145 is in the reset posi- -tion. motor 128 (see FIGURES 4-7).

Charging power switch Silt) is closed energizing When closing springs 127 are fully charged eccentric cam 563a which rotates with shaft 121 raises limit switch lever opening contacts 502a, de-energizing motor 121. At the same instant, contact pairs 5tl2b and 5%20 of limit switch Sill; close and open respectively. Circuit tacts 502?). Auxiliary switch 5'37 is mounted to movable arm in any suitable manner (not shown) contacts 5ti7a being closed when circuit breaker It is closed and being open when circuit breaker It) is open. Contacts 508a of lock out relay 5% are closed.

Closing coil 31th actuates the operating mechanism 100 to close contacts 27-30 as previously described. Contacts 592a and 5432c close and contacts 50% open when closing springs I27 discharge.

When torsion spring 155 resets closing or tripping latch 145, prop latch switch contacts 5min close energizing motor 128 to recharge closing springs 127.

Contacts 597a, 5&7!) and 587a of auxiliary switch. 507 close when circuit breaker closes. When contacts 5020 of limit switch 502 close, control coil 5% is energized opening control coil contacts Stida thereby de-energizing .closing coil 3%. Control coil 5&8 also closes contacts '5tl8b which locks in control coil 5% in the energized .state unless electrical closing switch SM is opened.

Control coil is designed to prevent pumping of the closing mechanism when closing circuit breaker against .a faulted circuit.

After circuit breaker 1% has closed and electrical closing switch 5% is opened, control coil 508 is die-energized opening contacts 5%!) and closing contacts 5055a.

Circuit breaker it? can be tripped by closing electrical Contacts 311a of latch check switch are closed when trip latch 150 is Trip coil Slit is then energized tripping The above operations are performed when circuit breaker It) is in the test position shown in FIGURE 2b.

When circuit breaker 1th is in the closed position shown in FIGURE 2a, the circuit breaker Ill is closed and tripped in the same manner as described above by actuating remote electrical closing 9% and tripping 313 switches respectively.

, of slow-close bracket 3% shown in FIGURE 8.

In FIGURES 12a, 12b and 120, slow-close bracket 6% has tangs dill mounted to bracket see by roll pins 605.

slow-close bracket sea cooperates with the side of compartment 11 to prevent the circuit breaker lltl from being moved to the connected position shown in FIGURE 2a during the slow-close operation.

In FIGURE 13 pins 6% are inserted through apertures 17b in the side Walls 17a of carriage 17 housing operating mechanism ltitl. Pins 6% are long enough so that they prevent carriage 17 from being inserted into compartment 11 during the slow-close operation.

In FIGURE 14 rectangular bracket ear is secured to the front panel 23 of carriage 17 (see FIGURE 1). Pin 608 is inserted through the apertures sea in slotted guide (see FIGURE 8) when closing springs 127 are in the charged position. Cotter pin 698a is inserted through aperture will) in rod 6% to prevent rod 608 from being inserted beyond the aperture tllb in the side 697a of bracket 6W7. Rod or pin 6% may be inserted through either aperture M71) of bracket 607. Pin 6498 is long enough to prevent circuit breaker It) from being moved to the position shown in FIGURE 2a during the slowclose operation.

In FIGURE 15, U-shaped bracket 610 is mounted to front panel 23 of carriage I7. Pins 611 are secured to slotted guides 15G which pass through apertures (not shown) in U-shaped bracket eltl. Apertures 612 cugage pins 611 locking closing springs 127 in the closed position. End 613 of slow-close bracket 620 prevents carriage 17 from moving into compartment 11 during the slow-close operation.

Since various modifications and variations in the device within the aforementioned principles should now be obvious to those skilled in the art, I prefer to be bound not by the specific disclosures set forth above, but only by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An operating mechanism for a circuit breaker comprising an arm for operating the breaker contacts between an open and a closed position, first means connected to said arm for closing said circuit breaker, second means connected to said arm for tripping said circuit breaker, said first means including a closing spring, said second means including a tripping spring, a stationary pin abutting one end of said closing spring, charging means for compressing said closing spring between said charging means and said stationary pin, first latch means restraining said closing spring from moving said arm to said closed position, second latch means for restraining said opening spring from moving said arm to said open position, said first means further including a slotted guide inserted through said closing spring for positioning said closing spring means, said stationary pin being inserted through said slot, said slotted guide having an aperture at the end adjacent said stationary pin, a removable bracket having a tapered front edge for restraining said closing spring in its compressed position, a pin mounted on said bracket a spaced distance from said tapered edge, said pin engaging said aperture and said tapered edge abutting said one end of said closing spring when said closing spring is in said compressed position, manually operable closing means for closing said circuit breaker, said manually operable closing means being adapted to slow-close said circuit breaker when said removable bracket is positioned between said one end of said closing spring and the aperture of said slotted guide, the force of said closing spring preventing the removal of said bracket during the operation of said manually operable closing means.

2. An operating mechanism for a circuit breaker com- 1 prising a housing, an operating arm for moving said circuit breaker between an open and a closed position, the

. movement of said operating arm being controlled by a first l3 toggle assembly, opening means for moving said operating arm to said open position, said opening means including a springfor collapsing said toggle system, closing means for moving said operating arm to said closed position, said closing means including an eccentric cam for extending said toggle system and a closing spring adapted to rotate said eccentric cam into engagement with said toggle system, first latch means for restraining the rotation of said cam, second latch means for restraining the operation of said opening means, and said first latch means including a first latching member having a central portion pivotally mounted to said housing, a first roller pivotally mounted to said cam, a second roller pivotally mounted to one end of said latching member, a first holding member movable between a latched and an unlatched position, a biasing means for biasing said first holding member to said first position, the end of said latching member having said second roller being engaged by said first holding member when said first holding member is in said latched position, bell crank means pivotally connected to said closing spring means for compressing said closing spring, said first roller being engaged by the other end of said latching arm when said spring is in said compressed position, said closing means further including a second toggle assembly having one end pivotally linked to said first toggle assembly and the opposite end pivotally connected to said housing, a second holding member having a first position for restraining the movement of said second toggle assembly and a second position for permitfing the movement of said second toggle assembly, said first and second toggle assemblies being urged towards said collapsed position when said second holding member is in said second position and being urged towards said extended position when said first holding member is iri said second position.

3. An operating mechanism for a circuit breaker comprising a housing, an operating arm in said housing for moving said circuit breaker between an open and a closed position, the movement of said operating arm being controlled by a first toggle assembly having a first end coupled thereto, opening means coupled to said operating arm for moving said operating arm to said open position, said opening means including a spring for collapsing said toggle system, closing means engaging said first toggle assembly for moving said operating arm to said closed position, saidclosing means including an eccentric cam for extending said toggle system and a closing spring for rotating said eccentric cam into engagement with said toggle system, first latch means abutting said cam for restraining the rotation of said cam, second latch means for restraining the operation of said opening means, and said first latch means including a first latching member having a central portion pivotally mounted to sa id housing, a first roller pivotally mounted to one side of said cam, a first holding member for engaging said first latching member movable between a latched and an nnlatched position, a biasing means for biasing said first holding member to said first position, the end of said first latching member having a second roller being engaged by said first holdingmember when said first holding member is in said latched position, bell crank means pivotally connected to said closing spring means for compressing said closing spring, said first roller being engaged by the other end of said latching arm when said spring is in said compressed position, said closing means further including a second toggle assembly having one end pivotally linked to said first toggle assembly second end and the opposite endpivotally connected to said housing, a second holding member being pivotally mounted to said housing and having a first position for restraining the movement of said second toggle assembly and a second position for permitting the movement of said second toggle assembly,

, first and second toggle assemblies being urged towards. said collapsed position when said second holding member is in said second position and being urged towards ltdsaid extended position when said first holding member is in said second position; manualy operable means coupled to said cam for rotating said cam, a removable bracket engageable with said closing means for holding said closing spring in said compressed position to enable said manually operable means to slow-close said circuit breaker.

4. In combination, a compartment, a circuit breaker slidably mounted in said compartment, said circuit breaker being movable in said compartment between a connected and a disconnected position, said circuit breaker including a pair of cooperating contacts and a slow-close mechanism coupled to said contacts for operating the contacts or" said circuit breaker, a slow-close bracket member, said slow-close mechanism having means to receive said slowclose bracket member and being operable for a slow-close operation only when said bracket member is positioned therein, said slow-close bracket member having a configuration which abuts said compartment to prevent insertion of said slow-close bracket member into said slowclose mechanism receiving means when said circuit breaker is in said connected position preventing said circuit breaker contacts from closing under control of said slow-close mechanism.

5. in combination, a compartment, a circuit breaker slidably mounted in said compartment, said circuit breaker being movable in said compartment between a connected and a disconnected position, said circuit breaker including a pair of cooperating contacts and a slow-close mechanism coupled to said contacts for operating the contacts of said circuit breaker, a slow-close bracket member, said slow-close mechanism having means to receive said slow-close bracket member and being operable for a slow-close operation only when said bracket member is positioned therein, said slow-close bracket member having a configuration which abuts said compartment to prevent insertion of said slow-close bracket member into said slow-close mechanism receiving means when said circuit breaker is in said connected position preventing said circuit breaker contacts from closing under control of said slow-close mechanism; said configuration of said slow-close bracket member being adapted for insertion into said slow-close mechanism receiving means when said circuit breaker is in said disconnected position and preventing said movement of said circuit breaker towards said connected position during the operation of said slowclose mechanism.

6. In combination, a compartment, a circuit breaker slidably mounted in said compartment, said circuit breaker being movable in said compartment between a connected and a disconnected position, said circuit breaker including a pair of cooperating contacts and a slow-close mechanism coupled to said contacts for operating the contacts of said circuit breaker, a slow-close bracket member, said slow-close mechanism having means to receive said slow-close bracket member and being operable for a slow-close operation only when said bracket member is positioned therein, said slow-close bracket member having a configuration which abuts said compartment to prevent insertion of said slow-close bracket member into said slow-close mechanism receiving means when said circuit breaker is in said connected position preventing said circuit breaker contacts from closing under control of said slow-close mechanism, said configuration of said slow-close bracket member permitting the insertion of said slow-close bracket member into said slowclose mechanism receiving means when said circuit breaker is in said disconnected position and preventing said movement of said circuit breaker towards said connected position during the operation of said slow-close mechanism, said slow-close mechanism including means to prevent removal of said slow-close bracket member during the operation of said slow-close mechanism.

7. An operating mechanism for a pair of cooperating contacts comprising a first toggle system operable between 15 an extended and a collapsed position, said contacts being in engagement when said first toggle system is in said extended position and being separated when said first toggle system is in said collapsed position, an opening spring mounted across the ends of said first toggle system for urging said first toggle system towards said collapsed position, a second toggle system for controlling the position assumed by said first toggle system, a closing spring,

an eccentric closing cam driven by said closing spring, said cam being positioned to urge said first toggle system towards said extended position to close said cooperating contacts under control of said closing spring.

8. An operating mechanism for a pair of cooperating contacts comprising a first toggle system operable between an extended and a collapsed position, said contacts being in engagement when said first toggle system is in said extended position and being separated when said first toggle system is in said collapsed position, an

opening spring mounted across the ends of said first toggle system for urging said first toggle system towards said collapsed position, a second toggle system for controlling the position assumed by said first toggle system, a closing spring, an eccentric closing cam driven by said closing spring, said cam being positioned to urge said first toggle system towards said extended position to close said cooperating contacts under control of said closing spring, automatic charging means for charging said closing spring, alternative manual and automatic actuating means for energizing said automatic charging means adapted to permit either remote or local initiation of said charging means.

9. An operating mechanism for a pm'r of cooperating contacts comprising a first toggle system operable between an extended and a collapsed position, said contacts being in engagement when said first toggle system is in spring, latch means for releasing said second toggle system to permit said first toggle system to move towards said collapsed position, said latch means including automatic reset means for resetting said second toggle system upon completion of said tripping operation.

10. An operating mechanism for a pair of cooperating contacts comprising a first toggle system operable between an extended and a collapsed position, said contacts being in engagement when said first toggle system is in said extended position and being separated when said first toggle system is in said collapsed position, an opening spring mounted across the ends of said first toggle system for urging said first toggle system towards said collapsed position, a second toggle system for controlling the position assumed by said first toggle system, a closing spring, an eccentric closing cam driven by said closing spring, said cam being positioned to urge said first toggle system towards said extended position to close said cooperating contacts under control of said closing spring,

first latch means for releasing said second toggle system to permit said first toggle system to move towards saidcollapsed position, said first latch means including automatic reset means for resetting said second toggle system I upon completion of said tripping operation, second latch means for releasing said closing spring to drive said cam into engagement with said first toggle system, said second latch means including automatic reset means for resetting said second latch means upon completion of said closing operation.

.11. An operating mechanism for a pair of cooperating 15 contacts comprising a first toggle system operable between an extended and a collapsed position, said contacts being in engagement when said first toggle system is in said extended position and being separated when said first toggle system is in said collapsed position, an opening spring mounted across the ends of said first toggle system for urging said first toggle system towards said collapsed position, a second toggle system for controlling the position assumed by said first toggle system, a closing spring, an eccentric closing cam driven by said closing spring, said cam being positioned to urge said first toggle system towards said extended position to close said cooperating contacts under control of said closing spring, manually operable charging means for charging said closing spring.

12. An operating mechanism for a pair of cooperating contacts comprising a first toggle system operable be tween an extended and a collapsed position, said contacts being in engagement when said first toggle system is in said extended position and being separated when said first toggle system is in said collapsed position, an opening spring mounted across the ends of said first toggle system for urging said first toggle system towards said collapsed position, a second toggle system for controlling the position assumed by said first toggle system, a closing spring, an eccentric closing cam driven by said closing spring, said cam being positioned to urge said first toggle system towards said extended position to close said cooperating contacts under control of said closing spring, automatic charging means for charging said closing spring, alternative manual and automatic actuating means for energizing said automatic charging means adapted to permit either remote or local initiation of said charging means, manually operable charging means for charging said closing spring, said closing spring being adapted to be charged by either said automatic charging means or said manually operable charging means.

13. An operating mechanism for a pair of cooperating contacts comprising a first toggle system operable between an extended and a collapsed position, said contacts being in engagement when said first toggle system is in said extended position and being separated when said first toggle system is in said collapsed position, an opening spring mounted across the ends of said first toggle system for urging said first toggle system towards said collapsed position, a second toggle system for controlling the position assumed by said first toggle system, a closing spring, an eccentric closing cam driven by said closing spring, said cam being positioned to urge said first toggle system towards said extended position to close said cooperating contacts under control of said closing spring, manually operable charging means for charging said closing spring, slow-close bracket means adapted to lock said closing spring means into said charged state permitting said cooperating contacts to be slowly closed under control of said manually operable charging means, said closing spring means being adapted to prevent said slow-close bracket means from being removed during said slow-close operation.

14. An operating mechanism for a pair of cooperating contacts comprising a first toggle system operable between an extended and a collapsed position, said contacts being in engagement when said first toggle system is in said extended position and being separated when said first toggle system is in said collapsed position, an opening spring mounted across the ends of said first toggle system for urging said first toggle system towards said collapsed position, a second toggle system for controlling the position assumed by said first toggle system, a closing spring, an eccentric closing cam driven by said closing spring, said cam being positioned to urge said first toggle system towards said extended position to close said cooperating contacts under control of said closing spring, automatic charging means for charging said closing spring, alternative manual and automatic actuating means for energizing said automatic charging means adapted to permit either remote or local initiation of said charging means, manually operable charging means for charging said closing spring, said closing spring being adapted to be charged by either said automatic charging means or said manually operable charging means, an automatically controlled energizing means for energizing said automatic charging means, said energizing means including a switch means operable between an open and a closed position, the position of said switch means being in said open position when said closing spring is in said charged state to deactivate said automatic charging means and in said closed position during which said closing spring is in said discharged state to activate said automatic charging means.

15. An operating mechanism for a pair of cooperating contacts comprising a first toggle system operable between an extended and a collapsed position, said contacts being in engagement when said first toggle system is in said extended position and being separated when said first toggle system is in said collapsed position, an opening spring mounted across the ends of said first toggle system for urging said first toggle system towards said collapsed position, a second toggle system for controlling the position assumed by said first toggle system, a closing spring, an eccentric closing cam driven by said closing spring, said cam being positioned to urge said first toggle system towards said extended position to close said cooperating contacts under control of said closing spring, automatic charging means for charging said closing spring, alternative manual and automatic actuating means for energizing said automatic charging meansadapted to permit either remote or local initiation of said charging means, manually operable charging means for charging said closing spring, said closing spring being adapted to be charged by either said automatic charg-' ing means or said manually operable charging means, an automatically controlled energizing means for energizing said automatic charging means, said energizing means including a switch means operable between an open and a closed position, the position of said switch means being in said open position when said closing spring is in said charged state to deactivate said automatic charging means and in said closed position when said closing spring is in said discharged state to activate said automatic charging means, second switch means controlled by said first latch means, said second switch means being in an open posittion when said first latch means is in a tripped position and being in an open position when said first latch means is in a reset position, said second switch means being in series with first switch means to prevent said automatically controlled energizing means to energize said automatic charging means when said first latch means is in said tripped position.

16. An operating mechanism for a pair of cooperating contacts comprising a first toggle system operable between an extended and a collapsed position, said contacts being in engagement when said first toggle system is in said extended position and being separated when said first toggle system is in said collapsed position, an opening spring mounted across the ends of said first toggle system for urging said first toggle system towards said collapsed position, a second toggle system for controlling the position assumed by said first toggle system, a closing spring, an eccentric closing cam driven by said closing spring, said cam being positioned to urge said first toggle system towards said extended position to close said cooperating contacts under control of said closing spring, automatic charging means for charging said closing spring, alternative manual and automatic actuating means for energizing said automatic charging means adapted to permit either remote or local initiation of said charging means, manually operable charging means forcharging said closing spring, said closing spring being adapted to be charged by either said automatic charging 18 means or said manually operable charging means, an automatically controlled energizing means for energizing said automatic charging means, said energizing means in cluding a switch means operable between an open and a closed position, the position of said switch means being in said open position when said closing spring is in said charged state to deactivate said automatic charging means and in said closed position when said closing spring is in said discharged state to activate said automatic charging means, second switch means controlled by said first latch means, said second switch means being in an open position when said first latch means is in a tripped position and being in an open position when said first latch means is in a reset postion, said second switch means being in series with first switch means to prevent said automatically controlled energizing means to energize said automatic charging means when said first latch means is in said tripped position, electrical closing means for operating said first latch means, third switch means controlled by said second latch means, said third switch means being in an open position when said second latch means is in said tripped position and being in a closed position when said second latch means is in a reset position to prevent said electrical closing means from operating when said second latch means is in said tripped position.

17. An operating mechanism for a pair of cooperating contacts comprising a first toggle system operable between an extended and a collapsed position, said contacts being in engagement when said first toggle system is in said extended position and being separated when said first toggle sytsem is in said collapsed position, an opening spring mounted across the ends of said first toggle system for urging said first toggle system towards said collapsed position, a second toggle system for controlling the position assumed by said first toggle system, a closing spring, an eccentric closing cam driven by said closing spring, said cam being positioned to urge said first toggle system towards said extended position to close said cooperating contacts under control of said closing spring, slow-close bracket means engageable with said closing spring means to lock said closing spring means in said charged state permitting said cooperating contacts to be slowly closed under control of said manually operable charging means, said closing spring means including a spring having a slotted guide means inserted therethrough, one end of said slotted guide means extending beyond the associated end of said spring when said spring is in said charged state, said slotted guide means having an aperture adja cent said one end, said slow-close bracket means having a tooth positioned near the end of said bracket, said tooth being engageable by said aperture, the end of said bracket means abutting the end of said spring adjacent said aperture when said tooth is engaged by said aperture to retain said spring in said charged state during said slow-close operation.

18. An operating mechanism for controlling a pair of cooperating contacts between a closed and an open position comprising a first toggle system movable between a collapsed and an extended position, an opening spring connected across the ends of said first toggle system for urging said first toggle system towards said collapsed position, a second toggle system connected to said first toggle system for retaining said first toggle system in said extended position, closing spring means for urging said first toggle system from said collapsed position to said extended position, a rotatable shaft, an eccentric cam mounted on said shaft, a disc fixedly mounted on said shaft, a pin mounted adjacent the perimeter of said disc, one end of said closing spring means operatively connected to said pin, the opposite end of said closing spring means operatively associated with a stop pin, a ratchet fixedly mounted to said shaft, motor-driven charging means operatively connected to said ratchet for rotating said shaft, said closing spring means being charged upon rotation of said shaft, a roller pivotally mounted to said eccentric cam, first latch means, said rollerbeing engaged by said first latch means when said closing spring means is in said charged state, said shaft being positioned adjacent said first toggle system, means for moving said first latch means out of engagement with said roller permitting said eccentric cam to urge said first toggle system into said extended position, second latch means for releasing said second toggle system permitting said first toggle system to be urged towards said collapsed position, said first toggle system being adapted to move towards said collapsed position during said closing operation when said second too'gle system is in said released position to guarantee trip-free operation of said operating mechanism.

19. An operating mechanism for controlling a pair of cooperating contacts between a closed and an open position comprising a first toggle system movable between a collapsed and an extended position, an opening spring connected across the ends of said first toggle system for urging said first toggle system towards said collapsed position, a second toggle system connected to said first toggle system for retaining said first toggle sys tem in said extended position, closing spring means for urging said first toggle system from said collapsed position to said extended position', a rotatable shaft, an eccentric cam mounted on said shaft, a disc fixedly mounted on said shaft, a pin mounted adjacent the perimeter of said disc, one end of said closing spring means operatively connected to said pin, the opposite end of said closing spring means operatively associated with a stop pin, a ratchet fixedly mounted to said shaft, motor-driven charging means operatively connected to said ratchet for rotating said shaft, said closing spring means being charged upon rotation of said shaft, a roller pivotally mounted to said eccentric cam, first latch means, said roller being engaged by said first latch means when said closing spring means is in said charged state, said shaft being positioned adjacent said first toggle system, means for moving said first latch means out of engagement with said roller permitting said eccentric cam to urge said first toggle system into said'extended position, second latch means for releasing said second toggle system permitting said first toggle system to be urged towards said collapsed position, said first toggle system being adapted to move towards said collapsed position during said closing operation when said second toggle system is in said released position to guarantee trip-free operation of said operating mechanism, said first latch means including first reset means for automatically resetting said first latch means upon completion of said closing operation.

20. An operating mechanism for controlling a pair of cooperating contacts between a closed and an open position comprising a first toggle system movable between a collapsed and an extended position, an opening spring connected across the ends of said first toggle system for urging said first toggle system towards said collapsed position, a second toggle system connected to said first toggle system for retaining said first toggle system in said extended position, closing spring means for urging said first toggle system from said collapsed position to said extended position, a rotatable shaft, an eccentric cam mounted on said shaft, a disc fixedly mounted on said shaft, a pin mounted adjacent the perimeter of said disc, one end of said closing spring means operatively connected to said pin, the opposite end of said closing spring means operatively associated with a stop pin, a ratchet fixedly mounted to said shaft, motor-driven charging means operatively connected to said ratchet for rotating said shaft, said closing spring means being charged upon rotation of said shaft, a roller pivotally mounted to said eccentric cam, first latch means, said roller being engaged by said first latch means when said closing spring means is in said charged state, said shaft being positioned adjacent said first toggle system, means for moving said first latch means out of engagement with said roller permitting said eccentric cam to urge said first toggle system into said extended position, second latch means for releasing said second toggle system permitting said first toggle system to be urged towards said collapsed position, said first toggle system being adapted to move towards said collapsed position during said closing operation when said second toggle system is in said released position to guarantee trip-free operation of said operating mechanism, said first latch means including first reset means for automatically resetting said first latch means upon completion of said closing operation, said second latch means including second reset means for automatically resetting said second latch means upon completion of said opening operation.

21. An operating mechanism for controlling a pair of cooperating contacts between a closed and an open position comprising a first toggle system movable between a collapsed and an extended position, an opening spring connected across the ends of said first toggle system for urging said first toggle system towards said collapsed position, a second toggle system connected to said first toggle system for retaining said first toggle system in said extended position, closing spring means for urging said first toggle system from said collapsed position to said extended position, a rotatable shaft, an eccentric cam mounted on said shaft, a disc fixedly mounted on said shaft, a pin mounted adjacent the perimeter of said disc, one end of said closing spring means operatively connected to said pin, the opposite end of said closing spring means operatively associated with a stop pin, a ratchet fixedly mounted to said shaft, motor-driven charging. means operatively connected to said ratchet for rotating said shaft, said closing spring means being charged uporr rotation of said shaft, a a roller pivotally mounted to said eccentric cam, first latch means, said roller being engaged by said latch means when said closing spring means is in said charged state, said shaft being positioned adjacent said first toggle system, means for moving said first latch means out of engagement with said roller permitting said eccentric cam to urge said first toggle; system into said extended position, second latch means for releasing said second toggle system permitting said first toggle system to be urged towards said collapsed position, said first toggle system being adapted to move towards said collapsed position during said closing ep eration when said second toggle system is in said re leased position to guarantee trip-free operation of said operating mechanism, said first latch means including; first reset means for automatically resetting said first latch means upon completion of said closing operation, said second latch means including second reset means for automatically resetting said second latch means upon completion of said opening operation, manually operable charging means for rotating said shaft, said shaft being selectively rotatable by either said motor-driven charg ing means or said manually operable charging means.

22. An operating mechanism for controlling a pair of cooperating contacts between a closed and an open position comprising a first toggle system movable between a collapsed and an extended position, an opening spring connected across the ends of said first toggle system for urging said first toggle system towards said col lapsed position, a second toggle system connected to said first toggle system for retaining said first toggle system in said extended position, closing spring means for urging said first toggle system from said collapsed position to said extended position, a rotatable shaft, an eccentric cam mounted on said shaft, a disc fixedly mounted on said shaft, a pin mounted adjacent the perimeter of said disc, one end of said closing spring means operatively connected to said pin, the opposite end of said closing spring means operatively associated with a stop pin, a ratchet fixedly mounted to said shaft, motor-driven charging means operatively connected to said ratchet for rotating said shaft, said closing spring means being charged

Claims

4. IN COMBINATION, A COMPARTMENT, A CIRCUIT BREAKER SLIDABLY MOUNTED IN SAID COMPARTMENT, SAID CIRCUIT BREAKER BEING MOVABLE IN SAID COMPARTMENT BETWEEN A CONNECTED AND A DISCONNECTED POSITION, SAID CIRCUIT BREAKER INCLUDING A PAIR OF COOPERATING CONTACTS AND A SLOW-CLOSE MECHANISM COUPLED TO SAID CONTACTS FOR OPERATING THE CONTACTS OF SAID CIRCUIT BREAKER, A SLOW-CLOSE BRACKET MEMBER, SAID SLOW-CLOSE MECHANISM HAVING MEANS TO RECEIVE SAID SLOWCLOSE BRACKET MEMBER AND BEING OPERABLE FOR A SLOW-CLOSE OPERATION ONLY WHEN SAID BRACKET MEMBER IS POSITIONED THEREIN, SAID SLOW-CLOSE BRACKET MEMBER HAVING A CONFIGURATION WHICH ABUTS SAID COMPARTMENT TO PREVENT INSERTION OF SAID SLOW-CLOSE BRACKET MEMBER INTO SAID SLOWCLOSE MECHANISM RECEIVING MEANS WHEN SAID CIRCUIT BREAKER IS IN SAID CONNECTED POSITION PREVENTING SAID CIRCUIT BREAKER CONTACTS FROM CLOSING UNDER CONTROL OF SAID SLOW-CLOSE MECHANISM.