Abstract: A mechanism for the rapid closure of electrical contacts on a modular electrical apparatus includes movable electrical contacts that pivot with respect to a rotatable contact support and are maintained in a rest position by springs. A manually actuated control lever imparts opposing rotary movements to the control lever and the movable contacts. A cam, driven by the control lever, and a finger attached to each movable contact move in paths that intersect when the movable contacts are separated from the fixed contacts. The cam and finger are locked during a portion of control lever rotation before it reaches a stable position wherein the fixed and movable contacts are closed. The contact support continues to travel while a contact spring accumulates energy, which is dissipated only when the cam and finger separate. During a final stage of motion of the control lever, the cam freely rotates relative to the control lever, with its range of motion being limited only by a stop element on the cam.

Abstract: A mechanism for the rapid closure of electrical contacts on modular electrical apparatuses, particularly circuit-breakers is disclosed. The mechanism includes at least one movable electrical contact, which cooperates with at least one fixed electrical contact. The movable electrical contacts pivot with respect to a contact support. The movable electrical contacts are maintained in a rest position through at least one spring. The contact support is capable of rotary movement to alternatively position the movable electrical contacts in and out of electrical contact with the fixed electrical contact. The contact support is moved by a control lever, which may be manually actuated, acting through a toggle system, which imparts opposing rotary movements to the control lever and the movable electrical contacts.