Self-disengaging circuit breaker motor operator

Description of the invention

The present invention relates to a motor actuator for operating a handle for actuating a circuit breaker mechanism.

The motorized actuators for operating the handle for operating the circuit breaker mechanism allow the motor to operate the circuit breakers. The motorized actuators are usually mounted on the top of the circuit breaker housing. The linkage of the motorized actuator cooperates with the actuating handle of the circuit breaker that protrudes from the circuit breaker housing. The linkage is functionally connected to the engine in the motor actuator. The motor drives the linkage which in turn moves the actuating handle to initiate the circuit breaker operation. The actuation handle moves between the "ON", "OFF" and "SET" positions depending on the direction of movement of the motor.

When the handle is moved to the "ON" position, the electrical contacts in the circuit breaker are brought into contact with each other, allowing electric current to pass through the circuit breaker. When the handle is moved to the "OFF" position, the electrical contacts are disconnected and the electric current stops flowing through the circuit breaker. Moving the handle to the "SET" position resets the actuating mechanism in the circuit breaker which is necessary after the actuating mechanism has tripped in response to an overload condition in the electrical circuit that is protected by the circuit breaker.

The motorized actuator must be designed to prevent damage to the circuit breaker when the handle of the circuit breaker moves to various positions. In particular, the motor actuator must be designed such that moving the handle excessively beyond the set position does not damage the actuating mechanism of the circuit breaker. This is typically achieved by strengthening the motor actuator and circuit breaker so that they can withstand the stresses caused by excessive travel, or by using limit switch and solenoids to disconnect the motor once the handle has reached the required point.

While effective, the use of circuit breakers and solenoids for motor shutdown requires a plurality of components and therefore increases the cost of the motor actuator and its unreliability.

According to the invention, a motorized device for operating a handle actuating a circuit breaker mechanism, comprising a mechanical linkage connected to an energy storage mechanism adapted to assume a plurality of states, in each of which the energy storage mechanism has a stored a predetermined amount of energy providing an exciting force for the mechanical linkage system that is connected. with a trolley unit, characterized by that it comprises a motor-drive unit connected to a mechanical linkage for driving the energy storage mechanism from its first state from a plurality of states to its second state from a plurality of states, and that a release mechanism is connected to the motor-drive unit for disconnecting the motor-drive unit from the mechanical linkage when the mechanism the energy storage is driven from its first state from multiple states to its second state, and the energy release mechanism is coupled to a mechanical linkage system for releasing energy stored in the energy storage mechanism, the motor-drive assembly including a motor, a motor-coupled gear, a ratchet system coupled to the gear, and coupled to a cam on the cam shaft for rotating the cam. on the camshaft in response to engine operation.

The ratchet arrangement preferably comprises a center pivoting disc connected to the gearing, a one-way clutch bearing pivotally connected to the cam axis, a ratchet lever connected to the disc and connected to the one-way clutch bearing, the gear connected to the motor being connected to the axis of the cam for rotating it to a predetermined position. angular distance in response to rotation of the gear train.

A handgrip for manually moving the cam shaft a predetermined angular distance may be connected to the bearing of the one-way clutch.

The energy storage mechanism preferably includes a compression spring.

The mechanical linkage system preferably comprises a drive plate rotatably mounted on the device and driven by the cam when the cam is driven by the motor, the

The energy storage mechanism compressed by the drive plate as it is rotated by the cam is placed in contact with the drive plate, and furthermore a linear carriage is connected to the drive plate, the carriage being connected to a handle for actuating the circuit breaker mechanism. when the energy storage mechanism is released from the compressed state.

In the load position of the energy storage mechanism, the drive plate engages the ratchet plate and the first ratchet link.

The energy storage mechanism preferably includes a flat rod main guide having a first closed slot and a second closed slot formed.

The main track may have a semicircular slot at one end and has an open slot delimited by two fork members having flanges extending outward from the fork members at the other end, the fork members being formed in the plane of the main track.

The energy storage mechanism may also include a flat-frame auxiliary guide including a first frame member and a second frame member parallel to each other and connected via the base member, and a beam member extends perpendicularly from the first frame member of the secondary spring and ending in the plane of the secondary spring guide. proximate the second frame member to create a clearance between the beam member and the second frame member.

A main spring is preferably mounted on the main guide and a secondary guide is mounted in the main guide on which an auxiliary spring is mounted, the auxiliary spring being located inside the main spring and one end of the main spring bearing against the flanges of the main guide.

The main guide may receive a lock pin extending through the first closed slot of the main guide, the opposite end of the main spring resting on the lock pin and the main spring being locked between the lock pin and the flanges.

The invention provides a motor actuator for a circuit breaker, the motor actuator comprising a motor drive unit connected to a mechanical linkage for driving an energy storage mechanism from a first state from a plurality of states to a second state from a plurality of states, each state having a predetermined amount of energy stored. in the energy storage mechanism, and the energy storage mechanism provides an imposing force on the mechanical linkage which is connected to the carriage assembly. The motor drive unit is connected to a mechanical linkage system to drive the energy storage mechanism from a first state from a plurality of states to a second state from a plurality of states, and the release mechanism disconnects the motor drive unit from the mechanical linkage system. when the energy storage mechanism is driven from the first state from the plurality of states to the second state and the energy storage mechanism is coupled to the mechanical linkage to release energy stored in the energy storage mechanism. After the energy is released from the energy storage mechanism, the release mechanism re-engages the motor-drive unit with the mechanical linkage.

The subject matter of the invention is illustrated in the drawing in which Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the energy storage mechanism of the circuit breaker actuator according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a view of the auxiliary spring guide of the energy storage mechanism of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a view of the main spring guide of the energy storage mechanism of FIGS. 1, FIG. 4 is an assembled view of the energy storage mechanism of Fig. 1, Fig. 5 is an assembled view of the energy storage mechanism of Fig. 1 showing the movement of the secondary spring guide relative to the main spring guide and the composite energy storage mechanism coupled to the side plate plunger, Fig. 6 is more closely related. a detailed view of the composite energy storage mechanism of Fig. 5 showing the assembled energy storage mechanism connected to the plunger of the drive plate, Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the energy storage mechanism of Fig. 1 including a second spring coaxial with the main spring of Fig. 1, Fig. 8 is a view of the locking member of the energy storage mechanism. Fig. 1, Fig. 9 is a side view of a motor circuit breaker actuator according to the present invention in the CLOSED position, Fig. 10 is a side view of the motor switch actuator of Fig. 9 moving from the closed position in Fig. 9 to the OPEN position, Fig. 11 is a side view of the motor

In the further cycle of the cycle, Fig. 12 is a side view of the circuit breaker actuator of Fig. 9 moving from the Z position of Fig. 9 to the OPEN position of the circuit breaker actuator of Fig. 9, moving from the z position of Fig. 9. Fig. 9 to the OPEN position, later in the cycle, Fig. 13 is a side view of the motor circuit breaker actuator of Fig. 9 in the OPEN position, Fig. 13. 14 is a perspective view of the motor circuit breaker actuator of Fig. 9, Fig. 15 is another perspective view of the motor circuit breaker actuator of Fig. 9, Fig. 16 is another perspective view of the motor circuit breaker actuator of Fig. 9, Fig. 17; is a cam view of the motor circuit breaker actuator of Fig. 9, Fig. 18 is a view of the drive plate of the motor circuit breaker actuator of Fig. 9, Fig. 19 is a view of a motor tap plate of the circuit breaker actuator of Fig. 9, Fig. 20 is a view of a first of the strings of a drive tab of the motor circuit breaker actuator of Fig. 9 Figure 21 is a view of a second of the striker strings of the motor circuit breaker actuator of Figure 9, Figure 9. 22 is a view of the engagement of the striker strings of the first and second drive motors of the circuit breaker actuator of Fig. 9, Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a motor circuit breaker actuator of Fig. 9 including a motor-drive unit, Fig. 24 is another perspective view of a motor circuit breaker actuator; the circuit of Fig. 9 including the motor-drive unit, Fig. 25 is a view of the ratchet mechanism of the motor drive of the circuit breaker actuator of Fig. 9, and Fig. 26 is a diagram of the acting forces and torque of the motor circuit breaker actuator of Fig. 9.

Fig. 1 shows the energy storage mechanism 300 of a motor circuit breaker actuator in accordance with the present invention. Energy storage mechanism 300 includes a main spring 304 for seating the main spring 302 (also shown in Fig. 3) having a generally flat bar shape with a first closed slot 312 and a second closed slot 314. Main spring guide 304 has a semicircular slot 320 at one end. and an open slot 316 at the opposite end. Main spring main slide 304 has two flanges 318 extending outward "h" (FIG. 3) from two fork members 338 at the end of main spring 304 main spring 302 including open slot 316. Fork members 338 are generally in the plane of main guide 304 main spring. The energy storage device 300 further includes a secondary guide 308 for an auxiliary spring. Auxiliary spring guide 308 (also shown in Fig. 2) is a generally flat chuck having the first frame member 330 and the second frame member 332 generally parallel to each other and connected through the base member 336. The beam member 326 extends generally perpendicular from the first frame member 330 in the plane of the auxiliary guide 308 of the auxiliary spring 306 to the second frame member. 332 such that a clearance 340 (shown in Fig. 2) is formed between the end of the beam member 326 and the second frame member 332. A clearance 340 (as shown in Fig. 2) allows the engagement of the beam member 326, and thus the auxiliary guide 308 of the auxiliary spring, and the second closed slot 314.

The beam member 326, the first frame member 330, the second frame member 332, and the base member 336 are disposed in the opening 334. The base member 336 extends a tongue into the opening 334. The tongue 328 is adapted to receive an auxiliary spring 306 having a constant ka, thereby making the auxiliary spring 306 thereon. spring 306 is retained in hole 334. The assembly of the auxiliary spring 306 retained in the opening 334 and the auxiliary guide 308 of the auxiliary spring 306 is connected to the main guide 304 of the main spring such that the beam member 326 is engaged with the second closed slot 314 and is adapted to move along its length. The auxiliary spring guide 308 is therefore adapted to move with respect to the main spring guide 304 when a force is applied to the base member 336 of the auxiliary spring guide 308. The auxiliary spring 306 is thus held simultaneously in the open slot 316 by fork members 338 and in opening 334 by the first frame member 330 and the second frame member 332.

The energy storage mechanism 300 includes a main spring 302 having a spring constant k_m. The main spring guide 304, together with the auxiliary spring guide 308 and the auxiliary spring 306 attached thereto, are disposed within the main spring 302 such that one end of the main spring 302 abuts on the flanges 318. By the first

In the closed slot 312, the locking pin 310 (Fig. 7) is offset so that the opposite end of the main spring 302 contacts the locking pin 310 to grasp and lock the main spring 302 between the locking pin 310 and the flanges 318. As can be seen in Fig. 4, the composite assembly of the main spring 302 of the main guide 304, the auxiliary spring 306 of the auxiliary guide 308 and the locking pin 310 forms a cooperating mechanical assembly. For clarity, in the description of the energy storage mechanism 300 in Figures 1 and 4, reference is made to Figures 2 and 3 showing the secondary spring guide 308 and main spring guide 304, respectively.

Reference is now made to Figs. 5 and 6. Fig. 5 shows the composite energy storage mechanism 300. A side plate pin 418 attached to the side plate (not shown) is retained in the seat 320 so as to allow the energy storage mechanism 300 to rotate about the axis 322 of the assembly. springs. In Figure 6, a drive plate pin 406 attached to the drive plate (not shown) is retained in the open gap 316 with an initial "D" offset from the ends of the flanges 318. Thus, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the assembled energy storage mechanism 300 is retained between the side plate pin 418, drive plate pin 406, seat 320 and open slot 316. The energy storage mechanism 300 is held stationary therebetween by the force of the auxiliary spring 306 against the auxiliary spring guide 308, against the drive plate pin 406, against the main spring guide 304 and against the side plate pin 418 .

As seen in Fig. 5, the auxiliary spring guide 308 is adapted to travel independently of the main spring 302 a distance "L" relative to the main guide 304 of the main spring 302 when applying a force along line 342 in Fig. 6. Once the auxiliary spring guide 308 has traveled the "L" distance, the side plate pin 418 reaches the seat 320 and the energy storage mechanism 300 can be disengaged from the side plate pin 418 and drive plate pin 406.

As best seen in Figs. 5 and 6, the spring constant k_and is for the auxiliary spring 306 such that it is sufficient to permanently maintain the energy storage mechanism 300 between the side plate pin 418 and the drive plate pin 406, but also such that only minimal effort is required to compress the auxiliary spring 306 to allow the auxiliary spring guide 308 to move a distance. "L". This allows the energy storage mechanism 300 to be easily removed by hand from a position between the side plate pin 418 and the drive plate pin 406.

Fig. 7 shows an additional coaxial spring 324 having a spring constant k_c, and positioned coaxially with main spring 302. Coaxial spring 324 may be connected to main guide 304 of main spring 302 between flanges 318 and a locking pin 310 (not shown) in the same manner as shown in Fig. 4 for main spring 302, providing a storage mechanism. energy 300 with total spring constant kr = k_m + k_c. The flanges 318 extend a distance "h" sufficient to receive the main spring 302 and the coaxial spring 324.

Thus, the energy storage mechanism 300 according to the present invention is a modular assembly in which, outside or in the factory, it can be easily removed and replaced with a new main spring 302 or additional insertion. This enables the amount of energy to be stored in the energy storage mechanism 300 to be varied without the need for special or additional tools.

Figures 9-16 show a circuit breaker (MCCB) generally designated 100. Circuit breaker 100 includes a handle 102 extending therefrom and circuits (not shown) connected to a set of circuit breaker connectors. The components of the motor circuit breaker actuator 100 of the present invention are shown in Figs. 9-16 generally at 200. Actuator 200 generally includes a handle, such as a cart 202 connected to the handle 102 of circuit breaker 100, an energy storage mechanism 300, described above, and a mechanical linkage 400. Mechanical linkage 400 is coupled to an energy storage mechanism 300, a cart 202, and a motor unit. powerplant 500 (Figs. 20 and 21). The carriage 202, the energy storage mechanism 300, and the mechanical linkage 400 function as a mechanically cooperating unit responsive to the operation of the motor-drive unit 500 and the handle 102 of the circuit breaker 100 in a variety of configurations. In particular, operation of the motor actuator 200 provides for disconnecting and reconnecting a set of circuit breaker contacts connected to the circuit breaker handle 102. Disconnecting (i.e. opening) the contact set of circuit breaker 100 interrupts the flow of electric current through circuit breaker 100. Reconnection

The circuit breaker contacts (i.e., closing) of the contacts of the circuit breaker allow electric current to pass through the circuit breaker 100.

Referring to Fig. 9, in connection with Figs. 14, 15 and 16, mechanical linkage 400 includes two side plates 416 arranged preferably parallel to each other by brackets 602, 604 and connected to a circuit breaker 100.

Two drive plates 402 (FIG. 19) are disposed inwardly and substantially parallel to the side plates 416. The drive plates 402 are connected to each other by the axis 408 of the drive plates and rotatably about them. The drive plate axles 408 are connected to the two side plates 416. The two drive plates 402 have a pin 406 disposed therebetween and coupled to an energy storage mechanism 300 in the open slot 316 of the main spring guide 304.

A connecting pin 414 connects two drive plates 402 and is pivotally connected to carriage 202 on axis 210. Cam 420 (as shown in Fig. 17), rotatable on cam shaft 422, has a first cam surface 424 and a second cam surface 426 (Fig. 18). ). The cam 420 is generally kidney-shaped with the second cam surface 426 being an arcuate concave surface and the first cam surface 424 is an arcuate convex surface. Cam shaft 422 extends through a slot 404 in each of the two drive plates 402 and is supported in two side plates 416. Cam shaft 422 is further connected to motor-drive unit 500 (Figures 24 and 25) which rotatably drives cam 420.

The first two ratchet cables 442 (Fig. 21) are connected to the two second ratchet cables 450 (Fig. 22) about the cable axis 412 (Fig. 19). The second ratchet link 450 is also rotatable about the cam shaft 422. First ratchet links 442 and second ratchet links 450 extend internally and parallel to the drive plates 402. Roller 444 is connected to roller axle 410 by connecting first ratchet links 442 to drive plate 402. Roller 444 is rotatable about roller axle 410. The roller axle 410 is connected to the drive plates 402 and the roller 444 abuts and is in continuous contact on the second cam surface 426 of the cam 420. A bracket 456 connects two second ratchet links 450. An energy release mechanism, such as a ratchet plate 430 (FIG. 16), is rotatable about drive plate axis 408 and is in continuous contact with spindle 446 rotatable about cable axis 412. A runner 446 moves along a first concave surface 434 and a second concave surface 436 of the ratchet plate 430 (FIG. 20). The first concave surface 434 and the second concave surface 436 of the ratchet plate 430 are arcuate, recessed segments of the periphery of the ratchet plate 430 adapted to contact the runner 446 and seat the roller 446 therein as the ratchet plate 430 rotates about the drive plate axis 408. The ratchet plate 430 has a release lever 458 to which a force may be applied to rotate the ratchet plate 430 about the drive plate axis 408. In Fig. 8, the latch plate 430 is also in contact with the support 604.

The carriage 202 is connected to the drive plate 402 via a connecting pin 414 of the axle 210 and is rotatable about it. The carriage 202 includes a set of retaining springs 204 and a first retaining pin 206 and a second retaining pin 208. Retaining springs 204 disposed in carriage 202 and acting against the first retaining pin 206 hold the circuit breaker handle 102 rigidly between the first retaining pin 206 and the second retaining pin 208. . Cart 202 is able to move sideways relative to the side plates 416 due to a first retaining pin 206 connected to a slot 214 in each of the side plates 416. The cart 202 moves back and forth along the slots 214 tilting the circuit breaker handle 102 back and forth between the positions of Fig. 8 and Fig. 12.

In Fig. 9, circuit breaker 100 is in the closed position (i.e., electric contacts closed) and no energy is stored in the main spring 302. The motor actuator 200 operates to move the circuit breaker handle 102 between the closed position of Fig. 9 and the open position. (i.e. with open electrical contacts) of Figure 12. Moreover, when circuit breaker 100 trips itself, for example, due to overcurrent conditions in the associated electrical circuit, motor actuator 200 operates to position an actuating mechanism (not shown) in circuit breaker 100 by moving handle 102 to the open position of Figure 13.

To move handle 102 from the closed position in Fig. 9 to the open position in Fig. 13, the motor-drive assembly 500 rotates cam 420 clockwise as seen on cam shaft 422, so that the mechanical linkage 400 is sequentially and continuously. driven by the system of Figs. 10, 11 and 12. As best seen in Fig. 10, cam 420 rotates as indicated

A clock around the cam shaft 422. Drive plates 402 can move due to slot 404 in drive plates 402. Roller 444 on roller axis 410 moves along first cam surface 424 of cam 420. Counterclockwise rotation of drive plates 402 drives drive plate plunger 406 along open slot 316 thereby the main spring 302 is compressed and energy is stored therein. The energy storage mechanism 300 rotates clockwise about the axis 322 of the spring assembly and the pin 418 of the side plate. The latch plate 430, contacting the bracket 604, remains restrained against the side plates 416.

Referring now to Fig. 11, drive plate 402 continues to rotate counterclockwise to further compress the main spring 302 through drive plate pin 406. Pawl 420 continues to rotate clockwise. A runner 446 moves from the second concave surface 436 of the ratchet plate 430 (Fig. 20) partially into the first concave surface 434 (Fig. 20) and the ratchet plate 430 rotates clockwise away from the support 604. Drive plate pin 406 compresses main spring 302 further along open gap 316.

In Figs. 12 and 13, the ratchet plate 430 rotates clockwise until the spindle 446 is fully reseated in the first concave surface 434 (Fig. 20). Roller 444 is in close contact with first cam surface 424 (FIG. 18) as cam 420 continues to rotate clockwise. The cam 420 completes its clockwise rotation and the roller 444 is detached from the cam 420. Roller pin 446 is in contact with first concave surface 434 (FIG. 20) of pawl plate 430.

The mechanical linkage 400 henceforth comes to rest in the setup of Fig. 13. When going from the arrangement of Fig. 9 to the arrangement of Fig. 13, the main spring 302 is compressed along the length "x" by the drive plate pin 406 by rotation in the opposite direction. clockwise of the drive plates 402 about the axis 408 of the drive plates. Compression of the main spring 302 thus stores energy in the main spring 302 according to the equation E = 1 / 2k_mx²where x is the main spring 302 displacement. The motor actuator 200, the energy storage mechanism 300, and the mechanical linkage 400 are held in a stable position in Fig. 13 by the first ratchet link 442, the second ratchet link 450, and the ratchet plate 430. The positioning of the first ratchet link 442 and the second ratchet link 450 with respect to each other and with respect to the ratchet plate 430 and cam 420 is such that the compressed main spring 302 is prevented from expanding and thus the energy stored therein is prevented from being released. As can be seen in Fig. 26, this is done because although there is a force along line 462 due to the compressed main spring 302 which tends to rotate the drive plates 402 and the first ratchet link 442 clockwise around the drive plate axis 408, the cam shaft 422 is stationary. relative to the side plates 416 which in turn are attached to the circuit breaker 100. Thus, in the arrangement of FIG. 13, the first ratchet cable 450 forms a rigid connection.

The connection of the first ratchet link 442 and the second ratchet link 450 tends to rotate about the link axis 412 and deflection. However, this is prevented by a force along line 470 (Fig. 26) counteracting a force along line 468 (Fig. 23). The reaction force along line 472 (as seen in Fig. 26) in the cam shaft balances the torque due to spring force acting along line 462 (Fig. 26). Therefore, the forces and moments acting on the motor actuator 200 in the arrangement shown in Fig. 13 are counterbalanced and no rotation of the mechanical linkage 400 takes place.

In Fig. 13, circuit breaker 100 is in the open position. To move from the arrangement of Fig. 13 and return to the arrangement of Fig. 9 (i.e. closing electrical contacts), force is applied to the ratchet plate 430 on the lever 458 of the ratchet plate at 460. Applying this force acts to rotate the ratchet plate 430 counterclockwise about the drive plate axis 408 and allows the rolling pin 446 to be moved from the first concave surface 434 to the second concave surface 436, as shown in Figs. 9 and 20, respectively. releases energy stored in the main spring 302, and a force acting on drive plate pin 406 causes drive plate 402 to rotate clockwise about drive plate axis 408. Clockwise rotation of drive plate 402 exerts force on the handle 102 of the circuit breaker on the second retaining pin 208 moving the handle 102 of the circuit breaker to the left with the main.

By spring 302, pawl plate 430, and mechanical linkage 400 coming into the position of FIG. 9.

In Fig. 23, a motor drive train 500 is shown connected to a motor actuator 200, an energy storage mechanism 300, and a mechanical linkage 400. The motor drive train 500 includes a motor 502 (Fig. 24) coupled to a gear 504 (Fig. 20). . Gear 504 (FIG. 24) includes a plurality of gears 506, 508, 510, 512, 514. One of the gears 514 is rotatable about an axis 526 and is connected to disk 516 via an axle 526. Disc 516 is rotatable about axis 526. However, axis 526 is offset from the center of wheel 516. Therefore, as wheel 516 rotates due to motor 502 and gear 504, disc 516 acts as a cam to provide eccentric rotation of wheel 516 about axis 526.

Motor drive train 500 also includes a one-way bearing 522 connected to cam shaft 422 and a load plate 520 connected to ratchet lever 518. Roller 530 is pivotally connected to one end of ratchet lever 518 and abuts disk 516 (FIG. 25). Therefore, as wheel 516 rotates about axis 526, ratchet lever 518 is pulled back and forth as indicated by arrows 528 in FIG. 26. This back and forth action causes one-way bearing 522 to move a predetermined angular distance θ about the cam shaft 422 which in turn causes the cam 420 (FIG. 17) to move a similar angular distance.

Referring to Fig. 23, motor-drive unit 500 also includes a handgrip 524 (Fig. 24) connected to one-way clutch bearing 522, whereby the one-way clutch bearing 522 and cam 420 (Fig. 17) can be manually reset by repeated pressing. handgrip 524 (FIG. 23).

In the arrangement of the exemplary embodiment, energy is stored in one or more springs 302 which are driven to compress them by at least one drive plate 402 during rotation of at least one loading cam 420 mounted on a common shaft 422. The drive plate 402 is suspended between the two side plates 416 of the energy storage mechanism, and at least one push roller 444 is mounted on the drive plate to cooperate with a pawl cam during a loading cycle. The handle 102 of circuit breaker 100 is actuated by an energy storage system via a linear rack 204 connected to drive plate 402. The drive plate 402 is also connected to at least one compressed spring 302 in which energy is stored. An energy storage mechanism 300 is mounted in front of the cover of the circuit breaker 100 and is secured to the cover by means of screws.

The multiple-load cam 420 is driven about its axis 422 by a motor 502 connected to one end of the shaft via a reduction gear and one-way bearing assembly 522 in automatic mode by a handgrip 524 connected to the same load plate 520 in manual mode.

At the end of the loading cycle, loading cam 420 and drive plate 402 are engaged in a loaded condition by ratchet plate 430 and ratchet links. The stored energy is released by operating the self-triggering coil of the solenoid in automatic mode, actuated by the solenoid, and by a manual ON button on the ratchet plate 430, which presses it on rotation about its axis, allowing the drive plate 402 to rotate freely around the axis 408 to its original position. . The advantage of such an arrangement is that, due to the complete decoupling of the loading cam 420 and drive plate 402, there is no resistance from the loading arrangement when the drive plate 402 is released by disengagement from the ratchet plate 430. This ensures a minimum consumption of stored energy when closing. switch, less wear on the loading cam and roller follower. There is also a much shorter closing time for the circuit breaker. Thus, the drive plate 402 holding the stored energy required to close the circuit breaker 100 is decoupled from the load cam 420 and the shaft used for the load, allowing the circuit breaker to close quickly with minimal signal energy and with high confidence. The system minimizes the stored energy required to close the switch mechanism and reduces the closing time, thus optimizing mechanism size and cost.

At the end of the load cycle, a control cam mounted on the common shaft pushes the drive lever to pivot about the axis and the drive lever, in turn, pushes the load plate away from the eccentric load wheel thereby disengaging the motor and kinematic gear and allowing the motor to rotate freely. While unloading the main spring, the control cam allows the return

The drive lever is returned to its normal position by the spring tension, and thereby the load plate is connected again to the eccentric load gear completing the kinematic linkage for the new load cycle.

In the motor actuator, power to the motor is disconnected from the loading mechanism by direct cam action, thereby eliminating excessive stress on the loading mechanism and motor overload. The cam assembly accomplishes this by using few mechanical components and therefore reduces the cost of the motor actuator and increases its durability.

While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and equivalents may be made to components thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, numerous modifications may be made to the disclosure of the invention to suit a particular situation or material without departing from its essence. Therefore, it is assumed that the invention will not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode considered for carrying out the invention, but that it will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.