Abstract:
A circuit switching mechanism for use in a high voltage circuit breaker is disclosed. The circuit switching mechanism includes a charging system (12); trip latch mechanism (14); a closing spring (18) positioned coaxially within an opening spring (16); a support structure (22) supporting the springs; and a first rod member (24) operatively associated with a circuit interrupter. Discharging of the opening or closing spring effects movement of the first rod member in a first direction and a second direction, respectively. The trip latch mechanism (14) comprises a hammer (14-6); a trip link (14-18); a first pin (14-16) coupled through the hammer and trip link; a second pin (14-30) attached to the trip link, a trip finger (14-20) and a third pin (14-24) coupled through the trip link and the trip finger. The trip finger bears against the support structure to hold at least one spring in a charged state.