Circuit breaker

Abstract

A circuit breaker having separable moveable linearly between an OFF / TRIP position and an ON position, a movable latch moveable between a latched condition and an unlatched condition and a rotationally biased crank. The crank is coupled to the separable contacts by a slider in a manner wherein when the separable contacts are in the ON position rotational movement of the crank will cause linear movement of the separable contacts from the ON position to the OFF / TRIP position, wherein rotation of the crank in is prevented when the latch is in the latched condition, and wherein rotation of the crank is permitted and driven by the biasing of the crank when the latch is moved from the latched condition to the unlatched condition.

Description

CIRCUIT BREAKERCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 654,164, filed on May 31, 2024, and titled “Triggered Retracting Mechanism,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

[0002] The disclosed concept relates generally to circuit protection devices, and, in particular, to a circuit breaker, such as a motor protection circuit breaker, that employs cooperating crank and latch mechanisms and the stored energy of a spring to move moveable / separable contacts in the event of a trip condition, such as a fault current.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

[0003] A motor protection circuit breaker (MPCB) is typically required to automatically disconnect faulty currents, such as short-circuit current or overload currents, in an electric motor, such as, without limitation, a three-phase electric motor. MPCBs protect electric motors by disconnecting the motor from the main power supply. Typical prior art MPCBs include a manual handle to toggle between an ON position, wherein a set of movable contacts of the MPCB is connected to a set of fixed contacts of the main power supply, and an OFF position, wherein the movable contacts are separated from the fixed contacts, resulting in interruption of the current to the motor. A common design consideration in the art is the requirement to operate this contact system in a manner that clears an electrical fault (e.g., an overload or short circuit fault) as fast as possible to protect people and property, including the motor.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

[0004] In one embodiment, a circuit breaker, such as an MPCB, is provided that includes one or more separable contacts, wherein the one or more separable contacts are structured to be moveable linearly between an OFF / TRIP position where the one or more separable contacts are positioned to be separate from one or more fixed contacts and an ON position where the one or more separable contacts are positioned to be in contact with the one or more fixed contacts, a movable latch, wherein the latch is rotatable about a first axis and is biased for rotation about the first axis in a first rotational direction, and wherein the latch ismoveable between a latched condition and an unlatched condition by rotating about the first axis, and a crank. The crank is rotatable about a second axis and is biased for rotation about the second axis in the first rotational direction, wherein a portion of the crank is coupled to the latch such that the portion of the crank and the latch are structured to move together, wherein the crank is coupled to the one or more separable contacts by a slider in a manner wherein when the one or more separable contacts are in the ON position rotational movement of the crank in the first rotational direction will cause linear movement of the one or more separable contacts from the ON position to the OFF / TRIP position, wherein rotation of the crank in the first rotational direction is prevented when the latch is in the latched condition, and wherein rotation of the crank in the first rotational direction is permitted and driven by the biasing of the crank when the latch is moved from the latched condition to the unlatched condition.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0005] A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0006] FIG. 1 a front isometric view and FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of an MPCB according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept in an ON position;

[0007] FIG. 3 a front isometric view and FIG. 4 is a rear isometric view of an MPCB according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept in a TRIP position;

[0008] FIG. 5 a front isometric view and FIG. 6 is a rear isometric view of an MPCB according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept in an OFF position;

[0009] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the crank and the slider of an MPCB according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept in the ON position;

[0010] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the crank and the slider of an MPCB according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept in the TRIP / OFF position; and

[0011] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the contact housing assemblies of an MPCB according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

[0012] As used herein, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0013] As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are “coupled” shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long as a link occurs.

[0014] As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with each other.

[0015] As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other.

[0016] As used herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality).

[0017] Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example and without limitation, top, bottom, left, right, upper, lower, front, back, and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.

[0018] FIG. 1 a front isometric view and FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of an MPCB 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept. The components of MPCB 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and described herein will be contained within a plastic housing which is not being shown in order to allow the components to be described. MPCB 2 is shown in FIGS 1 and 2 in an ON position. In the ON position, the first ends of a set of spring biased (upwardly biased) separable contacts 4A, 4B, and 4C forming a part of MPCB 2 are in direct contact with (i.e., connected to) a set of fixed contacts 6A, 6B, and 6C. In the exemplary embodiment, fixed contacts 6A, 6B, and 6C comprise the outgoing contacts of MPCB 2 and are structured to be coupled to a motor that MPCB 2 is protecting so that current can be provided to the motor through MPCB 2 when MPCB 2 is in the ON position as shown. In addition, in the ON position, the second, opposite ends of the spring biased separable contacts 4A, 4B, and 4C are structured to be coupled to the contacts of a power supply (e.g. a three-phase power supply) that is to provide power to the motor that MPCB 2 is protecting. MPCB 2 includes a generally L-shaped mounting plate 8 to which the various components of MPCB 2 described herein are coupled. In addition, as described in detail herein, MPCB 2 is structured and configured to automatically move to a TRIP position (FIGS. 3 and 4) in response to detection of a trip condition, such as a fault current. Also, as described in detail herein, MPCB 2 is structured and configured to be able to be moved manually from the OFF position to the ON position and from the ON position to the OFF position.

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, MPCB 2 includes a knob driver 10 that is coupledto the top portion of mounting plate 8. Knob driver 10 is structured and configured to rotate within the top portion of mounting plate 8. More specifically, the top portion of mounting plate 8 includes a slot 14, and knob driver 10 includes a protruding member 16 that extends from the base of knob driver 10. Protruding member 16 is received within the slot 14 such that the extent of the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of knob driver 10 is limited by slot 14. The top portion of knob driver 10 is structured to enable the coupling of knob driver 10 to a knob (not shown) or another actuation device, such as a wrench, handle or lever, to allow for selective turning of knob driver 10 as described herein. Knob driver 10 further includes a first gear 12 (FIG. 2) on the bottom portion thereof. In addition, knob driver 10 includes a driver spring (that can be seen attached towards the edge of L-shaped mounting plate 8 ) that biases rotation of knob driver 10 in the clockwise direction.

[0020] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, MPCB 2 further includes a driver 18 that is coupled to the bottom portion of mounting plate 8. Driver 18 includes a driver pin 20, and driver 18 is structured and configured to rotate relative to mounting plate 8 about an axis defined by driver pin 20. In addition, driver 18 includes a second gear 22 that is operatively coupled to first gear 12 of knob driver 10 (FIG. 1). As a result, rotation of knob driver 10 will cause rotation of driver 18. Since knob driver is biased in the clockwise direction, driver 18 is biased in the counter clockwise direction (from the point of view of FIG. 1).

[0021] As seen in FIG. 1, a follower 24 is coupled to the bottom portion of mounting plate 8 on the front side thereof. Follower 24 is structured and configured to be able to rotate relative to mounting plate 8 about an axis defined by a mounting pin 26. In addition, follower 24 includes an engagement member 28 located at one end thereof that includes a flat engagement surface 30 and a rounded engagement surface 32 as seen in FIG. 1. The purpose of these engagement surfaces is described elsewhere herein. Follower 24 is also structured and configured such that engagement member 28 may be moved relative to mounting plate 8 in an arced manner along the surface of mounting plate 8. More specifically, a connecting link 34 couples the bottom portion of driver 18 (FIG. 2) to engagement member 28 (FIG. 1) through an arc-shaped slot 36 provided in mounting plate 8. As a result, rotation of driver 18 (caused by rotation of knob driver 10) is translated to follower 24 and causes follower 24 to move relative to mounting plate 8. More specifically, follower 24 will be caused to rotate about the axis defined by mounting pin 26 and engagement member 28 will be caused to move in the arced manner relative to the surface of mounting plate 8 as described above. Since connecting link 34 extends through slot 36, the extent of rotation of follower 24 and movement of engagement member 38 is limited by arc-shaped slot 36.

[0022] As also seen in FIG. 1, a latch 38 is coupled to the bottom portion of mounting plate 8 on the front side thereof. Like follower 24, latch 38 is coupled to mounting plate 8 in a manner that allows latch 38 to be moved in an arced manner along and defined by slot 36. In addition, latch 38 is structured and configured to be able to rotate relative to mounting plate 8 about an axis that is perpendicular to the surface of mounting plate 8. Furthermore, a latch spring 40 is coupled to latch 38. Latch spring 40 biases rotation of latch 38 in the counterclockwise direction. Latch 38 further includes a first engagement surface 42 at a top end to latch 38, and a second engagement surface 44 and a third engagement surface 46 at a bottom end to latch 38. The purpose of these engagement surfaces is described elsewhere herein.

[0023] Referring still to FIG. 1, a crank 48 is also coupled to the bottom portion of mounting plate 8 on the front side thereof in a manner wherein latch 38 is positioned in between crank 48 and mounting plate 8. Crank 48 is structured and configured to be able to rotate relative to mounting plate 8 about an axis defined by mounting pin 26. In addition, crank 48 includes a first arm 50 extending from a central portion 60 of crank 48. Frist arm 50 is coupled to latch 38 such that arm 50 is movable in the arced manner along with latch 38 as crank 48 rotates. In other words, crank 48 follows the movement of latch 38. Crank 48 further includes a second arm 52 extending from the central portion 60 that has a flat engagement surface 54, and a third arm 56 extending from the central portion 60 that has a rounded engagement surface 58. Finally, central portion 60 includes a flat engagement surface 62 and a flat engagement surface 64 that is transverse to flat engagement surface 62. The purpose of each of these arms and engagement surfaces is described elsewhere herein (including with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0024] MPCB 2 further includes a main spring 66 and a spring holder 68. Main spring 66 has a fixed portion that is coupled to the rear surface of mounting plate 8 and includes a moveable extending portion 70 that is fed through an arc-shaped slot 72 provided in mounting plate 8 such that a terminal end 74 of extending portion rests on and engages engagement surface 54 of arm 52 of crank 48.

[0025] Furthermore, MPCB 2 also includes a slider 76. Slider 76 includes a main body 78 having a curved engagement surface 80 (see also FIGS. 7 and 8). Slider 76 further includes downwardly extending legs 82A, 82B, and 82C. Legs 82A, 82B, and 82C are coupled to a crossbars 84A, 84B, 84C, respectively, that are in contact with movable contacts 4A, 4B and 4C. In addition, legs 82A, 82B, and 82C, crossbars 84A, 84B, and 84C, and movable contacts 4A, 4B and 4C are all configured to be received in move within a contacthousings 86A, 86B, 86C. This configuration is shown in FIG. 9, which also shows springs 90 A, 90B, and 90C that bias movable contacts 4 A, 4B and 4C.

[0026] As noted above, MPCB 2 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is in the ON position. In the ON position, slider 76 is in a raised condition where main body 78 and legs 82A, 82B and 82C of slider 76 are outside of contact housings 86A, 86B, 86C. In addition, separable contacts 4A, 4B, and 4C and crossbars 84A, 84B, 84C are raised within contact housings 86A, 86B, 86C, with the springs of separable contacts 4A, 4B, and 4C (which are positioned between the bottom of the separable contacts 4A, 4B, and 4C and the bottom of contact housings 86A, 86B, 86C) being in an extended state. As a result, and as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, separable contacts 4A, 4B and 4C are in contact with fixed contacts 6A, 6B and 6C, this making an electrical connection. In addition, in the ON position, main spring 66 is in a loaded condition in which it stores energy such that extending portion 70 thereof is positioned near the top end of arc shaped slot 72 (FIG. 2). Also, as seen in FIG. 1, follower 24 is engaged with latch 38. More specifically, engagement surface 30 of engagement member 28 of follower 24 is in direct contact with engagement surface 44 of latch 38. As a result, even though main spring 66 is in the loaded condition with terminal end 74 of extending portion 70 pressing against engagement surface 54 of crank 48, crank 48 cannot be rotated clockwise (from the point of view of FIG. 1) because such clockwise rotation of crank is prevented by the engagement between latch 38 and follower 24 as just described. FIG. 7 shows the ON position of crank 48 and slider 76. MCPB 2 will remain in this ON position until a fault is detected or until MPCB is manually moved to the OFF condition as described herein.

[0027] If during operation of MPCB 2 a fault condition is detected by a trip circuit operating in conjunction with MPCB 2, MPCB 2 will automatically be caused to move from the ON position to the TRIP position that is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In particular, if the trip circuit detects a fault, an operating mechanism, such as a magnetically actuated actuator (e.g., a magnetic coil and plunger) controlled by the trip circuit and / or a bi-metallic actuator in the case of thermal detection, will cause a temporary triggering force to be applied against engagement surface 32 of latch 38. The temporary triggering force will work against the counterclockwise biasing of latch 38 by latch spring 40, and latch 38 will be caused to temporarily rotate in the clockwise direction. This movement will cause engagement surface 44 of latch 38 to disengage from engagement surface 30 of engagement member 28 of follower 24 (leaving crank 48 free to rotate in the clockwise direction). As a result, the force of main spring 66, and specifically the force being exerted by terminal end 74 against engagement surface 54 of crank 48, will cause crank 48 to rotate counterclockwise (from thepoint of view of FIG. 1) as a result of the spring trying to restore to its original assembled state (and as a result of a lack of blocking action by latch 38 and follower 24). In addition, as crank 48 is rotated, rounded engagement surface 58 of arm 56 will push against curved engagement surface 80 of slider 76. As a result, slider 76 will be moved linearly downward, thereby moving separable contacts 4A, 4B and 4C against the spring bias thereof and out of contact with fixed contacts 6 A, 6B, and 6C. The end movement of crank 48 as a result of a trip as just described is shown in FIG. 8. Moreover, the curved shape of engagement surface 80 and the rounded shape of engagement surface 58 ensures that slider 76 moves downward and away from central portion 60 of crank 48.

[0028] As a result of the actions just described, MPCB 2 will be in the TRIP position as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, and as noted above, slider 76 has moved downwardly within contact housings 86A, 86B, 86C. In addition, as a result of legs 82A, 82B, and 82C pushing on crossbars 84A, 84B, 84C, separable contacts 4A, 4B and 4C are forced into the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 wherein the contact between separable contacts 4A, 4B and 4C and fixed contacts 6A, 6B and 6C has been eliminated. This results in the opening of the circuit, which prevents current from flowing through fixed contacts 6A, 6B and 6C. In addition, as seen in FIG. 4, terminal end 74 of spring 66 is now at the bottom end of slot 72. The disengagement condition of latch 38 and follower 24 in this TRIP position can be clearly seen in FIG. 3. Also, as seen in FIG. 3, in this configuration, latch 38 and arm 50 of crank 48 have moved to be aligned with the top end of arc shaped slot 36.

[0029] In order to move MPCB 2 back to the ON position, it must first be manually moved to the OFF position, which is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. To do so, a user must first turn knob driver 10 counterclockwise, which causes driver 18 to move in a clockwise direction (from the point of view of FIG. 4). When driver 18 is so moved, engagement member 28 of follower 24 can be brought back into engagement with the lower end of latch 38. More specifically, when engagement member 28 of follower 24 is moved as described, rounded engagement portion 32 of engagement member 28 is able to slide along flat engagement portion 46 of latch in a manner that eventually enables engagement surface 30 of engagement member 28 to come back into contact with engagement surface 44 of latch 38. This can be seen in FIG. 5 and results in MPCB being in the OFF position, which is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In the OFF position, the contacts remain separated and compressed against the spring bias as in the TRIP position. In addition, in the OFF position, main spring 66 is in its unloaded condition as in the TRIP position.

[0030] Thereafter, MPCB 2 may be moved to the ON position shown in FIGS 1 and 2by rotating knob driver 10 clockwise, which causes driver 18 to be move counterclockwise (from the point of view of FIG. 6). Movement of driver 18 in this manner will cause follower 24 to rotate clockwise (from the point of view of FIG. 6) and engagement member 38 of follower 24 to move downward along slot 36. This downward movement will cause latch 38 to also move in an arced manner relative to mounting plate 8 along slot 36 and will cause crank 48 to rotate clockwise (from the point of view of FIG. 5) against the bias of main spring 66 and latch spring 40. As a result, engagement surface 54 of arm 52 of crank 48 will push against the terminal end 74 of main spring 66 and will reload main spring 66 to the position shown in FIG. 1 and 2. Not that as shown in FIG. 7, engagement surfaces 62 and 64 of crank and a flat engagement surface 88 of slider 76 function as a stop to prevent further rotation of crank 48. Following these operations, MPCB 2 will have been moved back to the ON position and will be ready to sense a new trip.

[0031] MPCB 2 may also be selectively moved from the ON position shown in FIGS 1 and 2 to the OFF position shown in FIGS 5 and 6 by rotating knob driver 10 counterclockwise, which causes driver 18 to be move clockwise (from the point of view of FIG. 1). Movement of driver 18 in this manner will cause follower 24 to rotate counterclockwise (from the point of view of FIG. 6), and the biasing of latch 38 and spring 66, now not impeded by follower 24, will cause crank to also move counterclockwise to the position shown in FIG. 8, with the end result being MPCB 2 being in the OFF position as shown in FIGS 5 and 6. Again, in the OFF position, the contacts are separated and compressed against the spring bias and main spring 66 is in its unloaded condition.

[0032] The embodiments of MPCB 2 described thus far include 3 separate contacts for use with, for example, a three-phase electric motor. It will be understood, however, that this is meant to be exemplary and not limiting, and that the disclosed concept may also be employed in connection with less than three separable contacts, such as a single separable contact.

[0033] In addition, while the exemplary embodiments described herein are an MPCB, it will be understood that that is not mean to be limiting and that the disclosed concept may also be employed in connection with other types of circuit breakers that have fixed and separable contacts.

[0034] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and notlimiting as to the scope of disclosed concept which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A circuit breaker, comprising: one or more separable contacts, wherein the one or more separable contacts are structured to be moveable linearly between an OFF / TRIP position where the one or more separable contacts are positioned to be separate from one or more fixed contacts and an ON position where the one or more separable contacts are positioned to be in contact with the one or more fixed contacts; a movable latch, wherein the latch is rotatable about a first axis and is biased for rotation about the first axis in a first rotational direction, and wherein the latch is moveable between a latched condition and an unlatched condition by rotating about the first axis; and a crank, wherein the crank is rotatable about a second axis and is biased for rotation about the second axis in the first rotational direction, wherein a portion of the crank is coupled to the latch such that the portion of the crank and the latch are structured to move together, wherein the crank is coupled to the one or more separable contacts by a slider in a manner wherein when the one or more separable contacts are in the ON position rotational movement of the crank in the first rotational direction will cause linear movement of the one or more separable contacts from the ON position to the OFF / TRIP position, wherein rotation of the crank in the first rotational direction is prevented when the latch is in the latched condition, and wherein rotation of the crank in the first rotational direction is permitted and driven by the biasing of the crank when the latch is moved from the latched condition to the unlatched condition.

2. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, further comprising a main spring having a terminal end, wherein the crank includes an arm having an engagement surface, wherein the terminal end of the main spring rests on the arm and biases the crank for rotation about the second axis in the first rotational direction, and wherein rotation of the crank in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction loads the main spring.

3. The circuit breaker according to claim 2, further comprising a mounting plate, wherein the crank and the latch are provided on a first side of the mounting plate and the main spring is mounted on a second side of the mounting plate opposite the first side.

4. The circuit breaker according to claim 3, wherein the main spring includes a moveable extending portion that includes the terminal end, wherein a portion of the moveable extending portion extends through an arc-shaped slot provided in the mounting plate to enable the terminal end to rest on the arm of the crank.

5. The circuit breaker according to claim 2, wherein when the one or more separable contacts are in the OFF / TRIP condition and the latch is in the latched condition, movement of the latch in the second rotational direction will cause movement of the crank in the second rotational direction and loading of the main spring.

6. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein the one or more separable contacts are spring biased toward the crank, wherein the slider is coupled to the one or more separable contacts, wherein the slider includes a curved engagement surface, wherein the crank includes an arm having a rounded engagement surface in contact with the curved engagement surface of the slider such that rotation of the crank about the second axis in the first rotational direction will cause the slider to move linearly and cause linear movement of the one or more separable contacts from the ON position to the OFF / TRIP position.

7. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein the latch includes a first engagement surface such that a force applied to the first engagement surface will cause rotation of the latch about the first axis in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, thereby moving the latch from the latched condition to the unlatched condition.

8. The circuit breaker according to claim 7, further comprising a follower having an engagement member having a second engagement surface, wherein the latch includes a third engagement surface, wherein in the latched condition the second engagement surface is in contact with the third engagement surface, and wherein in the unlatched condition the second engagement surface will not be in contact with the third engagement surface as a result of the rotation of the latch about the first axis in the second rotational direction.

9. The circuit breaker according to claim 8, wherein the follower is rotatable about the second axis, the circuit breaker further comparing a rotatable driver coupled to theengagement member of the follower, wherein the driver is structured to bias rotation of the follower about the second axis in the second rotational direction.

10. The circuit breaker according to claim 9, further comprising a mounting plate, wherein the crank, the latch and the follower are provided on a first side of the mounting plate and the driver is provided on a second side of the mounting plate opposite the first side.

11. The circuit breaker according to claim 10, wherein the follower is positioned in between the crank and the mounting bracket.

12. The circuit breaker according to claim 11, wherein the driver is coupled to the engagement member of the follower by a link that extends through the mounting plate.

13. The circuit breaker according to claim 12, wherein the mounting plate includes an arc-shaped slot thought which the link passes, wherein the latch and the engagement member are structured to move relative to the mounting plate along the arc-shaped and wherein the arc-shaped limits the movement of the engagement member and the latch.

14. The circuit breaker according to claim 9, further comprising a knob driver coupled to the driver, wherein rotation of the knob driver causes rotation of the driver.

15. The circuit breaker according to claim 14, wherein the knob driver includes a first gear and the driver includes a second gear coupled to the first gear.

16. The circuit breaker according to claim 15, wherein the knob driver includes a spring that causes the driver to be biased in a manner that biases the follower in the second rotational direction.

17. The circuit breaker according to claim 8, wherein when the one or more separable contacts are in the OFF / TRIP condition and the latch is in the unlatched condition, the latch can be moved to the latched condition by rotating the follower in the first rotational direction to bring the second engagement surface in contact with the third engagement surface.

18. The circuit breaker according to claim 17, wherein the latch includes a flat engagment surface and the engament member of the folower inldues a rounded engagement surface that is in contact with the flat engagement surface when the latch is in the unlatched condition, and wherein the rounded engagement surface facilitates movement of the latch from the unlatched condition to the latched condition as the follower is rotated.

19. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein the circuit breaker is a motor protection circuit breaker.

20. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein the one or more separable contacts comprise three separable contacts.

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