Automatic miniature circuit breaker with Z-axis assemblable trip mechanism

An electric circuit breaker having a base and a cover with the base carrying a line terminal and a load terminal which are electrically connected through an electrical circuit extending therebetween, said circuit breaker comprising:

• a first contact;
• a second contact;
• a movable contact carrier carrying said second contact and movable between (i) a first position wherein said second contact is engaged with said first contact and corresponding to a closed electrical circuit condition wherein said electrical circuit is completed between said line terminal and said load terminal and (ii) a second position wherein said second contact is spaced away from said fist contact and corresponding to an open electrical circuit condition wherein said electrical circuit is not completed between said line terminal and said load terminal;
• current responsive means including an armature having a latching surface, and a bimetal member and yoke assembly for sensing a predetermined overcurrent or short circuit condition in said electrical circuit and for moving said armature at least a predetermined distance in response thereto;
• and
• trip means associated with said current responsive means for moving said contact carrier from said first position to said second position in response to the movement of said latch armature said predetermined distance, said trip means comprising a flat, generally U-shaped trip lever having opposite flat sides and opposite edges, said trip lever pivotally supported at a first end by a hub disposed on said base, said trip lever having a latch portion at its opposite end operatively associated with said latch surface on said armature and adapted to be tripped or released therefrom in response to said armature movement responsive to said overcurrent or short circuit condition, said release causing pivoting movement of said lever about said hub so as to move said contact carrier from said first position to said second position and hence move said second contact away from said first contact, said trip lever having a nub extending from one of said edges adjacent said first end, and adapted to engage a corresponding shoulder section on said contact carrier and facilitate movement of said second contact away from said first contact as said trip lever is tripped.