A circuit breaker

Abstract

Described herein is a circuit breaker [100] comprising a plurality of pole assemblies [102]. Each of the plurality of pole assemblies [102] define a first surface [146] and a protrusion [148]. The circuit breaker [100] further comprises a mounting bracket [134] adapted to facilitate attachment of a Stored Energy Motor Operator (SEMO) [154] of the circuit breaker [100] thereon. The mounting bracket [134] is a hollow-box shaped structure defining a bottom surface [150], a top surface [136], at least one side surface [138], and a central hollow region [140] extending longitudinally from the top surface [136] to the bottom surface [150], such that the protrusion [148] of the pole assembly [102] is received in the hollow central region [140] of the mounting bracket [134], and the bottom surface [150] thereof rests on the first surface [146] of the pole assembly [102].

Description

[0001] A CIRCUIT BREAKER

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to circuit breakers, particularly to a Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB). The present invention, in particular, relates to a mounting bracket adapted to enable mounting thereon an accessory of the MCCB.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] This section is intended to provide information relating to the field of the invention and thus, any approach or functionality described below should not be assumed to be qualified as prior art merely by its inclusion in this section.

[0006] A Circuit Breaker is an electro-mechanical switching device capable of making, carrying and breaking a flow of current in an electrical circuit. The circuit breaker is also known as an overcurrent protective device. Under normal circuit conditions, the circuit breaker closes the electrical circuit to allow the flow of current therethrough and breaks the flow of current or the electrical circuit under specified abnormal circuit conditions. Accordingly, it is said that the circuit breaker is an equipment which can open or close the circuit, under all conditions viz. no load, full load and fault conditions. Low voltage circuit breakers are commonly known to be deployed for low voltage applications, for example 1000 Volt or lower.

[0007] Various examples of low voltage circuit breakers are known, for example, a Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB), a Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB), a Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB), an Air Circuit Breaker (ACB), and the like. Notably, the MCB is used in applications of current rating under 125 Amperes, and short circuit current interruption rating of under 10KA, while the MCCB is usually used in applications of current rating up to 1600 Amperes, and interrupting short circuit current in a range of lOkA - 150kA. Accordingly, it is submitted that the MCCB is used for relatively high current rating applications than the MCB.

[0008] The MCCB is commonly a multipolar circuit breaker, which protects the electrical network / circuit and equipment from overloading and / or short-circuiting. Specifically, the MCCB is capable of operating amongst an ON position, an OFF position, and a TRIP position.

[0009] Conventionally, the MCCB includes at least a base assembly, a mid-cover assembly, a fascia plate assembly, at least one pole assembly, a TRIP assembly, and an actuator assembly. In the MCCB, comprising three (3) pole assemblies, the base assembly, the mid-cover assembly, and the fascia plate assembly, in combination with each other, form a housing to house and support the three (3) pole assemblies therein.Further, the actuator assembly is mounted on at least one of the three (3) pole assemblies, while the TRIP assembly is mounted on at least one of the three (3) pole assemblies, such that the three (3) pole assemblies are connected together and operated together amongst the ON position, the OFF position, and the TRIP position. Notably, each of the three (3) pole assemblies comprise a pair of electrical contact units i.e., a stationary contact unit and a rotary contact unit, wherein the rotary contact unit rotatably engages and disengages with the stationary contact unit. Particularly, the actuator assembly includes a fork that can be manually adjusted, to adjust the three (3) pole assemblies together amongst the ON position, the OFF position, and the TRIP position. More particularly, the actuator assembly is capable of breaking electrical contact between the stationary contact unit and the rotary contact unit of the three (3) pole assemblies, to interrupt the flow of current therethrough to the conductors connected to the load side, in response to normal / fault conditions.

[0010] A Stored Energy Motor Operator (SEMO) is an accessory for the MCCB enabling remote operation of the MCCB for breaking or making the flow of current in the electrical circuit. Conventionally, the SEMO is mounted onto the mid-cover assembly of the MCCB by screwing the SEMO onto the mid-cover assembly. When remotely operating the MCCB via SEMO, a high degree of potential energy is converted into mechanical forces, to manipulate the actuator assembly, and because of high stored potential energy being converted into mechanical forces, there are chances of structural damage to the mid-cover assembly due to sudden motion of the actuator assembly which is transferred to and from the SEMO. Additionally, in the event of a short-circuit fault condition, high forces are generated and transferred to the SEMO. Especially due to generation of such high forces at the SEMO, the mid-cover assembly may undergo structural failure, resulting in improper functioning of the MCCB, even resulting in the exposure of internal components of the MCCB to environment, which may even pose hazard to an operator during maintenance. Further, the MCCB may undergo failure altogether due to the structural failure of the MCCB.

[0011] Accordingly in light of the aforementioned drawbacks and several other limitations inherent in the existing art, there exists a well-felt need to provide an improved circuit breaker, particularly the MCCB that is capable of securely mounting thereon the SEMO and eliminating structural failure of the mid-cover assembly due to mounting of the SEMO thereon while ensuring integrity and safety of the MCCB, which the present disclosure aims to address.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThis section is intended to introduce certain aspects of the disclosed system in a simplified form and is not intended to identify the key advantages or features of the present disclosure.

[0013] The present disclosure relates to a circuit breaker that comprises a plurality of pole assemblies. Each of the plurality of pole assemblies define a first surface and a protrusion. The circuit breaker further comprises a mounting bracket adapted to facilitate attachment of a Stored Energy Motor Operator (SEMO) of the circuit breaker thereon. The mounting bracket is a hollow-box shaped structure defining a bottom surface, a top surface, at least one side surface, and a central hollow region extending longitudinally from the top surface to the bottom surface, such that the protrusion of the pole assembly is received in the hollow central region of the mounting bracket, and the bottom surface thereof rests on the first surface of the pole assembly.

[0014] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the circuit breaker further comprises a pole connecting shaft, an actuator assembly, and a mid-cover assembly defining a pair of cut-outs thereon.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one side surface of the mounting bracket defines at least a through-hole extending longitudinally from one of the at least one side surface to the other of the at least one side surface, such that the pole connecting shaft, in addition to the plurality of pole assemblies, and the actuator assembly, are also passed through each of the at least one through hole, to secure the mounting bracket onto the plurality of pole assemblies of the circuit breaker.

[0016] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the top surface of the mounting bracket defines a plurality of mounting cavities adapted to mount the SEMO thereon.

[0017] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the pair of cut-outs corresponds to the plurality of mounting cavities and axially coincides therewith.

[0018] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting bracket comprises a plurality of nut inserts, such that the nut inserts extend from the pair of mounting cavities.

[0019] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of fastener members extends from the SEMO, and into the pair of mounting cavities of the mounting bracket, via the pair of cut-outs of the mid-cover assembly, in order to threadingly engage and lock with the pair of nut inserts embedded in the mounting bracket.

[0020] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the circuit breaker is a Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB).BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to explain the technical solution in the embodiments of the present application more clearly, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It is obvious that the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the application. Forthose skilled in the art, without any creative work, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 illustrates an assembled perspective view of a molded case circuit breaker (MCCB), in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the MCCB of Figure 1, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a relative arrangement between three (3) pole assemblies and an actuator assembly of the MCCB of Figure 1, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the relative arrangement of Figure 3, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 5 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a mid-cover assembly of the MCCB of Figure 1, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 6 illustrates a top perspective view of a relative arrangement between a pole assembly and a mounting bracket for mounting a Stored Energy Motor Operator (SEMO), in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 7 illustrates an enlarged top perspective view of the mounting bracket, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 8 illustrates an enlarged bottom perspective view of the mounting bracket, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 9 illustrates an exploded perspective view depicting mounting of the SEMO onto the mounting bracket onto the MCCB, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without thesespecific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or might address only one of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein. Exemplified embodiments of the present invention are described below, as illustrated in various drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings.

[0032] A circuit breaker

[0100] is an electro-mechanical switching device capable of making, carrying and / or breaking a flow of current in an electrical circuit. The circuit breaker

[0100] is also known as an over-current protective device. Under normal circuit conditions, the circuit breaker

[0100] closes the electrical circuit for allowing the flow of current therethrough, and breaks the flow of current or the electrical circuit under specified abnormal circuit conditions. Accordingly, it is said that the circuit breaker

[0100] is an equipment which can open or close the electrical circuit, under all conditions viz. no load, full load and fault conditions. The circuit breaker

[0100] of the present invention is a Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB). Accordingly the terms ‘circuit breaker

[0100] ’ and the ‘Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB)

[0100] ’ with like reference numerals shall be interchangeably referred hereinafter.

[0033] Figure 1 illustrates an assembled perspective view of the MCCB

[0100] , while Figure 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the MCCB

[0100] , in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 3 illustrates a relative arrangement between three (3) pole assemblies

[0102] and an actuator assembly

[0112] of the MCCB

[0100] , while Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the relative arrangement of Figure 3, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 5 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a mid-cover assembly

[0106] of the MCCB

[0100] of Figure 1, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figures 1 to 5 are to be viewed in conjunction with each other, in order to better understand the concepts of the present disclosure. For ease in reference and understanding of a reader, the structure and arrangement of the MCCB

[0100] is elucidated hereunder, in light of the aforementioned accompanying drawings.

[0034] The MCCB

[0100] is a low-voltage and high-current circuit breaker, employed to protect electrical networks / circuits from overload or short-circuit fault conditions. The MCCB

[0100] is positioned between at least one load phase on a load side and at least one line phase on a line side, for providing protection during overload or short-circuit fault conditions. The MCCB

[0100] operates amongst each of an ON position, an OFF position, and a TRIP position, wherein the MCCB

[0100] is manually adjusted between the ON position and the OFF position, whereas MCCB

[0100] is automatically adjusted to the TRIP position due to overloading or short-circuiting at the line sideof the MCCB

[0100] , In the ‘ON’ position, the MCCB

[0100] allows the flow of current therethrough, whereas, in each of the ‘OFF’ position and the ‘TRIP’ position, the MCCB

[0100] restricts the flow of current therethrough.

[0035] Commonly, the MCCB

[0100] is a multipolar circuit breaker. Although, in the present disclosure the MCCB

[0100] is described as a three-pole circuit breaker, it may be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the MCCB

[0100] may also be a single-pole circuit breaker, a four-pole circuit breaker, or a circuit breaker with any other number of poles. As seen from figure 2, the MCCB

[0100] includes the three (3) pole assemblies

[0102] , abase assembly

[0104] , the mid-cover assembly

[0106] , a fascia plate assembly

[0108] , a hinge cover assembly

[0110] , the actuator assembly

[0112] , and a TRIP assembly (not shown).

[0036] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, each of the three (3) pole assemblies

[0102] are independent units capable of protecting the electrical networks / circuits from over-load or short-circuit conditions. In particular, each of the three (3) pole assemblies

[0102] transmits electric current from one of the line phases to one of the load phases, while providing protection from overcurrent or short-circuit fault conditions. Each of the three (3) pole assemblies

[0102] operate in each of the ‘ON’ position, the ‘OFF’ position, and the ‘TRIP’ position. Notably, the three (3) pole assemblies

[0102] are connected with one or more components of the actuator assembly

[0112] , to adjust each of the three pole assemblies

[0102] together amongst the ‘ON’ position, the ‘OFF’ position, and the ‘TRIP’ position. The structure and arrangement of the base assembly

[0104] will be elucidated hereinafter. The base assembly

[0104] is a lower structure that provides a mounting base and support structure for holding and supporting each of the three pole assemblies

[0102] therein. In particular, the base assembly

[0104] defines pole holding cavities (not shown) to mount and support each of the three (3) pole assemblies

[0102] therein. Notably, the three (3) pole assemblies

[0102] are fixedly attached within the pole holding cavities defined by the base assembly

[0104] , An attachment means for attaching the three (3) pole assemblies

[0102] within the pole holding cavities defined by the base assembly

[0104] includes, but is not limited to, a bolt attachment means, a screw attachment means, a rivet attachment means, an adhesive attachment means, a fit attachment means, a weld attachment means, and the like. Other conventional attachment means not described herein also fall within the scope of the present disclosure. The structure and arrangement of the mid-cover assembly

[0106] will be described hereinafter.

[0037] The mid-cover assembly

[0106] is an upper structure that is engaged with the base assembly

[0104] , to at least partially cover the three (3) pole assemblies

[0102] and protect the same from external environment. The mid-cover assembly

[0106] is adapted to mount various accessories of the MCCB

[0100] thereon, such as, but not limited to, a shunt release mechanism, undervoltage trip mechanism, auxiliary & trip / alarm contact switch, a flux shifter device, a push-to-trip (PTT) assembly, and the like. The mid-cover assembly

[0106] is usually fittingly engaged with the base assembly

[0104] , The mid-cover assembly

[0106] defines a pair of cut-outs [106a] that facilitates attachment of the accessories of the MCCB

[0100] thereon. Although, the mid-cover assembly

[0106] is described to be attached to the base assembly

[0104] by way of a fit attachment means, it may be obvious to a person skilled in the art that any other known attachment means may also be envisioned.

[0038] The fascia plate assembly

[0108] is adapted to be fittingly mounted on to the mid-cover assembly

[0106] , to cover the mid-cover assembly

[0106] and various accessories housed and supported therein. The said accessories would be apparent either from the present disclosure or conventional know-how of the field. The fascia plate assembly

[0108] defines portions to define electrical parameters related to the MCCB

[0100] ,

[0039] The hinge cover assembly

[0110] comprises a first hinge cover plate [110a] and a second hinge cover plate [110b] adapted to be mounted on a top edge and a bottom edge of the fascia plate assembly

[0108] , respectively. In particular, the first hinge cover plate [110a] defines a first pair of snap attachment sections adapted to engage with one of the at least two pairs of grooves [108b] defined proximal to the top edge of the fascia plate assembly

[0108] , While, the second hinge cover plate [110b] defines a second pair of snap attachment sections adapted to engage with the other of the at least two pair of grooves [108b] defined proximal to the bottom edge of the fascia plate assembly

[0108] , Further, each of the first and second hinge cover plates [110a] defines a male attachment portion which is adapted to engage with the mid-cover assembly

[0106] , to lock thereto by means of a snap-fit attachment. The structure and arrangement of the actuator assembly

[0112] will be described hereinafter.

[0040] The actuator assembly

[0112] is a multi -part component mounted on one of the pole assemblies

[0102] , The actuator assembly

[0112] connects the three (3) pole assemblies

[0102] together, such that the three (3) pole assemblies

[0102] are adjusted together amongst the ON position, the OFF position, and the TRIP position, by means of the actuator assembly

[0112] , The actuator assembly

[0112] includes a fork

[0114] that may be adjusted to manipulate the three pole assemblies

[0102] together amongst the ON position, the OFF position, and the TRIP position. In particular, the fork of the actuator assembly

[0112] is pivotally supported on one or more side plates

[0116] of the actuator assembly

[0112] , The fork

[0114] may be manually manipulated or remotely via a Stored Energy Motor Operator (SEMO), to adjust the three pole assemblies

[0102] together from the ON position to the OFF position and vice versa. Moreover, one or more of the three (3) pole assemblies

[0102] may be adjusted to the TRIP position, during overload or short-circuit conditions. Additionally, the TRIP assembly is mounted on one of the three (3) pole assemblies such that the TRIP assembly triggers the actuator assembly

[0112] to adjust the three (3) pole assemblies

[0102] together to the TRIP position. Further, the fork

[0114] of the actuator assembly

[0112] may be manipulated to reset the three (3) pole assemblies

[0102] together from the TRIP position to the OFF position.

[0041] The TRIP assembly is mounted and supported on one or all of the three pole assemblies

[0102] and is structured and arranged to connect the three (3) pole assemblies

[0102] together, such that the three (3) pole assemblies

[0102] are adjusted together from the ON position to the TRIP position. In particular, in the overload and / or short-circuit conditions of one of load phase or line phase of one of the three (3) pole assemblies

[0102] , one or more of the three (3) pole assemblies

[0102] are adjusted to the TRIP position. Notably, one or more of the three (3) pole assemblies

[0102] can be removed from and / or attached to the MCCB

[0100] , in order to operate the MCCB

[0100] , A structure and arrangement of one of the three (3) pole assemblies

[0102] will be described in detail hereinafter. Similar structure and arrangement of the remaining pole assemblies

[0102] may be envisioned.

[0042] The pole assembly

[0102] includes a casing unit

[0144] , a stationary contact unit (not shown), a rotary contact unit (not shown), and an arc chute unit (not shown). Notably, the casing unit

[0144] of each of the plurality of pole assemblies

[0102] comprised in the MCCB

[0100] is such that the plurality of pole assemblies

[0102] are arranged with one another in a modular manner. More particularly, a number of the plurality of pole assemblies

[0102] , in combination, define a number of electrical connection poles of the MCCB

[0100] , such that one or more of the plurality of pole assemblies

[0102] can be removed and / or deployed, in order to vary the number of electrical connection poles of the MCCB

[0100] , Further, each of the plurality of pole assemblies

[0102] define a first surface

[0146] and a protrusion

[0148] , In a preferred embodiment, the casing unit

[0144] defines the first surface

[0146] and the protrusion

[0148] , The first surface

[0146] and the protrusion

[0148] together are configured to receive a mounting bracket

[0134] thereon.

[0043] The stationary contact unit is an electric contact plate structure that may be positioned within a defined portion in the casing unit

[0144] , The stationary contact unit is provided to connect to electrical wires from the line side. In particular, in complete assembly of the MCCB

[0100] , the electrical wires from the line side are usually connected to the stationary contact unit.

[0044] The rotary contact unit is a moving structure that engages / di sengages with the stationary contact unit, to allow / restrict the flow of electric current therethrough. The rotary contact unit is rotatablypositioned within a defined portion in the casing unit

[0144] and is provided to connect to electrical wires from the load side. In particular, in complete assembly of the MCCB

[0100] , the electrical wires from the line side are usually connected to the stationary contact unit. Further, the rotary contact unit is rotatably adjusted while being positioned within the casing unit

[0144] , to make and / or release a contact relative to the stationary contact unit, in order to allow and / or restrict the flow of electric current therebetween. Notably, the rotary contact unit ‘makes’ a contact relative to the stationary contact unit to allow the flow of electric current (the ‘ON’ position), the rotary contact unit ‘releases’ the contact relative to the stationary contact unit, to restrict the flow of electric current (the ‘OFF’ position). Additionally, the rotary contact unit is adjusted without complete rotation, to release the contact relative to the stationary contact unit, to restrict the flow of electric current (the ‘TRIP’ position).

[0045] The arc chute unit is positioned within a defined portion of the casing unit and comprises of an arc chute holder member and an arc chute member. The arc chute holder member and an arc chute member are arranged together, to effectively quench arc generated in the event of a short circuit, and vent out gases generated by the arc through a vent channel. The arc is generated due to engagement / disengagement of the rotary contact unit relative to the stationary contact unit, and the gases generated upon the arc generation are effectively vented through the vent channel, thus quenching the arc.

[0046] It is commonly known to use a Stored Energy Motor Operator (SEMO)

[0154] , to remotely operate the MCCB

[0100] to restrict and / or allow the flow of current in the electrical circuit. For efficiently mounting and supporting the SEMO

[0154] on the MCCB

[0100] , the present disclosure provides the mounting bracket

[0134] , Particularly, the mounting bracket

[0134] is installed directly atop one of the plurality of pole assemblies

[0102] , to enable attachment of attachment of the SEMO

[0154] of the thereon.

[0047] Figure 6 illustrates a top perspective view of a relative arrangement between the pole assembly

[0102] and the mounting bracket

[0134] for mounting the SEMO

[0154] , in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 7 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the mounting bracket

[0134] , in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 8 illustrates an enlarged bottom perspective view of the mounting bracket, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 9 illustrates an exploded perspective view depicting mounting of the SEMO onto the mounting bracket onto the MCCB, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figures 6 to 9 are to be viewed in conjunction with each other, in order to better understand the concepts of the present disclosure.The mounting bracket

[0134] is a hollow box-shaped structure defining atop surface

[0136] , a bottom surface

[0150] , at least one side surface

[0138] , and a central hollow region

[0140] that extends longitudinally from the top surface

[0136] to the bottom surface

[0150] , Notably, when the mounting bracket

[0134] is installed onto one of the pole assemblies

[0102] of the plurality of pole assemblies

[0102] , the protrusion

[0148] of the pole assembly

[0102] is received in the central hollow region

[0140] of the mounting bracket

[0134] , while the bottom surface

[0150] thereof rests on the first surface

[0146] of the pole assembly

[0102] of the plurality of pole assemblies

[0102] , Notably, the at least one side surface

[0138] defines at least a through-hole [134a] extending longitudinally from one of the at least one side surface

[0138] to the other of the at least one side surface

[0138] , such that a pole connecting shaft

[0142] of the MCCB

[0100] , in addition to the plurality of pole assemblies

[0102] and the one or more side plates

[0116] of the actuator assembly

[0112] of the MCCB

[0100] , is also passed through each of the at least one through hole [134a], to secure the mounting bracket

[0134] onto the pole assembly

[0102] of the plurality of pole assemblies

[0102] , Particularly, the pole connecting shaft

[0142] is inserted into an opening of a through hole [102a] of one or more of the pole assemblies

[0102] of the plurality of pole assemblies

[0102] , then into an opening of a through hole [116a] of the one or more side plates

[0116] of the actuator assembly

[0112] , then into the at least one through hole [134a] of the at least one side surface

[0138] , and then exits from another opening of the at least one through hole [134a] of the at least one side surface

[0138] , then exits from another through hole [116a] of the one or more side plates

[0116] of the actuator assembly

[0112] , and then exits from another opening of the through hole [102a] of the one or more pole assembly

[0102] of the plurality of pole assemblies

[0102] , thereby securing the mounting bracket

[0134] onto the

[0048] Further, the top surface

[0136] of the mounting bracket

[0134] defines a plurality of mounting cavities [134b], to enable mounting of the SEMO

[0154] onto the mounting bracket

[0134] , In an embodiment, the mounting bracket

[0134] comprises a plurality of nut inserts

[0152] , such that a plurality of threads (not shown) of the plurality of nut inserts

[0152] extend from the pair of mounting cavities [134b], to thereby enable bolting of the SEMO

[0154] onto the mounting bracket

[0134] , Further, the pair of cut-outs [106a] defined on the mid-cover assembly

[0106] corresponds to the pair of mounting cavities [134b] and axially coincides therewith, in an assembled state of the MCCB

[0100] , Notably, a plurality of fastener members

[0156] extends from the SEMO

[0154] , and into the pair of mounting cavities [134b] of the mounting bracket

[0134] , via the pair of cutouts [106a] of the mid-cover assembly

[0106] , in order to threadingly engage and lock with the pair of nut inserts

[0152] embedded in the mounting bracket

[0134] , thus securing the SEMO

[0154] thereon, while imparting adequate strength to the mid-cover assembly

[0106] to withstand the highforces generated and transferred thereto during operation of the SEMO

[0154] , Those skilled in the art may envision other alterations and / or combinations of various features described hereinabove, and the same lies well within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] Various advantages of the presently disclosed mounting bracket

[0134] for mounting the SEMO

[0154] are disclosed. Firstly, the SEMO

[0154] is now secured onto the mounting bracket

[0134] , which is affixed directly to the pole assembly

[0102] , such that the mid-cover assembly

[0106] does not serve as an anchor point for the SEMO

[0154] , thus eliminating breakage / damage / any structural failure of the mid-cover assembly

[0106] , Secondly, the mounting bracket

[0134] serves as an extremely rigid and sturdy mounting for the SEMO

[0154] , which is able to handle stresses generated during short-circuiting. Thirdly, the mounting bracket

[0134] helps in securing the actuator assembly

[0112] and also aids in restricting movement of the actuator assembly

[0112] which may arise due to any vibrations during operation of the actuator assembly

[0112] , and therefore, properly constraining the actuator assembly

[0112] in its position. Also, in case the mounting bracket

[0134] breaks, only the mounting bracket

[0134] needs replacement, which is relatively inexpensive in comparison to the mid-cover assembly

[0106] , thus aiding replaceability and sustainability. It may be understood that the above listed advantages are merely illustrative and not exhaustive. Those skilled in the art may contemplate additional advantages not described herein above, in light of the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0050] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinabove, it should be understood that various changes, adaptations, and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention. It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0051] LIST OF COMPONENTS

[0052] 100 - Molded case circuit breaker (MCCB)

[0053] 102 - Pole assembly

[0054] 102a - Through hole

[0055] 104 - Base assembly

[0056] 106 - Mid-cover assembly

[0057] 106a - Cut-outs

[0058] 108 - Fascia-plate assembly108b - Two pairs of grooves

[0059] 110 - Hinge cover assembly

[0060] 110a - First hinge cover plate

[0061] 110b - Second hinge cover plate

[0062] 112 - Actuator assembly

[0063] 114 - Fork

[0064] 116 - Side plates

[0065] 116a - through hole

[0066] 134 - Mounting bracket

[0067] 134a - Through hole

[0068] 134b - Mounting cavities

[0069] 136 - Top surface

[0070] 138 - Side surfaces

[0071] 140 - Central hollow region

[0072] 142 - Pole connecting shaft

[0073] 144 - Casing unit

[0074] 146 - First surface

[0075] 148 - Protrusion

[0076] 150 - Bottom surface

[0077] 152 - Nut-insert

[0078] 154 - Stored Energy Motor Operator (SEMO) 156 - Fastener members

Claims

I / We Claim:

1. A circuit breaker [100] comprising:a plurality of pole assemblies [102], each defining a first surface [146] and a protrusion [148]; anda mounting bracket [134] adapted to facilitate attachment of a Stored Energy Motor Operator (SEMO) [154] of the circuit breaker [100] thereon,wherein the mounting bracket [134] is a hollow-box shaped structure defining a bottom surface [150], a top surface [136], at least one side surface [138], and a central hollow region [140] extending longitudinally from the top surface [136] to the bottom surface [150], such that the protrusion [148] of the pole assembly [102] is received in the hollow central region [140] of the mounting bracket [134], and the bottom surface [150] thereof rests on the first surface [146] of the pole assembly [102],2. The circuit breaker [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the circuit breaker [100] further comprises a pole connecting shaft [142], an actuator assembly [112], and a mid-cover assembly [106] defining a pair of cut-outs [106a] thereon.

3. The circuit breaker [100] as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the at least one side surface [138] defines at least a through-hole [134a] extending longitudinally from one of the at least one side surface [138] to the other of the at least one side surface [138], such that the pole connecting shaft [142], in addition to the plurality of pole assemblies [102], and the actuator assembly [112], are also passed through each of the at least one through hole [134a], to secure the mounting bracket [134] onto the plurality of pole assemblies [102] of the circuit breaker [100],4. The circuit breaker [100] as claimed in 1, wherein the top surface [136] of the mounting bracket [134] defines a plurality of mounting cavities [134b] adapted to mount the SEMO [154] thereon.

5. The circuit breaker [100] as claimed in 1, wherein the pair of cut-outs [106a] corresponds to the plurality of mounting cavities [134b] and axially coincides therewith.

6. The circuit breaker [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket [134] comprises a plurality of nut inserts [152], such that the nut inserts [152] extend from the pair of mounting cavities [134b],7. The circuit breaker [100] as claimed in claims 1 to 6, a plurality of fastener members [156] extends from the SEMO [154], and into the pair of mounting cavities [134b] of the mounting bracket [134], via the pair of cut-outs [106a] of the mid-cover assembly [106], in order to threadingly engage and lock with the pair of nut inserts [152] embedded in the mounting bracket [134],8. The circuit breaker [100] as claimed in claim 1, is a Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB).

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