A position indication module arrangement of an air circuit breaker (ACB)
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/IN2026/050294
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-02-21
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-27
Smart Images
Figure IN2026050294_27082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] A POSITION INDICATION MODULE ARRANGEMENT OF AN AIR CIRCUIT BREAKER (ACB)
[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present invention generally relates to the field of circuit breakers. Particularly, the present invention relates to a position indication module arrangement of an Air Circuit Breaker (ACB).
[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 carrying and interrupting flow of current in an electrical circuit. The circuit breaker is commonly also known as an over current protective device. Under normal circuit conditions, the circuit breaker CLOSES the electrical circuit, and thereby allows the flow of the current from a line side (i.e., power supply side) to a load side (i.e., output load connection side) and breaks the electrical circuit under abnormal circuit conditions i.e., fault conditions. In simple words, the circuit breaker is an equipment which can OPEN or CLOSE the electrical 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 Volts 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 ACB is used in applications of withstanding current rating ranging between 65 kA (kiloampere) to 100 kA, nominal current ranging between 800 A (Ampere) to 10 kA, and voltage rating below 450V. The ACB is commonly known to be deployed in distribution panels, particularly, upstream the other overcurrent protective devices such as, the MCB, the MCCB, and the like.
[0008] The Air Circuit Breaker (ACB), as its name suggests, employs ‘air’ as a dielectric medium for quenching and / or extinguishing arc formed therein, in the event of a fault condition. The fault condition includes, but is not limited to, an over-current fault condition, a short-circuit fault condition, and the like. Further, in the event of the short-circuit fault condition, contrary to the functioning of the MCB, MCCB, and other similar circuit breakers, the ACB is capable of‘withstanding’ a fault current for a maximum time span of 1 second. The ACB is largely classified into two broad categories, namely, a fixed-type Air Circuit Breaker (ACB) and a withdrawable-type Air Circuit Breaker (ACB). Essentially, the withdrawable-type ACB comprises a fixed cradle unit and a withdrawable drawer unit, wherein the withdrawable drawer unit is capable of being slidably withdrawn from the fixed cradle unit. General details of the ACB, irrespective of its type, are provided hereunder for ease of understanding of a reader.
[0009] A typical ACB is capable of being operated amongst three states, namely, an ON state, an OFF state, and a TRIP state. The ACB comprises a frame member, a plurality of pole assemblies housed and supported within the frame member, an operating mechanism installed onto the plurality of pole assemblies, and a control panel unit adapted to fittingly attach with the frame member. The frame member protects various components of the ACB against any extraneous matter and also safeguards users from coming into contact with a current path established within the ACB during its operation.
[0010] In the typical ACB, the plurality of pole assemblies are operated together amongst the ON state, the OFF state, and the TRIP state, by means of the operating mechanism. Particularly, the operating mechanism of the ACB employs a charging spring arrangement capable of being adjusted between a CHARGED state and a DISCHARGED state. As is commonly known, the ACB can be manipulated to the ON state only if the said charging spring arrangement is in the CHARGED state, and the charging spring arrangement is automatically adjusted to the DISCHARGED state, once the ACB is in the ON state. To adjust the charging spring arrangement back to the CHARGED state, a charging lever member is provided in the control panel unit.
[0011] In the withdrawable-type ACB, the fixed cradle unit includes a chassis, and a plurality of Secondary Isolating Contacts (SICs), and a position indication module arrangement. The chassis is adapted to hold and support the plurality of SICs and a plurality of position indication contacts of the position indication module arrangement. The plurality of position indication module arrangements indicate a position of the ACB amongst a CONNECTED position, a TEST position, and a DISCONNECTED position. The withdrawable drawer unit comprises various vital components of the ACB, and a plurality of movable contacts of the position indication module arrangement mounted atop the withdrawable drawer unit. Conventionally, the position indication module arrangement requires dedicated mechanisms to indicate the position of the ACB. The dedicated mechanisms require multiple moving components and also require substantially dedicated space within the ACB, thus making the ACB bulky, which is undesirable.Accordingly, in light of the aforementioned drawbacks and several other inherent limitations in existing art, there is a well-felt need to provide an improved, compact and a modular position indication module arrangement, which the present disclosure aims to address.
[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] This 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.
[0014] The present disclosure relates to a position indication module arrangement of an Air Circuit Breaker (ACB). The ACB comprises a fixed cradle unit and a withdrawable drawer unit, such that the withdrawable drawer unit is adapted to rack-in and rack-out, into and from the fixed cradle unit. The position indication module arrangement comprises a plurality of position indication contacts mounted atop the fixed cradle unit, wherein each of the plurality of position indication contacts comprise a plunger adapted to reciprocate vertically linearly therein. The position indication module arrangement further comprises a plurality of movable contacts mounted atop the withdrawable drawer unit, such that the plurality of movable contacts are shaped to be a plurality of ribbed shaped profiles, wherein, the plunger of one or more of the plurality of position indication contacts abuts with one or more of the plurality of ribbed shaped profiles to display the position of the ACB amongst a CONNECTED position, a TEST position, and a DISCONNECTED position.
[0015] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the ACB further comprises a Secondary Isolating Contact (SIC) arrangement, such that the SIC arrangement comprises a female contact unit and a male contact unit, wherein the male contact unit is mounted atop the withdrawable drawer unit, and the female contact unit is mounted atop the fixed cradle unit.
[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the male contact unit comprises a plurality of male contact terminals, and the male contact unit further defines a cuboidal housing adapted to house the plurality of male contact terminals therein, such that the cuboidal housing defines a bottom plate member that comprises the plurality of movable contacts.
[0017] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the female contact unit comprises a plurality of female contact terminals, and the female contact unit further defines a frame that enables mounting thereon, the female contact terminals, and the plurality of position indication contacts.
[0018] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the SIC arrangement is similar instructure and arrangement to the position indication module arrangement.
[0019] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of position indication contacts comprises a spring, such that the plunger is biased against the spring.
[0020] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of position indication contacts is a microswitch arrangement.
[0021] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the microswitch arrangement comprises a stationary plate and a moving plate, such that the moving plate is adapted to be actuated in a lifted position and a lowered position corresponding to vertical linear reciprocation movement of the plunger.
[0022] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, when the moving plate is in the lifted position, the moving plate abuts with the stationary plate, to complete a circuit, and when the moving plate is in lowered position, a gap is created between the moving plate and the stationary plate, breaking the circuit.
[0023] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, during the rack-in / rack-out operation the withdrawable drawer unit is inserted / withdrawn into / from the fixed cradle unit respectively, such that the plunger of any of the position indication contacts of the plurality of position indication contacts does not ride on any of the ribbed shaped profile of the plurality of ribbed shaped profiles, indicating the DISCONNECTED position.
[0024] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the moving plate of the microswitch arrangement does not abut with the stationary plate thereof, creating the gap therebetween, indicating the DISCONNECTED position.
[0025] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, during the rack-in / rack-out operation, the withdrawable drawer unit is inserted / withdrawn into / from the fixed cradle unit respectively, the plunger of a first position indication contact and the plunger of a second position indication contact of the plurality of position indication contacts ride along one or more of the ribbed shaped profiles of the plurality of ribbed shaped profiles, such that actuation of the plunger of the first position indication contact and the plunger of the second position indication contact of the plurality of position indication contacts indicate the TEST position.
[0026] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the moving plate of the microswitch arrangement of the first position indication contact, and the moving plate of the microswitcharrangement of the second position indication contact abuts with the stationary plate thereof, indicating the TEST position.
[0027] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, during the rack-in / rack-out operation, the withdrawable drawer unit is inserted / withdrawn into / from the fixed cradle unit respectively. The plunger of the first position indication contact, the second position indication contact and a third position indication contact of the plurality of position indication contacts ride along all of the plurality of ribbed shaped profiles of the plurality of movable contacts, such that the actuation of the plunger of the first position indication contact, the plunger of the second position indication contact and the plunger of the third position indication contact of the plurality of position indication contacts indicate the CONNECTED position.
[0028] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the moving plate of the microswitch arrangement of the first position indication contact, the moving plate of the microswitch arrangement of the second position indication contact, and the moving plate of the microswitch arrangement of the third position indication contact abut with the stationary plate thereof respectively, indicating the CONNECTED position.
[0029] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the TEST, CONNECTED and DISCONNECTED positions are indicated by a visual indication signal, an audio indication signal, and combinations thereof.
[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0031] 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. For those skilled in the art, without any creative work, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.
[0032] Figure 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an Air Circuit Breaker (ACB), in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0033] Figure 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the ACB, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0034] Figure 3 illustrates a side sectional view of a withdrawable drawer unit of the ACB of Figure 1, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.Figure 4 illustrates a side sectional view of a fixed cradle unit of the ACB of Figure 1, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0035] Figure 5 illustrates a side sectional view of the ACB of Figure 1, in a DISCONNECTED position, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0036] Figure 6 illustrates a side sectional view of the ACB of Figure 1, in a TEST position, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0037] Figure 7 illustrates a side sectional view of the ACB of Figure 1, in a CONNECTED position, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0038] Figure 8 illustrates a side sectional view of an operating mechanism of the ACB of Figure 1, in an ON position corresponding to a CLOSED state of the ACB, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0039] Figure 9 illustrates a side sectional view of the operating mechanism of Figure 8, in an OFF / TRIP position corresponding to an OPEN state of the ACB of Figure 1, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0040] Figure 10 illustrates an assembled perspective view of a Secondary Isolating Contact (SIC) arrangement and a position indication module arrangement depicting a relative arrangement therebetween, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0041] Figure Ila illustrates a sectional perspective view depicting a relative arrangement between a plurality of position indication contacts of the position indication module arrangement, and a plurality of movable contacts of the position indication module arrangement, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0042] Figure 11b illustrates a close-up sectional perspective view depicting a relative arrangement between plungers of the plurality of position indication contacts of the position indication module arrangement, and one or more ribbed shaped profiles of the plurality of movable contacts of the position indication module arrangement, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0043] Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of one of the plurality of position indication contacts of the position indication module arrangement, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.Figure 13 illustrates a sectional view of one of the plurality of position indication contacts of Figure 12, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0044] Figure 14 illustrates an exploded perspective view of one of the plurality of one of the plurality of position indication contacts of Figure 12, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0045] Figure 15a illustrates a rear view of a relative arrangement between the movable contact and the plurality of position indication contacts in a DISCONNECTED position, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0046] Figure 15b illustrates a rear view of a relative arrangement between the movable contact and the plurality of position indication contacts in a TEST position, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0047] Figure 15c illustrates a rear view of a relative arrangement between the movable contact and the plurality of position indication contacts in a CONNECTED position, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0048] Figure 16 illustrates a side sectional view of the arrangement of Figure 15a, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0049] Figure 17a illustrates a side sectional view of the arrangement of Figure 15b, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0050] Figure 17b illustrates a close-up view of encircled region of Figure 17a, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0051] Figure 18a illustrates a side sectional view of the arrangement of Figure 15c, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0052] Figure 18b illustrates a close-up view of encircled region of Figure 18a, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0053] Figure 19a illustrates a sectional view of an embodiment of a portion of one of the plurality of position indication module depicting internal components of a microswitch arrangement, in a deactivated state, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.Figure 19b illustrates the sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 19a in an activated state, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0054] Figure 20a illustrates a sectional view of another embodiment of a portion of one of the plurality of position indication module depicting internal components of another microswitch arrangement, in the deactivated state, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0055] Figure 20b illustrates a sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 20a in the activated state, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0056] Figure 21a illustrates a sectional view of yet another embodiment of a portion of one of the plurality of position indication module depicting internal components of yet another microswitch arrangement, in the deactivated state, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0057] Figure 21b illustrates a sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 21a in the activated state, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
[0058] DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0059] 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 these specific 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.
[0060] A circuit breaker is an electro-mechanical switching device capable of making, carrying and / or 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 for allowing the flow of current therethrough, and breaks the flow of current or the electrical circuit under specified abnormal circuit conditions. The over-current protective devices are also employed for current interruption. Accordingly, it is said that the circuit breaker 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 of the present invention is an Air CircuitBreaker ACB
[0100] ,
[0061] Figure 1 illustrates a front perspective view of the ACB
[0100] , in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the ACB
[0100] , in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 3 illustrates a side sectional view of a withdrawable drawer unit
[0116] of the ACB
[0100] of Figure 1, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 4 illustrates a side sectional view of a fixed cradle unit
[0114] of the ACB
[0100] of Figure 1, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 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 ACB
[0100] is elucidated hereunder, in light of the aforementioned accompanying drawings.
[0062] The ACB
[0100] is capable of being operated amongst three states, namely, an ON state, an OFF state, and a TRIP state. The ACB
[0100] comprises a frame member (not shown), the plurality of pole assemblies
[0104] housed and supported within the frame member, an operating mechanism
[0102] installed onto the plurality of pole assemblies
[0104] , and a control panel unit
[0108] adapted to fittingly attach within the frame member. The frame member protects various components of the ACB
[0100] against any extraneous matter and also safeguards users from coming into contact with a current path established within the ACB
[0100] during its operation.
[0063] In the ACB
[0100] , the plurality of pole assemblies
[0104] are operated together amongst the ON state, the OFF state, and the TRIP state, by means of the operating mechanism
[0102] , Particularly, the operating mechanism
[0102] of the ACB
[0100] employs a charging spring arrangement (not shown) capable of being adjusted / manipulated between a CHARGED state and a DISCHARGED state. As is commonly known, the ACB
[0100] can be switched to the ON state only if the said charging spring arrangement is in the CHARGED state, and the charging spring arrangement is automatically adjusted to a DISCHARGED state, once the ACB
[0100] is in the ON state. To adjust the charging spring arrangement back to the CHARGED state, a charging lever member
[0106] is provided in the control panel unit
[0108] , In the ON state, the ACB
[0100] allows a flow of current from a line side (i.e., input supply side) to a load side (i.e., output side), whereas, in each of the OFF state and the TRIP state, the ACB
[0100] restricts the flow of current therethrough. The ACB
[0100] can be broadly classified into two categories, namely, a fixed-type ACB and a withdrawable-type ACB.The withdrawable-type ACB
[0100] is a two-part circuit breaker comprising a fixed cradle unit
[0110] and a withdrawable drawer unit
[0116] , wherein the withdrawable drawer unit
[0116] is detachably installed within the fixed cradle unit
[0110] , preferably, in a slidable manner, either vertically or horizontally. The withdrawable drawer unit
[0116] is adapted to rack-in and rack-out into and from the fixed cradle unit
[0110] , During a rack-in operation, the withdrawable drawer unit
[0116] is inserted into the fixed cradle unit
[0110] , and during a rack-out operation, the withdrawable drawer unit
[0116] is withdrawn from the fixed cradle unit
[0110] , The fixed cradle unit
[0110] comprising a chassis
[0112] , and a terminal device
[0118] , The terminal device
[0118] is connected to the line side, while the withdrawable drawer unit
[0116] comprises various components and / or units described hereinabove. The positioning of the withdrawable drawer unit
[0116] relative to the fixed cradle unit
[0110] is broadly classified into four positions i.e., a WITHDRAWN position, a DISCONNECTED position, a TEST position and a CONNECTED position. The structure and arrangement of the frame member will be elucidated hereafter.
[0064] The frame member is a housing structure that provides a mounting base and support structure for holding and supporting each of the plurality of pole assemblies
[0104] therein. In particular, the frame member defines pole holding cavities (not shown) to mount and support each of the plurality of pole assemblies
[0104] therein. Notably, each of the plurality of pole assemblies
[0104] are fixedly attached within the pole holding cavities defined by the frame member. An attachment means for attaching the plurality of pole assemblies
[0104] within the pole holding cavities defined by the frame member 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. The structure and arrangement of the control panel unit
[0108] will be elucidated hereafter.
[0065] The control panel unit
[0108] is fittingly mounted on the frame member, to cover various components of the ACB
[0100] housed within the frame member. The control panel unit
[0108] has various portions to define electrical parameters related to ACB
[0100] , The control panel unit
[0108] also has various visual indicators for indicating the real-time status of at least one of the charging spring arrangement, the plurality of pole assemblies
[0104] , and other such similar arrangements and / or units. The structure and arrangement of the plurality of pole assemblies
[0104] will be elucidated hereafter.
[0066] Referring to figures 5 to 7, each of the plurality of pole assemblies
[0104] includes a casing unit
[0120] , a stationary contact unit
[0122] , a moving contact unit
[0124] , and an arc chute unit
[0114] , More particularly, a number of the plurality of pole assemblies
[0104] , in combination, define anumber of electrical connection poles of the ACB
[0100] , The stationary contact unit
[0122] is an electric contact plate-like structure that may be positioned within a portion defined in the casing unit
[0120] , The stationary contact unit
[0122] is provided to connect to electrical wires from the line side. In particular, in complete assembly of the ACB
[0100] , the electrical wires from the line side are usually connected to the stationary contact unit
[0122] ,
[0067] On the other hand, the moving contact unit
[0124] is a moving structure that engages / di sengages with the stationary contact unit
[0122] , to allow / restrict the flow of electric current therethrough. The moving contact unit
[0124] is rotatably positioned within a defined portion in the casing unit
[0120] , and is further connected to electrical wires on the load side. In particular, in complete assembly of the ACB
[0100] , the electrical wires from the line side are usually connected to the stationary contact unit
[0122] , Further, the moving contact unit
[0124] is pivotally adjusted while being positioned within the casing unit
[0120] , to make and release a contact relative to the stationary contact unit
[0122] , in order to allow and / or restrict the flow of electric current therebetween, respectively. Notably, the moving contact unit
[0124] ‘makes’ a contact relative to the stationary contact unit
[0122] to allow the flow of electric current (the ON state), while the rotary contact unit ‘releases’ a contact relative to the stationary contact unit
[0122] , to restrict the flow of electric current (the OFF state and the TRIP state).
[0068] Referring to figures 8 and 9, the moving contact unit
[0124] is commonly known to comprise a moving contact carrier [124a], a plurality of contact fingers [124b] adapted to be affixed within the moving contact carrier [124a], and a carrier frame (not shown) adapted to pivotally connect the moving contact unit
[0124] relative to a pole shaft [102a] of the operating mechanism
[0102] , Notably, the plurality of contact fingers [124b] is known to be made up of a combination of two elements, for example, silver and copper. Such a structure enables each of the plurality of contact fingers [124b] to function as a pair of contacts, namely, a main contact and an arcing contact. Essentially, the plurality of contact fingers [124b] are affixed relative to the moving contact carrier [124a] in a resiliently pivotal manner, such that upon tripping, as soon as the moving contact unit
[0124] disengages from the stationary contact unit
[0122] , the arcing contact rapidly engages with the same, preferably, in a tip-to-toe manner, thereby safeguarding the ACB
[0100] against nuisance arcing.
[0069] The arc chute unit
[0114] is positioned within the arc chute unit portion [120a] of the casing unit
[0120] and comprises of a two-wall shaped arc chute holder member [114a] and an arc chute member [114b], The arc chute holder member [114a] and the arc chute member [114b] are arranged together to vent out gases generated by an arc caused due toengagement / disengagement of the moving contact unit
[0124] relative to the stationary contact unit
[0122] through a vent channel defined by the arc chute holder member.
[0070] Referring to figures 1 - 2 and 10 to 14, a Secondary Isolating Contacts (SICs) arrangement
[0200] and a position indication module arrangement
[0202] are mounted atop the chassis
[0112] of the fixed-cradle unit
[0110] , The chassis
[0112] is adapted to fixedly attached thereon, the plurality of SICs
[0200] and the position indication module arrangement
[0202] ,
[0071] The Secondary Isolating Contact arrangement
[0200] comprises a female contact unit
[0126] and a male contact unit
[0128] , The male contact unit
[0128] is mounted atop the withdrawable drawer unit
[0116] , and the female contact unit
[0126] is mounted atop the fixed cradle unit
[0110] , The male contact unit
[0128] comprises a plurality of male contact terminals [128b], The male contact unit
[0128] further defines a cuboidal housing [128a] adapted to house the plurality of male contact terminals [128b] therein, such that the cuboidal housing [128a] defines a bottom plate member
[0130] , The female contact unit
[0126] comprises a plurality of female contact terminals [126a], The female contact unit
[0126] further defines a frame [126b] that enables mounting thereon, the female contact terminals [126a], The SIC arrangement
[0200] is similar in structure and arrangement to the position indication module arrangement
[0202] ,
[0072] Referring to figures 10 to 14, the position indication module arrangement
[0202] comprises a plurality of position indication contacts
[0204] and a plurality of movable contacts
[0206] , The plurality of position indication contacts
[0204] are mounted atop the fixed cradle unit
[0110] , particularly, the plurality of position indication contacts
[0204] are mounted onto the frame [126b] of the female contact unit
[0126] of the SIC, extending lengthwise, and the plurality of movable contacts
[0206] are mounted atop the withdrawable drawer unit
[0116] , The plurality of movable contacts
[0206] are shaped to be a plurality of ribbed shaped profiles [206a], such that the plurality of movable contacts
[0206] are defined on the bottom plate member
[0130] extending lengthwise thereon of the cuboidal housing [128a], of the plurality of male contact unit
[0128] ,
[0073] Each of the plurality of position indication contacts
[0204] defines a housing [204e], and further, each of the plurality of position indication contacts
[0204] comprises a plunger [204a], and a spring [204b], such that the plunger [204a] is biased against the spring [204b], The plunger [204a] is adapted to reciprocate vertically linearly within the housing [204e], Each of the plurality of position indication contacts
[0204] is a microswitch arrangement, such that the microswitch arrangement comprises a stationary plate [204c] and a moving plate [204d], such that the moving plate [204d] is adapted to be actuated in a lifted position and a lowered positioncorresponding to vertical linear reciprocation movement of the plunger [204a], When the moving plate [204d] is in the lifted position, the moving plate [204d] abuts with the stationary plate [204c], to complete a circuit, and when the moving plate [204d] is in lowered position, a gap is created between the moving plate [204d] and the stationary plate [204c], breaking the circuit.
[0074] WORKING
[0075] Referring to figures Ila to 19b, the plunger [204a] of one or more of the plurality of position indication contacts
[0204] abuts with one or more of the plurality of ribbed shaped profiles [206a] to display the position of the ACB
[0100] amongst a CONNECTED position, a TEST position, and a DISCONNECTED position.
[0076] RACK-IN OPERATION
[0077] During the rack-in operation the withdrawable drawer unit
[0116] is inserted into the fixed cradle unit
[0110] , such that the plunger [204a] of any of the position indication contacts
[0204] of the plurality of position indication contacts
[0204] does not ride on any of the ribbed shaped profile [206a] of the plurality of ribbed shaped profiles [206a], indicating the DISCONNECTED position, and the moving plate [204d] of the microswitch arrangement does not abut with the stationary plate [204c] thereof, creating the gap therebetween, indicating the DISCONNECTED position. The DISCONNECTED position is indicated by one of a first visual indication signal, a first audio indication signal, and combinations thereof, such as but not limited to sounding an alarm sound or glowing of an LED bulb, or both.
[0078] When the withdrawable drawer unit
[0116] is further inserted into the fixed cradle unit
[0110] , the plunger [204a] of a first position indication contact
[0208] and the plunger [204a] of a second position indication contact
[0210] of the plurality of position indication contacts
[0204] rides along one or more of the ribbed shaped profiles [206a] of the plurality of ribbed shaped profiles [206a], such that actuation of the plunger [204a] of the first position indication contact
[0208] and the plunger [204a] of the second position indication contact
[0210] of the plurality of position indication contacts
[0204] indicate the TEST position. The moving plate [204d] of the microswitch arrangement of the first position indication contact
[0208] , moving plate [204d] of the microswitch arrangement of the second position indication contact
[0210] abut with the stationary plate [204c] thereof, indicating the TEST position. The TEST position is indicated by one of a second visual indication signal, a second audio indication signal, and combinations thereof, such as but not limited to sounding an alarm sound or glowing of an LED bulb, or both.When the withdrawable drawer unit
[0116] is further inserted into the fixed cradle unit
[0110] , The plunger [204a] of the first indication contact
[0208] , the second indication contact
[0210] and a third position indication contact
[0212] of the plurality of position indication contacts
[0204] rides along all of the plurality of ribbed shaped profiles [206a] of the plurality of movable contacts
[0206] , such that the actuation of the plunger [204a] of the first position indication contact
[0208] , the plunger [204a] of the second position indication contact
[0210] and the plunger [204a] of the third position indication contact [204c] of the plurality of position indication contacts
[0204] indicate the CONNECTED position. The moving plate [204d] of the microswitch arrangement of the first position indication contact
[0208] , the moving plate [204d] of the microswitch arrangement of the second position indication contact
[0210] , and the moving plate [204d] of a microswitch arrangement of the third position indication contact
[0212] abut with the stationary plate [204c] thereof respectively, indicating the CONNECTED position. The CONNECTED position is indicated by one of a third visual indication signal, a third audio indication signal, and combinations thereof, such as but not limited to sounding the alarm sound or glowing of the LED bulb, or both.
[0079] RACK-OUT OPERATION
[0080] During the rack-out operation from the CONNECTED position to the TEST position, the plunger [204a] of the first indication contact
[0208] , the second indication contact
[0210] rides along one or more of the ribbed shaped profiles [206a], and the plunger [204a] of the third position indication contact
[0212] does not ride along any of the plurality of ribbed shaped profiles [206a] of the plurality of movable contacts
[0206] , such that the actuation of the plunger [204a] of the first position indication contact
[0208] , the plunger [204a] of the second position indication contact
[0210] and deactivation of the plunger [204a] of the third position indication contact [204c] of the plurality of position indication contacts
[0204] indicate the TEST position from the CONNECTED position. The moving plate [204d] of the microswitch arrangement of the first position indication contact
[0208] , the moving plate [204d] of the microswitch arrangement of the second position indication contact
[0210] , abuts with the stationary plate [204c] thereof respectively, indicating the TEST position from the CONNECTED position. The TEST position is indicated by one of the second visual indication signal, the second audio indication signal, and combinations thereof, such as but not limited to sounding an alarm sound or glowing of the LED bulb, or both.
[0081] Further, during the rack-out operation the withdrawable drawer unit
[0116] is withdrawn from the fixed cradle unit
[0110] , such that the plunger [204a] of any of the position indication contacts
[0204] of the plurality of position indication contacts
[0204] does not ride on any of the ribbed shaped profile [206a] of the plurality of ribbed shaped profiles [206a], indicating the DISCONNECTED position. The moving plate [204d] of any of the microswitch arrangement does not abut with the stationary plate [204c] thereof, creating the gap therebetween, indicating the DISCONNECTED position. The DISCONNECTED position is indicated by one of the first visual indication signal, the first audio indication signal, and combinations thereof, such as but not limited to sounding the alarm sound or glowing of the LED bulb, or both.
[0082] Figures 20a to 21b depict alternate embodiments with similar functioning of the microswitch arrangement, with a similar functioning obvious to a person skilled in the art, and the details of the same are not repeated herein for the sake of brevity.
[0083] Various advantages of the presently disclosed position indication module arrangement
[0202] are disclosed. Firstly, the position indication module arrangement
[0202] is compact to reduce the overall size of the ACB
[0100] , Secondly, the position indication module arrangement
[0202] does not require any dedicated mechanisms or housings requiring a dedicated space. Thus, reducing the overall number of components, bringing the overall manufacturing costs down.
[0084] However, 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.
[0085] 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 concepts of the present 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.
[0086] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0087] 100 - Air circuit breaker
[0088] 102 - Operating mechanism
[0089] 102a - Pole shaft
[0090] 104 - Pole assembly
[0091] 106 - Charging lever member108 - Control panel unit
[0092] 110 - Fixed cradle unit
[0093] 112 - Chassis
[0094] 114 - Arc chute unit
[0095] 114a - Arc chute holder member
[0096] 114b - Arc chute member
[0097] 116 - Withdrawable drawer unit
[0098] 118 - Terminal device
[0099] 120 - Casing unit
[0100] 120a - Arc chute unit portion
[0101] 122 - Stationary contact unit
[0102] 124 - Moving contact unit
[0103] 124a - Moving contact carrier
[0104] 124b - Plurality of contact fingers
[0105] 126 - Female contact unit
[0106] 126a - Female contact terminals
[0107] 126b - Frame
[0108] 128 - Male contact unit
[0109] 128a - Cuboidal housing
[0110] 128b - Male contact terminals
[0111] 130- Bottom plate member
[0112] 200 - Secondary isolating contacts
[0113] 202 - Position indication module arrangement 204 - Position indication contacts
[0114] 204a - Plunger
[0115] 204b - Spring
[0116] 204c - Stationary plate204d - Moving plate
[0117] 204e - Housing
[0118] 206 - Movable contact 206a - Ribbed shaped profile 206b - Plate member
Claims
We Claim:
1. A position indication module arrangement [202] of an Air Circuit Breaker (ACB)[100], the ACB [100] comprising a fixed cradle unit [110] and a withdrawable drawer unit [116], such that the withdrawable drawer unit [116] is adapted to rack-in and rack-out, into and from the fixed cradle unit [110], the position indication module arrangement [202] comprising:a plurality of position indication contacts [204] mounted atop the fixed cradle unit [110], wherein each of the plurality of position indication contacts [204] comprising:o a plunger [204a] adapted to reciprocate vertically linearly therein; a plurality of movable contacts [206] mounted atop the withdrawable drawer unit [116], such that the plurality of movable contacts [206] are shaped to be a plurality of ribbed shaped profiles [206a],wherein, the plunger [204a] of one or more of the plurality of position indication contacts [204] abuts with one or more of the plurality of ribbed shaped profiles [206a] to display the position of the ACB [100] amongst a CONNECTED position, a TEST position, and a DISCONNECTED position.
2. The position indication module arrangement [202] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ACB [100] further comprises a Secondary Isolating Contact (SIC) arrangement [200], such that the SIC arrangement comprises [200] a female contact unit [126] and a male contact unit [128], wherein the male contact unit [128] is mounted atop the withdrawable drawer unit [116], and the female contact unit [126] is mounted atop the fixed cradle unit [110],3. The position indication module arrangement [202] as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the male contact unit [128] comprises a plurality of male contact terminals [128b], and the male contact unit [128] further defines a cuboidal housing [128a] adapted to house the plurality of male contact terminals [128b] therein, such that the cuboidal housing [128a] defines a bottom plate member [130] that comprises the plurality of movable contacts [206],4. The position indication module arrangement [202] as claimed in claims 1 to 3, wherein the female contact unit [126] comprises a plurality of female contact terminals [126a], and the female contact unit [126] further defines a frame [126b] that enables mounting thereon, the female contact terminals [126a], and the plurality of position indication contacts [204],5. The position indication module arrangement [202] as claimed in claims 1 to 4, wherein the SIC arrangement [200] is similar in structure and arrangement to the position indication module arrangement [202],6. The position indication module arrangement [202] as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of position indication contacts [204] comprises a spring [204b], such that the plunger [204a] is biased against the spring [204b],7. The position indication module arrangement [202] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the each of the plurality of position indication contacts [204] is a microswitch arrangement.
8. The position indication module arrangement [202] as claimed in claims 1 to 7, wherein the microswitch arrangement comprises a stationary plate [204c] and a moving plate [204d], such that the moving plate [204d] is adapted to be actuated in a lifted position and a lowered position corresponding to vertical linear reciprocation movement of the plunger [204a],9. The position indication module arrangement [202] as claimed in claims 1 to 8, wherein, when the moving plate [204d] is in the lifted position, the moving plate [204d] abuts with the stationary plate [204c], to complete a circuit, and when the moving plate [204d] is in lowered position, a gap is created between the moving plate [204d] and the stationary plate [204c], breaking the circuit.
10. The position indication module arrangement [202] as claimed in claims 1 to 9, wherein during the rack-in / rack-out operation the withdrawable drawer unit [116] isinserted / withdrawn into / from the fixed cradle unit [110] respectively, such that the plunger [204a] of any of the position indication contacts [204] of the plurality of position indication contacts [204] does not ride on any of the ribbed shaped profile [206a] of the plurality of ribbed shaped profiles [206a], indicating the DISCONNECTED position.
11. The position indication module arrangement [202] as claimed in claims 9 and 10, wherein the moving plate [204d] of the microswitch arrangement does not abut with the stationary plate [204c] thereof, creating the gap therebetween, indicating the DISCONNECTED position.
12. The position indication module arrangement [202] as claimed in claims 1 to 11, wherein during the rack-in / rack-out operation the withdrawable drawer unit [116] is inserted / withdrawn into / from the fixed cradle unit [110] respectively, the plunger [204a] of a first position indication contact [208] and the plunger [204a] of a second position indication contact [210] of the plurality of position indication contacts [204] ride along one or more of the ribbed shaped profiles [206a] of the plurality of ribbed shaped profiles [206a], such that actuation of the plunger [204a] of the first position indication contact [208] and the plunger [204a] of the second position indication contact [210] of the plurality of position indication contacts [204] indicate the TEST position.
13. The position indication module arrangement [202] as claimed in claims 9 and 12, wherein the moving plate [204d] of the microswitch arrangement of the first position indication contact [208], and the moving plate [204d] of the microswitch arrangement of the second position indication contact [210] abut with the stationary plate [204c] thereof, indicating the TEST position.
14. The position indication module arrangement [202] as claimed in claims 1 to 13, wherein during the rack-in / rack-out operation, the withdrawable drawer unit [116] is inserted / withdrawn into / from the fixed cradle unit [110] respectively, the plunger [204a] of the first position indication contact [208], the second position indication contact [210] and a third position indication contact [212] of the plurality of position indication contacts [204] rides along all of the plurality of ribbed shaped profilesplunger [204a] of the first position indication contact [208], the plunger [204a] of the second position indication contact [210] and the plunger [204a] of the third position indication contact [204c] of the plurality of position indication contacts [204] indicate the CONNECTED position.
15. The position indication module arrangement [202] as claimed in claims 9 and 14, wherein the moving plate [204d] of the microswitch arrangement of the first position indication contact [208], the moving plate [204d] of the microswitch arrangement of the second position indication contact [210], and the moving plate [204d] of the microswitch arrangement of the third position indication contact [212] abut with the stationary plate [204c] thereof respectively, indicating the CONNECTED position.
16. The position indication module arrangement [202] as claimed in claims 1 to 15, wherein the TEST, CONNECTED and DISCONNECTED positions are indicated by a visual indication signal, an audio indication signal, and combinations thereof.