A circuit breaker

Abstract

Described herein is a circuit breaker [100] that comprises a pole assembly [104] that comprises a pole housing [204]. The pole housing [204] comprises at least one rib [206] located along a vertical axis [208] of the pole housing [204] that comprises a slot [214] arranged along a length thereof. The at least one rib [206] is laterally offset from a centreline [210] thereof. The circuit breaker [100] further comprises an arc chute unit [202] slidably coupled to the pole housing [204]. The arc chute unit [202] comprises a protrusion [218] located along the vertical axis [208], such that the protrusion [218] is laterally offset from the centreline [210] of the pole housing [204], wherein, the protrusion [218] is adapted to be slidably received and fit into the slot [214] provided on the pole housing [204], for slidable coupling of the arc chute unit [202] onto the pole assembly [204].

Description

[0001] A CIRCUIT BREAKER

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCED PATENT REFERENCES

[0003] The present application is cognate application, taking priority from Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202511014912 filed dated 21stFebruary 2025, and Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202511014907 filed dated 21stFebruary 2025.

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present invention generally relates to the field of circuit breakers. In particular, the present invention relates to an Air Circuit Breaker (ACB) that comprises a pole assembly and an arc chute unit.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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 over-current protective devices such as, the MCB, the MCCB, and the like.

[0010] 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 faultcondition, 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] An ACB comprises a pole housing that is adapted to house a plurality of arc chute units therein. The arc chute units serve as a safety arrangement for the ACB, and functions to dissipate the arc generated when the ACB trips due to an electric fault. Generally, the arc chute unit is assembled along a predefined orientation that makes it optimal in its functioning. However, during any event of maintenance or replacement of the arc chute, there may occur an event where the arc chute unit is wrongly inserted within the pole housing. Such an event may potentially result in a hazardous condition as the arc chute may be unable to perform its safety function.

[0014] Accordingly, in light of the aforementioned drawbacks and several other inherent limitations in existing art, there is a well -felt need to reduce chances of wrongful assembly of the arc chute unit in the pole housing. Further, there is also a requirement for easier handling of the arc chute unit for removal from the pole housing during maintenance.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] 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.

[0016] The present disclosure relates to a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker comprises a pole assembly that comprises a pole housing. The pole housing comprises at least one rib located along a vertical axis of the pole housing that comprises a slot arranged along a length thereof, wherein the at least one rib is laterally offset from a centreline thereof. The circuit breaker further comprises an arc chute unit slidably coupled to the pole housing. The arc chute unit comprises a protrusion located along the vertical axis, such that the protrusion is laterally offset from the centreline of the pole housing, wherein, the protrusion is adapted to be slidably received and fit into the slot provided on the pole housing, for slidable coupling of the arc chute unit onto the pole assembly.

[0017] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one rib is disposed proximate to an edge of the pole housing, relative to an opposing edge of the pole housing.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the slot extends to a depth in a range of 1 mm to 10 mm on the at least one rib.

[0019] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the arc chute unit further comprises a housing, a top plate, at least one grip element, a set of splitter plates, and an end plate.

[0020] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the slot and the protrusion are offset from the centreline of the pole housing enabling fitment of the arc chute unit into the pole housing only in the specific orientation.

[0021] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the arc chute unit is assembled on top of a stationary contact unit and a moving contact unit of the circuit breaker, and the pole housing is adapted to receive the arc chute unit, such that the arc chute unit is assembled inside the pole housing.

[0022] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the arc chute unit is disposed such that the top plate of the arc chute unit is located at a depth in a range of 1 mm to 10 mm, relative to the top edge of the pole housing.

[0023] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one grip element located on the top plate, such that the at least one grip element enables an operator to grip the arc chute unit for extraction and insertion from the pole housing.According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the housing is a cuboidal shaped housing, defining a first side wall and a second side wall disposed opposite to each other, such that each of the first and second side wall comprise a first set of grooves, a second set of grooves, and at least one projection.

[0024] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the first set of grooves are located at a height relatively lower than a height of the second set of grooves.

[0025] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a first groove of the first set of grooves in the first side wall, and a first groove of the second set of grooves in the second side wall complement each other enabling receiving and securing of a first splitter plate of the set of splitter plates, such that the first and second set of grooves are arranged alternatively in the first and second side walls, enabling receiving and securing of each of the splitter plates of the set of splitter plates therebetween in a predefined orientation.

[0026] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, each splitter plate of the set of splitter plates is a flat plate comprising a first side, a second side and a third side, such that the second side is disposed opposite the first side, and the third side joins the first and second sides together. According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the third side is a cutaway defining a contoured edge comprising at least one recessed portion, located proximate to the second side. According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second sides of each splitter plate of the set of splitter plates further comprise respective first and second extension portions, extending partially along the first and second sides, from the third side, such that the first extension portion is longer than the second extension portion such that, each splitter plate is adapted to be asymmetrical about an axis bisecting a surface of the splitter plate of the set of splitter plates between the first and second sides, and parallel to them.

[0027] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the first set of grooves are adapted to receive the first side of the splitter plate, and the second set of grooves are adapted to receive the second side of the splitter plate of the set of splitter plates.

[0028] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the end plate comprises a first side and a second side parallel to the first and second sides of the splitter plate, such that the first and second side of the end plate each define at least one notch adapted to engage with projections provided on the first and second sidewalls of the housing to secure the end plate thereon.

[0029] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the end plate is located at an end of the set of splitter plates.According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the circuit breaker is an Air Circuit Breaker (ACB).

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING 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. Forthose 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Figure 10A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an arrangement of a pole housing with an arc chute unit of the ACB, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.Figure 10B illustrates a schematic top sectional view of the arrangement of the pole housing and the arc chute unit of the ACB, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 11 A illustrates a schematic perspective view of the arc chute unit of the ACB, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 11B illustrates a schematic top view of a top plate of the arc chute unit, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 12 illustrates a schematic sectional perspective view of the pole housing, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 13 illustrates a schematic exploded view of the arrangement of the arc chute unit and the pole housing, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 14A illustrates a schematic perspective view of the arc chute unit, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 14B illustrates a schematic side view of the arc chute unit, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 15 illustrates a schematic view of a splitter plate of the arc chute unit, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 16 illustrates a schematic view of an end plate of the arc chute unit, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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. The over-current protective devices are also employed for current interruption. 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 of the present invention is an Air Circuit Breaker (ACB). Accordingly, the terms “circuit breaker” and the “Air Circuit Breaker (ACB)” will be interchangeably used hereafter.

[0053] Figure 1 illustrates a front perspective view of the Air Circuit Breaker (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 of Figure 1, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 5 illustrates a side sectional view of the ACB

[0100] of Figure 1, in a DISCONNECTED position, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 6 illustrates a side sectional view of the ACB

[0100] of Figure 1, in a TEST position, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 7 illustrates a side sectional view of the ACB

[0100] of Figure 1, in a CONNECTED position, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 8 illustrates a side sectional view of an operating mechanism

[0102] of the ACB

[0100] of Figure 1, in an ON position corresponding to a CLOSED state of the ACB, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 9 illustrates a side sectional view of the arrangement of Figure 8, in an OFF / TRIP position corresponding to an OPEN state of the ACB

[0100] of Figure 1, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figures 1 to 9 are to be viewed in conjunction with each other, in order to appreciate the scope of the present invention. For ease of reference and understanding, different embodiments relating to the structure and arrangement of the air circuit breaker is elucidated hereunder, with reference to the aforementioned accompanying drawings.

[0054] 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.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

[0100] and a withdrawable-type ACB

[0100] ,

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 weldattachment means, and the like. The structure and arrangement of the control panel unit

[0108] will be elucidated hereafter.

[0057] 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 the 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.

[0058] Referring to figures 5 to 7, each of the plurality of pole assemblies

[0104] comprises a casing unit (not shown), a stationary contact unit

[0122] , a moving contact unit

[0124] , a pole housing

[0204] , and an arc chute unit

[0114] , More particularly, a number of the plurality of pole assemblies

[0104] , in combination, define a number 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. 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] ,

[0059] 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, 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, 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).

[0060] 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 twoelements, 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.

[0061] Figure 10A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an arrangement

[0200] of the pole housing

[0204] and the arc chute unit

[0202] of the ACB

[0100] , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 10B illustrates a schematic top sectional view of the arrangement

[0200] of the pole housing

[0204] and the arc chute unit

[0202] , in accordance with concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 11 A illustrates a schematic perspective view of the arc chute unit

[0202] of the ACB

[0100] , in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 11B illustrates a schematic top view of a top plate

[0216] of the arc chute unit

[0202] , in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 12 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the pole housing

[0204] , in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 13 illustrates a schematic exploded view of the arrangement of the arc chute unit

[0202] and the pole housing

[0204] , in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 14A illustrates a schematic perspective view of the arc chute unit

[0202] , in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 14B illustrates a schematic side view of the arc chute unit

[0202] , in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 15 illustrates a schematic view of a splitter plate

[0226] of the arc chute unit

[0202] , in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figure 16 illustrates a schematic view of an end plate

[0244] of the arc chute unit

[0202] , in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure. Figures lOAto 16 are to be viewed in conjunction with each other, in order to appreciate the scope of the present invention. For ease of reference and understanding, different embodiments relating to the arrangement

[0200] of the pole housing

[0204] with the arc chute unit

[0202] are elucidated hereunder, with reference to the aforementioned accompanying drawings.

[0062] The ACB

[0100] comprises an arrangement

[0200] comprising the arc chute unit

[0202] and the pole housing

[0204] , such that the arc chute unit

[0202] is slidably coupled to the pole housing

[0204] , The arc chute unit

[0202] is adapted to be assembled with the pole housing

[0204] , such that the arc chute unit

[0202] is assembled on top of the stationary and moving contact units [122, 124],

[0063] The pole housing

[0204] comprises at least one rib

[0206] , The at least one rib

[0206] is located along a vertical axis

[0208] of the pole housing

[0204] , The at least one rib

[0206] is specifically laterallyoffset from centreline

[0210] of the pole housing

[0204] , where the centreline

[0210] divides the pole housing

[0204] symmetrically thereabout. In other words, the at least one rib

[0206] runs along the vertical axis

[0208] of the pole housing

[0204] and is disposed proximate to an edge of the pole housing

[0204] , relative to an opposing edge of the pole housing

[0204] , In some embodiments, the pole housing

[0204] further comprises additional ribs. The additional ribs i.e. ribs [212-1, 212-2], may be arranged along the vertical axis

[0208] , along a horizontal axis (not shown), or along any other axis. As depicted in Figure 12, the one or more additional ribs [212-1, 212-2] are arranged along the horizontal axis of the pole housing

[0204] ,

[0064] The rib

[0206] comprises a slot

[0214] arranged along the length of the pole housing

[0204] and offset from a centreline

[0210] of the pole housing

[0204] , In an embodiment, the slot

[0214] extends to a predefined depth on the at least one rib

[0206] , In an embodiment, the depth is in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm. The slot

[0214] further is disposed at an angle relative to a plane that is perpendicular to the vertical axis

[0208] , In an embodiment, the angle is relative to the disposition of the top plate

[0216] of the arc chute unit

[0202] ,

[0065] The arc chute unit

[0202] comprises a housing

[0224] , a protrusion

[0218] , a top plate

[0216] , at least one grip element

[0222] , a set of splitter plates

[0226] , and an end plate

[0244] ,

[0066] The housing

[0224] is a cuboidal shaped housing, defining a first side wall

[0228] and a second side wall

[0230] disposed opposite to each other, such that each of the first and second side walls [228, 230] comprise a first set of grooves

[0232] , a second set of grooves

[0234] , and at least one projection

[0250] , The housing

[0224] is adapted to receive and house therein the set of splitter plates

[0226] , and the end plate. The first and second sets of grooves [232, 234] are complimentary to one another, and are adapted to receive and secure a set of splitter plates

[0226] therebetween. The set of splitter plates

[0226] are adapted to quench any arc generated due to tripping operation of the circuit breaker

[0100] , The first set of grooves

[0232] are located at a height relatively lower than a height of the second set of grooves

[0234] , A first groove of the first set of grooves

[0232] in the first side wall

[0228] , and a first groove of the second set of grooves

[0234] in the second side wall

[0230] complement each other enabling receiving and securing of a first splitter plate

[0226] of the set of splitter plates

[0226] , such that the first and second set of grooves [232,234] are arranged alternatively in the first and second side walls [228,230], enabling receiving and securing of each of the splitter plates

[0226] of the set of splitter plates

[0226] therebetween in a predefined orientation.

[0067] Each splitter plate

[0226] of the set of splitter plates

[0226] is a flat plate comprising a first side

[0236] , a second side

[0238] and a third side

[0240] , such that the second side

[0238] is disposed opposite the first side

[0236] , and the third side

[0240] joins the first and second sides [236,238] together. Thethird side

[0240] is a cutaway defining a contoured edge comprising at least one recessed portion

[0242] , located proximate to the second side

[0238] , The first and second sides [236, 238] of each splitter plate

[0226] of the set of splitter plates

[0226] further comprise respective first and second extension portions [246, 248], extending partially along the first and second sides [236, 238], from the third side

[0240] , such that the first extension portion

[0246] is longer than the second extension portion

[0248] such that, each splitter plate

[0226] is adapted to be asymmetrical about an axis bisecting a surface of the splitter plate

[0226] of the set of splitter plates

[0226] between the first and second sides [236, 238], and parallel to them. In a preferred embodiment, the first extension portion

[0246] is longer than the second extension portion

[0248] , The first set of grooves

[0232] are adapted to receive the first side

[0236] of the splitter plate

[0226] , and the second set of grooves

[0234] are adapted to receive the second side

[0238] of the splitter plate

[0226] of the set of splitter plates

[0226] , The end plate

[0244] is located at an end of the set of splitter plates

[0226] , such that the end plate

[0244] comprises a first side and a second side parallel to the first and second sides [236, 238] of the splitter plate

[0226] , such that the first and second side of the end plate

[0244] each define at least one notch

[0252] adapted to engage with projections

[0234] provided on the first and second sidewalls [228, 230] of the housing

[0224] to secure the end plate thereon.

[0068] The protrusion

[0218] is located along the vertical axis

[0208] , and is laterally offset relative to the centreline

[0210] of the pole housing

[0204] , Further, the protrusion

[0218] is at an angle relative to the top plate

[0216] of the arc chute unit

[0202] , The protrusion

[0218] is located such that, during assembly of the arc chute unit

[0202] with the pole housing

[0204] , the protrusion

[0218] is slidably received and is adapted to be fitted into the slot

[0214] provided on the pole housing

[0204] enabling slidable coupling of the arc chute unit

[0202] , The offset nature of the slot

[0214] and the protrusion

[0218] allows for fitment of the arc chute unit

[0202] into the pole housing

[0204] only in an orientation that would allow the protrusion

[0218] to fit into the slot

[0204] , and no other orientation. If any attempt is made to insert the arc chute unit

[0202] into the pole housing

[0204] at an orientation different from the desired orientation, the protrusion

[0218] is adapted to be blocked from insertion into the pole housing

[0204] , and consequently, the arc chute unit

[0202] is prevented from being assembled in the pole housing

[0204] ,

[0069] Once the arc chute unit

[0202] is assembled inside the pole housing

[0204] , the arc chute unit

[0202] is disposed such that the top plate

[0216] of the arc chute unit

[0202] is located at a depth relative to the top edge

[0220] of the pole housing

[0204] , In other words, the top plate

[0216] is located at a level below that of the top edge

[0220] , In an embodiment, the depth is in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm. The above-mentioned configuration of the top plate

[0216] provides for an increased creepage distance between two adjacently positioned arc chute units

[0202] , thereby reducing the potentialfor arc therebetween. The grip element

[0222] is located on an upper face of the top plate

[0216] of the arc chute unit

[0202] , In an embodiment, the grip element

[0222] comprises a cut away or a slot provided on the top plate

[0216] of the arc chute unit

[0202] , The grip element

[0222] is adapted to provide a grip to a user, such that the grip element

[0222] may be used to manipulate the arc chute unit

[0202] relative to the pole housing

[0204] , In an example the user may use the grip element

[0222] to extract and / insert the arc chute unit

[0202] from the pole housing

[0204] for replacement and / or maintenance thereof. In an embodiment, the grip element

[0222] may allow a user to grip the arc chute unit

[0202] with their hands, without requirement of specialized tools. Thus, the maintenance or replacement of the arc chute unit

[0202] in the pole housing

[0204] is made easier. Although the present disclosure describes the grip element

[0222] in a singular manner, the concepts of the present disclosure aim to also capture the same in a plural form, for instance, four grip elements

[0222] as shown in figure 11B. Thus, the above aspect also lies well within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0070] Various advantages of the presently disclosed circuit breaker

[0100] , particularly the ACB

[0100] exist. One such advantage is that the arrangement of the arc chute unit

[0202] and the pole housing

[0204] of the ACB

[0100] , wherein the pole housing

[0204] is prevented from being installed in any configuration apart from the desired configuration within the pole housing

[0204] i.e., a poka-yoke assembly of the arc chute unit

[0202] relative to the pole housing

[0204] is enabled. Further, the arrangement of the arc chute unit

[0202] in the pole housing

[0204] of the ACB

[0100] reduces the potential for arcing between adjacent arc chute units

[0202] , Additionally, the arc chute unit

[0202] is easily removable from the pole housing

[0204] of the ACB

[0100] without requirement of specialised tools, by virtue of the grip element

[0222] , It may be understood that the advantages enlisted hereinabove are merely illustrative and non-exhaustive. Those skilled in the art may envision other advantages not described hereinabove, in light of the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0071] 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.

[0072] LIST OF COMPONENTS100 - Circuit Breaker

[0073] 102 - Operating mechanism 102a - Pole shaft

[0074] 104 - Pole assembly

[0075] 108 - Control panel unit 112 - Charging lever member 114 - Fixed cradle unit

[0076] 116 -Withdrawable drawer unit 118 -Terminal device

[0077] 122 - Stationary contact unit 124 - Moving contact unit 124a - Moving contact carrier 124b - Contact fingers

[0078] 200 - Arrangement

[0079] 202 - Arc chute unit

[0080] 204 - Pole Housing

[0081] 206 - Rib

[0082] 208 - Vertical Axis

[0083] 210 - Centreline

[0084] 212-1 - Additional Rib

[0085] 212-2 - Additional Rib

[0086] 214 - Slot

[0087] 216 - Top Plate

[0088] 218 - Protrusion

[0089] 220 - Top Edge

[0090] 222 - Grip Element

[0091] 224 - Housing226 - Splitter plates

[0092] 228 - First side wall

[0093] 230 - Second side wall

[0094] 232 - First set of grooves 234 - Second set of grooves 236 - First side

[0095] 238 - Second side

[0096] 240 - Third side

[0097] 242 - Recessed portion

[0098] 244 -End plate

[0099] 246 - First extension portion 248 - Second extension portion 250 - Projection

[0100] 252 - Notch

Claims

We Claim1. A circuit breaker [100], comprising:a pole assembly [104] that comprises a pole housing [204], the pole housing [204] comprising:o at least one rib [206] located along a vertical axis [208] of the pole housing [204] that comprises a slot [214] arranged along a length thereof, wherein the at least one rib [206] is laterally offset from a centreline [210] thereof; and an arc chute unit [202] slidably coupled to the pole housing [204], the arc chute unit [202] comprising:o a protrusion [218] located along the vertical axis [208], such that the protrusion [218] is laterally offset from the centreline [210] of the pole housing [204], wherein, the protrusion [218] is adapted to be slidably received and fit into the slot [214] provided on the pole housing [204], for slidable coupling of the arc chute unit [202] onto the pole assembly [204],2. The circuit breaker [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one rib [206] is disposed proximate to an edge of the pole housing [204], relative to an opposing edge of the pole housing [204],3. The circuit breaker [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slot [214] extends to a depth in a range of 1 mm to 10 mm on the at least one rib [206],4. The circuit breaker [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the arc chute unit [202] further comprises a housing [224], a top plate [216], at least one grip element [222], a set of splitter plates [226], and an end plate [244],5. The circuit breaker [100] as claimed in claims 1 to 4, wherein the slot [214] and the protrusion [218] are offset from the centreline [210] of the pole housing [204] enabling fitment of the arc chute unit [202] into the pole housing [204] only in the specific orientation.

6. The circuit breaker [100] as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arc chute unit [202] is assembled on top of a stationary contact unit [122] and a moving contact unit [124] of the circuit breaker [100], and the pole housing [204] is adapted to receive the arc chute unit [202], such that the arc chute unit [202] is assembled inside the pole housing [204],7. The circuit breaker [100] as claimed in claims 1 and 6, wherein the arc chute unit [202] is disposed such that the top plate [216] of the arc chute unit [202] is located at a depth in a range of 1 mm to 10 mm, relative to the top edge [220] of the pole housing [204],8. The circuit breaker [100] as claimed in claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one grip element [222] located on the top plate [216], such that the at least one grip element [222] enables an operator to grip the arc chute unit [202] for extraction and insertion from the pole housing [204],9. The circuit breaker [100] as claimed in claims 1 and 4, wherein the housing [224] is a cuboidal shaped housing, defining a first side wall [228] and a second side wall [230] disposed opposite to each other, such that each of the first and second side wall [228, 230] comprise a first set of grooves [232], a second set of grooves [234], and at least one projection [250],10. The circuit breaker [100] as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first set of grooves [232] are located at a height relatively lower than a height of the second set of grooves [234],11. The circuit breaker [100] as claimed in claims 9 and 10, wherein a first groove of the first set of grooves [232] in the first side wall [228], and a first groove of the second set of grooves [234] in the second side wall [230] complement each other enabling receiving and securing of a first splitter plate [226] of the set of splitter plates [226], such that the first and second set of grooves [232,234] are arranged alternatively in the first and second side walls [228,230], enabling receiving and securing of each of the splitter plates [226] of the set of splitter plates [226] therebetween in a predefined orientation.

12. The circuit breaker [100] as claimed in claim 4, wherein each splitter plate [226] of the set of splitter plates [226] is a flat plate comprising a first side [236], a second side [238] and a third side [240], such that the second side [238] is disposed opposite the first side [236], and the third side [240] joins the first and second sides [236,238] together.

13. The circuit breaker [100] as claimed in claim 12, wherein the third side [240] is a cutaway defining a contoured edge comprising at least one recessed portion [242], located proximate to the second side [238],14. The circuit breaker [100] as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first and second sides [236, 238] of each splitter plate [226] of the set of splitter plates [226] further comprise respective first and second extension portions [246, 248], extending partially along the first and second sides [236, 238], from the third side [240], such that the first extension portion [246] is longer than the second extension portion [248] such that, each splitter plate [226] is adapted to be asymmetrical about an axis bisecting a surface of the splitter plate [226] of the set of splitter plates [226] between the first and second sides [236, 238], and parallel to them.

15. The circuit breaker [100] as claimed in claims4to 14, wherein the first set of grooves [232] are adapted to receive the first side [236] of the splitter plate [226], and the second set of grooves [234] are adapted to receive the second side [238] of the splitter plate [226] of the set of splitter plates [226],16. The circuit breaker [100] as claimed in claims 4 to 15, wherein the end plate [244] comprises a first side and a second side parallel to the first and second sides [236, 238] of the splitter plate [226], such that the first and second side of the end plate [244] each define at least one notch [252] adapted to engage with projections [234] provided on the first and second sidewalls [228, 230] of the housing [224] to secure the end plate thereon.

17. The circuit breaker [100] as claimed in claims 4 to 16, wherein the end plate [244] is located at an end of the set of splitter plates [226],18. The circuit breaker [100] as claimed in claim 1, is an Air Circuit Breaker (ACB).

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