Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrical switchgear that includes cradle contacts (102) securely affixed to a cradle support (104), the cradle contacts (102) establish electrical connections with external conductors. A circuit breaker having a top terminal (110-1) and a bottom terminal (110-2) is securely attached to a connector pin (116-1, 116-2). Compression springs (118-1, 118-2) accommodated within the rear housing of the associated terminals exert pressure on the contacts of the top and bottom terminal to ensure secure electrical connections between the contacts, wherein the top terminals and the bottom terminals establish contact with the cradle contact (102), the contact spring force applied to the top terminal differs from that of the bottom terminals, resulting in a reduced contact pressure spring force for the top terminal, significantly diminishing the force needed to operate the breaker and subsequently decreasing racking torque.
Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates, in general, to electrical contacts, and more specifically, relates to electrical contacts of electrical switchgear products.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Circuit breakers are used to safeguard the electrical equipment from overcurrent situations caused or short current situations in equipment. On the flow of fault current conditions, the electrical contacts within the circuit breaker will open and it stops the flow of electrical current through the circuit breaker to the equipment.
[0003] Switchgear systems can be either fixed to the bus bar systems or removable type known as draw-out circuit breakers with an enclosure. Cradle arrangement provided for establishing and removing connection with the bus bar system. A withdrawable unit i.e., draw-out module is an arrangement which is used to connect, test, and disconnect the circuit breaker (air circuit breaker (ACB)/ molded case circuit breaker (MCCB)) to the main bus without unbolting or disturbing the termination. With the help of a mechanism, the circuit breaker is connected to main and auxiliary supplies. As per international standards, depending upon construction, circuit breakers are classified as fixed and withdrawable/draw-out type circuit breakers. Draw-out type circuit breakers comprise two major parts cradle and breaker. The cradle is a fixed part and the breaker is a moving part. An arrangement in the cradle is given to load the circuit breaker to move it in and out to achieve different positions such as isolated, test and service. The cradle consists of the racking mechanism, rail system along with locking system and contact system.
[0004] In the draw-out module, the cradle is used as the base which has main contacts. Two types of supplies are in the switchboard. One is the main supply or power supply and the auxiliary supply or control supply. The main supply is for breakers and the auxiliary supply is for auxiliaries like shunt release, UV release, and the like. The disconnect position (both Aux. connections and power connections not connected) test position (Aux. connections only connected but not power supply) connect position (both Aux. connections and power connections established).
[0005] A mechanism is deployed in the cradle for rack-in and rack-out circuit breakers to engage and disengage circuit breaker contacts with contacts in the cradle. The contacts in the cradle are stationery wherein the contacts on the circuit breaker move apart and together by the mechanism with respect to the input torque given and shall be operated effortlessly.
[0006] The existing withdrawable circuit breakers where the current conduction from the circuit breaker to the withdrawable unit takes place with the help of a special contact assembly that exerts the necessary contact force required to ensure temperature and other claimed specifications. The main drawback of this assembly is that it increased the current path length thereby increasing overall resistance. Also, the contact assembly needs spring force depending upon the claimed short circuit withstand capacity of the circuit breaker. The overall utilization of conducting material also increases.
[0007] Therefore, it is desired to overcome the drawbacks, shortcomings, and limitations associated with existing solutions of current path length increase, additional contact force springs and conducting material usage. In the proposed disclosure the conventional contact assembly is replaced by a specific contact profile incorporated into the circuit breaker terminals enabling linear movement to terminals. This disclosure reduces the contact spring force by enabling the moving contact force shared with the actual contact force and the cradle terminal. Also, the contact profile enables the effect of repulsion force reduced up to half and aids the contact pressure.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0008] An object of the present disclosure relates, in general, to electrical contacts, and more specifically, relates to electrical contacts of electrical switchgear products.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure enable the elimination of jaw contacts that connect between the cradle and breaker terminals by integrating the contact features and current compensation features into the breaker terminals.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure maximise operational efficiency by utilizing the breaker mechanism's contact force to apply pressure at internal power contacts and between the cradle and the top terminal of the breaker contact, thereby significantly reducing the total rack-in torque.
[0011] Another object of the present disclosure provide a profile of the top and bottom terminal that creates a parallel current path for better attraction force.
[0012] Another object of the present disclosure reduce repulsion force by the introduction of inclined contact surfaces minimizes the resultant repulsion force, helps to reduce the size of opposition spring , especially during high-current situations.
[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is that a breaker with cradle contact, coupled with the inclined contact surface, improves overall contact reliability and stability, contributing to a more robust and dependable circuit breaker.
[0014] Yet another object of the present disclosure by eliminating joints and related components, the length of the current path is significantly reduced. This reduction enhances the overall electrical efficiency of the circuit breaker, leading to improved performance and reduced energy loss.
SUMMARY
[0015] The present disclosure relates in general, to electrical contacts, and more specifically, relates to the electrical contacts of electrical switchgear products. The main objective of the present disclosure is to overcome the drawback, limitations, and shortcomings of the existing system and solution, by enabling the elimination of jaw contacts that connects between the cradle and breaker terminals by integrating the contact features and current compensation features to the breaker terminals. Also, the contact force delivered by the beaker mechanism is used to provide the contact pressure both at power contacts which are inside the breaker and between the cradle and top terminal of breaker contact. As the contact pressure for the top terminal contacts is given by the breaker mechanism, the total rack-in torque is significantly reduced and the current path length reduction. The integrated design ensures that all contact points receive the correct pressure, leading to reliable electrical connections. With fewer electrical joints involved, there are fewer opportunities for potential points of failure or degradation in performance.
[0016] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to an electrical switchgear that includes cradle contacts securely affixed to a cradle support, the cradle contacts establish electrical connections with external conductors, remaining in a fixed position. The cradle support is rigidly affixed between an upper cross piece and a lower cross piece. The cradle support is configured to accommodate a pair of cradle contacts. The circuit breaker has top terminals and bottom terminals being securely attached to a connector pin, where the connector pin guides and secures the top and bottom terminals within the rear housing to establish electrical connections.
[0017] Further, compression springs accommodated at spring mounting support and a rotating spring mount within the rear housing of the associated terminals exert pressure on the contacts of the top and bottom terminals to ensure secure electrical connections between the contacts. The fixed spring mounting support serves as a fixture that holds and positions the compression springs to apply pressure to the terminal contacts and the rotating spring mount aids in the controlled movement or rotation of the compression springs. The top terminals and the bottom terminals establish contact with the cradle contact, the contact spring force applied to the top terminal differs from that of the bottom terminals, resulting in a reduced contact pressure spring force for the top terminal, significantly diminishing the force needed to operate the circuit breaker and subsequently decreasing racking torque.
[0018] The top terminal and bottom terminal are guided within integrated guide slots of the rear housing, enabling linear extension and retraction within the circuit breaker, wherein the motion is controlled by the contact pressure generated between the top or bottom terminal and the cradle contacts. During the racking mechanism, the contact spring forces of the compression springs applied to the top and bottom terminals are different, wherein the compression spring for the bottom terminal is adjusted to match the needed contact pressure for the current rating, improving reliable electrical connections and the compression spring force for the top terminal is set at a minimum level to maintain the original position of the assembly of the top terminal.
[0019] In another aspect, the top terminal of the breaker pre-established in contact with the cradle contact, facilitates the transfer of force from the power contact surface of the top terminal to the cradle contact at the terminal contact joint. The mechanism force (F mechanism) of the breaker is employed at the power contact and the cradle contact without any loss, thereby leading to a reduction in components and an enhancement in reliability.
[0020] In addition, the contact profile of the top terminal and the bottom terminal creates a parallel current path upon contact, leading to the generation of an attractive force at the cradle contact directed towards the top terminals and the bottom terminal so as to withstand the repulsion forces during higher currents. The length of the parallel path is provided based on the required withstand capacity of the circuit breaker, ensuring its functionality under higher short-circuit conditions. Besides, the contact surface between the cradle contact and terminal contact of the top and bottom terminal is inclined to diminish the resultant repulsion force.
[0021] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing FIGs in which like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.
[0023] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary cradle assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary cradle support assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary cradle contact, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 1D illustrates an exemplary breaker assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 1E illustrates an exemplary top terminal assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 1F illustrates an exemplary bottom terminal assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 1G illustrates an exemplary cross section of breaker assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 1H illustrates an exemplary cradle contact and breaker terminal in a connected position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 1I illustrates an exemplary force transmission, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 1J illustrates an exemplary current path illustration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 1K illustrates an exemplary repulsion force diagram, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0035] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0036] The present disclosure relates, in general, to electrical contacts, and more specifically, relates to electrical contacts of electrical switchgear products. In a circuit breaker system, the present disclosure combines the functions of jaw contacts linking the cradle and breaker terminals by integrating contact and current compensation features directly into the breaker terminals. Additionally, the force exerted by the breaker mechanism is harnessed to apply contact pressure both at internal power contacts and between the cradle and the top terminal of the breaker contact. This innovative configuration results in a substantial reduction in rack-in torque. Consequently, this design offers the following benefits:
• Significant reduction in rack-in torque.
• Shortened length of the current path.
• Uniform distribution of contact pressure.
• Decreased number of electrical joints.
[0037] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to an electrical switchgear that includes cradle contacts securely affixed to a cradle support, the cradle contacts establish electrical connections with external conductors, remaining in a fixed position. The cradle support is rigidly affixed between an upper cross piece and a lower cross piece. The cradle support is configured to accommodate a pair of cradle contacts. The circuit breaker has top terminals and bottom terminals securely attached to a connector pin, where the connector pin guides and secures the top and bottom terminals within the rear housing to establish electrical connections.
[0038] Futher, compression springs accommodated at spring mounting support and a rotating spring mount within the rear housing of the associated terminals and exert pressure on the contacts of the top and bottom terminals to ensure secure electrical connections between the contacts. The fixed spring mounting support serves as a fixture that holds and positions the compression springs to apply pressure to the terminal contacts and the rotating spring mount aids in the controlled movement or rotation of the compression springs. The top terminals and the bottom terminals establish contact with the cradle contact, the contact spring force applied to the top terminal differs from that of the bottom terminals, resulting in a reduced contact pressure spring force for the top terminal, significantly diminishing the force needed to operate the circuit breaker and subsequently decreasing racking torque.
[0039] The top terminal and bottom terminal are guided within integrated guide slots of the rear housing, enabling linear extension and retraction within the circuit breaker, wherein the motion is controlled by the contact pressure generated between the top or bottom terminal and the cradle contacts. During the racking mechanism, the contact spring forces of the compression springs applied to the top and bottom terminals are different, wherein the compression spring for the bottom terminal is adjusted to match the needed contact pressure for the current rating, improving reliable electrical connections and the compression spring force for the top terminal is set at a minimum level to maintain the original position of the assembly of the top terminal.
[0040] In another aspect, the top terminal of the breaker pre-established in contact with the cradle contact, facilitates the transfer of force from the power contact surface of the top terminal to the cradle contact at the terminal contact joint. The mechanism force (F mechanism) of the breaker is employed at the power contact and the cradle contact without any loss, thereby leading to a reduction in components and an enhancement in reliability.
[0041] In addition, the contact profile of the top terminal and the bottom terminal creates a parallel current path upon contact, leading to the generation of an attractive force at the cradle contact directed towards the top terminals and the bottom terminal so as to withstand the repulsion forces during higher currents. The length of the parallel path is provided based on the required withstand capacity of the circuit breaker, ensuring its functionality under higher short-circuit conditions. Besides, the contact surface between the cradle contact and terminal contact of the top and bottom terminal is inclined to diminish the resultant repulsion force. The present disclosure can be described in enabling detail in the following examples, which may represent more than one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0042] The advantages achieved by the electrical switchgear of the present disclosure can be clear from the embodiments provided herein. The present disclosure integrates contact and current compensation features directly into the breaker terminals, eliminating the need for traditional jaw contacts between the cradle and breaker terminals. This innovation enhances operational efficiency by utilizing the breaker mechanism's contact force to apply pressure at internal power contacts and between the cradle and the top terminal, resulting in a remarkable reduction in total rack-in torque. Furthermore, the present disclosure optimizes attraction forces through a carefully designed profile of the top and bottom terminals, creating a parallel current path. By introducing inclined contact surfaces, the disclosure significantly reduces repulsion forces, ensuring smoother and more reliable operations, especially under high-current conditions. The incorporation of a breaker with cradle contact, along with the inclined contact surface, elevates overall contact reliability and stability, culminating in a more robust and dependable circuit breaker. Moreover, the elimination of joints and related components leads to a substantial reduction in the current path length, enhancing electrical efficiency, and performance, and reducing energy loss. The description of terms and features related to the present disclosure shall be clear from the embodiments that are illustrated and described; however, the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents of the embodiments are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the disclosure can include other embodiments that are within the scope of the claims but are not described in detail with respect to the following description.
[0043] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary cradle assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0044] The disclosed disclosure is visually represented through a series of exemplary FIGs. In FIG 1A, a cradle assembly is depicted. This is followed by FIG 1B, illustrating a cradle support assembly, further highlighting key components of the disclosure. In FIG 1C, a detailed view of the cradle contact is presented, offering insight into its unique features. FIG 1D, an exemplary breaker assembly is shown, emphasizing its integrated design elements. FIGs 1E and 1F respectively feature top and bottom terminal assemblies, crucial parts of the circuit breaker. FIG 1G provides a cross-sectional view of the breaker assembly, revealing its internal structure. The connection between the cradle contact 102 and breaker terminal is demonstrated in FIG 1H. FIG 1I illustrates the transmission of forces within the system, showcasing the efficiency of the design. FIG 1J outlines the current path, demonstrating the streamlined electrical flow. FIG 1K, a repulsion force diagram is presented, highlighting the disclosure's capacity to withstand higher currents. Each of these visual representations serves to elucidate the various aspects and advantages of the disclosed disclosure.
[0045] FIG. 1A depicts, the cradle contacts 102 mounted on a cradle support 104, capable of holding a pair of cradle contacts. This pair of contacts constitutes one pole of the circuit breaker. The number of poles is determined by the configuration of the circuit breaker, varying between 3-pole and 4-pole configurations. The cradle support 104 is rigidly mounted between the top cross piece 106 and the bottom cross piece 108. These cradle contacts 102 establish connections to the external conductors and remain in a fixed position. FIG 1B illustrates a cradle support assembly that can include the cradle support 104 configured to accommodate a pair of the cradle contacts shown in FIG. 1C. The number of poles is determined by the configuration of the circuit breaker, varying between 3-pole and 4-pole configurations.
[0046] The circuit breaker assembly is shown in FIG. 1D can include top terminal 110-1, bottom terminal 110-2 and rear housing 112. The top terminals 110-1 and bottom terminals 110-2 are the points on the circuit breaker where electrical connections can be made. They allow electrical current to flow in and out of the breaker. The rear housing 112 is an enclosure or casing that houses various components of the circuit breaker. It provides structural support and protection.
[0047] The top terminal assembly and the bottom terminal assembly are shown in FIG. 1E and FIG. 1F respectively. The top terminal assembly and the bottom terminal assembly can include a fixed spring mounting support (114-1, 114-2), connector pin (116-1, 116-2), compression springs (118-1, 118-2) and rotating spring mount (120-1, 120-2). The top terminals and bottom terminals (110-1, 110-2) are affixed to the connector pin (116-1, 116-2), which is guided within the rear housing 112. The connector pin (116-1, 116-2) is a component that guides and secures the top and bottom terminals within the rear housing 112. It ensures proper alignment and movement of the terminals.
[0048] The contacts of the top terminal (110-1, 110-2) and the bottom terminal are loaded with the compression springs (118-1, 118-2) respectively by the presence of the fixed spring mounting support (114-1, 114-2) situated upon the rear housing 112. The compression springs (118-1, 118-2) are used to apply force or pressure within the circuit breaker. In this specific context, compression springs (118-1, 118-2) are employed to exert pressure on the top and bottom terminal contacts. This pressure ensures secure electrical connections between the contacts. The fixed spring mounting support (114-1, 114-2) serves as a structure or fixture that holds and positions the compression springs (118-1, 118-2). It provides a stable base for the springs to apply pressure to the terminal contacts. The rotating spring mount (120-1, 120-2) is a component that likely aids in the controlled movement or rotation of the compression springs (118-1, 118-2). This could be important for adjusting the spring force or facilitating specific actions within the circuit breaker.
[0049] As depicted in FIG. 1G, the top and bottom terminal assemblies are directed along guide slots integrated into the rear housing 112. This arrangement facilitates linear movement of the terminals, allowing them to extend into and retract from the breaker. The motion is controlled by the contact pressure generated between the top or bottom breaker terminal and the cradle contacts. The top terminals and bottom terminals establish contact with the circuit cradle contact 102 on a contact surface 122 during racking operations.
[0050] As the contact happens at the two surfaces as shown in FIG. 1H which enables the top and bottom terminals (110-1, 110-2) to align and ensure the contact pressure is equally applied by the contact spring (118-1, 118-2). The guided movement of the top and bottom terminal (110-1, 110-2) within the breaker to load the contact spring and establish the necessary contact pressure. Different contact spring forces are applied to the top and bottom terminals, with the bottom terminal spring loaded according to the current rating's contact pressure, and the top terminal loaded with minimal spring force to retain its original position.
[0051] The contact spring force applied to the top and bottom terminals (110-1, 110-2) is different. The spring for the bottom terminal 110-2 is adjusted to match the needed contact pressure for the current rating, improving reliable electrical connections. The spring force for the top terminal 110-1 is a retaining spring set at a minimum level to keep the top terminal assembly in its original position. When the breaker is switched to the ON position, the top terminal assembly receives the necessary pressure to establish a dependable electrical connection. The reduced contact pressure spring force for the top terminal significantly reduces the force required to move the breaker, decreasing racking torque. During the rack-in operation, the top terminal assembly is guided within the breaker to a final position that matches the conventional fixed contact position, ensuring consistent ON and OFF operations.
[0052] Upon complete racking-in, the top terminal 110-1 experiences solely the spring load on the retaining spring, while the bottom terminal 110-2 is subjected to full loading with the required contact pressure. The moving contact of the breaker, actuated by the operating mechanism, applies the requisite contact pressure to the power contacts buttons 124 of the top terminal shown in FIG. 1H. The breaker top terminal 110-1 is pre-established in contact with the cradle contact 102, facilitating the transfer of force from the power contact surface 124 of the top terminal assembly 110-1 to the cradle contact 102 at the terminal contact joint. The breaker mechanism (F mechanism) force is efficiently employed at two crucial locations - at the power contact (Fc) and the cradle contact (F1, F2, F3, F4) without any loss, thereby leading to a reduction in components typical of conventional breakers and an enhancement in reliability shown in FIG. 1I.
[0053] In addition, the contact profile of the top terminal (110-1) and the bottom terminal contact (110-2) creates a parallel current path shown in FIG. 1J during contact, resulting in the attraction force at cradle contact to the top terminals 110-1 and cradle contact 102 to the bottom terminal contacts. The length of the parallel path is designed based on the required withstand capacity of the circuit breaker, ensuring its functionality under higher short-circuit conditions. The inclined contact surfaces are depicted in FIG. 1K further reduce resultant repulsion acting on the top and bottom terminal contacts, thereby fortifying the system's capability to withstand higher currents.
[0054] In an exemplary implementation of an embodiment, when the circuit breaker racked towards the cradle contacts 102 the breaker top terminals 110-1 and breaker bottom terminals 110-2 of the circuit breaker may touch the cradle contact 102 on the contact surface 122. As the contact happens at the two surfaces as shown in FIG. 1H which enables the top and bottom terminals (110-1, 110-2) to align and ensure the contact pressure is equally applied by the contact spring (118-1, 118-2). The top and bottom terminal assemblies are guided to move inside the breaker such that the contact springs are loaded to provide the contact pressure. The contact spring force for breaker top terminal 110-1 and breaker bottom terminal 110-2 are different. The bottom terminal spring is loaded as per the contact pressure for the current rating, but the top terminal is loaded by a minimal spring force that is sufficient to retain the top terminal assembly back to its original position. The breaker top terminal assembly received the required contact pressure when the breaker is turned to ON condition. This reduction in contact pressure spring force enables the significant reduction of racking torque. During this rack-in operation, the top terminal assembly is guided inside the breaker such that the final position is exactly like the conventional fixed contact position ensuring the contact clearance suitable for regular ON-OFF operation.
[0055] As the breaker is completely racked in, the top terminal has only the spring load on the retaining spring and the bottom terminal is completely loaded with the required contact pressure. When the circuit breaker is turned ON the moving contact of the breaker which is operated by the operating mechanism, touches the power contacts buttons 124 of the top terminal with the required contact pressure as per the product need. Since the breaker top terminal 110-1 is already touching the cradle contact 102, the force applied at the power contact surface 124 of the top terminal assembly is transferred from the cradle contact to the terminal contact joint. This way the breaker mechanism (F mechanism) force is utilized at two locations namely at the power contact (Fc) and cradle contact (F1, F2, F3, F4) without any loss. This enables to reduction of components of conventional breaker and improve reliability.
[0056] In addition, the proposed disclosure provides a repulsion force compensation technique that enables the function of higher short-circuit withstand capacity of the breaker. In order to withstand the repulsion forces during higher currents, the contact profile of breaker top terminal 110-1 and breaker bottom terminal contact 110-2 is such that during the contact condition a parallel current path is created between the cradle contact and breaker terminal as shown in FIG 1J. This parallel path creates the attraction force at cradle contact to breaker top terminals and cradle contact to breaker bottom terminal contacts. The length of the parallel path is designed based on the required withstand capacity of the circuit breaker. In addition to the repulsion force compensation technique, the present disclosure facilitates the reduced repulsion by making the contact surface inclined as shown in FIG 1K. This inclined contact surface reduces the resultant repulsion acting on the top and bottom terminal contacts.
[0057] Thus, the present disclosure overcomes the drawbacks, shortcomings, and limitations associated with existing solutions, and integrates contact and current compensation features directly into the breaker terminals, eliminating the need for traditional jaw contacts between the cradle and breaker terminals. This innovation enhances operational efficiency by utilizing the breaker mechanism's contact force to apply pressure at internal power contacts and between the cradle and the top terminal, resulting in a remarkable reduction in total rack-in torque. Furthermore, the present disclosure optimizes attraction forces through a carefully designed profile of the top and bottom terminals, creating a parallel current path. By introducing inclined contact surfaces, the disclosure significantly reduces repulsion forces, ensuring smoother and more reliable operations, especially under high-current conditions. The incorporation of a breaker with cradle contact, along with the inclined contact surface, elevates overall contact reliability and stability, culminating in a more robust and dependable circuit breaker. Moreover, the elimination of joints and related components leads to a substantial reduction in the current path length, enhancing electrical efficiency, and performance, and reducing energy loss.
[0058] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the electrical switchgear 100 of the disclosure may be provided using some or all of the mentioned features and components without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0059] The present disclosure enables the elimination of jaw contacts that connect the cradle and breaker terminals by integrating the contact features and current compensation features into the breaker terminals.
[0060] The present disclosure maximizes operational efficiency by utilizing the breaker mechanism's contact force to apply pressure at internal power contacts and between the cradle and the top terminal of the breaker contact, thereby significantly reducing the total rack-in torque.
[0061] The present disclosure provides a profile of the top and bottom terminal that creates the parallel current path for better attraction force.
[0062] The present disclosure reduces repulsion force by the introduction of inclined contact surfaces minimizes the resultant repulsion force, helps to reduce the size of opposition spring , especially during high-current situations.
[0063] The present disclosure provides a breaker with cradle contact, coupled with the inclined contact surface, improving overall contact reliability and stability, and contributing to a more robust and dependable circuit breaker.
[0064] The present disclosure by eliminating joints and related components, the length of the current path is significantly reduced. This reduction enhances the overall electrical efficiency of the circuit breaker, leading to improved performance and reduced energy loss.
, Claims:1. An electrical switchgear (100) comprising:
a cradle contact (102) securely affixed to a cradle support (104), the cradle contacts (102) establish electrical connections with external conductors, remaining in a fixed position;
a circuit breaker having a top terminals (110-1) and a bottom terminals (110-2) being securely attached to a connector pin (116-1, 116-2), the connector pin (116-1, 116-2) guides and secures the top and bottom terminals within the rear housing (112) to establish electrical connections; and
a compression spring (118-1, 118-2) accommodated at spring mounting support (114-1, 114-2) and a rotating spring mount (120-1, 120-2) within the rear housing of the associated terminals exert pressure on the contacts of the top and bottom terminals (116-1, 116-2) to ensure secure electrical connections between the contacts, wherein the top terminals and the bottom terminals establish contact with the cradle contact (102), the contact spring force applied to the top terminal (110-1) differs from that of the bottom terminal (110-2), resulting in a reduced contact pressure spring force for the top terminal, significantly diminishing the force needed to operate the circuit breaker and subsequently decreasing racking torque.
2. The electrical switchgear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cradle support (104) is rigidly affixed between an upper cross piece (106) and a lower crosspiece (108); the cradle support (104) configured to accommodate a pair of the cradle contacts.
3. The electrical switchgear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixed spring mounting support (114-1, 114-2) serves as a fixture that holds and positions the compression springs (118-1, 118-2). to apply pressure to the terminal contacts and the rotating spring mount (120-1, 120-2) aids in the controlled movement or rotation of the compression springs (118-1, 118-2).
4. The electrical switchgear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top terminal (110-1) and bottom terminal (110-2) guided within integrated guide slots of the rear housing (112), enabling linear extension and retraction within the circuit breaker, wherein the motion is controlled by the contact pressure generated between the top or bottom terminal and the cradle contacts.
5. The electrical switchgear as claimed in claim 1, wherein during the racking mechanism, the contact spring forces of the compression springs (118-1, 118-2) applied to the top and bottom terminals (110-1, 110-2) is different, wherein the spring force for the bottom terminal (110-2) is adjusted to match the needed contact pressure for the current rating, improving reliable electrical connections and the spring force for the top terminal (110-1) is set at a minimum level to maintain the original position of the assembly of the top terminal.
6. The electrical switchgear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top terminal (110-1) of the circuit breaker pre-established in contact with the cradle contact (102), facilitates the transfer of force from the power contact surface (124) of the top terminal (110-1) to the cradle contact at the terminal contact joint.
7. The electrical switchgear as claimed in claim 6, wherein the mechanism force (F mechanism) of the circuit breaker is employed at the power contact (Fc) of the top terminal and the cradle contact (F1, F2, F3, F4) without any loss, thereby leading to a reduction in components and an enhancement in reliability.
8. The electrical switchgear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact profile of the top terminal (110-1) and the bottom terminal (110-2) creates a parallel current path upon contact, leading to the generation of an attractive force at the cradle contact (102) directed towards the top terminals (110-1) and the bottom terminal so as to withstand the repulsion forces during higher currents.
9. The electrical switchgear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the length of the parallel path is provided based upon the required withstand capacity of the circuit breaker, ensuring its functionality under higher short-circuit conditions.
10. The electrical switchgear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact surface between the cradle contact (102) and terminal contact of the top and bottom terminal is inclined to diminish resultant repulsion force.
| # | Name | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 202311083900-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [08-12-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-12-08 |
| 2 | 202311083900-REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION (FORM-18) [08-12-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-12-08 |
| 3 | 202311083900-POWER OF AUTHORITY [08-12-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-12-08 |
| 4 | 202311083900-FORM 18 [08-12-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-12-08 |
| 5 | 202311083900-FORM 1 [08-12-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-12-08 |
| 6 | 202311083900-DRAWINGS [08-12-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-12-08 |
| 7 | 202311083900-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [08-12-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-12-08 |
| 8 | 202311083900-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [08-12-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-12-08 |
| 9 | 202311083900-Proof of Right [08-02-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-02-08 |