[001] The present invention relates generally to the field of switchgear devices. The present invention in particular relates to a field-fittable electronic auxiliary to remotely monitor the status of modular switchgear devices.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
[002] Some manufacturers offer separate auxiliaries for ON/OFF and ON/ TRIPPED status. In other kind of prior arts both of these information is provided in the same device, but user has to select which information he wants to track remotely (at the time of wiring). Thus at a time user can see only ON/OFF or ON/Tripped status, and if both information needs to be tracked then he will need to use two auxiliaries that will occupy more space in distribution board.
[003] Through our proposed device user can track complete status information, i.e. ON/MANUAL OFF/ TRIPPED OFF via a compact size auxiliary. Our device has only half the standardized module width of switchgear devices (9mm width).
[004] Further, in prior arts auxiliaries by other manufacturers, the sensing of switchgear working state as well as indication mechanism consist of mechanical make and break contacts. The mechanical linkages inside these auxiliaries are driven by these attached switchgears. This may load up and adversely affect performance of switchgears by not allowing them to freely make or break connections.
[005] Further, more mechanical moving parts means more wear and tear or jamming which adversely affects the auxiliary's performance over time. Hence the lifetime of auxiliary will be limited.
[006] US6346882B1 discloses A switchgear cabinet monitoring arrangement with a monitoring unit (UE) having a control device (ST), an indicator control and inputs for connecting sensors, outputs for connecting actuators, and a programming unit which is or can be connected with the monitoring unit, and with

an indicator device. An improved adaptation to various uses of the switchgear cabinet is achieved because visual and/or acoustical notices for the distribution via the indicator device can be provided and changed by the programming unit and can be transmitted to the monitoring unit and stored in a memory device. As a function of the switchgear states detected via the sensors, the notices can be transmitted by the control device to the indicator device and can be displayed on the indicator device.
[007] US9496100B2 discloses a switchgear state display device which includes a movable plate which is coupled to a main shaft of the switchgear and performs motion in accordance with the movement of the main shaft; an ON/OFF display plate in which a display showing the state of the switchgear, such as "ON'V'OFF," is provided on each of different two faces, and mechanically rotates or performs linear motion and thus displaying the opening/closing state of the contact; and an ON/OFF display plate link which is mechanically connected to the movable plate and the ON/OFF display plate and converts the motion of the movable plate to transfer to the ON/OFF display plate. The display of the ON/OFF display plate is arranged at a tilt toward the upper side or the lower side so as to point at an optional angle.
[008] Hence prior-art auxiliaries have several disadvantages which our electronic indication auxiliary proposes to overcome.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[009] The principal objective of the present invention is to provide a field-fittable (retro-fittable) auxiliary for modular switchgear devices.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a field-fittable auxiliary to remotely monitor the status of modular switchgear devices

[0011] Still another objection of the present invention is to provide a field-fittable (retro-fittable) clip-on type auxiliary for modular switchgear devices which has a more reliable electronic sensing and indication method.
[0012] Still another objection of the present invention is to provide an electronic field-fittable (retro-fittable) clip-on type auxiliary for modular switchgear devices which can track complete ON/OFF/TRJP status of modular switchgear devices.
[0013] Still another objection of the present invention is to provide an electronic field-fittable (retro-fittable) clip-on type auxiliary for modular switchgear devices which overcome the disadvantages of prior-art mechanical type of indicating auxiliaries.
[0014] Still another objection of the present invention is to provide an electronic field-fittable (retro-fittable) clip-on type auxiliary for modular switchgear devices which is accurate and consistent.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0015] In accordance with the said objectives, the present invention provides an electronic status indicating device for use with modular switchgear devices like miniature circuit breaker (MCB), Residual current circuit breaker (RCCB), Isolator or their combinations with other devices. The modular switchgear devices are used for circuit protection and control in low voltage distribution systems. They have a compact size and are designed for mounting in distribution boards, panel boards, consumer units etc. Space is a crucial factor and it is desirable that the devices, any auxiliaries which are used with them are compact. The device according to the present invention is a field-fiitable clip-on type auxiliary for attaching with modular switchgear devices, having a width of half the standardized module width of Modular switchgears. At any time Modular switchgears status can be: ON i.e. absence of fault, manual OFF, or TRIPPED in response to a fault. Through proposed invention, user can remotely track all three statuses of switchgear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0017] Figl - Block diagram of proposed invention
[0018] Fig2 - It shows the flowchart according to which device status is interpreted by the auxiliary
[0019] Fig 3- It shows how auxiliary senses ON status for switchgears that have a two position knob
[0020] Fig 4- It shows how auxiliary senses TRIP status for switchgears that have a two position knob
[0021] Fig 5- It shows how auxiliary senses OFF status for switchgears that have a two position knob
[0022] Fig 6- It shows how auxiliary senses ON status for switchgears that have a three position knob
[0023] Fig 7- It shows how auxiliary senses TRIP status for switchgears that have a three position knob
[0024] Fig 8- It shows how auxiliary senses OFF status for switchgears that have a three position knob

[0025] Fig 9- It shows an external view of proposed auxiliary device.
[0026] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to an embodiment as shown in the drawing.
[0028] Indication auxiliaries are used to remotely indicate the status of attached switchgear. This status may be in the form of ON/Manual OFF/Tripped. Here ON means that switchgear knob is in upper position (the downstream circuits are powered up). OFF means that the device knob is in lower position and downstream circuits are sans power. OFF condition can happen in two ways: either the switchgear has been manually actuated to OFF position by user or the breaker has TRIPPED in response to a fault.
[0029] For indication auxiliaries to work properly, they comprise of two basic assemblies: sensing assembly and indication assembly. Said sensing assembly detects the status of associated switchgear by sensing the position of knob and mechanism and said indication assembly transfers the sensed status to remote monitoring locations.
[0030] Referring to Fig. 1 which discloses the electronic circuit of said auxiliary device along with the working of the same.
[0031] The auxiliary device (150) according to the present invention comprises of a plurality of sensing units (10, 20) to sense the position of the moving armof said switchgear, a power supply unit (30) to regulate the input voltage and current for auxiliary, a processing unit (40) which further consists of a programmable

microcontroller, a plurality of digital feedback units (50, 60) and local indication unit (70) for indicating the operating state of switchgear locally on the front face of auxiliary by different patterns of blinking LED light.
[0032] Position unit 1 (10) consists of a first moving arm (90) interlinked with 5 sensor devices (X)which together track the working state of switchgear (ON/OFF). Said moving arm (90) gets linked to the knob of associated switchgear device.
[0033] Various kinds of sensors may be used such as photo micro optical sensor, magnetic sensor, proximity sensor or micro-switches.
10 [0034] Position sensing unit 2 (20) consists of a second moving arm (100) interlinked with sensor devices (Y)which together track the working state of switchgear (TRIP/ NO TRIP). Said moving arm (100) gets linked to the internal mechanism of associated switchgear device.
[0035] Various kinds of sensors may be used such as photo micro optical sensor, 15 magnetic sensor, proximity sensor or micro-switches.
[0036] The confirmation of the particular state of device i.e. ON/ Manual OFF/ Tripped OFF is made by the position of said moving arms (90 and 100)or the sequence of movement of these moving arms. By using this circuitry, the working state of switchgear can be accurately sensed while at the same time remaining 20 electrically isolated from the switchgear power supply.
[0037] Said power supply unit (30) regulates the input voltage and current for auxiliary to be in stable limits as per requirement.The auxiliary for example, runs on 24Vdc supply. Internal circuits run on 5V.
[0038] Said processing unit (40) is the main decision taking part of device. It
25 consists of a microcontroller (not shown), which takes input from said sensing
units (10 and 20). Said processing unit (40) continuously tracks the working of
attached switchgear according to the high or low signals that it receives from the
7 CLASSIFICATION | INTERNAL

sensors. It provides said digital feedback signal (50) according to ON/OFF status, and said digital feedback signal (60) according to TRIP/ WORKING status.
[0039] Said digital feedbacks F1 and F2 (50 and 60) are ON/OFF and TRIPPED/WORKING status of the switchgear respectively in digital formats 5 which are used for remote indication, use with PLCs, or in building management systems etc.
[0040] F1: When it is high (or logic 1) – It means the associated switchgear is ON
[0041] F1: When it is low (or logic 0) – It means the associated switchgear is OFF or Tripped
10 [0042] F2: When it is high (or logic 0) – It means the associated switchgear is TRIPPED
[0043] F2: When it is low (or logic 1) – It means the associated switchgear is WORKING or ON
[0044] The correct interpretation of the status of switchgear may be judged as per 15 flowchart of Fig 2.
[0045] Said local indication unit (70) is used for indicating the operating state of switchgear locally on the front face of auxiliary by different patterns of blinking LED light. It takes input from the main processing unit.
[0046] For example the indication may be as follows:
20 [0047] Switchgear is ON: Red coloured LED is glowing
[0048] Switchgear has TRIPPED: Red coloured LED is blinking at the rate of 1 per 2 seconds
[0049] Switchgear is manually OFF: Red coloured LED is blinking at the rate of 1 per 5 seconds (indication that auxiliary is powered up but the device is OFF)
8 CLASSIFICATION | INTERNAL

[0050] When auxiliary is not powered up: No LED will blink
[0051] Other patterns or colourful LEDs may also be used.
[0052] Modular switchgears available in industry have a knob with which they can be turned on or off. This knob mostly has two positions – up when the knob is 5 ON and down when the device is OFF or when it has tripped. Some Modular switchgears may have three positions- up when the knob is ON, down when the device is OFF and middle position when it has tripped. The proposed electronic auxiliary can be used with both of these type of switchgear devices, by doing only slighter modifications.
10 [0053] Refer fig 9- It shows an external view of proposed auxiliary device (150) which is explained below along-with working.
[0054] Said auxiliary device (150) has a knob (101) which is extended and can couple with Modular switchgears’s knob. It also has a latch with pin (102) which is coupled with Modular switchgears’s mechanism, As can be seen the auxiliary 15 has clip-fit design 103 for fixing with switchgear devices easily and in a tool-free manner.
[0055] Working of Auxiliary when the Modular switchgears knob has two stable positions (UP and DOWN):
[0056] Refer to the figures 3-5: the sensor is photo micro optical sensor, but in 20 practice different kinds of sensors can be used such as magnetic sensor, proximity sensor or micro-switches.
[0057] When modular switchgear is in ON position: Its knob and also the auxiliary’s knob (101) is ‘up’, and linked to it said first moving arm (90) is in position 1A. The latch pin (102) will be in a certain position according to the 25 internal mechanism of Modular switchgears. Linked to it, saidsecond moving arm (100) is in position 2A. The positions of 1A and 2A are sensed by the sensors X and Y.
9 CLASSIFICATION | INTERNAL

[0058] When the Modular switchgears is in TRIPPING state in response to a fault: saidsecond moving arm (100)changes its position 2A before the movement in position of said first moving arm (90). This is because the breaker’s internal mechanism will release very quickly in response to fault in comparison to the 5 movement of its knob assembly. This sequence of movement helps to indicate the TRIP position of modular switchgear.
[0059] When the Modular switchgears is MANUALLY turned OFF by its knob, said first moving arm (90)changes its position before said second moving arm (100) as the knob being brought down helps release the mechanism of Modular 10 switchgears.
[0060] The micro-controller is so programmed that at every moment it keeps tracking the position of said arms (90 and 100) and the sequence of movement of arms according to the signals it receives from the sensors (X and Y).
[0061] Working of Auxiliary when the Modular switchgears knob has three 15 stable positions (UP, DOWN, MIDDLE):
[0062] This is a provision for those switchgears where their knob position itself may be different for ON, OFF and TRIP. For example, certain MCBs, RCCBs etc. come with mid-trip functionality where the knob is in middle neutral position during FAULT state, Upper position during ON state and lower position during 20 OFF state.
[0063] In these cases only position sensing unit-1 is sufficient. The auxiliary need
not have latch with pin (102).
[0064] Referring to the figures 6-8. Here too the sensor is photo micro optical 25 sensor, but in practice different kinds of sensors can be used such as magnetic sensor, proximity sensor or micro-switches.
10 CLASSIFICATION | INTERNAL

[0065] When modular switchgear is in ON position: Its knob and also the auxiliary’s knob (101) is ‘up’, and linked to it said first moving arm (90) is in position 1Awhich is sensed by said sensor X.
[0066] When the Modular switchgears in TRIPPING state in response to a fault: 5 /said first moving arm (90) will leave its position 1A and come to position 1C which is neither sensed by sensor X nor Z. This is corresponding to Modular switchgears’s middle position of knob indicating a fault-induced tripping.
[0067] When the Modular switchgears is MANUALLY turned OFF by its knob, said first moving arm (90) will come to position 1B, which is sensed by sensor Z.
10 [0068] The micro-controller is so programmed that at every moment it keeps tracking the position of arms according to the signals it receives from the sensors.
[0069] The proposed electronic auxiliary is advantageous because it gives consistent performance for a long period of time. It is more reliable and accurate as compared to prior-art auxiliaries which use mechanical sensing and indication 15 of switchgear status.
[0070] It has minimal moving parts. Generally the more the moving parts in a device, the higher it is prone to failure. As this auxiliary contains very minimal mechanical moving parts, its performance will be consistent with time, due to lack of wear-tear and material ageing. Further the assembly will be less complex. It 20 will also not load up the movement of attached switchgear’s mechanism.
[0071] It contains an indication light on board for indicating the working state of attached switchgear locally. Hence even from a distance the state of switchgear can be judged. Thus on-site maintenance also becomes easy as there is no doubt about the condition of circuit.
25 [0072] Other advantages are that complete status indication i.e., ON/ manual OFF/ tripped OFF of switchgear can be indicated via a single compact retro-fittable device.
11 CLASSIFICATION | INTERNAL

[0073] Since our auxiliary consists of a programmable micro-controller so many kinds of programs can be configured by the manufacturer, such as different patterns or color of local indication, signaling of ON/OFF, signaling of WORKING/TRIPPED only as per specific requirements.
5 [0074] The proposed indicating auxiliary device can be used in combination with switchgear devices like MCB, RCCB etc or their combination with other devices. It can be used to remotely access their status for alarms, monitoring, central building management, PLCs, etc.
[0075] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the
10 principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various assembly that, although not explicitly
15 described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be
20 construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying
25 figures.
[0076] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise
12 CLASSIFICATION | INTERNAL

various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
[0077] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present invention contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. In addition, while a feature of the present invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present invention. The present invention also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of "comprising" or "including" also contemplates embodiments that "consist essentially of or "consist of the recited feature.
[0078] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.

WE CLAIM:

A field-fittable electronic auxiliary device (150) to remotely monitor the status of modular switchgear devices comprising:
a plurality of sensing units (10, 20) to sense position of the moving arm of said switchgear;
a power supply unit (30) to regulate the input voltage and current for auxiliary;
a processing unit (40) which further consists of a programmable microcontroller;
a plurality of digital feedback units (50, 60); and
a local indication unit (70) for indicating the operating state of switchgear locally on the front face of auxiliary by different patterns of blinking LED light.
The field-fittable electronic auxiliary device (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensing units (10 and 20) comprises of motion sensors (X, Y and Z).
The field-fittable electronic auxiliary device (150) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said motion sensors (X, Y and Z) are selected from photo micro optical sensor, magnetic sensor, proximity sensor or micro-switches.
The field-fittable electronic auxiliary device (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said auxiliary device (150) has a knob (101) which is extended and coupled with Modular switchgears's knob and a latch with pin (102) which is coupled with Modular switchgears's mechanism.
The field-fittable electronic auxiliary device (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said auxiliary device (150) is clip-on type auxiliary.

The field-fittable electronic auxiliary device (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob of switchgear device has 2 stable positions.
The field-fittable electronic auxiliary device (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob of switchgear device has 3 stable positions