FORM 2
The Patents Act 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patent Rules 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and rule 13)
TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
A TERMINATION MODULE ASSEMBLY FOR A CIRCUIT BREAKER
APPLICANT: LARSEN & TOUBRO LIMITED
L&T House. Ballard Estate, P.O. Box No. 278,
Mumbai, 400 001, Maharashtra
INDIA.
PREAMBLE OF THE DESCRIPTION:
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED

A) TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally relates to circuit breakers. The present invention is particularly related to an electrical termination module assembly configured to receive multiple contact arrangements and to provide a desired value of pitch between adjacent poles of the circuit breaker.
B) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Circuit interrupters are widely used in domestic, commercial and low tension industrial installations. Circuit breakers (CB) provide protection for electrical systems from electrical fault conditions such as current overloads, short circuits and low level voltage conditions. A circuit breaker generally comprises a terminal module which connects a power source or an electrical load of the circuit, a switching mechanism which switches the circuit by contacting a fixed contact with a movable contact or separate them from each other within the circuit breaker and a trip mechanism which senses a fault current to trip the switching mechanism to a circuit-broken position. A circuit breaker assembled as an integral unit in a supportive and enclosed housing of insulative material. Here, the termination refers to an interface, where the circuit breaker terminals are engaged with load and line terminals. In conventional circuit breakers, the termination module comes as an integral part of the circuit breaker. The termination module design varies with the number of poles of the circuit breaker.
[0003] The circuit breaker terminals are connected to the line and load terminals via links, lugs or bare cables. The terminations of the line and load terminals are accomplished by means of screws or rod shaped connectors and nuts. For tightening the screws, the nut is either held by a hand or screwed to the CB housing. The tightening of the screws by hands makes the task of termination time-consuming and tedious. Also the stress is transferred to the CB housing, leading to cracks and voids in the latter stages. In yet another scheme, in order to

address the above problems, a separate terminal module having the screw receiving member, is provided so as to connect the circuit breaker terminals with the links, lugs or cables. However, the terminal module design depends upon the number of poles in the CB. Also, the screw receiving member has the tendency to fall off from its position, when the circuit breaker is mounted vertically on the pane! boards. In yet another scheme, a separate component namely, a spreader connector or a nut plate carrier or a terminal connector is used in order to connect the different types of links and lugs with ease. However, the construction of all the above connector designs will vary with the number of poles of the circuit breaker.
[0004] Hence, there exists a need to provide an efficient termination module assembly for a CB, to provide a desired value of pitch between the adjacent poles of the circuit breaker to reduce the number of joints and a contact resistance at termination.
[0005] The above mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein and which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.
C) OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0006] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0007] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a termination module assembly for a CB to attain a desired value of a pitch between the adjacent poles of the CB to reduce the number of joints and a contact resistance at a termination.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a termination module assembly for a CB to attain different values of pitch with the help of a flexible component.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a termination
module assembly for a CB to offer a pole wise modularity to the terminal modules
irrespective of the number of poles in the CB.
[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a termination
module assembly for a CB to eliminate the use of the spreader links and the phase
barriers thereby reducing the number of joints in the termination module
assembly.
D) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a termination module assembly for a Circuit Breaker (CB).The assembly includes one or more circuit breaker terminals, a pitch variation supporter is mounted on the CB terminals and one or more terminal modules are assembled to one or more poles of the circuit breaker. AJso, the assembly includes at least one flexible component provided in each of the one or more circuit breaker terminals. The flexible component is adapted to provide a desired value of pitch between the adjacent poles of the circuit breaker to reduce the number of joints and a contact resistance at a termination in the termination module assembly.
[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal module includes a nut plate, a slot is provided to place the nut plate, a box clamp is provided for a bare cable electrical termination and a knockout is provided for a rear end electrical termination of the circuit breaker. Further, at least two snap fit joints are provided in the terminal module to align the terminal module with the one or more poles of the circuit breaker. The pitch variation supporter is made of an insulation material and is arranged between the circuit breaker and the terminal

modules. The pitch variation supporter includes a profile to accommodate the termination modules with a predefined pitch value.
[0013] The nut plate includes a hole and the hole is provided with an internal threading to hold a screw for fastening the circuit breaker terminal with at least one of a link, a lug and a cable. The nut plate is adapted to provide a front end electrical termination in the circuit breaker. The nut plate is made of an insulation material. Further, the knockout is provided for the rear end electrical termination of the circuit breaker.
[0014] The termination module attains a desired value of pitch between the adjacent poles of the CB and reduces the number of joints and the contact resistance at a termination. The design of the terminal module is independent of the number of the poles of a circuit breaker. Yet the same terminal modules are used for the multiple number of poles of the circuit breaker. Thus, by reducing the catalogue numbers for the terminal module for the multiple poles of circuit breaker, further cost of moulding and tooling of the terminal module is reduced. The terminal module is provided with the snap fit joints to align itself with the circuit breaker poles before tightening the screws. Thus, reduces the alignment time of a terminal module onto the circuit breaker. The terminal module is provided with a provision for holding the nut which eases the task of termination in the circuit breaker. The assembly reduces the number of components used in attaining the desired values of clearance or pitch between the adjacent poles of the circuit breaker and thereby reduces the number of electrical joints and the contact resistance.
E) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The other objects, features and advantages will occur to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a terminal module according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of a terminal module being assembled to single pole CB according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of a terminal module assembled to a single pole CB according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of two terminal modules being
assembled to double pole CB according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of two terminal modules
assembled to a double pole CB according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of three terminal modules assembled to a three pole CB according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of a pitch variation supporter according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates a side perspective view of a three pole CB terminal attached to a flexible Component according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates side perspective view of three pole CB terminals with a defined value of pitch 'X' according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates side perspective view of CB terminals with a defined value of pitch 'Y' according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 11 illustrates side perspective view of termination module assembly with a defined value of pitch 'Y' according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] Although the specific features of the present invention are shown in some drawings and not in others. This is done for convenience only as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the present invention.
F) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] In the following detailed description, a reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which the specific embodiments that may be practiced is shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that the logical, mechanical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0029] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a provide a termination module assembly for a Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (CB).The assembly includes one or more circuit breaker terminals, a pitch variation supporter is mounted on the CB terminals and one or more terminal modules are assembled to one or more poles of the circuit breaker. Also, the assembly includes

at least one flexible component provided in each of the one or more circuit breaker terminals. The flexible component is adapted to provide a desired value of pitch between the adjacent poles of the circuit breaker to reduce the number of joints and a contact resistance at a termination in the termination module assembly.
[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal module includes a nut plate, a slot is provided to place the nut plate, a box clamp is provided for a bare cable electrical termination and a knockout is provided for a rear end electrical termination of the circuit breaker. Further, at least two snap fit joints are provided in the terminal module to align the terminal module with one or more poles of the circuit breaker. The pitch variation supporter is made of an insulation material and is arranged between the circuit breaker and the terminal modules. The pitch variation supporter includes a profile to accommodate termination modules with a predefined pitch value.
[0031] The nut plate includes a hole and the hole is provided with an internal threading to hold a screw for fastening the circuit breaker terminal with at least one of a link, a lug and a cable. The nut plate is adapted to provide a front end electrical termination in the circuit breaker. The nut plate is made of an insulation material. Further, the knockout is provided for a rear end electrical termination of the circuit breaker.
[0032] The termination module attains a desired value of pitch between the adjacent poles of the CB and reduces the number of joints and the contact resistance at a termination. The design of the terminal module is independent of the number of the poles of a circuit breaker. Yet the same terminal modules are used for multiple numbers of poles of a circuit breaker. Thus, by reducing the catalogue numbers for terminal module for multiple poles of a circuit breaker, further cost of moulding and tooling of the terminal module is reduced. The terminal module is provided with the snap fit joints to align itself with the circuit

breaker poles before tightening the screws. Thus, the alignment time of terminal module onto the circuit breaker is reduced. The terminal module is provided with a provision for holding the nut which eases the task of termination in the circuit breaker. The assembly reduces the number of components used in attaining the desired values of clearance or pitch between the adjacent poles of the circuit breaker and thereby reduces the number of electrical joints and the contact resistance.
[0033] In various embodiments of the present invention, a minimum distance is maintained between the centres of two adjacent poles, links, lugs or cables in the MCB for obtaining a clearance between the adjacent poles as required by a customer. The distance between the centres of two adjacent poles, links lugs or cables is called as 'pitch'.
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a terminal module according to one embodiment of the present invention. With respect to FIG. 1 the terminal module 100 includes a nut plate 10] and a slot 102 is provided to place the nut plate 10. A box clamp is provided for a bare cable electrical termination and a knockout 103 is provided for a rear end electrical termination of the circuit breaker. Further, at least two snap fit joints 104 are provided in the terminal module to align the terminal module with the one or more poles of the circuit breaker. The nut plate 101 includes a hole 105 and the hole 105 is provided with an internal threading to hold a screw for fastening the circuit breaker terminal with at least one of a link, a lug and a cable. The nut plate 101 is adapted to provide a front end electrical termination in the circuit breaker. The nut plate 101 is made of an insulation material. Further, the knockout is provided for a rear end electrical termination of the circuit breaker.
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of a terminal module being assembled to single pole CB according to one embodiment of the present

invention. With respect to FIG. 2 two terminal modules 100a, 100b are being assembled at a front end and at a rear end of the single pole CB 201 respectively. The directions in which the two terminal modules 100a, 100b are being assembled to the single pole CB 201 are indicated by two arrows.
[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of a terminal module assembled to single pole CB according to one embodiment of the present invention. With respect to FIG. 3 two terminal modules 100a, 100b are assembled at the front end and at the rear end of the single pole CB 20] respectively.
[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of two terminal modules being assembled to a double pole CB according to one embodiment of the present invention. With respect to Fig. 4 the two terminal modules 100a, 100b are being assembled at the front end of the two pole CB 401. The direction in which the two terminal modules 100a, 100b are being assembled at the front end of the double pole CB 401 is indicated by two arrows.
[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of two terminal modules assembled to a double pole CB according to one embodiment of the present invention. With respect to FIG. 5, the two terminal modules 100a, 100b are assembled at the front end of the double pole CB 401.
[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of the three terminal modules assembled to a three pole CB according to one embodiment of the present invention. With respect to FIG. 6, the three terminal modules 100a, 100b, 100c are assembled at the front end and the three terminal modules l00d, 100e, lOOf are assembled at the rear end of the three poles CB 601 respectively. The distance 'X' indicates a pitch distance between the two adjacent links of the three poles CB 601. The two links 602a, 602b are fastened to the terminals of the CB 601 through the terminal modules 100a, 100b, 100c at the front end of the CB 601. The circuit

breaker terminals are connected to the line and load end terminals through the links 602a, 602b.
[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of a pitch variation supporter according to one embodiment of the present invention. With respect to FIG. 7, the pitch variation supporter 701 is made of an insulation material and is arranged between a CB breaker and the terminal modules of the termination module assembly (as shown in FIG. 13). The pitch variation supporter 701 includes a profile to accommodate the termination modules with a predefined pitch value.
[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates a side perspective view of a CB terminal attached to a flexible Component according to one embodiment of the present invention. With respect to FIG. 8, the circuit breaker terminal 801 is provided with the flexibility to attain a desired value of a pitch between the adjacent poles of the CB 601(as shown in FIG. 6) with help of the flexible Component 802.
[0042] FIG. 9 illustrates a side perspective view of the three pole CB terminals with a defined value of a pitch 'X' according to one embodiment of the present invention. With respect to FIG. 9, the three terminals 801a, 801b, 801c of the three poles CB 601 are attached to the three flexible Components 802a, 802b, 802c respectively. The CB terminals 801a, 801b, 801c are positioned at a pitch 'Xs. Thus, the pitch distance between the two adjacent poles of the three poles CB 601is 'X'.
[0043] FIG. 10 illustrates a side perspective view of the three pole CB terminals with a defined value of a pitch 'Y' according to one embodiment of the present invention. With respect to FIG. 10, the three terminals 801a, 801b, 801c of the three pole CB 601 are attached to the three flexible Components 802a, 802b, and 802c respectively. The CB terminals are positioned at a pitch 'Y'. Due to flexibility offered by the Components 802a, 802b, 802c , the pitch distance

between the two adjacent poles of the three pole CB 601 is 'Y, which is greater than the pith distance 'X' (as shown in F1G.9).
[0044] FIG. 11 illustrates a side perspective view of a termination module assembly with a defined value of pitch 'Y' according to one embodiment of the present invention. With respect to FIG. 11, the two pitch variation supporters 701a, 701b are mounted both in the front end and in the rear end of the three poles CB to attain a pitch of 'Y' between the two adjacent poles of the CB. The three terminal modules 100a, 100b, 100c are mounted on the front end and at the rear end of the pitch variation supporters 701a, 701b. Further, the three links are fastened to the terminals of the CB 601 through the terminal modules 100a, 100b, and 100c both on the front and at the rear end of the CB. The circuit breaker terminals are connected to the line and load end terminals through the links 602a, 602b, and 602c.
G) ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0045] The various embodiments of the invention provide a termination module assembly for a CB. The termination module attains a desired value of pitch between the adjacent poles of the CB and reduces the number of joints and the contact resistance at the termination. The design of the terminal module is independent of the number of the poles of a circuit breaker. The same terminal modules are used for multiple numbers of poles of circuit breaker. Thus, by reducing the catalogue numbers for terminal module for multiple poles of circuit breaker, further cost of moulding and tooling of the terminal module is reduced. The terminal module is provided with snap fit joints to align itself with the circuit breaker poles before tightening the screws. Thus, the alignment time of a terminal module onto the circuit breaker is reduced. The terminal module is provided with a provision for holding the nut which eases the task of termination in the circuit breaker. The assembly reduces the number of components used in attaining the desired values of clearance or pitch between the adjacent poles of the circuit

breaker and thereby reduces the number of electrical joints and the contact resistance.
[0046] Although the invention is described with various specific embodiments, it will be obvious for a person skilled in the art to practice the invention with modifications. However, all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the claims.
[0047] It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the present invention described herein and all the statements of the scope of the invention which as a matter of language might be said to fall there between.

CLAIMS
What is claimed is:
1. A termination module assembly for circuit breakers , the assembly comprising:
one or more circuit breaker terminals;
a pitch variation supporter mounted on the circuit breaker terminals;
one or more terminal modules assembled to the one or more poles of the circuit
breaker;
at least one flexible component provided for each of the circuit breaker terminals;
Wherein the at least one flexible component is adapted to provide a desired value
of pitch between the two adjacent poles of a circuit breaker to reduce a number of
joints and a contact resistance at a termination.
2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the one or more terminal modules has a design which is independent of the number of poles in the circuit breaker.
3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the pitch variation supporter is made of an insulation material.
4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the pitch variation supporter is arranged between the circuit breaker and the terminal modules.
5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the pitch variation supporter is mounted on the circuit breaker assembling the one or more terminal modules onto the circuit breaker.
6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more circuit breaker terminals comprising:
a housing
a nut plate;
a slot provided in the housing to place the nut plate;

a box clamp for a bare cable electrical termination;
a knockout; and
at least two snap fit joints to align the terminal module with the one or more poles
of the circuit breaker.
7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the nut plate includes a hole provided with an interna) threading to hold a screw for fastening the circuit breaker terminal with at least one of a link, a lug and a cable.
8. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the nut plate is arranged to provide a front end electrical termination of the circuit breaker.
9. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the knockout is arranged to provides a rear end electrical termination of the circuit breaker.
10. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the nut plate is made of an insulation material.