The present disclosure relates to the field of auto operation of circuit
breaker. More particularly the present disclosure relates to an actuating mechanism for the circuit breaker.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in
understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the
information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed
invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Electrical operating mechanism (also referred as "EOM"), is used to
drive molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) from a remote location through electrical input. EOM can be of two main types, direct drive operator and stored energy operator. In case of direct drive operator, motor energy is used in both ways of closing and opening the MCCB. In case of stored energy operator, the motor energy is used in the direction of ON-OFF movement, which means opening of MCCB, in which the spring assembled in the system is charged and allowed to store energy through various mechanical means. The stored energy is discharged, during the OFF-ON motion, which means closing of MCCB contacts. Stored energy operator has two modes of operation that are manual and auto. Manual mode consists of a charging unit and the handle attached to it, so that cranking system provided onto the handle allows customer to drive the MCCB from ON-OFF and a manual ON button allowing the unit to discharge the energized spring through various linkages mechanically connected. Auto mode consists of motor charging the spring and driving the unit from ON-OFF and input from remote location discharges the energized spring through mechanical linkages connected below. MCCB being the governing element, with preset boundary conditions and constraints, SE-EOM must perform primary, secondary and tertiary functions in a determined manner.
[0004] However, conventional means of operating and achieving the
intended function uses larger volume and has higher energy consumption. They

include tension or compression spring for storing and discharging of energy, where
the chances of spring failure in the region of hook or by bulging are higher. To
achieve various functions that needed to perform MCCB operations, require
increase energy transmission, increased efficiency, and increased travel
accommodation (ON-OFF linear travel) with increased number of components and
reducing reliability. Present arrangement as well as prior art comprises of Motor
arrangement directly driving the MCCB directly without secondary means to
protect the final impact that occurs at the end of motor operation. This occurs due
to solid stoppage from the MCCB and jamming occurs as the direct linkage of
mechanical elements from motor are undergoing through momentum of the motor.
This can cause a deteriorating effect to gears used in whole system.
[0005] There is, therefore, a need of an improved electrical operation
system for the molded case circuit breakers that is capable of reducing the impact of momentum at the end of completion of operation.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one
embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an actuating
mechanism for MCCB, which reduces impact of momentum after completion of
operation.
[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an actuating
mechanism for MCCB, which is compact.
[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an actuating
mechanism for MCCB, which is cost effective.
[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an actuating
mechanism for MCCB, which is simple and easy to use.
[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an actuating
mechanism for MCCB, which increases durability and life of the gears used in the
system.

[0012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an actuating
mechanism for MCCB, which requires less maintenance cost.
[0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an actuating
mechanism for MCCB, which is energy efficient.
SUMMARY
[0014] The present disclosure relates to the field of auto operation of circuit
breaker. More particularly the present disclosure relates to an actuating mechanism for the circuit breaker.
[0015] An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to an actuating
mechanism for a circuit breaker. The electrically operating mechanism includes a motor, an epicyclic gear assembly operatively configured with a motor shaft of the motor such that a rotation of the motor shaft facilitates a rotation of the epicyclic gear assembly. The epicyclic gear box comprises a sun gear, one or more planet gears, and an internal gear. A first ratchet operatively configured with the epicyclic gear assembly and configured to rotate when the planet gears rotate. A drive shaft operatively configured with the internal gear such that the driving shaft and the internal gear rotates with an exactly same amount, and the internal gear is configured to rotate when a rotation of the first ratchet is restricted. A first latch elastically configured with the first ratchet and is configured to move between a first position to a second position. The first position is when the first latch is not engaged with the first ratchet facilitating a free rotation of the ratchet and no rotation in the internal gear, and the second positioned is when the first latch is engaged with the rachet to restrict the free rotation of the first ratchet and allowing rotation to the internal gear. A first solenoid valve operatively configured with the first latch and the motor, and when the solenoid is actuated the first latch is moved from the first position to the second position facilitating a rotation of the internal gear and the drive shaft for facilitating a charging operation of the circuit breaker. The solenoid is actuated at the same time when an input supply is provided to the motor.

[0016] In an aspect, the actuating mechanism may comprise a processor
operatively configured with the solenoid and the motor, and may be configured to
actuate the first solenoid valve at the same time the motor is provided with the input
power.
[0017] In an aspect, the first latch may be disengaged from the first ratchet
the rotation of the driving shaft assembly is restricted and the free rotation is
allowed to the first ratchet.
[0018] In an aspect, the first latch may be engaged with the first ratchet, the
rotation of the driving shaft assembly and the internal gear is allowed.
[0019] In an aspect, the drive shaft may be operatively configured with a
rack, and the rack may be configured to move linearly till a first position
corresponding to the rotation of the drive shaft to stretch one or more springs of the
circuit breaker for facilitating the charging operation.
[0020] In an aspect, when the rack is moved to the first position, an
extension in the internal gear may facilitate disengagement of the first latch from
the first ratchet and the free rotation of the first ratchet may be allowed to restrict
any further rotation of the drive shaft even if the motor shaft is rotating.
[0021] In an aspect, the drive shaft may be operatively configured with the
rack through a pinion and a toggle plate.
[0022] In an aspect, the actuating mechanism may comprise a second latch
configured to engage, when the rack is moved to the first position, with a second
ratchet configured with the drive shaft.
[0023] In an aspect, the actuating mechanism may comprise a second
solenoid valve operatively configured with the second latch, and configured to
disengage the second latch from the second ratchet facilitating a retraction, due to
stretched one or more springs, of the rack to an initial position.
[0024] In an aspect, the first latch may be elastically configured with the
first ratchet through a bias spring.
[0025] 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 figures in which like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0026] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure.
[0027] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the
same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be
distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes
among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the
specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components
having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary representation of an exploded view of
an electrical operation mechanism of circuit breaker, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary side view of the electrical operation
mechanism of circuit breaker, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] 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. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0031] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth
in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present
invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the
present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0032] The present disclosure relates to the field of auto operation of circuit
breaker. More particularly the present disclosure relates to an electrical operation mechanism for the circuit breaker.
[0033] The present disclosure elaborates upon an actuating mechanism for
a circuit breaker. The electrically operating mechanism includes a motor, an epicyclic gear assembly operatively configured with a motor shaft of the motor such that a rotation of the motor shaft facilitates a rotation of the epicyclic gear assembly. The epicyclic gear box comprises a sun gear, one or more planet gears, and an internal gear. A first ratchet operatively configured with the epicyclic gear assembly and configured to rotate when the planet gears rotate. A drive shaft operatively configured with the internal gear such that the driving shaft and the internal gear rotates with an exactly same amount, and the internal gear is configured to rotate when a rotation of the first ratchet is restricted. A first latch elastically configured with the first ratchet and is configured to move between a first position to a second position. The first position is when the first latch is not engaged with the first ratchet facilitating a free rotation of the ratchet and no rotation in the internal gear, and the second positioned is when the first latch is engaged with the rachet to restrict the free rotation of the first ratchet and allowing rotation to the internal gear. A first solenoid valve operatively configured with the first latch and the motor, and when the solenoid is actuated the first latch is moved from the first position to the second position facilitating a rotation of the internal gear and the drive shaft for facilitating a charging operation of the circuit breaker. The solenoid is actuated at the same time when an input supply is provided to the motor.
[0034] In an embodiment, the actuating mechanism can comprise a
processor operatively configured with the solenoid and the motor, and can be configured to actuate the first solenoid valve at the same time the motor is provided with the input power.

[0035] In an embodiment, the first latch can be disengaged from the first
ratchet the rotation of the driving shaft assembly is restricted and the free rotation
is allowed to the first ratchet.
[0036] In an embodiment, the first latch can be engaged with the first
ratchet, the rotation of the driving shaft assembly and the internal gear is allowed.
[0037] In an embodiment, the drive shaft can be operatively configured
with a rack, and the rack can be configured to move linearly till a first position
corresponding to the rotation of the drive shaft to stretch one or more springs of the
circuit breaker for facilitating the charging operation.
[0038] In an embodiment, when the rack is moved to the first position, an
extension in the internal gear can facilitate disengagement of the first latch from the
first ratchet and the free rotation of the first ratchet can be allowed to restrict any
further rotation of the drive shaft even if the motor shaft is rotating.
[0039] In an embodiment, the drive shaft can be operatively configured
with the rack through a pinion and a toggle plate.
[0040] In an embodiment, the actuating mechanism can comprise a second
latch configured to engage, when the rack is moved to the first position, with a
second ratchet configured with the drive shaft.
[0041] In an embodiment, the actuating mechanism can comprise a second
solenoid valve operatively configured with the second latch, and configured to
disengage the second latch from the second ratchet facilitating a retraction, due to
stretched one or more springs, of the rack to an initial position.
[0042] In an embodiment, the first latch can be elastically configured with
the first ratchet through a bias spring.
[0043] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary representation of an exploded view of
an electrical operation mechanism of circuit breaker, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary side view of the electrical operation
mechanism of circuit breaker, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.

[0045] As illustrated, an actuating mechanism 100 (can also be referred as
electrical operation mechanism) for a circuit breaker (a molded case circuit breaker MCCB) can include a motor 102, an epicyclic gear assembly 104 can be operatively configured with a motor shaft 102-1 of the motor 102 such that a rotation of the motor shaft can facilitate a rotation of the epicyclic gear assembly 104. The motor shaft can be operatively configured with the epicyclic gear assembly 104 through one or mor gears 126. The epicyclic gear box 104 can include a sun gear 104-1, one or more planet gears 104-2, and an internal gear 104-3. A first ratchet 106-1 can be operatively configured with the epicyclic gear assembly 104 and can be configured to rotate when the planet gears 104-2 rotate. A drive shaft 108 can be operatively configured with the internal gear 104-3 such that the driving shaft 108 and the internal gear 104-3 rotates with an exactly same amount.
[0046] In an embodiment, the internal gear 104-3 can be allowed to rotate
when a rotation of the first ratchet 106 is restricted. A first latch 110-1 can be elastically configured, through a bias spring 124, with the first ratchet 106-1 and is configured to move between a first position to a second position. The first position can be referred to when the first latch 110-1 is not engaged with the first ratchet 106-1 facilitating a free rotation of the first ratchet 106-1 and no rotation in the internal gear 104-3. The second positioned can be referred to when the first latch 110-1 is engaged with the first rachet 106-1 to restrict the free rotation of the first ratchet 106-1 and allowing rotation to the internal gear 104-3. The first latch 110-1 can be configured to stay normally at the first position that is the first latch 110-1 is not engaged with the first ratchet 106-1.
[0047] In an embodiment, a first solenoid valve 112-1 can be operatively
configured with the first latch 110-1 and the motor 102, and when the first solenoid valve 112-1 is actuated the first latch 110-1 can be moved from the first position to the second position facilitating a rotation of the internal gear 104-3 and the drive shaft 108 for facilitating a charging operation of the circuit breaker. The first solenoid valve 112-1 can be actuated at the same time when an input supply is provided to the motor 102. The electrical operation mechanism 100 can include a processor (not shown) that can be operatively configured with the first solenoid

valve 112-1 and the motor 102, and can be configured to actuate the first solenoid
valve 112-1 at the same time the motor 102 is provided the input power.
[0048] In an embodiment, when the first latch 112-1 can be disengaged
from the first ratchet, the rotation of the driving shaft 108 can be restricted and the free rotation of the first ratchet 106-1 can be allowed. When the first latch 110-1 engaged with the first ratchet 106-1, the rotation of the driving shaft assembly 108 and the internal gear 104-3 can be allowed. The drive shaft 108 can be operatively configured with a rack 114, and the rack 114 can be configured to move linearly till a first position corresponding to the rotation of the drive shaft 108 to facilitate stretching or charging of one or more springs 116 of the circuit breaker. This can be referred as a charging operation of the circuit breaker. The rack 114 can be operatively configured with a knob of the circuit breaker, and the linear motion of the rack 114 due to the rotation of the drive shaft 108 can facilitate switching the knob of the circuit breaker between one or more positions. The one or more positions can facilitate the circuit breaker to operate in one or more operating modes such as ON, OFF, TRIP.
[0049] In an embodiment, when the rack 114 is moved to the first position,
an extension 118 in the internal gear 104-3 can facilitate disengagement of the first latch, by pushing the first latch 110-1 away, from the first ratchet 106-1 and the free rotation of the first ratchet 106-1 can be allowed, to restrict any further rotation of the drive shaft 108 even if the motor shaft is rotating. This can avoid any undesired impact on gears of the system 100 and increase their life. The drive shaft 108 can be operatively configured with the rack 114 through a pinion 120 and a toggle plate 122. The electrical operation mechanism 100 can comprise a second latch 110-2 that can be configured to engage with a second ratchet 106-2 configured with the drive shaft 108 when the rack 114 is moved to the first position, further, the electrical operation mechanism 100 can include a second solenoid valve 112-2 that can be operatively configured with the second latch 110-2, and can be configured to disengage the second latch 110-2 from the second ratchet 106-2 facilitating a retraction of the rack 114 to an initial position due to energy stored in the one or more springs 116 while charging operation.

[0050] In an embodiment, the linear motion of the rack 114 from its initial
position till the first position can rotate all rotation of the drive shaft 108 by a pre-defined angular rotation. The pre-defined angular rotation can be such that after completing the pre-defined angular rotation, the extension 118 on the internal gear 104-3 reaches up till the first latch 110-1 to push the first latch 110-1 away from the first ratchet 106-1 to allow free rotation of the first ratchet. The pre-defined angular rotation can vary based on frame dimension of the circuit breaker. This is required to restrict power transfer from the epicyclic gear assembly 104 to the drive shaft 108.
[0051] Moreover, in interpreting the specification, all terms should be
interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ....and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
[0052] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the
invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0053] The proposed invention provides an electrical operation mechanism
for MCCB, which reduces impact of momentum after completion of operation.

[0054] The proposed invention provides an electrical operation mechanism
for MCCB, which is compact.
[0055] The proposed invention provides an electrical operation mechanism
for MCCB, which is cost effective.
[0056] The proposed invention provides an electrical operation mechanism
for MCCB, which is simple and easy to use.
[0057] The proposed invention provides an electrical operation mechanism
for MCCB, which increases durability and life of the gears used in the system.
[0058] The proposed invention provides an electrical operation mechanism
for MCCB, which requires less maintenance cost.
[0059] The proposed invention provides an electrical operation mechanism
for MCCB, which is energy efficient.

We Claim:

1. An actuating mechanism for a circuit breaker, the electrically operating
mechanism comprising:
a motor;
an epicyclic gear assembly operatively configured with a motor shaft of the motor such that a rotation of the motor shaft facilitates a rotation of the epicyclic gear assembly, wherein the epicyclic gear box comprises a sun gear, one or more planet gears, and an internal gear;
a first ratchet operatively configured with the epicyclic gear assembly and configured to rotate when the planet gears rotate;
a drive shaft operatively configured with the internal gear such that the driving shaft and the internal gear rotates with an exactly same amount, wherein the internal gear is configured to rotate when a rotation of the first ratchet is restricted;
a first latch elastically configured with the first ratchet and is configured to move between a first position to a second position, wherein the first position is when the first latch is not engaged with the first ratchet facilitating a free rotation of the ratchet and no rotation in the internal gear, and the second positioned is when the first latch is engaged with the rachet to restrict the free rotation of the first ratchet and allowing rotation to the internal gear; and
a first solenoid valve operatively configured with the first latch and the motor, wherein when the solenoid is actuated the first latch is moved from the first position to the second position facilitating a rotation of the internal gear and the drive shaft for facilitating a charging operation of the circuit breaker, wherein the solenoid is actuated at the same time when an input supply is provided to the motor.
2. The actuating mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuating
mechanism comprises a processor operatively configured with the solenoid

and the motor, and configured to actuate the first solenoid valve at the same time the motor is provided with the input power.
3. The actuating mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first latch is disengaged from the first ratchet the rotation of the driving shaft assembly is restricted and the free rotation is allowed to the first ratchet.
4. The actuating mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first latch is engaged with the first ratchet, the rotation of the driving shaft assembly and the internal gear is allowed.
5. The actuating mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive shaft is operatively configured with a rack, and the rack is configured to move linearly till a first position corresponding to the rotation of the drive shaft to stretch one or more springs of the circuit breaker for facilitating the charging operation.
6. The actuating mechanism as claimed in claim 5, wherein when the rack is moved to the first position, an extension in the internal gear facilitates disengagement of the first latch from the first ratchet and the free rotation of the first ratchet is allowed to restrict any further rotation of the drive shaft even if the motor shaft is rotating.
7. The actuating mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive shaft is operatively configured with the rack through a pinion and a toggle plate.
8. The actuating mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuating mechanism comprises a second latch configured to engage, when the rack is moved to the first position, with a second ratchet configured with the drive shaft.
9. The actuating mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuating mechanism comprises a second solenoid valve operatively configured with the second latch, and configured to disengage the second latch from the second ratchet facilitating a retraction, due to stretched one or more springs, of the rack to an initial position.

10. The actuating mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first latch is elastically configured with the first ratchet through a bias spring.