DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to circuit breakers, and in particular, to a stored energy operating mechanism of circuit breaker and mechanical interlocking features which enables it for ready to close operation to enable the breaker to carry and break current under normal circuit condition and also break during abnormal conditions. This innovation also protects the operator or the entire system from failure like contact kissing.

BACKGROUND

[002] Traditionally known, a circuit breaker, which is an electrical switching device, is defined as a unit designed to connect, carry, disconnect electrical supply and protect the equipments connected in the electrical circuit from damage caused by overload, under voltage or short circuit etc.

[003] Circuit breaker operating mechanism permits breaker to store the energy by compressing springs that are linked to the contact assembly of breaker by latching different links. Stored energy of springs and latching between the linkages allows breaker to make the contacts, hence completing the electrical circuit (Closing of breaker) and break the contacts, hence interrupting the electrical circuit (Tripping of breaker).Closing and tripping time of breaker is very crucial in switchgear application as both closing and tripping are done in a very short span of time. Achieving such fast operation mainly depends on the way of distribution of forces in an operating mechanism of circuit breaker. Force distribution depends on released energies of various springs used in mechanism along with the way how latching and de-latching is done.

[004] There are three operations are to be performed by the stored energy switching device (circuit breakers) i.e., charging, ON, and/or OFF/TRIP. The three operations can be performed manually as well as electrically. The trip signal is given by the release including under voltage release, SHUNT release, thermal magnetic release etc. which senses the abnormal conditions and gives TRIP command to the mechanism, so that the latter opens the circuit. The operator has access to the mechanism through the handle which is provided in line with the housing of the breaker. The handle is placed over the side plate of the operating mechanism. As said above, TRIP command is given automatically to the contacts by the release if it senses an abnormal condition like overload and short circuit. If the trip signal is given, the breaker opens the circuit and the knob goes to the trip position to show the operator that a fault has occurred in the system.

[005] Reference is made to document US 6590172 that discloses a circuit breaker is provided wherein the circuit breaker comprises a contact arm movable between a closed position, an open position and a blown open position wherein the contact arm is disposed in the circuit breaker. A bumper disposed to contact the contact arm when the contact arm is in the blown open position. In addition, a stop member disposed to be in contact with a linkage assembly so as to create a gap between the bumper and the contact arm when the contact arm is disposed in the open position.

[006] Reference is made to document EP 2549499A1, wherein a secondary trip mechanism is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a pole shaft, a latch assembly, and a trip D-shaft for unlatching the latch assembly in response to a trip condition. The secondary trip mechanism includes a trip D-shaft assembly disposed on the trip D-shaft, and a link assembly. The link assembly includes a linking member having opposing first and second ends. The first end cooperates with the pole shaft. The second end cooperates with the trip Shaft assembly. When the pole shaft moves in response to a trip condition, the linking member transmits movement of the pole shaft into movement of the trip D-shaft assembly. An electrical switching apparatus is also disclosed

[007] Reference is made to document US5731560 A, wherein a mechanism for a multiple circuit breaker with high currents and high electrodynamics strength is disclosed, comprising a toggle device associated to a trip hook and a switching bar an opening ratchet cooperating with the hook to perform loading and tripping of the mechanism respectively in the locked or unlocked position of the ratchet. The opening ratchet comprises a disengage able actuator causing self-unlocking of the catch in the presence of a short circuit current exceeding a calibration threshold defined by a flexible element. The self-unlocking being commanded from a mechanical reaction generated by the electrodynamics compensation effect and causing an ultra-fast rotation of the catch to unlock the opening ratchet before the tripping component operates.

[008] Reference is made to US 8217291B2 wherein status indicating assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism comprises a stored energy mechanism and a primary latch. The primary latch is pivot able between a latched position corresponding to the stored energy mechanism being charge able, and an unlatched position corresponding to the stored energy mechanism being discharged. The status indicating assembly includes a first indicator for indicating Whether the separable contacts are open or closed, a second indicator for indicating Whether the stored energy mechanism is charged or Search discharged, and a third indicator for indicating Whether or not the circuit breaker is ready to close the separable contacts.

[009] However, the mechanism disclosed in the above prior art documents, comprises single latch link mechanisms which facilitates interlocks to be arranged inside the mechanism. Such an arrangement of interlock mechanism occupies lot of space, thereby making the arrangement complex and difficult to assemble.

[0010] Thus, in view of drawbacks of the prior art documents mentioned above, there is a dire need to provide an improved store energy/interlocking mechanism for circuit breaker that enable opening and closing of circuit breaker efficiently during ready to close (RTC) condition. The conditions for ready to close are as follows:
• If the operator wants to switch ON the breaker after the breaker is tripped, he/she cannot do it till the spring is fully charged. This is to make sure that the operator shouldn't switch ON the breaker before clearing the fault.
• If the tripping/opening command is already given by a means of UNDER VOLTAGE RELEASE (UV) In that case the breaker should not be ON.
• If the tripping/opening command is already given by a means of SHUNT RELEASE In that case the breaker should not be ON.
• If the tripping/opening command is already given by a means of FLUX SHIFT DEVICE (FSD) In that case the breaker should not be ON.
• If the tripping/opening command is already given by pressing the off In that case the breaker should not be ON.
• If the breaker is closed and the spring is fully charged then one should not be able to press the ON button

[0011] Thus, the solution of the present invention is directed to meet all these READY TO CLOSE conditions that are required in a circuit breaker.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the present invention. It is not intended to identify the key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concept of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of the invention presented later.

[0013] An object of the present invention is to restrict the mechanism to switch ON until the spring is fully charged. If the operator switches ON the mechanism after the breaker is tripped, he/she cannot do it till the spring is fully charged.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to restrict the mechanism to switch ON if the tripping/opening command is already given by a means of UNDER VOLTAGE RELEASE (UV).

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to restrict the mechanism to switch ON if the tripping/opening command is already given by a means of SHUNT RELEASE.

[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to restrict the mechanism to switch ON if the tripping/opening command is already given by pressing the off button.

[0017] Yet another object of the present invention is to restrict the mechanism to switch ON, if the tripping/opening command is already given by a means of FLUX SHIFT DEVICE (FSD).

[0018] Yet another object of the present invention is to restrict the mechanism to switch ON, if the breaker is closed and the spring is fully charged.

[0019] Still another object of the present invention is to restrict the mechanism to avoid fatal conditions like contact kissing due to abrupt opening or closing of the breaker contact.

[0020] Accordingly, in one implementation, the present invention provides an improved interlocking mechanism for circuit breaker, comprising:
at least one master link means rotably mounted on a at least one side plate by means of a biasing spring, said master link means enable to receive force from a ON or OFF button to drive a close D shaft;
at least one cam stopper pivotally arranged on to said side plate by means of biasing spring;
at least one anti-pumping link pivotally arranged on to said side plate by means of a biasing spring; and
at least one trip indicator mounted on to said side plate and operably coupled to a trip bar;
wherein, said master link means enable to rotate in one direction by an arrangement of said cam stopper, said anti-pumping link, and said trip indicator when said ON or OFF button is actuated.

[0021] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] Figure 1illustratesan isometric view of the 4 pole Circuit Breaker cassette with breaker.

[0023] Figure 2illustratesan isometric view of the four pole Circuit Breaker cassette with stored energy mechanism in ready to assemble position, in accordance with the subject matter of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of stored energy mechanism with all the interlocking features, in accordance with the subject matter of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 illustrates the isometric view of the right-hand side plate assembly, in accordance with the subject matter of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 illustrates the exploded view of right-hand side plate assembly, in accordance with the subject matter of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 illustrates position of the breaker when the spring is fully charged, in accordance with the subject matter of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 7 illustrates position of the mechanism when the spring is fully /partially discharged, in accordance with the subject matter of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 8illustrates position of the breaker when the spring is fully /partially discharged, in accordance with the subject matter of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 9illustrates position of the breaker when the Under Voltage (UV)/SHUNT are in open position, in accordance with the subject matter of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 10illustrates position of the mechanism when the off button is pressed, in accordance with the subject matter of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 11illustrates position of the mechanism when the breaker is in ON condition, in accordance with the subject matter of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 12illustrates sectional view of the mechanism when the breaker is in ON condition, in accordance with the subject matter of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 13 illustrates sectional view of the mechanism when the breaker is in OFF condition, in accordance with the subject matter of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 14 illustrates detail view of the RTC feature when the master link means is not in between the button and close D shaft, in accordance with the subject matter of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 15 illustrates detail view of the RTC feature when the master link means is in between the button and close D shaft, in accordance with the subject matter of the present invention.

[0037] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0038] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.

[0039] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0040] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0041] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0042] By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

[0043] Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.

[0044] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0045] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that for understanding purpose the present invention is explained with the help of circuit breakers however the disclosed subject matter shall not be considered as the limiting factor for the scope of present invention.

[0046] Reference is made to figure 1 that shows an isometric view of the 4 pole Circuit Breaker cassette with stored energy mechanism. Circuit breaker cassette is a cassette on which stored energy mechanism module is mounted.

[0047] Reference is made to figure 2 that shows an isometric view of the four pole Circuit Breaker cassette (B) with mechanism (A) in ready to assemble condition. It is mounted on the breaker cassette with screws.

[0048] Reference is made to figure 3 that shows an isometric view of a standalone stored energy mechanism with breaker cassette hidden.

[0049] Reference is made to figure 4 that shows the isometric view of the right-hand side plate assembly which is assembled on the right side of the mechanism as shown in figure3.

[0050] Reference is made to figure 5 that shows the exploded view of right-hand side plate assembly. In this figure it is shown that the master link means(1n), anti-pumping link (1c), cam stopper (1b) all are pivoted on right side plate by means of rivet. Right-hand side plate assembly .the ON button is (1k) is used to switch ON the breaker is riveted on the same right side plate. The trip bar (1t), close D shaft is also allowed to rotate freely on right hand side plate (1a). The anti pumping link (1c), master link means(1n), cams stopper (1b). The different combinations of these three perform the RTC condition.

[0051] Reference is made to figure6that shows the position of the breaker when the spring is fully charged. It is shown that all the spring force is transferred from cam plate to on bar(1b)to close D shaft(1j) and it can arrest the position of the spring(5a) when it is fully charged. The reference numeral 7 indicates a shaft and 7(b) indicates fixed contact.

[0052] Reference is made to figure7that shows the position of the mechanism when the spring(5a) is fully /partially discharged .as shown in figure the master link means (1n)is in just touch position with the on bar(1m). The master link means (1n) can been able to rotate freely on the pivot pin. A biasing spring (1i) is fixed between the master link means (1n) and another rivet on the side plate (1a). The spring (1i) is used to restore the position of the master link means (1n) after the force is released. As shown in figure 7, the spring (1e) and spring (1d) are connected to anti-pumping link (1c) and cams topper (1b) respectively. The bearing coupler (1f) is assembled on right side plate.

[0053] Reference is made to figure8 that shows position of the breaker when the spring (5a) is fully discharged. This condition comes after pressing the ON button (1k). When the ON button(1k) is pressed, all the links including master link means(1n),close D shaft(1j) changes their positions respectively.

[0054] Reference is made to figure9 that shows position of the breaker when the UV/SHUNT are in open position. In this figure, it is shown that a plastic component trip indicator (1h) is attached on the trip bar (1t). When the trip bar is rotated due under voltage or shunt release, then the trip indicator (1h) also rotates by an equal amount. This trip indicator (1h) thereafter touches the master ink (1n)

[0055] Reference is made to figure10 that shows position of the mechanism when the off button is pressed. As sown in figure when someone presses the OFF button (2a) manually then the force is transferred from the off button (2a) to the off bar (2b), and then the trip bar (1t) is rotated by the force. The off bar (2b) is allowed to slide freely on the left hand side plate of the mechanism.

[0056] Reference is made to figure11 that shows position of the anti-pumping link mechanism when the breaker is in ON condition in this figure it is shown that the cam stopper (1b) hits the anti-pumping link (1c) and again the anti-pumping link (1c) hits the master link means (1n) one by one. This mechanism of linkages is used to rotate the master link means when the breaker is in ON condition.

[0057] Reference is made to figure12 that shows sectional view of the mechanism when the breaker is in ON condition. As shown, when the lower link (3a) moves forward during on position and it hits the cam stopper (1b) and then it moves the anti-pumping link (1c) and master link means (1n) respectively.

[0058] Reference is made to figure13 that shows sectional view of the mechanism when the breaker is in OFF condition. As shown, when the lower link (3a) moves backward during OFF position then the cam stopper (1b), anti-pumping link (1c) and master link means (1n) restores their positions respectively.

[0059] Reference is made to figure 14 that shows a view of the RTC feature when the master link means (1n) is not in between the ON button (1k) and close D shaft (1j). It also shows the difference between the position of the links after and before pressing the button.

[0060] Reference is made to figure 15 that shows detail view of the RTC feature when the master link means (1n) is in between the ON button (1k) and close D shaft (1j). It also shows the difference between the position of the links after and before pressing the button.

[0061] In one implementation, the present invention the present invention provides an improved interlocking feature for stored energy mechanism of molded case circuit breaker. The mechanism module comprises a master link means (1n) means fixed onto a side plate which is driven by cam stopper (1b), anti-pumping link (1c) and trip indicator (1h). The cam stopper (1b), anti-pumping link (1c) and trip indicator (1h) are also pivoted on a right hand side plate so that rotate freely .all the above explained links are connected by means of springs so that they can restore their positions when the force is removed or released .the force is transferred from a On button to master link to the close D shaft respectively to rotate the close D shaft.

[0062] In one implementation, the mechanism comprises a unique construction of anti-pumping link (1c) and a SEE-SAW type arrangement to transfer the force to the master link means (1n) from the cam stopper (1b).

[0063] In one implementation, the mechanism comprises a unique construction and arrangement of cam stopper (1b), which transfers force and motion from lower link to anti pumping link (1c).

[0064] In one implementation, the mechanism comprises a unique construction of master link means (1n) and its arrangement of both rotating and sliding.

[0065] In one implementation, the mechanism comprises a unique construction and arrangement of the trip indicator (1h) which is mounted on the trip bar (1t).

[0066] In one implementation, the mechanism comprises a unique construction and arrangement of the close D shaft (1j), which is rotated by the on button (1k) to discharge the spring and make the breaker in ON condition.

[0067] In one implementation, the mechanism comprises all the extension springs (1d),(1i)and(1e) and their arrangement .which all are used to restore the position of the links(1b),(1n) and (1c) respectively.

[0068] In one implementation, the mechanism comprises a unique construction of on bar (1m) rotatably coupled with the master link means (1n).

[0069] In one implementation, if the operator wants to switch ON the breaker after the breaker is tripped, he/she cannot do it till the spring is fully charged. As shown in figure 6, the compression spring (5a) which is main spring of the mechanism may be fully charged. All the spring force can be transferred from spring to the cam plate to on bar (1m) and finally it is locked on close D shaft (1j). As shown in figure6, the master link means(1n) is in just touch position with the on bar (1m). Until the spring is not charged the on bar (1m) remains stationary. As soon as the spring gets fully charges it may move in anticlockwise direction. When the spring (5a) moves, the master link means (1n) also moves along with it because it is connected with an extension spring (1i). As shown in figure15 (A), the master link means can be automatically placed in between the ON button (1k) and closed D shaft (1k). This position is called as READY TO CLOSE position. If an operator pushes the ON button (1k), then all the force and displacement may be transferred from button till master link means (1n) to close D shaft (1j) and it releases the spring force to make the breaker ON/CLOSE. The displacement is shown in figure 15(B). Figure8 shows position of the breaker when the spring is fully discharged. After the close position the on bar (1m) and master link means (1n) restores their positions automatically due their respective biasing springs.

[0070] In second implementation, if the tripping/opening command is given by a means of UNDER VOLTAGE RELEASE (UV), then in that case the breaker should not be able to ON. As shown in figure 9, position of the mechanism when the under voltage release is in open position. A trip indicator (1h) can be fixed on the trip bar (1t) so that when the trip bar is rotated, the trip indicator (1h) must also rotate according to the rotation of the trip bar(1t). Generally it is supposed that the UV release may give a stroke to the trip bar in case when the breaker is in under voltage condition. Now if the spring is fully charged and the operator pushes the ON button then the breaker may close and becomes open in very less amount of time. This phenomenon is called as contact kissing. If it occurs it erodes the contacts rapidly. Therefore, in order to avoid it, the arrangement as shown in figure 9 is provided. When the UV release is in open position the trip indicator (1h) will push the master link means (1n) so that it can rotate in clockwise direction and becomes away from the button (1k) and the close D shaft (1j). The detailed view is shown in figure14 (a) that illustrates the master link means (1n) moves in clockwise direction. Then after this if the operator pushes the ON button (1k), then the button (1k) cannot rotate the close D shaft and the breaker will remain in open position and hence the breaker will not suffer from contact kissing phenomenon. After that, as shown in figure 15(a) and figure15 (b) the on button (1k) can be pressed.

[0071] In third implementation, if the tripping/opening command is given by a means of SHUNT RELEASE, in that case the breaker should not be able to ON. As shown in figure9, the position of the mechanism when the SHUNT RELEASE is in open position. As shown in figure, a trip indicator (1h) can be fixed on the trip bar (1t) so that when the trip bar is rotated, the trip indicator (1h) can also rotate according to the rotation of the trip bar (1t). The SHUNT release may give a stroke to the trip bar (1t) in case of when the breaker is in abnormal condition. Now if the spring (5a) may be fully charged and the operator pushes the ON button, then the breaker may close and becomes open in very less amount of time resulting in contact kissing. Therefore, in order to avoid it, when the SHUNT release is in OPEN position the trip indicator (1h) will push the master link means(1n) so that it can rotate in clockwise direction and becomes away from the button (1k) and shaft(1k). Then after this if the operator pushes the ON button (1k), then the button (1k) cannot rotate the close D shaft and the breaker will remain in OPEN position and hence the breaker will not suffer from contact kissing phenomenon. After that as shown in figure 15(A) and figure15 (B) the ON button (1k) can be pressed.

[0072] In fourth implementation, if the tripping/opening command is given by a means of FLUX SHIFT DEVICE (FSD), in that case the breaker should not be able to ON. As shown in figure9, the position of the mechanism when the FLUX SHIFT DEVICE (FSD) is in open position. The trip indicator (1h) may be fixed on the trip bar (1t) so that when the trip bar is rotated, the trip indicator (1h) can also rotate according to the rotation of the trip bar (1t).The FLUX SHIFT DEVICE (FSD) release may give a stroke to the trip bar (1t) in case of when there is a change in flux of breaker. Now if the spring is fully charged and the operator pushes the ON button, then the breaker may CLOSE and OPEN in very less amount of time resulting in contact kissing. Therefore, in order to avoid it, an arrangement shown per figure 9 is provided so that when the FLUX SHIFT DEVICE is in OPEN position, the trip indicator (1h) will push the master link means (1n) so that it can rotate in clockwise direction and becomes away from the button (1k) and close D shaft (1j). Then after this if the operator pushes the ON button (1k), then the button (1k) cannot rotate the close D shaft (1j) and the breaker will remain in OPEN position and hence the breaker will not suffer from contact kissing phenomenon. After that as shown in figure 15(A) and figure15(B) the ON button (1k) can be pressed

[0073] In fifth implementation, if the tripping/opening command is already given by pressing the off button then in that case the breaker should not be able to ON. As shown infigure10, the position of the mechanism when the off button is pressed. As shown in figure, position of the bar (2b)) is fixed on the off button (2a). The off button (2a) may give a stroke to the bar (2b) and the rotation of the trip bar (1t) occurs. Now if the spring is fully charged and the operator pushes the ON button, then the breaker may CLOSE and OPEN in very less amount of time resulting in contact kissing. In order to avoid it, the arrangement in figure 9 is provided wherein when the off button (2a) is in pressed position the trip indicator (1h) will push the master link means (1n) so that it can rotate in clockwise direction and becomes away from the button (1k) and shaft (1k). Then after this if the operator pushes the ON button (1k) then the button (1k) cannot rotate the close D shaft and the breaker will remain in OPEN position and hence the breaker will not suffer from contact kissing phenomenon. After that as shown in figure 15(A) and figure15 (B) the ON button (1k) can be pressed.

[0074] In sixth implementation, if the breaker is closed and the spring is fully charged then one should not be able to press the ON button. As shown in figure11, the position of the mechanism when the breaker is in ON/CLOSE condition. As shown in figure 11, the cam stopper (1b) pushes the anti-pumping link (1c) and the anti-pumping link (1c) thereby pushes the master link means (1n). Further, as shown in figure12, all the links are actuated by lower link (3a). Then after this if the operator pushes the ON button (1k), then the button (1k) cannot rotate the close D shaft (1j) and the breaker will remain in OPEN position and therefore the operator cannot press the button(1k) whether the spring is fully charged or not. The figure13 shows sectional view of the mechanism when the breaker is in OFF condition. As shown in figure 13, once the lower link (3a) moves backward both anti pumping link (1c) and cam stopper link (1c) restored their positions due to their respective biasing springs. After that, as shown in figure 15(A) and figure15 (B) the ON button (1k) can be pressed.

[0075] In all the implementation, the components (1n), (1b), (1c), (1h) can be manufactured by plastic molding but not limited to it. The material for these components is NYLON 6 or NYLON66 or POLYARYLAMIDE. The purpose of these components is to fulfill the READY TO CLOSE conditions.

[0076] Apart from the advantages and benefits mentioned above, other advantages and benefits are mentioned below:
• The present invention uses less number of components.
• The present invention provides better ergonomic considerations.
• The present invention provides high mechanical life.
• The present invention helps to produce the features with lesser dimensions the others so as to reduce the mass and entire space of the breaker.
• The present invention includes a double latch system, which enables the interlocks to be placed outside the mechanism. Such an arrangement is easier to assemble, inspection and replacement.

[0077] It may be understood by the person skilled in that art that, the coupling, joining, fitting of the two components mentioned the present invention may be achieved by any of the existing coupling techniques that may include but not limited to nut and bolt arrangement, gluing, pasting, welding, and the like.

[0078] Although implementations for an improved interlocking mechanism for circuit breaker shave been described in language specific to structural features/components, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features /components. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations for an improved interlocking mechanism for circuit breakers. ,CLAIMS:1. An improved interlocking mechanism for circuit breaker, comprising:
at least one master link means (1n) rotably mounted on a at least one side plate by means of a biasing spring (1i), said master link means enable to receive force from a ON or OFF button (1k or 2b) to drive a close D shaft (1j);
at least one cam stopper (1b) pivotally arranged on said side plate by means of biasing spring (1d);
at least one anti-pumping link (1c) pivotally arranged on said side plate by means of a biasing spring (1e); and
at least one trip indicator (1h) mounted on said side plate and operably coupled to a trip bar (1t);
wherein, said master link means (1n) enabled to rotate in one direction by an arrangement of said cam stopper (1b), said anti-pumping link (1c), and said trip indicator (1h), when said ON or OFF button (1k or 2b) is actuated.
2. The improved interlocking mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said anti-pumping link (1c) operably coupled to said cam stopper (1b) and adapted to transfer force from said cam stopper (1b) to said master link means (1n).

3. The improved interlocking mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein said cam stopper (1b) enable receive said force from a lower link means (3a) and thereby transfer said force to said anti-pumping link (1c).

4. The improved interlocking mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said close D shaft (1j) rotated by means said master link means (1n) due to actuation of a ON button (1k) to discharge a spring (5a) and thereby drive said circuit breaker in ON condition.

5. The improved interlocking mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said biasing springs (1d, 1i, 1e) provided to restore position of said cam stopper (1b), said master link means (1n), and said anti-pumping link (1c) when a force is released.

6. The improved interlocking mechanism as claimed in claim 1, further comprises at least one on bar (1m) to rotably coupled to said master link means (1n).

7. The improved interlocking mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said master link means (1n) enable to rotate in a clockwise direction corresponding to force receive from said cam stopper (1b), said anti-pumping link (1c), and said trip indicator (1h).