Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved magnetic tripping system for use in circuit breakers. The system comprises a link means (1), a fixed magnet (2) engaged to said link means (1) on its one side; a moving magnet (3) being hingeably and therefore rotatably engaged to said fixed magnet (2) so as to position itself on the other and in proximity to said link means (1) defining an adjustable air gap; plurality of screw means (8) engaged on one end to said moving magnet (3) and received on other ends by plural receiving components (6). Receiving components are in communication with the fixed magnet (2) through plural biasing means (5) such that moving magnet is movable towards and away from said link means and wherein during short circuit condition movement of said moving magnet corresponding to increased magnetic field trips the circuit breaker. Figure 2
FORM2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10; rule 13)
1. Title of the invention. -
AN IMPROVED MAGNETIC TRIPPING SYSTEM FOR CIRCUIT PROTECTION
DEVICE
2. Applicant(s)
(a) NAME : LARSEN & TOUBRO LIMITED
(b) NATIONALITY: An Indian Company.
(c) ADDRESS : L & T House, Ballard Estate, Mumbai 400 001,
State of Maharashtra, India
3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a short circuit protection for circuit breaker. More particularly, the invention is concerned about an improved magnetic tripping system for circuit protection device where instantaneous tripping with variable setting is magnetically required. The embodiments of the present invention describes an improved magnetic tripping system for use in circuit breakers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The electric switching devices and circuit interrupters such as circuit breakers, motor starters, motor controllers and other load controllers are used to protect electrical circuitry and equipment from damage due to abnormal condition, such as an overload condition or a relatively high level short circuit or fault condition.
These switching devices typically have two positions corresponding to the status of the separable contacts. For example, these positions would include an ON position, in which the separable contacts are closed, an OFF position in which the contacts are open. In a few switching device there could be a third state which would include tripped position in which the contacts are tripped open.
One such switching device is a moulded case circuit breaker (MCCB) which is generally used to provide over current protection for various types of electrical equipment. MCCBs have three stable positions - ON, OFF and TRIP in which conditions of contacts as described above.
When circuit breaker is in ON condition and a short circuit fault condition arises, high amount of current flows through the circuit and in which case, circuit breaker contacts should separate to open position by sensing the fault condition through short circuit sensing mechanism such as magnetic tripping arrangement. The time taken from a fault condition appearing and the current being limited by circuit
breaker determines the let through energy of the circuit interrupter. A circuit interrupter is more efficient when the let through energy is lesser.
The above mentioned short circuit sensing mechanism i.e. magnetic arrangement requires current carrying part to get assembled in the breaker, the conventional method as shown in Fig. 1 to assemble fixed magnet 2 is with a electrically conductive component 1 where this is assembled in vertical position, 3 being a moving magnet in Fig. 1 as the breaker is working under normal condition the moving magnet is separated by fixed magnet with the help of a torsion spring whose one leg rests on moving magnet and other to some fixed position, as the short circuit fault occur the fixed magnet gives magnetic pull to moving magnet and it gets attracted towards it and trip the breaker by part of moving magnet (it can be a screw) hitting the trip bar. It can be observed clearly from the fig.1 that the current carrying part used is having minimum three bending operation which consist of two 90 degree of bending and the amount of material used is also significantly large where major portion of the material is used for assembling a magnetic arrangement only. The limitation of this system is calibration or change of setting during assembly stage requires replacement of components to suit the range. The force exerted by the fixed magnet on moving magnet depends on
a) Air gap between fixed and moving magnet
b) Spring force (spring placed between fixed and moving magnet
c) Material of fixed magnet and moving magnet
d) Cross sectional area of fixed magnet and moving magnet
US 6437670 discloses a magnetic release system for a circuit breaker, the magnetic release system includes a contact structure; a strap configured to conduct a first level of electrical current and a second level of electrical current; a u-shaped collar having a pole face, the u-shaped collar disposed around the strap; a release lever disposed proximate the pole face, the release lever rotatably mounted on the strap; wherein the release lever is releasably engaged with the contact structure; and wherein the release lever prevents movement of the contact structure at the first
level of electrical current and releases the contact structure at the second level of electrical current.
US 3936780 discloses a device comprises means for detecting, respectively, overcharges, by means of bimetallic strips and short-circuiting, by means of mobile magnetic plates effecting independently from each other the controlling of the switching off of a circuit-breaker for the protection of a circuit. The thermal safety means operate through a mechanical power amplifier comprising a cage with uprights, a rotating catch dependent on the thermal phase-detectors and a plunger transmitting the power of a spring to effect the switching off.
US 4316163 discloses circuit breakers of a particular class, namely, the type in which a toggle is manually erected to drive a "heart" as a unit for closing the circuit breaker. The "heart" includes a contact arm, an actuator, and overcurrent releasable latch means which collectively form a normally latched unit. Under excess-current conditions, the latch means releases the actuator, and contact arm then opens the circuit. The latch means includes a conventional bimetal fixed at one end to the contact arm. The bimetal carries a pivoted latch lever, and is surrounded by a core-and-armature unit adjacent its secured end, for operating the latch lever in response to high overcurrents. High magnetic trip sensitivity is achieved in a construction wherein the whole electromagnet moves with the contact arm, without resort to a current-carrying coil for the electromagnet.
With the conventional method there is a restriction in use of magnetic tripping system for higher rating because it requires thick current carrying part and bending of that much thick current carrying part will be difficult as well as costlier process.
Thus, there is a need to overcome the problems of the prior art. Therefore, the present inventors have developed an improved magnetic tripping system for circuit protection device that would reduce the copper usage and manufacturing time.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to overcome the problems/disadvantages of the prior art.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved magnetic tripping system for circuit protection device.
These and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one Aspect of the present invention there is provided An improved magnetic tripping system for use in circuit breakers, said system comprising:
a link means (1);
a fixed magnet (2) screwably or permanently engaged to said link means (1) on its one side;
a moving magnet (3) being hingeably and therefore rotatably engaged to said fixed magnet (2) so as to position itself on the other and in proximity to said link means (1) defining an adjustable air gap; wherein said ait- gap being adjustable by means of a screw means (7) or optionally an adjustable pin means; wherein a portion of said screw means (7) is operatively connected to a trip bar of the circuit breaker;
plurality of screw means (8) being engaged on one end to said moving magnet (3) and received on other ends by plural receiving components; wherein said receiving components are in communication with said fixed magnet through plural biasing means such that moving magnet is movable towards and away from said link means
and wherein during short circuit condition movement of said moving magnet corresponding to increased magnetic field trips the circuit breaker.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Other features as well as the advantages of the invention will be clear from the following description.
In the appended drawings:
Fig 1 illustrates a conventional method of circuit breaker arrangement.
Fig 2 illustrates a 3D view of an arrangement.
Fig 3 illustrates an exploded view of a normal assembled condition.
Fig 4 illustrates a side view of an arrangement.
Fig 5 illustrates a side view of the fault condition.
Fig 6 illustrates a general view of the fault condition.
Fig 7 illustrates a general view of moving magnet
Fig 8 illustrates a variable magnetic release of the arrangement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. Further functioning of the system has been discussed below to describe the way the system operates. However, such
description should not be considered as any limitation of scope of the present unit. The structure thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all the details may furthermore be replaced with elements having technical equivalence. In practice the materials and dimensions may be any according to the requirements, which will still be comprised within its true spirit.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided an improved magnetic tripping system for circuit protection device as shown in Figure 2. It consist of a fixed member of the magnetic system, hereinafter referred to as fixed magnet (2), which is connected to the link (1) with the help of screw (9) . The moving magnet (3) is on the other side of the link hinged with fixed magnet with the help of pin (10) and other end of the moving magnet is connected to the pin 10 via two extension spring (5) and two sockets (6). Screw 7 is to adjust the position of the moving magnet to maintain specific air gap. Screws 8 is to provide proper load to the to the extension spring which will further decide at what current value fixed magnet attract moving magnet. Figure 2 shows the 3D view of the arrangement with link 1 as current carrying part. Figure 3 shows the exploded view of the arrangement front and figure 4 shows side view of the arrangement. The working of the invention is shown in figures 4, 5 and 6.
Figure 4 shows the normal assembled condition i.e. no fault condition. The extension spring (5) helps the moving magnet to be in that condition. The spring load is set with the help of screw (8), as the screw rotates it pulls or pushes the socket which is not free to rotate because of its profile so it undergo linear motion and change the spring force. The socket (6) is substantially cylindrical at its one end and cubical on the other end. The said cubical ends are engaged to the extension spring means. The socket acts as receiving components for the screws (8) at one end.
As the breaker is in ON condition and the current flow through the conducting link (1), magnetic field generates due to virtue of flow of current, but for normal current,
the density of magnetic field is not enough to provide a magnetic pull which will overcome the spring force due to spring (5), as the current increases magnetic field intensity increases and when it reaches to a certain level moving magnet (3) starts attracting towards fixed magnet (2). On the moving magnet (3), a screw (7) is connected; the part of the screw (7) is connected to the trip bar, the movement of moving magnet hits the trip bar which in turn trips the circuit breaker.
The amount of current required to attract the moving magnet towards fixed magnet depend upon factors like air gap between both the magnets which will depend upon the screw 7 , as the screw turn the gap changes, it also depend upon the thickness of both moving as well as fixed magnet, as the cross section of fixed magnet increase reluctance gets decrease and attraction of fixed magnet occur early with less current, and the dependency is highly on the force given by the extension spring i.e. if the force given by spring is increased the current required to trip the breaker will also get increased so this arrangement can be used for wide range of breaker by changing the pre extension of spring. In the present embodiment screw 7 has been used for changing the air gap. However, one can use an adjustable pin means which should be considered well within the spirits of the present invention.
Figures 5 and 6 show side and general view of the fault condition, i.e. when the short circuit fault occur the current flowing in the circuit increased to a very high level, as the current increases magnetic field intensity also increases and it will provide magnetic pull to the moving magnet, it attracts towards the fixed magnet against the extension spring. As the moving magnet moves, the screw on the other side of the moving magnet is connected to the trip plate which further hit the trip plate and will trip the breaker.
Within same frame various ranges of Circuit breakers are offered. In such case various parameters like air gap, spring, material cross section etc is varied to offer different ranges in same frame size circuit breakers. This invention discloses the method by which all the components used will be standardized. The air gap can be
varied using the screw (7). The force can be varied by varying the tension on springs (5), these springs are connected to moving magnet (3) with the help of roller (3) and screws (8). As the screws are tightened or loosen, the tension on springs can be varied. Thus by adjusting the calibration screws (7) and (8), the threshold level at which the magnetic release will operate can be varied. Thus same components can be used for different rating circuit breakers thus standardizing the components.
For variable magnetic release in which the customer can change the setting of the magnetic release, In such releases, the position of the moving magnet (3) can be controlled with the help of knob (10) as shown in fig 8. By varying the position of the knob the knob presses the moving magnet (3) thereby reducing the air gap between fixed and moving magnets. So the tripping threshold can be changed. The control of the knob remains with the customer so the customer gets variable magnetic system.
The present invention is easy to calibrate in the factory at the same time multiple magnet assemblies can be placed together and tested simultaneously (pre-calibration) thus minimizing overall calibration and testing time.
In the present invention the variable magnetic tripping feature is configured with ease by only tightening the screw and changing the spring force. The components required to achieve the magnetic tripping are simplified to a great extent.
Thus the above disadvantages of the prior methods can be avoided as the usage of copper is reduced, manufacturing time get reduced, assembly becomes easy, calibration become easy, and magnetic arrangement can be used for wide range of application without doing much changes and all this happens with reduction in dimensions and weight of the entire system.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
1. Overall reduction in copper usage and hence green concept.
2. Factory Calibration is possible.
3. Simplified components construction.
4. Variable magnetic tripping, the air gap is adjusted by tightening the screw only,
5. Manufacturing time and cost will get reduced because of no bending operation of current carrying part.
6. Variable magnetic tripping by changing the air gap with a turn of knob (screws).
7. This magnetic arrangement will be used for higher rating of breaker also since it avoid bending of thick current carrying pan which is otherwise a difficult process.
8. Overall ease of assembly and calibration
9. Simultaneous calibration of multiple magnets thus, minimizing overall calibration and testing time.
10. Compactness
We claim:
1. An improved magnetic tripping system for use in circuit breakers, said system comprising:
a link means (1);
a fixed magnet (2) screwabiy or permanently engaged to said link means (1) on its one side;
a moving magnet (3) being hingeably and therefore rotatably engaged to said fixed magnet (2) so as to position itself on the other and in proximity to said link means (1) defining an adjustable air gap; wherein said air gap being adjustable by means of a screw means (7) or optionally an adjustable pin means; wherein a portion of said screw means (7) is operatively connected to a trip bar of the circuit breaker;
plurality of screw means (8) being engaged on one end to said moving magnet (3) and received on other ends by plural receiving components; wherein said receiving components are in communication with said fixed magnet through plural biasing means such that moving magnet is movable towards and away from said link means and wherein during short circuit condition movement of said moving magnet corresponding to increased magnetic field trips the circuit breaker.
2. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said biasing means comprising extension springs.
3. A system as claimed in claim 2 wherein said extension spring having a constant rate providing variable magnetic tripping feature by changing the air gap between said moving magnet and said fixed magnet.
4. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said receiving components comprising plurality of socket means (6).
5. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said receiving components having substantially cylindrical profile at one end.
6. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said receiving components having cubical profile on the other end.
7. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said receiving components are movable in linear direction adapted for changing spring force.
8. An improved magnetic tripping system for circuit protection device as herein substantially described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.
| # | Name | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 789-MUM-2011-FORM 5(19-12-2011).pdf | 2011-12-19 |
| 1 | 789-MUM-2011-FORM-27 [13-09-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-09-13 |
| 2 | 789-MUM-2011-IntimationOfGrant25-01-2023.pdf | 2023-01-25 |
| 2 | 789-MUM-2011-FORM 2(TITLE PAGE)-(19-12-2011).pdf | 2011-12-19 |
| 3 | 789-MUM-2011-PatentCertificate25-01-2023.pdf | 2023-01-25 |
| 3 | 789-MUM-2011-FORM 2(19-12-2011).pdf | 2011-12-19 |
| 4 | 789-MUM-2011-Response to office action [22-07-2022(online)].pdf | 2022-07-22 |
| 4 | 789-MUM-2011-DRAWING(19-12-2011).pdf | 2011-12-19 |
| 5 | 789-MUM-2011-FORM-26 [26-10-2021(online)].pdf | 2021-10-26 |
| 5 | 789-MUM-2011-DESCRIPTION(COMPLETE)-(19-12-2011).pdf | 2011-12-19 |
| 6 | 789-MUM-2011-CORRESPONDENCE(19-12-2011).pdf | 2011-12-19 |
| 6 | 789-MUM-2011-8(i)-Substitution-Change Of Applicant - Form 6 [11-01-2021(online)].pdf | 2021-01-11 |
| 7 | 789-MUM-2011-CLAIMS(19-12-2011).pdf | 2011-12-19 |
| 7 | 789-MUM-2011-ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENTS [11-01-2021(online)].pdf | 2021-01-11 |
| 8 | 789-MUM-2011-PA [11-01-2021(online)].pdf | 2021-01-11 |
| 8 | 789-MUM-2011-ABSTRACT(19-12-2011).pdf | 2011-12-19 |
| 9 | 789-MUM-2011-CORRESPONDENCE(16-5-2012).pdf | 2018-08-11 |
| 9 | 789-MUM-2011-OTHERS [26-05-2018(online)].pdf | 2018-05-26 |
| 10 | 789-MUM-2011-CORRESPONDENCE(25-8-2011).pdf | 2018-08-11 |
| 10 | 789-MUM-2011-MARKED COPIES OF AMENDEMENTS [26-05-2018(online)].pdf | 2018-05-26 |
| 11 | 789-MUM-2011-FER.pdf | 2018-08-11 |
| 11 | 789-MUM-2011-FER_SER_REPLY [26-05-2018(online)].pdf | 2018-05-26 |
| 12 | 789-MUM-2011-DRAWING [26-05-2018(online)].pdf | 2018-05-26 |
| 12 | 789-MUM-2011-FORM 1(25-8-2011).pdf | 2018-08-11 |
| 13 | 789-MUM-2011-CLAIMS [26-05-2018(online)].pdf | 2018-05-26 |
| 13 | 789-MUM-2011-FORM 18(16-5-2012).pdf | 2018-08-11 |
| 14 | 789-MUM-2011-Amendment Of Application Before Grant - Form 13 [26-05-2018(online)].pdf | 2018-05-26 |
| 14 | ABSTRACT1.jpg | 2018-08-11 |
| 15 | 789-MUM-2011-ABSTRACT [26-05-2018(online)].pdf | 2018-05-26 |
| 16 | Power of Authority.pdf | 2018-08-11 |
| 18 | Power of Authority.pdf | 2018-08-11 |
| 19 | 789-MUM-2011-ABSTRACT [26-05-2018(online)].pdf | 2018-05-26 |
| 20 | 789-MUM-2011-Amendment Of Application Before Grant - Form 13 [26-05-2018(online)].pdf | 2018-05-26 |
| 20 | ABSTRACT1.jpg | 2018-08-11 |
| 21 | 789-MUM-2011-CLAIMS [26-05-2018(online)].pdf | 2018-05-26 |
| 21 | 789-MUM-2011-FORM 18(16-5-2012).pdf | 2018-08-11 |
| 22 | 789-MUM-2011-DRAWING [26-05-2018(online)].pdf | 2018-05-26 |
| 22 | 789-MUM-2011-FORM 1(25-8-2011).pdf | 2018-08-11 |
| 23 | 789-MUM-2011-FER.pdf | 2018-08-11 |
| 23 | 789-MUM-2011-FER_SER_REPLY [26-05-2018(online)].pdf | 2018-05-26 |
| 24 | 789-MUM-2011-CORRESPONDENCE(25-8-2011).pdf | 2018-08-11 |
| 24 | 789-MUM-2011-MARKED COPIES OF AMENDEMENTS [26-05-2018(online)].pdf | 2018-05-26 |
| 25 | 789-MUM-2011-CORRESPONDENCE(16-5-2012).pdf | 2018-08-11 |
| 25 | 789-MUM-2011-OTHERS [26-05-2018(online)].pdf | 2018-05-26 |
| 26 | 789-MUM-2011-ABSTRACT(19-12-2011).pdf | 2011-12-19 |
| 26 | 789-MUM-2011-PA [11-01-2021(online)].pdf | 2021-01-11 |
| 27 | 789-MUM-2011-CLAIMS(19-12-2011).pdf | 2011-12-19 |
| 27 | 789-MUM-2011-ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENTS [11-01-2021(online)].pdf | 2021-01-11 |
| 28 | 789-MUM-2011-CORRESPONDENCE(19-12-2011).pdf | 2011-12-19 |
| 28 | 789-MUM-2011-8(i)-Substitution-Change Of Applicant - Form 6 [11-01-2021(online)].pdf | 2021-01-11 |
| 29 | 789-MUM-2011-FORM-26 [26-10-2021(online)].pdf | 2021-10-26 |
| 29 | 789-MUM-2011-DESCRIPTION(COMPLETE)-(19-12-2011).pdf | 2011-12-19 |
| 30 | 789-MUM-2011-Response to office action [22-07-2022(online)].pdf | 2022-07-22 |
| 30 | 789-MUM-2011-DRAWING(19-12-2011).pdf | 2011-12-19 |
| 31 | 789-MUM-2011-PatentCertificate25-01-2023.pdf | 2023-01-25 |
| 31 | 789-MUM-2011-FORM 2(19-12-2011).pdf | 2011-12-19 |
| 32 | 789-MUM-2011-FORM 2(TITLE PAGE)-(19-12-2011).pdf | 2011-12-19 |
| 32 | 789-MUM-2011-IntimationOfGrant25-01-2023.pdf | 2023-01-25 |
| 33 | 789-MUM-2011-FORM 5(19-12-2011).pdf | 2011-12-19 |
| 33 | 789-MUM-2011-FORM-27 [13-09-2024(online)].pdf | 2024-09-13 |
| 1 | search_789-MUM-2011_12-09-2017.pdf |