Claims:1. An arc chute arrangement for arc quenching in electrical switching device, the arc chute arrangement comprising:
a plurality of splitter plates, each said splitter plates further comprising at least a combination of a ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates and an ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, the ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates are specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without a profile cut at the bent portion and with a shorter vertical portion at least half a size of a longer vertical portion, and an ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap; wherein
the combination ensuring lengthening of arc, generating a higher arc voltage development, ensuring fast development of the arc voltage in the initial phase of splitting, reducing total arcing time, and improving arc quenching performance.

2. The arc chute arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said combination is adapted to make certain the retention of arc in the middle portion of the arc chute assembly vertically and thereby reducing the chance of upward and downward movements of arc then after and quenching of arc in the arc chute assembly.

3. The arc chute arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insulating plate or insulating material cap is selected from at least one of a material selected from a group of suitable ablative, arc resistant, flame retardant and melt-deform resistant insulating material.

4. The arc chute arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ablative insulating plate or ablative insulating material cap are adapted to quench the arc fast and effectively due to ablation properties of the material used.

5. The arc chute arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said combination is adapted to withstand the arc energy and electro-dynamic forces.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to electrical switching devices, and more particularly relates to Splitter plate that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plate and ablative insulating material plate in the arc chute for improved arc quenching.

BACKGROUND

[002] A circuit breaker is a device used in order to make, carry and break rated current and to clear a fault current. In case of breaking rated current or in case of a fault, whenever fault current flows in the system, the circuit breaker used is expected to clear this fault with minimal damage to itself also along with the downstream devices, so that the breaker can be used for further operations. Opening of live contacts of a circuit breaker results in the formation of an electrical arc between the contacts. The contacts of the circuit breaker experience the same during the opening i.e. an arc is formed between the contacts when they separate while interrupting a live circuit. The electrical arc erodes the contacts and therefore reduces the life of the circuit breaker. The technology used in switchgears for arc quenching makes use of an arc quenching chamber for lengthening and splitting of arc. The faster the arc is quenched the better is the electrical life of the breaker. Hence the design of arcing chamber needs to be as effective as possible and arc chutes play an important role in it, to open the contacts of circuit breaker and break the flow of current. The arc chute assembly is designed with specific intention for efficient and quick arc quenching.

[003] However, the disadvantage of the current technology or the technology till date is that the electrical arc quenching process is not efficient, development of arc voltage is less and sluggish, thus total arcing time is high. Due to this, the electrical life of the breaker reduces. Another disadvantage is that the standing arc above deion plates, due to which short circuit fault clearing capability is greatly reduced. Due to the disadvantages listed above, the short circuit breaking performances are much lower. The downward movement of the arc is also a problem and so the standing arc below deion plate region.

[004] Also, the current design and technology trend uses flat deion plates in the arc chute assembly with or without some profile cut on it. The material, plating, shape, size, profile and thickness of the deion plate varies. Usually by splitting the arc between the deion plates arc voltage is developed. So the current technology trend greatly depends on the splitting of the arc between deion plates for effective arc quenching. The disadvantage of the current technology is that the arc quenching process is not efficient, development of arc voltage is less and sluggish, thus total arcing time is high. In this case also there lies a possibility of standing arc above deion plates, if the arc energy has not been decreased significantly, dielectric strength is not fully regained by arc chamber and development of arc voltage is not sufficient to quench the arc.

[005] Specifically, the splitter plate or deion plate system interrupts current by cooling of arcs and splitting of arcs into a series of sub-arcs or split-arcs or arclets and by developing arc voltage greater than the system voltage. Thus for reliable interruption of an electrical arc, deion plates should, allow and promote smooth and fast movement of arc into the deion plates and not allow or prevents very fast movement of arc either upward toward the vent region above the deion plates or downward toward contact gap.

[006] Flat splitter plates with straight edges or with slightly bent notch or serrated edges, usually have shortcomings on either or both of the phenomena mentioned above. Most prior and current flat plate designs of deion plates have limitations of unstable retention of arc in the arc chute assembly or deion plate region, due to the magnetic field and magnetic force produced in the flat deion plate region. In case of flat plate deion plates the direction of force on the arc can be upward toward the vent area or downward toward the contact gap are depending upon current path and magnetic field in the deion plates. Rapid ejection of sub-arcs or arclets permits a reuniting of the sub-arcs into the vent space, thus forming a single arc or a lesser number of arclets and thus standing arc or sustainable arc form.

[007] The arc chute assembly consists of stack of splitter plates made up of magnetic material to attract, split-up and cool the arcs generated when the contacts are separated out. The stack of splitter plates is trapped in between two plates known as side plate made up of electrically insulating material. The function of splitter plates is to split the arc in several series arcs of approximately equal length which will result in higher arc voltage and distinctly greater dielectric strength after current zero. Since the splitter plate or deion plate system interrupts current by cooling of arcs and splitting of arcs into a series of sub-arcs or split-arcs or arclets and by developing arc voltage greater than the system voltage, thus for reliable interruption of an electrical arc, the splitter plates should allow and promote smooth and fast movement of arc into the splitter plates and not allow or prevents movement of arc either downward toward contact gap or upward toward the vent region above the splitter plates. Thus design of arc splitter plates in arc chamber assembly is essential for effective quenching of arc.

[008] Further, most prior art have limitations of unstable retention of arc in arc chute assembly or in the splitter plate region due to the use flat metallic or ferromagnetic splitter plates in the arc chute assembly with or without some profile cut on it provided with a variable shape, size, profile and thickness of the splitter plates. A rapid ejection of sub-arcs or arclets permits a reuniting of the sub-arcs into the vent space, forming a single arc or a lesser number of arclets and thus resulting into standing arc or sustainable arc. The arc quenching process is not efficient as the development of arc voltage is less and sluggish especially in the initial part of splitting phase due to comparatively small arc lengthening.. In this case also there lies a possibility of standing arc above splitter plates, if the arc energy has not been decreased significantly, dielectric strength is not fully regained by arc chamber and development of arc voltage is not sufficient to quench the arc. Also due to the current path in the splitter plates Lorentz force can be in the upward or downward direction. Due to downward Lorentz force on arc there can be sustained arc or standing arc above contact gap region or at the bottom of splitter plates region which further reduces the short circuit breaking capability of arc chute chamber/assembly. Due to these drawbacks, the electrical life of the breaker subsequently reduces.

[009] In case of bent deion plates specially for ‘U’ shaped deion pates, with both the metallic vertical portions having similar length, the upward movement of the arc in between two flat limbs or vertical portions, due to Lorentz force is fast, comparatively unrestricted. A rapid ejection of sub-arcs or arclets permits a reuniting of the sub-arcs into the vent space above the arc chute, forming a single arc or a lesser number of arclets and thus resulting into standing arc or sustainable arc. Also the rapid movement of arc gives less time to the deion plates in the arc chute assembly for cooling the arc, thus arc quenching performance can be comparatively poor due to lack of sufficient cooling of arc.

[0010] The quenching of arc in the arc chute assembly is not ensured as arc voltage development is not sufficient and the rate of arc voltage development is sometime sluggish. Thus arc quenching performance is poor.

[0011] The prior-art application 1261/MUM/2015, title “an improved arc chute assembly in electrical switching device”, dated March 31, 2015, discloses a hook shaped deion plates with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion.

[0012] The prior-art document US9087654B2 discloses bent deion plates with both the metallic vertical portions having similar length. For any similar construction deion plates, and specially for ‘U’ shaped deion pates, with both the metallic vertical portions having similar length, the upward movement of the arc in between two flat limbs or vertical portions, due to Lorentz force is fast, comparatively unrestricted. A rapid ejection of sub-arcs or arclets permits a reuniting of the sub-arcs into the vent space above the arc chute, forming a single arc or a lesser number of arclets and thus resulting into standing arc or sustainable arc. Also the rapid movement of arc gives less time to the deion plates in the arc chute assembly for cooling the arc, thus arc quenching performance can be comparatively poor due to lack of sufficient cooling of arc. The quenching of arc in the arc chute assembly is not ensured as arc voltage development is not sufficient. Thus arc quenching performance is poor.

[0013] The above-described deficiencies of today's arc quenching process are merely intended to provide an overview of some of the problems of conventional systems, and are not intended to be exhaustive. Other problems with conventional systems and corresponding benefits of the various non-limiting embodiments described herein may become further apparent upon review of the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] 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.

[0015] An object of the present invention is to provides a an arc chute, which by virtue of its design helps in better arc quenching of an electrical arc, higher arc voltage development, reducing total arcing time, reducing the risk of flashover outside the breaker.

[0016] Accordingly, the present invention provides an arc chute assembly comprises of splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, which helps in higher arc voltage development, reducing total arcing time and improving arc quenching performance. This also reduces the risk of flashovers happening outside the breaker and reverse travel of arc in the downward direction.

[0017] The splitter plates of the present invention that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, in the arc chute assembly help to improve the electrical arc quenching performance in terms of greater arc voltage development, fast development of the arc voltage in the initial phase of splitting, improved arc quenching performance by use of ablative material. Due to the unique profile and shape of the deion plates in the arc chute assembly, higher arc voltage develops due to lengthening of arc and due to use of ablative insulating material arc gets effectively quenched and comparatively fast in the arc chute assembly.

[0018] The splitter plates of the present invention that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, can also be used with or without single or multiple flat plate deion plates, single or multiple long deion plates and single or multiple hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with profile cut at the bent portion, or any other single or multiple similar shaped or similar fashioned bent deion plates, with or without any particular profile cut, in the arc chute assembly in any combination, in any arrangement and in any number to improve the arc quenching performance.

[0019] The splitter plates of the present invention that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, which helps in higher arc voltage development, reduces the occurrence of conduction of current through the deion plate. Instead of the path through the metal deion plate, arc takes the path along the bend of the hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion, thus elongating itself. This helps in developing high arc voltage than the normal flat plate deion plates. Therefore helps in efficient arc quenching.

[0020] The splitter plates of the present invention that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, increases the force on arc after the arc enters into the deion plates. After entering into the splitter plates, splitting of arc happens. The formation of arc root and the lengthening of the arc along the bend portion help to set up such a current path, that in between the plates, arc path experiences higher force in the upward direction due to Lorentz force. This helps in fast arc movement and arc voltage development in comparison to the flat plate deion plate case. In case of splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, further elongation also can be possible in between the deion plate region due to Lorentz force.

[0021] As the chance of root formation on both side of the deion plate thickness are reduced in the splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, the erosion of deion plates also reduces.

[0022] Due to high and fast arc voltage development after arc enters into the deion plates, total arcing time reduces. It helps in better arc quenching. Thus reducing the chance of standing arc in above deion plate region due to lesser arc voltage development and improper quenching. In this regard, splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, helps in reducing the arc speed in the upward direction after the bend portion or notch of hook shape, instead it helps in further elongating the arc length due to Lorentz force between two adjacent deion plates, as one of the arc root stays on the metallic deion plate surface at the joining of the ferromagnetic metallic plate and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, and the other arc root stays on the nearby deion plate. So further development of arc voltage takes place, which immensely help in proper quenching of the arc.

[0023] The hook portion or the shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion along with the ablative insulating plate or ablative insulating cap of the splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, helps in retaining the arc in between the deion plate region, as one of the arc root stays on the metallic deion plate surface at the joining of the ferromagnetic metallic plate and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap and the insulating plate or insulating cap prevents further upward movement of that arc root. In this case the ablative insulating plate or ablative insulating cap ensures the retention of one of the arc root at the joining of the ferromagnetic metallic plate and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap unlike ‘U’ shaped deion plates. The Lorentz force help to prevent the downward movement of the arc and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap prevents upward movement of the arc root. So it reduces the chance of downward movement of split arc, thus reducing the chance of creating a standing arc in above the contact gap region and it reduces the upward movement of arc root above deion plate region, thus reducing the chance of standing arc by joining of split arc lets in the vent region above the deion plates of the arc chute assembly.

[0024] The splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, ensure the retention of arc in the middle portion of the arc chute assembly vertically. This way, it prevents the chance of downward movement of split arc, thus reducing the chance of creating a standing arc in above the contact gap region and it reduces the upward movement of arc root above deion plate region, thus reducing the chance of standing arc by joining of split arc lets in the vent region above the deion plates of the arc chute assembly.

[0025] Due to the unique and particular shape of the deion plates with profile cut in the bent portion of the deion plates, magnetic pull force on the arc increases, which helps in fast movement of the arc from the contact and runner area, thus reducing erosion of contact and reducing total arcing time. The particular sharp bend profile and comparative aerodynamic shape of hook shaped deion plate helps in arc movement into the deion plate region. This particular sharp bend profile and comparative aerodynamic shape of hook shaped deion plate also helps in comparatively smooth shockwave movement and generated gas movement in the upward direction, reduced reflected shockwave and gas from bottom of the deion plates, and the notch profile prevents the backward or downward movement of reflected shock wave, reflected gas and arc.

[0026] The particular shape of the present invention of splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap helps in withstanding the high electrodynamic force due to high current between the vertical portion of a single deion plate and between the deion plates. The hook shape of the deion plate and the robust assembly of deion plates in the side plates of arc chute assembly gives the required mechanical strength to withstand the high electrodynamic forces due to high current compared to and other bent deion plate shape and arrangement. The profile cut on the unique hook shaped deion plate helps to move the arc in the upward direction due to magnetic force development and magnetic flux lines distribution.

[0027] The insulating plate or insulating material cap is selected from at least one of a material selected from a group of Nylon 6,6, Polyamide 6,6, Polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE or any other suitable ablative, arc resistant, flame retardant and melt deform resistant insulating material. As the temperature of the arc chamber rises during arcing or due to the temperature of arc root in the vicinity of the ablative insulating plate, the ablative material burns and releases gases which by virtue of their material properties like electron affinity, molecular structure, and breakdown voltage helps in quenching the arc. Nylon 6,6 offers high breakdown voltage while comparing to other ablative materials. It also enhances the chamber pressure significantly when compared to other ablative materials by releasing significant amount of gases. Also as in Nylon 6,6, higher Degree of aliphatic (linear) C chains present than aromatic (ring) C chains, it generates lesser amount of solid residue of Carbon as Carbon deposit weakens the dielectric strength and hence the breakdown voltage. The low carbon produced by the nylon was attributed to its high breakdown strength, even at lower pressures. Carbon, superheated in the plasma and deposited on the cathode, would produce local hot spots that could reduce the breakdown voltage. These hot spots of carbon would have a high thermionic emission that lowers the breakdown strength. Low carbon production of nylon 6/6 is attributed to the aliphatic (linear) structure of nylon 6/6, as opposed to aromatic (ring) carbon molecular structure present in polyesters and other materials.

[0028] The energy of the arc burns, vaporizes or sublimates ablative materials and generates high pressure in the arc chamber by producing gases and this high pressure enhance arcing voltage. The high pressure when interrupting high currents in a complete or partial confined surrounding like arc chamber favors the development of arc voltage, as the section on the right of the arc column is reduced, and its resistance increases. Also for the same temperature if pressure increases density of neutral atom increases and for the same pressure if temperature decreases the density of neutral atom increases and vice versa for charged particles. Also high pressure in a chamber can lead to more heat dissipation rate. Thus high pressure developed in the arcing chamber due to ablative materials leads to better and effective arc quenching and helps to improve the overall arc quenching performance.

[0029] Specifically, in comparison to the invention or the other hook shaped deion plate, bent deion plates in absence of shorter limb or having comparatively large bend radius and with very small shorter vertical portion compared to the longer vertical portion or slightly bent notched flat deion plates or ‘J’ shaped deion plates seems to possess the limitations like 1) Retention of arc and related arc column and surrounding cloud very near to the arcing contact or main contact region or contact gap region thus greater chance of downward movement of arc toward contact gap, re-strike or sustained or standing arc in the contact gap region if sufficient dielectric strength has not been re-gained by the contact gap region, 2) Insufficient or less arc voltage development just after arc enters into deion plates due to comparatively small arc lengthening along the bend of the deion plates in absence of parallel vertical portion or limbs or absence of shorter limbs after the bent portion compared to hook shaped deion plate with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion, here greater the arc path along the parallel limbs or parallel vertical portion and bent region of the deion plate, greater the lengthening of arc and thus greater the arc voltage developed, 3) Less force on arc in upward direction between the deion plates as current paths on the deion plate and magnetic field are not properly aligned to produce Lorentz force due to absence of parallel vertical portion or limbs or absence of shorter limbs after the bent portion compared to hook shaped deion plate with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion 4) Less penetration of arc path into the deion plates, thus less lengthening of arc, less arc voltage development 5) Less aerodynamic design effects as larger radius of the bent portion also hinders the smooth movement of arc column, surrounding arc cloud and gases in to the deion plate region from the contact gap region, as compared to hook shaped deion plate with shaper bend radius. 6) Hindering the movement of shock wave produced due to arc in upward direction toward the vent area due to larger radius of the bent portion and due to less aerodynamic design effect, the amount of reflected shock wave is greater compared to hook shaped deion plate with shaper bend radius.

[0030] In case of bent deion plates specially for ‘U’ shaped deion pates, with both the metallic vertical portions having similar length, the upward movement of the arc in between two flat limbs or vertical portions, due to Lorentz force is fast, comparatively unrestricted. A rapid ejection of sub-arcs or arclets permits a reuniting of the sub-arcs into the vent space above the arc chute, forming a single arc or a lesser number of arclets and thus resulting into standing arc or sustainable arc. Also the rapid movement of arc gives less time to the deion plates in the arc chute assembly for cooling the arc, thus arc quenching performance can be comparatively poor due to lack of sufficient cooling of arc.

[0031] Due to various unique features of splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, which helps in higher arc voltage development, can also be used with or without single or multiple flat plate deion plates, single or multiple long deion plates and single or multiple hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with profile cut at the bent portion or any other single or multiple similar shaped or similar fashioned bent deion plates, with or without any particular profile cut, in the arc chute assembly in any combination, in any arrangement and in any number to improve the arc quenching performance.

[0032] By the present invention and the unique design associated with the same, the short circuit breaking performance can be enhanced.

[0033] 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:

[0034] Figure 1(a) illustrates an isometric view of breaker assembly, and Figure 1(b) illustrates side view of breaker assembly (partial), showing arc chute assembly, contact assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0035] Figure 2 (a), Figure 2 (b) and Figure 2 (c) illustrates side view and isometric views of hook shaped ferromagnetic metallic deion plate, with comparatively sharper bend, with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion with profile cut for fitment to insulating plate on it, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0036] Figure 2 (d) and Figure 2 (e) illustrates a side view and isometric view of ablative Insulating material plate or cap with profile cut for fitment to hook shaped ferromagnetic metallic deion plate on it, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0037] Figure 2 (f) and Figure 2 (g) illustrates a side view and isometric view of the invention that is splitter plate that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plate specially hook shaped deion plate, with comparatively sharper bend, without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0038] Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3 (b) illustrates a side and isometric view of arc chute assembly (partial: 1 side plate is not shown) with splitter plates along with flat deion plates and long deion plate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0039] Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 (b) illustrates a side and isometric view of arc chute assembly (partial: 1 side plate is not shown) with splitter plates along with flat deion plates and long deion plate in the breaker assembly (partial) along with contact assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0040] Figure 4 (c) and Figure 4 (d) illustrates a side and isometric view of arc chute assembly (partial: 1 side plate is not shown) with splitter plates along with flat deion plates and long deion plate along with contact assembly (partial), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0041] Figure 5 (a) illustrates a isometric view of the invention that is ‘U’ shaped splitter plate that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plate specially hook shaped deion plate, with comparatively sharper bend, without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and long ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0042] Figure 5 (b) illustrates a the isometric view of assembly fitment of the ‘U’ shaped splitter plate that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plate specially hook shaped deion plate, with comparatively sharper bend, without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and long ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0043] Figure 5 (c) and Figure 5 (d) illustrates a side and isometric view of arc chute assembly (partial: 1 side plate is not shown) with ‘U’ shaped splitter plates along with flat deion plates and long deion plate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0044] Figure 5 (e) illustrates a isometric view of arc chute assembly (partial: 1 side plate and top cover is not shown) with ‘U’ shaped splitter plates along with flat deion plates and long deion plate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0045] Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 (b) illustrates a side and isometric view of arc chute assembly (partial: 1 side plate is not shown) with ‘U’ shaped splitter plates along with flat deion plates and long deion plate in the breaker assembly (partial) along with contact assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0046] Figure 6 (c) and Figure 6 (d) illustrates a side and isometric view of arc chute assembly (partial: 1 side plate is not shown) with ‘U’ shaped splitter plates along with flat deion plates and long deion plate along with contact assembly (partial), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0047] Figure 7 (a), Figure 7 (b) and Figure 7(c) illustrates the Lorentz force on the arc and lengthening of arc (And also retention of arc) in between two splitter plates, that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, due to the particular current path because of the unique shape and profile of the Hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0048] Figure 8 (a), and Figure 8 (b) illustrates the direction of Lorentz force on the arc in case of splitter plates, that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0049] 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

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] Traditionally a circuit breaker is a device used in order to make, carry and break rated current and to clear a fault current. In case of breaking rated current or in case of a fault, whenever fault current flows in the system, the circuit breaker used is expected to clear this fault with minimal damage to itself also along with the downstream devices, so that the breaker can be used for further operations. Opening of live contacts of a circuit breaker results in the formation of an electrical arc between the contacts. The electrical arc erodes the contacts and therefore reduces the life of the circuit breaker. Hence the design of arcing chamber needs to be as effective as possible and arc chutes play an important role in it.

[0058] To avoid the drawbacks above, the splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, has two limbs or vertical portions, one long vertical portion and another short vertical portion. Both limbs are joined by the bent portion in between and forms the shape of a hook with two vertical portions or limbs in parallel position, with a comparatively sharper bend compared to hook shape. This deion plate is developed from single metal sheet by bending. Between the flat portions of the two limbs of hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion, appropriate distance or air gap is there. The bending sharpness, bending radius, bending profile, length of the bending portion, distance between two limbs, air gap between two limbs, length of the flat portion of the two limbs of the hook shape deion plate, with a comparatively sharper bend compared to hook shape, can vary as per breaking capacity, voltage and current rating of the device and requirement. Any combination of these parameters can be adapted to form the bent deion plate, especially the hook shaped deion plates, as per requirement.

[0059] Other than bending other processes like welding, machining also can be used to achieve such similar shaped design with single or multiple metal sheets. The ablative insulating material plate or cap is fitted to the metallic bent or hook shaped deion plate on the hook portion or notch portion in the shorter limb of the metallic bent plate. In the hook shaped deion plates there is profile given for the fitment of the ablative insulating plate or cap and in the ablative insulating plate or cap also there is exact grove or profile given for exact fitment, so that both plate can be joined or fitted properly to form one single splitter plate with smooth transition surface from metallic plate to insulating plate.

[0060] Here the splitter plates, that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, is assembled together by insert fitment while the same can be formed by any other fitment process and design. In similar fashion the splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap can from ‘U’ shape splitter plate with extended or long ablative insulating plate or cap. The ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap can be of any length and can be of any shape with any probable fitment feature or profile as per requirement.

[0061] Splitter plates, that uses combination of ferromagnetic material and ablative insulating material on the same plate, can be of flat plate shape and design with or without any profile cut on it, having combination of flat metallic or ferromagnetic deion plate and flat ablative insulating plate on the same splitter plate. In similar manner, any similar shaped or similar fashioned bent deion plate can be formed. The bending sharpness, bending radius, bending profile, length of the bending portion, distance between two limbs, air gap between two limbs, length of the flat portion of the two limbs can vary as per requirement of the bent deion plate and can form any similar fashioned probable shape and size.

[0062] These deion plates can be assembled between side plates in the arc chute. Any other effective arrangement of assembly to incorporate the deion plate assembly, also can be possible.

[0063] These hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion, are of suitable thickness to generate the pull force on the arc and to withstand the arc energy and electrodynamic force due to high current. The height, width and distance between the two vertical portion or limb of the deion plates can be selected suitably also as per the requirement. The hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion, can be developed from mild steel or other suitable ferromagnetic metal.

[0064] The hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion, can be developed from mild steel or other suitable ferromagnetic metal. The hook shape can be achieved by bending the metal plate with appropriate accuracy. The deion plates can be zinc plated or nickel plated or any suitable material plating can be done. The number of hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion, can vary as per breaking capacity requirement. Multiple hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion, can be used along with flat deion plates and long deion plates, hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with profile cut at the bent portion or any other similar shaped or similar fashioned bent deion plates in the arc chute assembly.

[0065] The splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap along with particular thickness also helps in withstanding the high electrodynamic force due to high current between the vertical portion of a single deion plate and between the deion plates. The hook shape of the deion plate and the robust assembly of deion plates in the side plates of arc chute assembly gives the required mechanical strength to withstand the high electrodynamic forces due to high current compared to and other bent deion plate shape and arrangement. The profile cut on the unique hook shaped deion plate helps to move the arc in the upward direction due to magnetic force development and magnetic flux lines distribution. The deion plates with unsymmetrical profile cut with respect to x and y axis can be arranged in symmetrical groove or cut profile position or in alternative groove or cut profile position in an alternative deion plates arrangement as per requirement.

[0066] In one implementation, the strength, thickness and the fitment of the insulating plate or insulating material cap is to be adequate enough to withstand the arc energy and electro-dynamic forces.

[0067] Due to various unique features of these bent deion plates, this splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, which helps in higher arc voltage development, can also be used with or without single or multiple flat plate deion plates, single or multiple long deion plates and single or multiple hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with profile cut at the bent portion , or any other single or multiple similar shaped or similar fashioned bent deion plates, with or without any particular profile cut, in the arc chute assembly in any combination, in any arrangement and in any number to improve the arc quenching performance.

[0068] To summarize the working principle, the use of the current invention of splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, in the arc chute assembly help to improve the electrical arc quenching performance in terms of greater arc voltage development, fast development of the arc voltage in the initial phase of splitting, improved arc quenching performance by use of ablative material. Due to the unique profile and shape of the deion plates in the arc chute assembly, higher arc voltage develops due to lengthening of arc and due to use of ablative insulating material arc gets effectively quenched and comparatively fast in the arc chute assembly.

[0069] This splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, can also be used with or without single or multiple flat plate deion plates, single or multiple long deion plates and single or multiple hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with profile cut at the bent portion, or any other single or multiple similar shaped or similar fashioned bent deion plates, with or without any particular profile cut, in the arc chute assembly in any combination, in any arrangement and in any number to improve the arc quenching performance.

[0070] This particular splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, which helps in higher arc voltage development, reduces the occurrence of conduction of current through the deion plate. Instead of the path through the metal deion plate, arc takes the path along the bend of the hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion, thus elongating itself. This helps in developing high arc voltage than the normal flat plate deion plates. Therefore helps in efficient arc quenching.

[0071] The splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, increases the force on arc after the arc enters into the deion plates. After entering into the splitter plates, splitting of arc happens. The formation of arc root and the lengthening of the arc along the bend portion help to set up such a current path, that in between the plates, arc path experiences higher force in the upward direction due to Lorentz force. This helps in fast arc movement and arc voltage development in comparison to the flat plate deion plate case.

[0072] In case of splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, further elongation also can be possible in between the deion plate region due to Lorentz force.

[0073] As the chance of root formation on both side of the deion plate thickness are reduced in the splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, the erosion of deion plates also reduces.

[0074] Due to high and fast arc voltage development after arc enters into the deion plates, total arcing time reduces. It helps in better arc quenching. Thus reducing the chance of standing arc in above deion plate region due to lesser arc voltage development and improper quenching. In this regard, splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, helps in reducing the arc speed in the upward direction after the bend portion or notch of hook shape, instead it helps in further elongating the arc length due to Lorentz force between two adjacent deion plates, as one of the arc root stays on the metallic deion plate surface at the joining of the ferromagnetic metallic plate and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, and the other arc root stays on the nearby deion plate. So further development of arc voltage takes place, which immensely help in proper quenching of the arc.

[0075] The hook portion or the shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion along with the ablative insulating plate or ablative insulating cap of the splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, helps in retaining the arc in between the deion plate region ,as one of the arc root stays on the metallic deion plate surface at the joining of the ferromagnetic metallic plate and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap and the insulating plate or insulating cap prevents further upward movement of that arc root. The Lorentz force help to prevent the downward movement of the arc and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap prevents upward movement of the arc root. So it reduces the chance of downward movement of split arc, thus reducing the chance of creating a standing arc in above the contact gap region and it reduces the upward movement of arc root above deion plate region, thus reducing the chance of standing arc by joining of split arc lets above the vent region of the arc chute assembly.

[0076] The splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, ensure the retention of arc in the middle portion of the arc chute assembly vertically. This way, it prevents the upward and downward movement of arc in the arc chute assembly and ensures the interruption of the arc in the arc chute assembly itself. This avoids the accumulation of arc and related arc cloud and gases in the contact gap region, avoids occurrence of standing arc or sustained arc in the contact gap or in the venting area above deion plates.

[0077] Due to the unique and particular shape of the deion plates with profile cut in the bent portion of the deion plates, magnetic pull force on the arc increases, which helps in fast movement of the arc from the contact and runner area, thus reducing erosion of contact and reducing total arcing time. The particular sharp bend profile and comparative aerodynamic shape of hook shaped deion plate helps in arc movement into the deion plate region. This particular sharp bend profile and comparative aerodynamic shape of hook shaped deion plate also helps in comparatively smooth shockwave movement and generated gas movement in the upward direction, reduced reflected shockwave and gas from bottom of the deion plates, and the notch profile prevents the backward or downward movement of reflected shock wave, reflected gas and arc.

[0078] The particular shape of the current invention of splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap helps in withstanding the high electrodynamic force due to high current between the vertical portion of a single deion plate and between the deion plates. The hook shape of the deion plate and the robust assembly of deion plates in the side plates of arc chute assembly gives the required mechanical strength to withstand the high electrodynamic forces due to high current compared to and other bent deion plate shape and arrangement. The profile cut on the unique hook shaped deion plate helps to move the arc in the upward direction due to magnetic force development and magnetic flux lines distribution.

[0079] The insulating plate or insulating material cap is selected from at least one of a material selected from a group of Nylon 6,6, Polyamide 6,6, Polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE or any other suitable ablative, arc resistant, flame retardant and melt-deform resistant insulating material.

[0080] As the temperature of the arc chamber rises during arcing, the ablative material burns and releases gases which by virtue of their material properties like electron affinity, molecular structure, breakdown voltage helps in quenching the arc. Nylon 6, 6 offers high breakdown voltage while comparing to other ablative materials. It also enhances the chamber pressure significantly when compared to other ablative materials by releasing significant amount of gases. Also as in Nylon 6,6, higher Degree of aliphatic (linear) C chains present than aromatic (ring) C chains, it generates lesser amount of solid residue of Carbon as Carbon deposit weakens the dielectric strength and hence the breakdown voltage .The low carbon produced by the nylon was attributed to its high breakdown strength, even at lower pressures. Carbon, superheated in the plasma and deposited on the cathode, would produce local hot spots that could reduce the breakdown voltage. These hot spots of carbon would have a high thermionic emission that lowers the breakdown strength. Low carbon production of nylon 6/6 is attributed to the aliphatic (linear) structure of nylon 6/6, as opposed to aromatic (ring) carbon molecular structure present in polyesters and other materials. The energy of the arc burns, vaporizes or sublimates ablative materials and generates high pressure in the arc chamber by producing gases and this high pressure enhance arcing voltage. The high pressure when interrupting high currents in a complete or partial confined surrounding like arc chamber favors the development of arc voltage, as the section on the right of the arc column is reduced, and its resistance increases. Also for the same temperature if pressure increases density of neutral atom increases and for the same pressure if temperature decreases the density of neutral atom increases and vice versa for charged particles.

[0081] Also high pressure in a chamber can lead to more heat dissipation rate. Thus high pressure developed in the arcing chamber due to ablative materials leads to better and effective arc quenching and helps to improve the overall arc quenching performance.

[0082] Figure 1(a) illustrates an isometric view of breaker assembly, and Figure 1(b) illustrates side view of breaker assembly (partial), showing arc chute assembly, contact assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0083] Figure 2 (a), Figure 2 (b) and Figure 2 (c) illustrates side view and isometric views of hook shaped ferromagnetic metallic deion plate, with comparatively sharper bend, with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion with profile cut for fitment to insulating plate on it, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0084] Figure 2 (d) and Figure 2 (e) illustrates a side view and isometric view of ablative Insulating material plate or cap with profile cut for fitment to hook shaped ferromagnetic metallic deion plate on it, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0085] Figure 2 (f) and Figure 2 (g) illustrates a side view and isometric view of the invention that is splitter plate that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plate specially hook shaped deion plate, with comparatively sharper bend, without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0086] Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3 (b) illustrates a side and isometric view of arc chute assembly (partial: 1 side plate is not shown) with splitter plates along with flat deion plates and long deion plate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0087] Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 (b) illustrates a side and isometric view of arc chute assembly (partial: 1 side plate is not shown) with splitter plates along with flat deion plates and long deion plate in the breaker assembly (partial) along with contact assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0088] Figure 4 (c) and Figure 4 (d) illustrates a side and isometric view of arc chute assembly (partial: 1 side plate is not shown) with splitter plates along with flat deion plates and long deion plate along with contact assembly (partial), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0089] Figure 5 (a) illustrates a isometric view of the invention that is ‘U’ shaped splitter plate that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plate specially hook shaped deion plate, with comparatively sharper bend, without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and long ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0090] Figure 5 (b) illustrates a the isometric view of assembly fitment of the ‘U’ shaped splitter plate that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plate specially hook shaped deion plate, with comparatively sharper bend, without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and long ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0091] Figure 5 (c) and Figure 5 (d) illustrates a side and isometric view of arc chute assembly (partial: 1 side plate is not shown) with ‘U’ shaped splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plate specially hook shaped deion plate, with comparatively sharper bend, without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and long ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap along with flat deion plates and long deion plate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter..

[0092] Figure 5 (e) illustrates a isometric view of arc chute assembly (partial: 1 side plate and top cover is not shown) with ‘U’ shaped splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plate specially hook shaped deion plate, with comparatively sharper bend, without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and long ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap along with flat deion plates and long deion plate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0093] Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 (b) illustrates a side and isometric view of arc chute assembly (partial: 1 side plate is not shown) with ‘U’ shaped splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plate specially hook shaped deion plate, with comparatively sharper bend, without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and long ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap along with flat deion plates and long deion plate in the breaker assembly (partial) along with contact assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0094] Figure 6 (c) and Figure 6 (d) illustrates a side and isometric view of arc chute assembly (partial: 1 side plate is not shown) with ‘U’ shaped splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plate specially hook shaped deion plate, with comparatively sharper bend, without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and long ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap along with flat deion plates and long deion plate along with contact assembly (partial), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0095] Figure 7 (a), Figure 7 (b) and Figure 7(c) illustrates the Lorentz force on the arc and lengthening of arc (And also retention of arc) in between two splitter plates, that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, due to the particular current path because of the unique shape and profile of the Hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0096] Figure 8 (a), and Figure 8 (b) illustrates the direction of Lorentz force on the arc in case of splitter plates, that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap. In case of flat deion plate the force on the arc can be upward or downward, depending upon the current path on the deion plates but for hook shaped deion plate the force on arc is in the upward direction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0097] Apart from what is discussed above, some other benefits and/or technical advantages and/or some specific features of the present invention are as provided below:
i. The usage of splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap in single or in multiple number and in any arrangement in the arc chute assembly.
ii. The usage of ‘U’ shape splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and long or extended ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap forming the ‘U’ shape. In single or in multiple number in any arrangement in the arc chute assembly.
iii. The splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, has two limbs or vertical portions, one long vertical portion and another short vertical portion. Both limbs are joined by the bent portion in between and forms the shape of a hook with two vertical portions or limbs in parallel position, with a comparatively sharper bend compared to hook shape. This deion plate is developed from single metal sheet by bending. Between the flat portions of the two limbs of hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion, appropriate distance or air gap is there. The bending sharpness, bending radius, bending profile, length of the bending portion, distance between two limbs, air gap between two limbs, length of the flat portion of the two limbs of the hook shape deion plate, with a comparatively sharper bend compared to hook shape, can vary as per breaking capacity, voltage and current rating of the device and requirement. Any combination of these parameters can be adapted to form the bent deion plate, especially the hook shaped deion plates, as per requirement. Other than bending other processes like welding, machining also can be used to achieve such similar shaped design with single or multiple metal sheets. The ablative insulating material plate or cap is fitted to the metallic bent or hook shaped deion plate on the hook portion or notch portion in the shorter limb of the metallic bent plate. In the hook shaped deion plates there is profile given for the fitment of the ablative insulating plate or cap and in the ablative insulating plate or cap also there is exact grove or profile given for exact fitment, so that both plate can be joined or fitted properly to form one single splitter plate with smooth transition surface from metallic plate to insulating plate, In similar fashion the splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap can from ‘U’ shape splitter plate with extended or long ablative insulating plate or cap.
iv. The ferromagnetic metallic hook shaped deion plate of the ‘U’ shape splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and long or extended ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap forming the ‘U’ shape, has two limbs or vertical portions, one long vertical portion and another short vertical portion. Both limbs are joined by the bent portion in between and forms the shape of a hook with two vertical portions or limbs in parallel position, with a comparatively sharper bend compared to hook shape. This deion plate is developed from single metal sheet by bending. Between the flat portions of the two limbs of hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion, appropriate distance or air gap is there. The bending sharpness, bending radius, bending profile, length of the bending portion, distance between two limbs, air gap between two limbs, length of the flat portion of the two limbs of the hook shape deion plate, with a comparatively sharper bend compared to hook shape, can vary as per breaking capacity, voltage and current rating of the device and requirement. Any combination of these parameters can be adapted to form the bent deion plate, especially the hook shaped deion plates, as per requirement. Other than bending other processes like welding, machining also can be used to achieve such similar shaped design with single or multiple metal sheets. The ablative insulating material plate or cap is fitted to the metallic bent or hook shaped deion plate on the hook portion or notch portion in the shorter limb of the metallic bent plate. In the hook shaped deion plates there is profile given for the fitment of the ablative insulating plate or cap and in the ablative insulating plate or cap also there is exact grove or profile given for exact fitment, so that both plate can be joined or fitted properly to form one single splitter plate with smooth transition surface from metallic plate to insulating plate,
v. In similar manner, any similar shaped or similar fashioned bent deion plate can be formed. The bending sharpness, bending radius, bending profile, length of the bending portion, distance between two limbs, air gap between two limbs, length of the flat portion of the two limbs can vary as per requirement of the bent deion plate and can form any similar fashioned probable shape and size.
vi. The use of the current invention of splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, in the arc chute assembly help to improve the electrical arc quenching performance in terms of greater arc voltage development, fast development of the arc voltage in the initial phase of splitting, improved arc quenching performance by use of ablative material. Due to the unique profile and shape of the deion plates in the arc chute assembly, higher arc voltage develops due to lengthening of arc and due to use of ablative insulating material arc gets effectively quenched and comparatively fast in the arc chute assembly.
vii. This splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, can also be used with or without single or multiple flat plate deion plates, single or multiple long deion plates and single or multiple hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with profile cut at the bent portion, or any other single or multiple similar shaped or similar fashioned bent deion plates, with or without any particular profile cut, in the arc chute assembly in any combination, in any arrangement and in any number to improve the arc quenching performance.
viii. This particular splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, which helps in higher arc voltage development, reduces the occurrence of conduction of current through the deion plate. Instead of the path through the metal deion plate, arc takes the path along the bend of the hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion, thus elongating itself. This helps in developing high arc voltage than the normal flat plate deion plates. Therefore helps in efficient arc quenching.
ix. The splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, increases the force on arc after the arc enters into the deion plates. After entering into the splitter plates, splitting of arc happens. The formation of arc root and the lengthening of the arc along the bend portion help to set up such a current path, that in between the plates, arc path experiences higher force in the upward direction due to Lorentz force. This helps in fast arc movement and arc voltage development in comparison to the flat plate deion plate case. In case of splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, further elongation also can be possible in between the deion plate region due to Lorentz force.
x. As the chance of root formation on both side of the deion plate thickness are reduced in the splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, the erosion of deion plates also reduces.
xi. Due to high and fast arc voltage development after arc enters into the deion plates, total arcing time reduces. It helps in better arc quenching. Thus reducing the chance of standing arc in above deion plate region due to lesser arc voltage development and improper quenching. In this regard, splitter plates that use combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, helps in reducing the arc speed in the upward direction after the bend portion or notch of hook shape, instead it helps in further elongating the arc length due to Lorentz force between two adjacent deion plates, as one of the arc root stays on the metallic deion plate surface at the joining of the ferromagnetic metallic plate and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, and the other arc root stays on the nearby deion plate. So further development of arc voltage takes place, which immensely help in proper quenching of the arc. The hook portion or the shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion along with the ablative insulating plate or ablative insulating cap of the splitter plates that uses combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap, helps in retaining the arc in between the deion plate region ,as one of the arc root stays on the metallic deion plate surface at the joining of the ferromagnetic metallic plate and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap and the insulating plate or insulating cap prevents further upward movement of that arc root. The Lorentz force help to prevent the downward movement of the arc and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap prevents upward movement of the arc root. So it reduces the chance of downward movement of split arc, thus reducing the chance of creating a standing arc in above the contact gap region and it reduces the upward movement of arc root above deion plate region, thus reducing the chance of standing arc by joining of split arc lets above the vent region of the arc chute assembly.
xii. Due to the unique and particular shape of the deion plates with profile cut in the bent portion of the deion plates, magnetic pull force on the arc increases, which helps in fast movement of the arc from the contact and runner area, thus reducing erosion of contact and reducing total arcing time. The particular sharp bend profile and comparative aerodynamic shape of hook shaped deion plate helps in arc movement into the deion plate region. This particular sharp bend profile and comparative aerodynamic shape of hook shaped deion plate also helps in comparatively smooth shockwave movement and generated gas movement in the upward direction, reduced reflected shockwave and gas from bottom of the deion plates, and the notch profile prevents the backward or downward movement of reflected shock wave, reflected gas and arc.
xiii. The present invention that is splitter plates may use a combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion plates specially hook shaped deion plates, with comparatively sharper bend, with or without profile cut at the bent portion and with shorter vertical portion at least half the size of the longer vertical portion and ablative insulating material plate or ablative insulating material cap may be used in the arc chute assembly in any possible similar combination and in any possible similar arrangement as stated in the prior-art application 1261/MUM/2015, “an improved arc chute assembly in electrical switching device”, dated March 31, 2015, instead of the said hook shaped deion plate stated in the publication or along with the said hook shaped deion plate as per requirement.

[0098] It may be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art that for the purpose of convenient and brief description, for a detailed working process of the foregoing system, devices, and unit, reference may be made to a corresponding process in the foregoing device/apparatus embodiments, and details are not described herein again.

[0099] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, apparatus, and device may be implemented in other manners. For example, a plurality of units or components or mechanisms may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not performed. In addition, the displayed or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections may be implemented through some interfaces. The indirect couplings or communication connections between the apparatuses or units may be implemented in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[00100] The various mechanisms described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and the parts displayed as mechanisms may or may not be physical units, may be located in one position, or may be distributed at various location of the device. Some or all of the units may be selected to achieve the objective of the solution of the embodiment according to actual needs.

[00101] In addition, the mechanisms in the embodiments of the present invention may be integrated into one processing unit, or each of the mechanisms may exist alone physically, or two or more mechanisms may be integrated into one mechanism.

[00102] Although combinations of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion and ablative insulating material plate for improved arc quenching disclosed, it is to be understood that the embodiments disclosed in the above section are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods or devices described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of implementations of the combination of ferromagnetic metallic bent deion and ablative insulating material plate for improved arc quenching.