Claims:
1. A circuit breaker comprising:
an operating mechanism (100) having a motor (16) and a gear assembly; and
an amoebic gear arrangement (A1, A2) mounted on said motor (16);
wherein a driver gear (A1) of said amoebic gear arrangement (A1, A2) is adapted to rotate along with the motor (16) so as to translate motion intermittently to a driven gear (A2) of said amoebic gear arrangement (A1, A2);
wherein said gear assembly comprises a worm gear (4D) having a unidirectional bearing (4C) that is coupled with said a driven gear (A2) such that said a driven gear (A2) is adapted to rotate said worm gear (4D) at least by two quarters with each rotation of said motor (16).

2. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 1, wherein said gear assembly further comprises a worm gear unit (4) having said worm gear (4D), a sun gear (1), an epicyclic gear train (300), and a pinion (11) and rack (13) assembly.

3. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 2, wherein during a charging operation, said pinion (11) is coupled to an internal gear (14) via shaft (9), and is adapted to rotate in an anticlockwise direction so as to rotate said internal gear (14) in same direction, based on which said sun gear (1) is rotated in clockwise direction, which as a result rotates said worm gear unit (4) in anticlockwise.

4. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 3, wherein said unidirectional bearing (4C) is adapted to restrict rotation of said worm gear unit (4) in anticlockwise direction.

5. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 1, said circuit breaker further comprising an epicyclic latch (3) and a planet gear (2) adapted to maintain a spring in charged condition.

6. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 1, said circuit breaker further comprising an internal gear arrangement (14) having a projection (14a), wherein during a charging operation, an epicyclic latch (3) is in open position due to projection (14a) on internal gear (14), a supportive latch (18) is in engaged position holding a ratchet (19) to enable charging.

7. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 6, wherein when said projection (14a) rotates along with a charging motion to disengage said supportive latch (18), and a latching is shifted to the epicyclic latch (3) from said supportive latch (18).

8. The circuit breaker as claimed in claim 7, said circuit breaker further comprising a solenoid (20) and a compact solenoid (21), wherein during a discharging operation, said solenoid (20) disengages said epicyclic latch (3) and said compact solenoid (21) disengages from said supportive latch (18) to ensure positive disengagement.
, Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of circuit breaker, and more specifically relates to, motor operators/remote operators of molded case circuit breakers (MCCB) for operating contact system using a mechanism.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Electrical switching apparatus, such as circuit breakers, provide protection for electrical systems from electrical fault conditions such as, for example, current overloads, short circuits, abnormal voltage and other fault conditions. Typically, circuit breakers include an operating mechanism which opens electrical contact assemblies to interrupt the flow of current trough the conductors of an electrical system in response to such fault conditions. A circuit breaker is an automatically operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overcurrent, typically resulting from an overload or short circuit. Its basic function is to interrupt current flow after a fault is detected. Unlike a fuse, which operates once and then must be replaced, a circuit breaker can be reset (either manually or automatically) to resume normal operation.
[0004] Circuit breaker is a switching device designed to make, carry and break the circuit. A circuit breaker is an automatically operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overcurrent, typically resulting from an overload or short circuit. Circuit breakers are generally installed to protect equipment from overcurrent (than its rated current) situations, for example, when a short circuit or ground fault occurs in an electrical supply conductor. Upon the occurrence of any such overcurrent condition, electrical contacts inside circuit breaker get opened, and stop supply of electrical current to equipment. Designs for circuit breakers generally include accommodations for both high quiescent currents and high withstand currents. To maintain a high withstand current rating, the contacts must be locked closed at the current withstand rating and be able to withstand the large electrodynamics repulsion forces generated by the current flow. With the increase of industry size and automation, the requirement of protection devices has also increased.
[0005] The circuit breaker typically serves two basic purposes first as a switching device for switching On/Off during normal operating conditions for the purpose of operation and maintenance. And second as a protecting device for tripping or isolating by breaking the contacts interrupting the fault current during abnormal conditions such as short-circuit, overload and under voltage.
[0006] Circuit breaker consists of one or more electric poles, whose number determined by the application as single pole circuit breaker, two-pole circuit breaker, three-pole circuit breaker and four-pole circuit breaker and so on. They are designed for use in switchboards, control panels, and combination starters in separate enclosures for effective single location distribution and control. Also these are housed inside an enclosure to provide safety to users operating the same.
[0007] In the most common type of installation, an operating handle is mounted on the panel door has to be rotated to switch the circuit breaker ON and OFF. For high end operations wherein the electric supply needs to be reinstated in a very short span of time ranging in micro seconds, or while swapping ends between two supplies, a stored energy operating mechanism is mounted on the molded case circuit breaker (hereinafter referred as “MCCB”) and used to release energy required to close the contacts of the circuit breaker and reinstate the supply. The stored energy operating mechanism is one such device which is a combination of mechanisms for accumulating and storing mechanical energy, wherein the energy is used to close the primary contacts of the circuit breaker. The energy can be input to the mechanism manually or by means of a motor. The mechanism includes a series of linkages which function to utilize the energy to close the primary contacts. These linkages also function to maintain the closing force upon the primary contacts, while also functioning to allow rapid contact opening when desired.
[0008] Use of electrical devices is well known for making, breaking and to provide safety in a typical electrical distribution system. These devices get mounted inside a board or panel board for added safety to the operator. Most often these devices are required to be operated either from outside or by opening the enclosure/ panel. In view of operator’s safety, remote operation is an alternative way to operate the switching devices. Usually to achieve this, an add-on accessory is mounted over the switching device, which may operate the device when called for.
[0009] Also in today’s scenario response time for an electrical switching system to switchover from one desired source to the other is gaining importance. Thus with a view of lesser operational time and remote operation of a switching device, stored energy type of motor mechanism are used.
[00010] Motor operators also referred to as electrical operating mechanism (hereinafter referred as “EOM”), is mainly used to drive MCCB from a remote location through electrical input. EOM can be of two main types, direct drive operator and stored energy operator. In case of direct drive operator, motor energy is used in both ways of closing and opening the MCCB. In case of stored energy operator, the motor energy is used in the direction of ON-OFF movement, which means opening of MCCB, in which the spring assembled in the system is charged and allowed to store energy through various mechanical means. The stored energy is discharged, during the OFF-ON motion, which means closing of MCCB contacts. Stored energy operator has two modes of operation: Manual and Auto. Manual mode consists of a charging unit and the handle attached to it, so that cranking system provided onto the handle allows customer to drive the MCCB from ON-OFF and a manual OFF button allowing the unit to discharge the energized spring through various linkages mechanically connected. Auto mode consists of motor charging the spring and driving the unit from ON-OFF and input from remote location discharges the energized spring through mechanical linkages connected below.
[00011] Stored energy operator serves two basic purposes. As a switching device: On/Off during normal operating conditions for the purpose of operation and maintenance. As a protecting device: Tripping or Isolating by breaking the contacts interrupting the fault current during abnormal conditions such as short-circuit, overload and under voltage. Stored energy electrical operating mechanism (hereinafter referred as “SE-EOM”) is also supposed to meet the standard and Foot print requirements of basic breaker. MCCB being the governing element, with preset boundary conditions and constraints, SE-EOM has to perform primary, secondary and tertiary functions in a determined manner.
[00012] Efforts have been made in related art to address above stated problem by using a circuit breaker. An example of such of the circuit breaker is recited in a United States Patent 6130392, entitled “Stored energy circuit breaker operator”. The patent discloses a stored energy circuit breaker operator for association with an operating handle of a circuit breaker contains springs that store energy when charged and that release energy when discharged. Energy is stored when a movement translation assembly is moved in a charging direction by an operator gear, and stored energy is released when a release apparatus releases the operator gear, causing the movement translation assembly to move in a discharging direction. The circuit breaker operating handle is moved to ON position by the charging movement of the movement translation assembly, and as stored energy is released, the discharging movement of the translation assembly moves the operating handle to OFF position. The operator gear is operated via an operator handle, operator shaft, and pinion gear assembly. The pinion gear assembly has a carrier pivotally associated with the operator shaft and a pinion gear that rotates the operator gear. The operator gear may also be turned by an electric motor and series of gears to accomplish electric operation of the circuit breaker. Another example of the circuit breaker is recited in a United States Patent 616634, entitled “Unidirectional clutch assembly for a stored energy circuit breaker operator assembly”. The patent discloses a unidirectional clutch assembly for use with an operator handle, pinion shaft assembly, a worm gear assembly and a pinion gear assembly of a stored energy assembly for use with a circuit breaker assembly, the operator handle and pinion shaft assembly including an operator handle having an outer handle hub having a first recess for receiving a first end of the pinion shaft assembly, the worm gear assembly fitting over the pinion shaft assembly and the pinion shaft assembly having a second end for receiving a pinion gear assembly, the unidirectional clutch assembly comprising a first unidirectional clutch structure, wherein the first unidirectional clutch structure fits over the first end of the pinion shaft and the unidirectional clutch structure is fitted into the first recess of the outer handle hub; and a second unidirectional clutch structure, wherein the second unidirectional clutch structure fits within the worm gear assembly and over the pinion shaft assembly between the first and second ends of the pinion shaft assembly, wherein the first unidirectional clutch structure and said second unidirectional clutch structure are oriented in the same direction so that they slip unidirectional in the same direction.
[00013] However in the prior- art, which uses portion of stored energy to close the circuit breaker. Thus, energy is wasted in overcoming resistance introduced by components used in charging systems. Further, if the charging system is manually operated, it can be interrupted or overrun when the charging system is engaged during manual operation of manual charging system. Yet in another scenario, some of inventions use two springs of different stiffness for charging and discharging mechanism in motor operating system for circuit breaker switching operation. With domain driving towards compact and cost effective modules, volume allocated for constructing SE-EOM module was limited in the existing circuit breaker. The existing techniques means of operating and achieving the intended function uses larger volume and has higher energy consumption. In the prior-art, stored energy operating system consists of tension spring for storing and discharging of energy, where the chances of failure in the region of hook are higher. In the prior-art, stored energy operating system consists of cam latch for latching during handle charging and ratchet based latching during motor charging. To achieve various functions that needed to perform MCCB operations, require increase energy transmission, increased efficiency, and increased travel accommodation (ON-OFF linear travel) with increased number of components and reducing reliability. Present arrangement as well as prior art comprises of motor arrangement directly driving the MCCB directly without secondary means to protect the final impact that occurs at the motor operation. This occurs due to solid stoppage from the MCCB, and jamming occurs as the direct linkage of mechanical elements from motor are undergoing through momentum of the motor. Further, mechanical jamming leading to increased force in the subsequent operation of switching ON of MCCB either in auto mode or in manual mode.
[00014] Whereas there is certainly nothing wrong with existing circuit breaker, nonetheless, there still exists a need to provide an efficient, effective, reliable, and improved motor operators / remote operators of molded case circuit breakers (MCCB) for operating contact system using mechanism. Further, there is a need of a mechanical arrangement with the motor so as to reduce the impact of momentum after completion of operation.
[00015] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[00016] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[00017] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[00018] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[00019] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[00020] An object of the present disclosure is to provide motor operators / remote operators of molded case circuit breakers (MCCB) for operating contact system using a mechanism.
[00021] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism to keep spring in charged condition.
[00022] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide compact means of arrangement and well utilization of mechanical linkages improving reliability.
[00023] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanical arrangement with the motor so as to reduce the impact of momentum after completion of operation.
[00024] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an integrated latching system for electrical operating mechanism (herein after ‘the operating mechanism’) for a molded case circuit breaker.
[00025] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an assembly which enhances the functional need to meet load release arrangement after final operation is achieved.
[00026] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a modified Geneva mechanism to delay the locking process by intermittent motion transfer.
[00027] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a modified Geneva mechanism along with roller arrangement to aid in rolling and smooth travel aids in reducing the locking that happens after final travel is achieved.

SUMMARY
[00028] The present disclosure relates to the field of circuit breaker, and more specifically relates to, motor operators / remote operators of molded case circuit breakers (MCCB) for operating contact system using a mechanism.
[00029] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an efficient, effective, reliable, and improved circuit breaker. Further, motor operators / remote operators of molded case circuit breakers (MCCB) for operating contact system using a mechanism.
[00030] Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure relates to a circuit breaker. In an aspect, the circuit breaker can include an operating mechanism, an amoebic gear arrangement. In another aspect, the operating mechanism having a motor and a gear assembly. In another aspect, the amoebic gear arrangement can be mounted on said motor. In another aspect, a driver gear of said amoebic gear arrangement can be adapted to rotate along with the motor so as to translate motion intermittently to a driven gear of said amoebic gear arrangement. In another aspect, the gear assembly can include a worm gear having a unidirectional bearing that is coupled with said a driven gear such that said a driven gear can be adapted to rotate said worm gear at least by two quarters with each rotation of said motor.
[00031] In an aspect, gear assembly further can include a worm gear unit having said worm gear, a sun gear, an epicyclic gear train, and a pinion and rack assembly.
[00032] In an aspect, during a charging operation, said pinion can be coupled to an internal gear via shaft, and is adapted to rotate in an anticlockwise direction so as to rotate said internal gear in same direction, based on which said sun gear is rotated in clockwise direction, which as a result rotates said worm gear unit in anticlockwise.
[00033] In an aspect, unidirectional bearing can be adapted to restrict rotation of said worm gear unit in anticlockwise direction
[00034] In an aspect, circuit breaker further can include an epicyclic latch and a planet gear adapted to maintain a spring in charged condition
[00035] In an aspect, circuit breaker further can include an internal gear arrangement having a projection, wherein during a charging operation, an epicyclic latch is in open position due to projection on internal gear, a supportive latch is in engaged position holding a ratchet to enable charging.
[00036] In an aspect, projection can rotate along with a charging motion to disengage said supportive latch, and a latching is shifted to the epicyclic latch from said supportive latch.
[00037] In an aspect, circuit breaker further can include a solenoid (20) and a compact solenoid, wherein during a discharging operation, said solenoid disengages said epicyclic latch and said compact solenoid disengages from said supportive latch to ensure positive disengagement.
[00038] In contrast to the conventional circuit breaker, the present disclosure provides motor operators / remote operators of molded case circuit breakers (MCCB) for operating contact system using mechanism. Further, in contrast to the existing circuit breaker, the present invention provides a mechanical arrangement with the motor so as to reduce the impact of momentum after completion of operation. Furthermore, in contrast to the existing circuit breaker, the present invention provides a mechanical arrangement to keep motor away from directly connecting to the output system.
[00039] Further, in contrast to the existing conventional circuit breaker, the present invention provides a mechanical arrangement that reduces final momentum after completion of operation leading to jamming by multiple times. Furthermore, the present invention provides a mechanism to accommodate compression spring with proper seating and built-in spring guide throughout an operation. Additionally the present invention can achieve the desired function in less number of components, fewer backlashes and less friction with higher travel. Moreover the present invention can maintain buckling effect which is predominant if there is no support.
[00040] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00041] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein:
[00042] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00043] FIG. 2 illustrates an amoebotic gear arrangement, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00044] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[00045] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[00046] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[00047] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
[00048] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[00049] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[00050] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[00051] The present disclosure relates to the field of circuit breaker, and more specifically relates to, motor operators / remote operators of molded case circuit breakers (MCCB) for operating contact system using a mechanism.
[00052] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an efficient, effective, reliable, and improved circuit breaker. Further, motor operators / remote operators of molded case circuit breakers (MCCB) for operating contact system using a mechanism.
[00053] Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure relates to a circuit breaker. In an aspect, the circuit breaker can include an operating mechanism, an amoebic gear arrangement. In another aspect, the operating mechanism having a motor and a gear assembly. In another aspect, the amoebic gear arrangement can be mounted on said motor. In another aspect, a driver gear of said amoebic gear arrangement can be adapted to rotate along with the motor so as to translate motion intermittently to a driven gear of said amoebic gear arrangement. In another aspect, the gear assembly can include a worm gear having a unidirectional bearing that is coupled with said a driven gear such that said a driven gear can be adapted to rotate said worm gear at least by two quarters with each rotation of said motor.
[00054] In an aspect, gear assembly further can include a worm gear unit having said worm gear, a sun gear, an epicyclic gear train, and a pinion and rack assembly.
[00055] In an aspect, during a charging operation, said pinion can be coupled to an internal gear via shaft, and is adapted to rotate in an anticlockwise direction so as to rotate said internal gear in same direction, based on which said sun gear is rotated in clockwise direction, which as a result rotates said worm gear unit in anticlockwise.
[00056] In an aspect, unidirectional bearing can be adapted to restrict rotation of said worm gear unit in anticlockwise direction
[00057] In an aspect, circuit breaker further can include an epicyclic latch and a planet gear adapted to maintain a spring in charged condition
[00058] In an aspect, circuit breaker further can include an internal gear arrangement having a projection, wherein during a charging operation, an epicyclic latch is in open position due to projection on internal gear, a supportive latch is in engaged position holding a ratchet to enable charging.
[00059] In an aspect, projection can rotate along with a charging motion to disengage said supportive latch, and a latching is shifted to the epicyclic latch from said supportive latch.
[00060] In an aspect, circuit breaker further can include a solenoid (20) and a compact solenoid, wherein during a discharging operation, said solenoid disengages said epicyclic latch and said compact solenoid disengages from said supportive latch to ensure positive disengagement.
[00061] In contrast to the conventional circuit breaker, the present disclosure provides motor operators / remote operators of molded case circuit breakers (MCCB) for operating contact system using mechanism. Further, in contrast to the existing circuit breaker, the present invention provides a mechanical arrangement with the motor so as to reduce the impact of momentum after completion of operation. Furthermore, in contrast to the existing circuit breaker, the present invention provides a mechanical arrangement to keep motor away from directly connecting to the output system.
[00062] Further, in contrast to the existing conventional circuit breaker, the present invention provides a mechanical arrangement that reduces final momentum after completion of operation leading to jamming by multiple times. Furthermore, the present invention provides a mechanism to accommodate compression spring with proper seating and built-in spring guide throughout an operation. Additionally the present invention can achieve the desired function in less number of components, fewer backlashes and less friction with higher travel. Moreover the present invention can maintain buckling effect which is predominant if there is no support.
[00063] For the simplicity of understanding of the subject matter, following reference numerals are used for associated/corresponding feature/elements of the proposed circuit breaker:
100. Full Mechanism
300. Epicyclic gear train
1. Spur (sun) Gear
2. Planet gear
3. Epicyclic Latch
4. Worm Gear Unit
4A. spur gear
4B. worm wheel
4C. Unidirectional bearing
4D. Worm gear
5. Spring support plate1
6. Spring Shaft
7. Compression spring
8. Side plate right
9. Main shaft mechanism
10. Motor plate
11. Pinion
12. Spring support plate2
13. Rack
14. Internal gear
14A. Internal gear projection
15. Side plate left
16. Motor
17. Motor sleeve
18. Supportive latch link
19. Ratchet
20. Solenoid
21. Compact Solenoid
A1. Amoebotic Driver gear
A2. Amoebotic Driven gear
[00064] In an embodiment, the present invention provides an integrated latching system for electrical operating mechanism (herein after ‘the operating mechanism’) for a molded case circuit breaker. The operating mechanism can be adapted to operate the molded case circuit breaker to any one of ON and OFF positions.
[00065] The operating mechanism 100 can include a motor (16), a spring (7), a latching system, a toggle system and a gear assembly. The gear assembly can be an integrated multi-gear assembly and includes a worm gear unit, a spur gear unit, an epicyclic gear train and a pinion and rack assembly.
[00066] The worm gear unit can include compound gear (4) which is combination of spur gear (4A) and worm wheel (4B), unidirectional bearing (4C) and worm gear (4D). The worm gear unit is capable of driven by the motor during an automatic switching OFF operation of the molded case circuit breaker for undergoing rotary motion to reduce speed of the motor (16) and increase torque transmission therefrom.
[00067] The spur gear (4A) can be coupled another spur gear (1) and to the worm gear unit for further reducing the motor speed. The epicyclic gear train (300) can be coupled to the spur gear unit to transfer the rotary motion therefrom. The pinion (11) and rack (13) assembly can be coupled to the epicyclic gear train (2) for converting rotary motion to larger linear motion. The pinion (11) and rack (13) assembly can include a rack for accommodating and charging the spring (7) during the automatic operation of the molded case circuit breaker from ON position to OFF position. The spring is a concentric compression spring (7) coiled on a built-in guide.
[00068] The Internal gear arrangement (14) consists of a projection (14a) on the start point of charging or ON position of MCCB. This enables the load being transferred to the supportive latch (18) at the initial point. Once charging is initiated and on the way of achieving completion, load is shifted from supportive latch (18) to the main epicyclic latch (3). This way the sudden impact faced by the main epicyclic latch (3) during motor (16) charging and latching on the ratchet (19). This sudden impact in turn is faced by the solenoid (20) during discharging. Due to increased delatching load faced by solenoid (20), sometimes it may lead to delayed opening and heating up of solenoid coil and non-delatching. Supportive latch (18) being spring loaded has a tendency to fall back to original position all times. To avoid intermittent falling and latch engagement before complete discharge is being ensured by providing compact solenoid (21). This solenoid will always ensure the completion of operation when the circuit is powered.
[00069] To avoid this issue of non-delatching and improving reliability the supportive latch and innovative method of load shifting to main epicyclic latch and assisted supportive latch is utilized. The solution is achieved with the utilization of minimum number of components with minimal changes in existing components. Hence improving functionality of the circuit with increased reliability.
[00070] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00071] In an embodiment, the operating mechanism (100) can include a motor (16), a spring (7), a latching system (not numbered), a toggle system (not numbered) and a gear assembly. Specifically, the gear assembly is an integrated multi-gear assembly. The gear assembly can include a worm gear unit (4-4A, 4B, 4C, 4D), a sun gear (1), an epicyclic gear train (300) and a pinion (11) and rack assembly (13). In an embodiment, the worm gear unit (4-4A, 4B, 4C, 4D) can be made from a phosphor bronze material except (4C) and the sun gear (1) and the epicyclic gear train (300) are made from thermoplastic materials.
[00072] The worm gear unit (4) can include a worm wheel (4B) and a worm gear (4D). The worm gear unit (4) can be capable of driven by the motor during the automatic switching OFF operation of the MCCB .Upon being driven, the worm gear unit (20) undergoes rotary motion for reducing speed of the motor and increasing torque transmission therefrom. The worm gear unit (4) can be coupled to the sun gear unit (1) for transferring the rotary motion of the motor thereto.
[00073] The rotary motion of the worm gear unit (4) can drive the spur gear (4A). More particularly, the worm wheel (4B) drives the spur gear (4A) that in turn drives the sun gear (1). Thus, here achieves further reduction in speed of the motor. The sun gear (1) can be coupled to the epicyclic gear train (300) for transferring the rotary motion of the motor thereto.
[00074] The epicyclic gear train (300) can include an internal gear (14), a sun gear (1) and planet gears (2). The internal gear (14) can include a ratchet profile/ serrations on an outer periphery thereof. The output of the sun gear unit (1) can drive the epicyclic gear train (300). More particularly, the output of the spur gear (4B) can drive the sun gear (1) causing the sun gear (1) to engage with the planet gears (2) that in turn drives and transmits the motion to the internal gear (14) through the ratchet profile. The epicyclic gear train (300) gives the advantage of higher reduction, force distribution in all the gear teeth engaged at a time leading to less failure and less stress concentration on single tooth. Additionally, the epicyclic gear train (300) takes care of unidirectional motor load transmission. During ON-OFF operation when motor loading is required, the sun gear (1) engages with the planet gears (2) and transmits the motion. During OFF-ON where spring discharging energy is utilized to switch on the MCCB, the reverse loading of the motor is to be prevented to avoid heating up of the motor. This is taken care of with the help of epicyclic gear train (300) and Worm gear unit (4).
[00075] The epicyclic gear train (300) can be coupled to the pinion (11) and rack assembly (13) for transferring the rotary motion of the motor thereto.
[00076] In an embodiment, the unidirectional bearing (4C) can assemble within worm gear unit (4) which allows worm gear unit rotate only in one direction (clockwise). During charging pinion (11) can rotate in anticlockwise direction which rotates internal gear (14) in same direction as it coupled with same shaft (9) which try to rotate sun gear(1) in clockwise direction which in turns try to rotate worm gear unit (4) in anticlockwise but due to unidirectional bearing (4C) it will not rotate in anticlockwise direction. Epicyclic latch (3) and Planet gear (2) keep spring in charged condition unless and until we discharged it.
[00077] During charging main epicyclic latch (3) is in open position due to projection (14a) on internal gear (14). Supportive latch (18) is in engaged position holding the ratchet (19) thus assisting in charging action. Once the projection (14a) rotates along with the charging motion and reaches the supportive latch (18), the same is disengaged and the latching is shifted to main epicyclic latch (3). At this point, when shifting happens, spring is in charged position and the breaker is in OFF position, Load faced by the motor is high at this point; in correlation to it speed of the motor reduces to meet the torque requirements. In relation, impact faced by the latch (3) will also be less during shifting and latching in turn reducing the delatching load faced by the solenoid (20).
[00078] During ON (discharging) operation, solenoid (20) can disengage the main latch and compact solenoid (21) disengages the supportive latch (18) to ensure positive disengagement till the completion.
[00079] During Switching OFF operation in auto mode, motor (16) being a high speed high torque high performance unit with larger voltage bandwidth has high momentum during final stop. When final stop happen the mechanical system connected to motor (16) will get jammed as the MCCB knob has attained its final stop.
[00080] FIG. 2 illustrates an amoebotic gear arrangement, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00081] As shown in FIG. 2 Modified Geneva assembly herein referred to as amoebotic gear arrangement (A1, A2) can be placed on motor (16), when driver amoebotic gear (A1) rotates along with the motor in turn translating the motor to driven amoebotic gear (A2), the motion is transmitted intermittently. Every rotation of motor (16), there is two quarter rotation of worm shaft (4D) rotation through amoebotic gear (A2).
[00082] Amoebotic arrangement with rotation of motion can be modified according to the impact level and final motor momentum. FIG.2 shows a sample of driven amoebotic gear with 6 steps (A2). Due to optimized placement of modified Geneva mechanism in the current assembly, they give us the benefit of reducing the locking happening due to motor momentum after final operation and motor supply cut off happens.
[00083] In an embodiment, at higher voltages when power supplied to motor is cut off after final operation is achieved, momentum in the motor even after cut-off rotates the gear arrangement connected down line resulting in solid blocking.
[00084] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
[00085] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the appended claims.
[00086] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.
[00087] In the description of the present specification, reference to the term "one embodiment," "an embodiments", "an example", "an instance", or "some examples" and the description is meant in connection with the embodiment or example described The particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic included in the present invention, at least one embodiment or example. In the present specification, the term of the above schematic representation is not necessarily for the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features structures, materials, or characteristics described in any one or more embodiments or examples in proper manner. Moreover, those skilled in the art can be described in the specification of different embodiments or examples are joined and combinations thereof.
[00088] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
[00089] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
[00090] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
[00091] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[00092] The present disclosure provides motor operators / remote operators of molded case circuit breakers (MCCB) for operating contact system using a mechanism.
[00093] The present disclosure provides a mechanism to keep spring in charged condition.
[00094] The present disclosure provides compact means of arrangement and well utilization of mechanical linkages improving reliability.
[00095] The present disclosure provides a mechanical arrangement with the motor so as to reduce the impact of momentum after completion of operation.
[00096] The present invention provides an integrated latching system for electrical operating mechanism (herein after ‘the operating mechanism’) for a molded case circuit breaker.
[00097] The present disclosure provides an assembly which enhances the functional need to meet load release arrangement after final operation is achieved.
[00098] The present disclosure provides a modified Geneva mechanism to delay the locking process by intermittent motion transfer.
[00099] The present disclosure provides a modified Geneva mechanism along with roller arrangement to aid in rolling and smooth travel aids in reducing the locking that happens after final travel is achieved.