CLIAMS:1. A conductor assembly (400) of a switching device comprising:
a conducting strip (100) comprising at least one protruding profile (102) and a chamfer (104) provided on the profile (102) at the rear end of the strip (100);
a hollow conductor tube (200), wherein the strip (100) is inserted into the tube (200) from a first hollow end of the tube (200); and
a conducting braid (300) inserted inside the hollow conductor tube (200) from a second hollow end of the tube (200) such that the conducting braid (300) gets engaged with the at least one protruding profile (102) of the conducting strip (100).

2. The conductor assembly (400) of claim 1, wherein the conducting braid (300) is crimped inside the conductor tube (200) to form a joint.

3. The conductor assembly (400) of claim 1, wherein the chamfer (104) facilitates smooth insertion of the strip (100) inside the tube (200).

4. The conductor assembly (400) of claim 1, wherein the conducting strip (100) comprises two protruding profiles (102).

5. The conductor assembly (400) of claim 1, wherein the protruding profile (102) restricts slippage of the conducting braid (300).
,TagSPECI:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to mechanical and electrical joints, and more particularly to crimped joints between a conducting braid and a conductor.

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] A typical switchgear apparatus such as a circuit breaker is used to carry, make & break circuit current in power distribution systems. Such a breaker can include two sections, one being the current carrying path having static and moving conductors, and the second being mechanical contraption assembly for switching operation of the breaker. Switching current conducting path is the core part of this switchgear, wherein current make/break phenomenon occurs. Such a switching current conducting path typically includes parallel air gaps, which are electrically connected during switching ON operation.
[0004] To enable current flow between the incoming and outgoing terminals, a combination of conducting braids and conductors are usually used. One function of this conducting combination is to withstand the electrical stresses during rated and faulty operations. The switching operation of the conducting path is achieved by using a combination of a static conductor and a moving arm having conducting strips joint with conducting braids. These individual conducting braids are joined with a conducting strip and static conductor with a crimp joint. During switching ON and OFF operation of the breaker, the moving conductor assembly changes its position across a hinged point. The crimp joint ensures proper grip of braid during mechanical ON-OFF operation as well as during its service electrical operation.
[0005] The moving conductor assembly includes conducting braid, main contact tube assembly, and arcing contact strip. The arcing contact strip is inserted inside main contact conductor tube by forming process. In the opposite open end of the tube, formed strands of braid are inserted and crimping is done to form a joint. The arcing contact strip has two functions in the assembly. First being its role during the arcing phenomenon, and second being to maintain proper crimp ratio at the crimp joint. The complete construction of the above explained functions is elaborated in previous Indian patent number 195366 titled "An improved pole assembly in a circuit breaker". However, one limitation of the existing conductor assemblies that during mechanical as well as electrical switching operation of the breaker, there is a tendency of the conductor braid to slip out because of pull out force exerted on the conducting braids. Furthermore, in the crimping process of the joint, because of a push force of the conductor tube on braid, the conductor braid had a tendency to move out in absence of a restricting force. Furthermore, there is a tendency of hollow space remaining inside crimp joint, leading to poor electrical performance in terms of mV drop in longer run. During the insertion process of the arcing strip inside conductor tube, sharp corner on the strip interferes with the tube edge, leading to material rejection.
[0006] There is therefore a need in the art for an improved conductor crimp joint assembly.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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 Markush groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved conductor crimp joint assembly.
[0013] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a conductor assembly that enables formation of a good quality electrical crimp joint.

SUMMARY
[0014] The present disclosure relates generally to mechanical and electrical joints, and more particularly to crimped joints between a conducting braid and a conductor.
[0015] According to one embodiment, conductor assembly of a switching device of the present disclosure can include a conducting strip having at least one protruding profile and a chamfer that is provided on the profile at the rear end of the strip. The assembly can further include a hollow conductor tube, wherein the strip can be inserted into the tube from a first hollow end of the tube. Furthermore, the assembly can include a conducting braid that is inserted inside the hollow conductor tube from a second hollow end of the tube such that the conducting braid gets engaged with the at least one protruding profile of the conducting strip.
[0016] In an aspect, conducting braid can be crimped inside the conductor tube to form a joint. In another aspect, the chamfer can facilitate smooth insertion of the strip inside the tube. In yet another aspect, the conducting strip can include two protruding profiles, wherein the protruding profiles can restrict slippage of the conducting braid.
[0017] 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
[0018] 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.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary view of the proposed conducting strip in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary view of the proposed conducting strip in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of the proposed conductor assembly showing insertion of the conducting strip in a hollow tube in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary representation of the proposed conductor assembly showing insertion of a braid in the hollow tube in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates yet another exemplary representation of the proposed conductor assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] 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 spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] The present disclosure relates generally to mechanical and electrical joints, and more particularly to crimped joints between a conducting braid and a conductor.
[0030] According to one embodiment, conductor assembly of a switching device of the present disclosure can include a conducting strip having at least one protruding profile and a chamfer that is provided on the profile at the rear end of the strip. The assembly can further include a hollow conductor tube, wherein the strip can be inserted into the tube from a first hollow end of the tube. Furthermore, the assembly can include a conducting braid that is inserted inside the hollow conductor tube from a second hollow end of the tube such that the conducting braid gets engaged with the at least one protruding profile of the conducting strip.
[0031] In an aspect, conducting braid can be crimped inside the conductor tube to form a joint. In another aspect, the chamfer can facilitate smooth insertion of the strip inside the tube. In yet another aspect, the conducting strip can include two protruding profiles, wherein the protruding profiles can restrict slippage of the conducting braid.
[0032] With reference to FIGs. 1-5, the present disclosure pertains to a conductor assembly (400) of a switching device, wherein the assembly (400) can include a conducting strip (100) that includes at least one protruding profile (102) and a chamfer (104) provided on the profile (102) at the rear end of the strip (100). The assembly (400) can further include a hollow conductor tube (200), wherein the strip (100) can be inserted into the tube (200) from a first hollow end of the tube (200). The assembly (400) can further include a conducting braid (300) that can be inserted inside the hollow conductor tube (200) from a second hollow end of the tube (200) such that the conducting braid (300) gets engaged with the at least one protruding profile (102) of the conducting strip (100).
[0033] In an aspect, the conducting braid (300) can be crimped inside the conductor tube (200) to form a joint. In another aspect, the chamfer (104) can facilitate smooth insertion of the strip (100) inside the tube (200). In yet another aspect, the conducting strip (100) can include two protruding profiles (102), wherein the protruding profiles (102) can restrict slippage of the conducting braid (300).
[0034] Again coming back to the figures, according to one embodiment, FIG. 1 shows the specific profile of the conducting strip on which this invention is based on. Two protruding profiles (102) are provided on the flat surface of the conducting strip 100. A chamfer (104) is also provided on the profile at the rear end as shown in FIG. 2. This conducting strip (100) is inserted inside a hollow conductor tube (200) from the upper end as shown in FIG. 3 and an assembly 100 is formed with strip 100 inserted at one end and hollow conductor 200 opening at the other end of the inventive profile. A conducting braid (300) is inserted inside this hollow conducting tube (200) and crimping is performed on this hollow conductor (200) thus forming a crimp joint (500) as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is the cut-view of the assembly which shows braid (300) properly crimped inside the conductor tube (200) and held by the specific profile (102) of the conductor strip (100).
[0035] In existing arts, during the conductor strip insertion inside the conductor hollow tube, a sharp angle at the rear end of conductor strip used to interfere with tube, which interference led to rejection of the assembly. In the present invention, chamfer (104) provided on the strip facilitates smooth insertion of the strip (100) inside hollow tube (200), reducing assembly rejections. During the mechanical and electrical operations of the conductor assembly, in existing/prior arts, there was tendency of the conductor braid to slip out from the assembly because of low holding force in crimp joint. On the other hand, in the present invention, the protruding profile (102) on the conductor strip holds the braid (300) inside the crimp joint (500), thus forming a good quality of electrical crimp joint.
[0036] The present disclosure leads to good mechanical performance as well as good electrical performance in terms of mV drop. The present disclosure also has a unique feature in form of a profile, which gives multiple advantages in terms of better electrical performance because of good crimp joint as well as reduction in production process. The present disclosure further provides a profile (102) on the component, which increases the contact surface area between conductor braid (300) and the component (100), thus increasing the conductivity.
[0037] In yet another aspect, the protruding parts (102) of the profile restricts slippage of the conducting braid (300) during production process thus ensuring zero hollow space inside joint after crimping. Design of disclosed invention also ensures perfect crimp ratio of the conducting braid-conductor tube crimp-joint
[0038] 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
[0039] The present disclosure provides an improved conductor crimp joint assembly.
[0040] The present disclosure provides a conductor assembly that enables formation of a good quality electrical crimp joint.