CLIAMS:We claim,

1. A terminal connector assembly of an electrical device comprising:
a frame having an opening that is configured to enclose the electrical device, and wherein the frame is further configured to enclose a screw, a clamp assembly, and a nut plate to enable uniform distribution of reaction forces coming from the screw while termination on the frame.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame is rectangular.
3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the electrical device is a circuit breaker terminal.
4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the opening is further configured to enclose at least one external power supply and/or at least one load terminal.
5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein one or more ribs can be configured on the frame to increase mechanical strength of the terminal connector assembly.
6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein a projection is configured on the frame to provide a resting area for the nut plate.
7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the screw, the clamp assembly, and the nut plate are assembled in the frame through a sliding operation.
8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame does not have a permanent joint with the screw, the clamp assembly, and the nut plate.
9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the screw and/or the nut plate are replaceable from within the terminal connector assembly.
10. A circuit breaker terminal configured in a terminal connector assembly that comprisesa frame having an opening that is configured to enclose the circuit breaker terminal, and wherein the frame is further configured to enclose a screw, a clamp assembly, and a nut plate to enable uniform distribution of reaction forces coming from the screw while termination on the frame.
,TagSPECI:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a terminal connector assembly. In particular,the present disclosure relates to a terminal connector assembly for enclosing an electrical switching device such as a circuit breaker.

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, are employed in diverse capacities in power distribution systems, for example, to carry, to make & break rated current in normal condition and to provide protection for electrical equipment from electrical fault (e.g. current overloads, short circuits etc) in abnormal conditions. The circuit breakers have Line & Load terminals that are connectable to external power supply & external load. The terminal connector assembly is used to interconnect circuit breaker terminals with power supply & load terminals.
[0004] Performance of a circuit breaker mainly depends upon joint resistance of circuit breaker terminals, external power supply terminals, and load terminals. Function of a terminal connector assembly is to exert adequate force on overlapping portion of the line or load terminal of circuit breaker and associated external supply or load terminals until a secure connection is made.
[0005] A typical terminal connector assembly includes a rectangular box frame that houses an overlapping portion of circuit breaker terminals and external terminals, ascrew and clamp assembly, wherein the rectangular box frame has a center opening that encloses the overlapping portion of circuit breaker terminals and external power supply and/or load terminals.In existing designs of terminal connector assembly, the rectangular frame is not able to withstand excessive mechanical stresses generated due to abusive termination of external terminals. During termination, the screw moves downward and exerts tightening torque on overlapping surfaces of circuit breaker terminals and external supply / load terminals to ensure secured electrical connection. Excess tightening torque, more than specified by manufacturer, exerted on the terminal connector assembly may cause structural deformation of rectangular frame, screw and clamp assembly.
[0006] FIG. 1 shows an existing terminal connector assembly having a rectangular box frame 102 that has a center opening that encloses an overlapping portion of circuit breaker terminals 104 and external power supply and/or load terminals 106. The prior art rectangular box frame 102 is made from a unitary piece of metal bent, wherein the rectangular box frame 102 is formed by trapping one end of unitary metal piece inside the rectangular slot 108 as shown in Fig. 1. The rectangular box frame 102 will have a central opening for insertion of screw 110. The central opening on the rectangular box frame 102 will have a thread against which the screw 110 will apply reaction force during termination of external supply / load terminals 106. The termination screw 110 is connected to clamp 112 by riveting operation.FIG. 2 shows another view of the existing terminal connector assembly, wherein the external power supply and/or load terminals 106 are connected to circuit breaker terminals 104.
[0007] There is therefore a need in the art for an improved terminal connector assembly.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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
[0013] An object of the present disclosure is toprovide a terminal connector assembly that designed in such a way that screw and clamp assembly along with nut plate are assembled in box frame by simple sliding operation and does not make any permanent joint between box frame and screw, clamp and nut plate.
[0014] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a terminal connector assembly that provides ease of assembly and does not need any complex manufacturing processes, resulting in higher productivity and lesser cost.
[0015] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a terminal connector assembly that withstands higher mechanical stresses that may come during abusive termination.
SUMMARY
[0016] The present disclosure relates to an improved terminal connector assembly of an electrical switching device, in particular a circuit breaker, a motor protection circuit breaker, a disconnector or a contactor to be used say in low voltage electrical systems. The terminal connector assembly of the present disclosure can be designed in such a way that incase of any thread damage, the screw and/or the nut can be replaced easily without changing the whole terminal connector assembly. In the present disclosure, terminal connector assembly can be designed in such a way that the screw and clamp assembly along with nut plate are assembled in box frame just by simple sliding operation and does not make any permanent joint between box frame and screw, clamp and nut plate, providing ease of assembly and does not need any complex manufacturing processes, resulting in higher productivity & lesser cost. In an aspect, the modified terminal connector assembly can be designed to withstand higher mechanical stresses, which may come during abusive termination.
[0017] According to one embodiment, the proposed terminal connector assembly of an electrical device includes a frame having an opening that is configured to enclose the electrical device, and wherein the frame is further configured to enclose a screw, a clamp assembly, and a nut plate to enable uniform distribution of reaction forces coming from the screw while termination on the frame. In an aspect, the frame is rectangular. In another aspect, the electrical device is a circuit breaker terminal.
[0018] According to another embodiment, the opening of the frame can be configured to enclose an external power supply and/or at least one load terminal. In yet another embodiment, the screw, the clamp assembly, and the nut plate can be assembled in the frame through a sliding operation. In yet another embodiment, the frame does not have a permanent joint with the screw, the clamp assembly, and the nut plate, making the screw and/or the nut plate replaceable from within the terminal connector assembly.
[0019] Aspects of the present disclosure further provide a circuit breaker terminal that is configured in a terminal connector assembly that in turn includes a frame having an opening that is configured to enclose the circuit breaker terminal, and wherein the frame is further configured to enclose a screw, a clamp assembly, and a nut plate to enable uniform distribution of reaction forces coming from the screw while termination on the frame.
[0020] 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
[0021] 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.
[0022] FIG. 1 shows an existing terminal connector assembly.
[0023] FIG. 2 shows another representation of an existing terminal connector assembly.
[0024] FIGs. 3(a) to 3(c) illustrates the proposed terminal connector assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates another representation of the proposed terminal connector assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[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] Various embodiments and features shall now be described in detail withreference to drawings.
[0030] The present disclosure relates to an improved terminal connector assembly of an electrical switching device, in particular a circuit breaker, a motor protection circuit breaker, a disconnector or a contactor to be used say in low voltage electrical systems. The terminal connector assembly of the present disclosure can be designed in such a way that incase of any thread damage, the screw and/or the nut can be replaced easily without changing the whole terminal connector assembly. In the present disclosure, terminal connector assembly can be designed in such a way that the screw and clamp assembly along with nut plate are assembled in box frame just by simple sliding operation and does not make any permanent joint between box frame and screw, clamp and nut plate, providing ease of assembly and does not need any complex manufacturing processes, resulting in higher productivity & lesser cost. In an aspect, the modified terminal connector assembly can be designed to withstand higher mechanical stresses, which may come during abusive termination.
[0031] According to one embodiment, the proposed terminal connector assembly of an electrical device includes a frame having an opening that is configured to enclose the electrical device, and wherein the frame is further configured to enclose a screw, a clamp assembly, and a nut plate to enable uniform distribution of reaction forces coming from the screw while termination on the frame. In an aspect, the frame is rectangular. In another aspect, the electrical device is a circuit breaker terminal.
[0032] According to another embodiment, the opening of the frame can be configured to enclose an external power supply and/or at least one load terminal. In yet another embodiment, the screw, the clamp assembly, and the nut plate can be assembled in the frame through a sliding operation. In yet another embodiment, the frame does not have a permanent joint with the screw, the clamp assembly, and the nut plate, making the screw and/or the nut plate replaceable from within the terminal connector assembly.
[0033] Aspects of the present disclosure further provide a circuit breaker terminal that is configured in a terminal connector assembly that in turn includes a frame having an opening that is configured to enclose the circuit breaker terminal, and wherein the frame is further configured to enclose a screw, a clamp assembly, and a nut plate to enable uniform distribution of reaction forces coming from the screw while termination on the frame.
[0034] With reference to FIGs. 3 and 4, the present disclosure provides a new terminal connector assembly 300 having a screw 302 and a clamp assembly 306 along with a nut plate 304 that can be assembled in a rectangular box frame 308 just by simple sliding operation and does not make any permanent joint between the box frame 308 and the screw 302, clamp 306, and nut plate 304. In an aspect, ribs 310 can be provided on the box frame 308 to increase the mechanical strength of terminal connector assembly 300. A projection 312 can also be configured in/on the rectangular frame 308 to provide a resting area for the nut plate 304.Fig. 4 shows another representation of the new terminal connector assembly 300, wherein external power supply and/or load terminals 402 are connected to circuit breaker terminals 404.
[0035] Aspects of the present disclosure therefore provide a circuit breaker / electrical equipment having a terminal connector assembly, wherein the screw and clamp assembly along with nut plate can be assembled in box frame just by simple sliding operation and does not make any permanent joint between box frame and screw, clamp and nut plate, providing ease of assembly and resulting in higher productivity and lesser cost.
[0036] Aspects of the present disclosure further provide a circuit breaker / electrical equipment having a terminal connector assembly, wherein in case of thread damage, the screw or nut can be replaced easily without changing the whole terminal connector assembly.Aspects of the present disclosure further provide a circuit breaker / electrical equipment having a terminal connector assembly, wherein the nut-plate terminal connector assembly helps in uniform distribution of reaction forces coming from screw, while termination, on rectangular frame wall. Hence, the terminal connector assembly can withstand higher mechanical stresses, which may come during abusive termination.
[0037] 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
[0038] The present disclosure provides a terminal connector assembly that designed in such a way that screw and clamp assembly along with nut plate are assembled in box frame by simple sliding operation and does not make any permanent joint between box frame and screw, clamp and nut plate.
[0039] The present disclosure provides a terminal connector assembly that provides ease of assembly and does not need any complex manufacturing processes, resulting in higher productivity and lesser cost.
[0040] The present disclosure provides a terminal connector assembly that withstands higher mechanical stresses that may come during abusive termination.