Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates, in general, to the field of auto operation of circuit breakers, and more specifically, relates to a safety interlock feature to prevent padlocking in ON condition of the circuit breaker.

BACKGROUND
[0002] An electrical operating mechanism (EOM) is used to drive the molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) from a remote location through electrical input. EOM can be of two main types, direct drive operator and stored energy operator. In the case of a direct drive operator, motor energy is used in both ways of closing and opening the MCCB. In the case of the stored energy operator, the motor energy is used in the direction of ON-OFF movement, which means the 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 the cranking system provided onto the handle allows a customer to drive the MCCB from ON-OFF and a manual ON button allows the unit to discharge the energized spring through various linkages mechanically connected. The auto mode consists of a motor charging the spring and driving the unit from ON-OFF and input from a remote location discharges the energized spring through mechanical linkages connected below. MCCB being the governing element, with preset boundary conditions and constraints, SE-EOM must perform primary, secondary, and tertiary functions in a determined manner.
[0003] When the auto/manual slider is shifted to the lock mode, a padlock pops out, which enables the user to padlock the breaker in desired condition. However, the present EOM allows padlocking even when the MCCB is in ON condition, i.e., when the contacts are engaged.
[0004] A few example of such EOM is cited in a US5782341A patent,that relates to a high ampere-rated circuit breaker which meets the electrical code requirements of the world market. A padlock assembly arranged within the circuit breaker case prevents the circuit breaker contacts from being closed and the cover from being removed. The padlock assembly is only functional when the circuit breaker contacts are in the OPEN condition. Another example is recited in a US4554421A patent that relates to a molded case circuit breaker which includes a handle lock or locking mechanism for preventing unauthorized use of the circuit breaker. The cylinder and spindle assembly are mechanically connected to the handle for movement in unison therewith. The elongated slot includes an enlarged locking portion that is located along the lock cover in a position corresponding to the OFF position of the handle and the OPEN position of the separable electrical contacts of the circuit breaker. An elongated cylinder of the cylinder and spindle assembly is receivable through the locking portion of the elongated slot and when retained therein prevents substantial movement of the handle from its OFF position.
[0005] Yet another example is recited in a US4978816A that relates to a handle interlock arrangement attached to the top surface of a manually operable circuit breaker operating handle to prevent the handle from being locked in its "OFF" position when the circuit breaker contacts are actually in their closed condition. The location of the apertures relative to the circuit breaker operating handle prevents the insertion of a padlock through the apertures when the circuit breaker operating handle is in its "ON" position. However, the existing system suffers from limitations.
[0006] Therefore, it is desired to overcome the drawbacks, shortcomings, and limitations associated with existing solutions, and develop a mechanism which prevents padlocking when the MCCB is in ON condition thus ensuring safety to the operating personnel.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0007] An object of the present disclosure relates, in general, to the field of auto operation of circuit breakers, and more specifically, relates to a safety interlock feature to prevent padlocking in the ON condition of the circuit breaker.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a safety interlock mechanism that includes a motor operator that can be securely padlocked only when the circuit breaker is in the off state, preventing accidental or unauthorized operation.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a safety interlock mechanism that provides the ability to disengage the padlock when the circuit breaker is in the on and trip states allowing for flexibility during normal operations and maintenance, reducing the need for unnecessary padlocking.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a safety interlock mechanism that provides engagement and disengagement of the padlock based on the circuit breaker state simplifying the padlocking process, enhancing user-friendliness and reducing the likelihood of errors.
[0011] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a safety interlock mechanism that includes controlled use of padlocking based on the circuit breaker state that may contribute to the longevity of the motor operator and associated components by preventing unnecessary stress or wear during certain operational conditions.

SUMMARY
[0012] The present disclosure relates in general, to the field of auto operation of circuit breakers, and more specifically, relates to a safety interlock feature to prevent padlocking in the ON condition of the circuit breaker. The main objective of the present disclosure is to overcome the drawbacks, limitations, and shortcomings of the existing system and solution, by providing a safety interlock mechanism that a padlock interlock element accommodated on a side plate and configured to interact with a padlock. A slider is coupled to the padlock, and the slider slides along a designated path, facilitating the locking and unlocking of the padlock through a slider slot. The slider slot coupled to the slider is configured to guide and restrict the path of the slider, ensuring controlled and regulated movement. The slider accommodated on a slider base facilitates the controlled movement of the slider.
[0013] A rack assembly is coupled to a corresponding aperture on the side plate through a rack pin, facilitating the guided linear movement of the rack assembly to a first position and second position in correlation with the rotational motion of a motor operator, wherein the movement of the rack assembly to the first position, enables the locking of the padlock when the circuit breaker is in off state, securing the motor operator and wherein the movement of the rack assembly to the second position enables the unlocking of the padlock when the circuit breaker is in on and trip state, limiting the padlocking of the motor operator.
[0014] In an aspect, one or more guiding pins accommodated within corresponding holes on the surface of the padlock interlock element, effectively guiding the controlled movement of the padlock interlock element.
[0015] In another aspect, the slider slot moves into and out of corresponding holes located on the side plate for engaging and disengaging with the corresponding holes, thereby facilitating the controlled movement of the slider to lock and unlock the padlock.
[0016] In another aspect, a flapper is coupled to the side plate, wherein the padlock emerges outside and inside the flapper, thereby indicating the locking and unlocking states of the motor operator.
[0017] In another aspect, at the OFF state of the circuit breaker, the rack assembly is moved to the first position, engaging the rack assembly with the padlock interlock element, wherein the engagement between the rack assembly and the padlock interlock element initiates an upward movement of the padlock interlock element facilitated by the cam mechanism, enabling access to the slider slot. At the first position of the rack assembly, the slider slot allows shifting of the slider towards the lock mode by moving the slider slot into corresponding holes located on the side plate, where the movement of the slider to the lock mode triggers the emergence of the padlock outside the flapper, effectuating the locking of the motor operator.
[0018] In another aspect, at the ON state of the circuit breaker, the rack assembly is moved to the second position, disengaging the rack assembly with the padlock interlock element. The padlock interlock element reverts to its original position due to a restoration spring by initiating a downward movement of the padlock interlock element restricting access to the slider slot. At the second position of the rack assembly, the slider slot restricts the shifting of the slider towards the lock mode, wherein the restriction of the movement of the slider triggers the padlock to move inside the flapper, preventing padlocking in the ON and TRIP state of the circuit breaker.
[0019] 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
[0020] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.
[0021] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary view of interlock assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary view of interlock assembly in the first position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary view of interlock assembly in the second position, 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. 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] The present disclosure relates, in general, to the field of auto operation of circuit breakers, and more specifically, relates to a safety interlock feature to prevent padlocking in ON condition of the circuit breaker.
[0027] The present disclosure relates to the safety interlock mechanism that a padlock interlock element accommodated on a side plate and configured to interact with a padlock. A slider is coupled to the padlock, and the slider slides along a designated path, facilitating the locking and unlocking of the padlock through a slider slot. The slider slot coupled to the slider is configured to guide and restrict the path of the slider, ensuring controlled and regulated movement. The slider accommodated on a slider base facilitates the controlled movement of the slider.
[0028] A rack assembly is coupled to a corresponding aperture on the side plate through a rack pin, facilitating the guided linear movement of the rack assembly to a first position and second position in correlation with the rotational motion of a motor operator, wherein the movement of the rack assembly to the first position, enables the locking of the padlock when the circuit breaker is in off state, securing the motor operator and wherein the movement of the rack assembly to the second position enables the unlocking of the padlock when the circuit breaker is in on and trip state, limiting the padlocking of the motor operator.
[0029] In an aspect, the guiding pin is accommodated within corresponding holes on the surface of the padlock interlock element, effectively guiding the controlled movement of the padlock interlock element.
[0030] In another aspect, the slider slot moves into and out of corresponding holes located on the side plate for engaging and disengaging with the corresponding holes, thereby facilitating controlled movement of the slider to lock and unlock the padlock.
[0031] In another aspect, a flapper is coupled to the side plate, wherein the padlock emerges outside and inside the flapper, thereby indicating the locking and unlocking states of the motor operator.
[0032] In another aspect, at the OFF state of the circuit breaker, the rack assembly is moved to the first position, engaging the rack assembly with the padlock interlock element, wherein the engagement between the rack assembly and the padlock interlock element initiates an upward movement of the padlock interlock element facilitated by the cam mechanism, enabling access to the slider slot. At the first position of the rack assembly, the slider slot allows shifting of the slider towards the lock mode by moving the slider slot into corresponding holes located on the side plate, where the movement of the slider to the lock mode triggers the emergence of the padlock outside the flapper, effectuating the locking of the motor operator.
[0033] In another aspect, at the ON state of the circuit breaker, the rack assembly is moved to the second position, disengaging the rack assembly with the padlock interlock element. The padlock interlock element reverts to its original position due to a restoration spring by initiating a downward movement of the padlock interlock element restricting access to the slider slot. At the second position of the rack assembly, the slider slot restricts the shifting of the slider towards the lock mode, wherein the restriction of the movement of the slider triggers the padlock to move inside the flapper, preventing padlocking in the ON and TRIP state of the circuit breaker. The present disclosure can be described in enabling detail in the following examples, which may represent more than one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0034] The advantages achieved by the safety interlock mechanism of the present disclosure can be clear from the embodiments provided herein. The safety interlock mechanism introduces a motor operator that can be securely padlocked exclusively when the circuit breaker is in the off state, thus averting accidental or unauthorized operations. This innovation also facilitates the disengagement of the padlock when the circuit breaker is in the on and trip states, offering operational flexibility during routine activities and maintenance and minimizing the need for unnecessary padlocking. The safety interlock mechanism streamlines the padlocking process by automatically engaging and disengaging the padlock based on the circuit breaker state, enhancing user-friendliness and diminishing the likelihood of errors. Furthermore, the controlled use of padlocking, contingent on the circuit breaker state, holds the potential to extend the lifespan of the motor operator and associated components by preventing undue stress or wear during specific operational conditions. The description of terms and features related to the present disclosure shall be clear from the embodiments that are illustrated and described; however, the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents of the embodiments are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the invention can include other embodiments that are within the scope of the claims but are not described in detail with respect to the following description.
[0035] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary view of interlock assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 1A, safety interlock mechanism 100 (also referred to as interlock assembly 100, herein) prevents a user from padlocking a motor operator when a molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) is in ON condition. The interlock assembly 100 can include a side plate 102, a padlock interlock element 104, one or more guiding pins 106, a rack assembly 108, a slider base 110, a slider 112, a padlock 114, a slider slot 116, and a flapper 118.
[0037] The side plate 102 can be a rigid plate that serves as a structural element for the interlock assembly 100. The side plate 102 provides support and a mounting surface for other components of the interlock assembly 100.
[0038] The padlock interlock element 104 is accommodated on the side plate 102 and configured to interact with the padlock 114 for securing the interlock assembly 100. The one or more guiding pins 106 (also referred to as guiding pin 106, herein) are accommodated within corresponding holes on the surface of the padlock interlock element, effectively guiding the controlled movement of the padlock interlock element 104 within the interlock assembly. The rack assembly 108 is coupled to a corresponding aperture on the side plate 102 through a rack pin, facilitating the guided linear movement of the interlock assembly 100 in correlation with the rotational motion of the motor.
[0039] The slider base 110, serving as a base platform, supports the slider 112 and associated components, functioning to furnish a stable base that facilitates the controlled movement of the slider 112 and its engagement with other elements within the assembly. The slider 112 is coupled to the padlock 114, and the slider 112 slides along a designated path, facilitating the locking and unlocking of the padlock 114. The padlock 114, functioning as a locking device, is capable of being coupled to the slider 112, thereby enhancing security through its ability to prevent movement or manipulation of critical components within the assembly when in the engaged state.
[0040] The slider slot 116 coupled to slider 112 is configured to guide and restrict the path of slider 112, ensuring controlled and regulated movement within the assembly. The slider slot 116 moves into and out of corresponding holes located on the side plate 102 for engaging and disengaging with the corresponding holes, thereby facilitating controlled movement of the slider 112 to lock and unlock the padlock 114.
[0041] The flapper 118 is coupled to the side plate, wherein the padlock emerges outside and inside of the flapper 118, thereby indicating the locking and unlocking states of the motor operator. The movement of the rack assembly 108 to a first position, enables engagement of the padlock 114 when the circuit breaker is in off state, securing the motor operator. The movement of the rack assembly 108 to a second position enables disengagement of the padlock when the circuit breaker is in on and trip state, limiting the padlocking of the motor operator.
[0042] The motor operator incorporates three distinct operational modes to enhance versatility and control. The motor operator has three modes of operation, auto, manual and lock mode. In auto mode, the motor operator facilitates automated operation, allowing for seamless and programmable control of the motorized circuit breaker. Manual mode provides users with the ability to manually manipulate the circuit breaker, offering a hands-on approach to specific operational requirements. The lock mode introduces a secure state wherein the motor operator is immobilized, preventing any unintended adjustments or alterations to the circuit breaker's status, ensuring heightened safety and control over its operational state.
[0043] In an embodiment, at the OFF state of the circuit breaker, the rack assembly 108 is moved to the first position, engaging rack assembly 108 with the padlock interlock element 104, where the engagement between the rack assembly 108 and the padlock interlock element 104 initiates an upward movement of the padlock interlock element 104 facilitated by a cam mechanism, enabling access to the slider slot 116. At the first position of the rack assembly 108, the slider slot 116 allows shifting of the slider 112 towards a lock mode by moving the slider slot 116 into corresponding holes located on the side plate 102, where the movement of the slider 112 to the lock mode triggers the emergence of the padlock 114 outside the flapper 118, effectuating the locking of the motor operator. The motor operator cannot be operated in both manual and auto mode.
[0044] In another embodiment, at the ON or trip state of the circuit breaker, the rack assembly 108 is moved to the second position, disengaging the rack assembly 108 with the padlock interlock element 104. The padlock interlock element 104 reverts to its original position due to a restoration spring by initiating a downward movement of the padlock interlock element 104 restricting access to the slider slot 116. At the second position of the rack assembly 108, the slider slot 116 restricts the shifting of the slider 112 towards the lock mode, where the restriction of the movement of the slider 112 triggers the padlock 114 to move inside the flapper 118, preventing padlocking in the ON and TRIP state of the circuit breaker.
[0045] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary view of interlock assembly in the first position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Upon switching the MCCB to the OFF position, the motor operator rack assembly 108 attains the first position, as illustrated in FIG. 1B. The engagement between rack assembly 108 and the padlock interlock element 104 initiates an upward movement of the padlock interlock element 104 facilitated by the cam mechanism, thereby enabling access to the slider slot 116. Through this accessible slider slot 116, the slider 112 can be shifted towards the lock mode. Consequently, the movement of the slider 112 to the lock mode triggers the emergence of the padlock 114 outside the motor operator (MO) flapper 118 (also referred to as flapper 118, herein), effectuating the locking of the Motor Operator.
[0046] FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary view of interlock assembly in the second position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Upon the MCCB being switched ON/trip, the motor operator rack assembly 108 transitions to the second position, as illustrated in FIG. 1C. Simultaneously, the padlock interlock element 104 reverts to its original position due to the restoration spring, effectively obstructing slot 116 through which the slider 112 would otherwise move. Consequently, the slider 112 is rendered incapable of shifting to the lock mode, ensuring the prevention of padlocking in the ON state of the MCCB.
[0047] Thus, the present invention overcomes the drawbacks, shortcomings, and limitations associated with existing solutions, and provides a safety interlock mechanism that introduces a motor operator that can be securely padlocked exclusively when the circuit breaker is in the off state, thus averting accidental or unauthorized operations. This innovation also facilitates the disengagement of the padlock when the circuit breaker is in the on and trip states, offering operational flexibility during routine activities and maintenance and minimizing the need for unnecessary padlocking. The safety interlock mechanism streamlines the padlocking process by automatically engaging and disengaging the padlock based on the circuit breaker state, enhancing user-friendliness and diminishing the likelihood of errors. Furthermore, the controlled use of padlocking, contingent on the circuit breaker state, holds the potential to extend the lifespan of the motor operator and associated components by preventing undue stress or wear during specific operational conditions.
[0048] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the safety interlock mechanism 100 of the disclosure may be provided using some or all of the mentioned features and components without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, 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 spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0049] The present disclosure provides a safety interlock mechanism that includes a motor operator that can be securely padlocked only when the circuit breaker is in the off state, preventing accidental or unauthorized operation.
[0050] The present disclosure provides a safety interlock mechanism that provides the ability to disengage the padlock when the circuit breaker is in the on and trip states allowing for flexibility during normal operations and maintenance, reducing the need for unnecessary padlocking.
[0051] The present disclosure provides a safety interlock mechanism that provides engagement and disengagement of the padlock based on the circuit breaker state simplifying the padlocking process, enhancing user-friendliness and reducing the likelihood of errors.
[0052] The present disclosure provides a safety interlock mechanism that includes controlled use of padlocking based on the circuit breaker state that may contribute to the longevity of the motor operator and associated components by preventing unnecessary stress or wear during certain operational conditions.
, Claims:1. A safety interlock mechanism (100) comprising:
a padlock interlock element (104) accommodated on a side plate (102) and configured to interact with a padlock (114);
a slider (112) is coupled to the padlock (114), and the slider slides along a designated path, facilitating locking and unlocking of the padlock (114) through a slider slot (116), wherein the slider slot (116) coupled to the slider (112) is configured to guide and restrict the path of the slider (112), ensuring controlled and regulated movement; and
a rack assembly (108) is coupled to a corresponding aperture on the side plate (102) through a rack pin, facilitating linear movement of the rack assembly to a first position and a second position (100) in correlation with rotational motion of a motor operator,
wherein the movement of the rack assembly to the first position, enables the locking of the padlock when the circuit breaker is in off state, securing the motor operator and wherein the movement of the rack assembly to the second position enables the unlocking of the padlock when the circuit breaker is in on and trip state, limiting the padlocking of the motor operator.
2. The safety interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the safety interlock mechanism comprises one or more guiding pins (106) that are accommodated within corresponding holes on the surface of the padlock interlock element (104), effectively guiding the controlled movement of the padlock interlock element (104).
3. The safety interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slider (112) is accommodated on a slider base (110) facilitates the controlled movement of the slider (112).
4. The safety interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slider slot (116) moves into and out of corresponding holes located on the side plate (102) for engaging and disengaging with the corresponding holes, thereby facilitating controlled movement of the slider (112) to lock and unlock the padlock (114).
5. The safety interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the safety interlock mechanism comprises a flapper (118) coupled to the side plate, wherein the padlock emerges outside and inside the flapper (118), thereby indicating the locking and the unlocking states of the motor operator.
6. The safety interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein at the OFF state of the circuit breaker, the rack assembly is moved to the first position, engaging the rack assembly with the padlock interlock element, wherein the engagement between the rack assembly (108) and the padlock interlock element (104) initiates an upward movement of the padlock interlock element (104) facilitated by a cam mechanism, enabling access to the slider slot (116).
7. The safety interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 6, wherein at the first position of the rack assembly, the slider slot (116) allows shifting of the slider (112) towards lock mode by moving the slider slot (116) into the corresponding holes located on the side plate (102), wherein the movement of the slider (112) to the lock mode triggers the emergence of the padlock (114) outside the flapper (118), effectuating the locking of the motor operator.
8. The safety interlock mechanism assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein at the ON and TRIP states of the circuit breaker, the rack assembly is moved to the second position, disengaging the rack assembly with the padlock interlock element.
9. The safety interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the padlock interlock element (104) reverts to its original position due to a restoration spring by initiating a downward movement of the padlock interlock element (104) restricting access to the slider slot (116).
10. The safety interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein at the second position of the rack assembly, the slider slot (116) restricts shifting of the slider (112) towards the lock mode, wherein the restriction of the movement of the slider (112) triggers the padlock (114) to move inside the flapper (118), preventing padlocking in the ON and TRIP states of the circuit breaker.