Claims:1. A motor operator of a moulded case circuit breaker, said motor operator comprising:
a selector slider assembly comprising a selector base, said selector base provided with three slots for each of a MANUAL mode, an AUTO mode and a LOCK mode of operation, wherein the selector slider assembly is mounted on a base with a positive force acting from the base to the selector slider assembly; and
a slider configured to be toggled between a MANUAL mode, an AUTO mode and a LOCK mode,
wherein the slider is configured to be slotted into the corresponding slot on the selector base,
wherein the positive force acting from the base to the selector slider assembly keeps the slider locked in position, and
wherein a ball catch arrangement provided with the selector slider assembly and the slider enables smooth mode of transition and for accurate mode retention.
2. The motor operator as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when the slider is toggled to AUTO mode, the slider is configured to disallow access to manually operate the motor operator and a trip lever is accessible in order to trip the circuit by actuating the trip lever.
3. The motor operator s claimed in claim 1, wherein when the slider is toggled to LOCK mode, the slider is configured to disallow access to manually operate the motor operator, and a padlock is popped up, which facilitates locking of the MCCB in any of ON and OFF positions.
4. The motor operator as claimed in claim 3, wherein, when the MCCB is to be locked in OFF position, a key lock is provided, said key lock configured to be actuated after the MCCB is in OFF position, and wherein actuation of the key lock prevents switching of the MCCB to ON position.
5. The motor operator as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when the slider is toggled to MANUAL mode, access is allowed for insertion of handle while disconnecting motor from electric supply.
6. The motor operator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motor operator is realised with minimum components.

, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates, in general, to operation of a motor operator in a moulded case circuit breaker. In particular, the present disclosure relates to provision of interlock in operation of a motor operator in a moulded case 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] Response time for an electrical switching system to switchover from one desired source to another is a prime requirement of changeover systems. For short operation time, remote operation and considering space of a switching device, direct driven type or stored energy type motor mechanism have gained importance.
[0004] Direct drive motor operators work on the principle of transmitting power through motor to a gearing system, and from the gearing system to the drive system, which can either be a crank slotted lever mechanism or a rack and pinion arrangement that converts rotary motion to reciprocating motion, and eventually drive the knob of the MCCB to Switch it ON or OFF.
[0005] The motor operator operates in three different modes, namely auto, lock and manual modes. In auto mode, the motor operator is electrically connected. The manual mode is used for operating the motor operator manually while the electrical supply is disconnected. The padlock can be done only in lock mode to lock the unit in ON and OFF state. There is one more safety interlock feature called as key lock which is accessible only in lock mode to lock the unit only in OFF state.
[0006] These devices are mounted inside a board or panel board for added safety to the operator. Often, these devices are required to be operated either from outside or by opening the enclosure/panel. In addition to it, there are not many safety interlock features given to prevent unauthorized access and accidental damage.
[0007] There is, therefore, a requirement in the art for a means for better safety interlock features to be provided in a motor operator of an MCCB.
[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.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A general object of the present invention is to provide a motor operator of an MCCB with mutual inclusivity of interlocks.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a motor operator of an MCCB with mutual inclusivity of interlocks with minimal addition of components.
[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a motor operator of an MCCB with mutual inclusivity of interlocks with reduced complexity.

SUMMARY
[0012] The present disclosure relates, in general, to operation of a motor operator in a moulded case circuit breaker. In particular, the present disclosure relates to provision of interlock in operation of a motor operator in a moulded case circuit breaker.
[0013] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a motor operator of a moulded case circuit breaker, where the motor operator includes: a selector slider assembly comprising a selector base, said selector base provided with three slots for each of a MANUAL mode, an AUTO mode and a LOCK mode of operation, wherein the selector slider assembly is mounted on a base with a positive force acting from the base to the selector slider assembly; and a slider configured to be toggled between a MANUAL mode, an AUTO mode and a LOCK mode, wherein the slider is configured to be slotted into the corresponding slot on the selector base, wherein the positive force acting from the base to the selector slider assembly keeps the slider locked in position, and wherein a ball catch arrangement provided with the selector slider assembly and the slider enables smooth mode of transition and for accurate mode retention.
[0014] In an embodiment, when the slider is toggled to AUTO mode, the slider is configured to disallow access to manually operate the motor operator and a trip lever is accessible in order to trip the circuit by actuating the trip lever.
[0015] In another embodiment, when the slider is toggled to LOCK mode, the slider is configured to disallow access to manually operate the motor operator, and a padlock is popped up, which facilitates locking of the MCCB in any of ON and OFF positions.
[0016] In another embodiment, when the MCCB is to be locked in OFF position, a key lock is provided, said key lock configured to be actuated after the MCCB is in OFF position, and wherein actuation of the key lock prevents switching of the MCCB to ON position.
[0017] In another embodiment, when the slider is toggled to MANUAL mode, access is allowed for insertion of handle while disconnecting motor from electric supply.
[0018] In another embodiment, the motor operator is realised with minimum components.
[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 DRAWINGS
[0020] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of a motor operator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary exploded-view representation of a motor operator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of internal mechanism of selector slider assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary representation of internal mechanism when motor operator is in manual mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary representation of internal mechanism when motor operator is in automatic mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary representation of internal mechanism when motor operator is in pad-lock mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIGs. 7A and 7B illustrate exemplary representations of the key lock in pad-lock mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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 spirit and 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] The present disclosure relates, in general, to operation of a motor operator in a moulded case circuit breaker. In particular, the present disclosure relates to provision of interlock in operation of a motor operator in a moulded case circuit breaker.
[0034] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a motor operator of a moulded case circuit breaker, where the motor operator includes: a selector slider assembly comprising a selector base, said selector base provided with three slots for each of a MANUAL mode, an AUTO mode and a LOCK mode of operation, wherein the selector slider assembly is mounted on a base with a positive force acting from the base to the selector slider assembly; and a slider configured to be toggled between a MANUAL mode, an AUTO mode and a LOCK mode, wherein the slider is configured to be slotted into the corresponding slot on the selector base, wherein the positive force acting from the base to the selector slider assembly keeps the slider locked in position, and wherein a ball catch arrangement provided with the selector slider assembly and the slider enables smooth mode of transition and for accurate mode retention.
[0035] In an embodiment, when the slider is toggled to AUTO mode, the slider is configured to disallow access to manually operate the motor operator and a trip lever is accessible in order to trip the circuit by actuating the trip lever.
[0036] In another embodiment, when the slider is toggled to LOCK mode, the slider is configured to disallow access to manually operate the motor operator, and a padlock is popped up, which facilitates locking of the MCCB in any of ON and OFF positions.
[0037] In another embodiment, when the MCCB is to be locked in OFF position, a key lock is provided, said key lock configured to be actuated after the MCCB is in OFF position, and wherein actuation of the key lock prevents switching of the MCCB to ON position.
[0038] In another embodiment, when the slider is toggled to MANUAL mode, access is allowed for insertion of handle while disconnecting motor from electric supply.
[0039] In another embodiment, the motor operator is realised with minimum components.
[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of a motor operator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary exploded-view representation of a motor operator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary representation of internal mechanism of selector slider assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary representation of internal mechanism when motor operator is in manual mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary representation of internal mechanism when motor operator is in automatic mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary representation of internal mechanism when motor operator is in pad-lock mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0046] FIGs. 7A and 7B illustrate exemplary representations of the key lock in pad-lock mode, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0047] As shall appear in the embodiments described herein, numerals, as they appear in the associated drawings, shall be used to designate the following components,
1. Selector slider
2. Micro switch
3. Gear with hexagonal slot
4. Handle with hex agonal key
5. Padlock
6. Trip lever
7. Key lock
8. Trip lever Pin
9. Key lock plate
10. Selector Slider base
11. Selector Slider compression Spring
12. Selector Slider ball bearing
[0048] In order to operate the motor operator, a user has to check for the mode of operation set on motor operator. Motor operator has three modes of operation – manual, auto and lock.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 4, in manual mode, user can operate the unit manually. When user slides the mode selector to manual, the selector slider (1) presses the micro switch (2) and disconnects the electrical circuit. In addition, the slider opens the access to insert the handle inside the unit to operate it manually. The access to handle insertion is generally a hexagonal slot (3) made on a metal gear from the top face of the unit. There is a handle with hexagonal key (4) mounted on the top of the unit. For operating the unit manually, the user has to take the handle out and insert into the hexagonal slot of the gear to operate it. The selector slider 1(c) blocks the padlock 5(a) to pop up while operating manually. Hence, locking the unit by the padlock is not possible in manual mode. The key lock (7) is not operable in manual mode as key lock plate (9) primarily interferes with trip lever button (8), and even after pressing emergency trip button, the secondary interference is with padlock 5(b).
[0050] Referring to FIG. 5, for switching the unit to auto mode, the user has to slide the selector slider in auto mode. The slider presses the micro switch and connects the electrical circuit to run the unit electrically. The selector slider 1(c) prevents the padlock 5(a) to pop up and 1(b) blocks the hexagonal slot of the gear to prevent the access to insert the handle manually by the user in auto mode. Hence, locking the unit by padlock and manual operation are not possible in auto state. The trip lever (6) will be accessible in auto mode to trip the breaker in case of emergency or maintenance.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 6, in order to lockout the operational state of motor operator, the user has to slide the selector to lock mode. Once the slider attains lock position, the padlock pops out automatically. The unit can be locked now using padlock both in ON and OFF state of the breaker. When the selector slider slides to lock mode, it presses the micro switch and disconnects the circuit. The padlock 5(a) pops out through 1(d) automatically. The unit can be locked by padlock both in ON and OFF state of the breaker. If user wants to lock the padlock only in OFF state, then one more interlock feature is provided, the key lock (7).
[0052] Referring to FIGs. 7A and 7B, in padlock mode, when the padlock pops-out, key lock is still not operable. To rotate the key, user is required to press the trip lever button to trip the MCCB. After pressing emergency trip lever (6), it restores back to the original position. Hence, the user has to keep on pressing till the key lock plate rotates completely. Once the key rotates fully, it can be taken out. In key lock position, the trip lever button (8) gets pressed by key lock plate (9) and it doesn’t allow the trip lever to restore back to its original position. The trip button keeps on pressing the trip button of the MCCB to ensure that breaker is in trip condition. The key lock plate doesn’t allow the padlock to restore back and padlock remain in pop out state.
[0053] The mode shifting from one state to another is achieved by ball catch arrangement mechanism in selector slider assembly. The selector base (10) has three circular slots 10(a) for three different modes where ball bearing (12) is placed. The selector slider has a cavity to retain compression spring (11). The slider is mounted on the base by means of screw and nut and keeping the compression spring and ball bearing together in between slider and base mating surface.
[0054] 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. The inventive patent matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. 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 “includes” and “including” 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 refer 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 practised with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0055] 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
[0056] The present invention provides a motor operator of an MCCB with mutual inclusivity of interlocks.
[0057] The present invention provides a motor operator of an MCCB with mutual inclusivity of interlocks with minimal addition of components.
[0058] The present invention provides a motor operator of an MCCB with mutual inclusivity of interlocks with reduced complexity.