CLIAMS:1. A locking apparatus for an electric control device comprising:
• a first pin configured, at its first end, to operatively couple with a first set of poles of said device from left side of said device;
• a second pin configured, at its first end, to operatively couple with a second set of poles of said device from right side of said device; and
• an external locking means configured to lock second ends of said first pin and said second pin together, wherein said first pin locks the position of said first set of poles and said second pin locks the position of said second set of poles.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first pin is configured to pass through holes configured along said first set of poles, and wherein said second pin is configured to pass through holes configured along said second set of poles.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said holes are configured in housing and/or assembly of said electric control device.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein in order to switch/change position of said first set of poles, said first pin is taken out, enabling said switching/changing position of said first set of poles to take place.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein in order to switch/change position of said second set of poles, said second pin is taken out, enabling said switching/changing position of said second set of poles to take place.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first pin and/or said second pin are U-shaped.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second ends of said first pin and/or said second pin have ring-type circular portions.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said electric control device comprises one or a combination of miniature circuit breaker (MCB), molded case circuit breaker (MCCB), residual current circuit breaker (RCCB), residual current device (RCD), residual current circuit breaker with overload (RCBO), and earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB).
9. A circuit breaker configured with a locking apparatus comprising:
• a first pin configured, at its first end, to operatively couple with a first set of poles of said circuit breaker from left side of said circuit breaker;
• a second pin configured, at its first end, to operatively couple with a second set of poles of said circuit breaker from right side of said circuit breaker; and
• an external locking means configured to lock second ends of said first pin and said second pin together, wherein said first pin locks the position of said first set of poles and said second pin locks the position of said second set of poles.
10. The circuit breaker of claim 9, wherein said circuit breaker comprises one or a combination of miniature circuit breaker (MCB), molded case circuit breaker (MCCB), residual current circuit breaker (RCCB), residual current device (RCD), residual current circuit breaker with overload (RCBO), and earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB).
,TagSPECI:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The proposed disclosure generally relates to locking and unlocking means for electric control devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for providing locking means for controlling ON-OFF movement of electric control devices such as circuit breakers.
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] Electric load/circuits/appliances/devices are designed to operate in a range of rated current level. However, the supply power fed to electrical circuit/appliances may contain certain abnormalities such as voltage fluctuations and over voltage that may result in current overload. However, a more damaging situation of current overload may occur due to abnormalities such as short circuit, which have the potential of causing extensive damage to electrical equipment and installations.
[0004] Overload protection may be provided by electrical switching apparatus such as a fuse, a trip unit, or a circuit breaker in the circuit, or by means of protection that may be designed into the supply itself that is feeding the circuit. Different electric switching devices and circuit interrupters such as circuit breakers, trip unit, motor starters, motor controllers and other load controllers are used to protect electrical circuitry, appliances and equipment from damage due to abnormal conditions such as sudden voltage fluctuation, overload condition, or relatively high level short circuit or fault condition. The main function of any electrical switching apparatus such as a circuit breaker is to ensure that the rated current is not abnormally exceeded.
[0005] Among the many circuit breakers available, miniature circuit breaker (MCB), molded case circuit breaker (MCCB), residual current circuit breaker (RCCB), residual current device (RCD), residual current circuit breaker with overload (RCBO), and earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) are commonly used. These devices are typically configured in a modular enclosure, in order to simultaneously achieve breaker overload, short circuit and leakage protection, and connect to a variety of accessories/additional components. The devices also vary in terms of their functional/structural characteristics, wherein, for instance, MCB has a rate current of usually no more than 100A, whereas MCCB as a rated current of upto 1000A.
[0006] RCBO, on the other hand, is a combination of MCB and RCCB, is also sometimes referred to as earth leakage miniature circuit breaker (ELMCB), is used for protecting electrical devices installed in lift, elevators, residential/commercial complexes, control panels, industrial applications, hostels, hospitals among other establishments from over current, earth leakage fault, short circuits, among other issues. It is therefore important to control user access to such circuit breaker devices among other electric control devices in order for ensuring human safety.
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates an existing locking device 100 used for locking an exemplary circuit breaker, which is designed to lock only one pole, leading to a situation wherein, in case of any failure of mechanical link-work between adjacent poles, it is possible to switch on the poles that are not locked, giving rise to the same level of threat that the locking means was intended to prevent. Also it would require separate device and lock for each pole which may not be possible due to space constrains besides making it cumbersome. There is therefore a need for a locking apparatus for electric control devices and circuit breakers that locks all poles together, thereby eliminating the possibility of switching any pole that is not locked.
[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.
[00010] 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.
[00011] 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.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[00012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a locking apparatus that locks all poles together, thereby eliminating the possibility of switching any pole that is not locked.
[00013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a padlock having a lock and a key, which, when configured, indicates ON/OFF knob position of the circuit breaker or other electric control device.
[00014] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a locking means that can be configured for any circuit breaker.
[00015] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a padlock feature to circuit breaker such as ELMCB so as to eliminate possibility of accident.
[00016] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of the invention herein below along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[00017] The proposed disclosure generally relates to locking and unlocking means for electric control devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for providing locking means for controlling ON-OFF movement of electric control devices such as circuit breakers. Although, the present disclosure is being explained with respect to circuit breakers, specifically, RCBO/ELMCB, one should appreciate that any other electric control device, circuit breaker including but not limited to MCB, MCCB, RCCB, ELCB, and RCD, main switches, can be applied with the proposed locking apparatus, and therefore all such devices are completely within the scope of the present disclosure.
[00018] In an aspect, the present locking apparatus can be incorporated for a RCBO/ELMCB having a MCB part and an ELCB part, wherein the apparatus can include a left pin for insertion on left side of the ELCB part by means of a first hole in the ELCB part, and a right pin for insertion on right side of the MCB part by means of a second hole in the MCB part. The insertion can be such that knob of each pole, when configured with the pin, cannot be moved from its current position. For instance, in case a pin is inserted when a pole is in OFF position, its knob cannot be moved to bring it to ON position while the pin is configured, and, similarly, in case a pin is inserted when a pole is in ON position, its knob cannot be moved to bring it to OFF position while the pin is configured. Therefore, for each change in status of the pole, the applicable pin (left or right), depending on the pole position in context, needs to be taken out to enable change in status, post which the pin can be reinstated. The left and the right pins can be locked with an external lock.
[00019] According to one exemplary embodiment, left and/or right pin of the same disclosure are U shaped pins, are configured to enable correct and accurate display of pole position to help non-technical/unskilled user in handling device the electric device thoroughly from a safety standpoint.
[00020] 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
[00021] 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.
[00022] FIG. 1 illustrates an existing (prior art) locking device used for locking an exemplary circuit breaker.
[00023] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary ELMCB representation showing locking apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00024] FIGs. 3(a), 3(b), and 3(c) illustrate exemplary constructional details of the locking assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00025] FIGs. 4(a) to 4(e) illustrate an exemplary installation process for locking apparatus/assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00026] FIGs. 5(a) and 5(b) illustrate exemplary representation of pins in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00027] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as “including, but not limited to.”
[00028] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[00029] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
[00030] The headings and abstract of the disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.
[00031] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.
[00032] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
[00033] The proposed disclosure generally relates to locking and unlocking means for electric control devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for providing locking means for controlling ON-OFF movement of electric control devices such as circuit breakers. Although, the present disclosure is being explained with respect to circuit breakers, specifically, RCBO/ELMCB, one should appreciate that any other electric control device, circuit breaker including but not limited to MCB, MCCB, RCCB, ELCB, and RCD, main switches, can be applied with the proposed locking apparatus, and therefore all such devices are completely within the scope of the present disclosure.
[00034] In an aspect, the present locking apparatus can be incorporated for a RCBO/ELMCB having a MCB part and an ELCB part, wherein the apparatus can include a left pin for insertion on left side of the ELCB part by means of a first hole in the ELCB part, and a right pin for insertion on right side of the MCB part by means of a second hole in the MCB part. The insertion can be such that knob of each pole, when configured with the pin, cannot be moved from its current position. For instance, in case a pin is inserted when a pole is in OFF position, its knob cannot be moved to bring it into ON position while the pin is configured, and, similarly, in case a pin is inserted when a pole is in ON position, its knob cannot be moved to bring it into OFF position while the pin is configured. Therefore, for each change in status of the pole, the applicable pin (left or right), depending on the pole position in context, needs to be taken out to enable change in status, post which the pin can be reinstated. The left and the right pins can be locked with an external lock.
[00035] In an aspect of the present disclosure, inserted position of the left and/or the right pins can therefore lock the operating movement of ON-OFF knob for one or a combination of poles.
[00036] In another aspect, each of the left and right pins can be provided/configured with a small closed ring type hook, in which the external lock can be positioned. Introduction of such an external lock restricts the movement of the pin in any direction; thereby ensure that in case a knob of a pole is in OFF condition, the same cannot be moved to ON condition and vice-versa. The proposed locking apparatus also gives ON/OFF position indication to uneducated/unskilled users and give a visual indication by seeing the physical external lock and key needed for operating the circuit breaker.
[00037] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary ELMCB representation 200 showing locking apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, exemplary ELMCB includes an ELCB housing having five poles represented as 202. ELMCB 200 of the present disclosure can further include a left pin 204 and a right pin 206. Size/shape/dimension/material of composition of such pins can be configured as desired and all such characteristics/attributes of the pins are completely within the scope of the present disclosure, wherein each pin, for instance, in a non-limiting embodiment, can have a diameter of 1.3mm and can be made of stainless steel. Length of such pins can be defined based on the number of poles that the pins 204/206 need to lock such as 2-Pole or 4-Pole. Assuming, a 4-Pole configuration, holes can be configured, say of size marginally/slightly bigger than diameter of the pin, in each of the ELCB part and the MCB part so as to allow the first end of the left pin 204 to pass through the ELCB holes and first end of the right pin 206 to pass through the MCB hole(s). In an exemplary implementation, size of the hole can be 1.5mm to allow the 1.3mm pins to be inserted. Second ends of the left pin 204 and the right pin can be shaped as ring-type circular portions, or in any other desired shape, such that second ends can be taken together and mated, as shown in 208. An external lock 210 can then be incorporated on the mated second-end portions of the pins, which restricts movement of ON-OFF operating knob.
[00038] In an aspect of the present disclosure, ELCB housing and/or assembly plate can be configured with holes to accommodate the left/right pins. Any other means to accommodate the pins within/with the ELCB housing are completely within the scope of the present disclosure.
[00039] FIGs. 3(a), 3(b), and 3(c), indicate exemplary constructional details of the locking assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3(a) illustrates right pin 206 having a first end that passes through holes of two ELCBs 202-1 and 202-2 to lock the respective poles such that when the poles are OFF (as shown in the present representation), they cannot be switched ON, and when the poles are ON, they cannot be switched OFF. Second end 302 of the right pin 206 can be circular ring shaped to allow locking by means of an external lock 210.
[00040] FIG. 3(b), on the other hand, illustrates left pin 204 having a first end that passes through holes of three ELCBs 202-3, 202-4, and 202-5 to lock the respective poles such that when the poles are OFF (as shown in the present representation), they cannot be switched ON, and when the poles are ON, they cannot be switched OFF. Second end 304 of the left pin 204 can be circular ring shaped to allow locking by means of an external lock 210.
[00041] FIG. 3(c) illustrates both the left pin 204 and the right pin 206 configured together on an exemplary ELMCB. As already mentioned above, the same locking apparatus and padlock can also be configured for any other appropriate electric control device and/or circuit breaker. FIG. 3(c) shows both the second ends 302/304 of the pins being together so as to enable a single external lock 210 to be configured to lock the apparatus. The pins lock the poles such that their locked position cannot be changed without first opening the external lock, pulling out the pins 204/206, changing the pole positions (ON/OFF positions), and then re-inserting the pins back into the poles and locking their second ends through the lock 210.
[00042] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary installation process for locking apparatus/assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, FIG. 4(a) illustrates representation 410 having an ELMCB without the locking apparatus being configured on any of MCB or ELCB. FIG. 4(b) illustrates representation 420 showing all poles in OFF condition with left pin being inserted in left side of ELMCB, i.e. through the ELCB. FIG. 4(c) illustrates representation 430 showing all poles in OFF condition with right pin being inserted in right side of ELMCB, i.e. through the MCB. FIG. 4(d), through representation 440, illustrates both left and right pins being configured on the ELMCB to complete the locking apparatus of the present disclosure. As can be seen, when the pin is inserted in a situation when 1 pole is ON and 3 are OFF, the ON pole cannot be switched OFF and the OFF poles cannot be switched ON. In order to do so, the left and/or the right pins, depending on the pole to be switched ON/OFF need to be taken out from through-holes of the respective assemblies, and then switching action needs to be performed, post which the pins can again be re-inserted for locking. FIG. 4(e), through representation 450, illustrates exemplary mating of non-inserted second ends of the pins with each other and locking of the second ends through an external lock 210.
[00043] FIGs. 5(a) and 5(b) illustrate exemplary representation of pins in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5(a) shows left pin 204 with a first end and a second end 304. FIG. 5(b) shows left pin 206 with a first end and a second end 302.
[00044] The above description represents merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, without any intention to limit the scope of the present invention thereto. Various equivalent changes, alterations or modification based on the present invention are all consequently viewed as being embraced by the scope of the present invention.
[00045] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Within the context of this document terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are also used euphemistically to mean “communicatively coupled with” over a network, where two or more devices are able to exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or more intermediary device.
[00046] 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 subject 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 “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.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[00047] The present disclosure provides a locking apparatus that locks all poles together, thereby eliminating the possibility of switching any pole that is not locked.
[00048] The present disclosure provides a padlock having a lock and a key, which, when configured, indicates ON/OFF knob position of the circuit breaker or other electric control device.
[00049] The present disclosure provides a locking means that can be configured for any circuit breaker.
[00050] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a padlock feature to circuit breaker such as ELMCB so as to eliminate possibility of accident.