DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a low voltage protection device such as a circuit breaker that is commonly used to receive, supply, protect, and isolate current supply in an electrical circuit.

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] Existing circuit breakers typically serve two basic purposes, one as a switching device for switching ON/OFF during normal operating conditions for the purpose of operation and maintenance, and second as a protecting device for tripping or isolating by breaking the contacts interrupting the fault current during abnormal conditions such as short-circuit, overload, and under voltage. Circuit breaker consists of one or more electric poles, whose number is determined by the application as a single pole circuit breaker, a two pole circuit breaker, a three pole circuit breaker, a four pole circuit breaker, and so on. Such circuit breakers are designed for use in switchboards, control panels, and combination starters in separate enclosures for effective single location distribution and control. Also the circuit breakers are housed inside an enclosure to provide safety to users operating the same.
[0004] In the most common type of installation, an operating handle is mounted on the panel door while the switching device is mounted inside the panel door. The mounting device has a shaft coming out that has to be rotated to switch the circuit breaker ON and OFF. In another type of installation, a rotary operating mechanism (ROM) with a handle is mounted on the circuit breaker, wherein, in such installation, the ROM curtails requisite safety features for safe operations. Amongst the stable states of the circuit breaker is the ON/OFF state. For maintenance activities or stand by operations, a padlock feature is provided within the circuit breaker to ensure that the MCCB is rendered inoperable once padlocked. There are three level of locking available which further signify the level of safety required. A circuit breaker is essentially padlocked to ensure that maintenance activities can be carried out on the downstream without any unintentional switching ON of power or in case of an electrical fault.
[0005] If the ROM is padlocked and the panel door is open and if the mounting holes of the ROM are accessible, removal of screws makes the MCCB knob available for operation to the user. Thus, MCCB can be switched ON which is essentially bypassing the padlock and is an unsafe condition for the user. Patents US 5493083 discloses a door interlocking arrangement in a similar switching device configuration. However, the design is too complex and does not clearly address issues of door interlock defeat and its restoration. Patents US 6518526 and US 6969813 also cite examples of rotary add-on mechanisms connected to a switching device but operational safety aspects of door interlocks is not disclosed therein.
[0006] There is therefore a need in the art for a ROM that cannot be dismounted once the circuit breaker is padlocked.
[0007] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0008] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0009] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0010] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0011] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a switching device assembly that ensures that the ROM cannot be dismounted once the device is padlocked.
[0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a switching device assembly that hides mounting screws of ROM in general operations.
[0014] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a switching device assembly that ensures that the ROM can be dismounted in only TRIP state.
[0015] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a switching device assembly that ensures that defeat of dismounting interlock cannot be made from outside the panel door.
[0016] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a switching device assembly that uses minimum number of components for integration and locking of ROM over a switching device such as MCCB.
[0017] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a switching device assembly that integrates above mentioned requirements on a rotary operator of a switching device.
[0018] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a switching device assembly that integrates the above discussed features in a unique way, making it ergonomically viable.

SUMMARY
[0019] The present disclosure relates to a low voltage protection device such as a circuit breaker that is commonly used to receive, supply, protect, and isolate current supply in an electrical circuit.
[0020] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a switching device assembly having a switching device and a rotary operating mechanism (ROM) mounted on the switching device, wherein the switching device can be housed inside a panel enclosure, and wherein an operating handle is configured on the ROM for user application.
[0021] In another aspect, a panel door can be configured in the switching device assembly to rest on the panel enclosure. In another aspect, the switching device is operated using the operating handle to keep the panel door closed. In an exemplary aspect, the switching device can be a MCCB. In another aspect, the ROM can be assembled using one or more mounting screws to tighten the ROM over the switching device.
[0022] In another embodiment, a skin can be assembled over the ROM, wherein the skin can have a plurality of click fits that fit into slots of a housing of the ROM. In an aspect, the skin can be assembled/ disassembled only in trip state of the switching device when the operating handle matches with a cut in the skin in the same position. In another aspect, once the click fits match the slots in the housing, mounting screws used to tighten the ROM over the switching device can be rendered inaccessible to user. In another aspect, the ROM can be padlocked using a lock, and wherein the lock can restrain rotation of the operating handle to switch on the switching device, based on which cut in the skin does not match with the operating handle, and as a result of which the skin cannot be removed to render the mounting screws inaccessible even when the panel door is opened in padlocked condition.
[0023] 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
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates rotary operating mechanism (ROM) mounted on a switching device and housed inside a panel enclosure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates rotary operating mechanism being mounted on MCCB in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates skin being assembled over ROM once mounting screws have been tightened in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 4 shows skin assembled over the housing in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 5 shows open condition of the panel door where the ROM is padlocked using the lock in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 6 shows isometric view of padlocked condition of the combination of ROM and MCCB in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 7 shows closed position of panel door in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] The present disclosure relates to a low voltage protection device such as a circuit breaker that is commonly used to receive, supply, protect, and isolate current supply in an electrical circuit.
[0035] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a switching device assembly having a switching device and a rotary operating mechanism (ROM) mounted on the switching device, wherein the switching device can be housed inside a panel enclosure, and wherein an operating handle is configured on the ROM for user application.
[0036] In another aspect, a panel door can be configured in the switching device assembly to rest on the panel enclosure. In another aspect, the switching device is operated using the operating handle to keep the panel door closed. In an exemplary aspect, the switching device can be a MCCB. In another aspect, the ROM can be assembled using one or more mounting screws to tighten the ROM over the switching device.
[0037] In another embodiment, a skin can be assembled over the ROM, wherein the skin can have a plurality of click fits that fit into slots of a housing of the ROM. In an aspect, the skin can be assembled/ disassembled only in trip state of the switching device when the operating handle matches with a cut in the skin in the same position. In another aspect, once the click fits match the slots in the housing, mounting screws used to tighten the ROM over the switching device can be rendered inaccessible to user. In another aspect, the ROM can be padlocked using a lock, and wherein the lock can restrain rotation of the operating handle to switch on the switching device, based on which cut in the skin does not match with the operating handle, and as a result of which the skin cannot be removed to render the mounting screws inaccessible even when the panel door is opened in padlocked condition.
[0038] The present disclosure relates to a low voltage protection device such as a circuit breaker that is commonly used to receive, supply, protect, and isolate current supply in an electrical circuit. The present disclosure further provides a Rotary Operating Mechanism (ROM) that cannot be dismounted once the device is padlocked. The present disclosure also hides the mounting screws of ROM in general operations, and ensures that the ROM can be dismounted in only TRIP state. Another feature of the present disclosure is to ensure that dismounting of interlock cannot be made from outside the panel door. The present disclosure also ensures that the ROM has minimum number of components.
[0039] According to one embodiment, the present disclosure can be configured to integrate above mentioned requirements on a rotary operator of a switching device, wherein the one exemplary innovation in the present disclosure involves arrangement and embodiment of mechanical components within the assembly that integrates the above discussed feature in a unique way and in making it ergonomically viable.
[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates rotary operating mechanism (ROM) 102 mounted on a switching device and housed inside a panel enclosure 104 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 shows general operating conditions of the switching device, wherein panel door 106 rests on the panel enclosure 104 with operating handle 108 protruding out of the cut out for user application. The switching device can generally be operated keeping the panel door 104 closed to ensure safety.
[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates ROM (rotary operating mechanism) being mounted on MCCB 202 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ROM 102 can be assembled using four mounting screws 204 to tighten the assembly over the MCCB 202. FIG. 2 also shows the switching device or the MCCB 202 along with the operating handle 108, which is the final interaction point between the user and the MCCB 202.
[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates skin 302 being assembled over ROM 102 once the mounting screws 204 have been tightened in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The skin 302 can have click fits 304 that can fit into the slots of the housing 306, wherein the skin 302 can be assembled/ disassembled only in the trip state of the MCCB as the operating handle 108 matches with the cut in the skin 302 in the same position and once the click fit happens, the mounting screws 204 can be rendered inaccessible from the user for general operations.
[0043] FIG. 4 shows skin 302 assembled over the housing 306 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the click fit 304 matches the cut in housing 306, which finally fixes the skin 302 atop the housing 306, rendering the mounting screws 204 inaccessible.
[0044] FIG. 5 shows open condition of the panel door where the ROM 102is padlocked using the lock 502in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is the maintenance state for the downstream equipments. FIG. 6 shows isometric view of padlocked condition of the combination of ROM 102 and MCCB 202in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Due to the lock 502, the handle cannot be rotated to switch on the device. Consequently, cut in the skin 302 does not match with the handle 108. Thus, the skin 302 cannot be removed, rendering the mounting screws inaccessible even when the panel door is opened in padlocked condition.
[0045] FIG. 7 shows closed position of panel door in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cut in the housing 306 is used to defeat the click fit in the skin 302 at a steep angle, which does not allow for the motion required to defeat the skin 302. Thus, in closed panel door position, the mounting screws 204 cannot be accessed.
[0046] The present disclosure ensures that the ROM cannot be dismounted once the device is padlocked. The present disclosure also hides the mounting screws of the ROM in general operations. Another feature of the present disclosure is to ensure that the ROM can be dismounted in only TRIP state. Yet another feature of the present disclosure is to ensure that defeat of dismounting interlock cannot be made from outside the panel door.
[0047] 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.
[0048] While the invention has been explained with reference to the specific embodiment of the invention, the explanation is illustrative and the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0049] The present disclosure provides a switching device assembly that ensures that the ROM cannot be dismounted once the device is padlocked.
[0050] The present disclosure provides a switching device assembly that hides mounting screws of ROM in general operations.
[0051] The present disclosure provides a switching device assembly that ensures that the ROM can be dismounted in only TRIP state.
[0052] The present disclosure provides a switching device assembly that ensures that defeat of dismounting interlock cannot be made from outside the panel door.
[0053] The present disclosure provides a switching device assembly that uses minimum number of components for integration and locking of ROM over a switching device such as MCCB.
[0054] The present disclosure provides a switching device assembly that integrates above mentioned requirements on a rotary operator of a switching device.
[0055] The present disclosure provides a switching device assembly that integrates the above discussed features in a unique way, making it ergonomically viable.
,CLAIMS:1. A switching device assembly (100) comprising:
a switching device (202); and
a rotary operating mechanism (ROM) (102) mounted on the switching device, wherein the switching device (202) is housed inside a panel enclosure (104), and wherein an operating handle (108) is configured on the ROM (102) for user application such that the ROM (102) is padlocked using a lock (502), and wherein the lock (502) restrains rotation of the operating handle (108) to switch on the switching device (202).
2. The switching device assembly of claim 1, wherein a panel door (106) rests on the panel enclosure (104).
3. The switching device assembly of claim 2, wherein the switching device (202) is operated using the operating handle (108) keeping the panel door (104) closed.
4. The switching device assembly of claim 1, wherein the switching device (202) is a MCCB.
5. The switching device assembly of claim 4, wherein the ROM (102) is assembled using one or more mounting screws (204) to tighten the ROM (102) over the switching device (202).
6. The switching device assembly of claim 1, wherein a skin (302) is assembled over the ROM (102).
7. The switching device assembly of claim 6, wherein the skin (302)has a plurality of click fits (304)that fit into slots of a housing (306) of the ROM (102).
8. The switching device assembly of claim 7, wherein the skin (302) is assembled/ disassembled only in trip state of the switching device (202) when the operating handle (108) matches with a cut in the skin 302 in the same position.
9. The switching device assembly of claim 8, wherein once the click fits (304) match the slots in the housing (306), mounting screws (204) used to tighten the ROM (102) over the switching device (202) are rendered inaccessible to user.
10. The switching device assembly of claim 9, wherein due to padlocking of the ROM (102) using the lock (502) that restrains rotation of the operating handle (108) to switch on the switching device (202), cut in the skin (302) does not match with the operating handle (108), as a result of which the skin (302) cannot be removed to render the mounting screws (204) inaccessible even when the panel door (106) is opened in padlocked condition.

11. A rotary operating mechanism (ROM) (102) configured on a circuit breaker (202), wherein the circuit breaker (202) is housed inside a panel enclosure (104), and wherein an operating handle (108) is configured on the ROM (102) for user application such that the ROM (102) is padlocked using a lock (502), and wherein the lock (502) restrains rotation of the operating handle (108) to switch on the circuit breaker (202).
12. The rotary operating mechanism of claim 11, wherein the ROM (102) is assembled using one or more mounting screws (204) to tighten the ROM (102) over the circuit breaker (202).
13. The rotary operating mechanism of claim 12, wherein a skin (302) is assembled over the ROM (102), wherein the skin (302) has a plurality of click fits (304) that fit into slots of a housing (306) of the ROM (102), and wherein the skin (302) is assembled/ disassembled only in trip state of the switching device (202) when the operating handle (108) matches with a cut in the skin 302 in the same position.
14. The rotary operating mechanism of claim 13, wherein once the click fits (304) match the slots in the housing (306), the mounting screws (204) used to tighten the ROM (102) over the switching device (202) are rendered inaccessible to user.
15. The rotary operating mechanism of claim 14, wherein due to padlocking of the ROM (102) using the lock (502) that restrains rotation of the operating handle (108) to switch on the switching device (202), cut in the skin (302) does not match with the operating handle (108), as a result of which the skin (302) cannot be removed to render the mounting screws (204) inaccessible even when the panel door (106) is opened in padlocked condition.