Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relate to the field of auto operation of circuit breaker. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a door interlock assembly to control locking and unlocking of a door of a circuit breaker, and provides an easy defeat feature in the ON state or TRIP state of the circuit breaker.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Electrical operating mechanism (EOM) is used to drive 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 case of direct drive operator, motor energy is used in both ways of closing and opening the MCCB. In case of stored energy operator (SE-EOM), the motor energy is used in the direction of ON-OFF movement, which means opening of MCCB, in which the spring assembled in the system is charged and allowed to store energy through various mechanical means.
[0004] The stored energy is discharged, during the OFF-ON motion, which means closing of MCCB contacts. The stored energy operator has two modes of operation that are manual and auto. The manual mode consists of a charging unit and the handle attached to it, so that cranking system provided onto a handle allows user to drive the MCCB from ON-OFF and a manual ON button allowing the unit to discharge the energized spring through various linkages mechanically connected. The auto mode consists of motor charging the spring and driving the unit from ON-OFF and input from remote location discharges the energized spring through mechanical linkages connected below. The MCCB being the governing element, with preset boundary conditions and constraints, SE-EOM must perform primary, secondary, and tertiary functions in a determined manner.
[0005] However, the current SE-EOM does not automatically lock a circuit breaker panel door to prohibit access to equipment inside the panel door when the MCCB is turned ON, which could provide a risk of an electrical hazard.
[0006] Existing method discloses a different interlocking mechanism for locking and unlocking the door, and when locked, it prevents everyone to open the panel door. However, sometimes, for observation or maintenance purposes, opening of the door is required, while the circuit breaker is in ON condition. The existing methods required for defeating the interlocking operation have frequently been cumbersome, expensive and complex and in some instances difficult to use.
[0007] There is, therefore, a need for an improved door-locking assembly to lock the door of circuit breaker when the circuit breaker is ON, and enables defeating of the door-locking assembly in case of maintenance.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0008] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy are as listed hereinbelow.
[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a door interlock assembly to control automated opening and closing of a door corresponding to ON state and OFF state of a circuit breaker.
[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a door interlock assembly that may be readily defeated by technicians who understand the operation of the door interlock assembly.
[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a door interlock assembly that enables a defeat feature easily at the time of maintenance in the ON state or TRIP state of the circuit breaker.
[0012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a door interlock assembly that receive a tool of specified diameter to open the door by defeating the feature.
[0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a door interlock assembly that disables the defeat feature by blocking insertion of the tool in the door lock assembly.
[0014] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a door interlock assembly that is straightforward in design, easily manipulated, and include easily accessible defeat mechanism.

SUMMARY
[0015] Various aspects of present disclosure relates to the field of auto operation of circuit breaker. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a door interlock assembly for an actuation system for the circuit breaker to control locking and unlocking of a door of the circuit breaker. In addition, the door interlock assembly enables a defeat feature to open the door at the time of maintenance in the ON state or TRIP state of the circuit breaker thereby facilitating access by technicians qualified to service the circuit breaker, when the circuit breaker is in ON state or TRIP state, while restrict access by all others while the circuit breaker is in ON state or TRIP state.
[0016] An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a door interlock assembly for a circuit breaker, the door interlock assembly may include a support adapted to be configured to a door of the circuit breaker, a first interlock component adapted to be coupled on a top side of the support plate, a second interlock component adapted to be coupled on a bottom side of the support plate, and an actuation system associated with the circuit breaker and movably coupled to the support plate that facilitates movement of the first interlock component and the second interlock component between a first position and a second position to lock and unlock the door respectively, corresponding to the movement of the actuation system. Additionally, a lower pair of guiding means slidably configured in a lower pair of channels provided on the support plate and the lower pair of guiding means may be configured to move between a first end and a second end of the associated lower pair of channels, and consequently, the first interlock component and the second interlock component moves between the first position and the second position. Furthermore, an upper pair of guiding means slidably configured in an upper pair of channels provided on the support plate and upon receiving a tool in a slot provided at the support plate, when the circuit breaker is in any of an ON state and a trip state, the upper pair of guiding means moves to a first end from a second end of the associated upper pair of channels, and consequently the first interlock component moves to the second position to unlock the door. In addition, upon insertion of the tool in the slot, when the circuit breaker is in any of ON state and trip state, movement of the second interlock component is restricted.
[0017] In some aspects, upon movement of the actuation system in the first position, the first interlock component and the second interlock component create overlap with the door to lock the door, and upon movement of actuation system in the second position, the first interlock component and the second interlock component returns to original position of the door to unlock the door.
[0018] In some aspects, the actuation system may include a motor having a motor shaft, a drive shaft, and a gear assembly rotatably coupled to the motor shaft, and upon actuation of the motor, the motor shaft rotates that facilitates rotation of the gear assembly, and consequently, the drive shaft rotates. Upon rotation of the drive shaft, a rack assembly associated with the actuation assembly moves linearly corresponding to the drive shaft to stretch one or more springs of the circuit breaker to facilitate a charging operation of the circuit breaker.
[0019] In some aspects, the rack assembly may be slidably coupled to a third channel, and the third channel may be provided at the support plate, and movement of the rack assembly in the third channel, the door of the circuit breaker locks and unlocks.
[0020] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0021] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure.
[0022] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[0023] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary representation of a door interlock assembly, when a circuit breaker is in ON state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary representation of the door interlock assembly, when the circuit breaker is in OFF state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 2A-2B illustrates exemplary representations of the door interlock assembly to prevent opening of door, when circuit breaker is in an ON state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 3A-3B illustrates exemplary representations of the door interlock assembly to enable opening of door, when circuit breaker is in OFF state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 4A-4B illustrates exemplary representations of the door interlock assembly to enable opening of door, when circuit breaker is in ON state and in TRIP state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary sectional view of defeat disable, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary sectional view of door interlock disable, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary representation of movement of the door in OFF state of the circuit breaker, 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 scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0032] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0033] 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 “comprise” 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.
[0034] Embodiments of present disclosure relates to the field of auto operation of circuit breaker. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a door interlock assembly for an actuation system for the circuit breaker to control locking and unlocking of a door of the circuit breaker with a defeating feature, thereby facilitating access by technicians qualified to service the circuit breaker, when the circuit breaker is in ON state or TRIP state, while restrict access by all others while the circuit breaker is in ON state or TRIP state.
[0035] Embodiments of the present disclosure elaborates upon a door interlock assembly for a circuit breaker, the door interlock assembly may include a support adapted to be configured to a door of the circuit breaker, a first interlock component adapted to be coupled on a top side of the support plate, a second interlock component adapted to be coupled on a bottom side of the support plate, and an actuation system associated with the circuit breaker and movably coupled to the support plate that facilitates movement of the first interlock component and the second interlock component between a first position and a second position to lock and unlock the door respectively, corresponding to the movement of the actuation system. Additionally, a lower pair of guiding means slidably configured in a lower pair of channels provided on the support plate and the lower pair of guiding means may be configured to move between a first end and a second end of the associated lower pair of channels, and consequently, the first interlock component and the second interlock component moves between the first position and the second position. Furthermore, an upper pair of guiding means slidably configured in an upper pair of channels provided on the support plate and upon receiving a tool in a slot provided at the support plate, when the circuit breaker is in any of an ON state and a trip state, the upper pair of guiding means moves to a first end from a second end of the associated upper pair of channels, and consequently the first interlock component moves to the second position to unlock the door. In addition, upon insertion of the tool in the slot, when the circuit breaker is in any of ON state and trip state, movement of the second interlock component is restricted.
[0036] In some embodiments, upon movement of the actuation system in the first position, the first interlock component and the second interlock component create overlap with the door to lock the door, and upon movement of actuation system in the second position, the first interlock component and the second interlock component returns to an original position of the door to unlock the door.
[0037] In some embodiments, the actuation system may include a motor having a motor shaft, a drive shaft, and a gear assembly rotatably coupled to the motor shaft, and upon actuation of the motor, the motor shaft rotates that facilitates rotation of the gear assembly, and consequently, the drive shaft rotates. Upon rotation of the drive shaft, a rack assembly associated with the actuation assembly moves linearly corresponding to the drive shaft to stretch one or more springs of the circuit breaker to facilitate a charging operation of the circuit breaker.
[0038] In some embodiments, the rack assembly may be slidably coupled to a third channel, and the third channel may be provided at the support plate, and movement of the rack assembly in the third channel, the door of the circuit breaker locks and unlocks.
[0039] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary representation of a door interlock assembly, when a circuit breaker is in ON state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary representation of the door interlock assembly, when the circuit breaker is in OFF state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 2A-2B illustrates exemplary representations of the door interlock assembly to prevent opening of door, when circuit breaker is in an ON state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 3A-3B illustrates exemplary representations of the door interlock assembly to enable opening of door, when circuit breaker is in OFF state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0043] FIG. 4A-4B illustrates exemplary representations of the door interlock assembly to enable opening of door, when circuit breaker is in ON state and in TRIP state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary sectional view of defeat disable, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary sectional view of door interlock disable, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary representation of movement of the door in OFF state of the circuit breaker, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0047] As illustrated in FIGs, a door interlock assembly 100 for a circuit breaker 101 is disclosed. The door interlock assembly 100 includes a support plate 102 (i.e. LHS plate) adapted to be configured to a door 103 (i.e. panel door) of the circuit breaker 101. A first interlock component 104 adapted to be coupled on a top side of the support plate 102, and a second interlock component 112 adapted to be coupled on a bottom side of the support plate 102. Additionally, the door interlock assembly 100 includes an actuation system 120 associated with the circuit breaker 101 that facilitates movement of the first interlock component 104 and the second interlock component 112 to open and close the door 103.
[0048] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1A, when the circuit breaker 101 is in an ON state, the first interlock component 104 and the second interlock component 112 automatically moves in the first position to lock the door.
[0049] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1B, when the circuit breaker 101 is in an OFF state, the first interlock component 104 and the second interlock component 112 automatically moves in the second position to unlock the door.
[0050] In some embodiments, the actuation system 120 may include a motor having a motor shaft (not shown), a drive shaft (not shown), a gear assembly (not shown), and a rack assembly 130 may be associated to the gear assembly. The gear assembly can be an epicyclic assembly that may be rotatably coupled to the motor shaft. Upon actuation of the motor, the motor shaft rotates that facilitates rotation of the gear assembly, and consequently, the drive shaft rotates. Further, upon rotation of the drive shaft, the rack assembly 130 moves linearly corresponding to the drive shaft to stretch one or more springs of the circuit breaker to facilitate a charging operation of the circuit breaker 101.
[0051] In some embodiments, the actuation system 120 may be movably coupled to the support plate 102 that facilitates movement of the first interlock component 104 and the second interlock component 112 between a first position and a second position to lock and unlock the door respectively, corresponding to the movement of the actuation system 120.
[0052] In some embodiments, the rack assembly 130 may be slidably coupled to a third channel 122, and the third channel 122 may be provided at the support plate 102. Additionally, a pair of rack pins 1024 are configured in such a manner that movably coupled the rack assembly 120 to the third channel 122. The rack assembly 130 moves in the third channel 122, and correspondingly lock and unlock the door of the circuit breaker. In some embodiments, when the circuit breaker is in the ON state, the rack assembly 130 automatically moves in the first position in the third channel 122, and correspondingly enables movement of the first interlock component 104 and the second interlock component 112 left side, to lock the door of the circuit breaker.
[0053] In some embodiments, when the circuit breaker 101 is in the OFF state, the rack assembly 130 automatically moves in the second position in the third channel 122, and correspondingly enables movement of the first interlock component 104 and the second interlock component 112 right side, to unlock the door of the circuit breaker. In an exemplary embodiment, movement of the door in the OFF state of the circuit breaker 101 is disclosed in FIG. 7.
[0054] In some embodiments, a lower pair of guiding means 114 slidably configured in a lower pair of channels 116, and an upper pair of guiding means 106 slidably configured in an upper pair of channels 108. The lower pair of channels 116 and the upper pair of channels 108 may be provided on the support plate (102). Additionally, an upper spring 110 may be coupled to at least one of the upper pair of guiding means 106, and a lower spring 118 may be coupled to at least one of the lower pair of guiding means 114.
[0055] In some embodiments, when the rack assembly 130 reaches the second position, the second interlock component 112 returns to its original position due to biasing action of the springs, and allowing the door to open in OFF state of the circuit breaker.
[0056] In some embodiments, when the circuit breaker 101 in the ON state, as shown in FIGs. 2A-2B, the actuation system 120 actuates and moves to the first position, correspondingly, the rack assembly 130 moves in the first position in the third channel 122. Consequently, the lower pair of guiding means 114 moves from a first end to a second end of the associated lower pair of channels 116, that enables movement of the first interlock component 104 and the second interlock component 112 from the right side (i.e. first position) to the left side (i.e. second position). Furthermore, movement of the first interlock component 104 and the second interlock component 112 creates overlap with the door to lock the door. Thus, when the circuit breaker 101 is in the ON state, the door may be automatically locked.
[0057] In some embodiments, when the circuit breaker 101 is in the OFF state, as shown in FIGs. 3A-3B, the actuation system 120 actuates and moves to the second position, correspondingly, the rack assembly 130 moves in the second position in the third channel 122. Consequently, the lower pair of guiding means 114 moves from the second end to the first end of the associated lower pair of channels 116 that enables movement of the first interlock component 104 and the second interlock component 112 from the left side to the right side. Furthermore, movement of the first interlock component 104 and the second interlock component 112 right side enables unlocking of the door. Thus, when the circuit breaker 101 is in OFF state, the door may be automatically unlocked.
[0058] In some embodiments, the door interlock assembly 100 includes an upper pair of guiding means 106 slidably configured in an upper pair of channels 108 provided on the support plate 102. When the circuit breaker 101 is in the ON state and the OFF state, the upper pair of guiding means 106 positioned at a second end of upper pair of channels 108, as shown in FIGs. 2B and 3B. The upper pair of guiding means 106 moves to a first end of the upper pair of channels 108, to enable defeat of the circuit breaker.
[0059] In some embodiments, when the circuit breaker 101 is in the ON state or TRIP state, and for maintenance, the door needs to be unlocked, then by using a tool (any standard tool), the door can be unlocked. The tool is received in a slot provided at the support plate, when the circuit breaker 101 is in any of the ON state and the trip state, and insertion of the tool in the slot, enable a user to open the door in any of the ON state and the trip state. Further, upon receiving the tool, the upper pair of guiding means 106 moves to the first end from the second end of the associated upper pair of channels, and consequently the first interlock component 104 moves to the second position to unlock the door.
[0060] In some embodiments, when the tool is inserted in the slot and the circuit breaker 101 is in any of ON state and trip state, movement of the second interlock component 112 is restricted. Thus, while opening the circuit breaker 101 is in any of ON state and trip state, merely the first interlock component 104 is moved, without moving the second interlock component 112, as shown in FIG 4B.
[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, when the door has to be opened when the circuit breaker 101 is in the ON state, the first interlock component 104 is pushed inside by the tool of specified diameter to defeat the door interlock assembly 100. The rack assembly 130 prevents the second interlock component 112 from moving back, and the first interlock component 104 slides over the second interlock component 112, to open the door without any obstruction.
[0062] In some embodiments, a cap 128 is slidably coupled to the support plate 102, and the slot is covered by the cap 128. The cap 128 can be made of plastic. The cap is slided to a first side to open the slot (i.e. enable the defeat feature) that enables the user to insert the tool to open the door, when the circuit breaker 101 is in any of ON state and trip state, as shown in FIG. 5. Additionally, the defeat feature can be disabled by positioning the cap 128 to cover the slot.
[0063] In some embodiments, the cap is slided to a second side to close the slot to block the slot that blocks movement of the door interlock assembly 100, consequently movement of the first interlock component 104 is blocked, thus disabling the door interlock feature, as shown in FIG. 6. The door interlock feature pertains to enable movement of the first interlock component 104, when the circuit breaker 101 is in any of the ON state and the TRIP state.
[0064] Above described embodiment, discloses the door interlock assembly that have the defeat feature for permitting qualified technicians to open the door of the circuit breaker secured by the door interlock assembly, when the circuit breaker is in ON or TRIP state. The present disclosure provides the improved door interlock assembly 100 that is straightforward in design, easily manipulated, and include easily accessible defeat mechanism.
[0065] Moreover, in interpreting the specification, 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, 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.
[0066] 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
[0067] The proposed invention provides a door interlock assembly to control automated opening and closing of a door corresponding to ON state and OFF state of a circuit breaker.
[0068] The proposed invention provides a door interlock assembly that enables a defeat feature to open the door at the time of maintenance in the ON state or TRIP state of the circuit breaker.
[0069] The proposed invention provides a door interlock assembly that receive a tool of specified diameter to open the door by defeating the feature.
[0070] The proposed invention provides a door interlock assembly that disables the defeat feature by blocking insertion of the tool in the door lock assembly.
, Claims:1. A door interlock assembly (100) for a circuit breaker (101), the door interlock assembly (100) comprising:
a support plate (102) adapted to be configured to a door (103) of the circuit breaker (101);
a first interlock component (104) adapted to be coupled on a top side of the support plate;
a second interlock component (112) adapted to be coupled on a bottom side of the support plate;
an actuation system (120) associated with the circuit breaker, the actuation system (120) movably coupled to the support plate (102) that facilitates movement of the first interlock component (104) and the second interlock component (112) between a first position and a second position to lock and unlock the door respectively, corresponding to the movement of the actuation system (120);
a lower pair of guiding means (114) slidably configured in a lower pair of channels (116) provided on the support plate (102), wherein the lower pair of guiding means (114) are configured to move between a first end and a second end of the associated lower pair of channels, and consequently, the first interlock component (104) and the second interlock component (112) moves between the first position and the second position; and
an upper pair of guiding means (106) slidably configured in an upper pair of channels (108) provided on the support plate (102), wherein upon receiving a tool in a slot provided at the support plate, when the circuit breaker is in any of an ON state and a trip state, the upper pair of guiding means moves to a first end from a second end of the associated upper pair of channels, and consequently the first interlock component moves to the second position to unlock the door.
2. The door interlock assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon movement of the actuation system (120) in the first position, the first interlock component (104) and the second interlock component (112) create overlap with the door to lock the door.
3. The door interlock assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon movement of actuation system (120) in the second position, the first interlock component (102) and the second interlock component (112) moves to unlock the door.
4. The door interlock assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon insertion of the tool in the slot, when the circuit breaker (101) is in any of ON state and trip state, movement of the second interlock component (112) is restricted.
5. The door interlock assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein insertion of the tool in the slot, when the circuit breaker (101) is in any of ON state and trip state, enables a user to open the door (103).
6. The door interlock assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slot is covered by a cap (128), and the cap is slidably coupled to the support plate (102).
7. The door interlock assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein to open the door, when the circuit breaker (101) is in any of ON state and trip state, the cap (128) is slided to open the slot that enables the user to insert the tool.
8. The door interlock assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuation system (120) comprises:
a motor having a motor shaft;
a drive shaft; and
a gear assembly rotatably coupled to the motor shaft, wherein upon actuation of the motor, the motor shaft rotates that facilitates rotation of the gear assembly, and consequently, the drive shaft rotates, wherein upon rotation of the drive shaft, a rack assembly (130) associated with the actuation assembly moves linearly corresponding to the drive shaft to stretch one or more springs of the circuit breaker to facilitate a charging operation of the circuit breaker.
9. The door interlock assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the rack assembly (130) is slidably coupled to a third channel, wherein the third channel is provided at the support plate.
10. The door interlock assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the rack assembly (130) moves in the third channel, and correspondingly lock and unlock the door of the circuit breaker.