Interlocking systems for circuit breaker systems

Abstract

The present invention discloses an interlock system (100), which includes an actuatable motor control assembly (110), a movable entrance door (74), and an interlock assembly (120). The actuatable motor control assembly (110) is configured to energize and de-energize a rack assembly motor (56). The movable entrance door (74) is configured to move between an open first position, in which the entrance door (74) does not block access to a manual rack assembly slot (72), and a closed second position, in which the entrance door (74) blocks access to the manual rack assembly slot (72). The interlock assembly (120) is configured to detect the configuration of a separable contact assembly (19) and the position of the entrance door (74), and to actuate the motor control assembly (110) to energize the motor (56) only when the separable contact assembly (19) is in the disconnected first configuration and when the entrance door (74) is in the closed second position.

Description

Background of the Invention Technical Field

[0002] The disclosed and claimed concept relates to an interlock assembly for a circuit breaker removably disposed in an enclosure, and more particularly, to an interlock assembly that allows the circuit breaker to be manually or automatically removed from or inserted into the enclosure only when the circuit breaker is in a particular configuration.

[0003] Background Information

[0004] Electrical switching apparatus includes, for example, circuit switching devices, circuit interrupters such as circuit breakers, network protectors, contactors, motor starters, motor controllers, and other load controllers. Electrical switching apparatus such as circuit interrupters and, in particular, circuit breakers are well known in the art. Hereinafter, the discussion will use circuit breakers as an example of electrical switching apparatus; it should be understood that, as used herein, "circuit breaker" refers to electrical switching apparatus.

[0005] A circuit breaker is used to protect a circuit from damage caused by an overcurrent condition, such as an overload condition or a relatively high level short circuit or fault condition. Typically, a circuit breaker includes a plurality of pairs of separable contacts, an operating mechanism, and a trip assembly. The separable contacts move between a first configuration of disconnection and a second configuration of closing. The separable contacts can be manually operated by a control device disposed on the outside of the housing, or automatically operated in response to an overcurrent condition. In other words, the circuit breaker includes an operating mechanism and a trip assembly. The operating mechanism is designed to quickly disconnect and close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism is configured to be latched, and thereby maintain the contacts in a closed configuration. The trip assembly is configured to detect an overcurrent condition. When an overcurrent condition is detected, the trip assembly releases the operating mechanism latch, thereby allowing the biasing element to bias the operating mechanism and the contacts to an open configuration. In addition, the trip assembly is configured to be manually actuated. As used herein, when the trip assembly is "actuated", the separable contacts are moved to a first configuration of disconnection. When the trip assembly is maintained in the "actuated" configuration, the separable contacts are maintained in the first configuration that is disconnected. To assist in manually actuating the trip assembly, the circuit breaker / trip assembly includes a manually actuable trip assembly component. That is, as used herein, a "manually actuable trip assembly component" is a construction or component that has exposed elements and is operatively connected to the trip assembly so that when the "manually actuable trip assembly component" is actuated, the trip assembly is actuated.

[0006] The circuit breaker system includes a circuit breaker and a housing. That is, the circuit breaker is typically disposed in a five-sided housing and has a door for the sixth side. Line and load conductors extend into the housing and are coupled to and electrically connected to a conductor assembly in the circuit breaker. As used herein, the side of the circuit breaker facing the door, i.e., the substantially exposed side of the circuit breaker when the door is opened, is the "front". In an exemplary embodiment, the circuit breaker is disposed on a wheeled carriage that is part of a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly is configured to move the carriage, and thus move the circuit breaker into and out of the housing. More specifically, the mounting assembly is configured to move the carriage / circuit breaker between a plurality of set positions, the set positions including a first position of disconnection and a second position of connection. In another exemplary embodiment, the mounting assembly is further configured to move the carriage / circuit breaker to an intermediate test position.

[0007] In the first, disconnected position, the circuit breaker is disposed outside the enclosure or partially outside the enclosure, and the circuit breaker is not electrically coupled to the line and load conductors. It should be noted that the positions of the circuit breakers are relative to each other. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, the circuit breaker in the first position is substantially disposed inside the enclosure, but is disposed to a greater extent outside the enclosure than the circuit breaker in the second position.

[0008] In the second position of connection, the circuit breaker is disposed inside or substantially inside the housing, and the circuit breaker is electrically connected to the line and the load conductor. The second position of connection is the position of the circuit breaker when it is in normal use / operation. As used herein, the positions identified in these paragraphs are "set" positions. That is, in one embodiment, the circuit breaker moves between a first set position and a second set position. In another embodiment, the circuit breaker moves between a first position, a test position, and a second position. In addition, when the slide / circuit breaker is moving between set positions, as used herein, the slide / circuit breaker is located in a "transition zone".

[0009] In the intermediate test position, the circuit breaker is partially disposed outside the housing or minimally disposed outside the housing (i.e., more than in the second position but less than in the first position), and the circuit breaker is electrically coupled to the test line conductor and the test load conductor. The test line / load conductor provides electrical energy to the circuit breaker, enabling the circuit breaker to be tested. Thus, a user can perform a test on the energized circuit breaker. That is, the circuit breaker is energized by the test line / load conductor. It should be understood that in an exemplary embodiment, the test line / load conductor carries a lower amount of electrical energy relative to the operating line / load conductor.

[0010] In another exemplary embodiment, the circuit breaker does not have a "test position" but is still configured to be tested. That is, in an alternative configuration, the circuit breaker moves between the first position and the second position as described above, and the test conductors also move between the disconnected configuration and the connected configuration. That is, when the circuit breaker is in the second position, the test conductors move between their disconnected configuration and the connected configuration. Therefore, a configuration in which the circuit breaker is in the second position and the test conductors are in the connected configuration is equivalent to a "test position".

[0011] In known embodiments, the rack assembly is a manual rack assembly. That is, the rack assembly includes a threaded rod having a slot at one end. The threaded rod is oriented so that the slot is disposed in front of the circuit breaker. A user uses an actuator tool to actuate (i.e., rotate) the threaded rod. The rack assembly includes other mechanical elements that convert the rotational motion of the threaded rod into forward / rearward movement of the carriage and the circuit breaker. Other elements of the rack assembly are not relevant to the present disclosure.

[0012] As is well known, electrical energy can be dangerous. In order to minimize exposure to electrical energy, the circuit breaker system includes one or more interlock assemblies. An interlock assembly is configured to ensure that the separable contacts are maintained in a first, disconnected configuration when the circuit breaker is in the transition zone. That is, it is safer to make / interrupt a connection (e.g., a connection to a test line / load conductor or an operating line / load conductor) when the separable contacts are in the first, disconnected configuration. However, when in any of the set positions, it is necessary to be able to close the separable contacts for testing and maintenance.

[0013] A known interlock assembly utilizes a removable door disposed in front of a mounting assembly threaded rod slot. The interlock assembly removable door moves between an upper disconnected position, in which the slot is exposed and accessible by an actuator tool, and a lower closed position, in which the slot is not exposed and cannot be accessed by the actuator tool. The interlock assembly removable door is operatively coupled to a manually actuatable trip assembly component such that when the interlock assembly removable door is in a first position, the manually actuatable trip assembly component is actuated. Thus, when the slot is exposed for the actuator tool, i.e., when the interlock assembly removable door is in the first position and when the circuit breaker is removable, the manually actuatable trip assembly component is actuated and maintains the separable contacts in a first, disconnected configuration.

[0014] However, when the circuit breaker is in one of the set positions, the interlock assembly moves the interlock assembly movable door or allows the interlock assembly movable door to move. In one embodiment, this is achieved using a slotted element and a movable member sized to fit within the slot of the slotted element. As an example, the interlock assembly movable door is the slotted element. That is, the lower edge of the interlock assembly movable door includes three spaced apart slots; each slot corresponds to a set position. The movable member moves along the bottom of the interlock assembly movable door together with the carriage assembly, or moves along the bottom in a defined relationship with the carriage assembly. When the carriage is in the set position, the movable member is aligned with the corresponding slot and the interlock assembly movable door drops to the second position. When the carriage is in the transition zone, the movable member is not aligned with any slot and moves along the bottom of the interlock assembly movable door.

[0015] Therefore, in this configuration, the user needs to open the interlock assembly movable door that maintains the separable contact in the disconnected first position. That is, the separable contact is generally moved to the disconnected first position before the operation of moving the circuit breaker; the interlock assembly further ensures that the separable contact is maintained in the disconnected first position before moving the circuit breaker. In addition, when the carriage / circuit breaker is located in the transition zone, the interlock assembly moving member maintains the interlock assembly movable door in the disconnected upper position. Therefore, when the carriage / circuit breaker is located in the transition zone, the manually actuable trip assembly member is actuated and maintains the separable contact in the disconnected first position. When the carriage / circuit breaker is moved to the set position, the interlock assembly movable door will drop (assuming that the actuator tool is removed from the threaded rod slot) and the manually actuable trip assembly member will no longer be actuated. Therefore, the user can move the separable contact to the closed second position.

[0016] This configuration has another advantage of allowing a user to know when the circuit breaker is in a set position. That is, the interlock assembly moving member can also serve as or be operatively coupled to an indicator. In addition, the configuration of the interlock assembly movable door indicates the position of the circuit breaker. That is, when the interlock assembly movable door is held in the upper disconnect position, the circuit breaker is in the transition zone.

[0017] This interlock assembly has the following disadvantages: it cannot be operated with an automatic (i.e., motor-driven) rack assembly. That is, the rack assembly now includes an integrated motor so that the rack assembly can be operated remotely. As used herein, an "integrated" motor is incorporated into one of the circuit breaker assembly, the housing, or the interlock system. That is, for example, a motor for a motorized actuator that moves between different circuit breakers is not an "integrated" motor. However, the use of an integrated motor does not require the use of a slot on a threaded rod. Therefore, if the integrated motor is actuated when the interlock assembly movable door is in a closed position, the slide / circuit breaker can be moved when the separable contact is in a closed second position, i.e., in a transition zone. That is, when the interlock assembly movable door is in a closed position, the interlock assembly movable door does not actuate the trip assembly member that can be manually actuated and the contact remains closed or can be closed. This is a problem. In addition, even if the user engages the integrated motor after initially lifting the interlock assembly movable door at the circuit breaker system, the interlock assembly may be damaged when the slide moves between the first position and the second position. That is, the carriage will pass through the intermediate test position when traveling between the first position and the second position. When the carriage is in the intermediate test position, as described above, the interlock assembly movable door will drop, but the integrated motor will still be in operation. Therefore, the interlock assembly moving member will move or attempt to move while in the slot provided in the interlock assembly movable door. This will damage the interlock assembly moving member and / or the interlock assembly movable door. This is a problem.

[0018] Therefore, there is a need for an interlock system that can be used with a mounting assembly that can be manually actuated or automatically actuated. There is also a need for an interlock system that can be incorporated into an existing circuit breaker system. Summary of the invention

[0019] These needs and other needs are met by providing at least one embodiment of the disclosed and claimed concepts of an interlock system, the interlock system comprising an actuatable motor control, a movable entrance door, and an interlock assembly. The actuatable motor control assembly is configured to energize and de-energize the rack assembly motor. The movable entrance door is configured to move between an open first position, in which the entrance door does not block access to a manual rack assembly slot, and a closed second position, in which the entrance door blocks access to the manual rack assembly slot. The interlock assembly is configured to detect the configuration of the separable contact assembly and the position of the entrance door, and actuate the motor control assembly to energize the integral motor only when the separable contact assembly is in a disconnected first configuration and when the entrance door is in a closed second position.

[0020] The interlock system in this configuration solves the above problems. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] A complete understanding of the present invention can be obtained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic isometric view of a circuit breaker system with the circuit breaker in a first position. Figure 1A is similar to Figure 1 Schematic isometric view of a circuit breaker system of FIG. 1 , with a portion of the circuit breaker and housing removed for clarity.

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the interlock system with the circuit breaker in the second position. Figure 2A is similar to Figure 1 Schematic isometric view of a circuit breaker system of FIG. 1 , with a portion of the circuit breaker and housing removed for clarity.

[0024] Figure 3 is a detailed schematic diagram of the second latch assembly. Figure 3A is a detailed schematic diagram of the pivoting member in the first position. Figure 3B is a detailed schematic diagram of the pivoting member in the second position.

[0025] Figure 4 is a schematic side view of an alternative second latch assembly latch member body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] It will be understood that the specific elements depicted herein in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concepts, which are provided as non-limiting examples for illustrative purposes only. Therefore, specific dimensions, orientations, components, number of parts used, embodiment configurations, and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered to limit the scope of the disclosed concepts.

[0027] Directional phrases used herein, such as clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upward, downward and their derivatives, refer to the orientation of elements shown in the drawings and do not limit the claims unless explicitly recited therein.

[0028] As used herein, the singular form "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0029] As used herein, "constructed to [verb]" means that the identified element or assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, arranged, connected, and / or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a member that is "constructed to move" is movably connected to another element and includes an element that moves the member, or the member is additionally configured to move in response to other elements or assemblies. Therefore, as used herein, "constructed to [verb]" describes a structure rather than a function or purpose. In addition, as used herein, "constructed to [verb]" means that the identified element or assembly is intended to and is designed to perform the identified verb. Therefore, an element that is only capable of performing the identified verb but is not intended to be designed to perform the identified verb is not "constructed to [verb]".

[0030] As used herein, "associated" means that the elements are part of the same assembly and / or operate together, or interact / act with each other in some way. For example, a car has four tires and four hub caps. Although all elements are connected as part of the car, it is understood that each hub cap is "associated" with a specific tire.

[0031] As used herein, a "coupling assembly" includes two or more couplings or coupling components. A coupling or component of a coupling assembly is generally not part of the same element or other component. Therefore, the components of a "coupling assembly" may not be described together in the following description.

[0032] As used herein, a "coupler" or "coupling component" is one or more components of a coupling assembly. That is, a coupling assembly includes at least two components that are configured to couple together. It should be understood that the components of a coupling assembly are compatible with each other. For example, in a coupling assembly, if one coupling component is a snap-on socket, then the other coupling component is a snap-on plug, or if one coupling component is a bolt, then the other coupling component is a nut.

[0033] As used herein, a "fastener" is a separate component that is configured to connect two or more elements. Thus, for example, a bolt is a "fastener," but a tongue-and-groove joint is not a "fastener." That is, the tongue-and-groove element is part of the elements being connected, not a separate component.

[0034] As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are "coupled" will mean that the parts are directly or indirectly connected or operated together, that is, connected or operated together through one or more intermediate parts or components, as long as the connection occurs. As used herein, "directly connected" means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. As used herein, "fixedly connected" or "fixed" means that two components are connected so as to move as a whole while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. Therefore, when two elements are connected, all parts of those elements are connected. However, describing that a specific part of a first element is connected to a second element, for example, the first end of an axle is connected to a first wheel, means that a specific part of the first element is arranged closer to the second element than other parts of the first element. In addition, an object resting on another object that is held in place only by gravity is not "coupled" to the lower object unless the upper object is otherwise substantially held in place. That is, for example, a book on a table is not connected to it, but a book glued to the table is connected to it.

[0035] As used herein, the phrases "removably coupled" or "temporarily coupled" mean that one component is coupled to another component in an essentially temporary manner. That is, the two components are coupled in such a manner that joining or separation of the components is easy and does not damage the components. For example, two components that are secured to one another with a limited number of fasteners that are easily accessible (i.e., fasteners that are not difficult to access) are "removably coupled," whereas two components that are welded together or joined by inaccessible fasteners are not "removably coupled." An "inaccessible fastener" is a fastener that requires removal of one or more other components prior to accessing the fastener, where the "other components" are not access devices, such as, but not limited to, doors.

[0036] As used herein, "temporarily disposed" means that one or more first elements or components are resting on one or more second elements or components in a manner that allows the first elements / components to be moved without having to uncouple or otherwise manipulate the first elements. For example, a book merely resting on a table (i.e., the book is not glued or otherwise secured to the table) is "temporarily disposed" on the table.

[0037] As used herein, "operably coupled" means coupling a plurality of elements or components (each of which is capable of moving between a first position and a second position or between a first configuration and a second configuration) such that when a first element moves from one position / configuration to another, the second element also moves between positions / configurations. It should be noted that a first element may be "operably coupled" to another element, but not vice versa.

[0038] As used herein, "corresponding" indicates that the size and shape of two structural components are set to be similar to each other and can be connected with a minimum amount of friction. Therefore, the size of the opening that "corresponds" to a member is slightly larger than the member, so that the member can pass through the opening with a minimum amount of friction. If two components are to be "tightly" fitted together, then this definition is modified. In that case, the difference between the sizes of the components is even smaller, thereby increasing the amount of friction. If the elements defining the opening and / or the components inserted into the opening are made of deformable or compressible materials, then the opening can even be slightly smaller than the component inserted into the opening. With respect to surfaces, shapes, and lines, two or more "corresponding" surfaces, shapes, or lines generally have the same size, shape, and profile.

[0039] As used herein, when used in connection with a moving element, a "path of travel" or "path" includes the space through which the element moves when in motion. Therefore, any element that inherently moves has a "path of travel" or "path". In addition, a "path of travel" or "path" involves the movement of an identifiable structure as a whole relative to another object. For example, assuming that the road is very flat, a rotating wheel on a car (an identifiable structure) will generally not move relative to the body of the car (another object). That is, the wheel as a whole will not change its position relative to, for example, an adjacent fender. Therefore, a rotating wheel does not have a "path of travel" or "path" relative to the body of the car. In contrast, the intake valve on that wheel (an identifiable structure) has a "path of travel" or "path" relative to the body of the car. That is, when the wheel rotates and moves, the intake valve as a whole moves relative to the body of the car.

[0040] As used herein, except as used below in connection with "latch", the statement that two or more parts or components "engage" one another means that the elements apply a force to one another or are biased against one another, either directly or through one or more intermediate elements or components. In addition, as used herein with respect to a moving part, a moving part may "engage" another element during movement from one position to another and / or may "engage" another element once in the described position. Thus, it should be understood that the statements "When element A moves to the element A first position, element A engages element B" and "When element A is in the element A first position, element A engages element B" are equivalent statements and mean that element A engages element B when moved to the element A first position and / or element A engages element B when it is in the element A first position. With respect to latch assemblies only and as used herein, phrases such as "a latch engages a fastener" mean that the latch applies a force to the fastener or is biased against the fastener, or that the fastener is in the path of latching.

[0041] As used herein, a "latch assembly" refers to an assembly that includes at least a latch (or latch member) and a fastener. It should be understood that the latch and fastener are monolithic, coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to other elements. For example, a latch is typically coupled to a gate in a fence, and a fastener is typically coupled to a fence post adjacent to the gate. The latch moves between a first position and a second position, in which the latch does not engage the fastener or the path of the latch is not locked by the fastener, so that the latch and the elements coupled thereto are free to move, and in which the latch engages the fastener or the fastener locks the path of the latch, so that the latch and the elements coupled thereto are not free to move. Alternatively, the fastener is a movable element that moves relative to the latch. As described above and as used herein, the latch "engages" the fastener when the fastener is biased against the latch or when the fastener is in the path of the latch. In other words, configurations of a latch engaging a fastener (or vice versa) or a fastener locking a latch are equivalent, and as used herein solely with respect to a latch, a latch is "engaged" with a fastener when the latch and fastener cannot be separated without additional action (such as, but not limited to, action by a user).

[0042] As used herein, "operatively engaged" means "engage and move." That is, "operatively engaged," when used with respect to a first component that is configured to move a movable or rotatable second component, means that the first component applies a force sufficient to cause the second component to move. For example, a screwdriver may be placed in contact with a screw. When no force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is only "temporarily coupled" to the screw. If an axial force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is pressed against the screw and "engages" the screw. However, when a rotational force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver "operatively engages" the screw and causes the screw to rotate. Further, in the case of electronic components, "operatively engaged" means that one component controls another component by controlling a signal or current.

[0043] As used herein, the term "monolithic" refers to a component that is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes parts that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a "monolithic" component or body.

[0044] As used herein, the term "number" shall mean one or an integer greater than one (ie, a plurality). That is, for example, the phrase "a plurality of elements" shall mean one element or a plurality of elements.

[0045] As used herein, in the phrases “[x] moves between its first position and its second position” or “[y] is configured to move [x] between its first position and its second position”, “[x]” is the name of an element or component. Furthermore, when [x] is an element or component that moves between multiple positions, the pronoun “its” means “[x]”, that is, the element or component mentioned before the pronoun “its”.

[0046] As used herein, "around" in phrases such as "disposed around [element, point, or axis]" or "extending around [element, point, or axis]" or "around [element, point, or axis] [x] degrees" means surrounding, extending around, or measured around. "About" when used in reference to a measurement or in a similar manner means "approximately," i.e., within an approximate range associated with the measurement, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0047] As used herein, "substantially curvilinear" includes elements having multiple curved portions, combinations of curved portions and planar portions, and multiple planar portions or segments disposed at angles relative to each other to form a curve.

[0048] As used herein, "substantially" means "in a general manner" in relation to the term being modified, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0049] As used herein, "substantially" means "predominantly" in relation to the modified term, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0050] As used herein, "at" means "on" and / or "near" in relation to the term to be modified, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0051] As used herein, a "device in use" refers to a construction / assembly that can be configured in different configurations, at least one of which is or could be hazardous. For example, a circuit breaker is a "device in use" because, while substantially safe, the current flowing through the circuit breaker when the separable contacts are in the closed second position makes the circuit breaker potentially hazardous.

[0052] As used herein, a "control device" refers to a construction / assembly that is part of or associated with a "use device" and is operatively coupled to an interlock device.

[0053] As used herein, an "interlock device" (or "interlock assembly") refers to a construction / assembly that is operatively coupled to a "use device" (including its internal components / assemblies) and is configured to place the "use device" (including its internal components / assemblies) in a specific configuration when the control device is in a specific position or configuration. For example, a circuit breaker is disposed in a housing having an entrance door. A mechanical linkage operatively couples the housing entrance door to a trip bar of the circuit breaker. When the housing entrance door is opened, the mechanical linkage moves the trip bar of the circuit breaker to a tripped disconnect position and maintains the trip bar of the circuit breaker in a tripped disconnect position. It should be understood that when the trip bar of the circuit breaker is in the trip position, the circuit breaker contacts are maintained in the disconnect configuration. Therefore, moving the trip bar to the trip position and maintaining the trip bar in the trip position moves the circuit breaker contacts to the disconnect configuration and maintains the circuit breaker contacts in the disconnect configuration. In this configuration, the access door is the "control device", the mechanical linkage is the "interlock device" and the circuit breaker is the "device of use". That is, the access door is associated with the circuit breaker and is operatively coupled to the mechanical linkage. The mechanical linkage reconfigures the circuit breaker when actuated and maintains the circuit breaker (including its internal elements / components) in a specific configuration as long as the access door is open. Thus, the "interlock device" maintains the "device of use" in a specific configuration.

[0054] Furthermore, as used herein, an "interlock" must maintain the device in use in a particular configuration until the user returns the "control device" to the original configuration or other desired configuration. That is, in the above example, the circuit breaker is maintained in a tripped / opened configuration as long as the enclosure access door is open. When the enclosure access door is returned to the original closed configuration, the "interlock" no longer maintains the device in use in a particular configuration. That is, returning the "control device" to the original configuration does not necessarily reconfigure the "device in use." Therefore, in this example, closing the enclosure access door does not close the separable contacts of the circuit breaker.

[0055] In contrast, as used herein, a "safety component" such as, but not limited to, an automatic trip component is a configuration that reconfigures a "use device" after actuation of a "control device" but does not maintain the "use device" in a particular configuration. For example, in the above example, if the mechanical linkage only moves the trip bar to the trip position but does not maintain the trip bar there, the user can reposition the trip bar to the non-trip position and then close the circuit breaker contacts. Such an assembly would not be an "interlock device" because the assembly does not maintain the "use device" in a particular configuration.

[0056] It should be understood that the specific configurations of elements disclosed below are exemplary, and the claims are not limited to the specific configurations disclosed. That is, for example, a description of element "A" being rotatably coupled to element "B" may state that element A includes a shaft, element B includes a circular opening, and elements A / B are coupled by inserting the shaft into the opening. It should be understood that alternative configurations in which element A includes a circular opening and element B includes a shaft are equivalent configurations to the exemplary configurations disclosed in this paragraph.

[0057] Various motions of the circuit breaker assembly 10 and the interlock system 100 or their elements are discussed below. These motions include, but are not limited to, pivoting, sliding, translating, rotating, and combinations thereof. These motions generally maintain the elements moving in a plane. It is well known that such motions are interchangeable or can be made interchangeable. That is, for example, a change in the configuration of an element caused by an element translating between two positions can also be made by an element sliding between two positions. Therefore, as used herein, any motion that generally occurs in a plane is equivalent to any other motion that generally occurs in a plane. Thus, for example, sliding is equivalent to pivoting.

[0058] Figure 1 A circuit breaker system 8 is shown, which includes a circuit breaker assembly 10, a cover 40, and an interlock system 100. The circuit breaker assembly 10 includes a housing assembly 12, a conductor assembly 14, an operating mechanism 16, and a trip assembly 18, which are schematically shown. The conductor assembly 14 includes a plurality of conductive members that selectively electrically communicate with line conductors and load conductors (neither of which are shown), as discussed below. The conductor assembly 14 includes a separable contact assembly 19. The separable contact assembly 19 includes a plurality of fixed contacts 20 and a plurality of movable contacts 22. The operating mechanism 16 is operatively coupled to the separable contact assembly 19 and is configured to move each movable contact 22 between an open first configuration in which the movable contact assembly 22 is spaced apart from the associated fixed contact 20 and a closed second configuration in which the movable contact 22 is coupled to the fixed contact 20 and electrically communicates with the fixed contact.

[0059] The operating mechanism 16 also includes a contact position indicator member 17. The contact position indicator member 17 ( Figure 3 ) moves between an open first position and a closed second position corresponding to the configuration of the separable contact assembly 19. That is, when the separable contact assembly 19 is in the first configuration, the contact position indicator member 17 is in the contact position indicator member 17 first position, and when the separable contact assembly 19 is in the second configuration, the contact position indicator member 17 is in the contact position indicator member 17 second position.

[0060] As is well known, the trip assembly 18 is configured to detect an overcurrent condition and cause the separable contact assembly 19 to move from the second configuration to the first configuration. That is, the trip assembly 18 is operatively connected to the operating mechanism 16, and when the overcurrent condition is detected, the trip assembly 18 causes the operating mechanism 16 to move the separable contact assembly 19 from the second configuration to the first configuration. In addition, as used herein, the trip assembly 18 is configured to be "actuated". When the trip assembly 18 is "actuated", the trip assembly 18 moves the separable contact assembly 19 from the second configuration to the first configuration and / or maintains the separable contact assembly 19 in the first configuration. The operating mechanism 16 and / or the trip assembly 18 include a trip assembly member 30 ( Figure 3 ). The trip assembly member 30 moves between two positions: a first position, in which the trip assembly member 30 actuates the trip assembly 18; and a second position, in which the trip assembly member 30 does not actuate the trip assembly 18. Therefore, as used herein, the trip assembly member 30 is either "actuated", meaning that the trip assembly 18 is also "actuated" as defined above, or the trip assembly member 30 is not "actuated", meaning that the trip assembly 18 is not "actuated" as defined above. In other words, the position of the trip assembly member 30 corresponds to the configuration of the trip assembly 18 and therefore the configuration of the separable contact assembly 19. It should be understood that in an exemplary embodiment, the trip assembly member 30 is part of a connecting rod (not numbered) extending from the operating mechanism 16. This connecting rod is configured to remain operatively connected to the interlock assembly 120 described below when the circuit breaker assembly 10 / mounting assembly carriage 52 moves, as described below.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 40 includes a housing assembly 42 having five generally planar side walls (not numbered) and a movable door (not shown). In an exemplary embodiment, the side walls and door of the housing housing assembly 42 are arranged in a generally parallelepiped configuration. That is, the side walls of the housing assembly 42 define a generally enclosed space 46 (hereinafter referred to as the "housing enclosure" 46). As is well known, line conductors and load conductors (not shown) extend from outside the housing enclosure 46 to inside the housing enclosure 46. In an exemplary embodiment, the line conductors and load conductors extend through the rear side wall of the housing housing assembly, that is, the side wall opposite the door. The door is movable between an open first position, in which the door is pivoted away from the housing enclosure 46, and a closed second position, in which the door is generally parallel to the side wall opposite the door.

[0062] The housing 40 and / or the circuit breaker system 8 also includes a mounting assembly 50. The mounting assembly 50 is configured to move the circuit breaker assembly 10 between the three set positions defined above. The mounting assembly 50 is configured to be operated manually or automatically. As used herein, "manual" operation of the mounting assembly 50 means that the power for operating the mounting assembly 50 is generated by a user, i.e., by physical activity. As used herein, "automatic" operation of the mounting assembly 50 means that the power for operating the mounting assembly 50 is generated by an integral motor or similar structure.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting assembly includes a carriage 52, a manual mounting assembly 54, an integrated motor 56, and a position indicator 58. The mounting assembly carriage 52 includes a body 60 and a motion assembly 66. The motion assembly 66 is configured to allow the carriage body 60 to move relative to the housing 40. In an exemplary embodiment, the motion assembly 66 includes wheels that travel on a platform or track (neither shown / numbered). In another embodiment, the motion assembly 66 includes wheels fixed to the housing 40 and tracks that travel via wheels 67 fixed to the circuit breaker assembly 10. That is, in this embodiment as shown, the track is the mounting assembly carriage 52 and the wheel 67 is the motion assembly 66.

[0064] In one embodiment, the mounting assembly carriage 52 and thus the circuit breaker assembly 10 are configured to move between a plurality of "set" positions, the "set" position including a first position of disconnection and a second position of connection. In another embodiment, the mounting assembly carriage 52 and thus the circuit breaker assembly 10 are also configured to move to a test position in the middle between the first position and the second position. These set positions correspond to the "set" positions of the circuit breaker assembly 10 defined above. If the mounting assembly carriage 52 is not located in the identified set position, the mounting assembly carriage 52 is located in the "transition zone" as used herein. It should be understood that the disclosed configuration is exemplary, and similar / equivalent positions and / or configurations of the disclosed elements can be achieved in different ways. For example, instead of moving the mounting assembly carriage 52 / circuit breaker assembly 10 from the test position to the first position, the elements disclosed herein may be configured to move the selected conductor toward / away from the circuit breaker assembly 10, thereby producing a substantially similar configuration equivalent to the position described herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the "positions" disclosed herein represent configurations in which the elements discussed herein are in the identified configuration. That is, as used herein, a "set position" is equivalent to a "set configuration" in which different selected elements are moved in order to produce a desired configuration in which the elements are actually in the "set position".

[0065] The manual mounting assembly 54 is configured to move the mounting assembly carriage 52 between the set positions of the mounting assembly carriage 52. The manual mounting assembly 54 includes a slot 72 ( Figure 3) and an access door 74. The present disclosure does not require a description of the configuration and mechanical operation of the manual rack assembly 54, but generally a tool (not shown) is inserted into the manual rack assembly rod slot 72. The user rotates the tool, and thus rotates the manual rack assembly rod 70. This motion is mechanically converted into motion that moves the rack assembly carriage 52 between the rack assembly carriage 52 set positions. As is well known, the circuit breaker assembly 10 is set on the rack assembly carriage 52 and also moves between the "set" positions or is located in the "transition zone" as defined above.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the entry door 74 is movably coupled to the circuit breaker assembly housing assembly 12 and is configured to slide between an open first position, in which the entry door 74 does not cover (i.e., does not prevent access to) the manual rack assembly rod slot 72, and a closed second position, in which the entry door 74 covers or prevents access to the manual rack assembly rod slot 72. In an exemplary embodiment, the entry door 74 includes a handle (not shown), and the positioning of the entry door 74 is controlled by a user. That is, in an exemplary embodiment, the user moves the entry door 74 to a selected position. The entry door 74 is maintained in a selected position by the first latch assembly 200 and / or the second latch assembly 150 discussed below. That is, the user must lift the entry door 74 to access the manual rack assembly rod slot 72. In an exemplary embodiment, the entry door 74 "translates" between the first position and the second position, i.e., slides vertically while maintaining its orientation relative to the circuit breaker assembly housing assembly 12.

[0067] The mounting assembly motor 56 (hereinafter referred to as "motor" 56) is also operatively coupled to the mounting assembly carriage 52 and is configured to move the mounting assembly carriage 52 between the mounting assembly carriage 52 set positions. In an exemplary embodiment, the motor 56 is operatively coupled to the manual mounting assembly rod 70 and is configured to rotate the manual mounting assembly rod 70. In an exemplary embodiment, the motor 56 is actuated by an electrical signal. That is, the electrical signal causes the motor 56 to turn on / off and controls the direction of the motor output, and thus controls the direction in which the motor 56 moves the mounting assembly carriage 52.

[0068] As used herein and in an exemplary embodiment, the rack assembly "position indicator" 58 is a mechanical structure that is constructed to move with the rack assembly carriage 52. In the figures, the rack assembly position indicator 58 is shown as a single structure or member. It should be understood that in another embodiment (not shown), the rack assembly position indicator 58 includes multiple structures or bodies. For example, in another embodiment (not shown), one body includes a mark (unnumbered) and the other body defines the first latch assembly cam surface 208 discussed below. In an exemplary embodiment, the rack assembly position indicator 58 is connected to a connecting rod (not shown) that converts forward / rearward movement (i.e., movement of the rack assembly carriage 52 into / out of the housing 40) into lateral or right / left movement. In an exemplary embodiment, the rack assembly position indicator 58 includes a mark and another structure, such as but not limited to the housing 40, and includes a plurality of windows (not shown) corresponding to the set positions of the rack assembly carriage 52. Thus, as the mounting assembly carriage 52 and, therefore, the mounting assembly position indicator 58 moves, the mark moves between the windows. That is, for example, when the mounting assembly carriage 52 is in the "test position", the mark on the mounting assembly position indicator 58 appears in the window and is identified as the "test position". If the mark is not located or not completely located in the window, the mounting assembly position indicator 58 reveals that the mounting assembly carriage 52 is located in the "transition zone". Thus, the mounting assembly position indicator 58 is configured to indicate the position of the mounting assembly carriage 52 and the circuit breaker assembly 10 that moves therewith. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting assembly position indicator 58 includes an elongated, substantially planar indicator member body 78. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the indicator member body 78 is disposed in a substantially vertical plane. That is, the plane of the substantially planar indicator member body 78 extends substantially vertically.

[0069] like Figure 3As shown in , the interlock system 100 is configured to position and maintain the elements of the circuit breaker assembly 10 in a desired configuration when the circuit breaker assembly 10 is in a selected set position or when the circuit breaker assembly 10 is in a transition zone. In an exemplary embodiment, the interlock assembly 100 is configured to detect the configuration of the separable contact assembly 19 and the position of the entry door 74. As used herein, "detecting configuration and position" means that the elements of the interlock assembly 100 are configured to selectively interact with other elements of the circuit breaker assembly 10, and the elements of the interlock assembly 100 only interact with the elements of the circuit breaker assembly 10 that are in a selected configuration / position. Therefore, due to the interaction or the absence of the interaction, the interlock assembly 100 detects the configuration / position of the circuit breaker assembly 10. In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, the interlock assembly 100 is configured to activate the motor control assembly 110 so as to enable the motor 56 only when the separable contact assembly 19 is in a first configuration and when the entry door 74 is in a closed second position. The interlock system 100 includes elements that have also been identified as part of the other components / configurations set forth above. For example, the entry door 74 is also part of the interlock system 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the interlock system 100 includes the entry door 74, an actuatable motor control assembly 110, and an interlock assembly 120.

[0070] The actuatable motor control assembly 110 is configured to enable / disable the motor 56. That is, the motor control assembly 110 includes an electronic device, the specific nature of which is not relevant to the present disclosure, and the electronic device is configured to allow the rack assembly motor 56 to be actuated or prevent the rack assembly motor 56 from being actuated. That is, as used herein, "enable / disable" refers to allowing / preventing another structure from being actuated; "enable / disable" does not refer to actuating or not actuating another structure. In addition, as used herein, when the motor 56 is enabled, the motor control assembly 110 is identified as being "activated". Conversely, when the rack assembly motor 56 is disabled, the motor control assembly 110 is identified as being "disabled". Therefore, the motor control assembly 110 is configured to be either "activated" or "disabled". In addition, when the motor control assembly motor 56 is enabled, the user can provide another signal to energize the motor 56 to cause the rack assembly carriage 52 to move.

[0071] In one exemplary embodiment, the motor control assembly 110 is activated / deactivated by a plurality of sensors 112. The exemplary sensors 112 are generally similar, and one sensor is described herein; hereinafter, the sensors will be identified by individual names and reference numbers indicating the location of the sensor, while common elements of the sensors 112 will share reference numbers. It should be understood that the mechanical sensors discussed herein are exemplary, and other types of sensors can operate with the motor control assembly 110. The sensor 112 includes a housing 114 having an external actuation switch 116. In one exemplary embodiment, the actuation switch 116 moves between an unactuated, extended first position, in which the actuation switch 116 is substantially fully extended from the sensor housing 114, and an actuated, depressed position, in which the actuation switch 116 is partially disposed in the sensor housing 114. When the actuation switch 116 is in the first position, the sensor 112 does not send an activation signal to the motor control assembly 110, and the motor control assembly 110 is deactivated. Conversely, when the actuation switch 116 is in the second position, the sensor 112 sends an activation signal to the motor control assembly 110, and the motor control assembly 110 is activated. As used herein, when the actuation switch 116 is "actuated," the actuation switch 116 is in the second position. Otherwise, the actuation switch 116 is in the second position. The sensor 112 is configured to transmit the activation signal to the motor control assembly 110, whether by wire 118 or similar configuration or wirelessly (not shown), such as via radio, Bluetooth, or similar frequencies.

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, the entry door 74 is a "control device" that is also identified as part of the interlock assembly 120 and / or an element that operatively engages the interlock assembly 120. The entry door 74 includes a trip assembly component interface 130, a motor control assembly actuator interface 140, and a second latch assembly catch 154. In an exemplary embodiment, and as shown, the entry door 74 includes a generally planar body 76. As shown, the generally planar body 76 of the entry door includes a generally vertical protrusion 77 having an opening (not numbered). As is well known, the entry door protrusion 77 is configured to have a lock or similar restraining device passing therethrough. In an exemplary embodiment, the trip assembly component interface 130 is a portion of the perimeter of the entry door body 76. That is, the perimeter of the entry door body 76 includes a generally horizontal portion 132, i.e., a flange, that serves as the trip assembly component interface 130. In this embodiment, the trip assembly component 30 extends adjacent to the trip assembly component interface 130, and is configured to move between the upper first position and the lower second position, in which the trip assembly component 30 actuates the trip assembly 18, and in the lower second position, the trip assembly component 30 does not actuate the trip assembly 18. The trip assembly component 30 is arranged above the trip assembly component interface 130 and is located in the path of the trip assembly component interface. In this configuration, when the entrance door 74 is in the second position, the trip assembly component interface 130 does not engage the trip assembly component 30 and the trip assembly component 30 remains in the second position. When the entrance door 74 moves to the first position, the trip assembly component interface 130 engages or "actuates" the trip assembly component 30, and the trip assembly component 30 is moved to the first position. In addition, as long as the entrance door 74 remains in the first position, the trip assembly component interface 130 actuates the trip assembly component 30 and the trip assembly component 30 is maintained in the first position. Thus, whenever the access door 74 is in the open first position, the trip assembly member 30 is in the first position and the separable contact assembly 19 is in the open first configuration.

[0073] The motor control assembly actuator interface 140 is configured to activate the motor control assembly 110 when the entry door 74 is in the second position, and is not configured to activate the motor control assembly 110 when the entry door 74 is in the first position. The motor control assembly actuator interface 140 is also disposed along the perimeter of the entry door 74. That is, in an exemplary embodiment, the perimeter of the entry door body 76 includes a vertical surface having an inwardly offset portion 142, an angled transition surface 144, and an outwardly offset portion 146. The terms "inwardly offset" and "outwardly offset" refer to the offset between the two portions; that is, these are relative terms. The motor control assembly actuator interface 140 interacts with the sensor 112, as described above.

[0074] That is, the interlock assembly 120 includes an entry door position sensor 148 (which is the sensor 112 as described above) having an actuation switch 116. It should be understood that the above reference numerals will be used to identify the elements of the sensor 112, but the sensor will be identified by a name such as the "entrance door position" sensor 148. Therefore, the entry door position sensor 148 has an actuation switch 116 also identified herein as the "entrance door position sensor actuation switch 116." The entry door position sensor actuation switch 116 is disposed in the path of the motor control assembly actuator interface 140. That is, as shown, when the entry door 74 is in the first position, the inwardly offset portion 142 is disposed adjacent to the entry door position sensor actuation switch 116, but is spaced apart from the entry door position sensor actuation switch. Therefore, when the entry door 74 is in the first position, the entry door position sensor actuation switch 116 is not actuated, and the entry door position sensor 148 does not send an activation signal to the motor control assembly 110 and the motor control assembly 110 is deactivated. As the entry door 74 moves toward the second position, the angled transition surface 144 engages the entry door position sensor actuation switch 116 and moves the entry door position sensor actuation switch 116 to the second position. When the entry door 74 is in the second position, the entry door position sensor actuation switch 116 is actuated, i.e., in the second position, and the entry door position sensor 148 sends an activation signal to the motor control assembly 110 and activates the motor control assembly 110. In this configuration, the motor 56 is enabled and the motor 56 is available. It should be understood that the sensor 112 is "positioned" by coupling the sensor 112 to the housing assembly or any other configuration that is located at the location where the sensor 112 is located.

[0075] The interlock assembly 120 includes a second latch assembly 150 (the first latch assembly 200 is discussed below). The second latch assembly 150 includes a latch member 152 and a second latch assembly catch 154. The second latch assembly latch member 152 includes an elongated body 156 having a contact position indicator member interface 158, a motor control assembly actuator interface 160, and a latch 162. In an exemplary embodiment, the second latch assembly latch member body contact position indicator member interface 158 (hereinafter referred to as "contact position indicator member interface" 158) is configured to be coupled, directly coupled, fixed to the contact position indicator member 17, or configured to be engaged by the contact position indicator member 17. Therefore, the second latch assembly latch member 152 moves with the contact position indicator member 17. That is, the second latch assembly latch member 152 moves between a first position corresponding to the position of the contact position indicator member 17 and a second position. In other words, in an exemplary embodiment, the contact position indicator member 17 is operatively coupled to the contact position indicator member interface 158. That is, the contact position indicator member 17 is coupled to the contact position indicator member interface 158 so that when the contact position indicator member 17 is in the contact position indicator member 17 second position, the second latch assembly latch member body 156 is in the second latch assembly latch member body 156 second position. When the contact position indicator member 17 is in the contact position indicator member 17 first position, the second latch assembly latch member body 156 is in the second latch assembly latch member body 156 first position.

[0076] In one exemplary embodiment, the second latch assembly latch member body motor control assembly actuator interface 160 (hereinafter referred to as "motor control assembly actuator interface" 160) is an outwardly offset portion of the second latch assembly latch member body 156 including a generally planar surface 164 and an angled transition surface 166. The motor control assembly actuator interface 160 is configured to selectively engage the actuation switch 116 on the second latch assembly latch member position sensor 190, as described below. The second latch assembly latch member body latch 162 is configured to be engaged by the second latch assembly catch 154. In one exemplary embodiment, the second latch assembly latch member body latch 162 is the end of the second latch assembly latch member body 156 opposite the contact position indicator member interface 158.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, the second latch assembly catch 154 is a generally horizontal recess 170 in the entry door 74. That is, the entry door 74 includes a generally vertical side, and the second latch assembly catch 154 is a generally horizontal recess 170 in the vertical side of the entry door 74. The second latch assembly latch member body latch 162 is configured to be engaged by the second latch assembly catch 154 only when the entry door 74 is in the second position. It should be understood that when the entry door 74 is not in the second position, the second latch assembly latch member body latch 162 is disposed adjacent to or engages the generally vertical side of the entry door 74.

[0078] That is, the second latch assembly 150 is configured as follows. The second latch assembly latch member body 156 is configured to move between a first position, in which the second latch assembly latch member body latch 162 does not engage the second latch assembly catch 154, and a second position, in which the second latch assembly latch member body latch 162 engages the second latch assembly catch 154. In an exemplary embodiment, the second latch assembly latch member body 156 is movably or, in an exemplary embodiment, slidably coupled to a structure, such as but not limited to, the circuit breaker assembly housing assembly 12 adjacent to the entry door 74. When the second latch assembly latch member body 156 is in the first position, the second latch assembly latch member body latch 162 is spaced from the second latch assembly catch 154. Therefore, the entry door 74 is able to move between its first position and the second position. When the second latch assembly latch member body 156 is in the second position, the second latch assembly latch member body latch 162 is disposed in the second latch assembly catch 154, ie, in the second latch assembly catch recess 170, and maintains the entry door 74 in the second position.

[0079] In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, the second latch assembly 150 includes a spring 180 and a movable second latch assembly latch member body latch 162A. In this embodiment, the second latch assembly latch member body 156 defines a cavity 155, and the movable second latch assembly latch member body latch 162A is a separate element. In this embodiment, the second latch assembly spring 180 is disposed in the cavity 155. In addition, the second latch assembly latch member body latch 162 is partially disposed in the cavity 155, wherein the second latch assembly spring 180 biases the second latch assembly latch member body latch 162 outward (i.e., toward the entry door 74).

[0080] exist Figure 4In another alternative embodiment shown in , the second latch assembly latch member body 156 does not include a cavity, but rather includes a vertical projection 75 disposed at the distal end of the second latch assembly latch member body 156. In this embodiment, the movable second latch assembly latch member body latch 162A' is disposed on a track (not shown) or a similar configuration, which allows the movable second latch assembly latch member body latch 162A' to slide substantially perpendicular to the path of motion of the entry door 74. In addition, the second latch assembly latch member body latch 162A' is engaged by the second latch assembly spring 180 and the second latch assembly latch member body projection 75. As with the above embodiment, the second latch assembly spring 180 biases the second latch assembly latch member body latch 162 toward the entry door 74. That is, biased toward the second position. The second latch assembly latch member body projection 75 moves with the second latch assembly latch member body 156 and is positioned to engage the second latch assembly latch member body latch 162A'. Thus, when the second latch assembly latch member body 156 moves to the first position, the second latch assembly latch member body projection 75 engages the second latch assembly latch member body latch 162A' and moves the second latch assembly latch member body latch to the second position, in which the second latch assembly latch member body latch 162A' is spaced from the entry door 74. This movement also compresses the second latch assembly spring 180.

[0081] Additionally, the interlock assembly 120 includes a second latch assembly latch member position sensor 190. As before, the second latch assembly latch member position sensor 190 includes an actuation switch 116 identified herein as a "second latch assembly latch member position sensor actuation switch" 116. The second latch assembly latch member position sensor 190 is configured to provide an activation signal to the motor control assembly 110 when the second latch assembly latch member position sensor actuation switch 116 is actuated, and not provide an activation signal to the motor control assembly 110 when the second latch assembly latch member position sensor actuation switch 116 is not actuated. That is, the second latch assembly latch member position sensor 190 is positioned adjacent to the travel path of the motor control assembly actuator interface 160 so that when the second latch assembly latch member 152 is in the first position, the motor control assembly actuator interface 160 actuates the second latch assembly latch member position sensor actuation switch 116, and when the second latch assembly latch member 152 is in the second position, the motor control assembly actuator interface 160 does not actuate the second latch assembly latch member position sensor actuation switch 116.

[0082] In this configuration, when the separable contact assembly 19 is in the closed configuration, the entrance door 74 is maintained in the closed second position. That is, as described above, when the entrance door 74 is in the first position, the interaction between the entrance door 74 and the trip assembly component interface 130 maintains the separable contact assembly 19 in the open first configuration. When the entrance door 74 is moved to the closed second position, the second latch assembly spring 180 moves the second latch assembly latch member body 156 to the second latch assembly latch member body 156 first position. That is, the second latch assembly latch member body latch 162 is disposed in the second latch assembly catch 154, that is, in the second latch assembly catch recess 170. In this configuration, the user can use the operating mechanism 16 to move the separable contact assembly 19 from the open first configuration to the closed second configuration. Moving the separable contact assembly 19 from the open first configuration to the closed second configuration also moves the contact position indicator member 17 to the contact position indicator member 17 second position. When the contact position indicator member 17 is in the contact position indicator member 17 second position, the second latch assembly latch member body latch 162 is maintained in the second latch assembly catch 154. Therefore, when the separable contact assembly 19 is in the closed configuration, the entry door 74 is maintained in the closed second position.

[0083] The interlock assembly 120 also includes a first latch assembly 200, which is configured to maintain the entrance door 74 in the first position when the rack assembly slide 52 is located in the transition zone, and is configured to release the entrance door 74 to move to the second position when the rack assembly slide 52 is located in the set position. As used herein, "release" when used with reference to the latch assembly means that the latch and fastener elements of the latch assembly are no longer engaged with each other, or are no longer arranged in each other's path, and the latch element moves freely. In other words, "release" does not move the latch member, but configures the elements of the latch assembly so that the latch member moves freely. In an exemplary embodiment, the first latch assembly 200 includes an entrance door latch member 202, an entrance door latch member spring 204, a pivot member 206, a plurality of cam surfaces 208, a first closing spring 210, a second closing spring 212 and a pivot member spring 214. The first latch assembly entrance door latch member 202 (hereinafter referred to as "entrance door latch member" 202) is configured to move between a first position, in which the entrance door latch member 202 engages the entrance door 74 and maintains the entrance door 74 in the entrance door first position, and a second position, in which the entrance door latch member 202 releases the entrance door 74, thereby allowing the entrance door 74 to move to the entrance door 74 second position. With respect to elements engaging other elements, and as used herein, "minimum engagement" means that the bias produced by the engagement is reduced to a minimum / negligible bias or there is no bias, for example, the elements are no longer coupled and no bias is applied.

[0084] That is, in an exemplary embodiment, the entrance door latch member 202 includes a body 220 having an entrance door interface 222 and a pivot member interface 224. The entrance door latch member body 220 is movably mounted adjacent to the entrance door 74, and as shown, is rotatably / pivotally mounted. Therefore, the entrance door latch member body 220 includes a pivot support 226, such as but not limited to an opening. The entrance door latch member body entrance door interface 222 is configured to engage the underside of the entrance door 74. The entrance door latch member body pivot member interface 224 is disposed on the other side of the entrance door latch member body pivot support 226 relative to the entrance door latch member body entrance door interface 222. Therefore, as shown, when the entrance door latch member body entrance door interface 222 moves upward, the entrance door latch member body pivot member interface 224 moves downward, and vice versa.

[0085] The entrance door latch member spring 204 is disposed / positioned adjacent to the entrance door latch member 202 and engages the entrance door latch member 202, thereby biasing the entrance door latch member 202 toward the first position of the entrance door latch member 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the entrance door latch member spring 204 is substantially weaker than the other springs discussed herein. That is, the entrance door latch member spring 204 does not directly or indirectly apply a bias sufficient to affect any element in the interlock system 100 other than the entrance door latch member 202. That is, the entrance door latch member spring 204 is only configured to move the entrance door latch member 202 from the second position to the first position. Otherwise, the position of the entrance door latch member 202 is controlled by the position of the pivot member 206, as discussed below.

[0086] The pivot member 206 includes an elongated body 230, which, as shown, in an exemplary embodiment, is generally U-shaped. That is, the pivot member body 230 generally includes two upwardly extending "teeth" and a generally horizontal "bend" (neither numbered). The pivot member body 230 includes an entry door latch member interface 232, a cam 234, and a trip assembly member interface 236, and a pivot bearing 238 (shown as an opening) disposed between the cam 234 and the trip assembly member interface 236. In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, the pivot member body pivot bearing 238 includes a shaft 239. It should be understood that the pivot member body pivot bearing shaft 239 is actually coupled to the cover housing assembly 42, but as used herein, the pivot member body pivot bearing shaft 239 is identified as part of the pivot member 206. The pivoting member body 230 is configured to pivot between a first position in which the entrance door is open and the pivoting member body trip assembly component interface 236 actuates the trip assembly component 30, and a second position in which the entrance door is closed and the pivoting member body trip assembly component interface 236 does not actuate the trip assembly component 30. As described below, when the mounting assembly carriage 52 is in the "transition zone", the pivoting member body 230 is in the first position. In addition, when the mounting assembly carriage 52 is in the "set" position, the pivoting member body 230 is in the second position. Therefore, the pivoting member body 230 may be described herein as being in a "transition zone" position or a "set" position, which, as used herein, correspond to the "first" position and the "second" position described in this paragraph, respectively.

[0087] In one exemplary embodiment, the pivot member body pivot support 238 is disposed on the "bend" of the pivot member body 230, and in this configuration, the pivot member body 230 "rocks" between the first position and the second position. Additionally, in this embodiment, the pivot member spring 214 is a compression spring disposed on one side of the pivot member body pivot support axis 239 so as to bias the pivot member body 230 to the first position. In one exemplary embodiment, the pivot member spring 214 is the strongest spring in the interlock system 100 and has a bias sufficient to overcome the bias of the second closing spring 212.

[0088] The pivot member body 230 is biased to the first position by the pivot member spring 214, but the movement of the entry door latch member 202 and the pivot member 206 is affected (i.e., controlled) by the first latch assembly cam surface 208. In an exemplary embodiment, the first latch assembly cam surface 208 is defined by a plurality of recesses 240 (two are shown) in the rack assembly position indicator 58. As described above, the rack assembly position indicator 58 moves with the rack assembly carriage 52. The recess 240 in the rack assembly position indicator 58 includes a downwardly offset surface 241, an angled surface 242 (which is the first latch assembly cam surface 208) and a "peak" 244, which in an exemplary embodiment is generally planar. The first latch assembly cam surface 208 is configured to move along a cam path that engages the pivot member body cam 234. In other words, the pivot member body cam 234 is disposed adjacent to the rack assembly position indicator 58 and moves along its surface. In an exemplary embodiment, there is a first position cam surface 208A, a test position cam surface 208B (which is an intermediate cam surface with two sides, one surface for movement in each direction), and a second position cam surface 208C.

[0089] Generally speaking, when the pivot member body cam 234 is disposed at the downwardly offset surface 241 of the recess, the pivot member body cam 234 is not engaged and the pivot member body 230 is in or moved to the first position in which the entry door is opened. As used herein, and with respect to the pivot member body cam 234 only, "at the [X] surface" means at a point in time when the pivot member body cam 234 has a sufficient length extending substantially vertically downward (e.g., Figure 2 ) is disposed where the pivoting member body cam 234 contacts and / or engages the identified surface or where the pivoting member body cam 234 will contact and / or engage the identified surface. Figure 2, when the pivot member body cam 234 is disposed at the downwardly offset surface 241 of the recess, the pivot member body cam 234 is disposed in the recess 240 but does not have sufficient length to contact the downwardly offset surface 241 of the recess. It should be understood that in this configuration, no cam surface 208 engages the pivot member body cam 234. Therefore, considering the configuration of the entry door latch member 202 and the pivot member 206 described above, a force acting on these elements is generated by the pivot member spring 214, which, as described, biases the pivot member 206 to its first position. In addition, the downwardly offset surface 241 of the recess is positioned on the mounting assembly position indicator 58 so that when the circuit breaker assembly 10 / mounting assembly carriage 52 is located in the "transition zone", the pivot member body cam 234 is disposed at the downwardly offset surface 241 of the recess.

[0090] The angled surface 242 of the recess is positioned on the mounting assembly position indicator 58 such that when the circuit breaker assembly 10 / mounting assembly carriage 52 is located substantially near the "set" position, the pivot member body cam 234 is disposed at the angled surface 242 of the recess. Thus, when the mounting assembly position indicator 58 moves toward the "set" position with the circuit breaker assembly 10 / mounting assembly carriage 52, the angled surface 242 of the recess (i.e., the first latch assembly cam surface 208) engages the pivot member body cam 234. This engagement overcomes the bias of the pivot member spring 214 and allows the pivot member 206 to move toward the second position.

[0091] The peak 244 of the recess is positioned on the mounting assembly position indicator 58 so that when the circuit breaker assembly 10 / mounting assembly carriage 52 is in the "set" position, the pivot member body cam 234 is disposed at the peak 244 of the recess. As before, the engagement between the pivot member body cam 234 and the peak 244 of the recess overcomes the bias of the pivot member spring 214 and allows the pivot member 206 to be maintained in its second position.

[0092] The pivot member spring 214 has a pivot member spring force. In an exemplary embodiment, the first closing spring 210 has a first closing spring force, and the second closing spring 212 has a second closing spring force. The combination of the first spring force and the second spring force is less than the pivot member spring force. The first closing spring 210 is configured to engage the entrance door 74 to bias the entrance door 74 toward the second position of the entrance door 74. The second closing spring 212 is configured to engage the trip assembly member 30 and bias the trip assembly member 30 toward the second position of the trip assembly member 30.

[0093] In this configuration, and in view of the configuration of the other elements of the interlock assembly 120 as described above, when the second latch assembly latch member body latch 162 is disposed in the first position (where the entry door 74 is not maintained in the entry door second position) and when the circuit breaker assembly 10 / mounting assembly carriage 52 is located in the transition zone, the bias of the pivot member spring 214 biases the pivot member 206 to the first position. In addition, if the entry door 74 is in its first position, the entry door latch member spring 204 maintains the entry door latch member 202 and, therefore, the entry door 74 in the first position. Then, when the circuit breaker assembly 10 / mounting assembly carriage 52 is moved to and / or is in the set position, the first latch assembly cam surface 208 engages the pivot member body cam 234, thereby overcoming the bias of the pivot member spring 214 and allowing the pivot member 206 to move toward the second position. As the pivot member 206 moves toward the second position, the pivot member body entry door latch member interface 232 engages the entry door latch member pivot member interface 224, thereby moving the entry door latch member 202 to its second position.

[0094] Thus, the bias of the first closing spring 210 engages the entrance door 74 and biases the entrance door 74 to the entrance door 74 second position. In addition, the second closing spring 212 engages the trip assembly member 30 and biases the trip assembly member 30 to the trip assembly member 30 second position. In addition, when the pivot member 206 moves to the second position, the pivot member body entrance door latch member interface 232 engages the entrance door latch member pivot member interface 224 and moves and maintains the entrance door latch member 202 in the entrance door latch member 202 second position. That is, this interaction moves the entrance door latch member 202 to “release” the entrance door 74.

[0095] Thus, when using the manual rack assembly 54, the user initially moves the entry door 74 to the first position. When the circuit breaker assembly 10 / rack assembly carriage 52 is located in the transition zone, the first latch assembly 200 then maintains the entry door 74 in the first position. When the circuit breaker assembly 10 / rack assembly carriage 52 is moved to the set position, and after the user removes the actuating tool from the slot 72, the first latch assembly 200 then moves the entry door 74 to the second position. This in turn causes the second latch assembly member body 156 to move to its second position, as described above, which allows the user to move the separable contact assembly 19 to the closed second configuration. That is, when the circuit breaker assembly 10 is in the set position (e.g., the "test position"), the user is able to close the separable contact assembly 19. When the user again moves the access door 74 to the first position (and inserts the actuating tool into the slot 72) and moves the circuit breaker assembly 10 / rack assembly carriage 52 into the transition zone, the first latch assembly 200 again maintains the access door 74 in the first position.

[0096] It should be further noted that when the entrance door is in the first position, either or both of the entrance door position sensor 148 and / or the second latch assembly latch member position sensor 190 are not actuated, and as described above, when the sensors 148, 190 are not actuated, the motor 56 cannot be activated. Therefore, when the manual rack assembly 54 is in use, the motor 56 cannot be used. Conversely, when the entrance door 74 is in the second position, that is, when the manual rack assembly 54 is not in use, the sensors 148, 190 are actuated and the motor 56 can be activated. Therefore, the interlock assembly 120 is configured to detect the configuration of the separable contact assembly 19 (via the second latch assembly 150) and the position of the entrance door 74 (via the first latch assembly 200 and / or the sensors 148, 190), and activate the motor control assembly 110 to enable the motor 56 only when the separable contact assembly 19 is in the first configuration and when the entrance door 74 is in the closed second position.

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment, the interlock assembly 120 includes a mode selector assembly 250, which is configured to control the method of operation of the mounting assembly 50. As described above, the mounting assembly 50 is operated manually or automatically. The mode selector assembly 250 is configured to limit the method of operation of the mounting assembly 50 to one of a fully enabled configuration, a manually enabled configuration, a motor enabled configuration, and a fully disabled configuration. As used herein, in the "fully enabled" configuration, the mounting assembly 50 is operated manually or automatically. As used herein, in the "manually enabled" configuration, the mounting assembly 50 is operated manually. As used herein, in the "motor enabled" configuration, the mounting assembly 50 is operated automatically. As used herein, in the "fully disabled" configuration, the mounting assembly 50 is not operated manually or automatically.

[0098] The mode selector assembly 250 includes an elongated member 252, an entry door member 254, a biasing assembly 256, and a mode selector assembly position sensor 258. The mode selector assembly position sensor 258 is the sensor 112 as described above, and includes an actuation switch 116, i.e., a "mode selector assembly position sensor actuation switch." The mode selector assembly position sensor 258 is configured to provide an activation signal to the motor control assembly 110 when the mode selector assembly position sensor actuation switch 116 is actuated, and not provide an activation signal to the motor control assembly 110 when the mode selector assembly position sensor actuation switch 116 is not actuated.

[0099] The mode selector assembly entrance door member 254 is fixed to the entrance door 74, including being monolithic with the entrance door, and moves with it. In an exemplary embodiment, the mode selector assembly entrance door member 254 extends laterally from the vertical side of the entrance door 74. Therefore, the mode selector assembly entrance door member 254 has a travel path corresponding to the movement of the entrance door 74.

[0100] Mode selector assembly member 252 comprises an elongated body 260, which has an entrance door member interface 262, a motor control assembly actuator interface 264 and a biasing assembly interface 266. In an exemplary embodiment, each interface 262, 264, 266 identified in the previous sentence is a protrusion from the mode selector assembly member body 260. The entrance door member interface 262 and the motor control assembly actuator interface 264 are spaced apart from each other in a manner so that these interfaces 262, 264 are constructed to be placed in different positions stated below. This spacing also depends on the position of the mode selector assembly position sensor 258 and the mode selector assembly entrance door member 254. An example of such spacing is shown in the figure. In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, the motor control assembly actuator interface 264 includes an angled cam surface 268. As discussed with the other sensors 112, the angled cam surface 268 of the motor control assembly actuator interface moves (e.g., slides) past the mode selector assembly position sensor actuation switch 116 when the mode selector assembly member body 260 moves. That is, the mode selector assembly member body 260 is configured to move between a plurality of positions. In an exemplary embodiment, the mode selector assembly member body 260 is configured to move between any of the fully enabled position, the manually enabled position, the motor enabled position, and the fully disabled position.

[0101] When the mode selector assembly member body 260 is in the fully enabled position, the mode selector assembly member body entry door member interface 262 is not disposed in the path of the mode selector assembly entry door member 254, and the entry door 74 is free to move between the entry door 74 first position and the second position, and the mode selector assembly member body motor control assembly actuator interface 264 actuates the mode selector assembly position sensor actuation switch 116. Thus, when the mode selector assembly member body 260 is in this position, the mode selector assembly position sensor 258 provides an activation signal to the motor control assembly 110, as described above. In other words, when the mode selector assembly member body 260 is in this position, the user is able to utilize the manual mounting assembly 54 or the mounting assembly motor 56. This is the "fully enabled" configuration of the mode selector assembly 250.

[0102] When the mode selector assembly member body 260 is in the manually enabled position, the mode selector assembly member body entry door member interface 262 is not disposed in the path of the mode selector assembly entry door member 254, and the entry door 74 is free to move between the entry door 74 first position and the second position, and the mode selector assembly member body motor control assembly actuator interface 264 does not actuate the mode selector assembly position sensor actuation switch 116. Therefore, when the mode selector assembly member body 260 is in this position, the mode selector assembly position sensor 258 does not provide an activation signal to the motor control assembly 110, as described above. In other words, when the mode selector assembly member body 260 is in this position, the user is able to utilize only the manual mounting assembly 54. This is the "manually enabled" configuration of the mode selector assembly 250.

[0103] When the mode selector assembly component body 260 is in the motor enable position, the mode selector assembly component body entrance door component interface 262 is arranged in the path of the mode selector assembly entrance door component 254, and the entrance door 74 cannot move from the entrance door second position. Therefore, when the entrance door 74 cannot move to the first position, the actuating tool cannot be connected to the manual rack assembly rod slot 72 and the manual rack assembly 54 cannot be used. In addition, the mode selector assembly component body motor control assembly actuator interface 264 actuates the mode selector assembly position sensor actuation switch 116. Therefore, when the mode selector assembly component body 260 is in this position, the mode selector assembly position sensor 258 provides an activation signal to the motor control assembly 110, as described above. This is the "motor enable" configuration of the mode selector assembly 250.

[0104] When the mode selector assembly member body 260 is in the fully disabled position, the mode selector assembly member body entry door member interface 262 is disposed in the path of the mode selector assembly entry door member 254, and the entry door 74 cannot be moved from the entry door 74 second position, and the mode selector assembly member body motor control assembly actuator interface 264 does not actuate the mode selector assembly position sensor actuation switch 116. Therefore, when the mode selector assembly member body 260 is in this position, the mode selector assembly position sensor 258 does not provide an activation signal to the motor control assembly 110, as described above. This is the "fully disabled" configuration of the mode selector assembly 250.

[0105] In an exemplary embodiment, the mode selector assembly biasing assembly 256 includes two springs 270, 272 configured to apply bias in opposite directions. In an exemplary embodiment, the mode selector assembly member biasing assembly interface 266 is a generally radial / vertical extension from the mode selector assembly member body 260. The mode selector assembly member biasing assembly interface 266 is disposed between the mode selector assembly biasing assembly springs 270, 272. In this configuration, the mode selector assembly biasing assembly 256 is configured to engage the mode selector assembly member body biasing assembly interface 266 and bias the mode selector assembly member body 260 to a selected position. In an exemplary embodiment, the mode selector assembly member body 260 is biased to a fully enabled position.

[0106] Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the mode selector assembly member body 260 includes a plurality of openings 280, and the circuit breaker assembly housing assembly 12 includes a plurality of mode selector openings 282. It should be appreciated that in an exemplary embodiment, only one of the mode selector assembly member body 260 or the circuit breaker assembly housing assembly 12 includes a plurality of openings, and the other includes a single opening. Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the mode selector assembly member body 260 is shown as having a single opening 280, and the circuit breaker assembly housing assembly 12 is shown as having multiple openings 282. When the mode selector assembly member body opening 280 is aligned with the cover opening 282, a pin, snap or similar structure is passed through the openings 280, 282 and maintains the mode selector assembly member body 260 in one position relative to the circuit breaker assembly housing assembly 12.

[0107] In an exemplary embodiment, the position of the cover opening 282 is spaced such that when the pin is passed through the mode selector assembly component body opening 280 and the latch opening (not shown), the mode selector assembly component body 260 is set in a selected position, such as one of a fully enabled position, a manually enabled position, a motor enabled position, and a fully disabled position in an exemplary embodiment.

[0108] The interlock system 100 in this configuration solves the problems described above.

[0109] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details may be formed in light of the overall teachings of this disclosure. Therefore, the specific arrangements disclosed are intended to be illustrative only and not to limit the scope of the present invention, which is given by the full scope of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An interlock system (100) for a circuit breaker system (8), the circuit breaker system (8) comprising a housing (40), a mounting assembly (50) and a circuit breaker assembly (10), the housing (40) defining a closed space (46), the mounting assembly (50) comprising a slide (52), a manual mounting assembly (54), a motor (56) and a position indicator (58), the mounting assembly slide (52) being configured to move between a plurality of set positions, the plurality of set positions comprising a first position for disconnection and a second position for connection, wherein: If the mounting assembly carriage (52) is not located at the identified setting position, the mounting assembly carriage (52) is located in a transition zone, the manual mounting assembly (54) is configured to move the mounting assembly carriage (52) between the mounting assembly carriage setting positions, the manual mounting assembly (54) includes a rotating rod (70) having a manual mounting assembly slot (72), the motor (56) is configured to move the mounting assembly carriage (52) between the mounting assembly carriage setting positions, the mounting assembly position indicator (58) includes an indicator member body (78), the indicator member body (78) is configured to move with the mounting assembly carriage (52), and the circuit breaker assembly (10) includes a separable contact assembly (19), the separable contact assembly (19) comprises a plurality of fixed contacts (20) and a plurality of movable contacts (22), the movable contacts (22) being movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration, the movable contacts (22) are separated from the fixed contacts and are not electrically connected to the fixed contacts, and in the second configuration, the movable contacts (22) are coupled to the fixed contacts (20) and are electrically connected to the fixed contacts, the circuit breaker assembly (10) further comprises an operating mechanism contact position indicator component (17) and a manually actuatable trip assembly component (30), the circuit breaker assembly (10) being disposed on the slide (52), the interlock system (100) comprising: a movable access door (74) configured to move between an open first position in which the access door does not block access to the manual rack assembly slot (72) and a closed second position in which the access door blocks access to the manual rack assembly slot (72); and An interlock assembly (120) is configured to allow manual use of the mounting assembly (54) when the entry door (74) is in the first position, to allow use of the motor when the entry door (74) is in the second position, and to maintain the movable contact in the first configuration when the mounting assembly carriage is in the transition zone.

2. The interlocking system according to claim 1, wherein: The interlock assembly (120) is constructed to detect the configuration of the separable contact assembly (19) and the position of the entrance door (74), and the interlock assembly includes a first latch assembly (200), which is constructed to maintain the entrance door (74) in the first position when the mounting assembly slide (52) is in the transition zone, and is constructed to release the entrance door (74) to move to the second position when the mounting assembly slide (52) is in a set position.

3. The interlocking system (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The first latch assembly (200) includes an entry door latch member (202); The entry door latch member (202) includes a body (220) having an entry door interface (222) and a pivot member interface (224); and The entrance door latch member (202) is configured to move between a first position, in which the entrance door latch member (202) engages the entrance door (74) and maintains the entrance door (74) in the entrance door first position, and a second position, in which the entrance door latch member (202) releases the entrance door (74) to allow the entry door to move to the entrance door second position.

4. The interlocking system (100) according to claim 3, wherein: The first latch assembly (200) includes a pivot member (206); The pivoting member (206) includes a body (230); The pivoting member body (230) includes an entry door latch member interface (232), a cam (234) and a trip assembly member interface (236); The pivoting member body (230) is configured to pivot between a first position in which the entrance door (74) is open and a second position in which the entrance door (74) is closed, wherein the pivoting member body trip assembly component interface (236) actuates the trip assembly component (30) and the pivoting member body trip assembly component interface (236) does not actuate the trip assembly component (30) in the first position in which the entrance door is open and the second position in which the entrance door is closed; wherein when the pivot member body (230) is in the pivot member body first position, the pivot member body entry door latch member interface (232) does not engage the entry door latch member pivot member interface (224), whereby the entry door latch member (202) is biased to the first position; and wherein when the pivot member body (230) is in the pivot member body second position, the pivot member body entry door latch member interface (232) engages the entry door latch member body pivot member interface (224) and maintains the entry door latch member (202) in the entry door latch member second position.

5. The interlocking system (100) according to claim 4, wherein: The number of cam surfaces (208) of the first latch assembly (200) is defined by the number of recesses (240) in the mounting assembly position indicator (58); The plurality of cam surfaces (208) of the first latch assembly are configured to move along a cam path that engages the pivot member body cam (234); wherein when the plurality of cam surfaces (208) of the first latch assembly fully engage the pivot member body cam (234), the pivot member body (230) moves to the pivot member body second position; wherein the plurality of cam surfaces (208) of the first latch assembly include a first position cam surface (208A) and a second position cam surface (208C); The first position cam surface (208A) is configured to fully engage the pivot member body cam (234) when the mounting assembly carriage (52) is in the mounting assembly carriage first position; and The second position cam surface (208C) is configured to fully engage the pivot member body cam (234) when the mounting assembly carriage (52) is in the mounting assembly carriage second position.

6. The interlocking system (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The entry door (74) includes a trip assembly component interface (130); The entry door trip assembly component interface (130) is configured to actuate the trip assembly component (30) when the entry door (74) is in the first position; and The entry door trip assembly component interface (130) is configured to not actuate the trip assembly component (30) when the entry door (74) is in the second position.

7. The interlocking system (100) according to claim 2, further comprising: an actuatable motor control assembly (110) configured to enable / disable the mounting assembly motor (56); and The interlock assembly (120) is configured to activate the motor control assembly (110) to enable the motor (56) only when the separable contact assembly (19) is in the first configuration and when the entry door (74) is in the closed second position.

8. The interlocking system (100) according to claim 7, wherein: The entry door (74) includes a motor control assembly actuator interface (140); The entry door motor control assembly actuator interface (140) is configured to activate the motor control assembly (110) when the entry door (74) is in the second position; and The entry door motor control assembly actuator interface (140) is not configured to activate the motor control assembly (110) when the entry door (74) is in the first position.

9. The interlocking system (100) according to claim 8, wherein: The interlock assembly (120) includes an entry door position sensor (112); The entry door position sensor (112) includes an actuation switch (116); The entrance door position sensor (112) is configured to provide an activation signal to the motor control assembly (110) signal when the entrance door position sensor actuation switch (116) is actuated, and not provide an activation signal to the motor control assembly (110) signal when the entrance door position sensor actuation switch (116) is not actuated; and The entry door position sensor (112) is positioned such that when the entry door (74) is in the first position, the entry door motor control assembly actuator interface (140) does not actuate the entry door position sensor actuation switch (116), and when the entry door (74) is in the second position, the entry door motor control assembly actuator interface (140) actuates the entry door position sensor actuation switch (116).

10. The interlocking system (100) according to claim 7, wherein: The interlock assembly (120) includes a mode selector assembly (250); The mode selector assembly (250) includes a member (252), an entry door member (254), and a mode selector assembly position sensor (258); The mode selector assembly position sensor (258) includes an actuation switch (116); The mode selector assembly position sensor (258) is configured to provide an activation signal to the motor control assembly (110) signal when the mode selector assembly position sensor actuation switch (116) is actuated, and not provide an activation signal to the motor control assembly (110) signal when the mode selector assembly position sensor actuation switch (116) is not actuated; The mode selector assembly entry door member (254) is secured to the entry door (74); The mode selector assembly member (252) includes a body (260) having an entry door member interface (262) and a motor control assembly actuator interface (264); The mode selector assembly member body (260) is configured to move between a plurality of positions.

11. The interlocking system (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The interlock assembly (120) comprises a second latch assembly (150); The entry door (74) includes a second latch assembly catch (154); The second latch assembly (150) includes a latch member (152); The second latch assembly latch member (152) includes a body (156) having a motor control assembly actuator interface (160) and a latch (162); The entry door second latch assembly catch (154) is configured to be engaged by the second latch assembly latch member body latch (162) only when the entry door (74) is in the second position; The second latch assembly latch member body (156) is configured to move between a first position, in which the second latch assembly latch member body latch (162) does not engage the second latch assembly catch (154), and a second position, in which the second latch assembly latch member body latch (162) engages the second latch assembly catch (154); The interlock assembly (120) includes a second latch assembly latch member position sensor (190); The second latch assembly latch member position sensor (190) includes an actuation switch; The second latch assembly latch member position sensor (190) is configured to provide an activation signal to the motor control assembly (110) when the second latch assembly latch member position sensor actuation switch (116) is actuated, and not provide an activation signal to the motor control assembly (110) when the second latch assembly latch member position sensor actuation switch (116) is not actuated; and The second latch assembly latch member position sensor (190) is positioned so that when the second latch assembly latch member (152) is in the first position, the second latch assembly latch member body motor control assembly actuator interface (160) actuates the second latch assembly latch member position sensor actuation switch (116), and when the second latch assembly latch member (152) is in the second position, the second latch assembly latch member body motor control assembly actuator interface (160) does not actuate the second latch assembly latch member position sensor actuation switch (116).

12. A circuit breaker system (8), comprising: A housing (40), the housing defining a closed space (46); A mounting assembly (50), the mounting assembly comprising a slide (52), a manual mounting assembly (54), a motor (56), and a position indicator (58); Circuit breaker assembly (10); The rack assembly carriage (52) is configured to move between a plurality of set positions, the plurality of set positions comprising a disconnected first position and a connected second position, wherein if the rack assembly carriage (52) is not in an identified set position, the rack assembly carriage (52) is located in a transition zone; The manual mounting assembly (54) is configured to move the mounting assembly slide (52) between the mounting assembly slide setting positions, and the manual mounting assembly comprises a rotating rod (70) having a manual mounting assembly slot (72); The motor (56) is configured to move the mounting assembly slide (52) between set positions of the mounting assembly slide (52); The mounting assembly position indicator (58) comprises an indicator member body (78); The indicator member body (78) is configured to move with the mounting assembly carriage (52); The circuit breaker assembly (10) comprises a separable contact assembly (19); The separable contact assembly (19) comprises a plurality of fixed contacts (20) and a plurality of movable contacts (22), wherein the movable contacts (22) are movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration, the movable contacts (22) are separated from the fixed contacts (20) and are not electrically connected to the fixed contacts, and in the second configuration, the movable contacts (22) are coupled to the fixed contacts (20) and are electrically connected to the fixed contacts; The circuit breaker assembly (10) further comprises an operating mechanism contact position indicator component (17) and a manually actuatable trip assembly component (30); The circuit breaker assembly (10) is arranged on the slide (52); An interlock system (100) comprising a movable entry door (74) and an interlock assembly (120); and The interlock assembly is configured to allow manual access to the mounting assembly (54) when the entry door (74) is in the first position, to allow access to the motor when the entry door (74) is in the second position, and to maintain the movable contact (22) in the first configuration when the mounting assembly carriage is in the transition zone.

13. The circuit breaker system (8) according to claim 12, wherein: The movable access door (74) is configured to move between an open first position in which the access door (74) does not block access to the manual rack component slot (72) and a closed second position in which the access door (74) blocks access to the manual rack component slot (72); and The interlock assembly (120) is constructed to detect the configuration of the separable contact assembly (19) and the position of the entrance door (74), and the interlock assembly includes a first latch assembly (200), which is constructed to maintain the entrance door (74) in the first position when the mounting assembly slide (52) is in the transition zone, and is constructed to release the entrance door (74) to move to the second position when the mounting assembly slide (52) is in a set position.

14. The circuit breaker system (8) according to claim 13, wherein: The first latch assembly (200) includes an entry door latch member (202); The entry door latch member (202) includes a body (220) having an entry door interface (222) and a pivot member interface (224); and The entrance door latch member (202) is configured to move between a first position, in which the entrance door latch member (202) engages the entrance door (74) and maintains the entrance door (74) in the entrance door first position, and a second position, in which the entrance door latch member (202) releases the entrance door (74) to allow the entrance door (74) to move to the entrance door second position.

15. The circuit breaker system (8) according to claim 14, wherein: The first latch assembly includes a pivot member; The pivoting member (206) includes a body (230); The pivoting member body (230) includes an entry door latch member interface (232), a cam (234) and a trip assembly member interface (236); The pivoting member body (230) is configured to pivot between a first position in which the entrance door (74) is open and a second position in which the entrance door (74) is closed, wherein the pivoting member body trip assembly component interface (236) actuates the trip assembly component (30) and the pivoting member body trip assembly component interface (236) does not actuate the trip assembly component (30) in the first position in which the entrance door is open and the second position in which the entrance door is closed; wherein when the pivot member body (230) is in the pivot member body first position, the pivot member body entry door latch member interface (232) does not engage the entry door latch member body pivot member interface (224), whereby the entry door latch member (202) is biased to the first position; and wherein when the pivot member body (230) is in the pivot member body second position, the pivot member body entry door latch member interface (232) engages the entry door latch member body pivot member interface (224) and maintains the entry door latch member (202) in the entry door latch member second position.

16. The circuit breaker system (8) according to claim 15, wherein: The number of cam surfaces (208) of the first latch assembly is defined by the number of recesses (240) in the mounting assembly position indicator (58); The plurality of cam surfaces (208) of the first latch assembly are configured to move along a cam path that engages the pivot member body cam (234); wherein when the plurality of cam surfaces (208) of the first latch assembly fully engage the pivot member body cam (234), the pivot member body (230) moves to the pivot member body second position; wherein the plurality of cam surfaces (208) of the first latch assembly (200) include a first position cam surface (208A), a test position cam surface (208B) and a second position cam surface (208C); The first position cam surface (208A) is configured to fully engage the pivot member body cam (234) when the mounting assembly carriage (52) is in the mounting assembly carriage (52) first position; and The second position cam surface (208C) is configured to fully engage the pivot member body cam (234) when the mounting assembly carriage is in the second position of the mounting assembly carriage (52).

17. The circuit breaker system (8) according to claim 13, wherein: The entry door (74) includes a trip assembly component interface (130); The entry door trip assembly component interface (130) is configured to actuate the trip assembly component (30) when the entry door (74) is in the first position; and The entry door trip assembly component interface (130) is configured to not actuate the trip assembly component (30) when the entry door (74) is in the second position.

18. The circuit breaker system (8) according to claim 13, wherein: The interlock system (100) includes an actuatable motor control assembly (110) configured to enable / disable the rack assembly motor (56); and The interlock assembly (120) is configured to activate the motor control assembly (110) to enable the motor (56) only when the separable contact assembly (19) is in the first configuration and when the entry door (74) is in the closed second position.

19. The circuit breaker system (8) according to claim 18, wherein: The entry door (74) includes a motor control assembly actuator interface (140); The entry door motor control assembly actuator interface (140) is configured to activate the motor control assembly (110) when the entry door (74) is in the second position; and The entry door motor control assembly actuator interface (140) is not configured to activate the motor control assembly (110) when the entry door (74) is in the first position.

20. The circuit breaker system (8) according to claim 19, wherein: The interlock assembly (120) includes an entry door position sensor (112); The entry door position sensor (112) includes an actuation switch (116); The entrance door position sensor (112) is configured to provide an activation signal to the motor control assembly (110) signal when the entrance door position sensor actuation switch (116) is actuated, and not provide an activation signal to the motor control assembly (110) signal when the entrance door position sensor actuation switch (116) is not actuated; The entry door position sensor (112) is positioned such that when the entry door (74) is in the first position, the entry door motor control assembly actuator interface (140) does not actuate the entry door position sensor actuation switch (116), and when the entry door (74) is in the second position, the entry door motor control assembly actuator interface (140) actuates the entry door position sensor actuation switch (116).

21. The circuit breaker system (8) of claim 18, wherein: The interlock assembly (120) includes a mode selector assembly (250); The mode selector assembly (250) includes a member (252), an entry door member (254), and a mode selector assembly position sensor (258); The mode selector assembly position sensor (258) includes an actuation switch (116); The mode selector assembly position sensor (258) is configured to provide an activation signal to the motor control assembly (110) signal when the mode selector assembly position sensor actuation switch (116) is actuated, and not provide an activation signal to the motor control assembly (110) signal when the mode selector assembly position sensor actuation switch (116) is not actuated; The mode selector assembly entry door member (254) is secured to the entry door (74); The mode selector assembly member (252) includes a body (260) having an entry door member interface (262) and a motor control assembly actuator interface (264); The mode selector assembly member body (260) is configured to move between a plurality of positions.

22. The circuit breaker system (8) of claim 13, wherein: The interlock assembly (120) comprises a second latch assembly (150); The entry door (74) includes a second latch assembly catch (154); The second latch assembly (150) includes a latch member (152); The second latch assembly latch member (152) includes a body (156) having a motor control assembly actuator interface (160) and a latch (162); The entry door second latch assembly catch (154) is configured to be engaged by the second latch assembly latch member body latch (162) only when the entry door (74) is in the second position; The second latch assembly latch member body (156) is configured to move between a first position, in which the second latch assembly latch member body latch (162) does not engage the second latch assembly catch (154), and a second position, in which the second latch assembly latch member body latch (162) engages the second latch assembly catch (154); The interlock assembly (120) includes a second latch assembly latch member position sensor (190); The second latch assembly latch member position sensor (190) includes an actuation switch (116); The second latch assembly latch member position sensor (190) is configured to provide an activation signal to the motor control assembly (110) when the second latch assembly latch member position sensor actuation switch (116) is actuated, and not provide an activation signal to the motor control assembly (110) when the second latch assembly latch member position sensor actuation switch (116) is not actuated; and The second latch assembly latch member position sensor (190) is positioned so that when the second latch assembly latch member (152) is in the first position, the second latch assembly latch member body motor control assembly actuator interface (160) actuates the second latch assembly latch member position sensor actuation switch (116), and when the second latch assembly latch member (152) is in the second position, the second latch assembly latch member body motor control assembly actuator interface (160) does not actuate the second latch assembly latch member position sensor actuation switch (116).

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