CA2458791C - Receptacle device having circuit interrupting and reverse wiring protection - Google Patents
Receptacle device having circuit interrupting and reverse wiring protection Download PDFInfo
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- CA2458791C CA2458791C CA2458791A CA2458791A CA2458791C CA 2458791 C CA2458791 C CA 2458791C CA 2458791 A CA2458791 A CA 2458791A CA 2458791 A CA2458791 A CA 2458791A CA 2458791 C CA2458791 C CA 2458791C
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Abstract
A circuit interrupting system has an upper cover, an intermediate support, and a base. A mounting strap is installed between the upper cover and the intermediate support, and a electric circuit board installed between the intermediate support and the base. The upper cover includes an electric output plug, a test button, and a reset button. The mounting strap includes a ground point that is connected to a ground receptacle of the electric output plug; the intermediate support on both sides a pair of output conductors. The electric circuit board comprises a differential transformer, a solenoid coil having a plunger inside, a reset button bias member, and a flexible switch; both sides of the base respectively comprise in parallel a pair of electric input connection screws and a pair of electric output point. The ground fault circuit interrupting system is installed within an output box on the wall of an ordinary household which prevents hazard caused to human and household electronics by errors in the installation of the connection lines.
Description
RECEPTACLE DEVICE HAVING CIRCUIT INTERRUPTING AND REVERSE
WIRING PROTECTION
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a receptacle device, particularly a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) or an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI), which provides protection to humans and property against faults in electrical equipment and in electrical supply and distribution systems so that upon detection of a fault condition, the receptacle device interrupts the electric supply circuit. The receptacle device is also capable of protecting against faults caused by reverse wiring.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Safety associated with the use of household appliances is a great concern for people.
This is especially the case as more and more electronic devices are used in homes today.
Accordingly, this is desired to provide the electric receptacles in the walls of ordinary households with safety features. However, most receptacles in homes are ordinary receptacles without the capability to protect against leakage of electric current. When these ordinary receptacles are used, leakage of electric current or a shock hazard may occur.
Receptacles with safety features that guard against the leakage of electric current, such as a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI), have been in existence since the early 1970's. However, until recently, most of these receptacles did not possess a reverse wiring protection feature.. Reverse wiring means that load wires are mistakenly connected to a line side of the receptacle and line wires are mistakenly connected 9207090.1 ¨ 2 ¨
to a load side of the receptacle. When this occurs, although the input end and the output end of the receptacle are still electrically connected, the receptacle no long provides fault-protection. Without a reverse wiring protection feature, a consumer, after mistakenly reversing the line wire and load wire connections to the receptacle may be misled to believe that the receptacle is still functioning properly and will detect a fault condition. However, the consumer does not know that the fault-protection feature is not operational.
The continued use of a reverse wired receptacle might cause injury to users and damage to the household electronic appliances, as well as damage to real property.
Accordingly, there is a need for a circuit-interrupting device that provides reverse wiring protection and that may also protect against fault conditions, such as ground faults and arc faults, among others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To solve the above problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a circuit interrupting device, such as a GFCI or an AFCI. This type of circuit interrupting device is suitable for installation in an output box in a wall of an ordinary household, such as a typical wall receptacle. When the input and output wires are mistakenly connected in a reverse manner during installation of the receptacle, the receptacle prevents an electric connection between the input end and output end of the receptacle. Thus, when the input wire is mistakenly connected to the output end of the receptacle and the output wire is mistakenly connected to the input end of the receptacle, there is no electric voltage output from the receptacle. Only when the wires of the receptacle are properly connected can the receptacle be reset and the output end provide a voltage output.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a receptacle mainly comprising an upper cover, an intermediate support, and a base. A mounting strap is installed between the ¨ 3 ¨
upper cover and the intermediate support, and an electric circuit board is installed between the intermediate support and the base.
The upper cover comprises an electric output plug, a test button, and a reset button.
The mounting strap comprises a ground point that is connected to a ground receptacle of the electric output plug through an opening in the upper cover.
The intermediate support comprises a pair of output conductors made of conductive materials. The two output conductors each have pieces corresponding to the hot receptacle and the white receptacle on the electric output plug on the upper cover. The output conductors also comprise, respectively, electric contacts corresponding to electric contacts on a flexible electric input piece on the electric circuit board. A test button switch piece is located between one of the output conductors and the test button.
The electric circuit board comprises a pair of flexible input components having four flexible input fingers, a differential transformer for testing for leakage of electric current, a solenoid coil having a plunger therein, a reset button bias member, and a flexible switch.
The flexible input components are located on both sides of a central opening in the reset button bias member and passes through the differential transformer to connect to the electric input point. The flexible input fingers include two pairs of electric contacts, one pair of the electric contacts correspond to a pair of the electric contacts on the output conductor in the intermediate support, while the other pair corresponds to a pair of electric contacts on the output conductors.
The base encloses the electric circuit board and the intermediate support.
Both sides of the base comprise, respectively, a pair of electric input connection screws and a pair of electric output connection screws connected in parallel. The electric input connection screws ¨ 4 ¨
connect to the flexible input components in the electric circuit board, and the electric output connection screws connect to the electric output metal pieces in the base.
The reset button bias member is comprised of a cylinder located underneath the reset button. A central opening is provided in the reset button bias member, a movable L-shaped latch is arranged at the bottom of the reset button bias member. The latch has an opening. A
directional lock is located inside the reset button bias member and vertically passes through the central opening. The directional lock has a bottom surface, and a locking groove is located above and close to the bottom surface of the directional lock. A
spring is provided on the directional lock and biases the reset button. Another spring is also located between one side of the reset button bias member and the latch component.
The flexible switch is located between the reset button bias member and the electric circuit board. The flexible switch is made of flexible conductive material. A
first end of the flexible switch is attached to the electric circuit board and is connected to a resistor. The resistor is coupled to an anode of a rectifier circuit on the electric circuit board. A second end of the flexible switch has a protruding pinpoint contact corresponding to a contact on the electric circuit board, which is in turn connected to a gate trigger of a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) that is connected to the solenoid coil on the electric circuit board.
A test resistor is located underneath the test button with one end series connected to a white line of the electric input wire.
In another exemplary embodiment, a reset apparatus for a circuit interrupting device including a line side connection capable of being electrically connected to a source of electricity; a load side connection capable of being electrically connected to a load side conductor, is provided. The reset apparatus comprises a reset button having a depressed and a relaxed position. A resilient element biases the reset button into the relaxed position. A
¨ 5 ¨
directional lock is coupled to the reset button and has a bottom surface. A
bias member is arranged under the reset button, the reset bias member defines a central aperture therein receiving the directional lock. The directional lock is moveable in a vertical direction in the aperture. A first pair of electric contacts is provided for making an electric connection between the line side connection and the load side connection. A latch extends into the bias member and through the aperture, the latch defines an opening therein and is movable through the aperture in a horizontal direction between an aligned position in which the opening is aligned with the bottom surface of the directional lock and a misaligned position in which the opening is misaligned with the bottom surface of the directional lock. The latch is adapted to engage the directional lock such that movement of the reset button to the relaxed state causes the bias member to close the first pair electric contacts.
In another exemplary embodiment the circuit interrupting device comprises a line side connection capable of being electrically connected to a source of electricity.
A load side connection capable of being electrically connected to a load side conductor for providing electricity to a load side. A user load connection capable of conducting electricity to at least one load for providing an electrical connection to the source of electricity.
A first conductive path provides an electrical connection between the line side connection and the user load connection. A second conductive path provides an electrical connection between the line side connection and the load side connection. A reset mechanism for establishing an electrical connection. First means for detecting a fault condition and second means, separate from the first means, for testing for a reverse wiring condition when the reset mechanism is actuated are also provided. Means interrupt at least one of the first conductive path or the second conductive path when a reverse wiring condition or a fault is detected.
According to another embodiment, the circuit interrupting device comprises a first conductor and a second conductor. A first pair of contacts is provided with each contact ¨ 6 ¨
coupled to one of the first and second conductors. A second pair of contacts is moveable to a closed position via a reset button. A plunger is disposed in a solenoid. The plunger is moveable between a first position and second position when the solenoid is energized and de-energized, respectively. A current controller is coupled to the solenoid and to at least one of the first and second conductors via the second pair of contacts. The current controller prevents current flow through the solenoid to de-energize the solenoid when the first and second conductors are reverse wired and allows current flow to energize the solenoid when the first and second conductors are wired correctly. A fault detection circuit energizes the solenoid when a fault is detected. When the solenoid is energized via the current controller, the plunger initiates closing of the first pair of contacts to complete a circuit between the first and second conductors and when the solenoid is energized via the fault detection circuit the plunger initiates opening of the first pair of contacts to interrupt the circuit between the first and second conductors.
¨ 7 ¨
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the circuit interrupting device of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the circuit interrupting device of an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the circuit interrupting device of an embodiment of the present invention without the upper cover.
Figure 4 is a view of the components on the electric circuit board placed inside the base of the circuit interrupting device of an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5A is a sectional view of Figure 3 following line A-A, schematically showing an interruption of the electric connection between the electric input end and the electric output end in the circuit interrupting device of an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5B is a sectional view of Figure 3 following line B-B, schematically showing an interruption of the electric connection between the electric input end and the electric output end in the circuit interrupting device of an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6A is a sectional view of Figure 3 following line A-A, schematically showing the electric connection between the electric input end and the electric output end in the circuit interrupting device of an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6B is a sectional view of Figure 3 following line B-B, schematically showing the electric connection between the electric input end and the electric output end in the circuit interrupting device of an embodiment of the present invention.
¨ 8 ¨
Figure 7A is a sectional view of Figure 3 following line A-A, schematically showing the interruption of the electric connection between the electric input end and the electric output end in the circuit interrupting device of an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7B is a sectional view of Figure 3 following line B-B, schematically showing the interruption of the electric connection between the electric input end and the electric output end in the circuit interrupting device of an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the electric circuit of the circuit interrupting device of an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
As shown in Figures 1-4, a circuit interrupting device, for example a GFCI, an AFCI, or other device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention mainly comprises an upper cover 2, an intermediate support 3, and a base 4 assembled together. As shown in Figure 2, on the upper cover 2, there are two electric output plugs 5 and 6, a test button (TEST) 7, and a reset button (RESET) 8.
A mounting strap 1 is installed between the upper cover 2 and the intermediate support 3. The mounting strap 1 has ground points 11, 12 that are connected to ground receptacles of the electric output plugs 5, 6 through openings in the upper cover 2. An electric circuit board 18 is installed between the intermediate support 3 and the base 4.
As shown in Figure 3, the intermediate support 3 includes a pair of output conductors 13, 14 that are made from conductive materials. The output conductors 13, 14 are disposed on either side of the support 3. The two output conductors 13 and 14 have conductive members 60, 61, 62, and 63 corresponding to the hot receptacles and white receptacles of the electric output plugs 5, 6 in the upper cover 2. Additionally, the output conductors 13, 14 ¨ 9 ¨
also comprise, respectively, electric contacts 15 and 16. A test button switch piece 40 is located between one of the output conductors 13, 14 and the test button 7.
As shown in Figure 1, the base 4 is used as a housing to enclose the intermediate support 3 and the electric circuit board 18. Both sides of the base 4 comprise, respectively, a pair of electric input connection screws 9 (HOT) and 10 (WHITE) and a pair of electric output connection screws 109 (HOT) and 110 (WHITE), coupled in parallel.
Inside the base 4, there are a pair of electric output leads 81 and 80 connected to the electric output connection screws 109 (HOT) and 110 (WHITE) respectively. The electric output leads 80 and 81 have two electric contacts 52 and 53, respectively.
As shown in Figures 4 and 5A, inside the base 4, the electric circuit board 18 comprises a pair of electrically conducting flexible input components 95, 96 having four flexible input fingers 20, 21, 50, and 51, a differential transformer 19 for testing for leakage of electric current, a solenoid coil 26 having a plunger 42 therein, a reset button bias member 28, and a flexible switch 37.
The flexible input fingers 20, 21, 50 and 51 at one end of the flexible input components 95, 96 have electric contacts 22, 23, 55 and 54. The other ends of the flexible input components 95, 96 pass through the differential transformer 19 to connect via input leads 24 and 25 to the electric input connection screws 9 and 10. The electric contacts 22 and 23 on the flexible input fingers 20, 21 correspond to the electric contacts 15 and 16 on the output conductors 13, 14 in the intermediate support 3. The electric contacts 54 and 55 on the flexible input fingers 50, 51 correspond to the electric contacts 52 and 53 on the electric output leads 80 and 81 in the base 4.
Also included on the electric circuit board 18 is a solenoid coil 26, with a plunger 42 placed inside. A test resistor 27 is located underneath the test button 7 on the upper cover 2, - 10 ¨
with one end of the test resistor 27 connected to the input connection screw 10 (WHITE) (See Figure 8).
Referring now to Figures 5A and 5B, the reset button bias member 28 on the electric circuit board 18 is located underneath the reset button 8. A housing 100 may be provided to support the reset button bias member (See Figure 1). A portion of the bias member 28 is arranged below the flexible input fingers 20, 21, 50 and 51, as best seen in Figure 5B. A
central opening 29 is provided in the top of the reset button bias member 28, and a movable L-shaped latch 30 is arranged at the bottom of the reset button bias member 28. The latch component 30 includes an opening 31. The latch 30 has a first leg that extends into bias member 28 and through the central opening 29. The latch 30 is preferably movable in a horizontal direction through the bias member 28. A second leg of the latch 30 is disposed along side of the bias member 28. A circular groove 33 is provided between one side of the reset button bias member 28 and the second leg of the latch 30. The circular groove 33 has a spring 34 fit therein. The spring 34 is biased against the second leg of the latch 30. A
directional lock 35 is located inside the reset button bias member 28 and vertically passes through the central opening 29. The directional lock 35 has a bottom surface 41. A locking groove 36 is provided on the directional lock 35, near the bottom surface 41.
A spring 91 is provided to the top of the directional lock 35, beneath the reset button 8.
As shown in Figures 5A and 8, the flexible switch 37, made of a flexible conductive material, is located between the reset button bias member 28 and the electric circuit board 18.
A first end of the flexible switch 37 is connected to the electric circuit board 18. A second end of the flexible switch 37 is moveable and has a protruding pinpoint contact 39 that corresponds to a contact 38 disposed on the circuit board 18 underneath contact 39. The first end of the flexible switch 37 is connected to a rectifier circuit 120, and the second end of the flexible switch is connected to a gate trigger 121 of a SCR (See Figure 8).
The flexible switch 37 and the SCR are used to test for and to guard against reverse wiring, i.e. to prevent an error in connecting the electric input wiring and the electric output wiring of the circuit interrupting device, as is described in more detail below.
Figures 5A-6B indicate an example of a scheme under which the circuit interrupting device of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention works to prevent leakage of electric current and to interrupt an electric connection between the input and the output.
Figures 5A and 5B illustrate an exemplary circuit interrupting device with the circuit interrupted, that is, there in no connection between contacts 15, 16, 52, 53 and contacts 20, 21, 50, 51, respectively. In Figures 5A and 5B, the reset button 8 is depressed to reset the circuit interrupting device to a conducting state. When the reset button 8 is depressed, the directional lock 35 moves downward. As can be seen in Figure 5A, the opening 31 in latch 30 is misaligned, that is, offset, with the bottom surface 41 of the directional lock 35. Thus the bottom surface 41 cannot pass through the opening 31 and is pressed against the surface of the latch 30. The downward action of the directional lock 35 against the latch 30 causes the bias member 28 to move downward. Because of the downward movement of the reset button bias member 28, the pinpoint contact 39 on the flexible switch 37 is moved downward and connected to contact 38 as shown in Figures 5A and 5B.
As shown in Figure 8, the flexible switch 37 is connected at one end to resistor 27, which in turn is connected to an anode 120 of a rectifier circuit. The other end of the flexible switch 37 is connected through the contact 38 to a trigger gate 121 of the SCR. An electric connection between contacts 38 and 39 completes a circuit between gate 121 and anode 120.
When the electric input and output wiring is connected to the circuit interrupting device properly, i.e. no reverse wiring, a positive voltage is provided at anode 120.
This voltage should bias the SCR into a conducting state, allowing current to flow through the solenoid coil 26. The solenoid coil 26 is thus charged with electricity and yields a magnetic field, - 12 ¨
which draws the plunger 42 inward to hit on the latch 30. The latch 30 moves with the plunger 42 against the force of spring 34, to the left in Figure 5A. The movement of latch 30 aligns the opening 31 with the bottom surface 41 of the directional lock 35 such that the bottom surface 41 of the directional lock 35 passes through the opening 31, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B.
Figures 6A and 6B illustrate the state of the circuit interrupting device after the reset button 8 is released. When the reset button 8 is released, the pinpoint contact 39 and the contact 38 of the flexible switch 37 are disconnected. A voltage is no longer present at gate 121 and the SCR is no longer biased into a conducting state. Thus, the electric current no longer flows through solenoid coil 26 and the solenoid coil 26 no longer produces the magnetic field. In turn, the plunger 42 no longer acts on the latch 30. The spring 34 between the latch 30 and the reset button bias member 28 causes the latch 30 to move back towards its misaligned position, to the right in Figures 5A and 6A. However, since the directional lock 35 is now positioned in opening 31, the latch 30 cannot move completely back to the misaligned position. Instead, the opening 31 of the latch 30 slides into the locking groove 36 of the directional lock 35. Due to the force of spring 34, the directional lock 35 and the latch 30 are engaged with each other as shown in Figure 6A.
At substantially the same time the connection between contacts 38 and 39 is broken, the release of the reset button 8 allows the spring 91 near the top of the directional lock 35 to move the reset button 8 and the directional lock 35 upward. Due to the engagement of the directional lock 35 with the latch 30, via the locking groove 36 and opening 31 as described above, the reset button bias member 28 also moves upward. The bias member 28, in turn, lifts the contacts 22, 23, 55, and 54 on the flexible input fingers 20, 21, 50, and 51 upward to connect to the contacts 15 and 16 of the output conductors 13, 14 and to the contacts 52 and ¨ 13 ¨
53 of the electric output leads 80 and 81, so that the input and output are electrically connected (Figures 6A and 6B).
Figures 5A, 5B, and 8 also illustrate an exemplary scheme of protection to interrupt the electric connection of the electric input and the electric output on the circuit interrupting device of an exemplary embodiment the present invention when the electric input is mistakenly reverse-wired to the electric output on the circuit interrupting device. When the circuit interrupting device is reverse-wired, the pair of electric input wires are connected to the electric output screws 109, 110 and the electric output wires are connected to the electric input screws 9, 10. As indicated in Figure 8, although the circuit interrupting device itself is intact, when the reset button 8 is pressed down so that the two contacts 39 and 38 of the flexible switch 37 are connected, due to the reverse wiring, there is no electric voltage at the trigger gate of the SCR. Thus, the SCR is in a non-conducting state so that no electric current can pass through the solenoid coil 26. As a result, the plunger 42 does not move inward into the solenoid 26 and does not hit on the latch component 30. The opening 31 in latch 30 remains misaligned with the bottom surface 41 of the directional lock 35. The directional lock 35 cannot pass through opening 31 and the bottom surface 41 of the directional lock 35 stays pressed against the surface the latch component 30.
Consequently, when the reset button is released, bias member 28 does not move upward. Therefore, the contacts 22, 23, 55, and 54 of the flexible input fingers 20, 21, 50, and 51 are not connected to the contacts 15 and 16 of the output conductors 13 and 14 and the contacts 52 and 53 of the electric output leads 80 and 81, as is shown in Figures 7A and 7B.
Consequently, there is no electric connection between the electric input and the electric output.
Figures 7A, 7B and 8 also illustrate the state of an exemplary circuit interrupting device when a fault has been detected. Initially, the circuit interrupting device is in the ¨ 14 position illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B, with the contacts closed. When the differential transformer 19 of the circuit interrupting device of an exemplary embodiment the present invention detects a leakage electric current, a signal is provided to the IC
(Figure 8). The IC
generates a signal that biases the SCR into conducting state so that the solenoid coil 26 has electric current flowing therein, which produces a magnetic field. The plunger 42 is drawn into the solenoid coil 26 by the magnetic field and hits on the latch 30, which pushes the latch 30 against the force of spring 34. The latch 30 is thus moved to its aligned position. The locking groove 36 on the directional lock 35 slides out of engagement with the opening 31 of the latch 30. The directional lock 35 is now free to move through opening 31.
The reset button 8 moves up due to the force of the spring 91 and pulls the directional lock 35 upwards.
The reset button bias member 28 slides downward when pushed by flexible input fingers 20, 21, 50, and 51. In turn, the contacts 22, 23, 55, 54 of the flexible input fingers 20, 21, 50, and 51 separate from the contacts 15 and 16 of the output conductors 13 and 14 and the contacts 52 and 53 of the electric output leads 80 and 81. Thus, the electric connection between the electric input and the electric output is interrupted, as shown in Figures 7A
and 7B.
When the user wants to disconnect the electric connection between the electric input and the electric output of the circuit interrupting device, the test button 7 is depressed so that the test button switch 40 is connected to the test resistor 27. When the differential transformer 19 detects a test leakage electric current, the SCR becomes conducting.
Consequently, the solenoid coil 26 has electric current flowing therein, which produces a magnetic field. The magnetic field draws the plunger 42 inward so that it hits on the latch 30, which pushes the latch 30 against the force of spring 34. The latch 30 is thus moved to the aligned position. The locking groove 36 on the directional lock 35 thus slides out of the opening 31 of the latch component 30, see Figure 7A. The reset button 8 moves upward because of the force of spring 91 at the top of the directional lock 35 and the reset button bias ¨ 15 ¨
member 28 moves downward due to the flexible input fingers 20, 21,50, and 51.
As a result, the contacts 22, 23, 55, and 54 on the flexible input fingers 20, 21, 50, and 51 are disconnected from the contacts 15 and 16 of the output conductors 13 and 14 and the contacts 52 and 53 on the electric output leads 80 and 81. Thus, the electric connection between the electric input and the electric output is interrupted.
The above detailed description is illustrative, but not limiting the scope of the present invention. Reasonable variations, such as those occur to reasonable artisan, can be made herein without departing from the scope of the present invention.
WIRING PROTECTION
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a receptacle device, particularly a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) or an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI), which provides protection to humans and property against faults in electrical equipment and in electrical supply and distribution systems so that upon detection of a fault condition, the receptacle device interrupts the electric supply circuit. The receptacle device is also capable of protecting against faults caused by reverse wiring.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Safety associated with the use of household appliances is a great concern for people.
This is especially the case as more and more electronic devices are used in homes today.
Accordingly, this is desired to provide the electric receptacles in the walls of ordinary households with safety features. However, most receptacles in homes are ordinary receptacles without the capability to protect against leakage of electric current. When these ordinary receptacles are used, leakage of electric current or a shock hazard may occur.
Receptacles with safety features that guard against the leakage of electric current, such as a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI), have been in existence since the early 1970's. However, until recently, most of these receptacles did not possess a reverse wiring protection feature.. Reverse wiring means that load wires are mistakenly connected to a line side of the receptacle and line wires are mistakenly connected 9207090.1 ¨ 2 ¨
to a load side of the receptacle. When this occurs, although the input end and the output end of the receptacle are still electrically connected, the receptacle no long provides fault-protection. Without a reverse wiring protection feature, a consumer, after mistakenly reversing the line wire and load wire connections to the receptacle may be misled to believe that the receptacle is still functioning properly and will detect a fault condition. However, the consumer does not know that the fault-protection feature is not operational.
The continued use of a reverse wired receptacle might cause injury to users and damage to the household electronic appliances, as well as damage to real property.
Accordingly, there is a need for a circuit-interrupting device that provides reverse wiring protection and that may also protect against fault conditions, such as ground faults and arc faults, among others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To solve the above problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a circuit interrupting device, such as a GFCI or an AFCI. This type of circuit interrupting device is suitable for installation in an output box in a wall of an ordinary household, such as a typical wall receptacle. When the input and output wires are mistakenly connected in a reverse manner during installation of the receptacle, the receptacle prevents an electric connection between the input end and output end of the receptacle. Thus, when the input wire is mistakenly connected to the output end of the receptacle and the output wire is mistakenly connected to the input end of the receptacle, there is no electric voltage output from the receptacle. Only when the wires of the receptacle are properly connected can the receptacle be reset and the output end provide a voltage output.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a receptacle mainly comprising an upper cover, an intermediate support, and a base. A mounting strap is installed between the ¨ 3 ¨
upper cover and the intermediate support, and an electric circuit board is installed between the intermediate support and the base.
The upper cover comprises an electric output plug, a test button, and a reset button.
The mounting strap comprises a ground point that is connected to a ground receptacle of the electric output plug through an opening in the upper cover.
The intermediate support comprises a pair of output conductors made of conductive materials. The two output conductors each have pieces corresponding to the hot receptacle and the white receptacle on the electric output plug on the upper cover. The output conductors also comprise, respectively, electric contacts corresponding to electric contacts on a flexible electric input piece on the electric circuit board. A test button switch piece is located between one of the output conductors and the test button.
The electric circuit board comprises a pair of flexible input components having four flexible input fingers, a differential transformer for testing for leakage of electric current, a solenoid coil having a plunger therein, a reset button bias member, and a flexible switch.
The flexible input components are located on both sides of a central opening in the reset button bias member and passes through the differential transformer to connect to the electric input point. The flexible input fingers include two pairs of electric contacts, one pair of the electric contacts correspond to a pair of the electric contacts on the output conductor in the intermediate support, while the other pair corresponds to a pair of electric contacts on the output conductors.
The base encloses the electric circuit board and the intermediate support.
Both sides of the base comprise, respectively, a pair of electric input connection screws and a pair of electric output connection screws connected in parallel. The electric input connection screws ¨ 4 ¨
connect to the flexible input components in the electric circuit board, and the electric output connection screws connect to the electric output metal pieces in the base.
The reset button bias member is comprised of a cylinder located underneath the reset button. A central opening is provided in the reset button bias member, a movable L-shaped latch is arranged at the bottom of the reset button bias member. The latch has an opening. A
directional lock is located inside the reset button bias member and vertically passes through the central opening. The directional lock has a bottom surface, and a locking groove is located above and close to the bottom surface of the directional lock. A
spring is provided on the directional lock and biases the reset button. Another spring is also located between one side of the reset button bias member and the latch component.
The flexible switch is located between the reset button bias member and the electric circuit board. The flexible switch is made of flexible conductive material. A
first end of the flexible switch is attached to the electric circuit board and is connected to a resistor. The resistor is coupled to an anode of a rectifier circuit on the electric circuit board. A second end of the flexible switch has a protruding pinpoint contact corresponding to a contact on the electric circuit board, which is in turn connected to a gate trigger of a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) that is connected to the solenoid coil on the electric circuit board.
A test resistor is located underneath the test button with one end series connected to a white line of the electric input wire.
In another exemplary embodiment, a reset apparatus for a circuit interrupting device including a line side connection capable of being electrically connected to a source of electricity; a load side connection capable of being electrically connected to a load side conductor, is provided. The reset apparatus comprises a reset button having a depressed and a relaxed position. A resilient element biases the reset button into the relaxed position. A
¨ 5 ¨
directional lock is coupled to the reset button and has a bottom surface. A
bias member is arranged under the reset button, the reset bias member defines a central aperture therein receiving the directional lock. The directional lock is moveable in a vertical direction in the aperture. A first pair of electric contacts is provided for making an electric connection between the line side connection and the load side connection. A latch extends into the bias member and through the aperture, the latch defines an opening therein and is movable through the aperture in a horizontal direction between an aligned position in which the opening is aligned with the bottom surface of the directional lock and a misaligned position in which the opening is misaligned with the bottom surface of the directional lock. The latch is adapted to engage the directional lock such that movement of the reset button to the relaxed state causes the bias member to close the first pair electric contacts.
In another exemplary embodiment the circuit interrupting device comprises a line side connection capable of being electrically connected to a source of electricity.
A load side connection capable of being electrically connected to a load side conductor for providing electricity to a load side. A user load connection capable of conducting electricity to at least one load for providing an electrical connection to the source of electricity.
A first conductive path provides an electrical connection between the line side connection and the user load connection. A second conductive path provides an electrical connection between the line side connection and the load side connection. A reset mechanism for establishing an electrical connection. First means for detecting a fault condition and second means, separate from the first means, for testing for a reverse wiring condition when the reset mechanism is actuated are also provided. Means interrupt at least one of the first conductive path or the second conductive path when a reverse wiring condition or a fault is detected.
According to another embodiment, the circuit interrupting device comprises a first conductor and a second conductor. A first pair of contacts is provided with each contact ¨ 6 ¨
coupled to one of the first and second conductors. A second pair of contacts is moveable to a closed position via a reset button. A plunger is disposed in a solenoid. The plunger is moveable between a first position and second position when the solenoid is energized and de-energized, respectively. A current controller is coupled to the solenoid and to at least one of the first and second conductors via the second pair of contacts. The current controller prevents current flow through the solenoid to de-energize the solenoid when the first and second conductors are reverse wired and allows current flow to energize the solenoid when the first and second conductors are wired correctly. A fault detection circuit energizes the solenoid when a fault is detected. When the solenoid is energized via the current controller, the plunger initiates closing of the first pair of contacts to complete a circuit between the first and second conductors and when the solenoid is energized via the fault detection circuit the plunger initiates opening of the first pair of contacts to interrupt the circuit between the first and second conductors.
¨ 7 ¨
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the circuit interrupting device of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the circuit interrupting device of an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the circuit interrupting device of an embodiment of the present invention without the upper cover.
Figure 4 is a view of the components on the electric circuit board placed inside the base of the circuit interrupting device of an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5A is a sectional view of Figure 3 following line A-A, schematically showing an interruption of the electric connection between the electric input end and the electric output end in the circuit interrupting device of an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5B is a sectional view of Figure 3 following line B-B, schematically showing an interruption of the electric connection between the electric input end and the electric output end in the circuit interrupting device of an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6A is a sectional view of Figure 3 following line A-A, schematically showing the electric connection between the electric input end and the electric output end in the circuit interrupting device of an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6B is a sectional view of Figure 3 following line B-B, schematically showing the electric connection between the electric input end and the electric output end in the circuit interrupting device of an embodiment of the present invention.
¨ 8 ¨
Figure 7A is a sectional view of Figure 3 following line A-A, schematically showing the interruption of the electric connection between the electric input end and the electric output end in the circuit interrupting device of an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7B is a sectional view of Figure 3 following line B-B, schematically showing the interruption of the electric connection between the electric input end and the electric output end in the circuit interrupting device of an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the electric circuit of the circuit interrupting device of an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
As shown in Figures 1-4, a circuit interrupting device, for example a GFCI, an AFCI, or other device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention mainly comprises an upper cover 2, an intermediate support 3, and a base 4 assembled together. As shown in Figure 2, on the upper cover 2, there are two electric output plugs 5 and 6, a test button (TEST) 7, and a reset button (RESET) 8.
A mounting strap 1 is installed between the upper cover 2 and the intermediate support 3. The mounting strap 1 has ground points 11, 12 that are connected to ground receptacles of the electric output plugs 5, 6 through openings in the upper cover 2. An electric circuit board 18 is installed between the intermediate support 3 and the base 4.
As shown in Figure 3, the intermediate support 3 includes a pair of output conductors 13, 14 that are made from conductive materials. The output conductors 13, 14 are disposed on either side of the support 3. The two output conductors 13 and 14 have conductive members 60, 61, 62, and 63 corresponding to the hot receptacles and white receptacles of the electric output plugs 5, 6 in the upper cover 2. Additionally, the output conductors 13, 14 ¨ 9 ¨
also comprise, respectively, electric contacts 15 and 16. A test button switch piece 40 is located between one of the output conductors 13, 14 and the test button 7.
As shown in Figure 1, the base 4 is used as a housing to enclose the intermediate support 3 and the electric circuit board 18. Both sides of the base 4 comprise, respectively, a pair of electric input connection screws 9 (HOT) and 10 (WHITE) and a pair of electric output connection screws 109 (HOT) and 110 (WHITE), coupled in parallel.
Inside the base 4, there are a pair of electric output leads 81 and 80 connected to the electric output connection screws 109 (HOT) and 110 (WHITE) respectively. The electric output leads 80 and 81 have two electric contacts 52 and 53, respectively.
As shown in Figures 4 and 5A, inside the base 4, the electric circuit board 18 comprises a pair of electrically conducting flexible input components 95, 96 having four flexible input fingers 20, 21, 50, and 51, a differential transformer 19 for testing for leakage of electric current, a solenoid coil 26 having a plunger 42 therein, a reset button bias member 28, and a flexible switch 37.
The flexible input fingers 20, 21, 50 and 51 at one end of the flexible input components 95, 96 have electric contacts 22, 23, 55 and 54. The other ends of the flexible input components 95, 96 pass through the differential transformer 19 to connect via input leads 24 and 25 to the electric input connection screws 9 and 10. The electric contacts 22 and 23 on the flexible input fingers 20, 21 correspond to the electric contacts 15 and 16 on the output conductors 13, 14 in the intermediate support 3. The electric contacts 54 and 55 on the flexible input fingers 50, 51 correspond to the electric contacts 52 and 53 on the electric output leads 80 and 81 in the base 4.
Also included on the electric circuit board 18 is a solenoid coil 26, with a plunger 42 placed inside. A test resistor 27 is located underneath the test button 7 on the upper cover 2, - 10 ¨
with one end of the test resistor 27 connected to the input connection screw 10 (WHITE) (See Figure 8).
Referring now to Figures 5A and 5B, the reset button bias member 28 on the electric circuit board 18 is located underneath the reset button 8. A housing 100 may be provided to support the reset button bias member (See Figure 1). A portion of the bias member 28 is arranged below the flexible input fingers 20, 21, 50 and 51, as best seen in Figure 5B. A
central opening 29 is provided in the top of the reset button bias member 28, and a movable L-shaped latch 30 is arranged at the bottom of the reset button bias member 28. The latch component 30 includes an opening 31. The latch 30 has a first leg that extends into bias member 28 and through the central opening 29. The latch 30 is preferably movable in a horizontal direction through the bias member 28. A second leg of the latch 30 is disposed along side of the bias member 28. A circular groove 33 is provided between one side of the reset button bias member 28 and the second leg of the latch 30. The circular groove 33 has a spring 34 fit therein. The spring 34 is biased against the second leg of the latch 30. A
directional lock 35 is located inside the reset button bias member 28 and vertically passes through the central opening 29. The directional lock 35 has a bottom surface 41. A locking groove 36 is provided on the directional lock 35, near the bottom surface 41.
A spring 91 is provided to the top of the directional lock 35, beneath the reset button 8.
As shown in Figures 5A and 8, the flexible switch 37, made of a flexible conductive material, is located between the reset button bias member 28 and the electric circuit board 18.
A first end of the flexible switch 37 is connected to the electric circuit board 18. A second end of the flexible switch 37 is moveable and has a protruding pinpoint contact 39 that corresponds to a contact 38 disposed on the circuit board 18 underneath contact 39. The first end of the flexible switch 37 is connected to a rectifier circuit 120, and the second end of the flexible switch is connected to a gate trigger 121 of a SCR (See Figure 8).
The flexible switch 37 and the SCR are used to test for and to guard against reverse wiring, i.e. to prevent an error in connecting the electric input wiring and the electric output wiring of the circuit interrupting device, as is described in more detail below.
Figures 5A-6B indicate an example of a scheme under which the circuit interrupting device of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention works to prevent leakage of electric current and to interrupt an electric connection between the input and the output.
Figures 5A and 5B illustrate an exemplary circuit interrupting device with the circuit interrupted, that is, there in no connection between contacts 15, 16, 52, 53 and contacts 20, 21, 50, 51, respectively. In Figures 5A and 5B, the reset button 8 is depressed to reset the circuit interrupting device to a conducting state. When the reset button 8 is depressed, the directional lock 35 moves downward. As can be seen in Figure 5A, the opening 31 in latch 30 is misaligned, that is, offset, with the bottom surface 41 of the directional lock 35. Thus the bottom surface 41 cannot pass through the opening 31 and is pressed against the surface of the latch 30. The downward action of the directional lock 35 against the latch 30 causes the bias member 28 to move downward. Because of the downward movement of the reset button bias member 28, the pinpoint contact 39 on the flexible switch 37 is moved downward and connected to contact 38 as shown in Figures 5A and 5B.
As shown in Figure 8, the flexible switch 37 is connected at one end to resistor 27, which in turn is connected to an anode 120 of a rectifier circuit. The other end of the flexible switch 37 is connected through the contact 38 to a trigger gate 121 of the SCR. An electric connection between contacts 38 and 39 completes a circuit between gate 121 and anode 120.
When the electric input and output wiring is connected to the circuit interrupting device properly, i.e. no reverse wiring, a positive voltage is provided at anode 120.
This voltage should bias the SCR into a conducting state, allowing current to flow through the solenoid coil 26. The solenoid coil 26 is thus charged with electricity and yields a magnetic field, - 12 ¨
which draws the plunger 42 inward to hit on the latch 30. The latch 30 moves with the plunger 42 against the force of spring 34, to the left in Figure 5A. The movement of latch 30 aligns the opening 31 with the bottom surface 41 of the directional lock 35 such that the bottom surface 41 of the directional lock 35 passes through the opening 31, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B.
Figures 6A and 6B illustrate the state of the circuit interrupting device after the reset button 8 is released. When the reset button 8 is released, the pinpoint contact 39 and the contact 38 of the flexible switch 37 are disconnected. A voltage is no longer present at gate 121 and the SCR is no longer biased into a conducting state. Thus, the electric current no longer flows through solenoid coil 26 and the solenoid coil 26 no longer produces the magnetic field. In turn, the plunger 42 no longer acts on the latch 30. The spring 34 between the latch 30 and the reset button bias member 28 causes the latch 30 to move back towards its misaligned position, to the right in Figures 5A and 6A. However, since the directional lock 35 is now positioned in opening 31, the latch 30 cannot move completely back to the misaligned position. Instead, the opening 31 of the latch 30 slides into the locking groove 36 of the directional lock 35. Due to the force of spring 34, the directional lock 35 and the latch 30 are engaged with each other as shown in Figure 6A.
At substantially the same time the connection between contacts 38 and 39 is broken, the release of the reset button 8 allows the spring 91 near the top of the directional lock 35 to move the reset button 8 and the directional lock 35 upward. Due to the engagement of the directional lock 35 with the latch 30, via the locking groove 36 and opening 31 as described above, the reset button bias member 28 also moves upward. The bias member 28, in turn, lifts the contacts 22, 23, 55, and 54 on the flexible input fingers 20, 21, 50, and 51 upward to connect to the contacts 15 and 16 of the output conductors 13, 14 and to the contacts 52 and ¨ 13 ¨
53 of the electric output leads 80 and 81, so that the input and output are electrically connected (Figures 6A and 6B).
Figures 5A, 5B, and 8 also illustrate an exemplary scheme of protection to interrupt the electric connection of the electric input and the electric output on the circuit interrupting device of an exemplary embodiment the present invention when the electric input is mistakenly reverse-wired to the electric output on the circuit interrupting device. When the circuit interrupting device is reverse-wired, the pair of electric input wires are connected to the electric output screws 109, 110 and the electric output wires are connected to the electric input screws 9, 10. As indicated in Figure 8, although the circuit interrupting device itself is intact, when the reset button 8 is pressed down so that the two contacts 39 and 38 of the flexible switch 37 are connected, due to the reverse wiring, there is no electric voltage at the trigger gate of the SCR. Thus, the SCR is in a non-conducting state so that no electric current can pass through the solenoid coil 26. As a result, the plunger 42 does not move inward into the solenoid 26 and does not hit on the latch component 30. The opening 31 in latch 30 remains misaligned with the bottom surface 41 of the directional lock 35. The directional lock 35 cannot pass through opening 31 and the bottom surface 41 of the directional lock 35 stays pressed against the surface the latch component 30.
Consequently, when the reset button is released, bias member 28 does not move upward. Therefore, the contacts 22, 23, 55, and 54 of the flexible input fingers 20, 21, 50, and 51 are not connected to the contacts 15 and 16 of the output conductors 13 and 14 and the contacts 52 and 53 of the electric output leads 80 and 81, as is shown in Figures 7A and 7B.
Consequently, there is no electric connection between the electric input and the electric output.
Figures 7A, 7B and 8 also illustrate the state of an exemplary circuit interrupting device when a fault has been detected. Initially, the circuit interrupting device is in the ¨ 14 position illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B, with the contacts closed. When the differential transformer 19 of the circuit interrupting device of an exemplary embodiment the present invention detects a leakage electric current, a signal is provided to the IC
(Figure 8). The IC
generates a signal that biases the SCR into conducting state so that the solenoid coil 26 has electric current flowing therein, which produces a magnetic field. The plunger 42 is drawn into the solenoid coil 26 by the magnetic field and hits on the latch 30, which pushes the latch 30 against the force of spring 34. The latch 30 is thus moved to its aligned position. The locking groove 36 on the directional lock 35 slides out of engagement with the opening 31 of the latch 30. The directional lock 35 is now free to move through opening 31.
The reset button 8 moves up due to the force of the spring 91 and pulls the directional lock 35 upwards.
The reset button bias member 28 slides downward when pushed by flexible input fingers 20, 21, 50, and 51. In turn, the contacts 22, 23, 55, 54 of the flexible input fingers 20, 21, 50, and 51 separate from the contacts 15 and 16 of the output conductors 13 and 14 and the contacts 52 and 53 of the electric output leads 80 and 81. Thus, the electric connection between the electric input and the electric output is interrupted, as shown in Figures 7A
and 7B.
When the user wants to disconnect the electric connection between the electric input and the electric output of the circuit interrupting device, the test button 7 is depressed so that the test button switch 40 is connected to the test resistor 27. When the differential transformer 19 detects a test leakage electric current, the SCR becomes conducting.
Consequently, the solenoid coil 26 has electric current flowing therein, which produces a magnetic field. The magnetic field draws the plunger 42 inward so that it hits on the latch 30, which pushes the latch 30 against the force of spring 34. The latch 30 is thus moved to the aligned position. The locking groove 36 on the directional lock 35 thus slides out of the opening 31 of the latch component 30, see Figure 7A. The reset button 8 moves upward because of the force of spring 91 at the top of the directional lock 35 and the reset button bias ¨ 15 ¨
member 28 moves downward due to the flexible input fingers 20, 21,50, and 51.
As a result, the contacts 22, 23, 55, and 54 on the flexible input fingers 20, 21, 50, and 51 are disconnected from the contacts 15 and 16 of the output conductors 13 and 14 and the contacts 52 and 53 on the electric output leads 80 and 81. Thus, the electric connection between the electric input and the electric output is interrupted.
The above detailed description is illustrative, but not limiting the scope of the present invention. Reasonable variations, such as those occur to reasonable artisan, can be made herein without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Claims (49)
1. A
reset apparatus for a circuit interrupting device including a line side connection capable of being electrically connected to a source of electricity; a load side connection capable of being electrically connected to a load side conductor, the reset apparatus comprising:
a housing;
a reset button connected to the housing; the reset button having a depressed and a relaxed position;
a resilient element biasing the reset button into the relaxed position;
a directional lock coupled to the reset button and having a bottom surface;
a bias member arranged under the reset button, the bias member defining a central aperture therein receiving the directional lock, the directional lock being moveable in a vertical direction in the aperture;
at least two sets of electric contacts for making or interrupting an electric connection between the line side connection and the load side connection;
a latch extending into the bias member and through the aperture, the latch defining an opening therein and being movable through the aperture in a horizontal direction between an aligned position in which the opening is aligned with the bottom surface of the directional lock and a misaligned position in which the opening is misaligned with the bottom surface of the directional lock; wherein the latch is adapted to engage the directional lock such that movement of the reset button to the relaxed state causes the bias member to close the at least two sets of electric contacts; and a flexible switch located below the bias member, wherein said flexible switch has a first end which is electrically connected to an electric circuit board of the housing and a second end adapted to be in contact with the bias member; the second end of the flexible switch having a first contact point on the flexible switch which corresponds to a second contact point electrically connected to the electric circuit board of the housing;
wherein the second contact point is electrically connected to a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR), which is in turn electrically connected to a solenoid;
whereby when the reset button is depressed, a downward movement of the bias member causes the first contact point of the flexible switch to be in contact with the second contact point so as to perform a reverse wiring test.
reset apparatus for a circuit interrupting device including a line side connection capable of being electrically connected to a source of electricity; a load side connection capable of being electrically connected to a load side conductor, the reset apparatus comprising:
a housing;
a reset button connected to the housing; the reset button having a depressed and a relaxed position;
a resilient element biasing the reset button into the relaxed position;
a directional lock coupled to the reset button and having a bottom surface;
a bias member arranged under the reset button, the bias member defining a central aperture therein receiving the directional lock, the directional lock being moveable in a vertical direction in the aperture;
at least two sets of electric contacts for making or interrupting an electric connection between the line side connection and the load side connection;
a latch extending into the bias member and through the aperture, the latch defining an opening therein and being movable through the aperture in a horizontal direction between an aligned position in which the opening is aligned with the bottom surface of the directional lock and a misaligned position in which the opening is misaligned with the bottom surface of the directional lock; wherein the latch is adapted to engage the directional lock such that movement of the reset button to the relaxed state causes the bias member to close the at least two sets of electric contacts; and a flexible switch located below the bias member, wherein said flexible switch has a first end which is electrically connected to an electric circuit board of the housing and a second end adapted to be in contact with the bias member; the second end of the flexible switch having a first contact point on the flexible switch which corresponds to a second contact point electrically connected to the electric circuit board of the housing;
wherein the second contact point is electrically connected to a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR), which is in turn electrically connected to a solenoid;
whereby when the reset button is depressed, a downward movement of the bias member causes the first contact point of the flexible switch to be in contact with the second contact point so as to perform a reverse wiring test.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of the directional lock is flat and is arranged above the latch when the reset button is in its relaxed position.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein when the latch is in the misaligned position and the reset button is moved to its depressed position, the bottom surface of the directional lock engages the latch and moves the latch and the bias member downward, closing the first contact point and the second contact point to perform a reverse wiring test.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein if a reverse wiring condition exists, the latch remains in the misaligned position such that when the reset button returns to its relaxed position, the at least two sets of contacts remain open.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein if a reverse wiring condition does not exist, the latch moves to the aligned position and the directional lock moves in a vertical direction through the opening.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein as the reset button moves from the depressed position to the relaxed position, the latch engages with the directional lock whereby the directional lock moves the latch and the bias member upward to close the at least two sets of electric contacts.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a fault sensing circuit responsive to at least one fault, the fault sensing circuit causing the latch to move to the aligned position allowing the bias member to return to the relaxed state thereby interrupting the circuit.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the latch comprises an L-shaped member, a first leg of the L-shape member extending into the bias member and a second leg being disposed along an exterior of the bias member.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a biasing element disposed between the second leg and the exterior of the bias member and biasing the latch into the misaligned position.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein biasing element is a spring.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising:
a plunger disposed in the solenoid, the plunger moving between a first position when the solenoid is energized and a second position when the solenoid is de-energized, the plunger engaging the latch in the first position to move the latch in the horizontal direction against the force of the biasing element into the aligned position such that the directional lock can pass through the opening.
a plunger disposed in the solenoid, the plunger moving between a first position when the solenoid is energized and a second position when the solenoid is de-energized, the plunger engaging the latch in the first position to move the latch in the horizontal direction against the force of the biasing element into the aligned position such that the directional lock can pass through the opening.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the directional lock is cylindrical shaped and the resilient member comprises a spring disposed around the directional lock between the reset button and the bias member.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the directional lock further comprises a groove, the opening in the latch engaging the groove to hold the latch and the directional groove in a fixed relationship.
14. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a housing supporting the bias member.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible switch is made of flexible metal material.
16. A circuit interrupting device, comprising:
a first pair of conductors;
a second pair of conductors;
a first set of contacts coupled to the first pair of conductors;
a reset button;
a second set of contacts coupled to the second pair of conductors;
wherein the second set of contacts is movably in contact with or separated from the first set of contacts to establish or interrupt an electrical continuity between a line and a load terminals of the circuit interrupting device;
a solenoid;
a plunger disposed in the solenoid, the plunger being moveable between a first position and second position when the solenoid is energized and de-energized, respectively;
a flexible switch electrically connected to the solenoid, the flexible switch preventing current flow through the solenoid to de-energize the solenoid when the line and the load terminals are reverse wired and allowing current flow to energize the solenoid when the line and the load terminals are wired correctly; and a fault detection circuit that energizes the solenoid when a fault is detected;
whereby when the solenoid is energized via the closing of the flexible switch, the plunger initiates closing of the second set of contacts with the first set of contacts to complete a circuit between the line and the load terminals; and whereby when the solenoid is energized via the fault detection circuit, the plunger initiates opening between the first set of contacts and the second set of contacts to interrupt the circuit between the line and the load terminals.
a first pair of conductors;
a second pair of conductors;
a first set of contacts coupled to the first pair of conductors;
a reset button;
a second set of contacts coupled to the second pair of conductors;
wherein the second set of contacts is movably in contact with or separated from the first set of contacts to establish or interrupt an electrical continuity between a line and a load terminals of the circuit interrupting device;
a solenoid;
a plunger disposed in the solenoid, the plunger being moveable between a first position and second position when the solenoid is energized and de-energized, respectively;
a flexible switch electrically connected to the solenoid, the flexible switch preventing current flow through the solenoid to de-energize the solenoid when the line and the load terminals are reverse wired and allowing current flow to energize the solenoid when the line and the load terminals are wired correctly; and a fault detection circuit that energizes the solenoid when a fault is detected;
whereby when the solenoid is energized via the closing of the flexible switch, the plunger initiates closing of the second set of contacts with the first set of contacts to complete a circuit between the line and the load terminals; and whereby when the solenoid is energized via the fault detection circuit, the plunger initiates opening between the first set of contacts and the second set of contacts to interrupt the circuit between the line and the load terminals.
17. A circuit interrupting device, comprising:
a line side connection capable of being electrically connected to a source of electricity;
a load side connection capable of being electrically connected to a load side conductor for providing electricity to a load side;
a user load connection capable of conducting electricity to at least one load for providing an electrical connection to the source of electricity;
a first conductive path providing an electrical connection between the line side connection and the user load connection;
a second conductive path providing an electrical connection between the line side connection and the load side connection;
a reset mechanism;
first means for detecting a fault condition;
second means, separate from the first means, for testing for a reverse wiring condition when the reset mechanism is actuated; and means for interrupting at least one of the first conductive path or the second conductive path when a reverse wiring condition or a fault is detected.
a line side connection capable of being electrically connected to a source of electricity;
a load side connection capable of being electrically connected to a load side conductor for providing electricity to a load side;
a user load connection capable of conducting electricity to at least one load for providing an electrical connection to the source of electricity;
a first conductive path providing an electrical connection between the line side connection and the user load connection;
a second conductive path providing an electrical connection between the line side connection and the load side connection;
a reset mechanism;
first means for detecting a fault condition;
second means, separate from the first means, for testing for a reverse wiring condition when the reset mechanism is actuated; and means for interrupting at least one of the first conductive path or the second conductive path when a reverse wiring condition or a fault is detected.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein the first means comprises a differential transformer.
19. The device of claim 17, wherein the second means comprises a first contact coupled to one of the line side connection and the load side connection and a second contact coupled to the means for interrupting, the second means providing a signal to the means for interrupting when the first and second contacts are connected.
20. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flexible switch is connected to a resistor.
21. A circuit interrupting device having a line side connection; a load side connection;
and a user load connection; wherein the circuit interrupting device comprises:
a housing;
a reset button; the reset button having a tripped position and a reset position;
a solenoid having a plunger disposed within the solenoid;
a fault detection circuit capable of detecting a fault; and a circuit interrupting mechanism disposed within the housing, wherein the circuit interrupting mechanism comprises:
a pair of input metal pieces each electrically connected to an input terminal;
wherein each of the pair of input metal pieces contains at least one contact;
a pair of output metal pieces each electrically connected to an output terminal;
wherein each of the pair of output metal pieces contains at least one contact;
and a pair of output conductors each electrically connected to a user load terminal;
and wherein each of the output conductors contains at least one contact;
wherein the connection/disconnection of the at least one contact on each of the input metal pieces with the at least one contact on each of the output metal pieces and/or each of the at least one fixed contact on each of the output conductors establish or disrupt an electrical continuity among the input terminal, the output terminal, and the user load terminal;
whereby when the fault is detected by the fault detection circuit, the solenoid is energized and the plunger is adapted to initiate the disconnection of the at least one contact on each of the input metal pieces with the at least one contact on each of the output metal pieces and/or each of the at least one fixed contact on each of the output conductors to disrupt the electrical continuity among the input terminal, the output terminal, and the user load terminal, and to move the reset button into the tripped position; and whereby when the reset button is in the tripped position and the circuit interrupting device is wired correctly, a depression of the reset button energizes the solenoid and the plunger is adapted to initiate the connection of the at least one contact on each of the input metal pieces with the at least one contact on each of the output metal pieces and/or each of the at least one contact on each of the output conductors to establish the electrical continuity among the input terminal, the output terminal, and the user load terminal, and to move the reset button into the reset position.
and a user load connection; wherein the circuit interrupting device comprises:
a housing;
a reset button; the reset button having a tripped position and a reset position;
a solenoid having a plunger disposed within the solenoid;
a fault detection circuit capable of detecting a fault; and a circuit interrupting mechanism disposed within the housing, wherein the circuit interrupting mechanism comprises:
a pair of input metal pieces each electrically connected to an input terminal;
wherein each of the pair of input metal pieces contains at least one contact;
a pair of output metal pieces each electrically connected to an output terminal;
wherein each of the pair of output metal pieces contains at least one contact;
and a pair of output conductors each electrically connected to a user load terminal;
and wherein each of the output conductors contains at least one contact;
wherein the connection/disconnection of the at least one contact on each of the input metal pieces with the at least one contact on each of the output metal pieces and/or each of the at least one fixed contact on each of the output conductors establish or disrupt an electrical continuity among the input terminal, the output terminal, and the user load terminal;
whereby when the fault is detected by the fault detection circuit, the solenoid is energized and the plunger is adapted to initiate the disconnection of the at least one contact on each of the input metal pieces with the at least one contact on each of the output metal pieces and/or each of the at least one fixed contact on each of the output conductors to disrupt the electrical continuity among the input terminal, the output terminal, and the user load terminal, and to move the reset button into the tripped position; and whereby when the reset button is in the tripped position and the circuit interrupting device is wired correctly, a depression of the reset button energizes the solenoid and the plunger is adapted to initiate the connection of the at least one contact on each of the input metal pieces with the at least one contact on each of the output metal pieces and/or each of the at least one contact on each of the output conductors to establish the electrical continuity among the input terminal, the output terminal, and the user load terminal, and to move the reset button into the reset position.
22.
The circuit interrupting device according to claim 21, wherein each of the pair of input metal pieces comprises a pair of input fingers; and wherein each of the pair of input fingers contains a contact.
The circuit interrupting device according to claim 21, wherein each of the pair of input metal pieces comprises a pair of input fingers; and wherein each of the pair of input fingers contains a contact.
23. The circuit interrupting device according to claim 22, wherein the contact on each of input fingers is capable of connecting to the contact on each of the pair of the output metal pieces or each of the pair of fixed contacts on the output conductors.
24. The circuit interrupting device according to claim 21, wherein each of the pair of the output metal pieces contains a contact.
25. The circuit interrupting device according to claim 21, wherein each of the pair of the output conductors contains a contact.
26. The circuit interrupting device according to claim 21, wherein the circuit interrupting device further comprises a flexible switch which can be closed when the reset button is depressed.
27. The circuit interrupting device according to claim 26, wherein when the circuit interrupting device is properly wired and in the tripped state, the closing of the flexible switch allows the circuit interrupting device to be reset.
28 The circuit interrupting device according to claim 26, wherein when the circuit interrupting device is reversed wired and in the tripped state, the closing of the flexible switch does not allow the circuit interrupting device to be reset.
29. The circuit interrupting device according to claim 26, wherein when the reset button is released, the flexible switch is reopened.
30. The circuit interrupting device according to claim 27, wherein the closing of the flexible switch allows a current to flow through and energize a solenoid coil to facilitate the reset.
31. The circuit interrupting device according to claim 21, further comprising a directional lock coupled to the reset button; wherein the directional lock has a flat bottom surface.
32. The circuit interrupting device according to claim 31, further comprising a bias member which comprises an aperture for receiving the directional lock; wherein the directional lock is movable in a vertical direction in the aperture of the bias member.
33. The circuit interrupting device according to claim 32, further comprising a latch extending into the bias member and through the aperture; wherein the latch has an opening;
wherein the opening of the latch is aligned with the aperture of the bias member when the circuit interrupting device is wired correctly and the reset button is depressed or when a fault condition is detected.
wherein the opening of the latch is aligned with the aperture of the bias member when the circuit interrupting device is wired correctly and the reset button is depressed or when a fault condition is detected.
34. The circuit interrupting device according to claim 33, wherein the flat bottom of the directional lock allows the latch to engage the directional lock when the reset button is depressed or released.
35. A circuit interrupting device having a line side connection; a load side connection;
and a user load connection; wherein the circuit interrupting device comprises:
a housing;
a reset button having a tripped position and a reset position;
a flexible switch having a first contact and a second contact;
the first contact being electrically connected to a line terminal through a first resistor, a rectifier bridge, and a second resistor;
the second contact being electrically connected to a solenoid through a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR);
wherein the flexible switch is closed when the reset button is depressed; and wherein the flexible switch is reopened when the reset button is released;
wherein the closing of the flexible switch performs a reverse wiring test by transferring power from the line terminal to trigger the SCR through the first resistor, the rectifier bridge, the second resistor, the first contact, and the second contact to energize the solenoid.
and a user load connection; wherein the circuit interrupting device comprises:
a housing;
a reset button having a tripped position and a reset position;
a flexible switch having a first contact and a second contact;
the first contact being electrically connected to a line terminal through a first resistor, a rectifier bridge, and a second resistor;
the second contact being electrically connected to a solenoid through a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR);
wherein the flexible switch is closed when the reset button is depressed; and wherein the flexible switch is reopened when the reset button is released;
wherein the closing of the flexible switch performs a reverse wiring test by transferring power from the line terminal to trigger the SCR through the first resistor, the rectifier bridge, the second resistor, the first contact, and the second contact to energize the solenoid.
36. The circuit interrupting device according to claim 35, wherein when the circuit interrupting device is wired correctly, the closing of the flexible switch allows reset of the circuit interrupting device.
37. The circuit interrupting device according to claim 35, wherein when the circuit interrupting device is reverse wired, the closing of the flexible switch does not allow the circuit interrupting device to reset.
38. The circuit interrupting device according to claim 36, wherein the closing of the flexible switch allows a current to flow through and energize the solenoid to facilitate the reset.
39. The circuit interrupting device according to claim 35, wherein the second contact is electrically connected to the solenoid via a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR).
40. The circuit interrupting device according to claim 35, further comprising a directional lock coupled to the reset button; wherein the directional lock has a flat bottom surface.
41. The circuit interrupting device according to claim 40, further comprising a bias member arranged under the reset button; wherein the bias member has an aperture for receiving the directional lock; wherein the directional lock is movable in a vertical direction in the aperture of the bias member.
42. The circuit interrupting device according to claim 41, further comprising a latch extending into the bias member and through an aperture; wherein the latch has an opening;
wherein the opening of the latch is aligned with the aperture of the bias member when the circuit interrupting device is wired correctly and the flexible switch is closed or when a fault condition is detected.
wherein the opening of the latch is aligned with the aperture of the bias member when the circuit interrupting device is wired correctly and the flexible switch is closed or when a fault condition is detected.
43. The circuit interrupting device according to claim 42, further comprising a circuit interrupting mechanism; wherein the circuit interrupting mechanism comprising:
a pair of input metal pieces each electrically connected to an input terminal;
a pair of output metal piece each electrically connected to an output terminal; and a pair of fixed contacts each coupled to an output conductor; wherein the output conductor is electrically connected to a user load terminal;
wherein the connection/disconnection of the pair of input metal pieces with the output metal pieces and/or the fixed contacts on the user load establish or disrupt an electrical continuity among the input terminal, the output terminal, and the user load terminal.
a pair of input metal pieces each electrically connected to an input terminal;
a pair of output metal piece each electrically connected to an output terminal; and a pair of fixed contacts each coupled to an output conductor; wherein the output conductor is electrically connected to a user load terminal;
wherein the connection/disconnection of the pair of input metal pieces with the output metal pieces and/or the fixed contacts on the user load establish or disrupt an electrical continuity among the input terminal, the output terminal, and the user load terminal.
44. A reset apparatus for a circuit interrupting device comprising:
a housing;
a reset button connected to the housing; the reset button having a depressed and a relaxed position;
a resilient element biasing the reset button into the relaxed position;
a directional lock coupled to the reset button and having a bottom surface;
a bias member comprising an aperture therein receiving the directional lock, the directional lock being moveable in a vertical direction in the aperture;
four sets of electric contacts for making or interrupting electric connections between a line terminal, a load terminal, and a user load;
a latch extending into the bias member and through the aperture, the latch defining an opening therein and being movable through the aperture in a horizontal direction between an aligned position in which the opening is aligned with the bottom surface of the directional lock and a misaligned position in which the opening is misaligned with the bottom surface of the directional lock;
wherein the latch is adapted to engage the directional lock such that movement of the reset button to the relaxed state causes the bias member to close the four sets of electric contacts; and a flexible switch located below the bias member, wherein said flexible switch has a first contact and a second contact; the first contact being electrically connected to a line terminal and the second contact being electrically connected to a solenoid; wherein the first contact corresponds to the second contact;
whereby when the reset button is depressed, a downward movement of the bias member causes the first contact of the flexible switch to be in contact with the second contact so as to perform a reverse wiring test.
a housing;
a reset button connected to the housing; the reset button having a depressed and a relaxed position;
a resilient element biasing the reset button into the relaxed position;
a directional lock coupled to the reset button and having a bottom surface;
a bias member comprising an aperture therein receiving the directional lock, the directional lock being moveable in a vertical direction in the aperture;
four sets of electric contacts for making or interrupting electric connections between a line terminal, a load terminal, and a user load;
a latch extending into the bias member and through the aperture, the latch defining an opening therein and being movable through the aperture in a horizontal direction between an aligned position in which the opening is aligned with the bottom surface of the directional lock and a misaligned position in which the opening is misaligned with the bottom surface of the directional lock;
wherein the latch is adapted to engage the directional lock such that movement of the reset button to the relaxed state causes the bias member to close the four sets of electric contacts; and a flexible switch located below the bias member, wherein said flexible switch has a first contact and a second contact; the first contact being electrically connected to a line terminal and the second contact being electrically connected to a solenoid; wherein the first contact corresponds to the second contact;
whereby when the reset button is depressed, a downward movement of the bias member causes the first contact of the flexible switch to be in contact with the second contact so as to perform a reverse wiring test.
45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the bottom surface of the directional lock is flat.
46. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein when the latch is in the misaligned position and the reset button is moved to its depressed position, the bottom surface of the directional lock engages the latch and moves the latch and the bias member downward, closing the first contact point and the second contact point of the flexible switch to perform a reverse wiring test.
47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein if a reverse wiring condition exists, the latch remains in the misaligned position such that when the reset button returns to its relaxed position, the four sets of contacts remain open.
48. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein if a reverse wiring condition does not exist, the latch moves to the aligned position and the directional lock moves in a vertical direction through the opening.
49. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the second contact of the flexible switch is electrically connected to the solenoid via a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10/368,429 US7019952B2 (en) | 2002-08-07 | 2003-02-20 | Receptacle device having circuit interrupting and reverse wiring protection |
| US10/368,429 | 2003-02-20 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2458791A1 CA2458791A1 (en) | 2004-08-20 |
| CA2458791C true CA2458791C (en) | 2014-05-06 |
Family
ID=32868029
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2458791A Expired - Lifetime CA2458791C (en) | 2003-02-20 | 2004-02-16 | Receptacle device having circuit interrupting and reverse wiring protection |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2458791C (en) |
-
2004
- 2004-02-16 CA CA2458791A patent/CA2458791C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2458791A1 (en) | 2004-08-20 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20240216 |