CN108496089A

CN108496089A - The GFCI refused for autonomic monitoring and error protection electric power tests oneself software

Info

Publication number: CN108496089A
Application number: CN201580085745.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: S·P·西莫宁
Original assignee: Hubbell Inc
Current assignee: Hubbell Inc
Priority date: 2015-12-18
Filing date: 2015-12-18
Publication date: 2018-09-04
Also published as: MX2018007472A; CA3009051C; WO2017105483A1; CA3009051A1

Abstract

A kind of software code that circuit interrupting device of the combination with automatic monitoring circuit operates, the automatic monitoring circuit include the controller for the various functions and structure of test described device automatically.The automatic monitoring circuit originates the software code, it includes automatic monitoring routines, the automatic monitoring routine especially establishes failure of testing oneself during the positive or negative half-wave of AC electricity cycle, and determines whether the testing agency in described device properly detects the failure of testing oneself.In addition, the voltage sensed from test signal is compared by the software code performed by the controller with the maximum voltage value for determining or setting, and the voltage sensed is compared with minimum amount of voltage that is set or determining.

Description

The GFCI refused for autonomic monitoring and error protection electric power tests oneself software

The cross reference of related application

Present application contains and is contained in the entitled " for certainly of Shi Difen P. Xin Moning (Stephen P.Simonin) GFCI self-testing softwares function program (the GFCI SELF TEST SOFTWARE of main monitoring and the refusal operation of error protection electric power FUNCTIONAL PROGRAM FOR AUTONOMOUS MONITORING AND FAIL SAFE POWER DENIAL OPERATIONS No. 14/204,946 co-pending United States Patent application case) ", Shi Difen P. Xin Moning it is entitled No. 14/577,164 (the attorney docket of " GFCI tests monitor circuit (GFCI TEST MONITOR CIRCUIT) " " GFCI tests oneself circuit and load for 208273-9005-US00) U.S. patent application case and Shi Difen P. Xin Moning entitled The of the improved alignment (GFCI SELF TEST LINE AND LOAD CONTACTS IMPROVED ALIGNMENT) in contact " The related subject matter of subject matter in 14/577, No. 048 (attorney docket 208273-9006-US00) U.S. patent application case, During the full content of each of the application case is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to belt switch electric device.More particularly, the present invention be directed to be used to operate to have certainly The software code of the circuit interrupting device of dynamic monitoring circuit, the automatic monitoring circuit for testing the various of described device automatically Function and structure.The automatic monitoring circuit starting includes the software code of automatic monitoring routine, and the automatic monitoring routine is outstanding It establishes failure of testing oneself during the positive or negative half-wave of AC electricity cycle, and whether properly to determine the testing agency in described device Detect the failure of testing oneself.Early detection signal designation do not interfere the normal operating of the detection circuit and do not cause it is described In the case of mistrip in device, the failure of testing oneself is properly detected.The additional functionality of the software code is permitted The automatic terminal for examining described device when to have reached its service life.

Background technology

GFCI devices with the contact biased towards open position are needed for the contact to be set and maintained at closure The latch mechanism of position.Similarly, there are the belt switch electric device needs of the contact biased towards the closed position to be used for will The contact is set and maintained at the latch mechanism of open position.The example of the device of general type includes Circuit Interrupt type Device, such as breaker, arc fault interrupter and GFCI, name just a few.

In order to be sold in american commerce, GFCI devices have to comply with the system that guarantor laboratory (" UL ") combines industry-leading Make the standard that quotient and other industry members (such as various security organization) are established.Covering a UL standard of GFCI devices is UL-943, it is entitled " to be used for standard (the Standard for Safety-Ground of safety ground failed circuit interrupters Fault Circuit Interrupters)”.UL-943 is suitable for that A classes are single-phase and three-phase GFCI, is intended for protection work Personnel, and the function to such GFCI devices, construction, performance and label have minimum require.Wherein, UL-943 requires GFCI dresses Set the specific fault current level that should be tripped and response clocking requirement.In general, when detecting with the electricity higher than 5 milliamperes (" mA ") When flat earth fault, it is desirable that GFCI trips.In addition, when high resistance grounding failure is applied to device, according to equation T=(20/ I)^1.43, this version of UL-943 specifies described device that should trip, and electric current is prevented to be delivered to load, and wherein T refers to the time, and It is expressed with the second, and I refers to electric current, and is expressed with milliampere.Therefore, in the case of 5mA failures, device must be at 7.26 seconds Or detection failure and tripping in the less time.

In the case where such safety-related standard is in place, and because GFCI devices are directly thought because it is in 19th century 70 The introducing of early stage in age and saved many life, they have become is seen everywhere in house and commercial power net.However, picture Most of electromechanical assemblies are such, and GFCI devices are easily influenced by failure.For example, the electronics of mechanical current interrupter device is driven One or more of component short circuit or may become defective in other ways, as other in failure detector circuit or device Component in place may short circuit like that, to make described device can not properly detect earth fault and/or properly in Power off the flowing of stream.For this purpose, since some time, the GFCI devices for having monitoring circuit are needed to have, the monitoring circuit is realized The ability of manual test device, to trip when encountering failure.Such monitoring circuit usually has testing button, is being pressed Make, activates the analogue ground failure on heat conductor and neutral conductor.If described device properly works, mould is detected Quasi- failure, and device will trip activates mechanical relay and disconnects the line side of described device (such as in supply AC electricity In the case of) with the electric current road of load-side (wherein user connects its electric appliance etc. and wherein connects downstream socket or additional GFCI devices) Diameter.

Research that industrial security tissue is carried out instruction, usually, the public can't routine test its GFCI device come Determine appropriate operation, i.e., by pressing testing button.This research further discloses one serviced within the extended time cycle A little GFCI devices become not working, and can not properly detect fault condition, therefore device is made to become dangerous.Specifically It says, it is found that when a fault has occurred, GFCI devices fail to trip, therefore described device is made to can be used as electrically after extended use Jack performance, but it is dangerous when there are fault condition.Because not being routine test described device, therefore this unsafe condition adds It is acute.That is, when actually described device is the potentially Harm and control of threat to life, the thing of electric power is fully delivered in view of it Real, people are mistakenly considered described device and are running.

In conjunction with people will not routine test its GFCI device (although the clearly instruction of manufacturer is routine test) understanding, The GFCI devices of deployment at the scene become increasingly operate and unsafe discovery is so that research starts to UL-943 standards Possible change is carried out, to require GFCI devices to be tested oneself to itself (such as automonitor), without human intervention. Change desired by UL-943 is further included itself for the forfeiture and/or device for alerting protection to consumer from clothes Business automatically removes the requirement of (for example, for good and all tripping).In addition, these additional self-test operations will be had to carry out, filled without interfering The major function set, i.e., trip when encountering physical fault.

Modified self-test function mentioned above is not also the requirement to UL-943 certifications, it is anticipated that will be soon Such requirement.Notable UL changes are prepared thus, and in view of the unlimited reduction that seems of the cost of integrated circuit, many GFCI manufacturers have been transferred to the digital technology (such as microprocessor and microcontroller) for being conducive to previous analog design, to provide Both earth-fault protection and self-monitoring function.However, the digital solutions provided are not ideal so far.Citing For, several prior art GFCI designs trip including those are intended to provide the design of self-test function by harassing and wrecking property, this Be wherein when true earth fault, manually caused by analogue ground failure and automatic failure of testing oneself it is equal in the absence of activate The situation of disconnected device.This unfavorable conditions is thought to deteriorate because of the extra demand tested oneself automatically by many people, this causes to generate in device Additional induced current.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a kind of GFCI devices that certain self test capabilities are provided, including being carried in next revision of UL-943 Those of go out device, but minimizes risk associated with the tripping of harassing and wrecking property.

Invention content

In view of insoluble problem associated with prior art GFCI devices, including but not limited to discussed herein above Insoluble problem, the circuit of one or more exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, which relates generally to, constantly monitors GFCI The automatic monitoring circuit of the performance of device.More specifically, processing unit (such as microcontroller or microprocessor) is configured to It is used to test and examine the durability of each subcircuits in GFCI devices and functional software program, week based on what is stored Execute to phase property automatic monitoring routine.It is galvanically isolated to test the appropriate of GFCI devices, is operatively coupled to the drive of microcontroller Dynamic device, with whenever executing or operation monitors routine automatically, just starting indicates the test signal of earth fault, and the different electricity of monitoring Circuit node is to confirm the appropriate operation of described device.

End of life indicator is also coupled to microcontroller, to indicate whether GFCI devices fail properly to detect test letter Number or device in a certain other failures for having occurred.In order to avoid when generating test signal, machinery current interrupt device trips, And allows GFCI device circuits as much as possible to execute its set function, unique monitor circuit is provided, utilize digital group The various functions of part (such as GFCI IC apparatus and microcontroller).Specifically, in order to provide under normal operation It monitors autorun of the fault-detecting ability of GFCI devices without interfering and causing mistrip, meets the implementation of the present invention Example includes the filter condenser specially selected associated with the driving output of the relay of GFCI integrated circuits (" IC ") device.Electricity The appropriate selection of container and other associated circuit components prevents relay driving circuit (for example, silicon controlled rectifier (" SCR ")) Start or connect, until encountering true fault condition.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a kind of recordable media being stored with software code above, the software are provided Code includes：Code for monitoring electrical wiring device automatically；For monitor the test signal exported from fault detection circuit with Determine the code of the mode of operation of the electrical wiring device；For small in the test signal from the fault detection circuit The code of end of life state is determined in the case of threshold value；And for generating alarm when determining the end of life state The code of signal.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a kind of method for monitoring ground fault circuit interrupter device automatically includes Following steps：Monitor the test signal exported from fault detection circuit with the mode of operation of the determination electrical wiring device；If In the first predetermined period of time, continue the testing time of the first predetermined number, the survey from the fault detection circuit Trial signal is less than minimum threshold, then it is determined that end of life state；If in the second predetermined period of time, it is predetermined to continue second The testing time of number, the test signal from the fault detection circuit is more than max-thresholds, then it is determined that the longevity Order terminal state；And when determining the end of life state, alarm signal is generated.

The other aspects of the present invention will be become apparent by considering detailed description and alterations.

Description of the drawings

Hereafter by means of example reference attached drawing detailed description of the present invention exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 1 is the lateral elevational view of GFCI socket devices of testing oneself according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is the lateral elevational view of GFCI sockets shown in FIG. 1 of testing oneself, and the protecgulum of shell is removed.

Fig. 3 be test oneself shown in Fig. 1 GFCI socket devices core sub-assembly lateral elevational view.

Fig. 4 A to 4D are the schematic diagrames for the demonstrative circuit for meeting the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is to show how the disconnection for postponing the contact of interruption means reduces when the contact is disconnected through the interruption The oscilloscope trace for the electric power that the contact of device applies.

Fig. 6 A are the systemic hierarchial flow charts for the operation for illustrating software code according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention A part.

Fig. 6 B be the operation for illustrating software code according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention Fig. 6 A in the system that refers to Another part of level flow chart.

Fig. 6 C be the operation for illustrating software code according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention Fig. 6 A in the system that refers to Another part of level flow chart.

Fig. 6 D1 and 6D2 be the operation for illustrating software code according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention Fig. 6 A in refer to Systemic hierarchial flow chart another part.

Fig. 6 E be the operation for illustrating software code according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention Fig. 6 A in the system that refers to Another part of level flow chart.

Fig. 6 F be the operation for illustrating software code according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention Fig. 6 A in the system that refers to Another part of level flow chart.

Fig. 6 G1 and 6G2 be the operation for illustrating software code according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention Fig. 6 A in refer to Systemic hierarchial flow chart another part.

Fig. 6 H1 to 6H3 be the operation for illustrating software code according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention Fig. 6 A in refer to Systemic hierarchial flow chart another part.

Fig. 7 is the systemic hierarchial for the basic start-up operation for showing software code according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention Figure.

Specific implementation mode

Before explaining embodiments of the invention in detail, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to be described below in its application The details of the construction and arrangement of middle elaboration or the component illustrated in following figures.The present invention can have other embodiments and It is practiced or carried out in various ways.

The exemplary embodiment for meeting the device of the invention includes the novel mechanical and/or electrical spy being described in detail below One or more of sign.For example, one or more.The method and equipment it is specific can be used for carry out movable objects (such as People or the removable vehicles) image identification or " fingerprint recognition ", and execute movable objects after tracking in interim lose Reacquisition, the exemplary embodiment of the revealed present invention includes automatic monitoring or self-testing features.Previously for example exist On March 16th, 2012 applies and as the 6,807,035th, 6,807 disclosed in No. 2013/0242440 U.S. Patent Publication case, 036,7,315,437,7,443,309 and No. 7,791,848 United States Patent (USP)s and No. 13/422,790 U.S. patent application case In disclose some self-testing features and ability relative to GFCI devices, all these patents are commonly assigned to the phase of present application Same assignee, and its entire corresponding contents is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.Meet present invention disclosed herein The automatic monitoring feature that automatic monitoring aspect ratio had previously had revealed that is steady, and reduces the probability of device mistrip or harassing and wrecking property.It lifts For example, provide with the determination of end of life (" EOL ") condition and the related additional spy of determination is taken later herein action Sign.Describe to meet further exemplary novel of the invention electrically and mechanically feature below with reference to schema.

Referring to Fig. 1, GFCI sockets 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention include protecgulum 12, with two-wire seat surface 14, with 20 opening of phase 16, center line 18 and ground connection.Face 14 also has the opening 22 for accommodating reset button 24, neighbouring to hold Receive the opening 26 and six respective circulars opening 30 to 35 of testing button 28.According to this exemplary embodiment, opening 30,33 Two respective indicators, such as the LED of different color are accommodated, opening 32,34 accommodates corresponding bright LED, is used for example as night-light, Opening 31 accommodates light guide photocell, such as controlling night-light LED, and access of 35 offers to positioning screw that be open, and is used for According to this photo-cell assembly is adjusted with other exemplary embodiments.Rear cover 36 is fixed to protecgulum 12 by eight fixing pieces 38, Four fixing pieces 38 are shown, and socket 10 is provided four additional fixing pieces from the side that the view in Fig. 1 covers in Fig. 1. For example, each fixing piece 38 may include the barbed column 50 on protecgulum 12 and the correspondence elastic cuffs 52 on rear cover 36, similar It is described in detail in the 6th, 398, No. 594 United States Patent (USP), entire contents are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.With mark Ground connection yoke/bridge sub-assembly 40 of quasi- An Installed ears 42 is stretched out from the end of socket 10.

Referring to Fig. 2, protecgulum 12 removes divided by exposes manifold 126, is printed circuit board 390 and yoke/bridge combination Part 40 provides support.According to the embodiment shown, manifold 126 includes four dovetail interconnection pieces 130, along the top edge of rear cover 36 Coordinate with corresponding recess 132.In each of four sides of manifold 126 and rear cover 36, one dovetail-of upper offer is recessed respectively Place pair.

Fig. 3 is the lateral elevational view of core sub-assembly 80.Core sub-assembly 80 includes circuit board 82, supports the work of socket Make most of in component, comprising circuit shown in Fig. 4 A to 4D (its referred to as Fig. 4 herein), senses transformer 84 and connect Line transformer 85 (not shown) in ground.Line contact arm 94,96 passes through transformer 84,85, there is insulated separation device 98 therebetween.Circuit Contact arm 94,96 is cantilevered, corresponding distal end delivery phase and neutral conductor contact 102,104.Load contact arm 98,100 be also cantilevered, corresponding distal end delivery phase and line load contact 101,103.Cantilevered contact arm Elasticity makes line contact 102,104 and load contact 101,103 be biased away from each other.Load contact arm 98,103 is shelved on by exhausted On movable contact bracket 106 made of edge (preferred thermoplastic) material.

Fig. 4 is the electrically and mechanically group of the GFCI socket devices of one or more of exemplary embodiment for meeting the present invention The schematic diagram of part.Circuit shown in Fig. 4 can be as above in relation to GFCI devices described in various embodiments of the present invention Middle use.The circuit of Fig. 4 meets the mechanically actuated of exemplary embodiments illustrated above；However, meeting the embodiment of the present invention GFCI devices without using exact circuitry depicted in figure 4, and those skilled in the art in viewing Fig. 4 and/or looks into After readding the description being set forth below, some aspects of circuit will be changed to realize similar overall result.It is expected that and thinking this Class is changed in the range of invention as set forth herein.

Fig. 4 is the schematic diagram of circuit according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.Circuit shown in Fig. 4 or its is various Sub-circuit can be implemented in a variety of electrical wiring devices, however for purposes of illustration, herein in conjunction with it shown in Fig. 1 to 3 The circuit of Fig. 4 is discussed in use in GFCI socket devices.

The circuit of Fig. 4 includes phase terminal 326 and neutral line terminal 328, for electrically connecting to AC power supplies (not shown), example 60 hertz, 120 volts of rims power supplys of domestic power supply are such as used in the U.S..Can change Fig. 4 circuit and resident on it and with This software implemented, to be also adapted to other electric power transmission systems.Such modification and the circuit and software will ultimately be used for it In gained circuit and connecton layout be and to be considered the spirit and scope in invention as described herein desired by inventor It is interior.For example, within the scope of the invention using the electric power transmission system of different voltages and frequency.

Referring to Fig. 4, phase conductor 330 and neutral conductor 332 are connected respectively to phase and neutral line terminal, and respectively pass through Transformer 334 and earthed neutral conductor transformer 336 are sensed, is for a part for detection circuit described below.For example, phase Position and neutral line terminal correspond to the input terminal screw 326,328 in figure 1 above, and phase and neutral conductor 330,332 Line contact arm 94,96 is indicated respectively, as above in relation to described by Fig. 3.Line conductor 330, each of 332 has phase The fixing end answered is connected to phase and neutral line terminal, and respectively contains corresponding movable contact, such as from institute above The contact 102,104 for the embodiment stated.Face phase knead dough neutral conductor 338,340 is separately included fixed to its electric contact (not Diagram).Face conductor is electrically connected to corresponding face terminal 342,344, and in the illustrated embodiment, is integral therewith, when electrical When socket device is in use, the inserted sheet from load device (not shown) (such as electric appliance) will be connected to the face terminal.

According to this embodiment in Fig. 4 shown in circuit also separately include optional load phase and load neutral terminal 346,348, it is electrically connected to downstream load (not shown), such as one or more additional outlet devices.346,348 points of face terminals It is not connected to cantilevered load conductor 277,278, each of which person (does not scheme in its far-end comprising movable contact in Fig. 4 Show).Load contact is placed in below corresponding phase and neutral conductor contact and phase and center line face contact, and co-axial, So that when line conductor is towards when load knead dough conductor movement, three groups of contacts are electrically connected with merging.When device is in this When part, it is referred to as Reset or is in reset state.

Detector circuit

With continued reference to Fig. 4, detector circuit 352 includes transformer 334,336 and GFCI IC apparatus (" GFCI IC”)350.According to an embodiment of the invention, GFCI IC 350 are well-known 4141 devices, such as Fairchild Semiconductor The RV4141 devices that (Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation) makes.Other GFCI IC devices can also scheme It is used in 4 circuit and replaces 4141, and such modification is within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

GFCI IC devices 350 receive the electric signal from various other circuit units (including transformer 334,336), and Detect one or more kind failures, such as true fault, simulated failure or earth fault of testing oneself, and true or analogue ground center line Failure.For example, when occurring sufficient current imbalance in line conductor 330,332, pass through the net of transformer 334,336 Electric current causes to generate magnetic flux at least around transformer 334.This magnetic flux leads to induced current on conductor 333, the conductor It is wrapped in around sensing transformer 334.The respective end of conductor 333 is connected to GFCI at input port V-REF and VFB respectively The positive and negative of the sensing amplifier of IC devices 350 inputs.Induced current on conductor 333 leads to the sensing of GFCI IC 350 The voltage difference of the input of amplifier.When voltage difference is more than predetermined threshold, in one or more of the output of GFCI IC 350 Detection signal is generated at (such as SCR trigger signals output port (SCR_OUT)).Threshold value used in GFCI IC 350 is by even It is connected on operational amplifier output (OP_OUT) and is determined to the effective resistance between the positive input of sensing amplifier (" VFB ").

Current imbalance on line conductor 330,332 is by true earth fault, analogue ground failure or ground connection of testing oneself Failure causes.When the test switch 354 in Fig. 4 is closed (it occurs when pressing testing button 28 (Fig. 1)), generates simulation and connect Earth fault.As described in further detail below, it when automatic monitoring circuit 370 initiates to monitor cycle tests automatically, tests oneself Failure, the automatic monitoring cycle tests are included on independent conductor 356 and generate electric current.

According to an embodiment of the invention, when testing the closure of switch 354, in line conductor 330,332 and load conductor 338, some in the electric current flowed in 340 are from the phase face conductor 338 around sensing transformer 334 (and when device is in multiple When the state of position, phase load conductor 277) shunting, and arrive neutral conductor 332 across resistor 358.By shunting by this method Some in 358 electric current of resistor, flow through in the electric current for flowing through conductor 330 and in the opposite direction conductor 332 It is generated in electric current unbalanced.Work as current imbalance, that is, flow through across sensing transformer conductor net current be more than threshold value (such as 4 to 5 milliamperes) when, detector circuit 352 detects this analogue ground failure, and the SCR of GFCI IC 350 is activated to export (SCR_ OUT)。

When activating the SCR outputs of GFCI IC 350, switch 360 (such as SCR) is triggered to connection (ON) state or item Part, this allows electric current to flow through 500 1 photoelectrical coupler 505 of resistor from phase conductor 330.Photoelectrical coupler 505 makes switch 361 Triggering with 369 (such as SCR) is isolated with domestic power supply and solenoid (such as double solenoid coil 362 [being described below]).To the greatest extent Illustrate photoelectrical coupler 505 in pipe Fig. 4, but in other constructions of the present invention, it can be with different solid-state relays to replace State photoelectrical coupler.For illustrative purposes, will to be herein the embodiment of the present invention of SCR relative to wherein each switch retouch State switch 360,361 and 369.After SCR 360 is triggered to on-condition or state, triggering or activation photoelectrical coupler 505 To on-condition or state, and photoelectrical coupler 505 allows electric current to flow to pin 3 from the pin 4 of photoelectrical coupler 505.Reversely The Zener diode 510 of biasing is connected across the pin 1 and 2 of photoelectrical coupler 505, to protect photoelectrical coupler 505 from electricity It gushes and/or transient voltage spikes.For example, if crossing Zener diode 510 is applied more than the reversed of Zener diode 510 The voltage of the breakdown voltage (such as 5V) of biasing, then Zener diode 510 will conduct electric current in the opposite direction.This operation makes Electric current is diverted away from photoelectrical coupler 505.

The Voltage Supply Device output VS of GFCI IC 350 provides voltage to resistor 515, is connected to photoelectrical coupler 505 pin 4.The electric current for flowing through the pin 4 and 3 of resistor 515 and photoelectrical coupler 505 is operable with by SCR 361 and SCR 369 grid triggering is activated to on-condition or state.However, resistor 515 is electrically connected to electricity by photoelectrical coupler 505 Container 520 and 525, to create resistor-capacitor circuit (" RC ") circuit 530.The RC time delays that RC circuits 530 introduce make SCR 361 and 369 gate delay is triggered or is activated to on-state, and described device delay is made to trip a certain amount of time. In some embodiments, capacitor 520 and 525 can be replaced with a capacitor.In other embodiments, two or more can be used Capacitor provides capacitor to RC circuits 530.

Once the time quantum of the delay from RC circuits 530 has been subjected to, just SCR 361 and SCR 369 is activated or triggered To on-state.When SCR 361 is connected, electric current flowed through from phase conductor 330 twin coil solenoid 362 secondary coil 363, Fuse 365, diode 367 and SCR 361.In addition, when SCR 369 is connected, electric current flows through twin coil from phase conductor 330 Primary coil 364, fuse 372, diode 374 and the SCR 369 of solenoid 362.In some embodiments, 361 Hes of SCR Only one in SCR 369 is implemented in the delay circuit, and solenoid 362 includes a coil.Flow through two coils 363,364 Current induced magnetic field, so that armature is moved in solenoid 362.When solenoid armature moves, make contact brackets (such as 106 in Fig. 3) unlatching, contact brackets are a parts for interruption means 315, and the bracket line conductor 330,332 from So biasing is lower declines, that is to say, that far from face conductor 338,340 and load conductor 277,278.Described device now referred to as due to Successful manual simulated failure cycle tests and " tripping ", and described device will not deliver electric power to loading, until it is reset to Only.The switch 354 of the present invention is closed until device tripping and electric current is no longer flowed to from phase conductor 330 in face and load conductor Any one and it is so short by the time it takes until solenoid coil 363,364 so that fuse 365,372 is kept without broken Damage.

The delay that RC circuits 530 introduce makes the turn-off delay of conductor 330,332 so that when there are less electric power (such as Less than 100%VCC) when providing through the contact of interruption means 315, conductor disconnects.For example, capacitor 307 (is hereafter retouched State) delay in the startups of the SCR outputs of the GFCI IC 350 that are introduced into causes SCR 360 defeated on about conductor 330,332 Enter at the peak power point of power (that is, about in AC waveforms 90 ° at) triggering.When it happens, when contact disconnects, in Load at disconnected device 315 can generate a large amount of plasma, this can burn out the contact of interruption means 315.RC circuits 530 can be grasped Make the turn-off delay so that the contact of interruption means 315, until less electric power is provided by interruption means 315.One In a little embodiments, RC circuits introduce delay, when contact disconnects, the electric power for passing through the offer of interruption means 315 are made to be reduced to Between about 25% and about 100%VCC.In some embodiments, when pass through interruption means 315 provide about 50% with When between 65%VCC, interruption means 315 is triggered.When contact disconnects, institute is made by the electric power of this reduction of interruption means 315 The amount of the plasma of generation is reduced.Therefore, the contact (that is, in order to reduce cost) for including reduced silver can be used, and can increase Add the service life (such as by reducing calcination of the plasma to contact) of contact.

Fig. 5 illustrates oscilloscope trace 600, shows when contact disconnects, and postpones the disconnection of the contact of interruption means 315 such as What reduces the electric power by interruption means 315.Fig. 5 illustrates the positive half cycle for the AC waveforms for making device trip at 605 Start.In this illustrative example, resistor 515 has 53 kilohms of value, and capacitor 520,525 has 0.23 μ F of value.It is micro- Controller 301 determines whether GFCI IC devices 350 are just supplied electricity using the voltage at the port GP3 of microcontroller 301 Whether power and described device trip or are in reset condition.In Fig. 5 at 610, illustrate the forward position of the voltage at the GP3 of port. At 615, the delay in the startup of the SCR outputs for the GFCI IC 350 that capacitor 307 is introduced into causes SCR 360 to be triggered.Such as Illustrated in fig. 5, SCR 360 is triggered under about peaking power (about 100%VCC).However, RC circuits 530 prevent SCR 361 and SCR 369, which is triggered, continues about 1mS, until 620.After triggering SCR 361 and SCR 369, interruption means Mechanical delay (described above) in the disconnection of 315 contact makes the turn-off delay of contact, until 625.It realizes from GP3 Voltage forward position 4.86mS total delay (610), until contact actual switch-off (625) of interruption means.AC waveforms Positive half cycle voltage be 120V (85 volts of rms) or about 68%VCC.

For illustrative purpose, the embodiment of the present invention illustrated to graphically in Fig. 5 is provided, and resistor can be used 515 and capacitor 520 and 525 other values, the RC time delays for RC circuits 530 will be increasedd or decreased introducing.From RC The RC retardation ratio of circuit 530 can increase and (be greater than about l mS), but there must be enough electric power at solenoid 362, to break Open the contact of interruption means 315.Minimum power needed for the contact of disconnection interrupted device 315 illustrated AC waveforms about Occur at 25%VCC.

Via the manual test for resetting operation

Referring again to FIGS. 4, for example, also originating test behaviour by pressing reset button 24 (Fig. 1) to close reset switch 300 Make.Specifically, when reset switch 300 is closed, the Voltage Supply Device output VS of GFCI IC 350 is electrically connected by conductor 308 It is connected to the grid of SCR 360, therefore connects SCR 360.When SCR 360 is connected, electric current is drawn from line conductor 330 by two Pole pipe 359 and SCR 360, and it is last to ground connection.Similar to as discussed previously, press testing button when passing through and connect SCR When 360, after RC time delays and electric current flow through solenoid coil 363,364, SCR 360 is connected by pressing reset button Also SCR 361 is caused to be connected with SCR 369.The electric current for flowing through the coil 363,364 of solenoid 362 generates magnetic at solenoid , and the armature in solenoid activated and moves.Under the conditions of typical (for example, non-test), armature is activated by this method Device is set to trip, such as when actual failures occur.

However, when reset switch 300 is closed, device may be in trip condition, i.e. circuit, face and load conductor Contact be electrically isolated.That is, after device has tripped, usually presses reset button and carry out latch contacts bracket again, and Circuit, face and load contact is set to be in electrical contact again.If when pressing reset button, the armature of solenoid 362 fails to start, and Upon release of the reset button, including the resetting-mechanism of contact brackets, which fails engagement when it is returned, resets jumper bar, then device It will not reset.Therefore, if such as device is not yet wired to AC electric wires or its error connection, that is to say, that device with do not connect The AC electrical connections of line terminal 326,328 are connected to, then unregulated power is applied to GFCI IC 350.If unregulated power is applied to GFCI IC 350, then can not be exported by the SCR of GFCI IC 350 or when pressing stands button, driving SCR's 360 Grid.With this condition, device will not be able to reset.It is shipped for user under trip condition by ensuring device, according to meeting The connecton layout of the embodiment of the present invention prevents error connection condition.Because device can not reset, until AC electricity properly applies Until line terminal, so preventing error connection condition.

Automatic monitoring circuit

With continued reference to demonstrative circuit schematic diagram shown in Fig. 4, automatic monitoring circuit 370 includes programmable device 301. Programmable device 301 can be any suitable programmable device, such as microprocessor or microcontroller, can be programmed to implement Automatic monitoring routine, is such as illustrated in detail below.For example, according to embodiment shown in Fig. 4, programmable device 301 by ATMELTM microcontrollers from 10 families of ATtiny are implemented.The programmable device also can be by microchip microcontroller (example Such as PIC10F204/206) implement.

According to the automatic monitoring of a demonstration of embodiment shown in foundation Fig. 4 or routine of testing oneself automatically, microcontroller 301 monitor test flag automatically by setting software, and automatic monitoring routine is originated every about three (3) seconds.Automatic monitoring test flag Automatic monitoring routine in mark starting circuit interrupting device, and confirm that described device properly operates, or in some cases, really Determine circuit interrupting device and has reached its end of life (" EOL ").When monitoring routine is run with positive (that is, success) result automatically, Automatic monitoring circuit enters dormant state, until microcontroller 301 sets test flag, and another automatic monitoring example of starting again Until journey.

If monitoring routine is run with negative test automatically, for example, can not determine that circuit interrupting device just properly works, Or determine actually and irrelevantly operate, then failure counter is made to be incremented by, and when in the memory of storage in the device When software program sends instructions, microcontroller 301 originates another automatic monitoring routine.In addition to failure count is incremented by, event is also provided The interim instruction of barrier.For example, according to an embodiment of the invention, when this failure occurs, the I/O of microcontroller 301 is controlled Port GP0 is output, and 376 flicker of control light emitting diode (" LED ") is for example one or many, to indicate to the user that failure. If failure counter reaches predetermined value, i.e., monitoring routine runs a certain number with negative test automatically, and the number storage is simultaneously real It applies in software, then monitoring routine call end of life (" EOL ") sequence automatically.EOL sequences include one in following functions Or more persons：(a) instruction has reached EOL, such as by constantly flickering or lighting indicator light and/or generate audible sound, (b) tastes Examination makes device trip, and (c) prevents the trial for making device reset, (d) EOL events are stored on nonvolatile memory, such as It is depositing in case of power failure, and (e) when device power down, is removing EOL conditions.

According to this embodiment, when automatic monitoring software determines that the operation monitors routine automatically, that is, it is based on automobile monitor Timer connects stimulus signal 302 at the ports the I/O GP1 of microcontroller 301.When connecting stimulus signal, electric current flows through electricity Device 303 is hindered, and voltage is established at the base stage of transistor 304, to connect transistor.When transistor 304 is connected, electric current from DC voltage power supply unit 378 flows through resistor 305, is, for example, 3 kilohms of resistors, and continue through electric conductor 356 and crystalline substance Body pipe 304 arrives ground connection.About dc voltage sources 378, according to an embodiment of the invention, the value of this voltage source is designed between 4.1 volts Between dc to 4.5 volts of dc, but the value of this Voltage Supply Device can be any other suitable value, as long as used value fully considers Other circuit functionalities described below.

According to this exemplary embodiment, electric conductor 356 is electric wire, but the conductive trace being alternatively on printed circuit board.It leads Body 356 is connected at one end to resistor 305, passes through sensing transformer 334, and around about ten around the core of transformer (10) secondary, and it is connected to the collector of transistor 304 in its other end.Therefore, automatic when setting software in microcontroller 301 When monitoring test flag and the connection of transistor 304, electric current flows through conductor 356 comprising with phase conductor 330 and neutral conductor 332 separated independent conductors, electric current also pass through the center of sensing transformer 334.

If circuit interrupting device according to an embodiment of the invention properly works, as electric current flows through conductor 356 and sensing transformer is flowed through, senses and generate magnetic flux at transformer 334.The flux is generated on conductor 333 by detection electricity The signal of road 352 (including GFCI IC devices 350) detection.According to this embodiment, when device 350 is detected in sensing transformer When the flux generated at 334, voltage level increases at one of the ports I/O of device 350 place, such as is labeled as in Fig. 4 Increase at the output port of CAP, to increase the voltage on conductor 306.

According to this embodiment, capacitor 307 is connected between the ports CAP I/O of microcontroller 301 and ground connection.Such as ability It is known that capacitor, which is attached at the CAP outputs of 4141GFCI IC devices and the middle of ground connection, to be caused to fill from GFCI IC in domain The SCR trigger signals (SCR_OUT) for setting 350 outputs postpone the scheduled time cycle.The time quantum of delayed trigger signal usually by The value of capacitor determines.However, according to an embodiment of the invention, capacitor 307 is not attached to the center of CAP output and ground connection Between.Truth is that capacitor 307 is also connected to the ADC I/O port GP0 of microcontroller 301, the circuit road via circuit paths Diameter include with resistor 311 (for example, 3 megohms) concatenated diode 310, this accomplishes with resistor 312 (for example, 1.5 Megohm) bleeder circuit.This additional circuit of capacitor is connected at the CAP outputs of GFCI IC devices 350 from deferred telegram Container draws electric current.

By measuring the value of the signal at the ports ADC I/O (GP0), and confirm that it is higher than a certain level, it may be determined that detection Whether circuit 352 properly detects the fault-signal of testing oneself generated on conductor 356, and may further confirm that GFCI IC dresses Set whether 350 can generate SCR trigger signals appropriate.Also, in order to avoid making device during automatic monitoring failure of testing oneself Tripping measures the voltage at capacitor 307, and confirm before output drive signal at the SCR_OUT of GFCI IC devices 350 Appropriate fault detect of testing oneself.

If the electric current drawn on capacitor 307 is excessively high, GFCI IC devices 350 may not operate properly.It lifts For example, if drawing few to 3 to 4 milliamperes of electric current from capacitor 307, for example it can not require accurately to detect according to UL Also the set earthed neutral conductor condition detected by GFCI IC devices 350, because within the time of necessary amount, SCR trigger signals (SCR_OUT) will not start.According to an embodiment of the invention, it draws and is less than about for the ADC I/O port GP0 of microcontroller 301 1.3 milliamperes, or be about the 5% of the specified delayed current of GFCI IC devices 350.This low current drawn from capacitor 307 is to institute It states device and properly detects the ability of true earth fault and/or true grounded-neutral fault without influence.

According to this embodiment, the electric current of about 50 Naans is drawn from capacitor 307.It is connected to the ADC of microcontroller 301 The resistors in parallel 311 and 312 of the ports I/O GP0 generates 4.5 megohms of drain electrode, and the electric current aspirated from capacitor 307 is limited In the maximum value of 1.0 microampere.GFCI IC devices 350 using about 40 milliamperes of electric current come generate SCR trigger, but from Before SCR_OUT output-scr trigger signals, microcontroller 301 only needs about 50 Naans, is touched with reading SCR from capacitor 307 It signals.Therefore, by selecting appropriate value for capacitor 307, in conjunction with resistor 311 and 312 and diode 310 it is appropriate Value selection, it is possible to maintain correctly delay for the SCR trigger signals (SCR_OUT) from GFCI IC devices 350, and use ADC in microcontroller 301 measures the signal at ADC inputs (GP0), to determine whether detection circuit 352 is properly examined Measure the test signal on conductor 356.

It shall yet further be noted that in the embodiment being shown in FIG. 4, LED 376 is also connected to the ends ADC I/O of microcontroller 301 Mouth (GP0).Therefore, no matter the whether conductive drain electrodes all not interfered on capacitor 307 of LED 376 and SCR trigger signals Delay and microcontroller 301 properly measure the ability of the signal exported from the ports CAP I/O of GFCI IC devices 350.Cause This selects LED 376 about circuit shown in Fig. 4 so that it just measures in microcontroller 301 and comes from GFCI IC devices During the time of the signal of 350 CAP outputs, and disconnects and start conduction.For example, LED 376 is selected so that it connects The pressure that is powered is about 1.64 volts or higher than 1.64 volt, according to circuit shown in Fig. 4, can be measured at the GP0 of the ports I/O.In addition, As just driving LED 376, any signal is added to capacitor 307 in order to prevent, provides diode 310.

According to this embodiment, including the circuit paths of diode 310 and divider 311,312 are connected to microcontroller 301 The ports I/O GP0, serve as the input of the A/D converter (" ADC ") in microcontroller 301.The ADC of microcontroller 301 is surveyed The increased voltage that the charging action of amount capacitor 307 is established.When reaching the predetermined voltage level, microcontroller 301 disconnects Automatic monitoring stimulus signal 302, disconnects transistor 304 again, to stop the electric current on conductor 356, and therefore stops sensing Flux caused by transformer 334.When this occurs, microcontroller 301 determines that qualified automatic monitoring event has become Pass by work(, and if current count is more than zero, makes to monitor that fail counter successively decreases automatically.

In other words, according to this embodiment, microcontroller 301 repeats automatic monitoring routine according to predetermined time table.It is based on The software program being stored in the memory in microcontroller 301 was run from every several seconds to monthly equal any interval on demand Automatic monitoring routine.When originating routine, sense transformer 334 at generate flux with wherein if having there is practical ground connection Failure if for example generates analogue ground failure so by generation manually by pressing testing button as described above The mode similar mode of flux occurs.

However, monitoring (testing oneself) failure is pressed with practical earth fault or pressing test automatically caused by monitoring routine automatically It is had differences between simulated failure caused by button.When there is reality or analogue ground failure, should generate respectively in phase and The difference of the electric current flowed in neutral conductor 330 and 332.That is, the electric current on conductor 330 should be different from conductor 332 Electric current.This difference current for flowing through sensing transformer 334 is detected by GFCI IC devices 350, and the difference current drives it Signal on the ports SCR_OUT I/O, to activate the grid of SCR 360 and switch it on.When SCR 360 is connected, pass through line Circle 363,364 draws electric current, causes interruption means 315 to trip, to cause contact brackets to decline, this causes circuit, face again It is separated from each other with load contact.It is therefore prevented that electric current flows through phase and neutral conductor 330,332 arrives phase and center line face end respectively Son 342,344 and phase and line load terminal 346,348.

In contrast, it when executing automatic monitoring routine according to the present invention, is not generated on phase and neutral conductor 330,332 Difference current, and interruption means 315 does not trip.Truth is during monitoring routine automatically, to sense and generated at transformer 334 Flux be electric current flow through conductor 356 as a result, the conductor and phase and neutral conductor 330,332 are electrically separated.On conductor 356 Generated electric current is, for example, less than the delay time that previously discussed capacitor 307 is established there is only the shorter time cycle.

If the voltage established to the input place of the ADC inputs (GP0) of microcontroller 301 is during monitoring routine automatically This predetermined period of time in reach programmed threshold value, then it is determined that detection circuit 352 be successfully detected flow through sensing become The electric current of the core of depressor 334, and think that automatic monitoring event is pass by.Therefore, microcontroller 301 determines to include GFCI IC The detection circuit 352 of device 350 just properly works.Because flowing through the electricity of sensing transformer 334 during monitoring routine automatically Stream is designed to that magnitude is substantially similar to flow through the difference current (for example, 4 to 6 milliamperes) of transformer, institute in analogue ground failure To determine that detection circuit 352 will detect practical earth fault, and appropriate drive signal is provided to SCR 360 come in making Disconnected device 315 trips.

Alternatively, automatic monitoring circuit 370 can determine automatic monitoring routine failure.For example, if microcontroller 301 The voltage of the inputs ADC at GP0 reaches given voltage the time it takes than week predetermined time during monitoring routine automatically Phase is long, then it is determined that monitoring event failure automatically.If there is this situation, automatic monitoring failure score is incremented by, and visually Or acoustically indicate the failure.According to one embodiment, when automatic monitoring event failure occurs, the ADC of microcontroller 301 Port (GP0) is converted to output port, and voltage is placed on conductor 309 via the ports I/O GP0, and microcontroller will be described The ports I/O GP0 is first converted into output port.This voltage at GP0 generates electric current on conductor 309, flows through indicator LED 376 and resistor 380 to ground connection.Then, the ports ADC I/O (GP0) of microcontroller 301 are converted back to input port, and Keep ready for the generation of next arranged automatic monitoring event.

According to this embodiment, when there is automatic monitoring event failure, indicator LED 376 only lights I/O port translations Time cycle when output voltage is generated for output and at the port, otherwise LED 376 keeps dark or do not light.Therefore, If such as the automatic monitoring routine of operation of every three (3) second, and event failure only single or sporadically occur, then the event can It can not be this process effectively goes unnoticed by the user.On the other hand, if failure periodically occur, such as in the component for monitoring routine automatically one or The case where more persons will occur when permanently deactivating, repeatedly 376 10 milliseconds of hit indicator LED, and disconnection of microcontroller 301 100 milliseconds, to which attention is attracted to device, and inform that the critical functionality of user apparatus has damaged.Cause to monitor automatically The condition of routine failure includes one or more of the following terms：Open circuit differential transformer, closed circuit differential transformer, without electricity The SCR triggerings output of power to GFCI IC, the solenoid of open circuit, GFCI IC are constantly height, and the SCR outputs of GFCI IC are not It is low disconnectedly.

According to further embodiments, if automatic monitoring failure score reaches seven in predetermined limit, such as (1) minute (7) a failure then 301 determining device of microcontroller is no longer safe, and has reached its end of life (EOL).If there is this Situation, then activating visual detector to alert the terminal that subscriber's line circuit interruption means has reached its service life.For example, When determining this EOL state, the ports ADC I/O (GP0) of microcontroller 301 are converted to output port, are similar to when as above It is described when recording single failure, and periodically signal is placed on conductor 309 via GP0, even if LED 376 is with for example The rate flicker of 10 milliseconds of connections and 100 milliseconds of disconnections, or continuously signal is placed on conductor 309 for good and all to illuminate LED 376.At this point, monitoring routine also stops automatically.

In addition to so that LED 376 is flickered or continuously lighting LED 376, according to another embodiment, when determining EOL, also swash Optional audible alarm circuit 382 on printed circuit board (" PCB ") 390 living.In the case, pass through the electric current of LED 376 Voltage is established on the grid of SCR 384 so that SCR 384 is according to the output signal of the GP0 from microcontroller 301, continuously Or it intermittently connects.When SCR 384 is connected, electric current is drawn from phase conductor 330 to activate (such as the buzzing of audible alarm 386 Device), provide the additional notifications that device has reached the terminal (that is, EOL) of its service life to the user of device.For example, Relative to the embodiment of the present invention, audible alarm circuit 382 includes parallel RC circuits, and it includes resistor 387 and capacitors 388.When drawing electric current from phase conductor 330, capacitor 388 is charged and discharged with the rate controlled by the value of resistor 387, So that buzzer 386 sends out desired flash alarm.

The another aspect of this embodiment includes adjustable light LED circuit 396.Circuit 396 includes transistor 398；LED 400、 402；Optical sensor 404 (such as photocell) and resistor 406 to 408.Work as ambient light, such as according to an embodiment of the invention Circuit interrupting device near light amount, positive when increasing, optical sensor 404 makes a response to ambient light level, will increase Impedance be applied to the base stage of transistor 398, to make LED be dimmed as ambient light increases.Alternatively, when ambient light reduces, Such as the curtain of night starts to come, the electric current for flowing through sensor 404 correspondingly increases.As ambient light level reduces, LED 400 With 402 it is increasingly brighter illuminate, to be provided about controlled light grade in device.

Another embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 4 includes for being provided to microcontroller 301 with device tripping still Mechanism in the related data of reset condition.As shown in Figure 4, photoelectrical coupler 392 is connected to phase and line load Between conductor 277,278 and the ports I/O (GP3) of microcontroller 301.Microcontroller 301 uses the signal (electricity at the GP3 of port Pressure) value come determine GFCI IC devices 350 whether be supplied with electric power and device tripping be in reset condition.When For example via the power supply of its control source port (LINE), (it is electrically connected to line terminal 326,328 to GFCI IC devices 350 in AC When Shi Fasheng), voltage is generated at output port (VS).This voltage reduces on Zener diode 394, provides the Zener two Pole pipe makes the voltage for being supplied to microcontroller maintain in acceptable level.It is connected to phase conductor and GFCI IC's 350 Diode 366,368 between electric supply input port (LINE) ensures the voltage electricity for being supplied to GFCI IC and VS outputs It is flat to keep below about 30 volts.The voltage signal reduced on Zener diode 394 is connected to the input port of microcontroller 301 GP3.If microcontroller 301 does not measure voltage at GP3, then it is determined that GFCI IC devices 350 are not supplying electric power, and declare Cloth EOL.

Alternatively, if microcontroller 301 measures voltage at GP3, based on the value of the voltage, described device is determined Tripping is in reset state.For example, according to the circuit in Fig. 4, if measure voltage at GP3 between 3.2 volts with Between 4.0 volts, such as between the 76% and the 100% of VCC of VCC, then it is determined that face (342,344) and load (346,348) are touched Electric power is not present at point, and therefore device is in tripped condition.If the voltage at GP3 is between 2.4 volts and 2.9 volts, example As between the 51% of VCC and the 74% of VCC, then it is determined that there are electric power at face and load contact, and device is in reset state.

According to another embodiment, when determining EOL, microcontroller 301 makes interruption one or both of in the following manner Device 315 trips：(a) enter the startup half cycle of AC waves by the stimulus signal on maintenance third conductor 356, and/or (b) lead to Cross the generation voltage at the ports EOL (GP2) of microcontroller 301.When having announced EOL, such as because automatic monitoring routine is lost Required number and/or unregulated power have been lost just from the supply voltage of GFCI IC devices 350 output (VS) supply, so microcontroller Device 301 generates voltage at the ports EOL (GP2).Optionally, the value of the input signal at GP3 also can be used in microcontroller 301, As described above, to further determine that whether device has been in tripped condition.For example, if microcontroller 301 is true Device tripping is determined, such as load knead dough contact is not electrically coupled to line contact, then microcontroller 301 can determine driving SCR Therefore 369 and/or SCR 361 is driven with attempting to make contact to disconnect and device tripping being made to be unnecessary not via GP2 SCR 369 and SCR 361.

Voltage at GP2 directly drives the grid of SCR 369 and/or SCR 361, so that SCR 369 and/or SCR 361 It connects, therefore electric current and activation solenoid 362 can be conducted.More specifically, when SCR 369 and/or SCR 361 is connected When, draw coil 364 of the electric current by twin coil solenoid 362.For example, twin coil solenoid 362 includes：Interior primary line Circle 364 comprising 800 circles, 18 ohm, 35AWG coils；And outer secondary coil 363, it includes 950 circles, 16.9 ohm, 33AWG coils.Can be found in No. 13/422,797 U.S. patent application case the structure and function of twin coil 362 into one Details is walked, is disclosed as 2013-0241675 U.S. Patent Publication cases, and transfer the common assignee of present application, Its entire content is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

As described above, when determining that detection circuit 352 detects earth fault, example not successfully via automatic monitoring routine As the flux generated because electric current is flowed in conductor 356 is not detected in it, or not otherwise in GFCI IC devices 350 SCR_OUT output ports at generate drive signal, with after detecting herein at once the grid of driving SCR 360 when, microcontroller Device 301 determines EOL, and attempts to make interruption means 315 trip by the above method.Specifically, microcontroller 301 is attempted to lead to The backup path GP2 to SCR369 and SCR361 is crossed, directly tripping directly drives primary coil 364.However, example ought be monitored automatically Journey does not exist at least between the signal on the signal in normal operation on conductor 356 and the conductor 356 generated when determining EOL One difference.That is, under the conditions of EOL, GP2 is the SCR361 that will be triggered and SCR 369 and the coil 362 by function With both coils 363 it is provided with energy, so that interruption means 315 is tripped to activate solenoid 362 and 369.

If interruption means 315 disconnects, or if 315 already off, the POWER ON indicator circuit of script of interruption means 321 will be switched off.For example, in the embodiment being shown in FIG. 4, POWER ON indicator circuit 321 includes and resistor 323 and two 324 concatenated LED 322 of pole pipe.The cathode of LED 322 is connected to line load conductor 278, and the anode connection of diode 324 To phase load conductor 277.Therefore, when can be used at load conductor when electric power, that is to say, that device is powered and in reset State draws electric current by power-on circuit, to light LED 322 in each alternately half cycle of AC electricity.On the other hand, such as Fruit electric power is unavailable at load conductor 277,278, such as because interruption means 315 disconnects or trips or device resets, but not Applying electric power, then LED 322 will be dark or do not light.

Additional examples of composition related with the automatic function for monitoring for meeting the present invention and its aspect is provided below, and Some in the aspect of description are discussed further.

When GFCI devices of testing oneself correctly are installed, sinusoidal AC waveform discussed herein is connected to phase and neutral terminal Son 326,328.According to one embodiment, AC waveforms are the 60Hz signals for including two half cycles, positive 8.333 milliseconds of half cycles and Minus 8.333 milliseconds of half cycles.So-called " startup " half cycle refers to that positive or negative specific half cycle arrives SCR 360 during this period Grid trigger signal cause the respective gates of SCR 361 and SCR 369 to be driven, and corresponding corresponding solenoid coil 363, 364 conduction electric currents, therefore " start " solenoid 362, and solenoidal armature is caused to shift." non-start up " half cycle refers to AC waves The replacement half cycle of shape, i.e. negative or positive electric current and are not passed through SCR or its corresponding solenoid coil during this period, no matter SCR grid Whether pole is triggered.According to an embodiment of the invention, positive or negative half cycle whether be start half cycle by with corresponding line solenoid It encloses the diode being placed in series or some other switching devices determines.For example, in Fig. 4, diode 359,374 and 367 It is configured such that positive half cycle respectively and is " startup " half cycle relative to SCR 360,369 and 361.

According to another embodiment for the circuit interrupting device for meeting the present invention, microcontroller 301 optionally monitors device AC electric power inputs.For example, monitoring is electrically connected to the 60Hz AC inputs of phase and neutral line terminal 326,328.

More particularly, complete 60Hz AC cycles spend about 16.333 milliseconds to complete.Therefore, in order to monitor and Reception and the stabilization for confirming AC waveforms, implement the timer/counter in microcontroller 301.For example, in three (3) a In two automatic besels, every millisecond samples once to identify forward position 60Hz input signals, i.e., wherein signal becomes just from negative value Value.When detecting forward position, flag, and incremental count are set in software.At the end of a second test period of three (3), make Count results divided by 180, to determine frequency whether within the specified range.For example, if frequency stabilization is removed in 60Hz Will be for 1.0 with 180 result, because within three (3) seconds for being worth 60Hz signals, there are 180 positive edges and 180 to recycle.Such as Fruit determines frequency not in given range, such as 50Hz to 70Hz, the fault test stopping then automatic monitoring is tested oneself, but GP3 Monitoring continues.Therefore, when the circuit interrupting device of the present invention is connected to variable power supply (such as portable power generation device), and the electricity Source shows lower frequency on startup, and when realizing that optimum frequency (for example, 60Hz) needs stable period before, avoids Early or mistake power failure determines.

If frequency is unstable at optimum frequency, or at least not in tolerance interval, then the automatic monitoring example of delay The starting of journey, until frequency stabilization.If in the given time, the frequency does not realize optimum frequency, or acceptable Frequency in range, then the score that incrementally fails.Similar to the failure score discussed previously in relation to automatic monitoring routine, if Score reaches given threshold value, then microcontroller 301 announces EOL.

As described above, according at least one exemplary embodiment, implement programmable device 301 in the microcontroller. Because some microcontrollers include nonvolatile memory, such as storing various data etc. in the case of power breakdown, According to another embodiment, device power-up after, at once remove nonvolatile memory in all events, timer, score and/ Or state.Therefore, if because of the installation of improper device, insufficient or improper electric power or a certain relative to circuit interrupting device itself Other not serious conditions and generate unsuccessfully score or other conditions, then when score increment event can no longer in the presence of, failure Score is resetted in power-up.It is according to the present invention avoid the another way of this potential problems be using do not include non-volatile memories The programmable device of device.

Fig. 6 A to 6H3 and Fig. 7 are the functional corresponding systems for the software program for indicating to meet the embodiment of the present invention Level flow chart.For example, according to an embodiment of the invention, the software code of the flow chart based on Fig. 6 A to 6H3 becomes Above according to test oneself in the microcontroller 301 described in the hardware embodiments of the connecton layout of automatic surveillance coverage, example As stored in memory.Described program include automatic monitoring routine described above and it is associated and it is above also described in All attachmentes processing and function of reporting.

More particularly, as shown in fig. 7, according at least one embodiment, described program is started substantially by executing some Function and start, including so that program code is used during processing various registers and variable are resetted and are initialized.The journey Sequence further calls various subroutines on demand, to implement testing oneself and automatic function for monitoring for connecton layout described above.Court Frame on the left of Fig. 7 is the mapping of the reset periodically occurred according to predetermined time table (such as every 1 millisecond).In addition, according to this Embodiment is timed processor with the operating frequency of 4MHz (such as in the above-described embodiments, in microcontroller 301), And each instruction is run with 1 microsecond.Therefore, occurs a instruction in 1,000 (1000) between each interruption.

Fig. 6 A to 6H3 provide functional certain details of software program according to this embodiment, and the technology of this field Personnel will be understood that and can interpret used various assembler language nomenclatures.The nomenclature provided identifies in microcontroller Software in the specific instruction that carries out.Instruction used in the embodiment of Fig. 6 A to 6H3 and Fig. 7 is with ATMEL.RTM.'s The instruction set of 10 microcontrollers of ATtiny is associated.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other microcontrollers and therefore its Its instruction set can be used to, in the case where not departing from the given area of the disclosure, carry out functionality as described herein.

Set offer is described to software program according to this embodiment below with respect to what each of Fig. 6 A to 6H3 were provided Functional extensive overview ot.

As shown in Figure 6A, code starts from START (beginning), and then resets, initializes and realize various variables, and Before calling MAIN (master) routine, port input/output (I/O) of microcontroller is activated.Start and main routine it is further Explanation in Fig. 6 H1 to 6H3 (and being also collectively addressed as Fig. 6 H) that details is described below.

Referring to Fig. 6 H, indicate that the reset function described in Fig. 7, setting stack pointer are stored in memory to be directed toward The beginning of program.Then previous root is removed or be initialised to the different variables for indicating various voltage levels, count value, flag etc. It is right to be determined by according to the design rule and requirement of outside organization (such as joint laboratory mentioned above (UL)) setting Preferably it is worth for the operation of connecton layout.For example, software code according to an embodiment of the invention ensures connecton layout Operation comply with standard UL-943, including it is newest test oneself and automatically monitoring require.Those skilled in the art will be appreciated by, Fig. 6 A It can be changed to certain constants, limitation and the other values described in 6H3 or be adapted to different requirements in other ways, such as Change in UL-943, and/or change the power network to make different line voltage distribution attachmentes adapt to the administrative area except the U.S..

Fig. 6 H also illustrate the code initialization different timing variable, enable the code under different timing requirement Operate different processing functions.The code first checks for voltage (Vcc) level, initializes WatchDog Timer, activates micro-control The various ports I/O of device processed, initializing variable PCINT3 are used to detect the edge of circuit input voltage signal, for example to determine The frequency of line in electricity signal.

Then it initializes analog/digital (A2D) converter in microcontroller, next sets and enable certain other changes Amount.For the code then by three variables, CNT10ms, CNT100ms and CNT3sec are initialized as 10 milliseconds of timers, 100 The corresponding beginning value of millisecond timer and 3 seconds timers.It is carried out not according to the code according to these three timing windows to execute With routine and function.Software reset and after initializing necessary value again, as shown in figure 6h, code returns in Fig. 6 A LOOP, and constantly recycle, until interruption until occurring next 1 millisecond.

Referring to Fig. 6 A, WatchDog Timer (WDT) is set to reset, and then check whether to have set end of life (EOL) flag Mark.If it is then setting software variable (PB0 and PB2) to configure the appropriate ports I/O (GP0) of microcontroller, to export letter Number come light respectively LED (376) and triggering SCR (369).Deactivate further automatic monitoring routine.LOOP routines then check certainly Whether dynamic monitoring failure (AMF AIL) flag has set, and if it is then sets variable (PB0) by the ports I/O (GP0) It is configured as output to port.Then LOOP routines check whether automatic monitoring request (AUTOMON) removes comprising A2DAM flags, and Whether forward position is not detected.If flag is to remove and/or be not detected edge, AUTOMON routines return to LOOP routines. If being unsatisfactory for either condition, read test value, and remove A2DAM flags.AUTOMON routines then return to LOOP Journey.LOOP routines also check for LOADPWR routines, determine whether A2DLPWR flags are removed.If it is then LOADPWR routines Back to LOOP routines.If not, so analog/digital (A2D) converter reads the new value of input signal, A2DLPWR flags are removed, And the return occurred to LOOP routines.

Referring to Fig. 6 B, every 1000 instructions or 1 millisecond of primary, code call routine PC_INTRPT, reading micro-control VS signals at the GP3 of device processed, with the forward position of the determination signal.For example, described by detecting the forward position of electric power signal Whether code determines the frequency (such as 60Hz) of input voltage signal, and also determine current signal in the positive or negative of AC electric signals In half cycle.

Referring to Fig. 6 D1 to 6D2, also referred to collectively as Fig. 6 D, the code runs various functions attachment with different timing device, That is, TIM0_COMPA, TEM0.sub.--100ms and TIM0_LED100ms.In the TIM0_COMPA corresponding to 1 millisecond of timer In, control the timing of automonitor routine.That is, the automatic monitoring routine of control to run for every 3 seconds, the tracking of this timer This timing.TIM0_CONT is 10 milliseconds of timers, and as shown in Figure 6 D, during this routine, LED associated with EOL conditions (376) (flicker) reasonable time amount is switched on and off, such as 10ms is connected and 100ms is disconnected.Also control LED is complete on demand It disconnects.Also, control port GP0 is input or output, for example, if EOL conditions are not present, then for input, and otherwise also So.

Further control routine TIM0.sub.--100ms, i.e., for 100 millisecond counters, the timing of LED, such as above 100 milliseconds of the turn-off time being previously mentioned.Also control the ports I/O (GP1) of LED drive signal.

D still referring to FIG. 6, routine TIM0_LED100ms correspond to 3 seconds timers and the function according to it.In this routine Period executes test pulse (failure of testing oneself) and EOL settings and reset procedure.For example, the work(executed during this routine One of energy is the A2D multiplexers (MUX) controlled in microcontroller so that the signal on input port GP0 is by A2D Reason.Therefore, when GP0 is input port, and when A2D measuring signals, the value of precharge trigger signal discussed herein above is measured.Separately Outside, if being not detected or measuring electric power (VS from GFCI IC devices), the independent routine of code call swashs The grid of SCR living and start SCR 30 times.The SCR details for starting routine is provided in Fig. 6 C.Fig. 6 D also include routine TIM0_EOL, It makes frequency counter reset；And TIM0_DONE, make hardware and software clock rate synchronization.In TIM0.sub.-- Call TIM0_DONE routines in the beginning of both 100ms and TIM0_LED100ms routines.

Referring to Fig. 6 E, WDT_INTRPT, WatchDog Timer (WDT) constantly countdown 8 seconds.If timer is not multiple Position then this routine control GP0 is output, and asserts the signal at this port, EOL is indicated to connect LED (376).

Fig. 6 F illustrate routine VLM_INTRPT.The every 1000 instructions step of this routine, i.e., every 1 millisecond of operation is primary, and table Show voltage level function for monitoring.During this routine, certain flags are checked, and for example, if be no longer desire to measure electric power signal, Signal is opened or closed in VS signals i.e. from GFCI IC devices and the contact from photoelectrical coupler, as described above.

Referring to Fig. 6 G, A2D routines are executed.During this routine, read microcontroller in A2D converters as a result, and If there is automatic monitoring request, then whether being higher than 1.28 with the presence or absence of the SCR of failure, such as voltage from the point of view of checking described value Volt.If it is determined that the SCR of failure, then counter successively decreases.If counter becomes zero, end of life (EOL) flag is set Mark, and remove AMR.After which, controller 301 proceeds to subroutine A2D_LPWR.

When because the voltage of A2D results is higher than 1.28 volts, A2D routines determine that there is no the SCR of failure shown in Fig. 6 G When, A2D routines continue, and then determine whether A2D results are more than 0.17 volt.If it is then controller proceeds to subroutine A2D_LPWR。

In example of the result of A2D converters no more than 0.17 volt, make Q1-PB2 energization setting times.Then, A2D turns Parallel operation read test voltage is new as a result, and Q1-PB2 is made to power off to obtain.If A2D results are more than 0.17 volt, routine Routine A2D_AM_DONE is jumped to, wherein disconnecting PB1 pins, and removes AMR flags.Routine proceeds to ADC_RET.

As shown in Fig. 6 G1 to 6G2, also referred to collectively as Fig. 6 G, after for the Q1 power settings times, A2D results are not more than At 0.17 volt, routine makes the counter of instructed voltage failure successively decrease.The number for the failure successively decreased is compared with zero.If zero It is not described value, then routine proceeds to subroutine A2D_LPWR.However, if in several interruptions of routine and by (wherein Successively decrease, and obtain zero) after, EOL flags are set, and remove AMR.After which, routine proceeds to A2D_LPWR.Cause This, pre-determined number must occur in the low-voltage of A2D results, and EOL flags are set to avoid being measured in response to mistake.Therefore, with It fault instruction to minimize, the reliability of system is improved.

Shown in Fig. 6 G and A2D_LPWR subroutines disclosed above determine the shape of load contact via photoelectrical coupler State.More specifically, A2D_LPWR subroutines find the positive voltage pulse on pin 5, and determine whether the voltage is more than VCC On 3.6 volts.If test crash, LPWRON flags are set.If the test makes three groups of three seconds test crash, Trigger SCR.

Therefore, present invention particularly provides a kind of execution periodically to test the microcontroller and circuit of GFCI devices.

Although having selected various embodiments for illustrating the present invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that, such as by The appended claims define can other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. a kind of recordable media being stored with software code above, the software code include：For monitoring electrical wiring automatically The code of device；For monitoring the test signal exported from fault detection circuit with the mode of operation of the determination electrical wiring device Code；For in the first predetermined period of time, the test signal from the fault detection circuit is less than threshold value the In the case of one pre-determined number, the code of end of life state is determined；And for being produced when determining the end of life state The code of raw alarm signal.

2. recordable media according to claim 1, it includes programmable circuit devices, and wherein when in the second pre- timing Between in the period, when the test signal from the fault detection circuit is more than the second pre-determined number of max-thresholds, the use In determining that the code of end of life state determines end of life state.

3. recordable media according to claim 1, wherein the software code further comprises：For monitoring from tactile The code of the output signal of point sensing device further；And for based on the output signal from the contact sensing device further, really The fixed electrical wiring device is in the code of tripped condition or reset state, at a trip condition, prevents AC electric signals from delivering To load, in the reset state, the AC electric signals are delivered to the load.

4. recordable media according to claim 2, wherein the software code further comprises：For being compiled described In journey circuit device, based on the assessment of the test signal, the code of frequency associated with the AC electric signals is determined；For In the case where the frequency associated with the AC electric signals is unstable, make the code of the automonitor delay； And for not being stabilized in preset frequency in the frequency predetermined time cycle associated with the AC electric signals In the case of in range, make unsuccessfully the code that score is incremental.

5. recordable media according to claim 1, wherein the software code further comprises：For checking the electricity The code of the supply voltage level of one or more electric components of connecton layout；Processing for initializing the electrical wiring device The code of WatchDog Timer function in device；One or more inputs for activating the processing unit or output port Code.

6. recordable media according to claim 1, wherein the software code further comprises：It is defeated for detecting circuit Enter the code on the edge of voltage signal；For determining the line input signal based on the relative timing on the detected edge Frequency.

7. a kind of electrical wiring device comprising：

Processing unit is stored with software code；

One or more line terminals are electrically connected to one by interruption means when the circuit interrupting device is in reset condition Or multiple face terminals, and when the circuit interrupting device is in trip condition, by the line terminal from the load end Son disconnects；And

Fault detection circuit detects the fault condition in the circuit interrupting device, and when detecting the fault condition, Fault detection signal is generated, the fault detection signal is provided to the interruption means, the circuit interrupting device is set In the trip condition, wherein the stored software code include for by one or more inputs of the processing unit/ The ports output I/O are set as the code of input port or output port, and

Wherein described the stored software code include in the test signal from the fault detection circuit in pre- timing Between be less than threshold value pre-determined number in the period in the case of, determine the code of end of life state, and for determining the longevity The code of alarm signal is generated when ordering terminal state.

8. electrical wiring device according to claim 7, further comprises：Automatic monitoring circuit, it includes be electrically connected to The processing unit of the fault detection circuit and the interruption means, and one or more signals are constantly monitored, with determination The mode of operation of the electrical wiring device.

9. electrical wiring device according to claim 8, wherein the software code of the processing unit further includes： Code for originating at least one timer of testing oneself, the timer of testing oneself has corresponding timing variable, described for making Software code can operate different processing functions under different timing requirement.

10. electrical wiring device according to claim 9, wherein the software code of the processing unit further wraps Contain：Code for initializing the analog/digital A2D converters in the processing unit.

11. a kind of method for monitoring ground fault circuit interrupter device automatically comprising following steps：

The test signal exported from fault detection circuit is monitored, with the mode of operation of the determination electrical wiring device；

If the test signal from the fault detection circuit reaches in the first predetermined period of time less than minimum threshold The testing time of first predetermined number, then it is determined that end of life state；

If the test signal from the fault detection circuit reaches in the second predetermined period of time more than max-thresholds The testing time of second predetermined number, then it is determined that the end of life state；And

When determining the end of life state, alarm signal is generated.

12. according to the method for claim 11, further comprising：

Monitor the output signal from contact sensing device further；And

Based on the output signal from the contact sensing device further, determine that the electrical wiring device is in tripped condition, Middle prevention AC electric signals are delivered to load or reset state, wherein the AC electric signals are delivered to the load.

13. according to the method for claim 12, further comprising：

In the programmable circuit device, based on the assessment of the test signal, determination is associated with the AC electric signals Frequency；

If the frequency associated with the AC electric signals is unstable, the automonitor is made to postpone；And

If the frequency associated with the AC electric signals is not stabilized to preset frequency in third predetermined period of time In range, then score is made unsuccessfully to be incremented by.

14. according to the method for claim 13, further comprising：

Check the supply voltage level of one or more electric components of the electrical wiring device；

Initialize the WatchDog Timer function in the processing unit of the electrical wiring device；

Activate one or more inputs or the output port of the processing unit；

Detect the edge of circuit input voltage signal；And

The frequency of the line input signal is determined based on the relative timing on the detected edge.

15. according to the method for claim 11, further comprising：

Activate one or more inputs or the output port of the processing unit；

Detect the edge of circuit input voltage signal；And