CN117368795A - Ground fault circuit interrupter device - Google Patents

Abstract

A ground fault circuit interrupter device comprising: an input end; an output end; the circuit breaker is used for controlling the electric power connection between the input end and the output end; the ground fault detection device is used for detecting the ground fault of the output end and is coupled to the circuit breaker; and a fixing device for relatively fixing the ground fault detection device and the circuit breaker together; when the ground fault detection device detects a ground fault, the driving circuit breaker breaks the electric power connection between the input end and the output end. The device of the present disclosure can ensure the user's electrical safety and provide flexibility in installing and using the circuit breaker device.

Description

Ground fault circuit interrupter device

Technical Field

The disclosure belongs to the technical field of circuit breakers, and particularly relates to a ground fault circuit breaker device.

Background

Along with the improvement of the living standard of people, the existing circuit breaker cannot conduct power-off protection under the condition of electric leakage, and brings certain electric shock risks to users, so that certain potential safety hazards of electricity utilization are brought. Ground fault protection products currently on the market typically integrate the ground fault detection portion into the circuit breaker housing, making the ground fault protection products inflexible in installation and use.

Furthermore, there is currently a lack of ground fault protection products on the market for high current scenarios.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved ground fault protection product.

Disclosure of Invention

Based on the above-described drawbacks of the prior art, the present disclosure proposes a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) device that combines a circuit interrupter and a ground fault detection device.

A first aspect of the present disclosure proposes a ground fault circuit interrupter device comprising: an input end; an output end; a circuit breaker for controlling the electrical connection between the input and the output; ground fault detection means for detecting a ground fault at the output and coupled to the circuit breaker; and a fixing device for relatively fixing the ground fault detection device and the circuit breaker together; and when the ground fault detection device detects a ground fault, the circuit breaker is driven to disconnect the electric power connection between the input end and the output end.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ground fault circuit interrupter device further comprises a shunt module for driving the circuit interrupter to disconnect the electrical power connection between the input and the output.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the shunt module is integrated inside the circuit breaker.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the shunt module is integrated into the ground fault detection device.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the shunt module is provided as a stand-alone module.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ground fault detection device comprises a fault display module for providing an alarm indication when a ground fault occurs.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ground fault detection device comprises a fault detection reset module comprising a reset key for clearing the alarm indication.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the circuit breaker is a single-pole or multi-pole circuit breaker.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the circuit breaker comprises at least one mounting device.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ground fault detection device comprises a ground fault signal detection module, a ground fault signal simulation module, a ground fault signal processing module and a ground power input module.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ground fault detection device includes a housing including: a cover plate; a base coupled to the cover plate, the base comprising: a first cavity region for housing the ground fault signal detection module; a second cavity region for housing the ground fault signal processing module; a third cavity region for receiving a ground power input module; and the window area is used for accommodating the fault display module and the ground fault signal simulation module.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ground fault signal detection module is provided with at least one detection magnetic ring for detecting a ground fault signal in the output circuit.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ground fault signal simulation module is provided with at least one test key, and when the test key is pressed, the ground fault signal simulation module simulates to generate a simulated ground fault signal.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ground fault signal processing module includes at least one printed circuit board, and when a ground fault occurs, the ground fault signal processing module drives the shunt module to disconnect the circuit breaker from the power connection between the input terminal and the output terminal.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the ground power input module provides an operating power supply for the ground fault signal processing module.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixing device includes: one or more first fastening assemblies, each first fastening assembly having a first end snapped into a first recess of the circuit breaker and a second end fixedly attached to the ground fault detection device to limit relative movement of the circuit breaker and the ground fault detection device in a first direction.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixing device includes: one or more second fastening assemblies, each second fastening assembly having a first end snapped into a second recess of the circuit breaker and a second end fixedly attached to the ground fault detection device to limit relative movement of the circuit breaker and the ground fault detection device in a second direction.

In the present disclosure, the ground fault detection device and the circuit breaker are combined together by the fixing device, which can ensure the user's safety in electricity (for example, in a high current scenario) and provide flexibility in installation and use.

Drawings

The embodiments are shown and described with reference to the drawings. The drawings serve to illustrate the basic principles and thus only show aspects necessary for understanding the basic principles. The figures are not to scale. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate similar or identical features.

Fig. 1A illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary ground fault circuit interrupter device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1B illustrates a block diagram of another exemplary ground fault circuit interrupter device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1C illustrates a block diagram of yet another exemplary ground fault circuit interrupter device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2A illustrates one exemplary combination of a shunt module and a circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2B illustrates another exemplary combination of a shunt module and a circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2C illustrates an exemplary combination of a shunt module and a ground fault detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3A illustrates an overall schematic diagram of an exemplary ground fault circuit interrupter device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3B shows an assembled schematic view of the ground fault circuit interrupter device of fig. 3A, as seen from an angle.

Fig. 3C shows an assembled schematic view of the ground fault circuit interrupter device of fig. 3A from another angle.

Fig. 4 illustrates a first fastener according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5A illustrates a second fastener viewed from an angle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5B illustrates a second fastener viewed from another angle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 illustrates an exemplary ground fault detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7A illustrates an overall schematic diagram of another exemplary ground fault circuit interrupter device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7B shows an assembled schematic view of the ground fault circuit interrupter device of fig. 7A from an angle.

Fig. 7C shows an assembled schematic view of the ground fault circuit interrupter device of fig. 7A from another angle.

Fig. 8A illustrates an overall schematic diagram of yet another exemplary ground fault circuit interrupter device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8B shows an assembled schematic view of the ground fault circuit interrupter device of fig. 8A from an angle.

Fig. 8C shows an assembled schematic view of the ground fault circuit interrupter device of fig. 8A from another angle.

Detailed Description

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof. The accompanying drawings illustrate, by way of example, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The illustrated embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive of all embodiments according to the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. In the following description, the directional or azimuthal concepts of up, down, left, right, front and rear are all directed to the illustrated position for the purpose of facilitating public understanding of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

Before describing embodiments of the present disclosure, some of the terms involved in the present disclosure are explained first for better understanding of the present disclosure.

The terms "a," "an," "a group," or "an" and the like, as used in this disclosure, do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one.

The terms "comprising," "including," and similar terms used in this disclosure should be construed to be open-ended terms, i.e., "including/comprising but not limited to," meaning that other elements may also be included. The term "based on" is based at least in part on. The term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment," and so forth. In this specification, schematic representations of the above terms are not necessarily directed to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of the different embodiments or examples may be combined and combined by those skilled in the art without contradiction.

As previously mentioned, existing ground fault protection products typically integrate a ground fault detection portion into the circuit breaker housing, making the ground fault protection product inflexible in installation and use. Moreover, the mature ground fault protection products in the market at present mainly protect against small current scenes of 20 amperes and below in families, and lack ground fault protection products against large current scenes.

In view of this, the present disclosure proposes a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) device of a circuit interrupter plus ground fault detection device combination, the GFCI device comprising: an input end; an output end; the circuit breaker is used for controlling the electric power connection between the input end and the output end; the ground fault detection device is used for detecting the ground fault of the output end and is coupled to the circuit breaker; and a fixing device for relatively fixing the ground fault detection device and the circuit breaker together; when the ground fault detection device detects a ground fault, the driving circuit breaker breaks the electric power connection between the input end and the output end.

For example, the GFCI device may also include a shunt module for driving a circuit breaker to break a power connection between an input and an output. The shunt module may be integrated into the ground fault detection device, or provided as a separate module.

Referring to fig. 1A, a block diagram of an exemplary ground fault circuit interrupter device 10A is shown, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 10A includes an input terminal, an output terminal, a ground fault detection device 1A, and a circuit breaker 2A coupled to the ground fault detection device 1A. The circuit breaker 2A is used to control the electrical connection between the input and the output. The ground fault detection device 1A is configured to detect a ground fault of an output terminal, and when the ground fault detection device 1A detects the ground fault, the drive circuit breaker 2A breaks an electrical connection between the input terminal and the output terminal. The apparatus 10A may further comprise a shunt module 3A, the shunt module 3A being integrated into the circuit breaker 2A and being adapted to drive the circuit breaker 2A to break the electrical connection between the input and the output.

Referring to fig. 1B, a block diagram of another exemplary ground fault circuit interrupter device 10B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The device 10B includes an input, an output, a ground fault detection device 1B, and a circuit breaker 2B coupled to the ground fault detection device 1B. The circuit breaker 2B is used to control the electrical connection between the input and the output. The ground fault detection device 1B is for detecting a ground fault of the output terminal, and when the ground fault detection device 1B detects the ground fault, the drive circuit breaker 2B breaks the electrical connection between the input terminal and the output terminal. The device 10A may further comprise a shunt module 3B, the shunt module 3B being integrated into the ground fault detection device 1B and being adapted to drive the circuit breaker 2B to break the electrical connection between the input and the output.

Referring to fig. 1C, a block diagram of yet another exemplary ground fault circuit interrupter device 10C according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The device 10C includes an input, an output, a ground fault detection device 1C, and a circuit breaker 2C coupled to the ground fault detection device 1C. The circuit breaker 2C is used to control the electrical connection between the input and the output. The ground fault detection device 1C is configured to detect a ground fault of the output terminal, and when the ground fault detection device 1C detects the ground fault, the drive circuit breaker 2C breaks the electrical connection between the input terminal and the output terminal. The apparatus 10C may further comprise a shunt module 3C, the shunt module 3C being provided as a separate module and coupled between the ground fault detection device 1C and the circuit breaker 2C and for driving the circuit breaker 2C to break the electrical connection between the input and the output.

Referring to fig. 2A, one exemplary combination of a shunt module and a circuit breaker corresponding to the apparatus 10A of fig. 1A is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 1A and 2A, the shunt module 3A is integrated into the circuit breaker 2A and is connectable to the ground fault detection device 1A such that the ground fault detection device 1A drives the shunt module 3A to act when a ground fault is detected, the shunt module 3A acting to drive the circuit breaker 2A to disconnect the power connection between the input terminal and the output terminal.

Referring to fig. 2B, another exemplary combination of a shunt module and a circuit breaker corresponding to the apparatus 10B of fig. 2A is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 1B and 2B, the shunt module 3B is integrated into the ground fault detection device 1B and is connectable to the circuit breaker 2B such that the ground fault detection device 1B drives the shunt module 3B to act when a ground fault is detected, the shunt module 3B acting to drive the circuit breaker 2B to disconnect the power connection between the input terminal and the output terminal.

Referring to fig. 2C, yet another exemplary combination of a shunt module and a circuit breaker corresponding to the apparatus 10C of fig. 2C is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 1C and 2C, the shunt module 3C is provided as a module independent of the circuit breaker 2C and the ground fault detection device 1C, and is fixable with the circuit breaker 2C and connected to the circuit breaker 2C and the ground fault detection device 1C, so that the ground fault detection device 1C drives the shunt module 3C to act when a ground fault is detected, and the shunt module 3C acts to drive the circuit breaker 2C to disconnect the power connection between the input terminal and the output terminal.

The specific structure of the ground fault circuit interrupter device of the present disclosure is described in detail below in conjunction with fig. 3A-8C.

Fig. 3A illustrates an overall schematic diagram of an exemplary ground fault circuit interrupter device 10C corresponding to fig. 1C, fig. 3B illustrates an assembled schematic diagram of the ground fault circuit interrupter device 10C of fig. 3A, as viewed from one angle, and fig. 3C illustrates an assembled schematic diagram of the ground fault circuit interrupter device 10C of fig. 3A, as viewed from another angle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in fig. 3A-3C, the apparatus 10C includes a fixing means for fixing the ground fault detection apparatus 1C together opposite to the circuit breaker 2C. For example, the fixation device may comprise a first fastening component 4A, 4B and/or a second fastening component 5A, 5B.

Turning to fig. 4, a first fastening assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Each first fastening assembly (4A, 4B) includes a body 41, a first end 43 extending from a first side 42A of the body 41 at an angle (e.g., perpendicular or at another angle) to the body 41, and a second end 44 extending from a second side 42B of the body 41 at an angle (e.g., perpendicular or at another angle) to the body. As shown in fig. 3A-3C, the first end 43 of each first fastening assembly (4A, 4B) snaps into the first recess (22A, 22B) of the circuit breaker 2C, and the second end 44 of each first fastening assembly (4A, 4B) is fixedly connected to the ground fault detection device 1C to limit relative movement of the circuit breaker 2C (and the combination of the shunt module 3C) and the ground fault detection device 1C in the first direction. The first recess (22A, 22B) of the circuit breaker 2C may be disposed at a side of the circuit breaker 2C (e.g., near the top surface) and adjacent to the shunt module 3C. As shown in fig. 4, the first end 43 of each first fastening component (4A, 4B) may be provided with a notch 45 for adapting the shape of the first recess (22A, 22B). The second end 44 of each first fastening assembly (4A, 4B) may be provided with an opening 46, and the second end 44 may be arranged, for example, to a recess (101A, 101B) of the ground fault detection device 1C (e.g., the recess is provided at a side of the ground fault detection device 1C and is not adjacent to the circuit breaker 2C and the shunt module 3C) such that the opening 46 may expose a securing hole (e.g., hole 102B, hole 102A opposite to hole 102B) at the recess (101A, 101B) and be provided in a first mounting direction (e.g., perpendicular to the side of the ground fault detection device 1C or at other angles thereto) into the securing hole of the ground fault detection device 1C through the opening 46 of the second end 44 by a securing member (7A, 7B) to fixedly connect the second end 44 to the ground fault detection device 1C. For example, the fixing members (7A, 7B) (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) may have external threads, and the fixing holes may have internal threads, such that the fixing members and the fixing holes are screwed together. It should be appreciated that the second end of the first fastening assembly may also be fixedly attached to the ground fault detection device using various means of fixation known in the art, such as, but not limited to, threaded connection, rivet connection, bayonet connection, etc.

As described above, by the first end of the first fastening member being snapped together with the circuit breaker 2C and the shunt module 3C in combination and by the second end of the first fastening member being fixed together with the ground fault detection device 1C, relative movement of the ground fault detection device 1C and the circuit breaker 2C and the shunt module 3C in combination in the first direction, such as a left-right movement (as indicated by the left-right direction L2) and an upward movement (as indicated by the upward direction L1), can be prevented.

Turning to fig. 5A and 5B, second fasteners are shown, viewed from different angles, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Each second fastening assembly (5A, 5B) includes a first end 51 and a second end 52. As shown in fig. 3A-3C, the first end 51 of each second fastening assembly (5A, 5B) snaps into the second recess (23A, 23B) of the circuit breaker 2C, and the second end 52 of each second fastening assembly (5A, 5B) is fixedly connected to the ground fault detection device 1C to limit relative movement of the circuit breaker 2C (and the combination of the shunt module 3C) and the ground fault detection device 1C in the second direction. The second recess (23A, 23B) of the circuit breaker 2C may be provided at a side of the circuit breaker 2C (e.g., near the bottom surface) and adjacent to the shunt module 3C. As shown in fig. 5A and 5B, the second end 52 of each second fastening assembly (5A, 5B) may be provided with an opening extending from the first side 53 to the second side 54. A securing hole (e.g., hole 103A, a hole (not shown) opposite hole 103A) of ground fault detection device 1C may be provided through an opening of second end 52 by a securing member (6A, 6B) in a second mounting direction (e.g., perpendicular to or at other angle to the bottom surface of ground fault detection device 1C). The fixing hole may be provided in the bottom surface of the ground fault detection device 1C. For example, the second side 54 of the second end 52 of each second fastening component (5A, 5B) may be provided as a protrusion for positioning to a fixation hole of the ground fault detection device 1C. For example, the fasteners (6A, 6B) (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) may have external threads and the fastening holes may have internal threads such that the fasteners and fastening holes are threadably coupled together. It should be appreciated that the second end of the second fastening assembly may also be fixedly attached to the ground fault detection device using various means of fixation known in the art, such as, but not limited to, threaded connection, rivet connection, bayonet connection, etc.

As described above, by the first end of the second fastening member being snapped together with the circuit breaker 2C and the shunt module 3C in combination and by the second end of the second fastening member being fixed together with the ground fault detection device 1C, a relative movement of the ground fault detection device 1C and the circuit breaker 2C and the shunt module 3C in combination in the second direction, such as a downward movement (e.g., a direction opposite to the upward direction L1) can be prevented.

As shown in fig. 5A and 5B, each second fastening assembly (5A, 5B) may also include a cavity disposed between the first and second ends 51, 52 to accommodate passage of a bottom mounting component (e.g., the illustrated cross screw) of the shunt module 3C.

By combining the first and second fastening assemblies, the circuit breaker 2C (and the combination of the shunt module 3C) and the ground fault detection device 1C can be firmly connected together and limited in movement relative to each other.

As shown in fig. 3A, the circuit breaker 2C includes at least one mounting device 21. The mounting device 21 may be provided at the top surface of the circuit breaker 2C. For example, the circuit breaker 2C (and the combination of the shunt modules 3C) and the fixedly connected ground fault detection device 1C may be fixedly connected to the panel by the mounting device 21 to expose at least the operating portion and the display portion (e.g., an electrical switch, a fault indicator, an analog key, a reset key, etc.) of the circuit breaker 2C (and the combination of the shunt modules 3C) and the ground fault detection device 1C. Similarly, the shunt module 3C, the ground fault detection device 1C may include the at least one mounting device.

Referring to fig. 6, an exploded view of an exemplary ground fault detection device 1C according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The ground fault detection apparatus 1C includes a ground fault signal detection module 104, a ground fault signal simulation module 105, a ground fault signal processing module 106, and a ground power input module 107. The ground fault signal processing module 106 is connected to the ground fault signal detection module 104 and the ground power input module 107.

The ground fault detection device 1C includes a housing including a base 111 and a cover plate 112 coupled to the base 111. For example, the cover 112 may be placed over the base 111, and the base 111 and cover 112 fixedly coupled together by fasteners 113, 114 (e.g., screws, etc.). The chassis 111 may include a first cavity region 115 for housing the ground fault signal detection module 104, a second cavity region 116 for housing the ground fault signal processing module 106, a third cavity region 117 for housing the ground power input module 107, and a window region 110 for housing the ground fault signal simulation module 105. The first cavity region 115 may be disposed in a lower portion of the housing (specifically, the base 111) and is an annular cavity to fit the shape and size of the ground fault signal detection module 104. The third cavity region 117 may be provided at one side of the housing (specifically, the base 111) and provided with an opening to accommodate the passage of the ground power input module 107. The second cavity region 116 may be disposed in the middle of the housing (specifically, the base 111) between the first cavity region 115 and the third cavity region 117.

The ground fault signal detection module 104 may be provided with at least one detection magnet ring for detecting a ground fault signal in the output side circuit. After the ground fault signal detection module 104 detects the ground fault signal, the data is fed back to the ground fault signal processing module 106. The ground fault signal processing module 106 compares the fed-back data with the set parameters, for example, does not drive the shunt module 3C to operate if the fed-back data is smaller than the set parameters, or drives the shunt module 3C to operate if the fed-back data is larger than the set parameters. In other words, driving the shunt module 3C action may be based on a comparison of the feedback data with the set parameters. The shunt excitation module 3C acts to drive the breaker 2C to disconnect the power connection between the input end and the output end.

The ground fault signal simulation module 105 may be provided with at least one test key that, when pressed, the ground fault signal simulation module 105 simulates generating a simulated ground fault signal. After the ground fault signal simulation module 105 simulates and generates the ground fault signal, the data is fed back to the ground fault signal processing module 106. The ground fault signal processing module 106 compares the fed-back data with the set parameters, for example, does not drive the shunt module 3C to operate if the fed-back data is smaller than the set parameters, or drives the shunt module 3C to operate if the fed-back data is larger than the set parameters. In other words, driving the shunt module 3C action may be based on a comparison of the feedback data with the set parameters. The shunt excitation module 3C acts to drive the breaker 2C to disconnect the power connection between the input end and the output end.

The ground power input module 107 may provide the ground fault signal processing module 106 with the power necessary for operation. As shown in fig. 6, the ground power input module 107 may include wires 107 a-107 c.

The ground fault detection device 1C may further comprise a fault display module 108 for providing an alarm indication when a ground fault occurs. As shown in fig. 6, the fault display module 108 may include a face mask 108a and a light guide column 108b. The light guide column 108b is placed on the upper end of the base 111, and the face patch 108a is placed on the upper ends of the light guide column 108b and the base 111 and fixed together with the base 111.

The ground fault detection device 1C may further comprise a fault detection reset module 109, the fault detection reset module 109 comprising a reset key for clearing the alarm indication. For example, when the circuit breaker 2C breaks the electrical connection between the input terminal and the output terminal and fails, the electrical connection between the input terminal and the output terminal needs to be turned on. Therefore, after the fault is removed, the ground fault detection device 1C is reset by the fault detection reset module 109, so that the circuit breaker 2C is operated to connect the input terminal and the output terminal.

As shown in fig. 6, a window area 110 may be provided at an upper end outside the housing (specifically, the base 111) and adapted to accommodate the fault display module 108, at least a portion of the ground fault signal simulation module 105 (e.g., a key, etc.), at least a portion of the fault detection reset module 109 (e.g., a key, etc.).

The ground fault signal processing module 106 includes at least one Printed Circuit Board (PCB) to which the ground fault signal simulation module 105, the fault detection reset module 109, the ground power input module 107, and the ground fault signal detection module 104 may be connected (e.g., via soldering, etc.).

Fig. 7A illustrates an overall schematic diagram of an exemplary ground fault circuit interrupter device 10A corresponding to fig. 1A, fig. 7B illustrates an assembled schematic diagram of the ground fault circuit interrupter device 10A of fig. 7A, as viewed from one angle, and fig. 7C illustrates an assembled schematic diagram of the ground fault circuit interrupter device 10A of fig. 7A, as viewed from another angle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in fig. 7A to 7C, the apparatus 10A includes a fixing means for fixing the ground fault detection apparatus 1A together opposite to the circuit breaker 2A. For example, the fixation device may include a first fastening assembly 4A, 4B and/or a second fastening assembly 5A, 5B (see fig. 4 and 5).

Unlike fig. 3A-3C, the first end 43 of each first fastening assembly (4A, 4B) in fig. 7A-7C is not snapped into the recess (22A ', 22B') of the circuit breaker 2C, but is snapped into the recess (22C, 22D) of the other side of the circuit breaker 2C, and the second end 44 of each first fastening assembly (4A, 4B) is fixedly connected to the ground fault detection apparatus 1A to limit relative movement of the circuit breaker 2A (which integrates the shunt module 3A) and the ground fault detection apparatus 1A in a first direction. The recesses (22C, 22D) of the circuit breaker 2A may be provided at a side of the circuit breaker 2A (e.g., near the top surface) and not adjacent to the ground fault detection device 1A. The notch 45 provided at the first end 43 of each first fastening component (4A, 4B) may be used to adapt to the shape of the recess (22C, 22D). Similar to fig. 3A-3C, the second end 44 of each first fastening assembly (4A, 4B) in fig. 7A-7C may be arranged, for example, to a recess (101A ', 101B') of the ground fault detection device 1A (e.g., the recess is provided at a side of the ground fault detection device 1A and not adjacent to the circuit breaker 2A) such that the opening 46 of the second end 44 may expose a securing aperture (e.g., aperture 102B ', an aperture (not shown) opposite the aperture 102B') at the recess (101A ', 101B') and be provided into the securing aperture of the ground fault detection device 1A through the opening 46 of the second end 44 by a securing member (7A, 7B), in a similar manner as described above with respect to fig. 3A-3C, which is not described in detail.

As described above, the first end of the first fastening member is engaged with the circuit breaker 2A and the second end of the first fastening member is fixed with the ground fault detection device 1A, so that the ground fault detection device 1A and the circuit breaker 2A can be prevented from moving relatively in the first direction, such as left-right movement (as indicated by the left-right direction L2) and upward movement (as indicated by the upward direction L1).

Unlike fig. 3A-3C, the first end 51 of each second fastening assembly (5A, 5B) in fig. 7A-7C is not snapped into the recess (23A ', 23B') of the circuit breaker 2A, but into the recess (24A, 24B) of the other side of the circuit breaker 2A, and the second end 52 of each second fastening assembly (5A, 5B) is fixedly connected to the ground fault detection apparatus 1A to limit relative movement of the circuit breaker 2A and the ground fault detection apparatus 1A in the second direction. The recess (24A, 24B) of the circuit breaker 2A may be provided at a side (e.g., near the bottom surface) of the circuit breaker 2A and not adjacent to the ground fault detection device 1A. Similar to fig. 3A-3C, the second end 52 of each second fastening assembly (5A, 5B) in fig. 7A-7C may be disposed through the opening of the second end 52 to a securing aperture (e.g., aperture 103A ', aperture 103B ' opposite aperture 103A ') of the ground fault detection device 1A by a securing member (6A, 6B), in a similar manner as described above with respect to fig. 3A-3C, and will not be described in detail.

As described above, the circuit breaker 2A is snapped together by the first end of the second fastening assembly and is fixed together with the ground fault detection device 1A by the second end of the second fastening assembly, so that a relative movement, such as a downward movement (e.g., a direction opposite to the upward direction L1), of the ground fault detection device 1A and the circuit breaker 2A in the second direction can be prevented.

The ground fault detection device 1A may have similar components and configurations to the ground fault detection device 1C of fig. 6, and will not be described in detail.

Similar to fig. 3A, the circuit breaker 2A of fig. 7A includes at least one mounting device 21'. The mounting device 21' may be provided at the top surface of the circuit breaker 2A. For example, the circuit breaker 2A and the fixedly connected ground fault detection device 1A may be fixedly connected to the panel by the mounting device 21' to expose at least the operating portion and the display portion (e.g., an electrical switch, a fault indicator, an analog key, a reset key, etc.) of the circuit breaker 2A and the ground fault detection device 1A. Similarly, the ground fault detection device 1A may include the at least one mounting device.

Fig. 8A illustrates an overall schematic diagram of an exemplary ground fault circuit interrupter device 10B corresponding to fig. 1B, fig. 8B illustrates an assembled schematic diagram of the ground fault circuit interrupter device 10B of fig. 8A, as viewed from one angle, and fig. 8C illustrates an assembled schematic diagram of the ground fault circuit interrupter device 10B of fig. 8A, as viewed from another angle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in fig. 8A-8C, the apparatus 10B includes a fixing means for fixing the ground fault detection apparatus 1B together opposite to the circuit breaker 2B. For example, the fixation device may include a first fastening assembly 4A, 4B and/or a second fastening assembly 5A, 5B (see fig. 4 and 5).

Similar to fig. 7A-7C, the first end 43 of each first fastening assembly (4A, 4B) in fig. 8A-8C is not snapped into the recess (22A ", 22B") of the circuit breaker 2B, but is snapped into the recess (22C ', 22D') of the other side of the circuit breaker 2B, and the second end 44 of each first fastening assembly (4A, 4B) is fixedly connected to the ground fault detection apparatus 1B to limit relative movement of the circuit breaker 2B and the ground fault detection apparatus 1B (which is integrated with the shunt module 3B) in a first direction. The recess (22C ', 22D') of the circuit breaker 2B may be provided at a side (e.g., near the top surface) of the circuit breaker 2B and not adjacent to the ground fault detection device 1B. The notch 45 provided at the first end 43 of each first fastening component (4A, 4B) may be used to adapt the shape of the recess (22C ', 22D'). Similar to fig. 3A-3C, the second end 44 of each first fastening assembly (4A, 4B) in fig. 8A-8C may be arranged, for example, to a recess (101A ", 101B") of the ground fault detection device 1B (e.g., the recess is provided at a side of the ground fault detection device 1B and not adjacent to the circuit breaker 2B) such that the opening 46 of the second end 44 may expose a securing hole (e.g., hole 102B ", a hole (not shown) opposite the hole 102B") at the recess (101A ", 101B") and be provided into the securing hole of the ground fault detection device 1B through the opening 46 of the second end 44 by a securing member (7A, 7B), in a similar manner as described above with respect to fig. 3A-3C.

As described above, the first end of the first fastening member is engaged with the circuit breaker 2B and the second end of the first fastening member is fixed with the ground fault detection device 1B, so that the ground fault detection device 1B and the circuit breaker 2B can be prevented from moving relatively in the first direction, such as left-right movement (as indicated by the left-right direction L2) and upward movement (as indicated by the upward direction L1).

Similar to fig. 7A-7C, the first end 51 of each second fastening assembly (5A, 5B) in fig. 8A-8C is not snapped into the recess (23A ", 23B") of the circuit breaker 2B, but into the recess (24A ', 24B') of the other side of the circuit breaker 2B, and the second end 52 of each second fastening assembly (5A, 5B) is fixedly connected to the ground fault detection apparatus 1B to limit relative movement of the circuit breaker 2B and the ground fault detection apparatus 1B in the second direction. The recess (24A ', 24B') of the circuit breaker 2A may be provided at a side (e.g., near the bottom surface) of the circuit breaker 2B and not adjacent to the ground fault detection device 1B. Similar to fig. 3A-3C, the second end 52 of each second fastening assembly (5A, 5B) in fig. 8A-8C may be disposed through the opening of the second end 52 to a securing aperture (e.g., aperture 103A ", aperture 103B" opposite aperture 103A ") of the ground fault detection device 1B by a securing member (6A, 6B), in a similar manner as described above with respect to fig. 3A-3C, and not described in detail.

As described above, the circuit breaker 2B is snapped together by the first end of the second fastening assembly and is fixed together with the ground fault detection device 1B by the second end of the second fastening assembly, so that a relative movement, such as a downward movement (e.g., a direction opposite to the upward direction L1), of the ground fault detection device 1B and the circuit breaker 2B in the second direction can be prevented.

The ground fault detection device 1B may have similar components and configurations to those of the ground fault detection device 1C of fig. 6, except for the integration of the shunt module 3B, which will not be described in detail.

It should be understood that the number of fastening components in fig. 3A-8C is for illustration only and not limitation, and that the devices 10A-10C may include more or fewer fastening components. The circuit breakers 2A to 2C in fig. 3A to 8C are not limited to single-pole circuit breakers, but may be multi-stage circuit breakers. Thus, the circuit breakers 2A-2C may include at least one pole breaker device.

The present disclosure combines a ground fault detection device and a circuit breaker together through a fixture, which can both ensure the user's electrical safety (e.g., in high current scenarios) and also provide flexibility in installation and use. For example, the housing of the circuit breaker and the housing of the separately disposed shunt module may have the same configuration (e.g., dimensions, arrangement of recesses, etc.), such that the same securing means (e.g., first and second securing assemblies) may be applied to various combinations of shunt modules with circuit breakers, ground fault detection devices (as described above), thereby providing flexibility in installation and use.

Therefore, while the present invention has been described with reference to specific examples, which are intended to be illustrative only and not to be limiting of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that changes, additions or deletions may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (17)

1. A ground fault circuit interrupter device, said ground fault circuit interrupter device comprising:

an input end;

an output end;

a circuit breaker for controlling the electrical connection between the input and the output;

ground fault detection means for detecting a ground fault at the output and coupled to the circuit breaker; and

a fixing device for relatively fixing the ground fault detection device and the circuit breaker together;

and when the ground fault detection device detects a ground fault, the circuit breaker is driven to disconnect the electric power connection between the input end and the output end.

2. The ground fault circuit interrupter device according to claim 1, further comprising a shunt module for driving the circuit interrupter to disconnect the electrical power connection between the input and the output.

3. The ground fault circuit interrupter device according to claim 2, wherein the shunt module is integrated into the circuit interrupter.

4. The ground fault circuit interrupter device according to claim 2, wherein the shunt module is integrated into the ground fault detection device.

5. The ground fault circuit interrupter device according to claim 2, wherein the shunt module is provided as a stand-alone module.

6. The ground fault circuit interrupter device according to claim 1, wherein the ground fault detection device comprises a fault display module for providing an alarm indication when a ground fault occurs.

7. The ground fault circuit interrupter device according to claim 6, wherein the ground fault detection device comprises a fault detection reset module comprising a reset button for clearing the alarm indication.

8. The ground fault circuit interrupter device according to claim 1 or 6, wherein the ground fault detection device comprises a ground fault signal detection module, a ground fault signal simulation module, a ground fault signal processing module, a ground power input module.

9. The ground fault circuit interrupter device according to claim 8, wherein the ground fault detection device comprises a housing comprising:

a cover plate;

a base coupled to the cover plate, the base comprising:

a first cavity region for housing the ground fault signal detection module;

a second cavity region for housing the ground fault signal processing module;

a third cavity region for receiving a ground power input module;

and the window area is used for accommodating the fault display module and the ground fault signal simulation module.

10. The ground fault circuit interrupter device according to claim 8, wherein the ground fault signal detection module is provided with at least one detection magnetic ring for detecting a ground fault signal in the output circuit.

11. The ground fault circuit interrupter device according to claim 8, wherein the ground fault signal simulation module is provided with at least one test key, the ground fault signal simulation module simulating generating a simulated ground fault signal when the test key is pressed.

12. The ground fault circuit interrupter device according to claim 8, wherein the ground fault signal processing module comprises at least one printed circuit board, the ground fault signal processing module driving a shunt module to cause the circuit interrupter to disconnect electrical power between the input and the output when a ground fault occurs.

13. The ground fault circuit interrupter device according to claim 8, wherein the ground power input module provides operating power to the ground fault signal processing module.

14. The ground fault circuit interrupter device according to claim 1, wherein the securing means comprises:

one or more first fastening assemblies, each first fastening assembly having a first end snapped into a first recess of the circuit breaker and a second end fixedly attached to the ground fault detection device to limit relative movement of the circuit breaker and the ground fault detection device in a first direction.

15. The ground fault circuit interrupter device according to claim 1, wherein the securing means comprises:

one or more second fastening assemblies, each second fastening assembly having a first end snapped into a second recess of the circuit breaker and a second end fixedly attached to the ground fault detection device to limit relative movement of the circuit breaker and the ground fault detection device in a second direction.

16. The ground fault circuit interrupter device according to claim 1, wherein the circuit interrupter is a single pole or multi-pole circuit interrupter.

17. The ground fault circuit interrupter device according to claim 1, wherein the circuit interrupter comprises at least one mounting device.