CN220139222U

CN220139222U - Safety fault protection device, electric connection equipment and electric appliance

Info

Publication number: CN220139222U
Application number: CN202321595081.5U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 李成力; 陈龙; 岳国兰
Original assignee: Suzhou Ele Mfg Co ltd
Current assignee: Suzhou Ele Mfg Co ltd
Priority date: 2023-06-21
Filing date: 2023-06-21
Publication date: 2023-12-05
Anticipated expiration: 2033-06-21

Abstract

A safety fault protection device comprising: an input and an output; a switch module configured to control the electrical connection between the input and the output; the GFCI fault detection module is configured to generate a ground fault signal when detecting that a fault leakage current exists in the current carrying line; an AFCI fault detection module configured to generate an arc fault signal when detecting that a current line has a detrimental arc; a drive module configured to drive the switching module to disconnect the electrical power connection between the input and the output in response to the ground fault signal and/or the arc fault signal; the fault transfer module is configured to respond to the arc fault signal to generate simulated fault leakage current; and a monitoring module configured to generate a simulated nuisance arc for detecting whether the safety fault protection device is functional. The technology disclosed by the disclosure can integrate the GFCI function and the AFCI function in the same device, and can detect the integrality of the two functions at the same time, thereby improving the convenience of user operation.

Description

Safety fault protection device, electric connection equipment and electric appliance

Technical Field

The disclosure belongs to the electrical field, and in particular relates to a safety fault protection device integrating GFCI and AFCI functions, an electrical connection device and an electrical appliance.

Background

With the increase of safety awareness, in order to prevent the occurrence of electric shock hazard, a ground fault protection device (GFCI) is selectively installed, and in order to prevent fire caused by circuit aging and other reasons, an arc fault protection device (AFCI) is installed, which brings a certain inconvenience to users in installation and use.

Disclosure of Invention

Based on the above problems, the present disclosure provides a safety fault protection device that integrates GFCI and AFCI functions, and can detect the integrity of both functions at the same time, improving the convenience of user operation.

A first aspect of the present disclosure proposes a safety fault protection device comprising: an input end and an output end; a switching module coupled between the input and the output and configured to control a power connection between the input and the output; the GFCI fault detection module is configured to generate a ground fault signal when detecting that a fault leakage current exists in the current carrying line; an AFCI fault detection module configured to generate an arc fault signal when detecting the presence of a detrimental arc on the current line; a drive module configured to drive the switching module to disconnect the electrical power connection between the input and the output in response to a ground fault signal and/or an arc fault signal; a fault transfer module configured to generate a simulated fault leakage current in response to the arc fault signal; and a monitoring module configured to generate a simulated nuisance arc for detecting whether the safety fault protection device is functional.

In a preferred embodiment, the GFCI fault detection module comprises: the leakage processing module is configured to detect fault leakage current on the current carrying line and generate a grounding fault signal when the fault leakage current exceeds a set threshold value; and the self-checking module is configured to periodically generate simulated fault leakage current and is used for detecting whether the function of the leakage processing module is good.

In a preferred embodiment, the AFCI fault detection module comprises: an arc processing module configured to detect an arc signal on the current carrying line, generating an arc fault signal when there is a detrimental arc on the current carrying line; and a window gating module coupled to the arc processing module and configured to cooperate with the arc processing module to determine whether a detrimental arc is present in the current signal on the current carrying line.

In a preferred embodiment, the window gating module is configured to output a window gating signal, and the arc processing module is configured to detect an arc signal on the current carrying line based on the window gating signal.

In a preferred embodiment, the safety fault protection device further comprises: and the alarm module is configured to respond to the grounding fault signal and/or the arc fault signal and send out a corresponding alarm indication.

In a preferred embodiment, the safety fault protection device further comprises: and the auxiliary switch is configured to eliminate the alarm indication sent by the alarm module when the switch module is reset.

In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring module is configured to generate a simulated nuisance arc to detect whether the AFCI fault detection module is functioning properly; and the fault delivery module is configured to generate a simulated fault leakage current in response to the arc fault signal to detect whether the GFCI fault detection module is functioning properly.

A second aspect of the present disclosure proposes a safety fault protection device comprising: an input end and an output end; a switching module coupled between the input and the output and configured to control a power connection between the input and the output; the GFCI fault detection module is configured to generate a ground fault signal when detecting that a fault leakage current exists in the current carrying line; an AFCI fault detection module configured to generate an arc fault signal when detecting the presence of a detrimental arc on the current line; a drive module configured to drive the switching module to disconnect the electrical power connection between the input and the output in response to a ground fault signal and/or an arc fault signal; a fault transfer module configured to generate a simulated nuisance arc in response to a ground fault signal; and a monitoring module configured to generate a simulated fault leakage current for detecting whether the safety fault protection device is functional intact.

In a preferred embodiment, the safety fault protection device further comprises: an auxiliary switch configured to eliminate the alarm indication upon reset of the switch module.

In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring module is configured to generate a simulated fault leakage current to detect whether the GFCI fault detection module is functioning properly; and the fault delivery module is configured to generate a simulated nuisance arc in response to the ground fault signal to detect whether the AFCI fault detection module is fully functional.

A third aspect of the present disclosure proposes an electrical connection device comprising: a housing; and a safety-fault protection device according to any of the embodiments of the first or second aspects, the safety-fault protection device being housed in the housing.

A fourth aspect of the present disclosure proposes an electric appliance, the electric appliance comprising: a load device; and an electrical connection device coupled between the current carrying line and the load device for supplying power to the load device, wherein the electrical connection device comprises a safety fault protection arrangement according to any of the embodiments of the first or second aspect.

In the invention, the GFCI function and the AFCI function are integrated in the same device, thereby bringing convenience to the installation and the use of users, and simultaneously, the integrity of the GFCI function and the AFCI function can be detected through the fault transmission module, so that the convenience to the operation of the users is improved to a certain extent.

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 refer to like features. In addition, a connection between each frame in the architecture diagram indicates that there is an electrical coupling between two frames, and the absence of a connection between two frames does not indicate that the two frames are not coupled.

FIG. 1 illustrates an architecture block diagram of a safety fault protection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an architecture block diagram of a safety fault protection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 3 illustrates a first exemplary circuit diagram of the safety fault protection device of fig. 1 and 2 in accordance with the present disclosure;

fig. 4 illustrates a second exemplary circuit diagram of the safety fault protection device of fig. 1 and 2 in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates an architectural block diagram of a safety fault protection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates an architecture block diagram of a safety fault protection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

fig. 7 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of the safety fault protection device of fig. 5 and 6 according to the present disclosure.

Reference numerals illustrate:

input terminals 1, 1'

Output end 2, 2'

Switch module 3, 3'

GFCI fault detection module 4, 4'

Leakage processing module 41, 41'

Self-test module 42, 42'

AFCI fault detection module 5, 5'

Arc treatment module 51, 51'

Window gating module 52, 52'

Drive modules 6, 6'

Failure transfer module 7, 7'

Monitoring module 8, 8'

Alarm module 9, 9'

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 utility model may be practiced. The illustrated embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive of all embodiments according to the utility model. 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 utility model. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present utility model is defined by the appended claims.

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 "connected," "coupled," or "coupled" and the like, as used in this disclosure, are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms "a," "an," "a group," or "an" and the like 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.

In the present disclosure, a transistor may refer to a transistor of any structure, such as a Field Effect Transistor (FET), a bipolar transistor (BJT), or a thyristor, or the like. When the transistor is a field effect transistor, the control electrode refers to the gate electrode of the field effect transistor, the first electrode can be the drain electrode or the source electrode of the field effect transistor, and the corresponding second electrode can be the source electrode or the drain electrode of the field effect transistor; when the transistor is a bipolar transistor, the control electrode refers to the base electrode of the bipolar transistor, the first electrode can be the collector electrode or the emitter electrode of the bipolar transistor, and the corresponding second electrode can be the emitter electrode or the collector electrode of the bipolar transistor; when the transistor is a thyristor, the control electrode is the control electrode G of the thyristor, the first electrode is the anode, and the second electrode is the cathode. For example, the switching semiconductor device may include a transistor or a device of similar function.

In the present disclosure, the analog leakage current signal generated by the self-checking module is a periodic signal, and the duration thereof is short, so that the leakage processing module may detect the analog leakage current signal, but the safety fault protection device is not required to disconnect the power connection.

The present disclosure is directed to a safety fault protection device that integrates GFCI and AFCI functions and can detect the integrity of both functions at the same time, improving the convenience of user operation.

Fig. 1 shows an architectural block diagram of a security device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in fig. 1, the safety fault protection device 100 includes an input terminal 1, an output terminal 2, a switching module 3, a GFCI fault detecting module 4, an AFCI fault detecting module 5, a driving module 6, a fault transferring module 7, and a monitoring module 8. A switching module 3 is coupled between the input 1 and the output 2, and a current line (also called supply line) connects the input 1 and the output 2, comprising a first current line L (HOT) for connection to a line of the grid and a second current line N (WHITE) for connection to a neutral line of the grid. The output terminal 2 is coupled to a LOAD (LOAD), such as an electrical consumer or a patch panel, which forms a current loop between the first current carrying line and the second current carrying line when the LOAD is powered. The GFCI fault detecting module 4 is coupled between the input terminal 1 and the output terminal 2, and is configured to detect whether a fault leakage current exists on the current carrying line, and generate a ground fault signal when the fault leakage current exists on the current carrying line. The AFCI fault detection module 5 is coupled to the current carrying line for detecting whether a detrimental arc is present on the current carrying line and generating an arc fault signal upon detecting the presence of a detrimental arc on the current carrying line. The fault transfer module 7 is coupled between the AFCI fault detection module 5 and the GFCI fault detection module 4 for generating a first simulated fault leakage current in response to the arc fault signal. The monitoring module 8 is configured to generate a simulated nuisance arc for detecting whether the function of the safety fault protection device 100 (i.e., GFCI function and/or AFCI function) is intact. The drive module 6 is coupled to the GFCI fault detection module 4 for driving the switch module 3 to disconnect the power connection between the input 1 and the output 2 in response to a ground fault signal and/or an arc fault signal. That is, if the GFCI fault detection module 4 is able to detect a fault leakage current and the AFCI fault detection module 5 is able to detect a nuisance arc and cause the drive module 6 to drive the switch module 3 to disconnect power, it is indicative of the safety fault protection device 100 being fully functional (i.e., indicative of it being able to function properly) and otherwise being dysfunctional (i.e., indicative of not functioning properly).

Fig. 2 shows an architecture block diagram of a safety fault protection device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The safety fault protection device 200 is similar to the safety fault protection device 100 of fig. 1 and includes a switching module 3, a GFCI fault detection module 4, an AFCI fault detection module 5, a driving module 6, a fault transfer module 7 and a monitoring module 8. As shown in fig. 2, GFCI fault detection module 4 includes a leakage processing module 41 and a self-test module 42. The leakage processing module 41 is configured to detect a fault leakage current on the current carrying line, and generate a ground fault signal when the fault leakage current exceeds a set threshold. The self-test module 42 is configured to periodically generate a second simulated fault leakage current for detecting whether the leakage processing module 41 is functioning properly. As shown in fig. 2, the AFCI fault detection module 5 includes an arc processing module 51 and a window gating module 52. The arc processing module 51 is configured to detect an arc signal on the current carrying line, generating an arc fault signal when there is a detrimental arc on the current carrying line. The window gating module 52 is coupled to the arc handling module 51 and is configured to cooperate with the arc handling module 51 to determine whether a detrimental arc is present in the current signal on the current carrying line. The safety fault protection device 200 optionally includes an alarm module 9 for issuing a corresponding alarm indication (e.g., displaying an alarm signal, an audible alarm signal, etc.) in response to the ground fault signal and/or the arc fault signal, for example, for indicating whether a ground fault and/or an arc fault has occurred.

Fig. 3 illustrates a first exemplary circuit 300 of the safety fault protection device of fig. 1 and 2 according to the present disclosure. The circuit 300 includes a switching module 3, a GFCI fault detection module 4 (including a leakage processing module 41 and a self-test module 42), an AFCI fault detection module 5 (including an arc processing module 51 and a window gating module 52), a driving module 6, a fault transfer module 7, a monitoring module 8, and an alarm module 9.

As shown in fig. 3, the safety fault protection device is coupled between the input LINE and the output LOAD of the current LINE, and the receptacle. The current carrying lines comprise a first current carrying line HOT and a second current carrying line WHITE. The switch module 3 comprises a RESET switch RESET arranged between the input LINE and the output LOAD, the socket.

The leakage processing module 41 of the GFCI fault detecting module 4 includes a neutral line detecting ring ZCT2, a leakage detecting ring ZCT1, a leakage detecting chip or processor U1, a rectifier bridge DB1, and a resistor, a capacitor, and the like used in combination with the above components. The leakage detection loop CT1 passes through the first current-carrying line HOT and the second current-carrying line WHITE to be used for detecting whether the leakage current exists in the first current-carrying line HOT and the second current-carrying line WHITE, collecting the leakage current and sending the leakage current to the leakage detection unit U1, so that the leakage detection chip U1 compares the leakage current with a set threshold value, and generates a ground fault signal when the leakage current exceeds the set threshold value. The self-test module 42 of the GFCI fault detecting module 4 includes a switching semiconductor Q4, a regulator ZD1, a diode D1, peripheral circuit components used in combination with the above components, and the like.

The arc processing module 51 of the AFCI fault detection module 5 includes a current transformer CT1, a filter circuit (capacitors C7, C8, C10 and resistors R5, R9, R14), an arc detection chip IC1, peripheral devices used in combination with the above components, and the like. The arc processing module 51 is configured to detect an arc signal on the current carrying line, generating an arc fault signal when there is a detrimental arc on the current carrying line. The window gating module 52 of the AFCI fault detection module 5 is coupled to the arc handling module 51 and is configured to cooperate with the arc handling module 51 to determine whether a detrimental arc is present in the current signal on the current carrying line. The window gating module 52 is configured to output a window gating signal, and the arc processing module (51) is configured to detect an arc signal on the current carrying line based on the window gating signal. The window gating module 52 may help the arc processing module 51 determine whether an arc fault occurs through the formed arc pulse, reduce a determination range, improve determination accuracy, and shield possible interference signals, thereby avoiding causing erroneous arc detection.

The drive module 6 comprises a solenoid SOL and at least one switching semiconductor. In the embodiment of fig. 3, at least one of the switching semiconductors is implemented as a parallel connection of switching semiconductors Q1 and Q2 (e.g., transistors). In other embodiments, the at least one switching semiconductor may be implemented as more or fewer transistors. The solenoid SOL is coupled to an input LINE (e.g., a first current LINE HOT) and to the at least one switching semiconductor Q1, Q2. The solenoid SOL generates electromagnetic force for driving the RESET switch RESET. In the embodiment of fig. 3, the input terminals of the switch semiconductors Q1, Q2 are coupled to the solenoid SOL, and the control terminals thereof are coupled to the pin 5 of the leakage detection chip U1 and the self-test module 42.

The fault delivery module 7 includes a switch semiconductor Q3 and a resistor R13 configured to generate an analog fault leakage current (different from the analog leakage current generated by the self-test module 42 described below) in response to the arc fault signal.

The monitoring module 8 is coupled to the current line, comprising a test switch 7 and a resistor R17, configured to generate a simulated nuisance arc for detecting whether the safety fault protection device function (GFCI function and/or AFCI function) is intact.

The alarm module 9 is coupled to the GFCI fault detection module 4 and the AFCI fault detection module 5. The alarm module 9 includes a switching semiconductor Q7, a series circuit of the light emitting diode LED3 and a switching semiconductor Q8, a series circuit of the light emitting diode LED2, and an auxiliary switch SW. The upper ends of the light emitting diodes LED2, LED3 are connected to a diode D4, and the auxiliary switch SW is coupled between the diode D4 and ground. The alarm module 9 is configured to issue a corresponding alarm indication in response to the ground fault signal and/or the arc fault signal. The auxiliary switch SW is configured to cancel the alarm indication issued by the alarm module 9 when the switch module 3 is reset.

The circuit 300 closes the RESET switch RESET when zero sequence current detection is performed. When the first current carrying line HOT and the second current carrying line WHITE are current balanced, the leakage detection loop ZCT1 does not generate an unbalanced current. When a zero sequence current fault occurs on the current carrying line (the first current carrying line HOT or the second current carrying line WHITE), the leakage detection ring ZCT1 detects the zero sequence current fault signal and generates a corresponding induction signal. The leakage detection ring ZCT1 is coupled to pins 1 and 3 of the leakage detection chip U1, and transmits the inductive signal to the leakage detection chip U1. When the zero sequence current fault signal is greater than the set threshold, the pin 5 of the leakage detection chip U1 outputs a high level (ground fault signal), otherwise outputs a low level. The high level of the pin 5 of the leakage detection chip U1 is supplied to the control terminals of the switch semiconductors Q1 and Q2 of the driving module 6 via the diode D2 and the resistor R8, and the switch semiconductors Q1 and/or Q2 are triggered to be turned on, so that a current change is generated on the coil of the solenoid SOL, thereby generating an electromagnetic force, and driving the RESET switch RESET to disconnect the power connection between the input terminal and the output terminal of the current carrying line. On the other hand, the pin 5 of the leakage detection chip U1 is coupled to the alarm module 9, the alarm module 9 includes a resistor R30, a switch semiconductor Q7 and an LED3, the high level of the pin 5 of the leakage detection chip U1 is further provided to the control end of the switch semiconductor Q7 via the resistor R30, and the switch semiconductor Q7 is triggered to be turned on and kept on, so that the LED3 is powered on, and thus, the alarm module is turned on, i.e. emits a display alarm signal to remind the user of the zero sequence current fault (ground fault). In other examples, the LED3 may be replaced with a buzzer or speaker (not shown) so that the buzzer or speaker emits an audible alarm signal. Since the high level of the pin 5 of the leakage detection chip U1 is provided to both the driving module 6 and the alarm module 9, if the circuit 300 fails (e.g., the driving module 6 fails) and the trip function is lost, that is, the connection between the input end and the output end of the current line cannot be disconnected, an alarm signal can be sent through the alarm module 9 to remind the user.

The self-test module 42 of the circuit 300 provides a self-test function to detect whether the leakage processing module 41 is functioning properly. The first current line HOT charges a capacitor C9 through a solenoid SOL-diode D1-a resistor R6-LED1, when a set period of time passes, the upper end voltage of the capacitor C9 exceeds the trigger voltage of a voltage stabilizing tube ZD1, the voltage stabilizing tube ZD1 is conducted, current generates an analog zero sequence fault current signal through the resistor R1, and a leakage detection chip U1 detects the zero sequence fault current signal to generate a corresponding induction signal. Pin 5 of the leakage detection chip U1 outputs a high level (self-test failure signal). The high level of pin 5 of the leakage detection chip U1 is provided to the control end of the switch semiconductor Q4, the switch semiconductor Q4 is triggered to be turned on, the capacitor C9 discharges through the switch semiconductor Q4, the upper voltage of the capacitor C9 drops rapidly, when the upper voltage drops to be smaller than the trigger voltage of the zener diode ZD1, the zener diode ZD1 is turned off, no analog zero sequence current fault signal is generated any more, and the pin 5 of the leakage detection chip U1 outputs the low level. The time of this process is very short, and by presetting the capacitance of the capacitor C12, the upper voltage of the capacitor C12 is slowly increased in this process, without triggering the switch semiconductors Q1 and Q2 to conduct, so that the switch semiconductors Q1 and Q2 will not conduct in this process, and the normal operation of the circuit 300 will not be affected. If the leakage detection ring ZCT1 fails, the pin 5 of the leakage detection chip U1 will not output a high level, and the switch semiconductor Q4 is kept in an off state, the capacitor C9 continuously triggers the zener diode ZD1 to conduct, the current continuously charges the capacitor C12 through R4, the voltage at the upper end of the capacitor C12 continuously rises, the trigger switch semiconductors Q1 and/or Q2 conduct, and further, a current change is generated in the coil of the solenoid SOL, so that an electromagnetic force is generated, the RESET switch RESET is driven to be turned off, thereby disconnecting the power connection between the input end and the output end of the current line, and meanwhile, the light emitting diode LED1 lights to remind the user that the circuit 300 has a fault and the device needs to be replaced in time.

Upon arc detection, the circuit 300 closes the RESET switch RESET. When an arc fault occurs on the current carrying line, the current transformer CT1 detects the arc fault signal, converts the arc fault signal into a secondary current signal, converts the secondary current signal into a secondary voltage signal through the parallel resistor R3, then filters the secondary voltage signal through the capacitors C7, C8 and C10 and the resistors R2, R3 and R5, retains an arc characteristic signal (for example, a voltage waveform of a frequency band where the arc is located), and the voltage-limiting diode ZD2 limits the output voltage waveform. The window gating module 52 generates a periodic signal having a certain duty cycle, window gates the voltage signal, and the arc detection chip IC1 determines whether the detected arc fault is a harmful arc fault based on the voltage signal. If it is determined that there is a harmful arc fault, the pin 1 of the arc detection chip IC1 outputs a high level (arc fault signal), and conversely outputs a low level. The high level of the pin 1 of the arc detection chip IC1 is supplied to the control end of the switch semiconductor Q3 via the resistor R24, the switch semiconductor Q3 is triggered to conduct, the current forms an analog leakage current via the first current-carrying line HOT-solenoid SOL-resistor R13-switch semiconductor Q3-leakage detection loop ZCT 1-rectifier bridge DB-second current-carrying line WHITE, the leakage detection loop ZCT1 shows that the high level trigger switch semiconductors Q1 and/or Q2 conduct via the pin 5 of the leakage detection chip U1 after detecting the analog leakage current, and then a current change is generated on the coil of the solenoid SOL, so that electromagnetic force is generated, and the RESET switch RESET is driven to disconnect the power connection between the input end and the output end of the current-carrying line. On the other hand, the high level of the pin 1 of the arc detection chip IC1 is also supplied to the control terminal of the switch semiconductor Q8 via the resistor R28, which triggers the switch semiconductor Q8 to be turned on and keep it on, and the LED2 is turned on by the current flowing therethrough, so that a display alarm signal is emitted to alert the user of arc fault.

At the time of RESET, the user manually presses the RESET switch RESET. Through the special design of mechanical structure, when pressing RESET switch RESET, auxiliary switch SW is closed simultaneously too, and RESET switch RESET receives the sheetmetal to stop down in the downstream in-process can't continue. Since the auxiliary switch SW is closed, the voltage at the upper end of the light emitting diode LED3 decreases (via the diode D4 to ground), so that no more current flows in the light emitting diode LED3 and the switching semiconductor Q7, the light emitting diode LED3 is turned off, and similarly, the voltage at the upper end of the light emitting diode LED2 decreases (via the diode D4 to ground), so that no more current flows in the light emitting diode LED2 and the switching semiconductor Q8, and the light emitting diode LED2 is turned off. On the other hand, the auxiliary switch SW is turned on to turn on the switch semiconductor Q3, and the trigger switch semiconductors Q1 and/or Q2 are turned on, so that a current change is generated on the coil of the solenoid SOL, and thus electromagnetic force is generated to drive the metal sheet which blocks the RESET switch RESET from moving downwards, so that the RESET switch RESET continues to move downwards to the locking position under the pressing of the user, the RESET is successful, the user leaves the RESET switch RESET, and the auxiliary switch SW is turned off. In the present embodiment of fig. 3, by means of the same auxiliary switch SW, not only the RESET of the RESET switch RESET can be assisted, but also the alarm signal (ground fault alarm and/or arc fault alarm) can be cleared, so that the circuit is simplified, the occupied space is reduced, and the cost is reduced.

The circuit 300 may also perform GFCI function and/or AFCI function testing. At the time of testing, the RESET switch RESET is closed. The TEST switch TEST of the monitoring module 8 is closed and the first current line HOT generates an analog arc fault signal via R17 and supplies it to the pin 10 of the arc detection chip IC 1. If the AFCI fault detection module 5 functions well, the arc detection chip IC1 and its peripheral circuits process it and then determine that it is a harmful arc fault, and its pin 1 outputs a high level (arc fault signal). The high level of the pin 1 of the arc detection chip IC1 is provided to the control end of the switch semiconductor Q3, the switch semiconductor Q3 is triggered to conduct to generate simulated fault leakage current, when the GFCI fault detection module 4 is in good function, the pin 5 of the leakage detection chip U1 generates high level, the switch semiconductors Q1 and/or Q2 are triggered to conduct, so that the RESET switch RESET of the solenoid SOL electrically drives the switch module 3 to disconnect the power connection between the input end and the output end, and finally the whole device is indicated to be in good function. When the function of the AFCI fault detection module is lost, the switch semiconductor Q3 cannot be triggered to generate simulated fault leakage current, and finally the device cannot be triggered to trip. Similarly, when the GFCI fault detection module is functionally missing, the device is not triggered to trip. The monitoring module 8 and the fault transmission module 7 are used for testing the GFCI function and/or the AFCI function, so that faults of the safety fault protection device can be found, and a user is reminded of timely replacing the device.

Fig. 4 illustrates a second exemplary circuit 400 of the safety fault protection device of fig. 1 and 2 according to the present disclosure.

The circuit 400 is similar to the circuit 300 of fig. 3, except that the alarm module 9 of fig. 3 is not included and the auxiliary switch SW of fig. 4 is coupled between pin 2 of the rectifier bridge DB and the control terminals of the switch semiconductors Q1, Q2. The auxiliary switch SW in fig. 4 has a similar function to that of the auxiliary switch SW of fig. 3 in resetting the switch RESET, but does not eliminate the alarm signal (since the circuit 400 does not include an alarm module).

Fig. 5 shows an architectural block diagram of a security device 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in fig. 5, the safety fault protection device 500 includes an input 1', an output 2', a switching module 3', a GFCI fault detection module 4', an AFCI fault detection module 5', a driving module 6', a fault transfer module 7', and a monitoring module 8'. The switching module 3' is coupled between the input 1' and the output 2', and a current line (also called supply line) connects the input 1' and the output 2', comprising a first current line L (HOT) for connection to a line of the grid and a second current line N (WHITE) for connection to a neutral line of the grid. The output terminal 2' is coupled to a LOAD (LOAD), such as an electrical consumer or a patch panel, which forms a current loop between the first current carrying line and the second current carrying line when the LOAD is powered. The GFCI fault detecting module 4' is coupled between the input end 1' and the output end 2' of the current carrying line, and is configured to detect whether a fault leakage current exists on the current carrying line, and generate a ground fault signal when detecting that the fault leakage current exists on the current carrying line. The AFCI fault detection module 5' is coupled to the current carrying line for detecting whether a detrimental arc is present on the current carrying line and generating an arc fault signal upon detecting the presence of a detrimental arc on the current carrying line. The fault transfer module 7' is coupled between the AFCI fault detection module 5' and the GFCI fault detection module 4' for generating a simulated nuisance arc in response to the ground fault signal. The monitoring module 8' is configured to generate a simulated fault leakage current for detecting whether the function of the safety fault protection device 500 (i.e., GFCI function and/or AFCI function) is intact. The drive module 6' is coupled to the AFCI fault detection module 5' for driving the switch module 3' to disconnect the electrical power connection between the input 1' and the output 2' in response to a ground fault signal and/or an arc fault signal. That is, if the GFCI fault detection module 4 'is able to detect a fault leakage current and the AFCI fault detection module 5' is able to detect a detrimental arc and cause the drive module 6 'to drive the switching module 3' to disconnect power, indicating that the safety fault protection device 500 is fully functional (i.e., indicating that it is functioning properly), otherwise it is not functional (i.e., indicating that it is not functioning properly).

Fig. 6 illustrates an architectural block diagram of a safety fault protection device 600 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The safety fault protection device 600 is similar to the safety fault protection device 500 of fig. 1, including a switching module 3', a GFCI fault detection module 4', an AFCI fault detection module 5', a driving module 6', a fault transfer module 7', and a monitoring module 8'. As shown in fig. 6, GFCI fault detection module 4' includes a leakage processing module 41' and a self-test module 42', similar to leakage processing module 41 and self-test module 42 described with respect to fig. 2. As shown in fig. 2, AFCI fault detection module 5' includes an arc handling module 51' and a window gating module 52', similar to arc handling module 51 and window gating module 52 described with respect to fig. 2. The safety fault protection device 600 optionally includes an alarm module 9', similar to the alarm module 9 described with respect to fig. 2 and 3.

Fig. 7 illustrates an exemplary circuit 700 of the safety fault protection device of fig. 5 and 6 according to the present disclosure. The circuit 700 includes a switching module 3', a GFCI fault detection module 4' (including a leakage processing module 41 'and a self-test module 42'), an AFCI fault detection module 5 '(including an arc processing module 51' and a window gating module 52 '), a driving module 6', a fault transfer module 7', and a monitoring module 8'.

The switching module 3', GFCI fault detection module 4' (including the leakage processing module 41 'and the self-test module 42'), AFCI fault detection module 5 '(including the arc processing module 51' and the window gating module 52 '), and driving module 6' of circuit 700 are similar to the corresponding modules of circuit 300, 400 of fig. 3 and 4, and will not be described in detail.

The fault transfer module 7' includes a switch semiconductor Q3 and a resistor R11 configured to generate a simulated nuisance arc in response to a ground fault signal.

The monitoring module 8' is coupled to the current carrying line, comprising a TEST switch TEST and a resistor R16, configured to generate a simulated fault leakage current for detecting whether the function of the safety fault protection device (GFCI function and/or AFCI function) is intact.

Upon arc detection, circuit 700 closes RESET switch RESET. When an arc fault occurs on the current carrying line, the current transformer CT1 of the arc processing module 51' detects the arc fault signal, converts the arc fault signal into a secondary current signal, converts the secondary current signal into a secondary voltage signal through the parallel resistor R4, then filters the secondary voltage signal through the capacitors C7, C9 and C12 and the resistors R7, R10 and R14, retains an arc characteristic signal (for example, a voltage waveform of a frequency band where the arc is located), and the voltage-limiting diode ZD2 limits the output voltage waveform. The window gating module 52' generates a periodic signal having a certain duty cycle, window gates the voltage signal, and the arc detection chip IC1 determines whether the detected arc fault is a harmful arc fault based on the voltage signal. If it is determined that there is a harmful arc fault, the pin 1 of the arc detection chip IC1 outputs a high level (arc fault signal), and conversely outputs a low level. The high level of the pin 1 of the arc detection chip IC1 is supplied to the control terminals of the switch semiconductors Q1, Q2 via the resistor R18, which triggers the switch semiconductors Q1 and/or Q2 to be turned on, energizes the solenoid SOL, and disconnects the power connection of the input and output terminals by the RESET switch RESET of the driving switch module 3'.

The circuit 700 closes the RESET switch RESET when zero sequence current detection is performed. When zero sequence current faults occur on the current carrying line, the leakage detection ring ZCT1 converts zero sequence current signals into secondary signals, after the secondary signals are processed by the leakage detection chip U1, if the secondary signals exceed a set threshold value, a pin 5 of the chip U1 outputs high level to trigger a switch semiconductor Q3 of a fault transmission module 7' to be conducted, current flows into an arc processing module 51' through a resistor R11 to simulate generation of harmful electric arcs, when the arc detection chip IC1 and peripheral circuits judge that the electric arcs are faulty, the pin 1 of the chip IC1 sends out high level to trigger the switch semiconductors Q1 and/or Q2 to be conducted, a solenoid SOL is electrified, and a RESET switch RESET of the driving switch module 3' cuts off power connection between input and output ends.

Upon manual depression of the RESET switch RESET of the switch module, the auxiliary switch SW is closed, triggering switch semiconductors Q1 and/or Q2 to conduct, powering the solenoid SOL, and once RESET is successful, the auxiliary switch SW is opened, similar to that described in connection with fig. 3.

Circuit 700 may also perform GFCI function and/or AFCI function testing. At the time of testing, the RESET switch RESET is closed. The TEST switch TEST of the monitoring module 8' is closed, current generates simulated fault leakage current through the resistor R16, when the function of the GFCI fault detection module is good, the pin 5 of the leakage detection chip U1 generates high level, the trigger switch semiconductor Q3 generates simulated fault arc, when the function of the AFCI fault detection module is good, the pin 1 of the arc detection chip IC1 generates high level, the trigger switch semiconductors Q1 and/or Q2 are/is conducted, the solenoid SOL is electrified, and the RESET switch RESET of the driving switch module cuts off the power connection of the input end and the output end, so that the whole device is finally indicated to be good in function. The switch semiconductor Q3 cannot be triggered to generate a simulated fault arc when the function of the GFCI fault detection module is missing, and the device is not triggered to trip eventually, and similarly, the device is not triggered to trip when the function of the AFCI fault detection module is missing.

The self-test module 42 'of the circuit 700 also provides a self-test function to detect whether the function of the leakage processing module 41' is intact. The first current line HOT charges the capacitor C11 through the solenoid SOL-diode D1-the resistor R5-LED, when the set time passes, the voltage at the upper end of the capacitor C11 exceeds the trigger voltage of the voltage stabilizing tube ZD1, the voltage stabilizing tube ZD1 is conducted, the current generates analog leakage current through the resistor R2-the leakage detection ring ZCT1, the leakage detection chip U1 detects a current signal, the pin 5 of the chip U1 emits high level to trigger the switch semiconductor Q4 to be conducted, the voltage at the upper end of the capacitor C11 is rapidly reduced, the voltage stabilizing tube ZD1 is cut off, the pin 5 of the chip U1 becomes low level, the process time is extremely short, and the switch semiconductor Q3 cannot be conducted in the process by matching the capacity of the capacitor C8. When the leakage processing module 41' fails, the pin 5 of the leakage detection chip does not emit high level, the voltage stabilizing tube ZD1 is continuously conducted, the voltage at the upper end of the capacitor C8 is continuously increased by current through the resistor R8, the switch semiconductor Q3 is conducted, the generation of harmful arc is simulated, the pin 1 of the arc detection chip IC1 emits high level to trigger the switch semiconductors Q1 and/or Q2 to be conducted, the solenoid SOL is electrified, and the RESET switch RESET of the driving switch module cuts off the power connection between the input end and the output end.

The present disclosure also proposes an electrical connection device comprising: a housing; and a safety-failure protection device according to any of the above embodiments, the safety-failure protection device being housed in the case.

A third aspect of the present disclosure proposes an electrical appliance comprising: a load device; an electrical connection device coupled between the power supply line and the load device for supplying power to the load device, the electrical connection device comprising a safety fault protection arrangement according to any of the above embodiments.

Therefore, while the present utility model has been described with reference to specific examples, which are intended to be illustrative only and not to be limiting of the utility model, 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 utility model.

Claims

1. A safety fault protection device, the safety fault protection device comprising:

an input end and an output end;

a switching module coupled between the input and the output and configured to control a power connection between the input and the output;

The GFCI fault detection module is configured to generate a ground fault signal when detecting that a fault leakage current exists in the current carrying line;

an AFCI fault detection module configured to generate an arc fault signal when detecting that the current line has a detrimental arc;

a drive module configured to drive the switch module to disconnect the electrical power connection between the input and the output in response to the ground fault signal and/or the arc fault signal;

a fault transfer module configured to generate a first simulated fault leakage current in response to the arc fault signal; and

a monitoring module configured to generate a simulated nuisance arc for detecting whether the safety fault protection device is functional.

2. The safety-fault protection device of claim 1, wherein the GFCI fault detection module comprises:

the leakage processing module is configured to detect fault leakage current on the current carrying line and generate the grounding fault signal when the fault leakage current exceeds a set threshold value; and

and the self-checking module is configured to periodically generate a second simulated fault leakage current and is used for detecting whether the function of the leakage processing module is good.

3. The safety-fault protection device of claim 1, wherein the AFCI fault detection module comprises:

an arc processing module configured to detect an arc signal on the current carrying line, the arc fault signal being generated when there is a detrimental arc on the current carrying line; and

and the window gating module is coupled to the arc processing module and is configured to cooperate with the arc processing module to judge whether a harmful arc exists in the current signal on the current carrying line.

4. The safety fault protection device of claim 3, wherein the window gating module is configured to output a window gating signal, the arc processing module configured to detect an arc signal on the current carrying line based on the window gating signal.

5. The safety-fault protection device of claim 1, further comprising:

and the alarm module is configured to respond to the grounding fault signal and/or the arc fault signal and send out a corresponding alarm indication.

6. The safety-fault protection device of claim 5, further comprising:

An auxiliary switch configured to eliminate the alarm indication when the switch module is reset.

7. The safety-fault protection device of claim 1, wherein,

the monitoring module is configured to generate a simulated nuisance arc to detect whether the AFCI fault detection module is functional; and is also provided with

The fault delivery module is configured to generate a simulated fault leakage current in response to an arc fault signal to detect whether the GFCI fault detection module is fully functional.

8. A safety fault protection device, the safety fault protection device comprising:

an input end and an output end;

a switching module coupled between an input and an output and configured to control a power connection between the input and the output;

A fault transfer module configured to generate a simulated nuisance arc in response to a ground fault signal; and

and the monitoring module is configured to generate a first simulated fault leakage current and is used for detecting whether the safety fault protection device is good in function.

9. The safety-fault protection device of claim 8, wherein the GFCI fault detection module comprises:

the leakage processing module is configured to detect fault leakage current on the current carrying line and generate the grounding fault signal when the fault leakage current exceeds a set threshold value;

10. The safety-fault protection device of claim 8, wherein the AFCI fault detection module comprises:

an arc processing module configured to detect an arc signal on the current carrying line, the arc fault signal being generated when there is a detrimental arc on the current carrying line;

11. The safety fault protection device of claim 10, wherein the window gating module is configured to output a window gating signal, the arc processing module configured to detect an arc signal on the current carrying line based on the window gating signal.

12. The safety-fault protection device of claim 8, further comprising:

13. The safety-fault protection device of claim 12, further comprising:

14. The safety-fault protection device of claim 8, wherein,

the monitoring module is configured to generate a simulated fault leakage current to detect whether the GFCI fault detection module is functional well; and is also provided with

The fault delivery module is configured to generate a simulated nuisance arc in response to a ground fault signal to detect whether the AFCI fault detection module is fully functional.

15. An electrical connection apparatus, the electrical connection apparatus comprising:

a housing; and

the safety-failure protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the safety-failure protection device according to any one of claims 8 to 14, the safety-failure protection device being housed in the housing.

16. An electrical appliance, the electrical appliance comprising:

a load device;

an electrical connection device coupled between a current carrying line and the load device for supplying power to the load device, wherein the electrical connection device comprises a safety-fault protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or a safety-fault protection device according to any one of claims 8 to 14.