Residual current protection device

Abstract

This disclosure provides a residual current device (RCD). The RCD includes a housing and a mechanism assembly disposed within the housing. The mechanism assembly includes a control circuit board, an input component, an output component, a reset component, and a tripping component coupled to the control circuit board. The RCD also includes a fuse assembly connected in series with the input component and includes a fuse and a fuse connecting piece. This disclosure improves the safety performance of the RCD by providing a fuse assembly, while also improving the internal structure and layout of the product. This optimizes product assembly, increases production efficiency, and reduces costs while ensuring product safety. Furthermore, the RCD of this disclosure has a simple structure and is easy to assemble, which facilitates automated production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to the field of leakage current protection devices, and more particularly to a leakage current protection device with a safety function and an automatic tripping function in the event of power failure. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional residual current devices (RCDs), such as RCD sockets or plugs, are typically complex in structure, difficult to assemble, and have high manual assembly costs. With the increasingly widespread application scenarios, the limitations of existing RCD principles and structures mean that the rational layout and allocation of various functional components and the effective implementation of performance often affect the overall appearance and size of the product. Furthermore, manufacturers and consumers expect further improvements in the safety and applicability of RCDs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this disclosure is to improve the existing leakage current protection device, propose a leakage current protection device that can further improve safety performance and automatically trip when power is cut off, and simplify product assembly and optimize product appearance and size by improving component structure.

[0004] Therefore, according to this disclosure, a leakage current protection device is provided, including a housing and a mechanism assembly disposed within the housing. The mechanism assembly includes a control circuit board, an input component and an output component coupled to the control circuit board, as well as a reset component and a tripping component. The leakage current protection device further includes a fuse component, which is connected in series with the input component and includes a fuse and a fuse connecting piece.

[0005] Based on the above-described technical concept, this disclosure may further include any one or more of the following alternative forms.

[0006] In some alternative forms, the input component includes a pair of input plates, which are respectively arranged on both sides of the housing and respectively connected to a corresponding insert and the control circuit board, wherein the insert is fixed to the housing as a whole.

[0007] In some alternative configurations, the input component further includes a grounding connection wire, one end of which is connected to a grounding plug and the other end of which is soldered to a grounding output terminal via a grounding solder hole on the control circuit board.

[0008] In some alternative configurations, the fuse clip is disposed between two fuse clips, the pair of input clips including a neutral input clip and a live input clip, and the inserts including a neutral insert and a live insert; wherein one end of the fuse connecting clip is connected to the live insert and the other end is connected to a fuse clip, and the live input clip is connected to the other fuse clip.

[0009] In some alternative forms, the output component includes a pair of resilient contact arms, each resilient contact arm having an electrodynamic contact, and the resilient contact arms and corresponding output terminals are respectively coupled to the control circuit board.

[0010] In some alternative configurations, the control circuit board is provided with electrostatic contacts to cooperate with the kinetic contacts.

[0011] In some alternative forms, the tripping assembly includes a tripping coil, a tripping core, and a tripping device. The resilient contact arm is adapted to slide into a sliding groove provided on the tripping device. The sliding end of the resilient contact arm is provided with a latch, which is adapted to engage with a positioning port in the sliding groove after the resilient contact arm slides into place.

[0012] In some alternative forms, the reset assembly includes a reset button protruding from the outside of the housing, a reset member connected to the reset button via a reset buckle, and a reset spring sleeved on the reset member; wherein the reset buckle has a locking claw to be fixed with a locking groove in the reset button, and the reset member has a hanging hole to be sleeved on a hanging arm provided on the reset buckle.

[0013] In some alternative forms, the reset element is adapted to pass through a slot provided on the trip unit and is provided with an inclined and bent reset hook, the reset hook having a U-shaped groove to engage with the trip core.

[0014] In some alternative forms, the end of the reset hook is provided with an arc-shaped bend, which cooperates with the reset ramp inside the housing to achieve the reset of the leakage protection device.

[0015] In some alternative forms, the leakage current protection device includes a test assembly, which includes a test button protruding from the housing, a test piece connected to the test button, and a test spring sleeved on the test piece. The test piece has a locking claw to be fixed with a locking groove in the test button, and the test piece also has a pair of elastic arms integral with the locking claw. The test assembly can switch between a conductive state (contacting the control circuit board) and a disconnected state (disconnected from the control circuit board) via the elastic arms.

[0016] In some alternative versions, the test button is provided with a limiting rib, which abuts against the control circuit board in the on state to limit excessive deformation of the elastic arm.

[0017] This disclosure improves the safety performance of leakage current protection devices by providing a safety component, while also improving the internal structure and layout of the product. This ensures product safety while optimizing assembly, increasing production efficiency, and reducing costs. Furthermore, the leakage current protection device of this disclosure has a simple structure and is easy to assemble, which facilitates automated production. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will be better understood through the following detailed description of alternative embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 This is an external schematic diagram of a leakage current protection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the leakage current protection device;

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the removal of the top cover from the leakage current protection device;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the base assembly of the leakage current protection device;

[0023] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Exploded view of the base assembly;

[0024] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the core assembly of the leakage current protection device;

[0025] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Exploded view of the central movement components;

[0026] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Exploded view of the tripping contact arm assembly;

[0027] Figure 9 for Figure 7 An exploded view of the reset assembly, with the reset spring removed;

[0028] Figure 10 for Figure 7 A breakdown diagram of the test components;

[0029] Figure 11 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the residual current device (RCD) in the tripped state;

[0030] Figure 12 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the leakage current protection device in the reset button pressed state;

[0031] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the leakage current protection device in the reset state. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The implementation and use of the embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of particular ways of implementing and using this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The descriptions of the structural positions of various components, such as up, down, top, bottom, etc., are not absolute but relative. These directional descriptions are appropriate when the various components are arranged as shown in the figures, but they change accordingly when the positions of the various components in the figures change.

[0033] In this document, the terms "coupled" and "connected" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; "coupled" can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this document according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] In this document, a plug is used as an example of a residual current device (RCD). It should be understood that any other RCD that may be applicable to the present invention, such as a socket, is not excluded.

[0035] Combination Figures 1 to 3 This illustration shows a leakage current protection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The leakage current protection device includes a housing, a mechanism assembly disposed within the housing, and a wire clip 5 connected to the housing and extending outside the housing for connecting a power cord. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing includes an upper cover 1 and a bottom cover, the bottom cover being configured to include a first bottom cover or base 2 and a detachably connected second bottom cover or rear cover 3, wherein the rear cover 3 is arranged corresponding to the tail end of the mechanism assembly for wiring, such that the tail end can be... Figure 3 The power cord is connected while the residual current device (RCD) is in its assembled state, as shown. This allows the top and bottom covers of the RCD to be easily assembled and connected, and transported and stored separately from the power cord, contributing to a reduction in product size and cost. When the power cord needs to be connected, it can be easily and quickly connected to the mechanism assembly by removing the rear cover. Accordingly, the top cover 1 and the rear cover 3 are respectively provided with an upper wire clip slot 104 and a lower wire clip slot 301 corresponding to the wire clip 5.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanism assembly includes a control circuit board 9, and input and output components coupled to the control circuit board 9. It also includes at least a reset component and a tripping component to achieve electrical connection and power-off between the input and output terminals. In some embodiments, the leakage current protection device further includes a testing component and / or a status display mechanism. Accordingly, the upper cover 1 is provided with a reset button guide hole 101, a test button guide hole 102 for the reset button and test button to protrude respectively, and an observation hole 103 for the status display mechanism.

[0037] Combination Figure 5 As shown, the input component includes a pair of input plates, namely a live wire input plate 201 and a neutral wire input plate 202. These input plates are respectively arranged on both sides of the housing and connected to corresponding plugs and the control circuit board. The plugs include a live wire plug 207 and a neutral wire plug 208. The head end of each plug extends out of the base 2 of the housing for insertion into the corresponding socket hole to draw power, and the tail end is provided with a riveting post for riveting the corresponding connecting plate. The input component also includes a grounding connection wire 205. One end of the grounding connection wire 205 is connected to the riveting post of the grounding plug 209, and the other end is fixed in the positioning slot on the base 2 and passes through the grounding soldering hole 907 on the control circuit board 9. Figure 2 The live wire connector 207, neutral wire connector 208, and grounding connector 209 are soldered to the grounding output terminal 210, thus forming the connection of the entire grounding circuit. Advantageously, the live wire connector 207, neutral wire connector 208, and grounding connector 209 are directly fixed to the base 2 during injection molding. Figure 4 As can be seen, the live wire input piece 201 and the neutral wire input piece 202 are located on both sides of the base 2. This arrangement is beneficial for wiring on the control circuit board of the mechanism assembly.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the leakage current protection device further includes a fuse assembly, which is connected in series with the input assembly and includes a fuse and a fuse connecting piece. Figure 5 As shown, fuse 213 is clamped between two fuse clips 206. One end of fuse connecting piece 203 is connected to the live wire insert 207, and the other end is connected to one fuse clip 206 via a solid rivet 204. The live wire input piece 201 is also connected to the other fuse clip 206 via a solid rivet 204. In this way, the fuse assembly serves as the connection and overload protection for the live wire input circuit, further improving the safety performance of the leakage current protection device. Furthermore, the base including the input assembly and the fuse assembly can be assembled together to form a base assembly, such as... Figure 4 shown.

[0039] Figure 6 and Figure 7The mechanism assembly is shown, wherein the output assembly includes a pair of resilient contact arms, namely a live wire moving contact arm 20 and a neutral wire moving contact arm 21. Each resilient contact arm is provided with a moving contact, and the resilient contact arm is coupled to the corresponding output terminal to the control circuit board. See details. Figure 5 and Figure 7 The base 2 has a neutral wire output terminal 211 and a live wire output terminal 212 at corresponding locations, which are respectively soldered to the neutral wire output soldering hole 908 and the live wire output soldering hole 909 on the control circuit board 9. According to this disclosure, the control circuit board 9 is equipped with an electrostatic contact, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the live wire electrostatic contact 905 and the neutral wire electrostatic contact 906 are respectively soldered to the live wire contact soldering hole 903 and the neutral wire contact soldering hole 904 on the control circuit board 9, and are connected to the live wire moving contact 2001 and the neutral wire moving contact 2101 on the live wire moving contact arm 20 and the neutral wire moving contact arm 21. Figure 8 Corresponding to.

[0040] The tripping assembly includes a tripping coil 18, a tripping core 19, and a trip unit 22. According to this disclosure, the resilient contact arm is adapted to slide into a sliding groove provided on the trip unit 22. Figure 8 As shown, the sliding ends of the live wire moving contact arm 20 and the neutral wire moving contact arm 21 are respectively provided with latches 2002 and 2102. When the live wire moving contact arm 20 and the neutral wire moving contact arm 21 slide into place, the latches 2002 and 2102 are adapted to engage with the positioning port 2202 in the corresponding sliding groove 2201, thereby limiting the elastic contact arm on the trip unit 22 and forming a trip contact arm assembly.

[0041] The reset assembly includes a reset button 7 protruding from the housing, a reset member 12 connected to the reset button 7 via a reset latch 11, and a reset spring 13 sleeved on the reset member 12. In some embodiments, the reset member 12 may be configured as a sheet as shown in the figure. See details. Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the reset buckle 11 is provided with a locking claw 1102 to be fixed with a locking groove (not shown) in the reset button 7. A pair of spaced-apart locking claws are shown in the figure. The reset member 12 is provided with a hanging hole 1202 to be fitted onto the hanging arm 1101 provided on the reset buckle 11 and can move freely.

[0042] According to this disclosure, the reset member 12 is adapted to pass through the slot 2203 provided on the trip unit 22. Figure 8 It is provided with an inclined and bent reset hook 1203, which has a U-shaped groove 1201 to cooperate with the tripping core 19. Advantageously, the end of the reset hook 1203 has an arc-shaped bend 1204, which can cooperate with the reset slope 214 inside the housing. Figure 4This is done in conjunction with other methods to reset the leakage current protection device, which will be described in detail below.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the leakage current protection device further includes a testing component. (In conjunction with...) Figure 10 As shown, the test assembly includes a test button 8 protruding from the outer surface of the housing, a test piece 14 connected to the test button 8, and a test spring 15 sleeved on the test piece 14. The test piece 14 is provided with engaging claws 1401 to be fixed with engaging grooves (not shown) inside the test button 8; a pair of spaced-apart engaging claws are shown exemplarily in the figure. The test piece 14 is also provided with a pair of elastic arms 1402 integral with the engaging claws 1401. Advantageously, the pair of elastic arms 1402 are in an outwardly expanding V-shape, and the test assembly can be switched between a conductive state in contact with the control circuit board and a disconnected state from the control circuit board via the elastic arms.

[0044] Advantageously, the test button 8 is provided with a limiting rib 801. When the test button 8 is pressed, the elastic arm 1402 on the test piece contacts the solder joint on the control circuit board to achieve conductivity. When the test button is pressed further down in the conductive state, the limiting rib 801 can abut against the control circuit board to limit the test button from moving further down, thereby preventing excessive deformation of the elastic arm and reducing its lifespan.

[0045] Back Figure 7 The mechanism assembly also includes a magnetic ring assembly 16, a coil support 17, and an inner cover 6. The inner cover 6 is positioned between the reset assembly and the test assembly and the control circuit board 9 to support the reset assembly and the test assembly, and also provides waterproofing. The inner cover 6 has through-holes for the reset assembly and the test assembly to pass through, specifically a reset guide hole 601 for the reset button and a test guide hole 602 for the test button. As described above, in an embodiment with a status indication mechanism, a light guide cap 603 may be provided on the inner cover 6. For example, an indicator of a light guide post can display the product's operating status through the light guide cap 603 and the observation hole 103 on the upper cover 1.

[0046] During assembly, firstly, one end of the tripping core 19 is inserted into the inner hole of the tripping coil 18 and then fitted into the coil bracket 17 to form a whole. It is then snapped into the corresponding positioning hole on the control circuit board 9 and secured using a hook. Next, the tripping contact arm assembly, including the trip unit 22 and the elastic contact arm, is inserted into the coil bracket 17 and secured. The end of the elastic contact arm connected to the control circuit board is soldered to one end 1601 and 1602 of the conductive connecting piece in the magnetic ring assembly 16. The other ends 1603 and 1604 of the conductive connecting piece in the magnetic ring assembly 16 are soldered to the neutral wire output terminal 211 and the live wire output terminal 212 on the base 2, thus completing the connection between the input and output terminals. Next, install the reset button 7 of the reset assembly and the test button 8 of the test assembly into the inner cover 6, and insert the U-shaped slot 1201 of the reset hook 1203 through the reset hole 910 on the control circuit board into the head slot 1901 of the tripping iron core 19. Finally, fix the inner cover 6 to the control circuit board, for example, using the hook, to complete the assembly of the entire movement assembly. Figure 6 shown.

[0047] Back to Figure 2 After assembling the mechanism components, align the live wire input soldering hole 901, neutral wire input soldering hole 902, and ground wire soldering hole 907 on the control circuit board 9 with the live wire input piece 201, neutral wire input piece 202, and ground connection wire 205 on the base 2, and solder them. Then, the waterproof cap assembly 4 can be installed. The waterproof cap assembly 4 is a single component and is shaped to fit the reset button 7 and test button 8. In some embodiments, the waterproof cap assembly 4 may also have a through hole 403 adapted to the light guide cap 603. Afterward, the mechanism assembly is secured by the coil fixing hook 1701 on the coil bracket 17. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The top cover 1 is installed into the base 2, and the top cover 1 and the base 2 are fixed together using mounting screws 10 and 25, thus completing the product's factory assembly state. In some embodiments, a waterproof ring 26 may also be provided between the base 2 and the top cover 1. When the user needs to use the product, the power cord can be inserted into the wire hole of the wire clip 5 and then inserted into the wire clip position of the leakage protection device to connect the power cord. After the power cord is connected, the wire clamping block 23 and the wire clamping screw 24 are installed. Finally, the back cover 3 and the mounting screw 10 for fixing the back cover are installed, completing the assembly of the entire product and making it ready for normal use.

[0048] As can be seen from the above description, the leakage protection device disclosed herein has a reasonable and optimized design of the structure and layout of internal components. By forming, for example, a base assembly, a trip contact arm assembly and a corresponding mechanism assembly, it simplifies assembly and improves production efficiency.

[0049] The following combination Figures 11 to 13 Briefly describe the usage process of a residual current device (RCD).

[0050] Figure 11 A schematic diagram is shown when the leakage current protection device is in the tripped state. After the power is turned on, the control circuit board 9 is energized, and the trip coil 18 is energized. Since the trip core 19 is exposed outside the trip coil 18 at this time, the magnetic field generated by the trip coil 18 is insufficient to make the trip core 19 move towards the inside of the trip coil 18.

[0051] like Figure 12 As shown, when the reset button 7 is pressed, the reset component 12 will also move downwards accordingly. The end of the reset hook 1203 will contact the reset ramp 214 on the lower base 2 (the arc-shaped bend 1201 of the head of the reset hook 1203 is more conducive to the reset hook sliding downwards on the ramp). Under the action of the ramp, the reset hook 1203 will move to the left as shown in the figure. Since the U-shaped slot 1201 of the reset hook 1203 is engaged in the head slot 1901 of the tripping iron core 19, the tripping iron core 19 will also be driven to move to the left. After moving a certain distance, the magnetic field strength of the tripping iron core 19 increases, and the magnetic field strength is sufficient to attract the tripping iron core 19 to continue moving to the left until the tail end of the tripping iron core 19 is attracted and held by the inner side 1801 of the leftmost end of the magnetic guide frame. At this time, since the reset hook 1203 is pulled to the left and held in place by the tripping core 19, when the hand is released, the reset button 7 moves upward under the force of the reset spring 13. At the same time, since the reset hook 1203 is below the latch 2203 of the trip unit 22, the reset hook 1203 will hook the trip unit 22, thereby driving the two elastic contact arms on it to move upward together, and making the moving contacts on the live wire moving contact arm 20 and the neutral wire moving contact arm 21 contact the electrostatic contacts on the control circuit board 9, thereby realizing the power connection. Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the residual current device in the reset state is shown.

[0052] When leakage occurs at the load end, the components on the control circuit board 9 send a signal to de-energize the trip coil 18. The attraction of the trip coil to the trip core disappears. Since the reset hook 1203 is tilted and bent relative to the reset member 12 to form an inclined surface, if the trip core 19 does not hold the U-shaped slot 1201 of the reset hook, it will slide out of the slot 2203 on the trip unit 22 under the action of the reset spring 13, thereby achieving tripping. The moving contacts on the live wire moving contact arm 20 and the neutral wire moving contact arm 21 are disconnected from the electrostatic contacts on the control circuit board 9, thereby achieving power disconnection.

[0053] It should be understood here that the embodiments shown in the figures only illustrate the optional shapes, sizes and arrangements of the various optional components of the leakage current protection device according to the present disclosure; however, they are merely illustrative and not limiting. Other shapes, sizes and arrangements may be adopted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0054] The technical content and features of this disclosure have been disclosed above. However, it is understood that those skilled in the art can make various changes and improvements to the above-disclosed concept under the inventive concept of this disclosure, but all such changes and improvements fall within the protection scope of this disclosure. The description of the above embodiments is illustrative rather than restrictive, and the protection scope of this disclosure is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A leakage current protection device, comprising a housing and a mechanism assembly disposed within the housing, characterized in that, The mechanism assembly includes a control circuit board, an input component, an output component, a reset component, and a tripping component coupled to the control circuit board. The input component includes a pair of input plates, each arranged on one side of the housing and connected to a corresponding insert and the control circuit board. The pair of input plates includes a neutral input plate and a live input plate. The inserts include a neutral insert and a live insert. The leakage protection device further includes a fuse assembly connected in series with the input component and includes a fuse and a fuse connecting piece. The fuse is clamped between two fuse clips. One end of the fuse connecting piece is connected to the live insert, and the other end is connected to one fuse clip. The live input plate is connected to the other fuse clip.

2. The leakage current protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insert is fixed to the housing as a whole.

3. The leakage current protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The input component also includes a grounding connection wire, one end of which is connected to a grounding plug, and the other end is soldered to the grounding output terminal via a grounding soldering hole on the control circuit board.

4. The leakage current protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output component includes a pair of elastic contact arms, each elastic contact arm having an electric contact, and the elastic contact arms and their corresponding output terminals are respectively coupled to the control circuit board.

5. The leakage current protection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control circuit board is equipped with electrostatic contacts to cooperate with the dynamic contacts.

6. The leakage current protection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The tripping assembly includes a tripping coil, a tripping core, and a tripping device. The elastic contact arm is adapted to slide into a sliding groove provided on the tripping device. The sliding end of the elastic contact arm is provided with a latch. After the elastic contact arm slides into place, the latch is adapted to engage with the positioning port in the sliding groove.

7. The leakage current protection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The reset assembly includes a reset button protruding from the outside of the housing, a reset member connected to the reset button via a reset buckle, and a reset spring sleeved on the reset member; wherein the reset buckle is provided with a locking claw to be fixed with a locking groove in the reset button, and the reset member is provided with a hanging hole to be sleeved on a hanging arm provided on the reset buckle.

8. The leakage current protection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The reset component is adapted to pass through the slot provided on the trip unit and is provided with an inclined and bent reset hook, the reset hook being provided with a U-shaped groove to cooperate with the trip core.

9. The leakage current protection device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The end of the reset hook is provided with an arc-shaped bend, which cooperates with the reset inclined surface inside the housing to realize the reset of the leakage protection device.

10. The leakage current protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The leakage current protection device includes a testing component, which includes a test button protruding from the outside of the housing, a test piece connected to the test button, and a test spring sleeved on the test piece. The test piece has a locking claw to be fixed with a locking groove in the test button, and the test piece also has a pair of elastic arms integral with the locking claw. The testing component can switch between a conductive state in contact with the control circuit board and a disconnected state from the control circuit board through the elastic arms.

11. The leakage current protection device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The test button is equipped with a limiting rib. In the conductive state, the limiting rib abuts against the control circuit board to limit excessive deformation of the elastic arm.

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