Hole cover module for circuit breaker

Abstract

An aperture shield module for a circuit breaker includes an aperture shield body configured to abut against a switching face of the circuit breaker. The one or more attachments of the aperture shield body are configured to engage with one or more attachment points of the circuit breaker. The aperture shield body may add functionality to the circuit breaker, such as a USB connection, a Bluetooth connection, or a Wi-Fi connection. The color of the hole cover main body can be the same as or different from the color of the circuit breaker shell. It may also be contemplated that the aperture shield body may include a socket for a physical lock for locking a switch of the circuit breaker.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to circuit protection, and more specifically, to circuit breakers such as those used in residential applications for protecting circuits from ground faults, overcurrent conditions, and the like. Background Technology

[0002] Circuit protection, such as that used to protect circuits in residential applications, is typically provided by a set of circuit breakers connected between the main bus and various circuits within the residence. If a ground fault or other overcurrent condition occurs in a circuit, the circuit breaker trips, disconnecting the faulty circuit from the bus to prevent damage. In residential environments, these circuit breakers may be referred to as miniature circuit breakers (MCBs), in contrast to the circuit breakers used in more industrial environments.

[0003] Traditional technologies are considered to have fulfilled their intended purposes. However, there has been a persistent need for improved systems and methods for enhancing the functionality of circuit breakers such as MCBs. This disclosure provides a solution to this need. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An escutcheon module for a circuit breaker includes an escutcheon body configured to abut against the switching face of the circuit breaker. One or more attachments of the escutcheon body are configured to engage with one or more attachment points of the circuit breaker.

[0005] The enclosure body may include a gap region configured to allow the circuit breaker's switch to be accessible and operational when the enclosure body is engaged with the circuit breaker. The enclosure body may include a test or reset button configured to mechanically connect to the circuit breaker's test or reset mechanism. A printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) may be assembled onto the enclosure body. The PCBA may include an electrical interface configured to connect to circuitry of the circuit breaker when the enclosure body is engaged with the circuit breaker. The PCBA may include circuitry configured to connect to an external device to interact with the circuit breaker when the enclosure body is engaged with the circuit breaker. The PCBA may include an input / output interface configured to connect to an external device via at least one of USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi connectivity.

[0006] The enclosure body may include a display configured to connect to the circuit breaker's circuit to display information about the circuit breaker when the enclosure module is engaged with it. The display may include a touchscreen for user interaction with the circuit breaker. The enclosure body may include at least one socket for a physical lock positioned to lock the circuit breaker's switch. The enclosure body is dimensioned and configured to engage a miniature circuit breaker (MCB).

[0007] A circuit breaker system includes a circuit breaker housing. A mechanical switch is operatively connected to an overcurrent disconnect mechanism configured to disconnect a circuit that has experienced a voltage state. A housing connector is located on the outer surface of the circuit breaker housing and includes attachment points configured to engage interchangeable housing modules.

[0008] The via module described above can be engaged with a via connector. The color of the via module may differ from the color of the circuit breaker housing. The via module may include a via body configured to abut against the switch face of the circuit breaker, wherein attachments of the via body engage with attachment points on the circuit breaker housing. The via body may include a gap region configured to allow access to and operation of the circuit breaker switch when the via body is engaged with the circuit breaker housing. The via body may include a test or reset button configured to mechanically interlock with a test or reset mechanism of a mechanical switch. It is also conceivable that the via body may include a service LED.

[0009] A printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) can be mounted within a circuit breaker housing. The PCBA may include electrical interfaces for circuit components operatively connected to a housing module. The PCBA may include circuitry configured to connect external devices to interact with the circuit breaker. The PCBA may include input / output interfaces configured to connect to external devices via at least one of USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi connectivity.

[0010] The enclosure body may include a display configured to connect to circuitry of the circuit breaker to display information about the circuit breaker when the enclosure module is engaged with it. The display may include a touchscreen for user interaction with the circuit breaker. The enclosure body may include at least one socket for a physical lock positioned to lock a mechanical switch. The circuit breaker may be a miniature circuit breaker (MCB). The circuit breaker may be configured for at least one of single-phase, single-pole (1P), single-phase double-pole (2P), single-phase three-pole (3P), ground fault (GF), arc fault (AF), and / or combined ground fault and arc fault (DF) operation.

[0011] These and other features of the systems and methods disclosed herein will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To enable those skilled in the art to readily understand how to manufacture and use the apparatus and methods disclosed herein without excessive experimentation, preferred embodiments thereof will now be described in detail with reference to certain accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0013] Figure 1This is a schematic partial cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a circuit breaker system constructed according to the present disclosure, showing a circuit breaker without a housing module.

[0014] Figure 2 Is with Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a casing module used in conjunction with a circuit breaker;

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and 2 A schematic perspective view of the system, showing the orifice module coupled to the circuit breaker;

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a part of the system, showing a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA);

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of a part of the system, showing a PCBA pre-installed into a housing module rather than a circuit breaker;

[0018] Figures 6 to 8 yes Figure 1 A schematic front view of the system, showing the cover modules for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB connectivity;

[0019] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A schematic front view of the system, showing a perforated module with a digital display;

[0020] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the system, showing a hole cover module with a lock socket;

[0021] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A schematic perspective view of the system, showing a lock engaged to lock the switch; and

[0022] Figures 12 to 16 yes Figure 1 The schematic front perspective view of the system shows different potential circuit breaker configurations. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote similar structural features or aspects of the subject matter disclosed. Partial views of embodiments of the systems according to this disclosure are provided for purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation. Figure 1 As shown in the figures, and generally indicated by reference numeral 100. Other embodiments of the system according to this disclosure, or aspects thereof, are shown in... Figures 2 to 16Provided as described herein. The systems and methods described herein can be used to enhance the functionality and customization of circuit breakers, such as miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) for residential use.

[0024] Circuit breaker system 100 includes circuit breaker 102, which includes circuit breaker housing 104. Mechanical switch 106 is operatively connected to overcurrent disconnect mechanism 108, configured to disconnect circuit 110 after experiencing voltage conditions, ground faults, arcing faults, etc. Circuit 110 connects bus connector 112 to wire connector 114 of circuit breaker 102 via disconnect mechanism 108 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (Marked in the middle). A housing connector is included on the outward switching surface 116 of the circuit breaker housing 104, which includes attachment points 118 configured to engage interchangeable housing modules 120, such as... Figure 2-3 As shown.

[0025] Now for reference Figure 2 The orifice module 120 includes an orifice body 122 configured to abut against the switching surface 116 of the circuit breaker 102 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (As shown) Placement. One or more accessories 124 of the vent body 122 are... Figure 1 One or more attachment points 118 of the circuit breaker housing 104 of the circuit breaker 102 are engaged to form Figure 3 Assembly system 100. The orifice body 122 includes an optional gap region 126 configured to allow access to and operation of the switch 106 of the circuit breaker 102 when the orifice body 122 is engaged with the circuit breaker housing 104 of the circuit breaker 102. In configurations where a gap for the switch 106 is not required, the gap region 122 is not necessary. The orifice body 122 includes a test or reset button 128 configured, for example, via a connector 130 of the mechanical switch 106 of the circuit breaker 102 (in... Figure 1 The orifice cover module 120 (marked in the center) mechanically interfaces with the test or reset mechanism. The orifice cover module 120 may have a different color than the circuit breaker housing 104, and multiple orifice cover modules 120 in a single circuit breaker panel may have different colors from each other, serving as a visual coding or organizational tool for the end user. It is also conceivable that the orifice cover body may include a service LED 129, which can be used as an indicator of advanced functions of the circuit breaker 102; for example, when the user presses the test or reset button 128, the service LED 129 may flash different patterns, where each pattern signifies something different, as described in the instruction manual.

[0026] Now for reference Figure 3 The cover module 120 is engaged with one or more attachment points 118 of the cover connector. Figure 4 A printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 132 is shown, which can be assembled in, for example... Figure 1 In the circuit breaker housing 104 shown, PCBA132 includes an electrical interface, which, for example, is via Figure 1 The connector 130 of the test or reset mechanism, marked in the middle, is operatively connected to the circuit components of the aperture module 120. It is also conceivable that the PCBA 133 can be manufactured to be assembled into the aperture body 122, for example, in… Figure 5 Below the test or reset button 128, a perforation cover body 122 is attached to the circuit breaker housing 104, connecting PCBA 133 to PCBA 132 inside the circuit breaker housing 104, for example, PCBA 133 is physically parallel to PCBA 132. PCBA 132 and / or 133 may include an electrical interface 134 configured for connection to circuit components of the circuit breaker 102, and a perforation cover module 120 connected to circuit components of PCBA 132 when the perforation cover body 122 is engaged with the circuit breaker 102. PCBA 132 and / or 133 may include circuitry configured to connect external devices to interact with the circuit breaker. More specifically, PCBA 132 and / or 133 may include an input / output interface 136 configured to connect to external devices via at least one of USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi connectivity. (See details below.) Figure 6 , 7 As shown in Figure 8, the input / output interface can be used for Wi-Fi connectivity, including secure Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity for enhanced security, or USB connectivity for enhanced security. Input / output interface 136 can be connected to an external device to output the tripped state of circuit breaker 102 and can receive input from external devices, such as contactors for controlling opening, closing, fault clearing, and testing of circuit breaker 102.

[0027] Now for reference Figure 9 It can be imagined that, in addition to or in place of the above references, Figure 6-8 The aforementioned connection to external devices, the aperture cover body 122 may include a display 138 configured to connect to the circuit breaker 102 to display information about the circuit breaker 102 when the aperture cover module is engaged 120 to the circuit breaker. The displayed information may include the name of the circuit protected by the circuit breaker 102, the connection status of the external device (such as...) Figure 9 The display 138 may include a touchscreen for user interaction with the circuit breaker 102 (as shown in the Wi-Fi connection status), and / or the tripping status of the circuit breaker 102. This allows the user to control the circuit breaker 102 as shown in the reference diagram. Figure 6-8 It describes the functionality, but does not require external devices.

[0028] Now for reference Figure 10 and 11The cover body 122 may include at least one socket 140 for receiving a physical lock 142, for example... Figure 11 The padlock shown is positioned to lock the mechanical switch 106, such as locking switch 106ON, locking switch 106OFF, or a locking switch, such that regardless of whether the switch is in the ON or OFF position, it cannot be moved to the other of the ON or OFF positions without removing the lock 142.

[0029] Circuit breaker 102 can be a miniature circuit breaker (MCB), for example, for residential circuit protection. (Examples are provided.) Figures 12 to 16 As shown, circuit breaker 102 may be configured for at least one of single-phase, single-pole (1P), single-phase double-pole (2P), single-phase triple-pole (3P), ground fault (GF), arc fault (AF), and / or combination of ground fault and arc fault (DF) operation.

[0030] This disclosure provides modular housings for improving the functionality of miniature circuit breakers. Housing modules may include displays, touchscreens, embedded locking fittings, PCBA connections for different types of smart connections, or any combination of these features. It is also conceivable that various housing modules may be included as a kit or set, wherein different housing modules have different combinations of the aforementioned features, including one or more housing modules that are simply covers for the circuit breaker without any additional functionality. Furthermore, the housing modules in such kits or sets may be available in various colors for visual organization of residential circuit breaker boxes. It is also envisioned that the housing modules disclosed herein may be manufactured as part of a corresponding circuit breaker, or that the circuit breaker and housing modules may be manufactured separately so that the end user can customize the assembly of the housing modules and the circuit breaker to produce the given features required for a given application.

[0031] Connecting external devices allows users to view tripping history, monitor circuit breaker handle position, monitor power, remotely trip the circuit breaker, and check its health status. If manufactured separately, the cost of manufacturing the circuit breaker remains constant, and the final price of the combined circuit breaker and enclosure module can vary depending on customization. The enclosure module disclosed herein facilitates continuous engineering design, simplifying the main circuit breaker body to a single structure.

[0032] As described above and in the accompanying drawings, the methods and systems of this disclosure provide enhanced functionality and customizability for circuit breakers, such as miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) for residential use. While the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein have been shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily understand that changes and / or modifications can be made thereto without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A cover module for a circuit breaker, comprising: A housing body configured to abut against the switching face of a circuit breaker, wherein one or more attachments of the housing body are configured to engage with one or more attachment points of the circuit breaker.

2. The module according to claim 1, wherein, The orifice body includes a gap region configured to allow the circuit breaker to be accessible and operational when the orifice body is engaged with the circuit breaker. And / or wherein the cover body includes a test or reset button configured to mechanically engage with the test or reset mechanism of the circuit breaker.

3. The module of claim 1 further includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) mounted to the aperture cover body, wherein the PCBA includes an electrical interface configured to connect to circuit components of the circuit breaker when the aperture cover body is engaged with the circuit breaker.

4. The module according to claim 3, wherein, The PCBA includes circuitry configured to connect to an external device to interact with the circuit breaker when the housing body is engaged with the circuit breaker, wherein the PCBA includes an input / output interface configured to connect to the external device in at least one of the following ways: USB connection; Bluetooth connection; or Wireless network connection.

5. The module according to claim 1, wherein, The orifice body includes a display configured to connect to the circuit breaker to display information about the circuit breaker when the orifice module is engaged with the circuit breaker.

6. The module according to claim 5, wherein, The display includes a touchscreen for users to interact with the circuit breaker.

7. The module according to claim 1, wherein, The cover body includes at least one socket for a physical lock, which is positioned to lock the switch of the circuit breaker.

8. The module according to claim 1, wherein, The dimensions of the enclosure body are designed and constructed to engage a circuit breaker, which is a miniature circuit breaker (MCB).

9. A circuit breaker system, comprising: Circuit breakers, including: Circuit breaker housing; A mechanical switch operably connected to an overcurrent disconnect mechanism configured to disconnect a circuit that has experienced a voltage state; and The orifice connector on the outward switching surface of the circuit breaker housing includes attachment points configured to engage interchangeable orifice modules.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising the aperture module engaging with the aperture connector.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The perforated module is a different color from the circuit breaker housing.

12. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The orifice module includes an orifice body configured to be positioned against an outwardly facing switch of a circuit breaker, wherein an attachment of the orifice body engages with an attachment point of the circuit breaker housing, and wherein the orifice body includes a gap region configured to allow the circuit breaker switch to be accessible and operational when the orifice body is engaged with the circuit breaker housing.

13. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The aperture cover body includes a test or reset button configured to mechanically engage with the test or reset mechanism of the mechanical switch; and / or the aperture cover body includes a service LED.

14. The system of claim 10 further includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) mounted in the circuit breaker housing, wherein the PCBA includes an electrical interface operatively connected to circuit components of the housing module.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the PCBA includes circuitry configured to connect to an external device for interaction with the circuit breaker, wherein the PCBA includes an input / output interface configured to connect to the external device in at least one of the following ways: USB connection; Bluetooth connection; or Wireless network connection.

16. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The orifice body includes a display configured to connect to the circuit breaker to display information about the circuit breaker when the orifice module is engaged with the circuit breaker.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein, The display includes a touchscreen for users to interact with the circuit breaker.

18. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The cover body includes at least one socket for a physical lock, which is positioned to lock the mechanical switch.

19. The system of claim 10, wherein the circuit breaker is a miniature circuit breaker (MCB).

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein, The circuit breaker is configured to operate for at least one of the following: single-phase, single-pole (1P), single-phase double-pole (2P), single-phase triple-pole (3P), ground fault (GF), arc fault (AF), and / or combination of ground fault and arc fault (DF).

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