Leakage protection device, bridge moving contact and movement assembly

Abstract

Provided is an electric leakage protection device, comprising at least a housing and a core assembly. The core assembly comprises an input end provided with at least one input contact; an output end provided with at least one output contact; and at least one bridge movable contact provided with contacts at both ends. The bridge movable contact is attached to a tripping device, which is coupled to a relay coil assembly via a tripping core. In a first state in which the input end is connected to a normal working power supply, the tripping core is automatically in a first position and drives the bridge movable contact to move so that the contacts are in contact with the input contact and the output contact; in a second state in which the input end power supply fails or leakage occurs at the output end, the tripping core is in a second position and drives the bridge movable contact to move so that the contacts are separated from the input contact and the output contact. The input end of the electric leakage protection device is connected to a power supply, which can automatically reset the power supply and solve the hidden danger that the input end and the output end cannot be effectively disconnected from the power supply when the input end and / or the output end fail.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 202610620898.5, filed on May 8, 2026, entitled "Leakage Protection Device". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to the field of leakage current protection devices, and more particularly to a leakage current protection device that can meet various leakage current protection requirements. Background Technology

[0003] With societal development, various household appliances have become widely used, making electrical safety paramount. An increasing number of household appliances are equipped with residual current devices (RCDs). However, traditional RCDs currently on the market still have many shortcomings and low safety. For example, most traditional RCDs require manual operation to reconnect the power during reset, making them extremely inconvenient and unusable on certain products. Some RCDs leave the input and output terminals energized even when the neutral wire is disconnected; if a leakage occurs on the live wire, the device will not function and will not disconnect the power, posing a risk of electric shock. Furthermore, most traditional RCDs have poor breaking capacity; when a large fault current occurs in the load, the contacts are prone to sticking together, preventing the power connection from being disconnected and again posing a risk of electric shock. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on the above requirements, this disclosure proposes an improved leakage current protection device to meet different leakage current protection needs in a cost-effective and reliable manner, thereby improving safety in use.

[0005] Therefore, according to this disclosure, a leakage current protection device is provided, comprising at least a housing and a core assembly disposed within the housing. The core assembly includes: an input terminal having at least one input contact; an output terminal having at least one output contact; at least one bridge-type moving contact configured to have contacts at both ends for respectively contacting the input contact and the output contact; a trip unit, the bridge-type moving contact being attached to the trip unit; and a relay coil assembly, the trip unit being coupled to the relay coil assembly via a tripping core. The leakage current protection device is equipped with... The tripping mechanism is configured as follows: In the first state, the tripping core automatically moves to the first position and moves the bridge-type moving contact to make the contact point contact the input contact and the output contact, and the power is connected between the input terminal and the output terminal. The first state is when the input terminal is connected to the normal operating power supply. In the second state, the tripping core moves to the second position and moves the bridge-type moving contact to make the contact point separate from the input contact and the output contact, and the power is disconnected between the input terminal and the output terminal. The second state is when the power supply at the input terminal fails or the output terminal experiences a leakage fault.

[0006] Based on the above-described technical concept, this disclosure may further include any one or more of the following alternative forms.

[0007] In some alternative forms, the relay coil assembly includes at least a coil and a yoke, the coil having a coil hole for receiving the tripping core, the tripping core passing through a hole in the trip unit and attached to the trip unit, or the tripping core and the trip unit being integrally injection molded together, so that movement of the tripping core along the coil hole causes movement of the trip unit.

[0008] In some alternative forms, a trip spring is provided between the trip unit and the relay coil assembly, the trip spring being sleeved on the trip core. In the first state, the trip core is in a first position to compress the trip spring, and in the second state, the trip spring is in an extended state to drive the trip core to a second position.

[0009] In some alternative forms, the bridge-type moving contact is attached to the trip unit in a manner that allows for relative movement via at least one connecting device.

[0010] In some alternative embodiments, a return spring is provided between the bridge-type moving contact and the trip unit, so that a flexible connection capable of relative movement is formed between the bridge-type moving contact and the trip unit.

[0011] In some alternative configurations, when the tripping core is in the first position, the return spring is at a first length, and when the tripping core is in the second position, the return spring is at a second length, the second length being greater than the first length.

[0012] In some alternative forms, the connecting device includes a snap-fit ​​leg extending from the trip unit and a snap-fit ​​interface on the bridge-type moving contact plate that mates with the snap-fit ​​leg, wherein the bridge-type moving contact plate and the trip unit are respectively provided with a structure for limiting the return spring.

[0013] In some alternative forms, the connecting device includes a rivet, a corresponding through hole on the bridge-type moving contact piece, and a rivet hole on the trip unit that mates with the rivet, the rivet passing through the return spring.

[0014] In some alternative forms, the mechanism assembly includes a control circuit board, the input terminal, the output terminal, and the relay coil assembly being coupled to the control circuit board, and the mechanism assembly further includes a magnetic ring module for detecting the state of the output terminal.

[0015] In some alternative forms, the moving direction of the bridge-type moving contact is parallel to the moving direction of the tripping core, and / or the direction in which the tripping core moves between the first position and the second position is parallel to the control circuit board.

[0016] In some alternative forms, the trip unit includes an indication structure to indicate whether there is a power connection or a power disconnect between the input and the output.

[0017] In some alternative forms, the housing includes a top cover and a base attached to each other, the top cover having an indicator window corresponding to the position of the indicator structure.

[0018] In some alternative forms, the leakage current protection device further includes an input plug and an output power line, the input plug being electrically coupled to the input terminal to connect to a power source, and the output power line being electrically coupled to the output terminal to transfer current to a load; or the leakage current protection device further includes an input terminal assembly and an output terminal assembly, the input terminal assembly being electrically coupled to the input terminal, and the output terminal assembly being electrically coupled to the output terminal.

[0019] In some alternative configurations, the leakage protection device is further configured such that, in a third state, the bridge-type moving contact moves such that the contact is separated from at least the input contact or the output contact, and power is disconnected between the input terminal and the output terminal.

[0020] In some alternative forms, the third state includes thermal adhesion between the contact of the bridge-type moving contact and the input contact or the output contact.

[0021] In some alternative forms, the leakage current protection device further includes a bracket, in which the relay coil assembly is arranged, and the trip unit is received in a guide groove within the bracket and is movable along the guide groove.

[0022] In some alternative configurations, the output terminal is positioned above the bracket, the input terminal is positioned below the bracket, and the input and output contacts are configured to face the bridge-type moving contact.

[0023] The leakage current protection device disclosed herein provides a movable tripping structure that can automatically connect or disconnect from the input and output terminals. It automatically resets and powers on upon connection of the input terminal to a power source, thus eliminating the potential safety hazard of ineffective disconnection of the power connection when a fault exists at the input and / or output terminals. This ensures safe and reliable application. The leakage current protection device of this disclosure is simple in structure, low in cost, easy to implement, and reliable in performance, suitable for automated production and applicable to various situations. Attached Figure Description

[0024] 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: Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of the external appearance of a leakage current protection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of the external appearance of a leakage current protection device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 A plan view of a movement assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A 3D schematic diagram of the movement components, with the support structure removed; Figure 4 for Figure 2 Partial sectional perspective three-dimensional schematic diagram of the central movement components; Figure 5 for Figure 2 Assembly and disassembly diagram of the central movement components; Figure 6A This is an exploded view of a trip unit and a bridge-type moving contact according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 6B This is an exploded view of a trip unit and a bridge-type moving contact according to another embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 7 for Figure 1A The cross-sectional view of the leakage current protection device shown illustrates the state in which the tripping core is in the first position. Figure 8 for Figure 1AThe cross-sectional view of the leakage current protection device shown illustrates the state of the tripping core in the second position. Figure 9 This is a circuit diagram illustrating one embodiment of the leakage current protection device according to the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] 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.

[0026] In this document, the expressions “including” or similar expressions such as “having” are open-ended and do not exclude additional unlisted elements or functions.

[0027] In this document, unless otherwise explicitly specified, terms such as "coupled," "installed," "connected," and "attached" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this document according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] It is recognized that existing leakage current protection devices still have many safety hazards, and in certain specific scenarios, manual reset and power-on are required, causing inconvenience. To meet consumers' more diverse operational and safety needs, this disclosure proposes an improved leakage current protection device. By providing a movable trip structure that can automatically connect or disconnect from the input and output terminals, the power connection can be effectively disconnected when there is a fault at the input and / or output terminals. Furthermore, reset and power-on do not require manual operation; the device automatically resets and powers on when the input terminal is connected to a power source, ensuring safe and reliable application.

[0029] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Exemplary examples illustrate leakage current protection devices according to different embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein... Figure 1A A plug-type residual current device is shown. Figure 1B A residual current device (RCD) with a wiring configuration is shown. It should be understood that the form of the RCD based on the concept of this disclosure is not limited to this.

[0030] Specific combination Figure 1A , Figures 2 to 5The leakage current protection device of the illustrated embodiment includes at least a housing and a core assembly disposed within the housing. The housing includes a top cover 1 and a base 2 attached to each other. The core assembly includes at least an input terminal, an output terminal, and a trip unit and a relay coil assembly capable of tripping between the input terminal and the output terminal. The input terminal has at least one input contact, and the output terminal has at least one output contact. In the illustrated embodiment, the input terminal includes a neutral wire input terminal 9 and a live wire input terminal 10. The neutral wire input terminal includes a neutral wire input contact 901, and the live wire input terminal 10 includes a live wire input contact 1001. The output terminal includes a neutral wire output terminal 5 and a live wire output terminal 6. The neutral wire output terminal 5 includes a neutral wire output contact 501, and the live wire output terminal 6 includes a live wire output contact 601. The trip unit 11 is coupled to the relay coil assembly 16 via the trip core 17. At least one bridge-type moving contact is attached to the trip unit 11. The bridge-type moving contact is configured to have contacts at both ends to be adapted to contact the input contact and the output contact respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of bridge-type moving contacts are provided, specifically including a neutral wire bridge-type moving contact 7 and a live wire bridge-type moving contact 8. The two ends of the neutral wire bridge-type moving contact 7 are respectively provided with a neutral wire output moving contact 701 and a neutral wire input moving contact 702. The two ends of the live wire bridge-type moving contact 8 are respectively provided with a live wire output moving contact 801 and a live wire input moving contact 802. The neutral wire output moving contact 701 is adapted to contact the neutral wire output contact 501, the live wire output moving contact 801 is adapted to contact the live wire output contact 601, the neutral wire input moving contact 702 is adapted to contact the neutral wire input contact 901, and the live wire input moving contact 802 is adapted to contact the live wire input contact 1001.

[0031] With the above structural design, the leakage current protection device of this disclosure is configured as follows: In the first state, the tripping iron core 17 is automatically in the first position and drives the bridge moving contact piece to move so that the contact point contacts the input contact point and the output contact point, and the input end and the output end are electrically connected; in the second state, the tripping iron core 17 is in the second position and drives the bridge moving contact piece to move so that the contact point separates from the input contact point and the output contact point, and the input end and the output end are electrically disconnected.

[0032] In this way, the bridge-type moving contact acts as a connecting bridge between the input and output terminals. With the cooperation of the trip unit, trip core, and relay coil assembly, it realizes the power connection and disconnection between the input and output terminals. Furthermore, it can provide safety protection by disconnecting the contacts of the bridge-type moving contact from the input and / or output contacts when a fault occurs at the input and / or output terminals. This will be described in detail below.

[0033] According to this disclosure, the first state may include the input terminal being connected to a normal operating power supply, and the second state may include an input terminal power failure or an output terminal leakage fault. In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanism assembly includes a control circuit board 3, with input terminals (neutral wire input terminal 9 and live wire input terminal 10), output terminals (neutral wire output terminal 5 and live wire output terminal 6), and a relay coil assembly 16 coupled to the control circuit board 3, for example, by soldering them to the control circuit board 3 respectively. The mechanism assembly also includes a magnetic ring module 4 to detect the state of the output terminal. (In conjunction with...) Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the neutral output terminal 5 also includes a neutral output terminal solder joint 502, which is soldered together with the neutral solder joint 401 of the magnetic ring module onto the control circuit board 3 to achieve electrical connection. Similarly, the live output terminal 6 also includes a live output terminal solder joint 602, which is soldered together with the live solder joint 403 of the magnetic ring module onto the control circuit board 3 to achieve electrical connection.

[0034] Furthermore, depending on the type of leakage current protection device, the input and output terminals can be coupled to different types of input and output structures, respectively. For example, Figure 1A The plug-type residual current device shown also includes an input connector and an output power line 20. The input connector includes, for example, a live wire input connector 18 and a neutral wire input connector 19. The input connector is electrically coupled to the input terminal to connect to the power supply, and the output power line 20 is electrically coupled to the output terminal to transmit current to the load. Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the neutral wire output power line solder joint 402 and the live wire output power line solder joint 404 of the magnetic ring module 4 are used to solder the output power line 20. It should be understood that the neutral wire solder joint 401 and the neutral wire output power line solder joint 402 of the magnetic ring module, and the live wire solder joint 403 and the live wire output power line solder joint 404 of the magnetic ring module, respectively belong to the two ends of the two conductors passing through the central hole of the magnetic ring module 4.

[0035] In some implementations, such as Figure 1B The leakage current protection device with the wiring configuration shown also includes an input terminal assembly 30 and an output terminal assembly 40. Similarly, the input terminal assembly 30 is electrically coupled to the input terminal, and the output terminal assembly 40 is electrically coupled to the output terminal to transmit current.

[0036] In some implementations, combined with Figure 5The relay coil assembly 16 includes at least a coil 1601 and a yoke 1602. The coil 1601 has a coil hole 1603 for accommodating the tripping core 17. The tripping core 17 can pass through a through hole 1101 provided on the trip unit 11 and be attached to the trip unit 11, or be integrally injection molded with the trip unit 11, so that the movement of the tripping core 17 along the coil hole 1603 can drive the trip unit 11 to move together. Advantageously, a tripping spring 12 is provided between the trip unit 17 and the relay coil assembly 16. The tripping spring 12 is sleeved on the tripping core 17 and its two ends abut against the end face of the trip unit 11 and the end face of the relay coil assembly 16, respectively. In a first state, the coil 1601 is energized and generates a magnetic field, which can drive the tripping core 17 to move along the coil hole 1603 into the coil 1601 to a first position, at which time the tripping spring 12 is in a compressed state. In the second state, the coil 1601 is de-energized, and the trip spring 12 is in the unfolded state to drive the trip core 17 to move along the coil hole 1603 to the outside of the coil 1601 to the second position, thereby driving the trip unit 11 to the trip position.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the leakage current protection device further includes a bracket 15, and a relay coil assembly 16 is arranged within the bracket 15. The bracket 15 has a guide groove 1501, and the trip unit 11 can be accommodated in the guide groove 1501 and move along the guide groove 1501. In some embodiments, the output terminal can be arranged above the bracket 15 and fixed relative to the bracket 15. For example, the bracket 15 has a fixing groove that limits the neutral wire output terminal 5 and the live wire output terminal 6. The input terminal can be arranged below the bracket 15 and soldered to the control circuit board 3 with input contacts (live wire input contact 18 and neutral wire input contact 19). The input contacts and output contacts are configured to face the bridge moving contacts (neutral wire bridge moving contact 7 and live wire bridge moving contact 8). Thus, the power connection or disconnection of the input and output terminals is achieved by the contact or separation of the bridge moving contacts with the input and output contacts.

[0038] Advantageously, the bridge-type moving contact is attached to the trip unit in a manner capable of relative movement via at least one connecting device. Furthermore, to ensure good contact between the bridge-type moving contact and the input and output contacts, a return spring can be provided between the bridge-type moving contact and the trip unit, forming a flexible connection capable of relative movement between them. Depending on the specific needs, one or more return springs may be provided. Specifically, in conjunction with... Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6AIn one embodiment shown, a neutral wire reset spring 14 is provided between the neutral wire bridge moving contact 7 and the trip unit 11, and the neutral wire reset spring 14 can abut against approximately the middle of the neutral wire bridge moving contact 7. A live wire reset spring 13 is provided between the live wire bridge moving contact 8 and the trip unit 11, and the live wire reset spring 13 can abut against approximately the middle of the live wire bridge moving contact 8.

[0039] In some embodiments, the connecting device may include a snap-fit ​​leg extending from the trip unit and a snap-fit ​​interface on the bridge-type moving contact that mates with the snap-fit ​​leg, wherein the bridge-type moving contact and the trip unit are also respectively provided with structures for limiting the return spring. For example, in the embodiment shown, the neutral wire bridge-type moving contact 7 has a neutral wire circular boss 703 at approximately its center, the live wire bridge-type moving contact 8 has a live wire circular boss 803 at approximately its center, and the trip unit 11 has a neutral wire return spring positioning post 1105 and a live wire return spring positioning post 1104 at corresponding positions, thereby positioning and holding each return spring in the desired position. Figure 6A In the embodiment shown, for the neutral bridge moving contact 7, a neutral wire locking leg 1103 extends from the trip unit 11, and the neutral bridge moving contact 7 is provided with a corresponding neutral wire locking interface 704. For the live wire bridge moving contact 8, a live wire locking leg 1102 extends from the trip unit 11, and the live wire bridge moving contact 8 is provided with a corresponding live wire locking interface 804, so that the bridge moving contact and the trip unit can be locked together and can move within a certain range limited by the locking leg without falling off.

[0040] exist Figure 6B In another embodiment shown, the connecting device may include rivets, corresponding through holes on the bridge-type moving contact piece, and rivet holes on the trip unit that cooperate with the rivets, wherein the rivets pass through the return spring. Specifically, a neutral wire through hole 705 is provided at approximately the center position on the neutral wire bridge-type moving contact piece 7, and a live wire through hole 805 is provided at approximately the center position on the live wire bridge-type moving contact piece 8. Corresponding positions on the trip unit 11 are provided with a neutral wire riveting hole 1108 and a live wire riveting hole 1107. Two rivets 21 and 22 pass through the neutral wire through hole 705 and the live wire through hole 805, respectively, and pass through the neutral wire return spring 14 and the live wire return spring 13, before being riveted to the neutral wire riveting hole 1108 and the live wire riveting hole 1107. In this way, the bridge-type moving contact piece can also be fixed to the trip unit and can reciprocate within a certain range defined by the rivets.

[0041] Regardless of the design of the connection between the trip unit 11 and the bridge-type moving contact, when the trip core 17 is in the first position, the return spring is at its first length, and the trip unit 11 drives the bridge-type moving contact to move and contact the input and output contacts. When the trip core 17 is in the second position, the return spring is at its second length, and the trip unit 11 drives the bridge-type moving contact to move and separate from the input and output contacts, wherein the second length is greater than the first length. Through the change in the length of the return spring, a flexible connection that allows relative movement between the bridge-type moving contact and the trip unit is effectively achieved, ensuring good contact between the bridge-type moving contact and the input and output contacts. In particular, if the contact surfaces of the input and output contacts are not on the same plane, for example, combined with... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, if the contact surfaces of the live wire output contact 601 and the live wire input contact 1001 are not on the same plane, when the tripping core 17 is in the first position, the live wire reset spring 13 is compressed to the first length, which can automatically adjust the tilt of the live wire bridge moving contact 8 so that the live wire output moving contact 801 and the live wire input moving contact 802 can reliably contact the live wire output contact 601 and the live wire input contact 1001, respectively. The same applies to the neutral wire input contact and the neutral wire output contact, which will not be elaborated here.

[0042] Advantageously, the moving contact of the bridge type is parallel to the moving direction of the tripping core 17, and / or the direction in which the tripping core 17 moves between the first and second positions is parallel to the control circuit board 3. This facilitates reliable connection and disconnection of the input and output terminals within a compact housing space.

[0043] In some implementations, the trip unit 11 may include an indicator structure 1106, such as Figure 5 As shown, it is used to indicate the state of power connection or disconnection between the input and output terminals. The indicator structure 1106 can be configured, for example, as a rod-shaped structure attached to or integrally formed with the trip unit 11. Correspondingly, the upper cover 1 of the housing may be provided with an indicator window 101 corresponding to the position of the indicator structure 1106, such as... Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown. The position here can refer to the position where the indicator structure 1106 moves to the indicator window 101 when the bridge moving contact is in contact with the input and output terminals, and the position where the indicator structure 1106 moves away from the indicator window 101 when the bridge moving contact is separated from the input and output terminals.

[0044] The following combination Figures 7 to 9 The specific working process of the leakage current protection device disclosed herein is described.

[0045] First see Figure 7 and Figure 9When the live wire input connector 18 and the neutral wire input connector 19 are plugged into a power source (e.g., a power socket), the neutral wire input terminal 9 and the live wire input terminal 10 are electrically coupled to the live wire input connector 18 and the neutral wire input connector 19, respectively, and to the control circuit board 3, respectively. The control circuit board 3 detects that the power supply voltage on the neutral wire input terminal 9 and the live wire input terminal 10 is normal, and immediately drives the coil 1601 (RELAY) to be energized (this process does not require manual operation), generating a strong magnetic field that moves the tripping core 17 into the coil 1601 and into contact with the yoke 1602 (i.e., drives the tripping core 17 to the first position). The tripping core 17 drives the trip unit 11 and the neutral bridge moving contact 7 and the live bridge moving contact 8 fixed thereon to move. This causes the neutral output moving contact 701 and the neutral input moving contact 702 on the neutral bridge moving contact 7 to contact the neutral input contact 901 and the neutral output contact 501, respectively. Simultaneously, the live output moving contact 801 and the live input moving contact 802 on the live bridge moving contact 8 to contact the live input contact 1001 and the live output contact 601, respectively. This establishes the electrical connection between the input and output terminals. Current is transmitted to the load (LOAD) along the neutral output terminal 5 and the live output terminal 6 through the electrically coupled output power line 20. At the same time, the indicating structure 1106 on the trip unit 11 is located below the indicating window 101 on the upper cover 1, indicating that the input and output terminals are in a electrically connected state.

[0046] In the above process, the leakage current protection device disclosed herein can automatically reset when the input terminal is energized, and connect the power connection between the input terminal and the output terminal, which solves the problem that traditional leakage current protection devices require manual operation when resetting and energizing, and is fast in response and convenient in operation.

[0047] See also Figure 8 and Figure 9When the input power supply fails or the control circuit board 3 detects a leakage fault at the output end through the magnetic ring module 4 (ZCT1), the coil 1601 loses power or the current flowing through the coil 1601 decreases, the magnetic field of the coil 1601 disappears or weakens, and it is unable to maintain the attraction state between the tripping core 17 and the yoke 1602. Under the action of the tripping spring 12, the tripping core 17 is driven to the second position, and the trip unit 11 and the bridge moving contact fixed thereon move, so that the neutral wire output moving contact 701 and the neutral wire input moving contact 702 are separated from the neutral wire input contact 901 and the neutral wire output contact 501 respectively. At the same time, the live wire output moving contact 801 and the live wire input moving contact 802 are separated from the live wire input contact 1001 and the live wire output contact 601 respectively, thereby disconnecting the power connection between the input end and the output end, so that the load side is de-energized, thereby avoiding the risk of electric shock caused by only the neutral wire being de-energized while the live wire is energized. At the same time, the indicator structure 1106 on the trip unit 11 moves away from below the indicator window 101, indicating that the input and output terminals are in a power-off state.

[0048] In some situations, when a large fault current occurs at the load end, the contacts may overheat and stick together, failing to disconnect effectively. To address this, in some embodiments, the leakage current protection device can be configured such that, in a third state, the bridge-type moving contact moves to separate the contact from at least the input or output contact, thereby disconnecting the power between the input and output terminals. The third state may include, for example, the bridge-type moving contact thermally sticking to the input or output contact.

[0049] In this way, if the live wire output moving contact 801 and the live wire output contact 601 are stuck together, the power connection between the live wire input terminal 10 and the live wire output terminal 6 can still be broken by moving the bridge-type moving contact piece to disconnect the live wire input moving contact 802 and the live wire input contact 1001. Conversely, if the live wire input moving contact 802 and the live wire input contact 1001 are stuck together, the power connection between the live wire input terminal 10 and the live wire output terminal 6 can still be broken by moving the bridge-type moving contact piece to disconnect the live wire output moving contact 801 and the live wire output contact 601. Similarly, the neutral wire tester has the same structure, thus effectively and reliably solving the problem in traditional leakage current protection devices where contacts easily stick together, preventing the power connection between the input and output terminals from being broken, improving product safety, and avoiding the risk of electric shock.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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 mechanism assembly, characterized in that, The movement assembly includes: The input terminal includes a neutral wire input terminal and a live wire input terminal, and the neutral wire input terminal and the live wire input terminal are respectively provided with input contacts; The output terminal includes a neutral wire output terminal and a live wire output terminal, and the neutral wire output terminal and the live wire output terminal are respectively provided with output contacts; A pair of bridge-type moving contacts, including a neutral wire bridge-type moving contact and a live wire bridge-type moving contact, wherein each end of the pair of bridge-type moving contacts is provided with a moving contact; The trip unit is also attached to the pair of bridge-type moving contacts; A relay coil assembly, wherein the trip unit is coupled to the relay coil assembly via a trip core; The trip unit is configured to move to a first position when the relay coil assembly is energized, causing each bridge moving contact to contact the corresponding input and output contacts, thus connecting the input and output terminals on the neutral and live wire sides; and to move to a second position when the relay coil assembly is de-energized, causing each bridge moving contact to separate the moving contacts from the corresponding input and output contacts, thus disconnecting the power on the neutral and live wire sides.

2. The leakage current protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mechanism assembly also includes a control circuit board, and the relay coil assembly is coupled to the control circuit board.

3. The leakage current protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The relay coil assembly includes at least a coil and a yoke, the coil having a coil hole for accommodating the tripping core.

4. The leakage current protection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The tripping core passes through a hole in the trip unit and is attached to the trip unit, or the tripping core and the trip unit are integrally injection molded together.

5. The leakage current protection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, It has a first state and a second state. The first state is when the power supply voltage at the neutral wire input terminal and the live wire input terminal is normal. The second state is when there is a power supply fault at the neutral wire input terminal and the live wire input terminal, or a leakage fault occurs at the neutral wire output terminal and the live wire output terminal. The leakage protection device is configured as follows: In the first state, the control circuit board drives the coil to generate a magnetic field, which drives the tripping iron core to the first position and drives the trip unit and each bridge moving contact attached thereto to move, so that each moving contact contacts the corresponding input contact and output contact, and the input and output terminals on the neutral wire side and the live wire side are electrically connected. In the second state, the coil is de-energized, the tripping core moves to the second position, and drives the trip unit and the bridge-type moving contacts attached thereto to move, so that each moving contact is separated from the corresponding input contact and output contact, and the power on the neutral side and the live side is disconnected.

6. The leakage current protection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, A tripping spring is provided between the trip unit and the relay coil assembly, and the tripping spring is sleeved on the tripping core; in the first state, the tripping core is in the first position so that the tripping spring is in a compressed state; In the second state, the trip spring is in the deployed state, driving the trip core to the second position.

7. The leakage current protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mechanism assembly also includes a magnetic ring module for detecting the status of the neutral wire output terminal and the live wire output terminal.

8. The leakage current protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mechanism assembly also includes a magnetic ring module for detecting the status of the neutral wire output terminal and the live wire output terminal, and the magnetic ring module is coupled to the control circuit board.

9. The leakage current protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each bridge-type moving contact is attached to the trip unit in a manner that allows for relative movement via at least one connecting device.

10. The leakage current protection device according to claim 9, characterized in that, Each bridge-type moving contact is provided with a return spring between itself and the trip unit, so that a flexible connection that allows relative movement is formed between each bridge-type moving contact and the trip unit.

11. The leakage current protection device according to claim 10, characterized in that, When the tripping core is in the first position, the reset spring is at a first length; when the tripping core is in the second position, the reset spring is at a second length, and the second length is greater than the first length.

12. The leakage current protection device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The connecting device includes a snap-fit ​​leg extending from the trip unit and a snap-fit ​​interface on each bridge moving contact that mates with the snap-fit ​​leg. Each bridge moving contact and the trip unit are respectively provided with a structure that limits the position of the reset spring.

13. The leakage current protection device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The connecting device includes a rivet, corresponding through holes on each bridge-type moving contact piece, and a rivet hole on the trip unit that mates with the rivet. The rivet passes through the return spring.

14. The leakage current protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The moving direction of each bridge-type moving contact is parallel to the moving direction of the tripping iron core, and / or the moving direction of the tripping iron core between the first position and the second position is parallel to the control circuit board.

15. The leakage current protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trip unit includes an indicator structure to indicate whether the power is connected or disconnected between the input and output terminals on the neutral and live sides.

16. The leakage current protection device according to claim 15, characterized in that, It also includes a housing, in which the movement assembly is disposed, the housing including a top cover and a base attached to each other, the top cover having an indicator window corresponding to the position of the indicator structure.

17. The leakage current protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a live wire input connector, a neutral wire input connector, and an output power line. The neutral wire input connector is electrically coupled to the neutral wire input terminal, and the live wire input connector is electrically coupled to the live wire input terminal to connect to a power source. The output power line is electrically coupled to the neutral wire output terminal and the live wire output terminal to transmit current to the load. Alternatively, it may also include an input terminal assembly and an output terminal assembly. The input terminal assembly is electrically coupled to the neutral wire input terminal and the live wire input terminal, and the output terminal assembly is electrically coupled to the neutral wire output terminal and the live wire output terminal.

18. The leakage current protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has a third state in which each bridge-type moving contact moves such that at least one of the first end contact and the second end contact of each bridge-type moving contact separates from the corresponding contact, and the power on the neutral side and the live side is disconnected.

19. The leakage current protection device according to claim 18, characterized in that, The third state includes the thermal adhesion of the contacts of each bridge-type moving contact to the corresponding input or output contact.

20. The leakage current protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a bracket, in which the relay coil assembly is arranged, and a guide groove is provided in the bracket, in which the trip unit is housed and movable along the guide groove.

21. The leakage current protection device according to claim 20, characterized in that, The neutral wire output terminal and the live wire output terminal are arranged above the bracket and fixed relative to the bracket. The neutral wire input terminal and the live wire input terminal are arranged below the bracket, and each input contact and each output contact are oriented toward the corresponding bridge-type moving contact.

22. A bridge-type moving contact for use in a leakage current protection device, characterized in that, It has moving contacts at both ends, and a boss is provided in the middle of the bridge-type moving contact piece. The boss is used to position and hold the return spring.

23. The bridge-type moving contact piece according to claim 22, characterized in that, The bridge-type moving contact piece is also provided with a card interface at approximately the middle, which is used to cooperate with the card-connecting leg on the trip unit so that the bridge-type moving contact piece can move relative to the trip unit within a set range.

24. A bridge-type moving contact for use in a leakage current protection device, wherein the leakage current protection device is equipped with a trip unit, characterized in that, The bridge-type moving contact has a through hole in approximately the center for a rivet to pass through, so that the bridge-type moving contact can move relative to the trip unit within a set range.

25. A leakage current protection device, comprising a housing, an input terminal, and an output terminal, characterized in that, The housing is provided with a bridge-type moving contact as described in any one of claims 22 to 24.

26. A mechanism assembly for use in a leakage current protection device, characterized in that, include: The bracket has a guide groove inside; The output terminal is arranged above the bracket and fixed relative to the bracket, and the output terminal is provided with output contacts; An input terminal is located below the bracket, and the input terminal is provided with input contacts; Bridge-type moving contact plate; A trip unit is housed in the guide groove and movable along the guide groove, and the bridge-type moving contact is attached to the trip unit; A relay coil assembly is arranged within the bracket; The input and output contacts are both oriented towards the bridge-type moving contact piece. The trip unit is configured to move along the guide groove to a first position, causing the bridge-type moving contact piece to contact the input and output contacts, thus establishing electrical connection between the input and output ends. It is also configured to move along the guide groove to a second position, causing the bridge-type moving contact piece to separate from the input and output contacts, thus disconnecting the power.

27. The movement assembly according to claim 26, characterized in that, The bridge-type moving contact is a pair, including a neutral wire bridge-type moving contact and a live wire bridge-type moving contact, and the trip unit is also attached to the pair of bridge-type moving contacts.

28. The movement assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that, The output terminal includes a neutral wire output terminal and a live wire output terminal, each with an output contact; the input terminal includes a neutral wire input terminal and a live wire input terminal, each with an input contact.

29. The movement assembly according to claim 26, characterized in that, It also includes a control circuit board, to which the relay coil assembly is coupled.

30. The movement assembly according to claim 29, characterized in that, The relay coil assembly includes at least a coil and a yoke, the coil having a coil hole for accommodating a tripping core.

31. The movement assembly according to claim 30, characterized in that, The tripping core passes through a hole in the trip unit and is attached to the trip unit, or the tripping core and the trip unit are integrally injection molded together.

32. The movement assembly according to claim 30, characterized in that, When the control circuit board detects that the power supply voltage at the input terminal is normal, the control circuit board drives the coil to generate a magnetic field, which drives the tripping iron core to the first position and drives the trip unit and the bridge moving contact to move so that the bridge moving contact contacts the input contact and the output contact. When the input power supply fails or the control circuit board detects a leakage fault at the output, the coil loses power, the tripping core moves to the second position, and drives the trip unit and the bridge moving contact to move, so that the bridge moving contact separates from the input contact and the output contact.

33. The movement assembly according to claim 32, characterized in that, A tripping spring is provided between the trip unit and the relay coil assembly, and the tripping spring is sleeved on the tripping iron core; when the tripping iron core is in the first position, the tripping spring is in a compressed state; when the tripping spring is in an extended state, it drives the tripping iron core to the second position.

34. The movement assembly according to claim 26, characterized in that, The bridge-type moving contact is attached to the trip unit in a manner that allows for relative movement via at least one connecting device.

35. The movement assembly according to claim 34, characterized in that, A reset spring is provided between the bridge-type moving contact and the trip unit to form a flexible connection between the bridge-type moving contact and the trip unit that allows for relative movement.

36. The movement assembly according to claim 30, characterized in that, When the tripping core is in the first position, the reset spring is at a first length; when the tripping core is in the second position, the reset spring is at a second length, and the second length is greater than the first length.

37. The movement assembly according to claim 35, characterized in that, The connecting device includes a snap-fit ​​leg extending from the trip unit and a snap-fit ​​interface on the bridge-type moving contact plate that mates with the snap-fit ​​leg. The bridge-type moving contact plate and the trip unit are respectively provided with structures for limiting the return spring.

38. The movement assembly according to claim 35, characterized in that, The connecting device includes a rivet, a corresponding through hole on the bridge-type moving contact piece, and a rivet hole on the trip unit that mates with the rivet. The rivet passes through the return spring.

39. The movement assembly according to claim 29, characterized in that, The output terminal is coupled to the control circuit board, and the mechanism assembly also includes a magnetic ring module for detecting the status of the output terminal.

40. The movement assembly according to claim 30, characterized in that, The moving direction of the bridge-type moving contact is parallel to the moving direction of the tripping iron core, and / or the moving direction of the tripping iron core between the first position and the second position is parallel to the control circuit board.

41. The movement assembly according to claim 26, characterized in that, The trip unit includes an indicator structure to indicate whether the power is connected or disconnected between the input and output terminals.

42. The movement assembly according to claim 26, characterized in that, When the contact of the bridge-type moving contact becomes thermally bonded to the input contact or the output contact, the bridge-type moving contact moves so that at least one of the first end contact and the second end contact of the bridge-type moving contact separates from the corresponding contact, and the power is disconnected between the input end and the output end.

43. A leakage current protection device, comprising a housing, characterized in that, The housing is provided with a movement assembly as described in any one of claims 26 to 42.

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