Earth leakage circuit breakers and earth leakage protection systems

Abstract

To interrupt electrical leakage that occurs between the object and the power supply. [Solution] The earth leakage circuit breaker is installed in the circuit between the object and the power supply device that supplies power to the object. The earth leakage circuit breaker includes a sensor unit that detects leakage current, a first relay unit that switches a first switch from a first state to a second state when leakage current is detected by the sensor unit, and a second relay unit that, in conjunction with the switching of the first switch to the second state, turns off a second switch installed in the circuit between the object and the power supply device, thereby cutting off the power supply to the object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an earth leakage circuit breaker and an earth leakage protection system.

Background Art

[0002] An earth leakage circuit breaker that protects the human body from unintended current by interrupting the circuit when an earth leakage occurs is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] For example, consider the case of using a dimming sheet in a wet area (such as a bathroom). In this case, for example, a power supply device for the dimming sheet is connected to a commercial power supply via an earth leakage circuit breaker installed in a building or a house, and the dimming sheet is connected to this power supply device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, this type of power supply device generally incorporates a transformer in order to convert the power supplied from a commercial power supply into power suitable for operating an object (such as a dimming sheet). Therefore, the power supply device has a configuration in which the primary side and the secondary side are electrically separated (electrically floating). In this case, the earth leakage circuit breaker cannot detect an earth leakage occurring between the power supply device and the dimming sheet and cannot interrupt it.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, an embodiment of the present disclosure aims to provide an earth leakage circuit breaker and an earth leakage protection system that can interrupt an earth leakage occurring between an object and a power supply device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A residual current circuit breaker according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is installed in the circuit between an object and a power supply device that supplies power to the object. The residual current circuit breaker includes a sensor unit for detecting leakage current, a first relay unit that switches a first switch from a first state to a second state when leakage current is detected by the sensor unit, and a second relay unit that, in conjunction with the switching of the first switch to the second state, turns off a second switch installed in the circuit between the object and the power supply device, thereby interrupting the power supply to the object. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a ground fault circuit interrupter and a ground fault circuit interruption system are provided that can interrupt ground faults occurring between an object and a power supply. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a ground fault circuit interrupter system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a laminated structure of a dimming sheet in a dimming device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a plan view showing an example of the external shape of a dimming module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the circuit configuration of a ground fault circuit interrupter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a ground fault circuit breaker according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This table shows an example of the operating results of a ground fault circuit breaker according to one embodiment of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following description relates to a residual current circuit breaker and residual current protection system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Common or corresponding elements are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted or simplified as appropriate. In each figure, the configuration is shown enlarged, reduced, or omitted as appropriate for the sake of explanation. To improve the visibility of the drawings, elements in the figures are shown with lines other than solid lines (such as dashed lines or dotted lines) as needed.

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a ground fault circuit interrupter system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the ground fault circuit interrupter system 100 comprises a dimming device 1, a power supply device 2, and a ground fault circuit interrupter 3.

[0012] The dimming device 1 (dimming sheet 10) is an example of an object. The power supply device 2 is an example of a power supply device that supplies power to the dimming device 1, which is an example of an object.

[0013] Power supply unit 2 is connected to the commercial power supply (AC 100V). Power supply unit 2 is, for example, an AC / DC converter, which converts the AC voltage supplied from the commercial power supply to a DC voltage, switches it, and outputs a square wave (hereinafter referred to as "drive voltage") at a level suitable for operating the dimmer 1. The dimmer 1 operates using the drive voltage supplied from power supply unit 2.

[0014] The earth leakage circuit breaker 3 is an example of an earth leakage circuit breaker installed in the circuit between a dimmer 1, which is an example of an object, and a power supply 2 that supplies power to the dimmer 1. The primary terminal of the earth leakage circuit breaker 3 is connected to the power supply 2, and the secondary terminal is connected to the dimmer 1. When an earth leakage occurs between the power supply 2 and the dimmer 1, the earth leakage circuit breaker 3 detects this and instantly cuts off the circuit between the power supply 2 and the dimmer 1. This protects the human body from earth leakage occurring between the power supply 2 and the dimmer 1.

[0015] To interrupt leakage current that occurs between the commercial power supply and the power supply unit 2, another leakage circuit breaker (for example, a leakage circuit breaker originally installed in the building or house) may be installed in the circuit between the commercial power supply and the power supply unit 2.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the laminated structure of the dimming sheet 10 included in the dimming device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The "dimming sheet" may be referred to by another name such as "dimming film". FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of the external shape of the dimming module 1X according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] The dimming module 1X includes a light-transmitting member (not shown) and a dimming device 1 attached to the light-transmitting member as constituent elements. As the name implies, the "light-transmitting member" has light-transmitting properties as its own property. The "light-transmitting member" may be read as a "light-transmitting plate" or a "light-transmitting window", and is used in the concept including a "glass member", a "glass plate", or a "glass window". That is, the "light-transmitting member" may be composed of materials other than glass, various plastics, and other materials. For example, the "light-transmitting member" may be made of polycarbonate.

[0018] By not exerting its dimming function, the dimming device 1 ensures (makes transparent) the light-transmitting property of the light-transmitting member and thus the dimming module 1X. By exerting its dimming function, the dimming device 1 inhibits (makes opaque) the light-transmitting property of the light-transmitting member and thus the dimming module 1X. The dimming device 1 includes a normal type (normal mode) that becomes transparent when energized and opaque when non-energized, and a reverse type (reverse mode) that becomes transparent when non-energized and opaque when energized. "Exerting the dimming function of the dimming device 1" may, for example, mean when the normal type is non-energized and when the reverse type is energized. "Not exerting the dimming function of the dimming device 1" may, for example, mean when the normal type is energized and when the reverse type is non-energized. Thus, the dimming device 1 can switch between a transparent state and an opaque state by switching between an energized state and a non-energized state.

[0019] The transparent state does not mean that the visible light transmittance is 100% (does not mean a strict transparent state), and the opaque state does not mean that the visible light transmittance is 0% (does not mean a strict opaque state), and each is used in the meaning including a semi-transmissive state.

[0020] The dimming method by the dimming device 1 can use, for example, a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) method or a polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC) method. The dimming method by the dimming device 1 may also be one using electrochromic (EC), one using liquid crystal (LC), or one using a suspended particle device (SPD).

[0021] In the present embodiment, the "upper surface" and the "lower surface" are each defined as, for example, the upper surface and the lower surface in the figure (it may also be defined based on the vertical direction in the figure). In the present embodiment, the "outer side" and the "outer support layer" are each defined as, for example, outside a layer serving as a certain reference (such as the center) and a layer supported outside a layer serving as a certain reference (such as the center), regardless of the vertical direction in the figure. As an example, consider a laminated structure in which a layer A serving as a certain reference (such as the center) is provided, layer B is provided on both sides of layer A, and layer C is provided on both sides of layer B. In this case, layer B is an "outer support layer" supported on the "outer side" of layer A. Layer C is an "outer support layer" supported on the "outer side" of layer A and layer B. In that sense, the "outer side" and the "outer support layer" may each be read as the "upper layer" and the "upper layer support layer". In this case, it is defined as the upper layer side as it is farther from a layer serving as a certain reference (such as the center). It is defined as the lower layer side as it is closer to a layer serving as a certain reference (such as the center).

[0022] The dimming sheet 10 has a dimming layer 11. The dimming layer 11 is, for example, a liquid crystal layer and contains a liquid crystal composition. The dimming layer 11 is composed of, for example, polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC), and nematic curvilinear aligned phase (NCAP). For example, polymer network liquid crystal has a polymer network having a three-dimensional mesh structure. Polymer network liquid crystal holds liquid crystal molecules in the voids of the polymer network. The liquid crystal molecules contained in the dimming layer 11 have, for example, positive dielectric anisotropy, and the dielectric constant in the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecule is greater than the dielectric constant in the short axis direction of the liquid crystal molecule. The liquid crystal molecules are, for example, Schiff base-based, azo-based, azoxy-based, biphenyl-based, terphenyl-based, benzoic acid ester-based, tran-based, pyrimidine-based, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid ester-based, phenylcyclohexane-based, and dioxane-based liquid crystal molecules.

[0023] A transparent conductive layer (transparent electrode layer) 12X is provided on the outside of one side (the top side in the figure) of the dimming layer 11. A transparent substrate layer 13X is provided on the outside of the transparent conductive layer 12X. A transparent conductive layer (transparent electrode layer) 12Y is provided on the outside of the other side (the bottom side in the figure) of the dimming layer 11. A transparent substrate layer 13Y is provided on the outside of the transparent conductive layer 12Y. Thus, the dimming sheet 10 has a dimming layer 11, a pair of transparent conductive layers 12X and 12Y located on either side of the dimming layer 11, and a pair of transparent substrate layers 13X and 13Y located on either side of the pair of transparent conductive layers 12X and 12Y.

[0024] The transparent conductive layers 12X and 12Y are transparent layers that have conductivity. Examples of materials that make up the transparent conductive layers 12X and 12Y include polymers containing indium tin oxide (ITO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), tin oxide, zinc oxide, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), and multilayer films containing Ag alloy thin films. The transparent substrate layers 13X and 13Y are layers composed of materials such as PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate).

[0025] Additional / alternative layers may be provided as "outer support layers" located outside the transparent substrate layers 13X and 13Y. In other words, there is flexibility in the number and type of "outer support layers," and various design changes are possible. For example, a transparent support layer made of a transparent substrate may be provided as an "outer support layer." As a transparent support layer, for example, a glass substrate or a silicone substrate, or a polymer film made of polyethylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl alcohol, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polyimide, polysulfone, cycloolefin polymer, triacetylcellulose, etc. may be used. Furthermore, as an "outer support layer," for example, a layer to protect the light-adjusting layer 11, the transparent conductive layers 12X and 12Y, and the transparent substrate layers 13X and 13Y, a layer that contributes to controlling the light transmittance in the light-adjusting sheet 10, or a layer that enhances the strength, heat resistance, and other properties of the light-adjusting sheet 10 may be used.

[0026] In a portion of the dimming sheet 10, the transparent conductive layer 12Y and transparent substrate layer 13Y provided on the other surface of the dimming layer 11 (the lower surface in Figure 2) protrude more than the transparent conductive layer 12X and transparent substrate layer 13X provided on one surface of the dimming layer 11 (the upper surface in Figure 2) (a half-cut portion is formed). An electrode portion 14 for applying a driving voltage to the dimming device 1 (dimming sheet 10) is provided on the upper surface of the transparent conductive layer 12Y of the half-cut portion. A wiring portion 15, such as an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits), is connected to the electrode portion 14. As shown in Figure 2, the dimming sheet 10 is provided with a pair of electrode portions 14 and wiring portions 15 spaced apart in the left-right direction.

[0027] In the dimming device 1 configured as described above, when a drive current flows from the power supply device 2 to the transparent conductive layers 12X and 12Y via the electrode section 14 and the wiring section 15, a drive voltage is applied between the transparent conductive layer 12X and the transparent conductive layer 12Y, i.e., to the dimming layer 11.

[0028] When no driving voltage is applied to the dimming layer 11, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the dimming layer 11 along its long axis is irregular. As a result, light incident on the dimming layer 11 is scattered, and the dimming sheet 10 appears cloudy (white dimming). In other words, the dimming sheet 10 is opaque.

[0029] When a driving voltage is applied to the dimming layer 11, the liquid crystal molecules in the dimming layer 11 are oriented so that the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules is aligned with the electric field direction between the transparent conductive layers 12X and 12Y. As a result, light can more easily pass through the dimming layer 11, and the dimming sheet 10 becomes transparent. In this way, the dimming sheet 10 functions as a normal type (normal mode).

[0030] The dimming sheet 10 may include a pair of alignment layers that sandwich the dimming layer 11 between the dimming layer 11 and the transparent conductive layer 12X, and between the dimming layer 11 and the transparent conductive layer 12Y. The alignment layers are layers that control the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules contained in the dimming layer 11. When no driving voltage is applied, the alignment layers align the liquid crystal molecules along the direction normal to the alignment layer. In a configuration that includes alignment layers, the dimming sheet 10 becomes opaque when a driving voltage is applied to the dimming layer 11. When no driving voltage is applied to the dimming layer 11, the dimming sheet 10 becomes transparent. That is, the dimming sheet 10 functions as a reverse type (reverse mode).

[0031] The dimming sheet 10 is, for example, cut into a desired shape from a large sheet made of a multilayer structure having each of the layers that constitute the dimming sheet 10, and used for various purposes. In this embodiment, the dimming sheet 10 is applied, for example, to a light-transmitting member installed in a bathroom (bathroom door, window, partition, etc.). This blocks the view into the bathroom through the light-transmitting member as needed.

[0032] The Japan Electrical Association has defined the normal contact voltage as 50V, while it has defined the contact voltage as 25V when the human body is significantly wet or when the human body is constantly in contact with metal electrical equipment. Therefore, from a safety perspective, it is desirable to drive the dimming sheet 10 used in wet areas such as bathrooms at a low voltage.

[0033] Therefore, in this embodiment, the dimming sheet 10, which is an example of the object to be driven, is driven at a low voltage (for example, 40V or less, 50V or less, etc.). However, with widely used general-purpose earth leakage circuit breakers, the power supply voltage (40V, 50V, etc.) is too low, making it difficult to detect earth leakage even if it occurs. For this reason, the earth leakage circuit breaker 3, which will be described in detail below, is configured to reliably detect earth leakage occurring between the power supply unit 2 and the dimming device 1, even when the dimming sheet 10 is driven at a low voltage. Illustratively, it is preferable that the earth leakage circuit breaker 3 can detect earth leakage when the power supply voltage is 50V or less, and more preferably that it can detect earth leakage when the power supply voltage is 40V or less.

[0034] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of a residual current circuit breaker 3 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the external appearance of a residual current circuit breaker 3 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] The earth leakage circuit breaker 3 includes an earth leakage sensor 31, an earth leakage relay 32, and a power relay 33. The earth leakage sensor 31, earth leakage relay 32, and power relay 33 are housed in an enclosure box 37, which is an example of an enclosure. In Figure 5, for convenience, the wiring of each part inside the enclosure box 37 is omitted from the illustration.

[0036] The storage box 37 comprises a storage body 37a, a lid 37b, fasteners 37c, and mounting legs 37d. The storage body 37a is, for example, made of resin and is formed in the shape of a box with an open top. The lid 37b is, for example, made of resin and is an example of a lid that opens and closes the opening of the storage box 37, which is an example of a storage unit. The lid 37b is attached to the storage body 37a so that the top opening of the storage body 37a can be opened and closed.

[0037] As will be described later, the leakage relay 32 is provided with a light-emitting element 32b that lights up when a leakage current occurs. In this embodiment, the cover 37b is made of a light-transmitting material. Therefore, when the light-emitting element 32b lights up, the user can see it and understand that a leakage current has occurred. For a similar purpose (i.e., to allow the user to see when the light-emitting element 32b lights up), the housing body 37a may be made of a light-transmitting material instead of or in addition to the cover 37b. In this embodiment, "user" includes workers who install or repair the leakage circuit breaker system 100, and users who use the dimming device 1 (for example, residents of a house where the dimming device 1 is installed).

[0038] As described later, the leakage relay 32 is provided with multiple operating parts (test button 32c and reset button 32d). The fastener 37c is a fastener that locks the lid 37b in the closed position, and is an example of a fastener that can be manually locked and unlocked. The user can open the lid 37b and access the inside of the storage box 37 by manually unlocking the fastener 37c without using any tools. Therefore, the user can easily operate the various operating parts. The "fastener" may also be called by other names such as snap lock, catch clip, etc.

[0039] The mounting legs 37d are made of, for example, resin and are formed in multiple locations on the housing body 37a. The mounting legs 37d extend from the lower surface of the housing body 37a to the side of the housing body 37a. The earth leakage circuit breaker 3 is fixed to a structure such as a wall or ceiling by screwing the mounting legs 37d to the structure.

[0040] To allow installation in narrow spaces within structures (such as above ceilings), the height of the earth leakage circuit breaker 3 (height of the housing box 37) is kept to, for example, 110 mm or less. For example, the height of the earth leakage circuit breaker 3 (height of the housing box 37) is 100.5 mm.

[0041] The earth leakage circuit breaker 3 is equipped with terminals 34 to 36. Terminal 34 is located at the end of the cable connected to the earth leakage relay 32. Terminal 34 is, for example, a screwless terminal installed on the side of the housing body 37a. A cable connected to the commercial power supply is connected to terminal 34.

[0042] Terminal 35 is provided at the end of the cable connected to the leakage sensor 31. Terminal 35 is, for example, a spade connector (e.g., female) and is provided at the end of the cable connected to the leakage sensor 31, which passes through a through hole on the side of the housing body 37a. The wiring section 15 of the dimming sheet 10 is connected to terminal 35.

[0043] Terminal 36 is provided at the end of the cable connected to the power relay 33. Terminal 36 is, for example, a spade connector (e.g., male) and is provided at the end of the cable connected to the power relay 33, which passes through a through-hole on the side of the housing body 37a. The power supply unit 2 is connected to terminal 36.

[0044] In this manner, each terminal (for example, terminals 35 and 36, which are examples of connection terminals that connect to the dimmer 1 and the power supply 2, respectively) is installed exposed from the outer wall surface of the housing box 37 (an example of a housing section). Therefore, when installing the earth leakage circuit breaker 3, the user can perform the installation work on the earth leakage circuit breaker 3 without opening the cover 37b.

[0045] The leakage sensor 31 is an example of a sensor unit that detects leakage current. The leakage sensor 31 is, for example, a zero-phase current transformer (ZCT) installed in the circuit between a dimming device 1 and a power supply device 2, which are examples of objects to be tested. The leakage sensor 31 generates an induced voltage corresponding to the current difference between the incoming and outgoing phases.

[0046] Under normal conditions, the current difference between each phase is virtually zero. Therefore, the magnetic fields created by the currents of each phase cancel each other out, and virtually no voltage is generated in the secondary winding of the leakage sensor 31. When a leakage current occurs, a current difference is generated between each phase. Therefore, a voltage corresponding to the uncancelled magnetic field is generated in the secondary winding of the leakage sensor 31. The voltage generated in the secondary winding is sent to the leakage relay 32 as the output of the leakage sensor 31. The voltage generated in the secondary winding correlates with the leakage current (ground fault current). In other words, the voltage generated in the secondary winding can be converted into a leakage current. Therefore, it can be said that the leakage sensor 31 detects the leakage current and outputs the detected leakage current to the leakage relay 32.

[0047] The leakage current detected by the leakage sensor 31 is input to the leakage relay 32. The leakage relay 32 is equipped with a first switch 32a. The leakage relay 32 is an example of a first relay unit that switches the first switch 32a from a first state to a second state when a leakage current is detected by the leakage sensor 31 (an example of a sensor unit).

[0048] The power relay 33 includes a second switch 33a. The power relay 33 is an example of a second relay unit that, in conjunction with the switching of the first switch 32a to the second state, turns off the second switch 33a installed in the circuit between the dimmer 1 (an example of an object) and the power supply unit 2, thereby interrupting the power supply to the dimmer 1.

[0049] Any reference to elements using designations such as “First,” “Second,” etc., as used in this disclosure, does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations are used for convenience to distinguish between two or more elements. Therefore, references to the First and Second elements do not imply, for example, that only two elements are adopted, or that the First element must precede the Second element.

[0050] The first switch 32a provided in the leakage relay 32 is, for example, a c-contact (single-pole double-throw) switch. The first switch 32a is switchable between a first state (e.g., a-contact connected state) and a second state (e.g., b-contact connected state). Figure 4 shows the first switch 32a in the first state (e.g., a-contact connected state). The first switch 32a is normally in the first state (e.g., a-contact connected state).

[0051] The leakage relay 32 switches the first switch 32a from a first state (e.g., a-contact connected state) to a second state (e.g., b-contact connected state) when the leakage current input from the leakage sensor 31 exceeds a predetermined setting value. In other words, the leakage relay 32, which is an example of the first relay unit, switches the first switch 32a from a first state (e.g., a-contact connected state) to a second state (e.g., b-contact connected state) when the leakage sensor 31, which is an example of the sensor unit, detects a leakage current exceeding a predetermined setting value.

[0052] The second switch 33a provided in the power relay 33 is an electromagnetic switch, for example, including a coil, a movable contact, and a fixed contact. Initially (when no current is flowing through the coil), the movable contact and the fixed contact of the second switch 33a are in contact. The primary side of the second switch 33a is connected to the power supply unit 2 via terminal 36. The secondary side of the second switch 33a is connected to the dimmer 1 via terminal 35. Therefore, the dimmer 1 and the power supply unit 2 are initially electrically connected via the power relay 33.

[0053] When the first switch 32a switches to the second state (for example, the normally closed contact state), the coil of the second switch 33a is connected to the commercial power supply and current is supplied to the coil. The flow of current through the coil generates a magnetic field. Due to the generated magnetic field, the movable contact of the second switch 33a separates from the fixed contact, electrically disconnecting the primary and secondary sides of the second switch 33a. As a result, the dimmer 1 and the power supply 2 are electrically disconnected. In other words, when the second switch 33a is turned off, the power supply from the power supply 2 to the dimmer 1 is cut off.

[0054] Figure 6 is a table showing the operating results of the earth leakage circuit breaker 3. In Figure 6, Examples 1 to 4 show examples in which a widely available, general-purpose earth leakage circuit breaker (in other words, a standard earth leakage circuit breaker) for driving voltages of 100V to 240V is installed between the dimming device 1 and the power supply device 2. In Figure 6, Examples 5 to 8 show examples in which the earth leakage circuit breaker 3 shown in Figures 4 and 5 (in other words, a dedicated earth leakage circuit breaker) is installed between the dimming device 1 and the power supply device 2.

[0055] In Figure 6, "Leakage Current" indicates the leakage current due to a ground fault in the circuit between power supply unit 2 and dimming device 1. "Power Supply Voltage" indicates the power supply voltage to dimming device 1. In the example in Figure 6, operation verification was performed with leakage currents of 10mA, 15mA, 30mA, and 50mA. In the example in Figure 6, operation verification was performed with power supply voltages of 40V, 60V, 80V, and 100V.

[0056] In Figure 6, "◎" indicates that the leakage current was shut off within 0.1 seconds. "〇" indicates that the leakage current was shut off after more than 0.1 seconds (for example, after approximately 0.5 seconds). "×" indicates that the leakage current could not be shut off. Examples where the leakage current could not be shut off when the power supply voltage was 40V are marked with "▲". Examples where the leakage current could be shut off when the power supply voltage was 40V are marked with "●".

[0057] As shown in Figure 6, in Examples 1-4, the power supply voltage of 40V was too low, making it impossible to detect and shut off the leakage current. In contrast, in Examples 5-8, leakage current could be detected and shut off even when the power supply voltage was 40V. In particular, when the leakage current was 15mA or more, the leakage current could be shut off very quickly (within 0.1 seconds).

[0058] A light-emitting element 32b is provided on the leakage relay 32. The light-emitting element 32b is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or a laser diode (LD). The leakage relay 32 lights up the light-emitting element 32b when the leakage current input from the leakage sensor 31 exceeds a predetermined setting value.

[0059] As described above, the cover 37b is made of a light-transmitting material. Therefore, the user can visually confirm the illumination of the light-emitting element 32b. Thus, the light-emitting element 32b is an example of a notification unit that notifies of the occurrence of leakage current.

[0060] A test button 32c is provided on the leakage relay 32. For example, when a user presses the test button 32c, the first switch 32a switches from a first state (e.g., open contact connected) to a second state (e.g., closed contact connected), electrically disconnecting the primary and secondary sides of the second switch 33a, and cutting off the power supply from the power supply unit 2 to the dimmer 1. In other words, the user can verify the operation of the leakage circuit breaker 3 by pressing the test button 32c.

[0061] If the power relay 33 is turned on while the cause of the electrical leakage has not been removed, there is a risk that the electrical leakage will occur again. Therefore, the leakage circuit breaker 3 is configured so that the power relay 33 can only be turned on manually, not automatically.

[0062] Specifically, the leakage relay 32 is equipped with a reset button 32d. For example, when a user presses the reset button 32d, the first switch 32a switches from the second state (e.g., b-contact connected state) to the first state (e.g., a-contact connected state). As a result, the current supply to the coil of the second switch 33a is cut off, and the generated magnetic field disappears. With the disappearance of the magnetic field, the movable contact of the second switch 33a makes contact with the fixed contact. As a result, the primary and secondary sides of the second switch 33a are electrically connected, and the circuit from the power supply unit 2 to the dimmer unit 1 is connected.

[0063] Thus, the reset button 32d is an example of a first operation unit that returns the first switch 32a from a second state (e.g., b-contact connected state) to a first state (e.g., a-contact connected state).

[0064] As described above, the user can open the lid 37b and access the inside of the storage box 37 by manually releasing the lock on the fastener 37c without using any tools. This allows the user to easily operate the test button 32c and the reset button 32d.

[0065] The above is a description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure. For example, embodiments of the present application include combinations of embodiments explicitly shown in the specification or obvious embodiments as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 1: Dimming device 1X: Dimming module 2: Power supply 3: Ground fault circuit interrupter 10: Dimmable sheet 31: Leakage sensor 32: Ground fault relay 32a: Switch 1 32b: Light-emitting element 32c: Test button 32d: Reset button 33: Power Relay 33a: Second switch 34: Terminals 35: Terminals 36: Terminals 37: Storage Box 37a: Main housing section 37b: Lid 37c: Fasteners 37d: Mounting legs 100: Ground fault circuit interrupter system

Claims

1. A ground fault circuit interrupter is installed in the circuit between an object and a power supply device that supplies power to the object, A sensor unit for detecting leakage current, When the sensor unit detects a leakage current, the first relay unit switches the first switch from the first state to the second state. A second relay unit, which, in conjunction with the switching of the first switch to the second state, turns off a second switch installed in the circuit between the object and the power supply device, thereby interrupting the power supply to the object, Equipped with, Earth leakage circuit breaker.

2. The sensor unit is a zero-phase current transformer installed in the circuit between the object and the power supply device. The earth leakage circuit breaker according to claim 1.

3. When the sensor detects a leakage current exceeding a predetermined set value, the first relay unit switches the first switch from the first state to the second state. The earth leakage circuit breaker according to claim 1.

4. The former 2nd switch is an electromagnetic switch provided in the former 2nd relay section. When the first switch switches to the second state, current is supplied to the coil of the electromagnetic switch, generating a magnetic field, the movable contact of the electromagnetic switch separates from the fixed contact, and the primary and secondary sides of the electromagnetic switch are electrically disconnected. The earth leakage circuit breaker according to claim 1.

5. The first relay section is, Including the first operating section, When the first operating unit is operated, the first switch is returned from the second state to the first state. The earth leakage circuit breaker according to claim 1.

6. The first relay unit includes a notification unit that notifies of the occurrence of the leakage current, The earth leakage circuit breaker according to claim 1.

7. The system comprises a housing section that accommodates the sensor section, the first relay section, and the second relay section, Connection terminals for connecting to the aforementioned object and the aforementioned power supply unit are installed exposed from the outer wall surface of the housing. The earth leakage circuit breaker according to claim 1.

8. The system comprises a housing section that accommodates the sensor section, the first relay section, and the second relay section, The aforementioned housing section is A lid for opening and closing the opening of the aforementioned storage section, A fastener for locking the lid in a closed position, comprising a fastener that can be manually locked and unlocked, The earth leakage circuit breaker according to claim 1.

9. The object in question is a dimming sheet. The earth leakage circuit breaker according to claim 1.

10. The object and, A power supply device that supplies power to the aforementioned object, A ground fault circuit breaker is provided, the primary terminal of which is connected to the power supply device and the secondary terminal of which is connected to the object. Ground fault circuit interrupter system.

11. The aforementioned earth leakage circuit breaker is the earth leakage circuit breaker described in any one of claims 1 to 9. The leakage circuit breaker system according to claim 10.

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