Electrical circuit interrupter

Abstract

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for opening a circuit when a ground fault has been detected in an attached circuit includes a current path structure containing no more than one splice and no more than one pair of contacts. A cantilevered movable contact arm and an activation device that moves in a linear fashion can be provided to open the current path structure when a ground fault is detected by the GFCI. In addition, the GFCI can include a transformer boat and solenoid bobbin that are snap fit onto a circuit board and located adjacent each other to provide rigidity to the circuit board and GFCI. The GFCI can be tested by a test switch that includes an integral cantilevered extension from an electrical terminal disposed over a resistor such that the cantilevered extension can be bent by a test button to contact a lead of the resistor and simulate a ground fault condition for the GFCI. Furthermore, the GFCI can include a housing with an outer portion that defines a uniform width channel adjacent a wire contact point to allow quick and easy connection to ground wires.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an error detection circuit interrupter device that includes a detection circuit for determining whether an error has occurred in an exterior circuit and includes an interrupter device for stopping current flow to the exterior circuit when an error has been detected. More particularly, the invention relates to a ground fault circuit interrupter device (GFCI) that includes a detection circuit for determining whether a ground fault has occurred in an exterior circuit and includes an interrupter device for stopping current flow to the exterior circuit when a ground fault has been detected.

2. Description of the Related Art

Fault or error detection devices are well known in the art to provide additional safety for electrical components. A specific type of fault or error detection device is know as a GFCI device. In operation, a GFCI type device supplies electricity to an exterior circuit and opens an outlet circuit when a ground fault occurs in the exterior circuit, i.e., when a portion of a circuit that is plugged into the outlet becomes grounded. For example, if a hair dryer is negligently dropped into a bathtub, electricity may flow from the hair dryer circuit to ground through the bathtub water. A person might be part of the current path to ground. An electrical outlet provided with a GFCI device will detect such a ground fault and, almost instantaneously, open the outlet circuit to prevent current from flowing from the hair dryer circuit to ground. Although the GFCI device is described above as being associated with an outlet, the typical GFCI device can be associated with other different types of electrical junctures.

Conventional GFCI devices include a detection circuit that compares the current leaving the outlet circuit to the current returning to the outlet circuit. When there is a pre-set differential between the leaving and returning outlet currents, the GFCI opens the outlet circuit and indicates that a ground fault has occurred. The detection circuit can be constructed in a number of different ways, including providing a differential transformer for sensing the imbalance in the current flow. In addition, there are many different structures that have conventionally been used to open the circuit once the ground fault has been detected. For example, some conventional GFCI devices use a trip coil to open the outlet circuit. A test and reset button are also typically provided on the GFCI device for testing whether the device is functioning properly and for resetting the device after testing or after the device has been tripped. Conventional GFCI devices are often complicated structures that require sophisticated manufacturing processes to ensure that they work properly and safely. Several other drawbacks exist in the conventional GFCI devices, including high manufacturing cost, poor reliability, poor endurance, potential safety concerns due to excessive heat generation and/or poor reliability, and general aesthetic and ergonomic drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide an fault/error detection device that is economic to manufacture, requires as few parts as possible and operates at a high level of reliability. Another object of the present invention is to provide a GFCI device that requires no more than one splice and no more than one pair of contacts along each current path located in the GFCI device. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a GFCI device that includes a cantilevered contact which can be opened to prevent current flow there through by an activation device that moves in a linear motion. Another object of the invention is to provide a GFCI device that includes a transformer boat and a solenoid bobbin that snap onto the circuit board and are located adjacent each other to provide added rigidity to the circuit board structure. A further object of the invention is to provide a GFCI device that has a linearly actuatable test switch that is simple to manufacture and operates reliably. Specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide a GFCI device in which the test switch includes a cantilevered integral extension from the output contact bar such that it can be bent by a one piece linearly actuated test switch to make contact with a test circuit and cause the GFCI device to trip. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a GFCI device with a housing that is easy to install and includes improved ergonomic features. Another object of the invention is to provide a GFCI device that is simple to manufacture and includes as few parts as possible while also providing the structural stability necessary for the device to be tested on a regular basis. A further object of the invention is to reduce the heat that occurs along the current path by minimizing the number of electrical splices (e.g., solders and welds) along the current path. Another object of the invention is to eliminate the use of separate bus bars or wires attached between the input line and a conductor that runs through the transformer. A still further object of the invention is to provide a separator that is integral with the middle housing to separate the conductors running through the transformer, thereby eliminating the need for a cover over the transformer. Another object of the invention is to provide a GFCI device that will not burn out after it is tripped by including a “dead” mode or “desensitized” mode that turns off the ground fault detection device once it is tripped until it is reset. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a GFCI device that includes a test light indicator that will indicate when the GFCI device has been tripped and whether the GFCI device is wired correctly.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described, the invention provides a GFCI device for stopping current flow through a first circuit when a ground fault has been detected in the first circuit, the ground fault circuit interrupter device including a housing, a substructure located in the housing, a ground fault detector located on the substructure and capable of detecting whether a ground fault has occurred in the first circuit, a current path structure located on the substructure and having a first end terminating at an input connector and a second end terminating at an output connector, the current path structure including no more than one electrical splice, and a pair of contact points located in the current path structure and displaceable from each other to open the current path structure and cause current to stop flowing in the first circuit when the ground fault detector detects that a ground fault has occurred. Although only one current path is described above, the invention typically includes two current path structures including a hot current path and a neutral current path. In another aspect of the invention, a ground fault circuit interrupter device for stopping current flow through a first circuit when a ground fault has been detected in the first circuit includes a housing, a substructure located in the housing, a ground fault detector located on the substructure and capable of detecting whether a ground fault has occurred in the first circuit, and a current path structure located on the substructure and having a first end terminating at an input connector and a second end terminating at an output connector, the current path structure including no more than three separate continuous structures and a pair of contact points, the contact points being displaceable from each other to open the current path structure and cause current to stop flowing in the first circuit when the ground fault detector detects that a ground fault has occurred.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a ground fault circuit interrupter device for stopping current flow through a first circuit when a ground fault has been detected in the first circuit includes a housing, a substructure located in the housing, a ground fault detector located on the substructure and capable of detecting whether a ground fault has occurred in the first circuit, and a current path structure located on the substructure and having a first end terminating at an input connector and a second end terminating at an output connector, the current path structure including, an input terminal that is a continuous structure having a first end and a second end, the first end of the input terminal integrally formed with the input connector, a first contact point and a second contact point, a first contact arm that is a continuous structure having first end and a second end, the first end of the first contact arm connected to one of the first contact point and the second end to the input terminal, and an output terminal that is a continuous structure having a first end and a second end, the first end of the output terminal connected to one of the first contact point and the second end of the first contact arm, and the second end of the output terminal integrally formed with the output connector, wherein the second contact point is located adjacent the first contact point and on one of the second end of the input terminal and the second end of the first contact arm such that the first and second contact points are biased into contact with each other and are displaceable from each other to open the current path structure and cause current to stop flowing in the first circuit when the ground fault detector detects that a ground fault has occurred.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of making a ground fault circuit interrupter device includes providing a substructure having a ground fault detector and current path structure located thereon, the current path structure including a first one piece output terminal with integral outlet connector, a first one piece contact arm, a first pair of contact points, and a first one piece input terminal with integral inlet connector, connecting the first contact arm to one of the first output terminal and the first input terminal by a splice type connection, and connecting the first contact arm to the other of the first output terminal and the first input terminal via the first pair of contact points.

In yet another aspect of the invention, an error detection device for stopping current flow through a first circuit when an error has been detected in the first circuit includes a housing, a substructure located in the housing, an error detection sensor located on the substructure and capable of sensing whether an error has occurred in the first circuit, a current path structure extending from an input connection for connecting to an input voltage to an output connection for connecting to the first circuit, the current path structure being located on the substructure and including a first contact arm and a first terminal, the first contact arm and first terminal being detachably connected to each other at a contact position, and a latch block assembly located in the housing and positioned adjacent the contact position, the latch block assembly being movable in the housing along a substantially linear path to disengage the contact arm from the first terminal and open the current path structure when the error detection sensor senses that an error has occurred in the first circuit, thus stopping current from flowing through the first circuit.

In another aspect of the invention, an error detection device for stopping current flow through a first circuit when an error has been detected in the first circuit is disclosed in which the error detection device includes a housing, a substructure located in the housing, an error detection sensor located on the substructure and capable of sensing whether an error has occurred in the first circuit, a current path structure extending from an input connection for connecting to an input voltage to an output connection for connecting to the first circuit, the current path structure being located on the substructure and including a first contact arm and a first terminal, the first contact arm and first terminal being detachably connected to each other at a contact position, and a latch block assembly located in the housing and positionable between a tripped position and a reset position, the latch block assembly positioned adjacent the contact position and out of contact with the current path structure when in the reset position, the latch block assembly being movable in the housing from the reset position to the tripped position to disengage the contact arm from the first terminal and open the current path structure when the detection sensor senses that an error has occurred in the first circuit, thus stopping current from flowing through the first circuit.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate one embodiment of the invention and together with the written description serves to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIGS. 1B and 1B are first and second perspective views of a GFCI device embodying the principles of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the GFCI device of FIGS. 1A and 1B ;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are exploded and unexploded perspective views, respectively, of the PC board assembly as shown FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the back of the top housing cover as shown in FIG. 1A ;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the back of the bottom housing cover as shown in FIG. 1B ;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are isometric views of the hot current path and neutral current path, respectively, of the GFCI device as shown in FIG. 2 ;

FIGS. 7A-7D are top, first isometric, bottom, and second isometric views of the middle housing as shown in FIG. 2 ;

FIGS. 8A-8D are first and second isometric views of the hot output terminal and first and second isometric views of the neutral output terminal, respectively, of the GFCI device of FIG. 2 ;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are isometric views of the hot contact arm and the neutral contact arm, respectively, of the GFCI device as shown in FIG. 2 ;

FIGS. 10A-10D are first and second perspective views of the neutral input terminal and first and second perspective views of the hot input terminal, respectively, of the GFCI device as shown in FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the test button of the GFCI device as shown in FIG. 2 ;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are first and second isometric views, respectively, of the latch block assembly as shown FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the latch block assembly shown in FIG. 12 ;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are first and second isometric views, respectively, of the solenoid and solenoid bobbin as shown in FIG. 2 ;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are first and second isometric views, respectively, of the solenoid clip as shown in FIG. 2 ;

FIGS. 16A and 16B are first and second isometric views, respectively, of the transformer boat as shown in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 17 is a perspective drawing of the circuit desensitizing switch for the GFCI device as shown in FIG. 2 ;

FIGS. 18A-18D are sequential skeleton drawings of the trip/reset structure for the GFCI device as shown in FIG. 2 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A shows a GFCI device 1 that is constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. The GFCI device can have a top housing cover 100 that is constructed of a size and shape that is consistent with industry standards for an electrical outlet. Preferably, the device includes two sets of receptacle openings for receiving standard plugs. A test/reset aperture can be located along a mid-line of the top housing cover 100 and include a test button 801 and reset button 802 located therein. A light aperture 108 can also be located on the mid-line of the top housing cover 100 to enclose a light for indicating whether the GFCI device has been tripped due to either a ground fault detection or a test of the device. The light can also indicate whether the GFCI device has been correctly wired.

Top and bottom angled indicia surfaces 101 can be provided on either side of the mid-line and include indicia thereon. The indicia can include numerals, letters, symbols or other markings that can be viewed from the exterior of the GFCI device and which preferably provide an instructional message to a viewer. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. IA, the indicia comprise the terms “test” and “reset” to instruct a viewer of the function of the buttons located adjacent the indicia surfaces. The angled indicia surfaces are preferably sloped at a 45° angle with respect to the substantially planar face surface 107 of the top housing cover 100 so that the indicia can be read from above and below the GFCI device. Accordingly, a user can read the indicia on the angled indicia surfaces 101 regardless of the orientation of the GFCI device when installed. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that this preferred configuration de-emphasizes the visual appearance of indica on the top indicia surface and emphasizes indicia located on the bottom indicia surface when viewed from above, e.g., when the device is installed in a wall.

A mounting strap 920 extends from either side of the top housing cover 100 for attaching the GFCI device to a wall box. Indents 103 can be provided on either side of the top housing cover 100 to facilitate connection to electrical wires.

FIG. 1B shows an isometric view of the bottom housing cover 200 which is attached to the top housing cover 100 via screws inserted through the connection holes 201 in the bottom housing 200 . Neutral connection holes 202 and hot connection holes 203 are located in the bottom housing cover 200 to provide an alternate connection for input wires onto the GFCI circuit. In addition, neutral connection holes 204 and hot connection holes 205 are located on the bottom housing cover 200 to provide an alternate attachment structure for output wires leading from the GFCI circuit. A wide pathway 206 can be located at one end of the periphery of the bottom housing cover 200 to facilitate attachment of a U-shaped wire connector to the grounding screw of the GFCI device. Indents 208 may also be provided on the bottom housing cover 200 and aligned with the indents 103 of the top housing cover 100 to provide clearance for U-shaped wire attachment structures for input and output wires.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the top housing cover 100 and the bottom housing cover 200 encase the GFCI components and circuitry including a middle housing 300 and substructure on which the electrical circuitry is located. The substructure as shown is a typical circuit board device 950 . The middle housing 300 is located above the circuit board 950 and adjacent the top housing cover 100 . The circuit board 950 rests adjacent the bottom wall of the bottom housing cover 200 . The middle housing 300 can be a one piece molded structure that has a plurality of ribs thereon to locate and stabilize the GFCI circuit components. A mounting strap 920 can be sandwiched between the top housing cover 100 and the middle housing 300 and extend from either end of the GFCI device so that the GFCI device can be mounted to a conventional wall box.

The GFCI circuitry as shown in FIG. 2 includes a transformer device for detecting a ground fault, a solenoid trip device for causing both current pathways of the GFCI device to open, and a test/reset structure for periodically testing the GFCI device and for resetting the GFCI device after it has been either tested or tripped.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict an exploded view and an isometric view, respectively, of the electronic components 951 and other various components that are located on the circuit board 950 of the GFCI device. The electronic components 951 include resistors, capacitors and other well known electronic circuit components for comprising a GFCI circuit. The electronic components 951 can be attached to the circuit board 950 via any well known attachment method, e.g., by soldering. The circuit board 950 can include clip apertures 952 and pivot apertures 953 for attaching the transformer boat 400 and the solenoid bobbin 700 quickly and easily with lock/alignment pins and clips located on the base of each of the transformer boat 400 and solenoid bobbin 700 .

The test light 901 can be raised from the circuit board 950 by the standoff 900 . The standoff 900 is preferably a two-piece snap together structure as described in Applicant's co-pending patent application filed on same date and incorporated herein by above reference.

Elements of the current path can be attached to the circuit board at a hot attachment point and a neutral attachment point. Specifically, hot contact arm 520 and hot input terminal 550 can be soldered together and to the circuit board 950 at a location underneath the transformer boat 400 . Likewise, the neutral contact arm 620 and neutral input terminal 650 can be soldered together and to the circuit board 950 at a location underneath the transformer boat 400 and adjacent to the hot attachment point. Accordingly, electrical power can be supplied to the electronic components 951 and all other electronic devices located on the circuit board 950 via the hot input terminal 550 and neutral input terminal 650 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , the top housing cover 100 can include tapped or self tapping attachment holes 102 located at the corners of the top housing cover 100 for screw connection to the bottom housing 200 . Contact cavities 104 are shown located in the central portion of the top housing cover 100 for sealing and protecting the area in which contacts are located in the hot and neutral current paths. Test reset aperture 105 can be configured as a long, narrow rectangular opening in the central portion of the top housing cover 100 . The test/reset aperture 105 permits the test button 801 and reset button 802 to be contactable from outside of the top housing cover 100 .

A reset pin guide 106 can be formed as part of the back surface of the top housing cover 100 to stabilize and guide the motion of the reset button 802 and shaft 804 in a linear path when they are actuated.

Light aperture 108 can be located adjacent the test/reset aperture 105 for convenient viewing. The test light 901 is aided by the standoff 900 to extend from the circuit board 950 and into the light aperture 108 .

Ground hole 10 and slots 109 are shown arranged in the North American standard configuration for household electrical outlets. Although not shown, other configurations for the ground hole 110 and slots 109 are well known for complying with other types of electrical plugs as appropriate in various area of the world and for various applications.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the bottom housing 200 can be a unitary one piece structure that is generally rectangular in shape and includes connection holes 201 located at each corner. The connection holes 201 are in alignment with the attachment holes 102 in the top housing cover 100 for connecting the top and bottom housing covers 100 , 200 by a screw, nail or other fastening device.

The bottom housing 200 of the GFCI device can be configured with several different input and output connection options. In particular, indents 208 can be provided at the sides of the bottom housing 200 to facilitate connection between a U-shaped connector on an input wire to a screw/face terminal connection 961 provided on one of the current pathways of the GFCI circuitry. In addition, bottom housing 200 can be provided with neutral input connection holes 202 , hot input connection holes 203 , neutral output connection holes 204 and hot output connection holes 205 . The connection holes 202 - 205 permit bare electrical lines access to the GFCI circuity. Specifically, a bare wire inserted into one of the connection holes 202 - 205 can be guided to an area between a connection face plate 963 and its associated wire connector surface, e.g., wire connector 508 , 551 , 608 or 651 . After insertion, the bare wire can be clamped into connection with one of the current pathways by turning a screw of a screw/face terminal to cause the connection face plate 936 to close onto and clamp the bare wire between the connection face plate 963 and a wire connector 508 , 551 , 608 or 651 . The connection face plate 963 can include horizontal grooves therein to prevent a bare wire connected thereto from slipping out of connection with the connection face plate 963 . A bare wire connection can be made alternatively or in addition to the connection of a U-shaped wire terminal to the screw/face terminals 961 located at the sides of GFCI housing.

The screw/face terminals 961 can be situated in the bottom housing 200 such that they can be connected to either a U-shaped connector on the end of a wire at indent 208 or to a bare wire that is inserted into one of the connection holes 202 - 205 . The U-shaped wire terminal can be clamped between the screw head of the screw/face terminal 961 and the outer surface of one of the wire connectors 508 , 551 , 608 or 651 .

FIGS. 6A and 6B show the hot and neutral current pathway structures, respectively, of the GFCI device. FIG. 6A depicts the various structures that make up the hot current pathway for the GFCI device and shows their relative position as assembled. The hot current pathway can consist of a hot input terminal 550 , a hot contact arm 520 two contacts 501 and 521 and a hot output terminal 500 . The hot input terminal 550 can be configured to be attachable to an electrical wire for receiving positive (hot) current into the current pathway. The hot input terminal 550 can be attached to the hot contact arm 520 by soldering or the like. Additionally, both the hot input terminal 550 and hot contact arm 520 can be anchored to the circuit board 950 by the same solder connection that connects the two structures together. The hot contact arm 520 can be figured to include a contact stem 522 that extends through the center of a transformer coil 408 located in the transformer boat 400 when assembled. Current passing through the contact stem 522 is compared by the transformer coil 408 to the current returning through a similar contact stem 622 located on the neutral contact arm 620 . In accordance with the laws of physics, an electrical current will be induced in the transformer coil 408 when there is a differential between the current flows in contact stems 522 and 622 . Once a predetermined current is induced in the transformer coil 408 , a ground fault will be indicated by the GFCI device and the current paths will be opened as explained later.

The hot contact arm 520 can be separably connected to the hot output terminal 500 via a pair of contacts 501 , 521 . Contact 521 can be located on a cantilevered arm portion the hot contact arm 520 and contact 501 can be located on a stationary arm of the hot output terminal 500 . Accordingly, a downward force applied to the cantilevered arm portion will force the contact 521 out of contact with the contact 501 located on the hot output terminal 500 to open the hot current pathway. The hot output terminal 500 can be separably connected to the hot contact arm 520 as explained above and can include two conventional spring type electrical receptacle contacts 504 and a wire connector 508 . The wire connector 508 and receptacle contacts 504 can be connected to an outside circuit, e.g., to an appliance, other electrical device or other electrical receptacle.

As shown in FIG. 6B , the neutral current pathway structure can consist of a neutral input terminal 650 , a neutral contact arm 620 , a pair of contacts 601 , 621 and a neutral output terminal 600 . The neutral input terminal 650 can be attached to an electrical wire at one end and soldered to the circuit board 950 and the neutral contact arm 620 at the opposite end. The neutral contact arm 620 includes a contact stem 622 that can be positioned adjacent the contact stem 522 of the hot contact arm 550 and through the transformer coil 408 to allow ground fault detection as explained above. Contact 621 can be located at a distal end of a cantilevered arm portion of the contact arm 620 and contact 601 can be located on a stationary arm of the neutral output terminal. The cantilevered arm portion is configured such that contact 621 will separate from contact 601 when a downward force is applied to the cantilevered arm portion of the contact arm 620 . Accordingly, the neutral current pathway can be opened by a linear downward force applied to the cantilevered arm portion. In addition, the hot contact arm 520 and neutral contact arm 620 can be located adjacent each other when assembled into the GFCI housing such that a single structure, e.g., latch block assembly 810 , can provide the downward linear force necessary to simultaneously open both the hot and neutral current pathways. The neutral output terminal 600 can be separably connected to the neutral contact arm 620 at contact point 601 as explained above. The neutral output terminal 600 also includes two conventional spring type electrical receptacle contacts 604 and a wire connector 608 for connecting a neutral electrical conductor between the GFCI device and an appliance or other electrical device or receptacle.

As shown in FIGS. 7A-7D the middle housing 300 can be molded from a unitary piece of plastic and be configured to fit within and be clamped between the top housing cover 100 and bottom housing cover 200 . The middle housing 300 is preferably a different color as compared with the top housing 100 and bottom housing 200 to more clearly indicate where electrical wires can be connected to the GFCI device. For example, the middle housing 300 is preferably blue while the top housing 100 and bottom housing 200 are preferably white and grey, respectively. A pair of contact arm through holes 306 can be provided in the central area of the middle housing 300 so that the far end of the cantilevered portions of the hot and neutral contact arms 520 and 620 , can pass through the middle housing 300 allowing each pair of contacts 501 , 521 and 601 , 621 to contact each other. Thus, the middle housing 300 protects the circuit board 950 from any sparking that may occur between pairs of contacts 501 , 521 and 601 , 621 when they are separated from or contacted to each other.

The top portion of the middle housing 300 can be configured to align the hot output terminal 500 and the neutral output terminal 600 and to electrically separate both of these structures from each other and from the components located on the circuit board. The hot output terminal 500 and neutral output terminal 600 can be located between the top housing cover 100 and the middle housing 300 such that a conventional plug will have access to the hot output terminal 500 and neutral output terminal 600 when inserted through slots 109 in the top housing cover 100 .

A test resistor through hole 304 in the central portion of the middle housing allows a test resistor to pass therethrough. As will be explained in more detail later, the test resistor allows the GFCI device to be tested by simulating a ground fault by diverting current through the test resistor from the hot output terminal and eventually to the neutral input terminal through the circuit board 950 . A light standoff through hole 302 can be located in the middle housing 300 to support the standoff 900 as it extends from the circuit board to the top housing cover 100 . Likewise, a reset shaft through hole 320 can be placed in a central area of the middle housing 300 to permit the reset shaft 804 to pass therethrough and to guide the reset shaft 804 along a linear path. In addition, the reset shaft through hole 320 includes a countersunk portion on the bottom side of the middle housing, as shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D , that allows a latch block 820 and latch block actuation spring 812 to reside therein. Accordingly, the reset shaft through hole structure guides the latch block 820 along the same linear path as taken by the reset shaft when moved.

A hot output terminal throughway 316 and a neutral output terminal throughway 318 can be located at either side of the middle housing to allow the U-shaped wire connectors 508 and 608 to pass through the middle housing 300 and be exposed at either side of the GFCI device for connection to electrical wires. A test button guideway 322 can be located in the top portion of the middle housing 300 for guiding the test button 801 along a linear path and into contact with the test switch arm 502 of the hot output terminal 500 . The test button 801 can be located above and guided within the top portion of the middle housing 300 above the test resistor through hole 304 .

The bottom portion of the middle housing 300 can include alignment holes 324 that mate with alignment posts 419 located on the transformer boat 400 . Alignment between all of the components of the GFCI device is important to ensure that the hot and neutral contacts 501 , 521 and 601 , 621 , respectively, remain in contact with each other when the GFCI device is in its “reset position” and to ensure that the contacts will be out of contact with each other when the GFCI device is in its “tripped position.” A transformer boat indent 308 and a solenoid bobbin indent 314 can be provided in the bottom portion of the middle housing 300 to secure and align the transformer boat 400 and solenoid bobbin 700 . A hot contact arm indent 310 and a neutral contact arm indent 312 can be separated from each other by a separation wall 326 to provide alignment structures for the hot and neutral contact arms 520 and 620 , respectively, to reside in. The separation wall 326 also electrically insulates the contact arms 520 and 620 from each other.

Screw/face supports 327 can extend from the bottom of the middle housing 300 and into the central opening of the U-shaped wire connectors 551 and 651 located on the hot input terminal 550 and neutral input terminal 650 , respectively. The screw/face supports 327 serve to retain the screw/face terminals 961 in a general area and provide support when the screw/face terminals 961 are used to lock down an electrical wire.

As shown in FIGS. 8A-8D , the hot output terminal 500 and neutral output terminal 600 can each be constructed as a one-piece structure that is made from an electrically conductive material such as brass. The hot output terminal 500 can include two receptacle contacts 504 that are disposed adjacent slots 109 in the top cover housing 100 when assembled. As shown in FIG. 8A , the receptacle contacts 504 are standard spring receptacle contacts that are adapted to receive a standard 120V North American plug. However, different receptacle contacts can be used depending on the location and application of the GFCI device. U-shaped wire connector 508 extends from one end of the hot output terminal such that, when assembled, it will be located at and accessible from the side of the GFCI device for attachment to an electrical wire. A contact 501 configured for connection to a contact 521 on the hot contact arm 520 can be located on an arm that extends laterally from the hot output terminal 500 . The extended arm portion of the hot output terminal 500 is relatively short and rigid such that the attached contact 501 remains stationary with respect to the hot output terminal 500 and the middle housing 300 in which the hot output terminal 500 resides.

A test switch arm 502 can be provided as an integral lateral extension from the hot output terminal 500 . The test switch arm 502 can be configured to reside over the test resistor through hole 304 and under the test button 801 when assembled in the GFCI device. The test switch arm 502 is also of such a length and rigidity that depression of the test button 801 from outside the GFCI device will cause the test button 801 to contact and bend the test switch arm 502 into contact with a test resistor located in the test resistor through hole 304 of the middle housing 300 . Current that flows from the hot output terminal 500 through the test switch arm 502 to the test resistor will (if the GFCI device is operating correctly) cause the GFCI device to indicate a ground fault has occurred and subsequently trip the GFCI device to open the current pathways.

The neutral output terminal 600 can also include two receptacle contacts 604 constructed in a similar fashion as are receptacle contacts 504 of the hot output terminal 500 . A wire connector 608 can also be provided on the neutral output terminal 600 . A contact 601 can be provided on a relatively short and rigid extension arm on the neutral output terminal 600 for connection to a contact 621 located on the neutral contact arm 620 .

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B , hot contact arm 520 and neutral contact arm 620 can each be configured as a unitary structure that is basically a mirror image of each other. The hot contact arm 520 can include a contact stem 522 that is designed to extend through the center of transformer coils 408 in the transformer boat 400 . A distal end of the contact stem 522 can be soldered, welded or otherwise electrically connected to both the circuit board 950 and connecting tab 552 of the hot input terminal 550 . The opposite end of the contact stem 522 includes a stop tab 526 that extends from a side of the contact stem 522 for abutting against the transformer boat 400 . The stop tab 526 ensures the correct insertion depth of the contact stem 522 into the circuit board and correctly aligns the hot contact arm 520 with the transformer boat 400 and GFCI circuitry. The hot contact arm 520 includes a series of bends at its middle portion to navigate around the transformer boat structure. Another stop tab 526 and an alignment post 524 can extend into transformer boat 400 and are located in the middle portion of the contact arm 520 to align the contact arm 520 within the GFCI device. A cantilevered arm portion extends from the middle portion and has a through hole at its distal end for connection to contact 521 . When assembled in the GFCI device, the cantilevered arm portion extends through the middle housing such that contact 521 is normally in contact with contact 501 of the hot output terminal 500 . In addition, the cantilevered arm portion is of such a length and dimension that it can be forcibly flexed about a position adjacent to the alignment post 524 . Accordingly, contact 521 can be in contact with contact 501 when in the reset position and forcibly flexed away from and out of contact with contact 501 when in the tripped position. The stop tabs 526 and alignment tab 524 ensure that the contact arm 520 is positioned correctly so that the contacts 501 and 521 will be in contact and out of contact in their reset and tripped positions, respectively. In particular, alignment tab 524 is designed to extend into an alignment tab receptacle 422 in the transformer boat 400 at a depth set by stop tab 526 to secure the position of the contact arm 520 with respect to the transformer boat 400 . In addition, the alignment tab 524 and stop tab 526 create an anchor point from which the cantilevered arm portion can flex.

The neutral contact arm 620 can include similar structures that perform relatively identical functions as compared to the hot contact arm 520 . Moreover, neutral contact arm 620 can include stop tabs 626 and alignment tab 624 for alignment with the transformer boat 400 and for providing an anchor point for a cantilevered arm portion of the neutral contact arm 620 . Contact stem 622 is designed to extend through the transformer boat 400 adjacent to the contact stem 522 of the hot contact arm 520 and be similarly electrically attached to both the circuit board 950 and the corresponding neutral input terminal 650 at a distal end of the contact stem 622 . A contact 621 can be located at a distal end of the cantilevered portion of the neutral contact arm for connection to contact 601 of the neutral output terminal when in the reset position, and for forcible separation from the contact 601 when in the tripped position.

As shown in FIGS. 10-10D , the neutral input terminal 650 and hot input terminal 550 can each be a one-piece unitary structure made from electrically conductive material. The neutral input terminal 650 can be an approximate mirror image of the hot input terminal 550 and include a U-shaped wire connector 651 , a connection tab 652 and a pair of mounting tabs 654 . The mounting tabs 654 and connection tab 652 can be assembled onto the circuit board 950 such that they extend through and are soldered onto the circuit board 950 . Connection tab 652 can also be soldered to the contact stem 622 of the neutral contact arm 620 such that electrical current can pass between the neutral contact arm 620 and neutral input terminal 650 . The U-shaped wire connector 651 can be arranged at an approximate 90 degree angle with respect to the base of the neutral input terminal 650 so that, when installed, the wire connector 651 is located at and accessible from a side of the GFCI device. The location of the wire connector 651 provides easy connection to an electrical wire via the screw/face terminal 961 .

As stated above, the hot input terminal 550 can be constructed as an almost identical mirror image of the neutral input terminal 650 . Specifically, the hot input terminal 550 can include a U-shaped wire connector 551 that is configured at a 90 degree angle with respect to a base portion of the hot input terminal 550 . Mounting tabs 554 and connecting tab 552 can extend from the bottom of the base portion for electrical connection to the circuit board 950 via soldering or other known permanent electrical connection. The connection tab 552 can also be electrically connected to the contact stem 522 of the hot contact arm to create a current pathway therebetween.

As shown in FIG. 11 , test button 801 can be formed of a single-piece non-conductive material, for example, plastic. The test button 801 is design to have a push surface (as shown in FIG. 1A ) that extends from the test/reset aperture 105 in the top housing cover 100 . The test button 801 can be depressed by a user to cause the GFCI circuitry to simulate a ground fault detection, thereby testing whether the GFCI device is working properly. Stop flanges 808 can be located at either side of the test button 801 to abut a side of the test/reset aperture 105 and prevent the test button 801 from being removed from the top housing cover 100 . A test switch arm contact surface 803 can be located below the push surface of the test button 801 and at the end of an extension supported by guide rib 809 . The contact surface 803 can be designed to contact the test switch arm 502 of the hot contact arm such that the resiliency of the test switch arm 502 keeps the test button in a protruded state from the test/reset aperture 105 in the top housing cover 100 . In addition, when the test button 801 is depressed, the contact surface 803 can be situated such that it forces the test switch arm 502 to flex downward and contact a test resistor located in the test resistor throughway 304 to simulate a ground fault and test whether the GFCI device is operating properly. The test button 801 can be guided along a linear path during depression by guide rib 809 acting in conjunction with the test button guideway 322 in the middle housing 300 .

As shown in FIGS. 12A , 12 B and 13 , latch block assembly 810 can include three major components: a latch block 820 , a latch 840 , and a latch charging spring 830 . The latch block assembly 810 works in conjunction with other elements of the GFCI device to perform various functions, including retaining the reset shaft 804 in its “reset” position, and, causing the contacts 501 , 521 and contacts 601 , 621 to decouple from each other to open the GFCI circuitry when a ground fault is detected. The latch block 820 can be T-shaped with arms 821 that extend from opposite sides of a main body portion 826 and a shield tube 822 that extends from the main body portion and is located between the arms 821 . A through hole 824 extends through the shield tube 822 to the opposite side of the main body portion 826 . Latch guides 823 can be formed at the bottom of the latch block 820 and on either side of the through hole 824 for guiding the latch 840 along the bottom surface of the latch block 820 . When assembled, an opening in the latch 840 corresponds with the through hole 824 of the latch block 820 to permit the reset shaft 804 to pass through both structures. The shield tube 822 provides protection from the possibility of any arcing to the reset shaft 804 and/or other structures during operation.

Latch 840 can be slidably located in the latch guides 823 and include a latch edge 843 for locking into latch groove 805 of the reset shaft 804 when in the reset position. The latch edge 843 can be biased towards the reset shaft 804 by a latch charging spring 830 connected between the main body portion 826 of the latch block 820 and a striking plate 841 of the latch 840 . The charging spring 830 can be aligned to the striking plate 841 by a spring catch tab 844 located on an inside face of the striking plate 841 . A spring guide pin 825 preferably extends from the main body portion 826 of the latch block towards the striking plate 841 to guide the charging spring 830 and maintain its alignment between the latch block 820 and latch 840 . The latch 840 can include a pair of catch tabs 842 located on either side of an end of the latch 840 opposite the striking plate 841 . Catch tabs 842 are bent slightly downward such that they can pass through latch guides 823 during assembly and then spring outward after assembly to prevent removal of the latch 840 as a result of contact between catch tabs 842 and either the latch block 820 or the latch guides 823 .

As will be discussed in detail later, the latch block assembly 810 is slidably mounted on the reset shaft 804 such that a latch block actuation spring 812 (as shown in FIG. 18 ) can cause the latch block assembly to slide down the reset shaft to disengage contacts 501 , 521 and 601 , 621 and thus open the GFCI circuitry current pathways when a ground fault is detected.

As shown in FIGS. 14A-14B , solenoid bobbin 700 can include a solenoid frame 733 , solenoid winding 703 and solenoid armature 712 (as shown in FIG. 2 ). Solenoid winding 703 can be wound on a spool 731 located between solenoid end plates 704 and 705 . The solenoid functions to trip the latch 840 of the latch block assembly 810 when a ground fault is detected such that the latch 840 is released from the latch groove 805 in the reset shaft 804 . Once the latch 840 releases the reset shaft 804 , the latch block actuation spring 812 forces the latch block assembly 810 to slide along the reset shaft 804 and eventually contact the cantilevered portion of the hot and neutral contact arms 520 and 620 . Accordingly, contacts 501 , 521 and 601 , 621 are caused to separate from each other, and the current pathways are thus opened by the downward sliding motion of the latch block assembly 810 when a ground fault is detected.

The solenoid bobbin 700 can include a one-piece solenoid frame 733 that is preferably made from a plastic material. A spool 731 with end-plates 704 and 705 bordering the spool 731 can be located at one end of the frame 733 . A rectangular window portion 732 can be located at the opposite end of the solenoid frame 733 . The rectangular window 732 can include a reset shaft throughway 710 for guiding the reset shaft 804 when it is depressed to reset the latch block assembly 810 to its reset position. A component support 708 preferably extends from a side of the rectangular window portion 732 for providing support for and protecting an electrical component 951 extending from the circuit board 950 . A shelf 706 can be located at a distal end of the rectangular window portion 732 . Shelf 706 is designed to mate with a support arm 404 located on the transformer boat 400 and cooperate therewith to provide added support to the circuit board 950 and transformer boat 400 . Specifically, shelf 706 resides under and is in overlapping contact with the support arm 404 such that when the circuit board 950 is flexed or bent at a location between the transformer boat 400 and solenoid bobbin 700 , the shelf 706 and support arm 400 prevent substantial movement of the circuit board 950 in the flexing or bending directions. In addition, contact between support arm 404 and shelf 706 provides reliable support to test resistor throughway 402 to ensure correct positioning of the throughway 402 and test resistor.

The solenoid bobbin 700 can be attached to the circuit board by a pivot and clip mechanism in which an alignment extrusion 720 that extends from the base of the shelf 706 is placed within a pivot aperture 953 in the circuit board 950 . The solenoid bobbin 700 can then be pivoted downward about the alignment extrusion 720 to lock a snap-in lock hook 718 into a clip aperture 952 in the circuit board 950 . The snap-in lock hook 718 can be located on the end of the rectangular window portion 732 opposite the alignment extrusion 720 . In addition, the snap-in lock hook 718 can be constructed to flex upon entry into the clip aperture 952 and then return to its original configuration once the hook portion of the snap-in lock hook 718 has passed through the clip aperture 952 . Thus, the snap-in lock hook 718 permanently attaches the solenoid bobbin 700 in place on the circuit board 950 .

The spool portion 731 of the solenoid bobbin 700 includes a wire relief slot 709 for protecting the initial starting portion of wire of the solenoid winding from being damaged by the winding process. An armature throughway 719 can extend through the spool 731 and open into the rectangular window portion 732 . The armature throughway 719 preferably includes guidance/friction reducing ribs 730 that guide and facilitate easy movement of a solenoid armature 712 located within the armature throughway 719 . The armature 712 is preferably a metallic cylinder shaped structure that includes an armature tip 713 at one end. The armature tip 713 can be configured to contact the striking plate 841 of the latch 840 when the armature 712 is at its fully extended position relative to the armature throughway 719 .

First and second terminal holes 707 can be located on the bottom corners of end plate 705 for connection to the circuit board 950 . The first and second end of the wire that forms the solenoid winding 703 can be attached to first and second terminal pins that extend into terminal holes 707 from the circuit board to supply electrical power from the circuit board 950 to the solenoid. Upon receiving power from the circuit board, the magnetic field created by solenoid winding 703 forces the solenoid armature 712 into contact with the striking plate 841 of the latch 840 to move the latch against the bias of the latch charging spring 830 .

As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B , a solenoid bracket 702 can be a single-piece structure that includes two arms extending from a base to form a U-shaped bracket. An alignment dimple 721 can be provided on the inside surface of one of said arms to align the bracket within the armature throughway 719 of the solenoid frame 733 . A throughway is provided at the center of the dimple to permit the armature tip 713 to pass through when actuated and contact the striking plate 841 . An armature throughway 714 can extend through the other of said arms of the solenoid bracket 702 to permit the armature 712 to pass therethrough. The armature throughway 714 can include a key notch 716 that rides over and locks onto a locking ramp 711 in the solenoid end plate 705 .

As showing in FIGS. 16A and 16B , the transformer boat 400 can be a relatively cylindrical object having a plurality of arms 418 extending from the sides of the cylindrical structure. The transformer boat 400 can include a pair of transformer coils 408 that are separated by a first insulating washer 407 and covered by a second identical insulating washer 407 . Insulating washers 407 can be provided with indents around its inner diameter that allow the washer to easily flex over and lock onto the inner cylindrical portion 405 . A contact stem throughway 406 and throughway separator 416 can be provided through the center of the inner cylindrical portion 405 for allowing contact stems 522 and 622 to pass on either side of throughway separator 416 . The throughway separator 416 can include a pair of ridges that run through the center of the contact arm stem throughway 406 and ensure that the hot and neutral contact stems 522 and 622 do not contact each other, arc between each other, or otherwise short each other out. In a preferred embodiment, the pair of ridges can be formed as a single thick ridge.

An outer cylindrical portion 409 can encase the transformer coils 408 and include a plurality of arms 418 extending therefrom to stabilize the transformer boat 400 by spreading out the points of attachment with the circuit board 950 . In addition, the plurality of arms 418 create an enclosure around the screw/face terminals 961 to keep the connection face plates 963 from turning and contacting other internal parts of the GFCI device. An alignment post 419 can be integrally formed on the top side of each arm 418 for extension into corresponding alignment holes 324 in the middle housing 300 to ensure alignment of all GFCI components. In addition, contact arm alignment receptacles 422 can extend along a side of the outer cylindrical portion 409 so that alignment tabs 524 and 624 of the hot and neutral contact arms 520 and 620 , respectively, can be inserted therein. The specific configuration of the alignment receptacles 422 ensures the critical alignment of the contact arms 520 and 620 with the hot and neutral output terminals 500 and 600 .

As discussed previously with respect to the solenoid bobbin 700 , a support arm 404 can extend from the outer cylindrical portion 409 of the transformer boat 400 to contact with the shelf 706 of the solenoid bobbin. The support arm 404 and shelf 706 cooperatively strengthen the flexural stability of the circuit board 950 . In addition, support arm 404 can be provided with a test resistor throughway 402 that is configured to encapsulate and stabilize the top of a resistor while allowing a resistor lead to extend through the throughway 402 and be bent over the structure forming the throughway 402 . The shelf 706 further secures the correct positioning of the test resistor throughway 402 when the test button is depressed. Accordingly, the test resistor lead will be precisely located within the GFCI device and will ensure the working accuracy of the test button. Specifically, test switch arm 502 will be able to repeatedly contact the lead of the test resistor with a high degree of certainty.

The base of the transformer boat 400 can include a lock/alignment pin 412 , lock clip 414 and a set of terminal pins 420 . The lock alignment/pin extends from the base of the transformer boat and fits into a pivot aperture 953 in the circuit board 950 . Lock clip 414 also extends from the base of the transformer boat 400 and, during assembly, is flexed into a clip aperture 952 in the circuit board to lock the transformer boat 400 securely to the circuit board 950 . Terminal pins 420 also protrude from an extension of the base of the transformer boat 400 and are electrically connected to the circuit board 950 by soldering or other known attachment structure. Terminal pins 420 are also electrically connected to the transformed coils 408 and communicate to the GFCI circuitry any current changes in the hot and neutral contact arm stems 522 and 622 as sensed by the coils 408 .

As shown in FIG. 17 , circuit desensitizing switch 850 can be configured as a one-piece structure that has two arms 852 and a contact extension 853 . The arm 852 and contact extension 853 extend from a base 854 of the desensitizing switch 850 . A tab 855 can be soldered to the circuit board 950 to keep the contact extension 853 centered over a desensitizing contact 851 located on the circuit board 950 . When assembled, the base 854 can be electrically connected to the circuit board 950 by a tab 855 that extends from a window of the base portion 854 . Two side wings 856 can extend from either side of the base 854 for securing the switch 850 between the solenoid bobbin 700 and the circuit board 950 . The arms 852 and contact 853 can be cantilevered upwards and away from the base portion 854 such that they are resiliently positioned over the circuit board. Specifically, the cantilevered configuration permits contact 853 to be resiliently situated above desensitizing contact 851 (shown in FIG. 18A ) located on circuit board 950 . Contact 853 and arms 852 are also located immediately underneath and along a linear path of the latch block assembly 810 . Accordingly, contact 853 can be depressed by the action of side wall ends 857 pressing on arms 852 when latch block assembly 810 moves into its fully tripped position to cause contact 853 to connect with desensitizing contact 851 and deactivate the GFCI device. Thus, the GFCI device can be prevented from sensing further ground faults or activations of the test button until it is reset by the test/reset switch 800 .

The operation of the test/reset switch 800 will be explained with reference to the sequential skeletal drawings of FIGS. 18A-D . FIGS. 18A and 18B show the GFCI device in its “tripped” position after the device has either sensed a ground fault or the test button has been depressed, and the device has not yet been reset.

In the “reset” position as shown in FIGS. 18C and 18D , the latch block assembly 810 is retained adjacent the middle housing 300 and above and out of contact with the contact arms 520 and 620 . Thus, the hot and neutral current pathways of the GFCI device are closed and permit current to flow to a circuit connected to the GFCI device. Moreover, the elasticity of the cantilevered portions of contact arms 520 and 620 keep the contacts 521 and 621 in electrical connection with contacts 501 and 601 of the hot and neutral output terminal, respectively, to keep the hot and neutral pathways closed when the GFCI device is in its “reset” position.

The latch block assembly 810 is retained in the “reset” position by latch 840 that is locked into latch groove 805 of the reset shaft 804 . The locked connection between the latch 840 and the latch groove 805 keeps both the reset spring 811 and the latch block actuation spring 812 in a compressed state. In the “reset” position, the reset button 802 can be slightly spaced apart from the top housing cover 100 . This spacing results from compressive forces of reset spring 811 forcing the shield tube 822 of the latch block 820 into contact with the middle housing 300 . The position at which the reset shaft 804 is locked by latch 840 to the latch block assembly 820 prevents the reset shaft 804 and reset button 802 from extending to the top housing cover 100 .

In operation, the latch block assembly 810 can be moved from its “reset” position to its “tripped” position by the force of latch block actuation spring 812 when the latch 840 is unlocked from the reset shaft 804 . Latch 840 can be unlocked from the reset shaft by the solenoid armature which, when actuated, contacts the striking plate 841 of the latch 840 to cause the latch 840 to slide along the base of the latch block 820 against the compressive force of the latch charging spring 830 . As the latch 840 slides along the base of the latch block 820 , latch edge 843 is withdrawn from the latch groove 805 in the reset shaft 804 . Thus, the compressive force of the reset spring 811 causes the reset shaft 804 and reset button 802 to move upwards and into contact with the top housing cover 100 , while the compressive force of the latch block actuation spring 812 simultaneously causes the latch block assembly 810 to slide linearly down the reset shaft 804 . In addition, the linear downward movement of the latch block assembly 810 causes the arms 821 of the latch block 820 to contact the cantilevered arm portions of the hot and neutral contact arms 520 and 620 , respectively. The contacts 501 , 521 and 601 , 621 can thus be separated from each other by the force of contact between the latch block arms 821 and the contact arms 520 and 620 as the latch block assembly 810 moves downwardly relative to the reset shaft 804 . After the contacts 501 , 521 and 601 , 621 have been separated, latch block assembly 810 continues its downward linear motion until it contacts the circuit desensitizing switch 850 and forces it into electrical contact with the desensitizing contact 851 located in the bottom housing 200 . Thus, only after contacts 501 , 521 and 601 , 621 have been opened is it physically possible to close the desensitizing switch 850 with the desensitizing contact 851 . The desensitizing switch 850 turns off the ground fault detection mechanism when it is closed with the desensitizing contact 851 to prevent the solenoid from continued repeated activation after the GFCI is tripped. Once the latch block assembly 810 has caused the desensitizing switch 850 to contact the desensitizing contact 851 , the GFCI device is considered to be in the fully “tripped” position. In the “tripped” position, the reset button abuts the top housing cover 100 by the compressive force of reset spring 811 , and the latch block assembly 810 is kept at its lowermost position by compressive force of the latch block actuation spring 812 . In addition, the position of the latch block assembly 810 keeps contacts 801 , 521 and 601 , 621 completely separated from each other and keeps desensitizing switch 850 in contact with the desensitizing contact 851 when in the tripped position. Thus, the current pathways are opened when the GFCI device is in the “tripped” position and the ground fault detection mechanism is desensitized.

The desensitizing circuit can be any well known circuit for desensitizing an error detection mechanism. The error detection mechanism in the preferred embodiment of the invention can be a ground fault detection mechanism that includes a plurality of transformer coils 408 that detect a change in current flowing through the center of the coils via hot and neutral contact stems 522 and 622 . In particular, a ground fault can be sensed by the disclosed configuration because when a ground fault occurs, the current flowing through the hot contact stem 522 will be greater than the current flowing back through the neutral contact stem because a portion of current goes to ground before returning through the neutral contact stem. This net change in current causes a current to be produced in the transformer coils 408 that surround the contact stems 522 and 622 . When this produced current reaches a predetermined level, electrical current is provided to a solenoid winding 703 which causes the solenoid armature 712 to extend and contact the latch striking plate 841 , thus causing the latch block assembly (and eventually the entire GFCI device) to move from the “reset” position to the “tripped” position, as explained above, to open the current pathways of the GFCI device and prevent further current from going to ground.

Although the preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed with regard to a ground fault interruption detection circuit, it is possible to incorporate the invention into different types of circuits in which a current pathway is required to be quickly and efficiently opened. For example, the principles of the invention can be applied to a device that includes an arc fault detection circuit or a typical circuit breaker circuit.

The material from which the GFCI device is made can also vary without leaving the scope of the invention. In particular, the current pathway structure can be made from any well known electrically conductive material, but is preferably metal and, more specifically, is preferably copper. The transformer coils are preferably made from copper and can be separated from each other and from the exterior of the transformer boat by disc shaped washers. The washers are preferably plastic, but can be made of any electrical insulating material. In addition, instead of using washers, it is possible that the transformer coils can be separated by other electrically insulative devices, such as integral extensions of the transformer boat and/or insulative wrapping material over the transformer coils. The latch block is preferably made from a plastic material, but can be made from any electrically insulative material. The housing structures are also preferably made from a plastic material, but can be made from any electrically insulative material. For, example, the top housing cover 100 can be made from wood, ceramic, marble or other eclectically insulative material that might match the decor of a person's house. Both the transformer boat and solenoid bobbin are preferably made from a plastic material, but can be made from any material that is electrically insulative.

The current pathway structure is preferably constructed as simply as possible to keep the heat generated by the resistance of the current pathway at a minimum. Accordingly, although the contacts 521 , 621 and 501 , 601 are disclosed as structures that are press fit into throughways located at ends of the two contact arms and two output terminals, respectively, it is not beyond the scope of the invention to make the contacts integral with their respective contact arm or output terminal. In addition, the contacts could be welded, soldered or otherwise electrically connected to their respective contact arms or output terminals.

As stated previously, the single electrical connection in each of the current pathways is preferably a solder type connection, but can be any other well known type of electrical connection such as a weld or clamping arrangement.

The springs for use in the test/reset switch are preferably coil type springs. However, a leaf spring, spring arm, or any other well known type of spring can be used for the reset spring 811 , latch block actuation spring 812 or even the latch charging spring 830 .

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the error detection device of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An error detection device for stopping current flow through a first circuit when an error has been detected in the first circuit, the error detection device comprising:a housing; a substructure located in said housing; an error detection sensor located on said substructure and capable of sensing whether an error has occurred in the first circuit; a current path structure extending from an input connection for connecting to an input voltage to an output connection for connecting to the first circuit, said current path structure being located on said substructure and including a first contact arm and a first terminal, said first contact arm and first terminal being detachably connected to each other at a contact position; and a latch block assembly movable between a reset position and a tripped position, the latch block assembly located in said housing and positioned adjacent said contact position such that no biasing force is applied by the latch block to the contact arm and first terminal when in the reset position, said latch block assembly being movable in said housing along an approximately linear path that is approximately perpendicular to an axis of one of the first terminal and the contact arm to disengage said contact arm from said first terminal and open said current path structure when said error detection sensor senses that an error has occurred in the first circuit, thus stopping current from flowing through the first circuit.

2. The error detection device of claim 1, wherein said error detection sensor includes a ground fault detection circuit that is capable of sensing whether a ground fault has occurred in the first circuit.

3. The error detection device of claim 2, wherein said ground fault detection circuit includes a transformer boat located on said substructure and a transformer coil located within said transformer boat, said transformer boat including an alignment structure about which said contact arm is pivoted.

4. The error detection device of claim 3, wherein said transformer boat alignment structure is configured as a receptacle, and said contact arm includes an alignment tab located within said receptacle to align said contact arm with respect to the transformer boat and housing and to facilitate rotation of said cantilevered portion of said contact arm.

5. The error detection device of claim 1, wherein said contact arm includes a cantilevered portion that has a first and second end, said contact point being located at said first end and said cantilevered portion is pivotable about said second opposite end such that said contact point can be rotated into and out of said contact position.

6. The error detection device of claim 1, wherein said latch block assembly includes a latch block, and said approximately linear path originates at a reset position where said latch block resides above said contact position allowing said first contact arm and first terminal to remain in contact with each other at said contact position, and said approximately linear path terminates at a tripped position where said latch block resides below said contact position and is in contact with one of said first contact arm and said first terminal to remove said one of said first contact arm and said first terminal from said contact position and open said current path structure.

7. The error detection device of claim 6, further comprising:a reset structure located adjacent said latch block assembly for holding said latch block assembly in said reset position.

8. The error detection device of claim 7, wherein said housing includes a reset aperture, and said reset structure includes a reset button located in said reset aperture and actuatable from outside said housing.

9. The error detection device of claim 8, wherein said reset structure includes a stem portion extending from said reset button, said stem portion includes a groove located thereon, and said latch block assembly includes a latch that resides in said groove when said latch block assembly is in said reset position and resides below said groove when said latch block assembly is in said tripped position.

10. The error detection device of claim 9, wherein said reset structure is movable along a substantially linear path and includes biasing means for retaining said reset button at a first end of said linear path, said reset structure being actuatable by a user to move along said linear path and being biased by said biasing means to return said latch block assembly from said tripped position to said reset position.

11. The error detection device of claim 7, wherein said reset structure includes a groove and said latch block assembly includes a latch that resides in said reset structure groove when said latch block assembly is in said reset position.

12. The error detection device of claim 11, wherein said latch block includes a channel in which said latch is slidably located, and said latch includes a first catch tab that prevents said latch from being removed from said channel in said latch block.

13. The error detection device of claim 12, wherein said latch includes a latch locking edge and a second catch tab, said latch locking edge is located between said first catch tab and said second catch tab.

14. The error detection device of claim 11, wherein said latch block assembly includes a latch charging spring, and said latch is slidably attached to said latch block via said latch charging spring such that the latch charging spring biases said latch towards said reset structure.

15. The error detection device of claim 14, wherein said latch block assembly includes a latch block spring located between said latch block and a portion of said housing, said latch block spring biasing said latch block towards said tripped position.

16. The error detection device of claim 15, wherein said error detection sensor includes a solenoid with solenoid armature, said solenoid armature is located adjacent said latch and configured such that when said error detection sensor senses an error in the first circuit, said solenoid is charged and causes said solenoid armature to strike said latch causing the latch to move against the bias of said charging spring and disengage from said groove on said reset structure, thus allowing said latch block to move along said linear path from said reset position to said tripped position by action of said latch block spring.

17. The error detection device of claim 6, further comprises:reset means for retaining said latch block assembly in said reset position and for returning said latch block assembly from said tripped position to said reset position.

18. The error detection device of claim 6, further comprising:a desensitizing circuit that is capable of desensitizing said error detection sensor such that once the latch block assembly is in its tripped position, said error detection sensor will no longer indicate that an error has occurred in the first circuit.

19. The error detection device of claim 18, wherein said desensitizing circuit includes a desensitizing switch for activating the desensitizing circuit, said desensitizing switch being located adjacent to and in contact with said latch block assembly when said latch block assembly is in said tripped position such that said desensitizing switch activates the desensitizing circuit when said latch block assembly is in said tripped position.

20. The error detection device of claim 19, wherein said contact position is located between said latch block assembly and said desensitizing switch such that said desensitizing circuit can only be activated after the contact arm has been disengaged from said first terminal to open said current path structure and to stop current flowing through the first circuit.

21. The error detection device of claim 20, wherein said latch block is located a pre-determined distance away from said contact arm and said contact position, and said latch block is in contact with said contact arm and said desensitizing switch when in said tripped position.

22. An error detection device for stopping current flow through a first circuit when an error has been detected in the first circuit, the error detection device comprising:a housing; a substructure located in said housing; an error detection sensor located on said substructure and capable of sensing whether an error has occurred in the first circuit; a current path structure extending from an input connection for connecting to an input voltage to an output connection for connecting to the first circuit, said current path structure being located on said substructure and including a first contact arm and a first terminal detachably connected to each other at a contact position; and a latch block assembly located in said housing and positionable between a tripped position and a reset position, said latch block assembly spaced from said current path structure when in said reset position and movable in said housing from said reset position to said tripped position to disengage said contact arm from said first terminal and open said current path structure when said error detection sensor senses that an error has occurred in the first circuit, thus stopping current from flowing through the first circuit.

23. The error detection device of claim 22, wherein said error detection sensor includes a ground fault detection circuit that is capable of sensing whether a ground fault has occurred in the first circuit.

24. The error detection device of claim 22, further comprising:a desensitizing circuit that is capable of desensitizing said error detection sensor such that once the latch block assembly is in said tripped position, said error detection sensor will no longer indicate that an error has occurred in the first circuit.

25. The error detection device of claim 24, wherein said desensitizing circuit includes a desensitizing switch for activating the desensitizing circuit, said desensitizing switch being located adjacent to and in contact with said latch block assembly when said latch block assembly is in said tripped position such that said desensitizing switch activates the desensitizing circuit when said latch block assembly is in said tripped position.

26. The error detection device of claim 25, wherein said contact position is located between said latch block assembly and said desensitizing switch such that said desensitizing circuit can only be activated after the contact arm has been disengaged from said first terminal to open said current path structure and to stop current flowing through the first circuit.

27. The error detection device of claim 25, wherein said latch block is located a pre-determined distance away from said contact arm and said contact position when in said reset position, and said latch block is in contact with said current path structure and said desensitizing switch when in said tripped position.

28. An error detection device for stopping current flow through a first circuit when an error has been detected in the first circuit, the error detection device comprising:a housing; a substructure located in said housing; an error detection sensor located on said substructure and capable of sensing whether an error has occurred in the first circuit; a current path structure extending from an input connection for connecting to an input voltage to an output connection for connecting to the first circuit, said current path structure being located on said substructure and including a first contact arm and a first terminal detachably connected to each other at a contact position; a latch block assembly located in said housing and positionable between a tripped position and a reset position; and a desensitizing switch positioned to allow contact by the latch block assembly in the tripped position, wherein said latch block assembly is in contact with said current path structure and said desensitizing switch when in said tripped position.