CN107251185A - Apparatus, system and method for comprehensive protection against electrical faults - Google Patents

Electrical fire risk and consumer safety are major concerns driving regulatory agencies worldwide to implement stricter electrical codes and enforcement. While there are many commercially available protection devices available, they do not provide full protection, and they are manufactured and classified only to protect the circuit from a specific or limited number of faults. The present invention relates to an apparatus, system and method for protecting circuits and consumers from all known electrical faults in Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC) single and multi-phase systems, including, for example, arc faults, ground and leakage faults, surges, overloads, short circuits, lighting connections, miswire connections, over-voltages, under-voltages and phase losses. The apparatus, systems, and methods are in the form of or as a circuit breaker, receptacle, convenience outlet, accessory plug, device controller, circuit or system integrated with another system, device or apparatus.

用于全面保护免于电气故障的装置、系统和方法Apparatus, system and method for comprehensive protection against electrical faults

相关申请的交叉引用Cross References to Related Applications

本PCT申请要求2014年12月25日提交的美国专利申请No.14/583,174的优先权。This PCT application claims priority to US Patent Application No. 14/583,174, filed December 25, 2014.

背景技术Background technique

正如电力对于我们的日常生活是有用的一样，如果设备安装不当或保护不足，同时它是非常危险和破坏性的。这涉及人员或消费者的安全以及电气火灾对财产的风险。市售的保护装置可以解决特定的电气故障，例如并且包括用于接地故障保护的接地故障电路断路器(GFCI)、用于电弧故障保护的电弧故障电路断路器(AFCI)、用于浪涌保护的浪涌抑制器等。本发明提供真正地完整或全面的保护，涵盖了保护电路免受直流(DC)和交流(AC)单相和多相系统中的所有类型电气故障的装置、系统和方法，该故障包括电弧故障、接地和泄漏故障、浪涌故障、过载、过压、欠压、短路、发光连接、错线连接和相损耗。这种全面保护装置以断路器、插座、方便插口、附件插头、设备控制器、或电路、或与其他设备或装置集成的系统的形式出现。对于本发明的所有意图和目的，该装置、系统和方法将被称为全保护电路断路器或TPCI。Just as electricity is useful for our daily lives, it can be very dangerous and destructive if the equipment is not properly installed or protected. This concerns the safety of people or consumers and the risk to property from electrical fires. Protective devices are commercially available to address specific electrical faults such as and include Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) for ground fault protection, Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) for arc fault protection, surge suppressor, etc. The present invention provides truly complete or comprehensive protection, covering devices, systems and methods for protecting electrical circuits against all types of electrical faults, including arc faults, in direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) single-phase and multi-phase systems , ground and leakage faults, surge faults, overloads, overvoltages, undervoltages, short circuits, glowing connections, miswired connections, and phase losses. Such comprehensive protection devices come in the form of circuit breakers, receptacles, convenience outlets, accessory plugs, appliance controllers, or circuits, or systems integrated with other equipment or devices. For all intents and purposes of the present invention, the device, system and method will be referred to as a Totally Protected Circuit Breaker or TPCI.

AFCI保护电路免受可能是串联或并联电弧的电弧，串联电弧是沿着导电路径的任何点发生的较低电流故障，并联电弧是跨线路和中性线路和地面、或两条线路之间发生的高电流故障，其中故障电流可能足够高以使其类似或甚至被认为是短路。一些AFCI被设计为还提供电路保护，防止过载、短路和其他故障。AFCI可以以断路器、插头、插口、插座、或者电路或装置的集成部件的形式出现。在三相系统中，电弧也会发生，因此AFCI可用于保护。AFCIs protect circuits from arcing which may be a series arc which is a lower current fault occurring at any point along a conductive path, or a parallel arc which occurs across a line and neutral line and ground, or between two lines high current faults where the fault current may be high enough to resemble or even be considered a short circuit. Some AFCIs are designed to also provide circuit protection against overloads, short circuits, and other faults. An AFCI may be in the form of a circuit breaker, plug, outlet, receptacle, or integral part of a circuit or device. In three-phase systems, arcing can also occur, so AFCIs can be used for protection.

GFCI保护消费者和电路免受泄漏电流或接地故障的影响，并且通常安装在浴室、厨房或可能暴露在水中或飞溅的水、潮湿和类似环境中的区域。接地故障是通过导体的电流泄漏到地面的一种情况。这给消费者带来风险，消费者可能最终成为泄漏电流的媒介或路径，导致触电甚至更糟。GFCI可以采取断路器、插头、插口、插座、或者电路或装置的集成部件的形式。GFCIs protect consumers and circuits from leakage currents or ground faults, and are typically installed in bathrooms, kitchens, or areas that may be exposed to or splashing water, humidity, and similar environments. A ground fault is a condition in which current through a conductor leaks to ground. This poses a risk to the consumer, who could end up being a medium or path for leakage current, causing electrocution or worse. A GFCI may take the form of a circuit breaker, plug, outlet, receptacle, or integral part of a circuit or device.

过载也被称为过电流，虽然大部分被忽略直到一些事件发生或出现故障，是家庭和工业中非常常见的电气问题，其可能导致电路和装置的火灾和损坏。消费者不太关心甚至不知道他们的电路或设备被设计为安全地处理什么或多少电流，直到电路出现故障。Overloads, also known as overcurrents, although mostly ignored until something happens or a fault occurs, are very common electrical problems in homes and industries that can lead to fire and damage to circuits and appliances. Consumers don't care much or even know what or how much current their circuits or devices are designed to safely handle until the circuit fails.

过压是当被施加给电路或装置的电源电压超过其额定电压时。它也可能由于电源线上的尖峰而发生，其可能损坏电路或装置。Overvoltage is when the supply voltage applied to a circuit or device exceeds its rated voltage. It can also happen due to spikes on the power line, which can damage circuits or devices.

欠压是当电路或装置的电源电压低于其额定电压时。这可能会影响电路或装置的运行，甚至造成损坏。Brownout is when the supply voltage to a circuit or device is lower than its rated voltage. This may affect the operation of the circuit or device, or even cause damage.

短路是任何两个导电部件彼此接触导致非常高的故障电流的情况。当这种高电流在指定时间内不中断时，可能导致爆炸反应，可能会损坏所连接的设备和装置，并使用户面临触电的风险。短路保护通常由传统的断路器和保险丝提供，也可以被包括作为AFCI、GFCI、装置控制器和其他设备的附加保护特征。A short circuit is any situation where two conductive parts come into contact with each other resulting in a very high fault current. When this high current is not interrupted for a specified time, it can result in an explosive reaction that can damage connected equipment and appliances and expose users to the risk of electric shock. Short circuit protection is typically provided by traditional circuit breakers and fuses, but can also be included as an additional protection feature for AFCIs, GFCIs, unit controllers, and other equipment.

错线是电路、设备和电气装置不正确地连接到电源的情况。这些错线情况包括线路负载反向连接、线路中性反向连接、以及线路侧和负载侧交叉线路连接。线路负载反向连接是最常见的错线情况。Miswiring is a condition in which circuits, equipment, and electrical installations are improperly connected to a power source. These miswiring situations include line-to-load reverse connections, line-neutral reverse connections, and line-side and load-side cross-line connections. Reverse connection of line load is the most common case of miswiring.

发光连接也称为发光接触，是电路中的两个串联连接或触点熔断且通常保持红热以使热量高到足以引起火灾或损坏周围的材料的现象。发光连接通常是由不稳定或松动的电线端子和连接引起的。虽然被认为是一个单独的电气故障，但它一开始是作为电弧故障的变型，直到实际的发光连接事件发生。商用的接线设备通常不能提供防止这种现象的保护。A glowing connection, also known as a glowing contact, is a phenomenon in which two series connections or contacts in a circuit fuse and often remain red hot so that the heat is high enough to cause a fire or damage surrounding materials. Glowing connections are usually caused by unstable or loose wire terminals and connections. Although considered a separate electrical fault, it started as a variant of an arc fault until the actual event of a glowing connection occurred. Commercially available wiring devices generally do not provide protection against this phenomenon.

当有至少一个相失去电力时，相损耗可能会出现在多相系统中的电路和装置中。这种设备可以是2相接线设备，例如并且包括插口、插头和插座。它也可以是3相控制器或装置，其中相位的损耗至关重要。为了安全起见，良好的做法要求设备或控制器应能够在相损耗的情况下使所有相或线路断开，因此相损耗保护在多相系统中是重要的。Phase losses can occur in circuits and devices in polyphase systems when at least one phase loses power. Such equipment may be 2-phase wiring equipment such as and including jacks, plugs and sockets. It can also be a 3-phase controller or device where loss of phase is critical. For safety reasons, good practice requires that a device or controller should be able to disconnect all phases or lines in the event of a phase loss, so phase loss protection is important in multi-phase systems.

浪涌是电压中的突然的尖峰，并且通常由诸如闪电的某些现象引起，这些现象可以击中电力线并且对电路和装置造成损害。浪涌保护被包括作为一些AFCI、GFCI、装置控制器和其他设备的特征。Surges are sudden spikes in voltage and are usually caused by certain phenomena such as lightning that can strike power lines and cause damage to circuits and devices. Surge protection is included as a feature of some AFCIs, GFCIs, appliance controllers, and other equipment.

本发明涉及用于检测和中断多种电气故障的装置、系统和方法，并且在下文中称为TPCI，其将多个电路故障保护集成为一体，利用常见的元件以具有统一的电路、装置或系统用于执行本应由大量的元件、电路、系统和装置执行的所有不同的功能。TPCI不是为特定或有限数量的电气故障提供单独的保护设备，而是利用常见的组件，包括本文所公开的微控制器、开关和跳闸机构、传感器在内，在一个设备中提供对所有不同故障的保护，从而为电气故障提供全面的电路保护。The present invention relates to a device, system and method for detecting and interrupting multiple electrical faults, and hereinafter referred to as TPCI, which integrates multiple circuit fault protections into one, utilizing common components to have a unified circuit, device or system Used to perform all the different functions that would otherwise be performed by a multitude of components, circuits, systems and devices. Rather than providing individual protection devices for a specific or limited number of electrical faults, TPCI utilizes common components, including microcontrollers, switch and trip mechanisms, and sensors as disclosed herein, to provide protection for all different faults in one device. protection, thus providing comprehensive circuit protection for electrical faults.

本发明包括一种系统和方法，使得即使当连接在具有或不具有接地的电路中时，TPCI也能够运行。该系统可以被使用和并入布线设备和其他装置中，例如并且包括接地故障电路断路器(GFCI)和电弧故障电路断路器(AFCI)，以使得它们当连接在具有或不具有系统接地的电路中时能够检测故障。作为标准的AFCI和GFCI通常用于具有系统接地的电路，并且可能包括额外的电路保护特征以防止过载、短路、浪涌和错线。本发明涉及集成到一个设备中的电路、组件、硬件和软件代码，以提供全面的电路保护避免电气故障。The present invention includes a system and method that enables TPCI to operate even when connected in a circuit with or without ground. The system can be used and incorporated into wiring devices and other installations such as and including Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) so that they Able to detect faults in time. AFCI and GFCI as standard are typically used on circuits that have a system ground and may include additional circuit protection features to protect against overloads, short circuits, surges and miswires. The present invention relates to circuits, components, hardware and software codes integrated into a device to provide comprehensive circuit protection against electrical faults.

虽然商用产品没有具体解决发光连接故障，但它被包括在本发明中，因为它是电气火灾的主要原因，并且与目前由某些法规解决的其他主要故障同样重要。本文引用了关于发光连接的以下专利，以供参考现有技术将它们区别于本发明：While commercial products do not specifically address glowing connection failure, it is included in this invention because it is a major cause of electrical fires and is as important as other major failures currently addressed by certain regulations. The following patents on light-emitting connections are cited herein for reference to the prior art to distinguish them from the present invention:

在现有技术(US 13/440,243，Shea(谢伊))中公开了一种用于在电力电路上施加至少两种不同电阻值并且响应地感测所述电力电路上的至少两个电压来检测发光接触的方法和装置。这种检测电力电路中发光接触的方法包括确定所感测电压的变化在预定范围内是否为线性的，或者所感测电压的变化是否不随着电阻值的降低而增加。这与Tomimbang(托米姆班)的当前发明的不同之处在于，Shea的方法使用了不同的原理，并且当它发生时，它处理发光连接，而不是采用抢占式的方法来检测发光连接的建立。In the prior art (US 13/440,243, Shea) is disclosed a method for imposing at least two different resistance values on a power circuit and responsively sensing at least two voltages on said power circuit to Methods and apparatus for detecting luminescent contacts. This method of detecting a light-emitting contact in a power circuit includes determining whether the change in sensed voltage is linear within a predetermined range, or whether the change in sensed voltage does not increase with decreasing resistance value. This differs from Tomimbang's current invention in that Shea's method uses a different principle, and when it happens, it handles the glowing connection instead of taking a preemptive approach to detecting the glowing connection. Establish.

而且在现有技术(US 6707652B2，Engel(恩格尔))中公开了一种电气开关装置，其包括发光接触保护，其中电开关设备包括具有第一温度的线路电路、具有第二温度的中性线路、和负载端子、以及适于电连接线路电路和负载端子的可分离接点。第一二极管温度传感器输出表示线路电路的第一温度的第一信号，并且第二二极管温度传感器输出表示中性线路的第二温度的第二信号。确定第一信号和第二信号之间的差的电路提供跳闸信号。这与Tomimbang的发明完全不同，因为发光连接保护特征被包括作为其他故障检测系统的一部分。在Tomimbang发明中使用温度传感器和使用数据解决发光连接检测的原理与Engel的发明完全不同。Also in the prior art (US 6707652B2, Engel) an electrical switchgear is disclosed which includes illuminated contact protection, wherein the electrical switchgear comprises a line circuit with a first temperature, a neutral line with a second temperature , and load terminals, and separable contacts suitable for electrically connecting the line circuit and the load terminals. The first diode temperature sensor outputs a first signal indicative of a first temperature of the line circuit, and the second diode temperature sensor outputs a second signal indicative of a second temperature of the neutral line. Circuitry that determines the difference between the first signal and the second signal provides a trip signal. This is quite different from Tomimbang's invention, as the glowing connection protection feature is included as part of other fault detection systems. The principle of using a temperature sensor and using data to solve luminescent connection detection in Tomimbang's invention is completely different from Engel's invention.

发明内容Contents of the invention

本发明涉及用于检测和中断多种电气故障的装置、系统和方法，并且在下文中称为TPCI，其将多个电路故障保护集成为一体，利用常见的元件以具有统一的电路、装置或系统用于执行本应由大量的元件、电路、系统和装置执行的所有不同的功能。TPCI不是为特定或有限数量的电气故障提供单独的保护设备，而是利用常见的组件，包括本文所公开的微控制器、开关和跳闸机构、传感器在内，在一个设备中提供对所有不同故障的保护，从而为电气故障提供全面的电路保护。The present invention relates to a device, system and method for detecting and interrupting multiple electrical faults, and hereinafter referred to as TPCI, which integrates multiple circuit fault protections into one, utilizing common components to have a unified circuit, device or system Used to perform all the different functions that would otherwise be performed by a multitude of components, circuits, systems and devices. Rather than providing individual protection devices for a specific or limited number of electrical faults, TPCI utilizes common components, including microcontrollers, switch and trip mechanisms, and sensors as disclosed herein, to provide protection for all different faults in one device. protection, thus providing comprehensive circuit protection for electrical faults.

本发明包括一种系统和方法，使得即使当连接在具有或不具有接地的电路中时，TPCI也能够运行。该系统可以被使用和并入布线设备和其他装置中，例如并且包括接地故障电路断路器(GFCI)和电弧故障电路断路器(AFCI)，以使得它们当连接在具有或不具有系统接地的电路中时能够检测故障。作为标准的AFCI和GFCI通常用于具有系统接地的电路，并且可能包括额外的电路保护特征以防止过载、短路、浪涌和错线。本发明涉及集成到一个设备中的电路、组件、硬件和软件代码，以提供全面的电路保护避免电气故障。The present invention includes a system and method that enables TPCI to operate even when connected in a circuit with or without ground. The system can be used and incorporated into wiring devices and other installations such as and including Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) so that they Able to detect faults in time. AFCI and GFCI as standard are typically used on circuits that have a system ground and may include additional circuit protection features to protect against overloads, short circuits, surges and miswires. The present invention relates to circuits, components, hardware and software codes integrated into a device to provide comprehensive circuit protection against electrical faults.

虽然商用产品没有具体解决发光连接故障，但它被包括在本发明中，因为它是电气火灾的主要原因，并且与目前由某些法规解决的其他主要故障同样重要。本文引用了关于发光连接的以下专利，以供参考现有技术将它们区别于本发明。While commercial products do not specifically address glowing connection failure, it is included in this invention because it is a major cause of electrical fires and is as important as other major failures currently addressed by certain regulations. The following patents on light-emitting connections are cited herein for the purpose of distinguishing them from the present invention with reference to the prior art.

附图说明Description of drawings

图1是根据本发明不同实施例的单相交流电弧故障电路断路器(AFCI)的系统框图。FIG. 1 is a system block diagram of a single-phase AC arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) according to various embodiments of the present invention.

图2是根据本发明不同实施例的利用常规差分电流传感器的典型单相交流接地故障电路断路器(GFCI)的电路图。2 is a circuit diagram of a typical single-phase AC ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) utilizing a conventional differential current sensor according to various embodiments of the present invention.

图3是根据本发明不同实施例的基于单相交流微控制器的接地故障电路断路器(GFCI)的图。3 is a diagram of a single phase AC microcontroller based ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) according to various embodiments of the present invention.

图4是根据本发明不同实施例的使用用于接地故障检测的接地故障电流传感器、用于检测过压和欠压条件的电压互感器、以及用于电路监测和电弧及其他电气故障的检测的多用途电流传感器的单相TPCI的框图。4 is a schematic diagram of the use of ground fault current sensors for ground fault detection, voltage transformers for detecting overvoltage and undervoltage conditions, and for circuit monitoring and detection of arcing and other electrical faults according to various embodiments of the present invention. Block diagram of a single-phase TPCI for a multipurpose current sensor.

图5是根据本发明实施例的在TPCI中使用的不同类型的电流传感器的图示。5 is an illustration of different types of current sensors used in TPCI according to an embodiment of the invention.

图5A是根据本发明实施例的在TPCI中使用的不同类型的电流传感器的图示。5A is an illustration of different types of current sensors used in TPCI according to an embodiment of the invention.

图6是根据本发明实施例的在TPCI中使用的不同类型的电流传感器的图示。FIG. 6 is an illustration of different types of current sensors used in TPCI according to an embodiment of the present invention.

图6A是根据本发明实施例的在TPCI中使用的不同类型的电流传感器的图示。6A is an illustration of different types of current sensors used in TPCI according to an embodiment of the invention.

图7是根据本发明实施例的作为用于发光连接的温度传感器和过载保护系统可以安装到TPCI的方式的范例的插座插口的一部分的顶视图。7 is a top view of a portion of a receptacle socket as an example of the manner in which a temperature sensor for a lighting connection and an overload protection system may be mounted to a TPCI in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

图7A是根据本发明实施例的作为用于发光连接的温度传感器和过载保护系统可以安装到TPCI的方式的范例的插座插口的一部分的侧视图。7A is a side view of a portion of a receptacle socket as an example of the manner in which a temperature sensor for a lighting connection and an overload protection system may be mounted to a TPCI in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

图7B是根据本发明实施例的作为用于发光连接的温度传感器和过载保护系统可以安装到TPCI的方式的范例的插座插口的一部分的等距视图。7B is an isometric view of a portion of a receptacle socket as an example of the manner in which a temperature sensor for a lighting connection and an overload protection system may be mounted to a TPCI in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

图7C示出了根据本发明实施例的作为具有用于发光连接的温度传感器和过载保护系统的TPCI的示例的多插口电源板。7C shows a multi-outlet power strip as an example of a TPCI with a temperature sensor for lighting connections and an overload protection system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

图7D示出了根据本发明实施例的图7C所示的多插口电源板的具有线路、中性线和接地冲压件和连接的内部部分，其例示了用于发光连接的温度传感器和过载保护系统可以安装到TPCI的方式。7D illustrates the interior portion of the multi-outlet power strip shown in FIG. 7C with line, neutral, and ground stampings and connections illustrating temperature sensors and overload protection for lighting connections in accordance with an embodiment of the invention The system can be installed into the TPCI way.

图7E示出了根据本发明实施例的图7C所示的多插口电源板内的线路、中性线和接地冲压件，其例示了用于发光连接的温度传感器和过载保护系统可以安装到TPCI的方式。Figure 7E shows the line, neutral, and ground stampings within the multi-outlet power strip shown in Figure 7C, illustrating that a temperature sensor and overload protection system for a light connection can be mounted to a TPCI, according to an embodiment of the invention The way.

图8是根据本发明实施例的示例电路，其例示了温度传感器可以被配置用于发光连接和过载保护的方式。8 is an example circuit illustrating the manner in which a temperature sensor may be configured for light connection and overload protection, according to an embodiment of the invention.

图8A是根据本发明实施例的另一个示例性电路，其例示了温度传感器可以被配置用于发光连接和过载保护的方式。8A is another exemplary circuit illustrating the manner in which a temperature sensor may be configured for light connection and overload protection, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

图8B是根据本发明实施例的另一个示例性电路，其例示了温度传感器可以被配置用于发光连接和过载保护的方式。8B is another exemplary circuit illustrating the manner in which a temperature sensor may be configured for light connection and overload protection, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

图8C是根据本发明实施例的另一个示例性电路，其例示了温度传感器可以被配置用于发光连接和过载保护的方式。8C is another exemplary circuit illustrating the manner in which a temperature sensor may be configured for light connection and overload protection, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

图8D是根据本发明实施例的另一个示例性电路，其例示了温度传感器可以被配置用于发光连接和过载保护的方式。8D is another exemplary circuit illustrating the manner in which a temperature sensor may be configured for light connection and overload protection, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

图9示出了图8中例示的温度传感器电路，其被配置为用于发光连接和过载保护的具有螺线管激活的断路机构或诸如插座、方便插口、多插口电源板、GFCI和AFCI的接触器的接线设备。FIG. 9 shows the temperature sensor circuit illustrated in FIG. 8 configured with a solenoid-activated trip mechanism for lighted connections and overload protection or a circuit breaker such as an outlet, convenience outlet, multi-outlet power strip, GFCI, and AFCI. Wiring equipment for contactors.

图10是根据本发明实施例的来自TPCI电路的局部示意图，其示出了用于错线检测和特定报废状态测定的接触器位置传感电路。FIG. 10 is a partial schematic diagram from a TPCI circuit showing a contactor position sensing circuit for miswire detection and specific scrap condition determination, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

具体实施方式detailed description

现在将详细描述本发明的不同实施例，其在附图中示出。本文公开的具体细节不应被解释为限制性的，而是作为权利要求的基础并且教导本领域技术人员如何以任何适当详细的系统、结构或方式使用本发明。尽可能地，在整个附图中使用相同的附图标记和符号来表示相同或相似的部件、电路或功能。Various embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as basis for the claims and to teach one skilled in the art how to use the invention in any suitably detailed system, structure or manner. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers and symbols are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like components, circuits or functions.

为了本发明的目的，以下术语被定义和使用如下：For the purposes of the present invention, the following terms are defined and used as follows:

a)AC—在电气术语中，这是指交流电流。a) AC - In electrical terms, this refers to alternating current.

b)DC—在电气术语中，这是指直流电流。b) DC - In electrical terms, this refers to direct current.

c)ADC—模数转换器或转换器，当与术语“信号”一起使用时，通常是指微控制器ADC通道的模拟输入。c) ADC - Analog-to-digital converter or converter, when used with the term "signal", usually refers to the analog input to the ADC channel of a microcontroller.

d)AFCI(单个或多个)—通常被称为电弧故障电路断路器。d) AFCI (single or multiple) - commonly referred to as Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters.

e)GFCI(单个或多个)—通常被称为接地故障电路断路器。e) GFCI (single or multiple) - commonly referred to as Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters.

f)线路电线(LINE WIRE)—也称为HOT或LIVE线。f) Line wire (LINE WIRE) - also known as HOT or LIVE line.

g)中性电线(NEUTRAL WIRE)—也称为COLD线，是与地面具有相同电位的电路导体。g) NEUTRAL WIRE—also known as COLD wire, is a circuit conductor with the same potential as ground.

h)微控制器(MICROCONTROLLER)—也称为MCU，或具有处理器、存储器、以及可编程输入和输出外设的小型计算机集成电路。它在Tomimbang的先前专利中被称为微处理器。h) Microcontroller (MICROCONTROLLER)—also called MCU, or a small computer integrated circuit with a processor, memory, and programmable input and output peripherals. It was called a microprocessor in Tomimbang's previous patents.

i)跳闸(TRIP)或被跳闸(TRIPPED)—用于指示接触器或开关位置处于关闭状态、用于关闭位置、关闭或被关闭、开关或被关闭的按钮指定的术语。i) TRIP or TRIPPED—Term used to indicate that a contactor or switch position is closed, a button designation for the closed position, closed or closed, switch or closed.

j)复位(RESET)—用于指示接触器或开关位置处于开启状态、用于开启位置、开启或被开启的按钮指定的术语。j) RESET—a term used to indicate that a contactor or switch position is in the open state, a button designation for the open position, open, or to be opened.

k)光隔离器(OPTOCOUPLER)—也称为光耦合器，是一种数字隔离器，它是用于开关隔离电路的电子设备。它在功能上类似于光电三极管、光电晶体管或光电二极管。k) Optical isolator (OPTOCOUPLER)—also known as an optocoupler, is a digital isolator, which is an electronic device used to switch isolated circuits. It is functionally similar to a phototriode, phototransistor or photodiode.

l)SCR(单个或多个)—硅控制的整流器或固态开关，与电流反应以将电路接通或断开。1) SCR (single or multiple) - silicon controlled rectifier or solid state switch, reacts with current to turn the circuit on or off.

m)正确接线(PROPERLY WIRED)—与电路、装置或接线设备有关，意味着线路侧线路电线连接到线路侧线路端子，线路侧线中性电线连接到线路侧线中性端子，负载侧线路电线连接到负载侧线路端子，并且负载侧中性电线连接到负载侧中性端子。另外，对于接地电路，这意味着接地线连接到接地端子。m) PROPERLY WIRED—relating to a circuit, device, or wiring device, meaning that the line-side line wire is connected to the line-side line terminal, the line-side neutral wire is connected to the line-side neutral terminal, and the load-side line wire is connected to the line-side terminal. The load-side line terminal, and the load-side neutral wire is connected to the load-side neutral terminal. Also, for a grounded circuit, this means that the ground wire is connected to the ground terminal.

n)线路侧(LINE-SIDE)—表示用于连接到主电源的电路、装置或设备的这部分。n) LINE-SIDE—Denotes that part of a circuit, device or equipment intended to be connected to mains power.

o)负载侧(LOAD-SIDE)—表示用于连接到负载的电路、装置或设备的这部分。o) LOAD-SIDE—Denotes that part of a circuit, device or equipment intended to be connected to a load.

p)螺线管驱动(SOLENOID-ACTUATED)—也意味着电磁驱动，属于驱动电气或电子保护或控制设备的复位和/或跳闸机构的方法，例如并包括在AFCI、GFCI和TPCI中以不同的类型和形式使用的接触器和继电器。当术语“电磁”与跳闸或复位机构或动作一起使用时，其意味着螺线管驱动。p) SOLENOID-ACTUATED - also means electromagnetic actuation, belonging to methods of actuating reset and/or trip mechanisms of electrical or electronic protection or control equipment, such as and included in AFCI, GFCI and TPCI in different Types and forms of contactors and relays used. When the term "solenoid" is used with a trip or reset mechanism or action, it means a solenoid actuated.

q)螺线管(SOLENOID)—指的是主要由缠绕在芯上的电线组成以产生均匀磁场的组件、以及由磁场驱动的柱塞，该柱塞附接到固定装置以锁定或解锁复位或跳闸机构，例如接触器或继电器。q) Solenoid (SOLENOID)—refers to an assembly consisting essentially of a wire wound around a core to create a uniform magnetic field, and a plunger driven by the magnetic field that is attached to a fixture to lock or unlock reset or Trip mechanism, such as a contactor or relay.

r)LED—指的是发光二极管，其有不同的颜色，用于视觉的通知。r) LED - Refers to Light Emitting Diodes, which have different colors and are used for visual notification.

s)LCD—指的是用于字母、数字或字母数字通知的液晶显示器。s) LCD—refers to a liquid crystal display for alphanumeric or alphanumeric notifications.

t)NO—用于辅助触点，表示常开。t) NO—used for auxiliary contact, means normally open.

u)NC—用于辅助触点，表示常闭。u) NC—used for auxiliary contacts, indicating normally closed.

v)按下(PRESS)或被按下(PRESSED)—指的是通过按下按钮开关接触点。v) Pressed (PRESS) or pressed (PRESSED) - refers to the switch contact point by pressing the button.

w)代码(CODE)—也被称为软件或程序或软件代码或软件程序，当与微控制器一起使用时，是指接收其输入并驱动其处理功能和输出外设的程序。它还被定义为以编程语言或由汇编器、编译器或其他翻译器输出的形式表达的计算机指令和数据定义。代码驱动意味着与软件驱动相同，指示由软件或代码例程执行的功能。w) CODE - Also known as software or program or software code or software program, when used with a microcontroller, refers to the program that receives its inputs and drives its processing functions and output peripherals. It is also defined as computer instructions and data definitions expressed in a programming language or in the form output by an assembler, compiler, or other translator. Code driven means the same as software driven, indicating a function performed by software or code routines.

x)系统接地或接地(System Ground or Earth)—也被称为接地，表示提供最低电压参考点的电气系统中的接地点。它通常连接到电源线接地、接地棒，或在某些情况下连接到金属水管线。大地不旨在携带电流。系统接地用作保护设备的线路侧接地的主要连接。x) System Ground or Earth—Also known as ground, means the ground point in an electrical system that provides the lowest voltage reference point. It is usually connected to a power line ground, a ground rod, or in some cases to a metal water line. Earth is not designed to carry current. The system ground serves as the primary connection to the line-side ground of the protective equipment.

y)数字接地(Digital Ground)—数字电路的常用的0电压(零电压)或接地参考。数字接地和模拟接地系统通常分开接线，以避免将数字噪声引入模拟电路或反之亦然，并且可以通过被设计为避免彼此之间的干扰的耦合电路连接在一起。y) Digital Ground (Digital Ground) - commonly used 0 voltage (zero voltage) or ground reference for digital circuits. Digital ground and analog ground systems are usually wired separately to avoid introducing digital noise into analog circuits or vice versa, and can be connected together by coupling circuits designed to avoid interference between each other.

z)模拟接地(Analog Ground)—用作模拟电路的参考接地的电子系统或电路中的点。数字接地和模拟接地系统通常分开连接，以避免将数字噪声引入模拟电路或反之亦然，并且可以通过被设计为避免彼此之间的干扰的耦合电路连接在一起。z) Analog Ground—A point in an electronic system or circuit used as a reference ground for an analog circuit. Digital ground and analog ground systems are usually connected separately to avoid introducing digital noise into analog circuits or vice versa, and can be connected together by coupling circuits designed to avoid interference between each other.

aa)浮动接地系统(Floating Ground System)—其中电路或设备在没有系统接地的情况下运行的系统。aa) Floating Ground System—A system in which circuits or equipment operate without a system ground.

ab)发光连接(GLOWING Connection)—也称为发光接触，是电路中两个串联连接或触点熔断并且通常保持红热使热量高到足以引起火灾或损坏周围的材料的现象。发光连接通常是由不稳定或松动的电线端子和连接引起的。虽然被认为是一个单独的电气故障，但它一开始是作为电弧故障的变型，直到实际的发光连接事件发生。商用的接线设备通常不能提供防止这种现象的保护。ab) GLOWING Connection - also known as GLOWING CONTACT, is a phenomenon in which two series connections or contacts in a circuit fuse and usually remain red hot so that the heat is high enough to cause a fire or damage surrounding materials. Glowing connections are usually caused by unstable or loose wire terminals and connections. Although considered a separate electrical fault, it started as a variant of an arc fault until the actual event of a glowing connection occurred. Commercially available wiring devices generally do not provide protection against this phenomenon.

图1是根据本发明不同实施例的在2012年6月20日的Tomimbang的专利申请No.13/528809和2011年10月14日的专利申请No.13274291(现在的专利号：US 8817431B2)中公开的单相120V电弧故障电路断路器(AFCI)的框图。该AFCI由线路侧端子线/中性线/接地101/102/103、负载侧端子线/中性线/接地104/105/106、霍尔效应电流传感器集成电路(HECS)107、HECS测量相移校正电路108、以及具有到微控制器111的ADC端口119的模拟输出的抗混叠滤波器和缓冲放大器电路110组成。Fig. 1 is in the patent application No.13/528809 of Tomimbang on June 20, 2012 and the patent application No.13274291 of October 14, 2011 (current patent number: US 8817431B2) according to different embodiments of the present invention Block diagram of a disclosed single phase 120V arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI). The AFCI consists of line side terminal wire/neutral/ground 101/102/103, load side terminal wire/neutral/ground 104/105/106, Hall effect current sensor integrated circuit (HECS) 107, HECS measuring phase Shift correction circuit 108, and anti-aliasing filter and buffer amplifier circuit 110 with analog output to ADC port 119 of microcontroller 111.

该装置还包括：稳压电源电路109，具有供应AFCI电路的所有功率驱动部件的直流电压输出109A；微控制器111，加载有具有所有外设的代码以接收和处理信号并输出数据；具有跳闸和复位螺线管121/122的跳闸和复位机构或接触器112；跳闸和复位开关电路113；接触器112跳闸和复位位置感测电路114；复位开关115和测试开关116；分压器电路120，用于电压基准并且确保有一种HECS 107测量与线路电压线路同步的方法，而不管是否存在用于基准的系统接地，或者当连接到线路侧线路101和线路侧中性线102时，连接被反转；视觉指示器117和听觉指示器118，用于通报系统和诊断条件、软件或代码以及相关的电气、机械、机电和电子部件和互连，以使装置或系统完整和可操作。The device also includes: a regulated power supply circuit 109 with a DC voltage output 109A that supplies all the power drive components of the AFCI circuit; a microcontroller 111 loaded with code to receive and process signals and output data with all peripherals; and reset solenoid 121/122 trip and reset mechanism or contactor 112; trip and reset switch circuit 113; contactor 112 trip and reset position sensing circuit 114; reset switch 115 and test switch 116; voltage divider circuit 120 , for a voltage reference and to ensure that there is a way for the HECS 107 measurements to be synchronized to the line voltage line regardless of the presence of a system ground for the reference, or when connected to line side line 101 and line side neutral 102, the connection is Inversion; visual indicators 117 and audible indicators 118 to communicate system and diagnostic conditions, software or code and related electrical, mechanical, electromechanical and electronic components and interconnections to make the device or system complete and operable.

图1中所示的单极接触器112是单极开关设备或接触器的表示，但是本领域技术人员认识到，相同的原理也可应用于2极接触器，或者根据需要可应用于任何数量的触头和组合的接触器。本领域技术人员还认识到，使用本文相同的原理，其也适用于多相系统。接触器112也是具有电磁操作的跳闸和复位机构121/122的接触器的一般表示，但是本领域技术人员也认识到使用本文所述的相同原理，复位机构可以具有手动或螺线管操作的开关机构，并且其中螺线管操作由SCR或晶闸管或其他开关设备驱动。对于具有手动复位和螺线管操作的跳闸机构的接触器112，只有跳闸使用螺线管121并且复位是通过集成在接触器112内的手动激活的机械闩锁来实现的，因此复位螺线管121不是必需的。The single-pole contactor 112 shown in Figure 1 is a representation of a single-pole switchgear or contactor, but those skilled in the art will recognize that the same principles can be applied to a 2-pole contactor, or to any number of poles as desired. contacts and combined contactors. Those skilled in the art also recognize that using the same principles herein, they apply to multiphase systems as well. The contactor 112 is also a general representation of a contactor having an electromagnetically operated trip and reset mechanism 121/122, but those skilled in the art will also recognize that the reset mechanism could have a manual or solenoid operated switch using the same principles described herein. mechanism, and where the solenoid operation is driven by an SCR or thyristor or other switching device. For contactor 112 with manual reset and solenoid operated trip mechanism, only tripping uses solenoid 121 and reset is achieved by a manually activated mechanical latch integrated within contactor 112, thus resetting the solenoid 121 is not required.

AFCI包括硬件和软件系统的组合，使用装载有代码的微控制器111来监视系统状况、检测电弧、故障发生时将设备跳闸以及相应地显示系统条件。The AFCI includes a combination of hardware and software system, using a microcontroller 111 loaded with code to monitor system conditions, detect arcing, trip equipment when a fault occurs, and display system conditions accordingly.

当接触器112复位时，故障保护电路从线路侧线路导体101开始，经过HECS集成电路107以及电磁跳闸和复位机构或接触器112到达负载侧线路导体104，然后通过连接的负载并返回连接到线路侧中性导体102的负载侧中性导体105。在2极接触器配置中，线路侧和负载侧中性线以与线路侧和负载侧线相同的方式通过接触器112连接。系统接地导体103连接在整个AFCI接地系统中。整个系统中使用的直流电力驱动组件由开关模式电源(SMPS)108供电，该电源在特定范围的输入电源交流电压上工作，并产生稳定的输出直流电压109A。When the contactor 112 is reset, the fault protection circuit starts from the line side line conductor 101, passes through the HECS integrated circuit 107 and the electromagnetic trip and reset mechanism or contactor 112 to the load side line conductor 104, then through the connected load and back to the line neutral conductor 105 on the load side. In a 2-pole contactor configuration, the line-side and load-side neutral wires are connected through the contactor 112 in the same manner as the line-side and load-side wires. The system ground conductor 103 is connected throughout the AFCI grounding system. The DC power drive components used throughout the system are powered by a Switch Mode Power Supply (SMPS) 108 that operates over a specified range of input supply AC voltage and produces a regulated output DC voltage 109A.

HECS集成电路107测量从AFCI的线路侧到负载侧流过线路导体101/104的电路电流。HECS集成电路107的输出电压与具有稳定输出偏移电压的电路电流负载波形成比例。HECS 107测量抗混叠滤波器110从HECS 107ADC测量中去除高频谐波和噪声。连接到微控制器比较器端口108A的HECS测量相移校正电路108通过电阻分压器电路120连接到线路侧导体101/102，以控制微控制器基频中断过程将HECS ADC测量的相位与基波电流频率的相位匹配。微控制器111中断过程使用内置比较器、和软件调整的等于HECS集成电路107的稳定输出偏移电压值的HECS零基准偏移电压值。微控制器111代码通过HECS ADC测量的数字分析来检测电路电弧、过载和短路故障。The HECS integrated circuit 107 measures the circuit current flowing through the line conductors 101/104 from the line side to the load side of the AFCI. The output voltage of the HECS integrated circuit 107 is proportional to the circuit current load wave with a stable output offset voltage. HECS 107 Measurements Anti-aliasing filter 110 removes high frequency harmonics and noise from HECS 107 ADC measurements. HECS measurement phase shift correction circuit 108 connected to microcontroller comparator port 108A is connected to line side conductors 101/102 through resistor divider circuit 120 to control microcontroller fundamental frequency interrupt process to compare phase of HECS ADC measurement with fundamental Phase matching of wave current frequency. The microcontroller 111 interrupt process uses a built-in comparator, and a software adjusted HECS zero reference offset voltage value equal to the stable output offset voltage value of the HECS integrated circuit 107 . Microcontroller 111 code detects circuit arcing, overload and short circuit faults through digital analysis of HECS ADC measurements.

当微控制器111程序检测到电路故障时，跳闸命令被发送到跳闸和复位开关电路113，通过使电磁跳闸和复位机构或接触器112跳闸来中断故障保护电路104/105。然后启用用于电路故障的视觉指示器117和听觉指示器118。当系统复位开关115随后被启用时，微控制器111代码初始化值并禁用故障指示器，通过评估跳闸和复位感测电路114并通过向跳闸和复位开关电路113发送跳闸和复位命令以开启和关闭具有电磁跳闸和复位机构或接触器112的被保护电路104/105来检查系统错接和报废状态。当系统复位检查成功完成时，被保护电路104/105保持关闭，直到另一个电路故障被微控制器112程序检测到。When the microcontroller 111 program detects a circuit fault, a trip command is sent to the trip and reset switch circuit 113 to interrupt the fault protection circuit 104/105 by tripping the electromagnetic trip and reset mechanism or contactor 112 . A visual indicator 117 and an audible indicator 118 for circuit faults are then enabled. When the system reset switch 115 is subsequently enabled, the microcontroller 111 code initializes the values and disables the fault indicator by evaluating the trip and reset sensing circuit 114 and by sending trip and reset commands to the trip and reset switch circuit 113 to turn on and off A protected circuit 104/105 with an electromagnetic trip and reset mechanism or contactor 112 to check for system misconnection and scrapped status. When the system reset check is successfully completed, the protected circuit 104/105 remains off until another circuit fault is detected by the microcontroller 112 program.

微控制器111代码包括通过初始和周期性测试系统组件来检测系统报废状态的例程，然后结果是，系统中断电路并启用视觉指示器117和/或听觉指示器118。系统报废由某些操作条件确定，包括：Microcontroller 111 code includes routines to detect system end-of-life conditions by initially and periodically testing system components, then as a result, the system interrupts the circuit and enables visual indicators 117 and/or audible indicators 118 . System retirement is determined by certain operating conditions, including:

a)微控制器111时钟计数器达到在代码内设定的预定寿命限制。a) The microcontroller 111 clock counter reaches a predetermined lifetime limit set in the code.

b)电磁跳闸和复位机构112不能接合线路侧和负载侧之间的接触点。这通过微控制器112测试代码例程来检测，其确定在复位命令被启用之后接触点是否不接合，这可能意味着电子或机械故障或二者兼而有之。b) The electromagnetic trip and reset mechanism 112 cannot engage the contact between the line side and the load side. This is detected by the microcontroller 112 test code routine, which determines if the contacts do not engage after the reset command is enabled, which could mean an electrical or mechanical failure or both.

c)电磁跳闸和复位机构112不能脱离线路侧和负载侧之间的接触点。这通过微控制器111测试代码例程来检测，其确定在跳闸命令被启用之后接触点是否保持接合，这可能意味着电子或机械故障或二者兼而有之。c) The electromagnetic trip and reset mechanism 112 cannot disengage from the contact point between the line side and the load side. This is detected by the microcontroller 111 test code routine, which determines if the contacts remain engaged after the trip command is enabled, which may indicate an electrical or mechanical failure or both.

d)微控制器111看门狗定时器、RAM奇偶校验和循环冗余校验(CRC)失败。d) Microcontroller 111 watchdog timer, RAM parity and cyclic redundancy check (CRC) failure.

当启用系统测试开关116时，微控制器111代码通过模拟特定的电路故障来检查电路故障检测和中断算法是否正常工作，这导致跳闸和复位命令被发送到跳闸和复位开关电路113。在系统测试期间，微控制器111程序检查跳闸和复位感测电路113以验证被保护电路104/105被电磁跳闸和复位机构112正确地打开和闭合。虽然该图示用于具有电磁跳闸和复位操作的AFCI，但是本领域技术人员认识到，同样的系统适用于使用具有电磁跳闸和手动复位机构的接触器的AFCI，其中复位功能未被微控制器111代码激活，而是手动地激活，但其余的功能保持与电磁跳闸和复位AFCI相同。When the system test switch 116 is enabled, the microcontroller 111 code checks that the circuit fault detection and interruption algorithm is working properly by simulating a specific circuit fault, which causes a trip and reset command to be sent to the trip and reset switch circuit 113 . During system testing, the microcontroller 111 program checks the trip and reset sensing circuit 113 to verify that the protected circuits 104 / 105 are properly opened and closed by the electromagnetic trip and reset mechanism 112 . Although this illustration is for an AFCI with a magnetic trip and reset operation, those skilled in the art will recognize that the same system is applicable to an AFCI using a contactor with a magnetic trip and manual reset mechanism, where the reset function is not controlled by the microcontroller 111 code activated, but manually activated, but the rest of the function remains the same as the electromagnetic trip and reset AFCI.

为了举例说明，图2是使用具有商用GFCI控制器138的2线圈差分电流互感器式传感器131/132的典型GFCI电路的示意图。电流传感器绕组131/132通常包含在相同的外壳中。该电路基于流过线路侧线路和中性导体123/124与未图示的通过负载侧线路126和中性线127所连接的负载的电流之间的不平衡来检测接地故障。在正常条件下且没有接地故障，通过线路侧线路和中性导体123/124的电流通常与其周围的磁通量彼此抵消，因此不存在差分电流。接地故障条件从线路和中性导体之间的磁通差产生差分电流，导致电流传感器中的振荡产生接地故障信号。该差分电流由GFCI控制器138检测和处理，发送信号以触发螺线管134的操作来将接触器135跳闸，将线路侧线路和中性导体123/124与GFCI的负载侧线路和中性导体126/127分离。使用由与电阻器129串联的测试按钮或开关130组成的测试电路来模拟接地故障以将接触器135跳闸，作为GFCI的例行完整性测试的一部分。电容器140/141/C/C1和电阻器136/137/142是完成接地故障控制器电路所需的无源元件。金属氧化物压敏电阻133用于浪涌保护，并且通常连接在线路侧线路和中性123/124导体之间。To illustrate, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a typical GFCI circuit using a 2-coil differential current transformer sensor 131 / 132 with a commercial GFCI controller 138 . The current sensor windings 131/132 are typically contained in the same housing. The circuit detects a ground fault based on an imbalance between the current flowing through the line-side line and neutral conductors 123 / 124 and the load connected through the load-side line 126 and neutral 127 , not shown. Under normal conditions and without a ground fault, the currents through the line side line and neutral conductors 123/124 generally cancel each other out with the magnetic flux around them so there is no differential current. A ground fault condition generates a differential current from the difference in flux between the line and neutral conductors, causing oscillations in the current sensor to produce a ground fault signal. This differential current is sensed and processed by the GFCI controller 138, which sends a signal to trigger operation of the solenoid 134 to trip the contactor 135, connecting the line-side line and neutral conductors 123/124 to the load-side line and neutral conductors of the GFCI. 126/127 split. A test circuit consisting of a test button or switch 130 in series with resistor 129 is used to simulate a ground fault to trip contactor 135 as part of a routine integrity test of the GFCI. Capacitors 140/141/C/C1 and resistors 136/137/142 are the passive components required to complete the ground fault controller circuit. A metal oxide varistor 133 is used for surge protection and is typically connected between the line side line and neutral 123/124 conductors.

图3公开了根据本发明的某些实施例的基于微控制器的GFCI电路。这遵循与以上图2中概述的基本GFCI电路相同的原理，通过添加使用基于算法的代码来控制GFCI的操作的微控制器158。在通过差分电流传感器151的线路和中性导体143/144中产生的磁通量在正常电路条件下或当没有接地故障时相互抵消，这表明这些值相同。当发生接地故障时，通过线路侧线路导体143的电流与通过线路侧中性导体144的电流不同，因此存在差分电流。该差分电流由GFCI控制器161检测，其向微控制器158发送接地故障事件的信号，因此微控制器158执行代码例程以激活跳闸电路164并将接触器152跳闸。诸如光耦合器157的数字隔离器用于将跳闸电路164的交流侧与GFCI的直流电路隔离。Figure 3 discloses a microcontroller based GFCI circuit according to some embodiments of the present invention. This follows the same principles as the basic GFCI circuit outlined in Figure 2 above, with the addition of a microcontroller 158 that uses algorithm based code to control the operation of the GFCI. The magnetic fluxes generated in the line and neutral conductors 143/144 through the differential current sensor 151 cancel each other out under normal circuit conditions or when there is no ground fault, indicating that these values are the same. When a ground fault occurs, the current through the line-side line conductor 143 is different from the current through the line-side neutral conductor 144, so a differential current exists. This differential current is sensed by GFCI controller 161 , which signals the ground fault event to microcontroller 158 , whereupon microcontroller 158 executes a code routine to activate trip circuit 164 and trip contactor 152 . A digital isolator such as optocoupler 157 is used to isolate the AC side of trip circuit 164 from the DC circuit of the GFCI.

接地故障电流传感器技术的不断发展并不限制本发明可以使用的传感器的类型，并且本领域技术人员认识到使用本文所公开的相同原理，其它类型和配置的接地故障电流传感器可以使用以达到本发明的相同目的。使用与本发明相同的原理，接地故障电流传感器151也可以是磁差霍尔效应电流传感器集成电路，其可用于在接地故障的事件下感测导体之间的差分电流。此外，使用本发明所述的相同原理，接地故障电流传感器151也可以是差分巨磁电阻(GMR)电流传感器集成电路，其可用于在接地故障的事件中感测导体之间的差分电流。Continuous developments in ground fault current sensor technology do not limit the types of sensors that may be used with the present invention, and those skilled in the art will recognize that other types and configurations of ground fault current sensors may be used to achieve the present invention using the same principles disclosed herein. of the same purpose. Using the same principles as the present invention, the ground fault current sensor 151 can also be a magnetic differential Hall effect current sensor integrated circuit that can be used to sense differential current between conductors in the event of a ground fault. Furthermore, using the same principles described in the present invention, the ground fault current sensor 151 may also be a differential giant magnetoresistance (GMR) current sensor integrated circuit, which may be used to sense differential current between conductors in the event of a ground fault.

通过在交流输入电压的指定范围内操作的具有稳定的直流输出电压160的稳压电源159，来提供对所有电力驱动部件的直流电力。电阻分压器电路162允许线路信号采集进行零交叉参考，以在接地故障发生时将接触器152跳闸。电阻分压器162连接通过线路143和中性线144而不是线路143，并且系统接地145使得GFCI甚至在没有接地的系统中也可以操作，并且无论线路和中性连接143/144是否相反。诸如光耦合器的数字隔离器163将交流与零交叉电路的直流侧隔离。当发生接地故障时，微控制器158驱动跳闸电路164，SCR 154激活螺线管153以将接触器152跳闸。DC power to all electrically driven components is provided by a regulated power supply 159 with a stable DC output voltage 160 operating within a specified range of AC input voltage. Resistor divider circuit 162 allows line signal acquisition to be zero cross referenced to trip contactor 152 in the event of a ground fault. Resistor divider 162 connected through line 143 and neutral 144 instead of line 143 and system ground 145 allows the GFCI to operate even in systems without ground and regardless of whether the line and neutral connections 143/144 are reversed. A digital isolator 163 such as an optocoupler isolates the AC from the DC side of the zero crossing circuit. When a ground fault occurs, microcontroller 158 drives trip circuit 164 and SCR 154 activates solenoid 153 to trip contactor 152 .

通过跨线路、中性线和接地连接143/144/145的变阻器170/170A/170B，保护电路免受浪涌。跳闸电路164由SCR 154、螺线管153、开关二极管155和电阻器156组成。数字隔离器157将直流与跳闸电路164的交流侧隔离。其他组件是无源的并且是完成电路互连所必需的。The circuit is protected from surges by connecting varistors 170/170A/170B across line, neutral and ground 143/144/145. Trip circuit 164 consists of SCR 154 , solenoid 153 , switching diode 155 and resistor 156 . Digital isolator 157 isolates the DC from the AC side of trip circuit 164 . Other components are passive and necessary to complete the circuit interconnection.

通过使用微控制器158处理接地故障信号，而不是像目前市售的GFCI一样只依靠接地故障控制器161，其提供了另一个保护级别，以最小化现有的市售产品中普遍存在的伪误跳闸的可能性。基于微控制器的GFCI操作还提供了一种在信号的过零点处或其附近将接触器152跳闸的方法，以在跳闸时减少电流，从而延长了接触器152的寿命。微控制器控制的GFCI操作还使得将接地故障保护与任何其他电气故障保护系统集成成为可能。此外，TPCI的错接保护电路可以集成到GFCI中，微控制器158代码例程包括错线保护特征。此外，根据本发明的实施例，通过并入温度传感器电路200，发光连接保护系统可以被集成到GFCI中。本文所公开的这种错线保护是多用途的，即使当本文公开的GFCI被断开并从一个电路转移到另一个电路时，其仍然可操作。这与其他商用的GFCI不同，其中他们的错线保护是一次性使用，因此在第一次使用后，组件被永久性禁用，从而使得如果GFCI从有源电路中取出并重新安装在其他地方，则所述其他商用GFCI无法检测到错线。By using the microcontroller 158 to process the ground fault signal, rather than relying solely on the ground fault controller 161 as currently commercially available GFCIs do, it provides another level of protection to minimize false positives that are prevalent in existing commercially available products. Possibility of false tripping. Microcontroller based GFCI operation also provides a method of tripping the contactor 152 at or near the zero crossing of the signal to reduce current flow when tripped, thereby extending the life of the contactor 152 . Microcontroller controlled GFCI operation also makes it possible to integrate ground fault protection with any other electrical fault protection system. Additionally, the TPCI's miswire protection circuitry can be integrated into the GFCI, and the microcontroller 158 code routines include the miswire protection feature. Furthermore, by incorporating the temperature sensor circuit 200, a glow connection protection system may be integrated into a GFCI according to an embodiment of the present invention. The miswire protection disclosed herein is versatile in that it remains operable even when the GFCI disclosed herein is disconnected and transferred from one circuit to another. This differs from other commercially available GFCI's where their miswire protection is single use, so after the first use the component is permanently disabled, making it impossible for the GFCI to be removed from the active circuit and reinstalled elsewhere. The other commercially available GFCIs are then unable to detect miswires.

常规的自检例程包括在微控制器158代码中，其通过连续监测包括预定生命周期的报废状态、微控制器158看门狗、RAM奇偶校验和循环冗余校验故障来检查电路的完整性。当出现任何所述报废状态时，代码例程将接触器152跳闸并激活视觉168和/或听觉169信号以通知该事件。Conventional self-test routines are included in the microcontroller 158 code, which checks the circuit's health by continuously monitoring end-of-life conditions including scheduled lifetimes, microcontroller 158 watchdog, RAM parity and cyclic redundancy check failures integrity. When any of the decommissioned conditions occurs, a code routine trips the contactor 152 and activates a visual 168 and/or audible 169 signal to notify of the event.

复位按钮167用于手动复位接触器152。接触器152可替代地是双螺线管接触器，其中跳闸和开关机构各自设置有螺线管，以通过微控制器158将接触器自动跳闸和开关。接触器152可以替代地是可伸缩单螺线管闭锁接触器，其中跳闸和开关机构由相同的螺线管控制，以通过微控制器158将接触器自动跳闸和开关。为了满足UL标准要求，本文公开的GFCI具有与上述规定的自检例程分开的代码管理的周期性自检例程，其以指定的间隔进行。为了实施这种周期性自检例程，GFCI使用其测试电路149/150A。隔离开关150A可以是可以通过微控制器158操作的光耦合器、继电器或类似的开关器件。周期性自检例程是控制本文公开的GFCI的操作的微控制器158代码的一部分。当实施周期性自检例程时，使用测试按钮150的测试代码例程暂时中断，隔离开关150A由微控制器158加电，从而产生将由微控制器158检测到的接地故障事件。由于在这种情况下，测试按钮例程被暂停，而不是将接触器152跳闸，因此实现一个信号来指示成功的周期性自检和工作接地故障检测系统，并且微控制器158代码继续其操作循环。如果周期性自检失败，则其将被指示为报废状态，并且接触器152根据通知跳闸。当接触器152是上述双螺线管或可伸缩单螺线管接触器时，如果希望检查接触器操作的实际完整性，则可以在周期性自检期间进行接触器的实际跳闸和后续复位。The reset button 167 is used to manually reset the contactor 152 . The contactor 152 may alternatively be a dual solenoid contactor wherein the trip and switch mechanisms are each provided with a solenoid to automatically trip and switch the contactor via the microcontroller 158 . The contactor 152 may alternatively be a retractable single solenoid latching contactor where the trip and switch mechanisms are controlled by the same solenoid to automatically trip and switch the contactor via the microcontroller 158 . To meet UL standard requirements, the GFCI disclosed herein has a code-managed periodic self-test routine separate from the self-test routine specified above, which is performed at specified intervals. To implement this periodic self-test routine, the GFCI uses its test circuit 149/150A. Isolation switch 150A may be an optocoupler, relay, or similar switching device that may be operated by microcontroller 158 . The periodic self-test routine is part of the microcontroller 158 code that controls the operation of the GFCI disclosed herein. When the periodic self-test routine is implemented, the test code routine using the test button 150 is momentarily interrupted and the isolator 150A is powered up by the microcontroller 158 , thereby generating a ground fault event to be detected by the microcontroller 158 . Since in this case the test button routine is suspended, rather than tripping the contactor 152, a signal is implemented to indicate a successful periodic self-test and working ground fault detection system, and the microcontroller 158 code continues its operation cycle. If the periodic self-test fails, it will be indicated as a dead condition and the contactor 152 will trip on notification. When the contactor 152 is a dual solenoid or retractable single solenoid contactor as described above, the actual tripping and subsequent resetting of the contactor can be done during periodic self-tests if it is desired to check the actual integrity of the contactor operation.

图4是根据本发明不同实施例的单相交流TPCI的框图。这是一种用于电路故障检测和中断的装置、系统和方法，其在接地和不接地情况下在电力系统上操作，将电弧故障电路断路器(AFCI)与接地故障电路断路器(GFCI)和其他故障检测电路和系统集成在一个装置、系统和方法中，以在直流和交流、单相和多相系统中检测包括串联和并联电弧、接地和漏电流故障、浪涌、错线、过载、短路、发光连接、过压和欠压的多种电气故障的发生，并且当发生任何所述故障时中断电路，所有所述故障检测系统由单个微控制器监视和控制。当本发明应用于多相系统时，包括相损耗保护。利用与TPCI一起使用的不同传感器，实际上，各种电气数据可以通过微控制器获取和处理，以检测和中断被保护电路中的各种电气故障，因此本发明的标题是这样的。FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a single-phase AC TPCI according to different embodiments of the present invention. This is an apparatus, system and method for circuit fault detection and interruption, operating on a power system, both grounded and ungrounded, combining an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) Integrate with other fault detection circuits and systems in a device, system and method to detect series and parallel arcs, ground and leakage current faults, surges, miswires, overloads in DC and AC, single-phase and multi-phase systems , short circuit, luminous connection, overvoltage and undervoltage occurrence of multiple electrical faults and interrupting the circuit when any of said faults occur, all said fault detection systems are monitored and controlled by a single microcontroller. When the invention is applied to multi-phase systems, phase loss protection is included. With different sensors used with TPCI, in fact various electrical data can be acquired and processed by a microcontroller to detect and interrupt various electrical faults in the protected circuit, hence the title of this invention.

为了本发明的目的，术语电弧故障可以是串联或并联电弧，并且接地故障可以是包括线路和地面之间的故障或者对地的中性线泄漏的任何形式。For the purposes of the present invention, the term arc fault may be a series or parallel arc, and a ground fault may be of any form including a fault between line and ground or a neutral leakage to ground.

TPCI内置于采用断路器、插座、插座插口、方便插口、电线连接插头、便携式多插口插座板的形式的外壳中，或者集成到任何其他外壳、装置、系统或方法中。The TPCI is built into an enclosure in the form of a circuit breaker, receptacle, outlet socket, convenience outlet, cord connection plug, portable multi-outlet strip, or integrated into any other enclosure, device, system or method.

TPCI包括以下集成的电路和组件，以作为单一设备、系统和方法来执行：TPCI includes the following integrated circuits and components to perform as a single device, system and method:

—线路和负载侧端子连接171/172/173/174/175/176- Line and load side terminal connections 171/172/173/174/175/176

—具有直流输出178的稳压直流电源177- regulated DC power supply 177 with DC output 178

—浪涌保护电路元件179/179A/179B—Surge protection circuit element 179/179A/179B

—接地故障电流传感器(GFCS)180— Ground Fault Current Sensor (GFCS) 180

—GFCI控制器181— GFCI controller 181

—GFCS信号调节电路187— GFCS signal conditioning circuit 187

—接地故障测试电路196/197- Ground Fault Test Circuit 196/197

—用于电弧和其他电气故障的多功能电流传感器(MPCS)182— Multifunction Current Sensor (MPCS) 182 for arcing and other electrical faults

—MPCS测量相移校正电路184—MPCS measurement phase shift correction circuit 184

—抗混叠滤波器186和缓冲放大器电路186A- Anti-aliasing filter 186 and buffer amplifier circuit 186A

—电阻分压器183— resistor divider 183

—微控制器188— Microcontroller 188

—电位变压器(PTX)198— Potential Transformer (PTX) 198

—PTX输出信号调节电路199— PTX output signal conditioning circuit 199

—温度传感器电路(TSC)200- Temperature sensor circuit (TSC) 200

—温度传感器数据转换器和集成电路201— Temperature sensor data converters and integrated circuits 201

—测试和复位开关电路189— Test and reset switch circuit 189

—测试和复位机构或接触器190- Test and reset mechanism or contactor 190

—测试和复位螺线管线圈185A/185B—Test and Reset Solenoid Coil 185A/185B

—跳闸或测试开关或按钮191— trip or test switch or button 191

—复位开关192— Reset switch 192

—接触器位置感测电路193- contactor position sensing circuit 193

—视觉指示器194— Visual Indicator 194

—听觉指示器195— Auditory Indicator 195

—软件程序或代码— software program or code

线路和负载侧接线端子连接171/172/173/174/175/176是TPCI连接到电源和负载的手段。这些是标准组件，并以按照特定的TPCI应用或系统的方式来使用。这些接线连接使用螺钉208(如图7所示)或其他替代的安装紧固件，将电线固定在安装螺栓209(图7所示)上，作为到TPCI的连接。在用于线路和中性连接171/172/174/175的安装螺柱209上或其附近，可以安装用于发光连接和过载检测的温度传感器210/211/212/213(图7所示)。传感器210/211/212/213还可以安装在线路和中性冲压件上，与外部设备(如插头)接触。Line and load side terminal block connections 171/172/173/174/175/176 are the means by which the TPCI is connected to the power supply and load. These are standard components and are used in a manner specific to a particular TPCI application or system. These wiring connections use screws 208 (shown in FIG. 7 ) or other alternative mounting fasteners to secure the wires to mounting studs 209 (shown in FIG. 7 ) as connections to the TPCI. On or near mounting studs 209 for line and neutral connections 171/172/174/175, temperature sensors 210/211/212/213 (shown in Figure 7) for glow connections and overload detection can be mounted . Sensors 210/211/212/213 can also be mounted on the line and neutral stampings to make contact with external devices such as plugs.

稳压直流电源177是一种开关模式的电源，在特定范围的交流输入电压下工作并具有稳定的直流输出电压178，以操作TPCI的直流供电电路和组件。该开关模式的电源采用整流电路、高频切换器、滤波元件和电压调节器或稳压器，用于稳定地输出电压。开关模式的互感器可以与直流电源177电路一起使用作为选择。该电源177连接到TPCI的线路侧171/172/173，以确保当电源接通时检测系统始终接通，而不管接触器190是否关闭。可替代地，与连接在线路侧的第一组类似的第二组整流器电路并联连接在TPCI的负载侧，并且这适用于当TPCI需要检测所有类型的错线条件时，而不仅仅是第二整流电路不需要的线路负载侧错线。在2012年6月20日提交的Tomimbang的专利申请No.13/528809中公开了这一点，其被称为本发明的一部分。这里所公开的错线保护是多用途的，即使当TPCI被断开并从一个电路转移到另一个电路时，它也保持运行。这与其他商用保护设备不同，它们的错线保护仅在组件被永久性禁用时一次性使用，从而使得如果从有源电路中取出并重新安装在其他地方，则所述保护设备不能检测到错线。The regulated DC power supply 177 is a switch-mode power supply that operates within a specific range of AC input voltage and has a stable DC output voltage 178 to operate TPCI's DC power supply circuits and components. This switch-mode power supply uses rectification circuits, high-frequency switchers, filter elements, and voltage regulators or voltage regulators to stabilize the output voltage. A switch mode transformer can be used with the DC power supply 177 circuit as an option. This power supply 177 is connected to the line side 171/172/173 of the TPCI to ensure that the detection system is always on when the power is on, regardless of whether the contactor 190 is closed. Alternatively, a second set of rectifier circuits similar to the first set connected on the line side is connected in parallel on the load side of the TPCI, and this is suitable when TPCI needs to detect all types of miswire conditions, not just the second The load side of the line that is not needed by the rectifier circuit is miswired. This is disclosed in Tomimbang's patent application No. 13/528809 filed on June 20, 2012, which is claimed to be part of the present invention. The miswire protection disclosed herein is multipurpose, and it remains operational even when the TPCI is disconnected and transferred from one circuit to another. This differs from other commercially available protective devices whose fault-wire protection is only for one-time use when the component is permanently disabled so that if it is removed from the active circuit and reinstalled elsewhere, said protection device cannot detect faults. Wire.

浪涌保护电路元件179/179A/179B在本文中以示例性目的公开为一组金属氧化物压敏电阻(MOV)，通常被称为连接在线路、中性线和接地171/172/173上的压敏电阻，其被适当地额定承受TPCI上的浪涌，通常来自闪电或任何其他外部浪涌源。虽然压敏电阻在本文中用于示例性目的，但是本领域技术人员认识到，可以使用其它组件来实现与本发明相同的浪涌保护目的。Surge protection circuit elements 179/179A/179B are disclosed herein for exemplary purposes as a set of metal oxide varistors (MOVs), generally referred to as connected to line, neutral, and ground 171/172/173 A varistor that is properly rated to withstand surges on the TPCI, usually from lightning or any other external surge source. Although varistors are used herein for exemplary purposes, those skilled in the art will recognize that other components may be used to achieve the same surge protection goals as the present invention.

接地故障电流传感器(GFCS)180是诸如图2中作为131/132所示的差分电流传感器。理想情况下，在没有接地故障的情况下，流过线路侧线路171的电流与流过线路侧中性线172的电流相同。流过线路171的电流通过GFCS 180到达负载(未示出)，然后通过中性线172返回。当没有接地故障时，围绕线路171和中性172导体产生的通过GFCS 180的磁场相互抵消，作为值相同的指示，因此是健康的电路。在接地故障的情况下，通过线路171产生的经过接地故障传感器180的电流与通过中性线172产生的电流不同，因此存在差分电流。当接地故障发生时，GFCS 180感测到线路和中性线171/172之间的电流流动的不平衡，并且向GFCI控制器181输出低电平模拟信号，以处理和确定接地故障。GFCI控制器181输出由微控制器188接收并执行其接地故障代码例程，然后激活TPCI跳闸和复位电路189以将接触器190跳闸。在本发明中公开的作为2-线圈差分接地故障电流传感器的GFCS 180仅仅是为了示例的目的，然而，本领域技术人员认识到，差分电流传感器技术中的各种发展可导致相同传感器的许多变型以满足本发明的要求。使用本发明的相同原理，接地故障电流传感器180还可以是差分霍尔效应电流传感器集成电路，其可用于在接地故障的事件中感测导体之间的差分电流。而且，使用与本发明相同的原理，接地故障电流传感器180还可以是差分巨磁电阻(GMR)电流传感器集成电路，其可用于在接地故障的事件中感测导体之间的差分电流。当与传统的2-线圈差分电流互感器相比时，这些传感器，由于其紧凑的尺寸和先进的电子技术，不仅可以在TPCI组件的布局中节省空间、提高传感精度和性能可靠性，而且还由于其可以与微控制器188接合而节省成本，从而不需要GFCS控制器181。Ground fault current sensor (GFCS) 180 is a differential current sensor such as that shown in FIG. 2 as 131 / 132 . Ideally, in the absence of a ground fault, the current flowing through the line side line 171 is the same as the current flowing through the line side neutral line 172 . Current flowing through line 171 travels through GFCS 180 to a load (not shown) and returns through neutral 172 . When there is no ground fault, the magnetic fields generated around the line 171 and neutral 172 conductors through the GFCS 180 cancel each other out as an indication of the same value and therefore a healthy circuit. In the event of a ground fault, the current through ground fault sensor 180 produced by line 171 is different from the current produced by neutral line 172, so a differential current exists. When a ground fault occurs, the GFCS 180 senses the imbalance of current flow between line and neutral 171/172 and outputs a low level analog signal to the GFCI controller 181 to process and determine the ground fault. The GFCI controller 181 output is received by the microcontroller 188 and executes its ground fault code routine, which then activates the TPCI trip and reset circuit 189 to trip the contactor 190 . The GFCS 180 disclosed in this disclosure as a 2-coil differential ground fault current sensor is for exemplary purposes only, however, those skilled in the art recognize that various developments in differential current sensor technology may result in many variations of the same sensor To meet the requirements of the present invention. Using the same principles of the present invention, the ground fault current sensor 180 can also be a differential Hall effect current sensor integrated circuit that can be used to sense differential current between conductors in the event of a ground fault. Furthermore, using the same principles as the present invention, the ground fault current sensor 180 can also be a differential giant magnetoresistance (GMR) current sensor integrated circuit, which can be used to sense differential current between conductors in the event of a ground fault. When compared with traditional 2-coil differential current transformers, these sensors, due to their compact size and advanced electronics, not only save space, improve sensing accuracy and performance reliability in the layout of TPCI components, but also There is also a cost savings as it can be interfaced with a microcontroller 188 so that the GFCS controller 181 is not required.

GFCI控制器181类似于图2中所示的GFCI控制器138。它是市售的控制器集成电路，其处理来自接地故障电流传感器180的低电平信号，并将信号输出到微控制器188以执行其接地故障检测例程。本领域技术人员认识到，代替GFCI控制器181，信号调节电路187可以接收来自GFCS 180输出的信号并对其进行调节，以变得适合于由微控制器188根据其用于接地故障检测的代码例程进行处理。GFCI controller 181 is similar to GFCI controller 138 shown in FIG. 2 . It is a commercially available controller integrated circuit that processes the low level signal from the ground fault current sensor 180 and outputs the signal to the microcontroller 188 to perform its ground fault detection routine. Those skilled in the art will recognize that instead of GFCI controller 181, signal conditioning circuit 187 may receive the signal from the output of GFCS 180 and condition it to become suitable for use by microcontroller 188 according to its code for ground fault detection. Routine processing.

接地故障测试电路由电阻196和隔离器开关197组成。当按下测试按钮191时，微控制器激活隔离器开关197，然后电流在线路171和负载侧中性线175之间流动，绕过GFCS180。这导致GFCS 180上的电流不平衡，其将被GFCI控制器181检测为接地故障，并传送到微控制器188，然后微控制器188执行代码例程来将接触器190跳闸，识别并通过听觉的和视觉的手段来通知故障。The ground fault test circuit consists of resistor 196 and isolator switch 197 . When the test button 191 is pressed, the microcontroller activates the isolator switch 197 and current flows between line 171 and load side neutral 175 , bypassing the GFCS 180 . This results in a current imbalance on the GFCS 180 which will be detected by the GFCI controller 181 as a ground fault and communicated to the microcontroller 188 which then executes a code routine to trip the contactor 190, identified and audible and visual means to notify of faults.

多用途电流传感器(MPCS)182监控流经线路侧线路导体171和负载的电路电流，并且其测量值被转换为比例输出电压，同时保留用于故障检测的线路电流电特性。MPCS 182具有与线路导体相关的不同类型、形状、形式和安装方法，如图5、图5A、图6和图6A所示。MPCS 182输出信号由微控制器188根据其代码例程进行数字分析，用于检测电弧、浪涌、错线、过载、短路、发光连接，并用于监测和功率计算功能。本文还公开了一种替代电流传感器MPCS 182作为线性降压电流互感器或电流变换器，其中，与线路电流成比例的次级绕组上的电压通过对电阻器分流被导出。虽然这种线性降压电流互感器也用于其他应用(例如计量和仪表)的电流感测，但它不用于本发明所公开的电弧故障检测系统。MPCS 182的输出是比例式的或与线路电流成比例，同时保留用于故障检测的线路电流电特性。本领域技术人员认识到，本文中规定的相同原理可以应用于多相系统，在这种情况下，每相都需要MPCS182。A multipurpose current sensor (MPCS) 182 monitors the circuit current flowing through the line side line conductor 171 and the load, and its measurement is converted to a proportional output voltage while preserving the line current electrical characteristics for fault detection. MPCS 182 comes in different types, shapes, forms and mounting methods associated with line conductors, as shown in Figures 5, 5A, 6 and 6A. The MPCS 182 output signals are digitally analyzed by the microcontroller 188 according to its code routines for detection of arcs, surges, miswires, overloads, short circuits, glowing connections, and for monitoring and power calculation functions. Also disclosed herein is an alternative current sensor MPCS 182 as a linear step-down current transformer or current transformer in which the voltage on the secondary winding proportional to the line current is derived by shunting a resistor. While this linear step-down current transformer is also used for current sensing in other applications such as metering and instrumentation, it is not used in the arc fault detection system disclosed in this invention. The output of the MPCS 182 is ratiometric or proportional to the line current while preserving the line current electrical characteristics for fault detection. Those skilled in the art recognize that the same principles set forth herein can be applied to multi-phase systems, in which case MPCS 182 is required for each phase.

MPCS 182相移校正电路184提供MPCS 182测量与线路信号的同步。连接到微控制器比较器的该相移校正电路184通过电阻分压器电路183连接到线路侧导体171/172，以控制微控制器188基频中断过程，该过程将MPCS 182ADC测量的相位与基本电流频率相匹配。微控制器188中断过程使用内置比较器、和软件调整的等于MPCS 182的稳定输出偏移电压值的MPCS 182零基准偏移电压值。通过跨线路和中性线171/172的电阻分压器183连接到TPCI的线路侧的相移校正电路184，是确保电压基准始终可用于线路同步而不依赖于接地连接的手段，并且不管反转的线路和中立连接。缓冲放大器186A用于控制微控制器188基频中断过程，以将MPCS 182测量的相位与线路信号的相位相匹配。抗混叠滤波器186从MPCS182测量中去除高频谐波和噪声。MPCS 182输出信号通过该滤波器186和缓冲放大器186A被调节，以变得适合于通过微控制器188进行处理，用于检测电弧故障、过载、发光连接、短路和浪涌，以及监视系统状况、电源监控和计量计算。本领域技术人员认识到，可替代地，缓冲放大器186a和滤波器186的功能可以与MPCS 182电路合并，从而可以将其作为TPCI的附加组件来消除他们。MPCS 182 phase shift correction circuit 184 provides synchronization of MPCS 182 measurements with the line signal. This phase shift correction circuit 184 connected to the microcontroller comparator is connected to the line side conductors 171/172 through a resistor divider circuit 183 to control the microcontroller 188 fundamental frequency interrupt process which compares the phase measured by the MPCS 182 ADC with The fundamental current frequency matches. The microcontroller 188 interrupt process uses a built-in comparator, and a software adjusted MPCS 182 zero reference offset voltage value equal to the MPCS 182 stable output offset voltage value. A phase shift correction circuit 184 connected to the line side of the TPCI via a resistor divider 183 across the line and neutral 171/172 is a means of ensuring that a voltage reference is always available for line synchronization independent of the ground connection, and regardless of the opposite Turned line and neutral connections. Buffer amplifier 186A is used to control the microcontroller 188 baseband interrupt process to match the phase measured by MPCS 182 to the phase of the line signal. Anti-aliasing filter 186 removes high frequency harmonics and noise from MPCS 182 measurements. The MPCS 182 output signal is conditioned through the filter 186 and buffer amplifier 186A to become suitable for processing by the microcontroller 188 for detection of arc faults, overloads, light connections, short circuits and surges, and for monitoring system conditions, Power monitoring and metering calculations. Those skilled in the art recognize that the functions of buffer amplifier 186a and filter 186 could alternatively be combined with the MPCS 182 circuitry so that they could be eliminated as an add-on component to TPCI.

微控制器(MCU)188充分配备了ADC(模数转换器)、DAC(数模转换器)，RAM(随机存取存储器)、闪存、I/O(输入/输出)和其他标准外设，以接收并根据TPCI要求处理信号、输出数据和驱动外部设备，用于检测所有上述电路故障、监控系统状态电源监控和计算。MCU188还配备有自检特征，包括CRC(循环冗余校验)、RAM奇偶校验、看门狗定时器和防篡改保护。微控制器188加载TPCI软件或代码，控制TPCI的操作，监视、接收和处理往来于各个电路组件的信号和数据，当故障发生时、或者当跳闸按钮191被按下时激活跳闸和复位电路189并打开接触器190，当螺线管操作的接触器被使用时开关接触器190，识别发生的故障并输出数据以显示系统状况并提供诊断信息，并激活视觉和/或听觉报警器194/195。通过增加无线接口，TPCI监控和诊断信息可以被远程且无线地访问和获取，以及接收跳闸或复位命令。只有在接触器190具有螺线管激活的跳闸和复位机构的情况下，TPCI的无线复位才是可能的。Microcontroller (MCU) 188 is fully equipped with ADC (Analog to Digital Converter), DAC (Digital to Analog Converter), RAM (Random Access Memory), Flash memory, I/O (Input/Output) and other standard peripherals, To receive and process signals according to TPCI requirements, output data and drive external devices for detecting all above-mentioned circuit faults, monitoring system status power monitoring and computing. The MCU188 is also equipped with self-test features including CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check), RAM parity, watchdog timer and anti-tamper protection. Microcontroller 188 loads TPCI software or code, controls the operation of TPCI, monitors, receives and processes signals and data to and from various circuit components, activates trip and reset circuit 189 when a fault occurs, or when trip button 191 is pressed And open the contactor 190, switch the contactor 190 when the solenoid operated contactor is used, identify the fault and output data to show the system condition and provide diagnostic information, and activate the visual and/or audible alarm 194/195 . With the addition of a wireless interface, TPCI monitoring and diagnostic information can be remotely and wirelessly accessed and retrieved, as well as receive trip or reset commands. Wireless reset of the TPCI is only possible if the contactor 190 has a solenoid activated trip and reset mechanism.

降压变压器(PTX)198用于监测线路和中性线171/172的电压，并且其额定值高于TPCI的工作电压以进行更广泛的测量和使用仪器。它是低电流额定值仪器型降压变压器，具有适合于基于微控制器的电路的低副电压，用于获取TPCI电压监测功能的数据。PTX的输出电压根据TPCI的线路电压来缩放，其中最小和最大工作电压被建立以供正常工作条件参考。用于TPCI正常工作的最小到最大允许电压的缩放输出数据范围在微控制器188代码中定义，允许由于某些电气负载(例如感应电动机)的正常启动特性而引起的变化。PTX 198的输出信号通过调节电路199使其适合于由微控制器188处理，以根据用于过压和欠压检测的TPCI代码算法来确定线路电压状况。PTX 198的输出信号也是用于计算在TPCI代码内管理的电路功耗的要素。对于精确的功率测量，由PTX 198输出所测量的实际电压与由MPCS 182测量的电流一起，在微控制器188代码内进行管理，以进行功率计算和记录。当线路电压超过在TPCI代码中设置的TPCI的最大允许电压时，或者当线路电压低于TPCI的最小允许电压时，微控制器188代码例程相应地标记该状态，并将信号发送到跳闸电路189以将接触器190跳闸。TPCI代码例程中的故障标识符和相应的通知将被激活。PTX 198输出也被微控制器188代码用于确定和通知浪涌故障的发生。在浪涌保护电路元件179/179A/179B保护电路免受浪涌的影响的同时，PTX 198提供了用于检测事件、跳闸电路、根据TPCI浪涌故障检测代码例程识别和通知它的手段。当应用于多相系统时，PTX 19 8需要跨线路以执行本文公开的相同功能。PTX 198可以是任何形式的电压变换器，其中输出电压虽然减小，但仍保持原电压的信号特性。A step-down transformer (PTX) 198 is used to monitor the line and neutral 171/172 voltages and is rated higher than the TPCI's operating voltage for wider measurement and instrumentation. It is a low current rating instrumentation step-down transformer with a low secondary voltage suitable for microcontroller based circuits to obtain data for TPCI voltage monitoring functions. The output voltage of the PTX is scaled according to the line voltage of the TPCI, where minimum and maximum operating voltages are established as a reference for normal operating conditions. The scaled output data range of minimum to maximum allowable voltage for proper operation of the TPCI is defined in the microcontroller 188 code, allowing for variations due to the normal start-up characteristics of certain electrical loads such as induction motors. The output signal of PTX 198 is passed through conditioning circuit 199 to make it suitable for processing by microcontroller 188 to determine line voltage conditions according to the TPCI code algorithm for overvoltage and undervoltage detection. The output signal of the PTX 198 is also an element used to calculate the power consumption of the circuits managed within the TPCI code. For precise power measurements, the actual voltage measured by the PTX 198 output, along with the current measured by the MPCS 182, is managed within the microcontroller 188 code for power calculations and logging. When the line voltage exceeds the TPCI's maximum allowable voltage set in the TPCI code, or when the line voltage falls below the TPCI's minimum allowable voltage, the microcontroller 188 code routine flags the condition accordingly and sends a signal to the trip circuit 189 to trip the contactor 190. The fault identifier and corresponding notification in the TPCI code routine will be activated. The PTX 198 output is also used by the microcontroller 188 code to determine and notify the occurrence of a surge fault. While the surge protection circuit element 179/179A/179B protects the circuit from the effects of the surge, the PTX 198 provides means for detecting the event, tripping the circuit, identifying it and notifying it according to the TPCI surge fault detection code routine. When applied to a polyphase system, the PTX 19 8 needs to span the lines to perform the same function as disclosed herein. PTX 198 can be any form of voltage converter in which the output voltage is reduced but still maintains the signal characteristics of the original voltage.

在可能发生发光连接之前，TPCI温度传感器电路200用于将TPCI跳闸，因此是故障预防系统。温度传感器电路被配置为向TPCI提供信号或数据，用于发光连接和过载状况。它们可以向微控制器188提供信号以检测发光连接和过载状况，或者用作开关工具来激活控制电路以将接触器跳闸，从而将负载与电源线隔离。图8、图8A、图8B、图8C、图8D中示出的温度传感器电路200，由在策略上位于TPCI内的各种温度传感器210/211/212/213构成，其中可能发生发光连接。为了举例说明，温度传感器210/211/212/213在图7、图7A、图7B中示为表示插座插口内的顶部、侧面和等距视图，代表设置有螺线管激活的跳闸电路和接触器的装置。温度传感器210/211/212/213位于171/172/174/175上的端子连接处，其中电线被固定，这是可能发生发光连接的地方，尽管它们可以被放置在TPCI的其他地方用于特殊保护和监控目的。传感器210/211/212/213安装在安装螺柱209旁边，用于将布线固定到TPCI的螺钉208被安装到安装螺柱209。为了举例说明的目的，传感器安装在印刷电路板(PCB)214上，该印刷电路板拥有安装螺柱209，使得螺柱表面可以有效地将热量传导到温度传感器210/211/212/213。传感器210/211/212/213还可以直接安装到安装螺柱209或在其感测距离内的任何位置处。传感器210/211/212/213还可以安装在当插入插口时与插头片接触的线路和中性冲压件处。The TPCI temperature sensor circuit 200 is used to trip the TPCI before a glowing connection can occur, thus being a fail-safe system. The temperature sensor circuit is configured to provide signals or data to the TPCI for lighting connections and overload conditions. They can provide signals to the microcontroller 188 to detect illuminated connections and overload conditions, or be used as switching tools to activate a control circuit to trip a contactor, isolating the load from the power line. The temperature sensor circuit 200 shown in Figures 8, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D consists of various temperature sensors 210/211/212/213 strategically located within the TPCI, where light-emitting connections may occur. For purposes of illustration, temperature sensors 210/211/212/213 are shown in Figures 7, 7A, 7B to represent top, side and isometric views within the receptacle receptacles, representative of trip circuits and contacts provided with solenoid activation. device. The temperature sensors 210/211/212/213 are located at the terminal connections on 171/172/174/175 where the wires are secured, this is where the luminous connections may occur although they could be placed elsewhere in the TPCI for special Protection and Monitoring Purposes. Sensors 210/211/212/213 are mounted next to mounting studs 209 to which screws 208 for securing wiring to the TPCI are mounted. For purposes of illustration, the sensors are mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) 214 which has mounting studs 209 such that the stud surfaces can effectively conduct heat to the temperature sensors 210/211/212/213. The sensors 210/211/212/213 may also be mounted directly to the mounting stud 209 or anywhere within their sensing distance. The sensors 210/211/212/213 may also be mounted at the line and neutral stampings that come into contact with the plug blades when inserted into the jack.

图7C、图7D、图7E是多插口电源板的图示，其是具有螺线管激活的跳闸电路和机构或接触器的装置的另一个代表，其中温度传感器210/211/212/213在策略上被放置在线路245和中性246冲压件上，作为在插入时与插头的刀片接触时发光连接可能发生的最可能的点。通过任何方式的安装，传感器210/211/212/213与安装固定件之间保持适当的绝缘，当TPCI在使用时，该固定件是带电的。7C, 7D, 7E are illustrations of a multi-outlet power strip, which is another representative of a device with a solenoid activated trip circuit and mechanism or contactor, where temperature sensors 210/211/212/213 are in Strategically placed on the line 245 and neutral 246 stampings as the most likely points where a glowing connection could occur upon contact with the blade of the plug when inserted. By any means of mounting, proper insulation is maintained between the sensors 210/211/212/213 and the mounting fixture, which is live when the TPCI is in use.

测试和复位开关电路189通过将接触器190跳闸来中断被保护电路上的故障。当系统复位开关随后被启用时，微控制器188程序初始化值并禁用故障指示器，通过评估跳闸感测电路193来检查系统的错线和报废状况。当系统复位检查成功完成时，被保护的电路174/175保持关闭，直到微控制器188程序检测出另一个电路故障。The test and reset switch circuit 189 interrupts a fault on the protected circuit by tripping the contactor 190 . When the system reset switch is subsequently enabled, the microcontroller 188 programs the initialization values and disables the fault indicator, by evaluating the trip sense circuit 193 to check for miswired and obsolete conditions of the system. When the system reset check completes successfully, the protected circuit 174/175 remains off until the microcontroller 188 program detects another circuit failure.

跳闸和复位机构或接触器190将TPCI的线路171/172和负载174/175侧隔离。为了举例说明的目的，图4示出了具有单独的螺线管185A/185B的用于使TPCI跳闸和复位的接触器。接触器190配备有用于跳闸和复位功能的两个单独的螺线管185A/185B，在这种情况下，跳闸和复位开关电路189控制接触器190的跳闸和复位操作。可替代地，接触器190可以是具有闩锁机构的可伸缩的单螺线管，以通过在每次开关操作中交替地将接触器190开和关，来通过单个螺线管来控制跳闸和复位操作。本领域技术人员认识到，通过相应地配置开关和跳闸电路189以适应实际应用，可以使用各种类型的接触器来实现本发明的相同目的。A trip and reset mechanism or contactor 190 isolates the line 171/172 and load 174/175 sides of the TPCI. For purposes of illustration, FIG. 4 shows a contactor for tripping and resetting a TPCI with separate solenoids 185A/185B. The contactor 190 is equipped with two separate solenoids 185A/185B for the trip and reset functions, in which case the trip and reset switch circuit 189 controls the trip and reset operation of the contactor 190 . Alternatively, the contactor 190 may be a retractable single solenoid with a latch mechanism to control tripping and Reset operation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various types of contactors may be used to achieve the same purpose of the present invention by configuring the switch and trip circuit 189 accordingly to suit the application.

复位和跳闸开关或按钮191/192控制TPCI处于“开”或“关”的状态。在手动复位接触器190上，复位按钮是接触器的组成部分，并且机械地锁定以保持其位置，而跳闸按钮是作为电路的一部分的电开关，其向微控制器188发送信号以执行代码例程来激活跳闸电路189，触发螺线管以将接触器190跳闸。在接触器190具有用于跳闸和复位185A/185B的单独的螺线管线圈的情况下，跳闸和复位按钮191/192是作为电路的一部分的开关，该电路向微控制器188发送信号以执行代码例程，从而激活跳闸或复位电路189，触发螺线管以将接触器190跳闸或复位。Reset and trip switches or buttons 191/192 control the "on" or "off" state of the TPCI. On a manual reset contactor 190, the reset button is an integral part of the contactor and is mechanically locked to hold its position, while the trip button is an electrical switch that is part of the circuit that sends a signal to the microcontroller 188 to execute the code example Program to activate trip circuit 189, triggering solenoid to trip contactor 190. Where contactor 190 has separate solenoid coils for trip and reset 185A/185B, trip and reset buttons 191/192 are switches that are part of a circuit that sends a signal to microcontroller 188 to perform The code routine activates the trip or reset circuit 189 , triggering the solenoid to trip or reset the contactor 190 .

接触器位置感测电路193指示接触器190的位置是否处于等效于电路的打开和关闭的跳闸或复位位置。该电路如图10所示，并在2012年6月20日提交的Tomimbang的专利申请13/528809中公开，其被作为参考并且是本发明的一部分。接触器位置感测电路193(在图10中详细示出)由数字隔离器241(诸如通过电阻分压器239/240连接到接触器238的负载侧线路和中性线235/236的光耦合器)组成。当接触器238被复位时，光耦合器241被加电并且向微控制器提供信号以指示接触器238位置为开。来自该感测电路193的信号用于在复位按钮被按下时验证接触器的机械故障的报废状态以进行接合，或者用于在跳闸按钮被按下时进行脱离。即使在接触器处于关闭或脱离位置时，该感测电路193也用于TPCI的错线检测系统，以指示何时电源连接到负载侧。在具有手动复位的接触器238的情况下，需要辅助指示器来验证接触器位置，并且其由辅助开关(未示出)提供，辅助开关可以是常开(NO)或常闭(NC)，这取决于如何配置开关代码，所述辅助开关与接触器238集成。The contactor position sensing circuit 193 indicates whether the position of the contactor 190 is in a trip or reset position, which is equivalent to an open and closed circuit. This circuit is shown in Figure 10 and is disclosed in Tomimbang's patent application 13/528809, filed June 20, 2012, which is incorporated by reference and is a part of the present invention. The contactor position sensing circuit 193 (shown in detail in FIG. 10 ) is optically coupled by a digital isolator 241 such as through a resistor divider 239/240 to the load side line of the contactor 238 and the neutral line 235/236. device) composition. When the contactor 238 is reset, the optocoupler 241 is powered up and provides a signal to the microcontroller indicating that the contactor 238 position is open. The signal from this sense circuit 193 is used to verify the disabled state of the contactor's mechanical failure for engagement when the reset button is pressed, or for disengagement when the trip button is pressed. This sensing circuit 193 is also used in TPCI's miswire detection system to indicate when power is connected to the load side even when the contactor is in the closed or disengaged position. In the case of contactor 238 with manual reset, an auxiliary indicator is required to verify contactor position and is provided by an auxiliary switch (not shown), which may be normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC), Depending on how the switch code is configured, the auxiliary switch is integrated with the contactor 238 .

作为微控制器188执行例程以指示系统、故障和诊断条件的结果，视觉指示器194被激活。故障被分配了特定的LED开关频率以将它们区分开来。可替代地，视觉指示器是由微控制器控制的图形显示器，以指示系统、故障和诊断条件。Visual indicators 194 are activated as a result of microcontroller 188 executing routines to indicate system, fault, and diagnostic conditions. Faults are assigned specific LED switching frequencies to differentiate them. Alternatively, the visual indicator is a graphic display controlled by a microcontroller to indicate system, fault and diagnostic conditions.

作为微控制器188执行代码例程以指示系统、故障和诊断条件的结果，听觉指示器195被激活。故障被分配特定的频率和音调以将它们区分开来。Audible indicators 195 are activated as a result of microcontroller 188 executing code routines to indicate system, fault and diagnostic conditions. The glitches are assigned specific frequencies and tones to differentiate them.

TPCI使用视觉指示器194和听觉指示器195用于系统、故障和诊断条件，并且通过TPCI代码例程可以根据需要使用两者的组合或任一个。TPCI uses visual indicators 194 and audible indicators 195 for system, fault and diagnostic conditions, and a combination of both or either can be used as desired by the TPCI code routines.

微控制器188使用被设计为检测接地故障、电弧故障、错线状态、发光连接、浪涌、过载、过压、欠压和短路的软件代码来操作TPCI；在发生故障时将电路跳闸，通知系统状况，发生故障时识别故障，并控制由于将错误检测得到的电气故障模拟为电弧故障的电子负载的正常工作特性导致的损害或错误跳闸的发生。该代码还被设计为执行自检，其包括电路完整性、监管GFCI周期性自检和报废状态的确定，当自检失败时或当报废状态出现时将电路跳闸，并通知结果。TPCI还被设计为在不同的电力线频率下操作，并且代码包括确定频率、相应地实施适用的TPCI代码例程。Microcontroller 188 operates the TPCI with software code designed to detect ground faults, arc faults, miswire conditions, light connections, surges, overloads, overvoltages, undervoltages, and short circuits; trips the circuit in the event of a fault, notifies System conditions, identifying faults when they occur, and controlling the occurrence of damage or false trips due to the normal operating characteristics of electronic loads that simulate erroneously detected electrical faults as arc faults. The code is also designed to perform self-tests that include circuit integrity, supervise GFCI periodic self-tests and determination of a dead condition, trip the circuit when a self-test fails or when a dead condition occurs, and notify the result. TPCI is also designed to operate at different power line frequencies, and the code includes routines to determine the frequency, implementing the applicable TPCI code accordingly.

软件代码使微控制器能够通过初始和连续测试系统组件来检测系统报废状态，然后因此系统中断电路并启用视觉指示器194和/或听觉指示器195。系统报废由以下任一条件决定：The software code enables the microcontroller to detect a system end-of-life condition by initially and continuously testing the system components, then interrupting the circuit and enabling the visual indicator 194 and/or the audible indicator 195 accordingly. System retirement is determined by any of the following conditions:

a)微控制器时钟计数器达到预定的安全寿命限制。a) The microcontroller clock counter reaches a predetermined safe lifetime limit.

b)跳闸和复位机构190不能接合TPCI的线路侧和负载侧之间的接触。这是由微控制器188测试代码例程检测的，其确定在复位命令被启用之后触点不接合，这可能意味着电子或机械故障，或两者兼而有之。b) The trip and reset mechanism 190 cannot engage the contact between the line and load sides of the TPCI. This is detected by the microcontroller 188 test code routine, which determines that the contacts do not engage after the reset command is enabled, which may indicate an electrical or mechanical failure, or both.

c)跳闸和复位机构190不能脱离TPCI的线路侧和负载侧之间的接触。这是由微控制器188测试例程检测的，其确定在跳闸命令被启用之后，触点保持接合，这可能意味着电子或机械故障，或两者兼而有之。c) The trip and reset mechanism 190 cannot disengage the contact between the line and load sides of the TPCI. This is detected by the microcontroller 188 test routine, which determines that the contacts remain engaged after the trip command is enabled, which may indicate an electrical or mechanical failure, or both.

d)看门狗定时器故障d) Watchdog timer failure

e)CRC(循环冗余校验)故障e) CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) failure

f)RAM奇偶校验失败f) RAM parity check failed

g)主要电子组件故障g) Failure of major electronic components

h)电路、组件和代码的篡改h) Tampering of circuits, components and codes

根据具体应用和所需的保护等级，TPCI检测到的任何故障都可以分类为微控制器188代码中的报废状态。报废状态可用作诊断工具，用来提醒用户检查装置和连接的电线，以确定可能需要维修或更换装置的危险状况，因此在这种情况下，通过在暂时禁用电源之后重新设置功能，TPCI是可重复使用的装置。报废状态也可以用作自毁装置，或者对其电路组件造成不可逆转的损坏，并且擦除加载到微控制器188中的软件代码，以使TPCI永久地不可操作。这个自毁特征包含在TPCI的代码例程中。Depending on the application and the level of protection required, any fault detected by the TPCI can be classified as an obsolete state in the microcontroller 188 code. End-of-life status can be used as a diagnostic tool to alert the user to inspect the unit and connected wires to identify a hazardous condition that may require repair or replacement of the unit, so in this case, by resetting the function after temporarily disabling power, TPCI is Reusable device. The disabled state can also be used as a self-destruct device, or cause irreversible damage to its circuit components, and erase the software code loaded into the microcontroller 188, rendering the TPCI permanently inoperable. This self-destruct feature is included in the TPCI code routines.

通过将上述电路和组件集成到一体设备中，TPCI能够在发生故障时执行以下功能要素：监控、电路保护和将电路跳闸，当故障出现时识别故障并通过视觉和听觉方式进行通知：By integrating the above circuits and components into an all-in-one device, TPCI is able to perform the following functional elements in the event of a fault: monitoring, circuit protection and tripping the circuit, identifying faults and notifying them visually and audibly when a fault occurs:

—浪涌保护系统；- surge protection system;

—接地故障保护系统；- ground fault protection system;

—电弧故障保护系统；- arc fault protection system;

—错线检测系统；- Wrong line detection system;

—发光连接检测系统；- Luminous connection detection system;

—过载检测系统；— Overload detection system;

—短路检测系统；- short circuit detection system;

—过压和欠压检测系统；- overvoltage and undervoltage detection system;

—在有和没有接地的电力系统中运行的系统；— systems operating in power systems with and without earthing;

—用于识别电源基频并使设备能够使用该电源基频的系统；— systems for identifying the fundamental frequency of the power supply and enabling equipment to use it;

—用于通知系统状况和电气故障的发生的系统；— systems for notification of system conditions and the occurrence of electrical faults;

—用于自动且周期性地测试电路的完整性或自检的系统；— systems for automatically and periodically testing the integrity or self-testing of electrical circuits;

—用于在发生故障时测试触点的正确操作的系统；— a system for testing the correct operation of the contacts in the event of a fault;

—用于确定报废状态的系统；— systems for determining the scrapping status;

—防篡改系统；- anti-tampering system;

—用于当检测到故障且测试按钮被激活时，将负载与装置的线路侧隔离的系统；— systems for isolating the load from the line side of the device when a fault is detected and the test button is activated;

—用于当复位按钮被激活时，将负载复位或连接到装置的线路侧的系统；- systems for resetting the load or connecting it to the line side of the device when the reset button is activated;

—用于识别电路中发生的故障类型的系统；— systems for identifying types of faults occurring in electrical circuits;

—用于减轻虚假跳闸并对其进行识别的诊断系统；— diagnostic systems for mitigating and identifying false trips;

—用于为外部设备充电并通过无线和有线连接实现软件更新的接口。— An interface for charging external devices and enabling software updates through wireless and wired connections.

虽然TPCI被集成以执行本发明中公开的所有功能，但是本领域技术人员认识到，不同的保护系统可以被单独地、分组地使用或者作为单独的设备或系统集成使用，或与其他系统集成，以检测特定故障并执行不同的功能。Although TPCI is integrated to perform all the functions disclosed in the present invention, those skilled in the art recognize that different protection systems can be used individually, in groups, or integrated as a separate device or system, or integrated with other systems, to detect specific faults and perform different functions.

浪涌保护电路元件179/179A/179B在本文中以示例性目的地公开为一组金属氧化物压敏电阻(MOV)，通常称为连接在线路、中性线和接地171/172/173之间的压敏电阻器，其被适当地额定承受来自外部源的TPCI上的浪涌，通常来自闪电或任何其他外部浪涌源。当发生浪涌时，高压将变阻器钳位为维持浪涌的最小电阻的路径，从而保护负载和TPCI电路和组件免受浪涌的影响。压敏电阻在本文中用于示例的目的，然而，本领域技术人员认识到可以使用其它组件来实现与本发明相同的浪涌保护目的。尽管这种浪涌保护方法对于接线设备来说是常见的，但此处的浪涌保护电路元件179/179A/179B是包含在本发明中作为TPCI的主浪涌保护系统。二级和三级浪涌保护系统提供有TPCI，TPCI利用来自PTX 198和MPCS 182的信号通过微控制器188代码内的特定算法进行数字分析，来检测、识别和通知浪涌故障的发生，这些也被解释在本发明的以下部分中。本发明中的二级和三级浪涌保护系统使用将负载从线路断开、识别和通知该故障的手段，来保护TPCI电路以及连接到它的负载。二级和三级浪涌保护系统可以与上述的主浪涌保护结合以形成多系统保护，或者它们可以与主浪涌保护系统分开实现。Surge protection circuit elements 179/179A/179B are disclosed herein for exemplary purposes as a set of metal oxide varistors (MOVs), generally referred to as connected between line, neutral, and ground 171/172/173. A varistor in between that is properly rated to withstand surges on the TPCI from an external source, usually from lightning or any other external surge source. When a surge occurs, the high voltage clamps the varistor as the path of least resistance maintaining the surge, protecting the load and TPCI circuits and components from the surge. Varistors are used herein for example purposes, however, those skilled in the art will recognize that other components may be used to achieve the same surge protection objectives as the present invention. While such surge protection methods are common to wired installations, here the surge protection circuit elements 179/179A/179B are included in the present invention as the primary surge protection system for TPCI. The secondary and tertiary surge protection systems are provided with TPCI, which uses the signals from the PTX 198 and MPCS 182 to perform digital analysis through specific algorithms within the microcontroller 188 code to detect, identify and notify the occurrence of surge faults, these is also explained in the following part of the invention. The secondary and tertiary surge protection systems of the present invention protect the TPCI circuit and the loads connected to it by disconnecting the load from the line, identifying and notifying the fault. Secondary and tertiary surge protection systems can be combined with the primary surge protection described above to form multi-system protection, or they can be implemented separately from the primary surge protection system.

TPCI的接地故障检测系统元件与图3所示的以及如上所述的GFCI一致。它主要包括测试电路196/197、GFCS 180、GFCI控制器181、替代的接地故障信号调节电路187，而TPCI的所有其他元件和组件与其他检测系统共同使用。当线路171/174与接地173/176之间或中性线172/175和接地173/176之间发生接地故障时，GFCS 180产生差分电流，其由GFCI控制器181处理，将信号输出到微控制器180表示发生接地故障事件。可替代地，当不使用GFCI控制器181时，来自GFCS 180的信号由接地故障信号调节电路187调节以使得微控制器188执行其用于接地故障确定的代码例程。当接地故障状态被标记时，跳闸电路189被激活，并且跳闸螺线管185A将接触器190跳闸，从而将连接到174/175/176的负载与线路侧171/172/173隔离。除了TPCI测试例程之外，测试电路196/197用作当发生故障时测试机械完整性或接触器机械跳闸的能力的手段。作为TPCI测试代码例程的一部分，接地故障测试被包括在用于验证当实际故障发生时TPCI能够正如它打算做的那样检测故障的大量测试中。测试电路196/197通过在线路和中性线171/172之间产生差分电流来用作模拟接地故障的手段，该差分电流由接地故障电流传感器180生成、由接地故障调节电路187进行处理，接地故障调节电路187然后通过其代码例程发送信号给微控制器188，以通过跳闸电路189将接触器190跳闸、识别和通知故障。The ground fault detection system elements of the TPCI are identical to those shown in Figure 3 and described above for the GFCI. It mainly includes test circuit 196/197, GFCS 180, GFCI controller 181, alternative ground fault signal conditioning circuit 187, while all other elements and components of TPCI are used in common with other detection systems. When a ground fault occurs between line 171/174 and ground 173/176 or between neutral 172/175 and ground 173/176, GFCS 180 generates a differential current, which is processed by GFCI controller 181, which outputs a signal to the microcontroller 180 indicates that a ground fault event has occurred. Alternatively, when GFCI controller 181 is not used, the signal from GFCS 180 is conditioned by ground fault signal conditioning circuit 187 to cause microcontroller 188 to execute its code routine for ground fault determination. When a ground fault condition is flagged, trip circuit 189 is activated and trip solenoid 185A trips contactor 190, thereby isolating loads connected to 174/175/176 from line side 171/172/173. In addition to the TPCI test routines, the test circuits 196/197 are used as a means of testing the mechanical integrity or the ability of the contactors to mechanically trip when a fault occurs. As part of the TPCI test code routine, the ground fault test is included in a number of tests used to verify that the TPCI detects the fault as it intends to do when an actual fault occurs. The test circuit 196/197 is used as a means of simulating a ground fault by generating a differential current between the line and neutral 171/172 generated by the ground fault current sensor 180, processed by the ground fault conditioning circuit 187, ground Fault conditioning circuit 187 then sends a signal, through its code routine, to microcontroller 188 to trip contactor 190 , identify and notify the fault via trip circuit 189 .

为了满足被包括作为TPCI一部分的接地故障保护系统的UL标准要求，与TPCI的常规自检例程分开的接地故障周期性自检例程包括在TPCI测试程序中。为了实现这种周期性自检例程，TPCI使用其测试电路196/197。该隔离器开关197可以是可以通过微控制器188操作的光耦合器、继电器或类似的开关设备。周期性自检例程是控制本文公开的TPCI的操作的微控制器188代码的一部分。当实施周期性自检例程时，使用测试按钮191的测试代码程序暂时停止，隔离器开关197由微控制器188加电，并且其隔离开关产生将由微控制器188检测到的接地故障事件。由于在这种情况下，测试按钮例程被暂停，而不是将接触器190跳闸，因此一个信号被实现用来指示成功的周期性自检和工作接地故障检测系统，并且微控制器188代码以其常规例程恢复。如果周期性自检失败，那么它将被指示为报废状态，并且接触器190在通知的情况下跳闸。当接触器190是双螺线管或可伸缩的单螺线管接触器时，其中跳闸和复位操作由单独的螺线管控制，如果需要，可以在周期性自检期间实现接触器的实际跳闸和随后的复位，以检查接触器操作的实际完整性，而不仅仅是接地故障检测系统。To meet the UL standard requirements for ground fault protection systems included as part of TPCI, a ground fault periodic self-test routine separate from TPCI's normal self-test routine is included in the TPCI test procedure. To implement this periodic self-test routine, TPCI uses its test circuits 196/197. The isolator switch 197 may be an optocoupler, relay, or similar switching device operable by the microcontroller 188 . The periodic self-test routine is part of the microcontroller 188 code that controls the operation of the TPCI disclosed herein. While the periodic self-test routine is being implemented, the test code program using the test button 191 is momentarily halted, the isolator switch 197 is powered by the microcontroller 188, and its isolator switch generates a ground fault event to be detected by the microcontroller 188. Since in this case the test button routine is suspended rather than tripping contactor 190, a signal is implemented to indicate successful periodic self-test and working ground fault detection system, and the microcontroller 188 code begins with Its normal routine resumes. If the periodic self-test fails, it will be indicated as a dead condition and the contactor 190 will trip with notification. When contactor 190 is a dual solenoid or retractable single solenoid contactor, where trip and reset operations are controlled by separate solenoids, actual tripping of the contactor can be achieved during periodic self-tests, if desired and subsequent reset to check the actual integrity of the contactor operation, not just the ground fault detection system.

当测试按钮191被按下时，TPCI经历一系列代码例程，以检查电路完整性，将数据输入到例程中用于要检测的不同故障，而不仅仅是接地故障，并且如本文公开的其它实施例中所述，并随后将接触器190跳闸。When the test button 191 is pressed, the TPCI goes through a series of code routines to check circuit integrity, enters data into the routines for different faults to be detected, not just ground faults, and as disclosed herein As described in other embodiments, and then trip the contactor 190.

TPCI的电弧故障检测系统元件主要包括MPCS 182、抗混叠滤波器186、缓冲放大器186A和MPCS 182相移校正电路184，而TPCI的这些和所有其他元件和组件与其他检测系统共同使用。当TPCI线路侧连接171/172上电并且接触器190开启时，TPCI通过负载侧连接174/175监视负载。检测系统与2012年6月20日的Tomimbang的专利申请No.13/528809和2011年10月14日的专利申请No.13274291中公开的一致。MPCS 182通过与线路电流成比例的比例输出电压监视流经电路连接171/172/174/175的电流。来自MPCS 182的输出信号反映流经连接171/172/174/175的电流，需要所有信号分量用于监测电路并检测本文公开的电弧和其它故障。MPCS 182输出信号经过相移校正，并与线路信号同步，其产生中断例程以开始采样。抗混叠滤波器和缓冲放大器186/186A用于将电流传感器信号调节为适合由微控制器188在电弧和其它故障的检测中进行信号处理。当发生电弧故障时，通过微控制器188确定电弧，微控制器188执行将真实电弧状况与电弧模拟信号区分开的代码例程，然后激活跳闸电路189并最终将螺线管操作的跳闸机构或接触器190跳闸，从而将负载从线路连接隔离。因此，在确定电弧并将接触器跳闸的情况下，微控制器188通过微控制器代码中的特定例程激活听觉和/或视觉指示。诊断特征也包括在代码程序中，用于识别发生的每一种故障，并通过包括图形显示在内的听觉和视觉指示进行通知。当测试按钮被按下时，TPCI通过一系列代码例程来检查需要检测的所有不同的故障(而不仅是电弧故障)的电路完整性，并且如本文公开的其它实施例中所描述的。The arc fault detection system components of TPCI mainly include MPCS 182, anti-aliasing filter 186, buffer amplifier 186A and MPCS 182 phase shift correction circuit 184, while these and all other elements and components of TPCI are used in common with other detection systems. When the TPCI line side connection 171/172 is powered and the contactor 190 is open, the TPCI monitors the load through the load side connection 174/175. The detection system is consistent with that disclosed in patent application No. 13/528809 of Tomimbang dated June 20, 2012 and patent application No. 13274291 dated October 14, 2011. The MPCS 182 monitors the current flowing through the circuit connections 171/172/174/175 with a proportional output voltage proportional to the line current. The output signal from MPCS 182 reflects the current flowing through connections 171/172/174/175, all signal components required for monitoring the circuit and detecting arcing and other faults disclosed herein. The MPCS 182 output signal is phase shift corrected and synchronized with the line signal, which generates an interrupt routine to start sampling. Anti-aliasing filters and buffer amplifiers 186/186A are used to condition the current sensor signal for signal processing by microcontroller 188 in the detection of arcing and other faults. When an arc fault occurs, the arc is determined by the microcontroller 188, which executes a code routine that distinguishes the real arc condition from the arc analog signal, then activates the trip circuit 189 and ultimately switches the solenoid-operated trip mechanism or Contactor 190 trips, isolating the load from the line connection. Thus, in the event that an arc is determined and the contactor is tripped, the microcontroller 188 activates an audible and/or visual indication through a specific routine in the microcontroller code. Diagnostic features are also included in the code program to identify each fault that occurs and notify it through audible and visual indications including graphic displays. When the test button is pressed, the TPCI goes through a series of code routines to check the circuit integrity of all the different faults that need to be detected, not just arc faults, and as described in other embodiments disclosed herein.

TPCI的错线检测元件主要包括图10中例示的接触器位置感测电路193，虽然TPCI的这个和所有其他元件和组件与其他检测系统共同使用。本文所公开的错线保护是多用途的，即使当TPCI被断开并从一个电路传送到另一个电路时，它也保持运行。这与其他商用保护设备不同，它们的错线保护仅在组件被永久性禁用时一次性使用，从而使得如果从有源电路中取出并重新安装在其他地方，则所述保护设备不能检测错线。The miswire detection element of TPCI primarily includes the contactor position sensing circuit 193 illustrated in FIG. 10, although this and all other elements and components of TPCI are used in common with other detection systems. The miswire protection disclosed herein is multi-purpose, it keeps running even when TPCI is disconnected and transferred from one circuit to another. This differs from other commercially available protective devices whose miswire protection is only for one-time use when the component is permanently disabled so that if it is removed from an active circuit and reinstalled elsewhere, said protection device cannot detect a miswire .

当TPCI在电源连接到负载侧174/175/176并且负载连接到线路侧171/172/173以及接触器190断开时接线不正确时，接触器位置感测电路193提供信号到微控制器188，微控制器188识别接触器190的负载侧上的电力的存在，尽管它处于关闭位置，指示错线状态。TPCI的线路侧的信号也通过相移校正电路184反馈到微控制器188，微控制器188通过数字隔离器(诸如将直流与交流电路分离的光耦合器)指示在线路侧上存在电力。线路和负载侧感测电路通过将信号馈送到微控制器188来提供对错线状态的确定，并且当存在错线状态时激活跳闸电路189并将接触器190跳闸。因此，在确定错线状态并将接触器跳闸的情况下，微控制器188通过微控制器代码中的特定例程激活听觉和/或视觉指示。代码程序中还包含一个诊断特征，其将一个故障从另一个故障中清楚地识别出来，并通过包括图形显示在内的听觉和视觉指示进行通知。The contactor position sensing circuit 193 provides a signal to the microcontroller 188 when the TPCI is incorrectly wired when the power supply is connected to the load side 174/175/176 and the load is connected to the line side 171/172/173 and the contactor 190 is open , the microcontroller 188 recognizes the presence of power on the load side of the contactor 190, although it is in the closed position, indicating a miswire condition. The signal on the line side of the TPCI is also fed back through the phase shift correction circuit 184 to the microcontroller 188 which indicates the presence of power on the line side through a digital isolator such as an optocoupler that separates the DC from the AC circuits. Line and load side sensing circuits provide determination of a miswire condition by feeding signals to microcontroller 188 and activate trip circuit 189 and trip contactor 190 when a miswire condition exists. Accordingly, the microcontroller 188 activates audible and/or visual indications through specific routines in the microcontroller code in the event that a miswire condition is determined and a contactor is tripped. Also included in the code program is a diagnostic feature that clearly distinguishes one fault from another and is notified by audible and visual indications including graphical displays.

TPCI的发光连接检测系统包含在电弧检测系统元件中。发光连接，尽管其以电弧开始，但随着时间的推移积聚能量，直到发展成为一个。当发生电弧故障时，通过微控制器188确定电弧，该微控制器188执行将真实电弧状况与电弧模拟信号区分开的代码例程，然后激活跳闸电路248并最终将螺线管操作的跳闸机构或接触器221跳闸，从而隔离负载与线路连接。代码例程中还包含一个诊断特征，用于识别发生的每一种故障，并通过包括图形显示在内的听觉和视觉指示进行通知。微控制器188记录电路中的重复电弧事件的数量，并且通过TPCI的软件驱动的诊断特征，确定发展中发光连接状况的可能性并且根据相应指示将电路跳闸。由于发光连接是以低电平电弧开始的渐进事件，所以相似弧的重复出现被确定、被特征化，并且在微控制器188代码中定义的重复次数之后，将其识别为潜在的发光连接事件。在那一刻，微控制器188将接触器190跳闸，识别并通知发光连接事件，并且用户需要检查TPCI是否有发展中的发光连接的迹象、拧紧连接、复位设备或根据需要进行更换。TPCI's luminescent connection detection system is included in the arc detection system element. A glowing connection, although it begins as an arc, builds energy over time until it develops into one. When an arc fault occurs, the arc is determined by the microcontroller 188, which executes a code routine that distinguishes the real arc condition from the arc simulation signal, which then activates the trip circuit 248 and ultimately the solenoid-operated trip mechanism Or contactor 221 trips, thereby isolating the load from the line connection. A diagnostic feature is also included in the code routines to identify each fault that occurs and notify it through audible and visual indications including graphical displays. Microcontroller 188 records the number of repetitive arcing events in the circuit and, through the software-driven diagnostic feature of TPCI, determines the likelihood of a developing light connection condition and trips the circuit accordingly. Since luminous connections are progressive events beginning with low level arcs, repeated occurrences of similar arcs were determined, characterized, and identified as potential luminous connection events after a defined number of repetitions in the microcontroller 188 code . At that moment, the microcontroller 188 trips the contactor 190, recognizes and notifies the lighted connection event, and the user needs to check the TPCI for signs of a developing lighted connection, tighten the connection, reset the device, or replace as necessary.

TPCI配备有二级系统，用于使用温度传感器电路200检测发光连接。在策略上定位在TPCI中(其中可能发生发光连接)的温度传感器，因为故障的发生向微控制器188提供反馈。当任何传感器由于升高的温度超过被设立作为阈值的预定正常条件而被激活时，信号被反馈到微控制器188，并且发光连接状态由微控制器188代码标记，在有故障和报废状态的通知的情况下激活跳闸电路189。在此时，需要对TPCI进行物理检查，以确定可能的发光连接，并采取校正措施来校正松动的连接或其他引起发光连接的技术问题，或更换它。The TPCI is equipped with a secondary system for detecting light-emitting connections using a temperature sensor circuit 200 . A temperature sensor strategically located in the TPCI (where a light connection may occur) provides feedback to the microcontroller 188 as a fault occurs. When any sensor is activated due to an elevated temperature exceeding a predetermined normal condition established as a threshold, a signal is fed back to the microcontroller 188, and the illuminated connection status is flagged by the microcontroller 188 code, in the case of a faulty and decommissioned state. The trip circuit 189 is activated upon notification. At this point, a physical inspection of the TPCI is required to identify the possible glowing connection and corrective action to correct the loose connection or other technical issue causing the glowing connection, or to replace it.

TPCI的过载检测系统元件作为通过MPCS 182检测到的故障的一部分被包括在内。通过MPCS 182流经电路连接的电流被转换成比例输出电压。TPCI的最大工作电流额定值被缩放并作为微控制器188代码中的阈值，并且任何更高的值被认为是过载状态，除了高于阈值的瞬时高电流是某些感性负载的正常启动特性，其将在微控制器188代码内被考虑。来自MPCS 182的输出信号反映了通过负载流经连接171/172/174/175的电流，所有信号分量需要用于监控和过载故障检测。当过载故障发生时，MPCS 182信号超过设定的阈值，以在预设停留时间内被认为是过载，从而将其与某些电气负载(如感应电机)的正常起动特性区分开。The overload detection system elements of TPCI are included as part of the faults detected by MPCS 182 . Current flowing through the circuit connections through the MPCS 182 is converted to a proportional output voltage. The TPCI's maximum operating current rating is scaled and used as a threshold in the microcontroller 188 code, and any higher value is considered an overload condition, except that momentary high current above the threshold is a normal startup characteristic of some inductive loads, It will be considered within the microcontroller 188 code. The output signal from MPCS 182 reflects the current flowing through the load through connections 171/172/174/175, all signal components required for monitoring and overload fault detection. When an overload fault occurs, the MPCS 182 signal exceeds a set threshold to be considered an overload for a preset dwell time, thereby distinguishing it from the normal starting characteristics of certain electrical loads such as induction motors.

用于发光连接检测系统的温度传感器200也被用作检测过载的次要方式，因而成为TPCI过载检测系统的一部分。过载和发光连接的区别在于通过从温度传感器接收的反馈到微控制器188的数据确定的温度水平。来自温度传感器电路200的过载信号可以是仅报警状态，其只需要通知而不用将接触器跳闸，但是可替代地，其可被视为是要求接触器190通过特定的微控制器188代码例程跳闸的故障。The temperature sensor 200 for the luminescent connection detection system is also used as a secondary means of detecting overload and thus forms part of the TPCI overload detection system. The difference between the overload and glow connections is the temperature level determined by the data received from the temperature sensor fed back to the microcontroller 188 . The overload signal from the temperature sensor circuit 200 could be an alarm only condition that only needs to be notified without tripping the contactor, but alternatively it could be viewed as requiring the contactor 190 to go through a specific microcontroller 188 code routine tripped fault.

当发生过载时，微控制器通过其代码例程然后激活跳闸电路189并最终将螺线管操作的跳闸机构或接触器190跳闸，从而将负载与线路连接隔离。因此，在确定过载和将接触器跳闸的情况下，微控制器188通过微控制器代码中的特定例程激活听觉和/或视觉指示。代码例程中还包括一个诊断特征，其识别发生的每一种故障，并在需要时根据包括图形显示的听觉和视觉指示的频率进行识别。When an overload occurs, the microcontroller, through its code routine, then activates the trip circuit 189 and eventually trips the solenoid operated trip mechanism or contactor 190, thereby isolating the load from the line connection. Thus, in the event of determining an overload and tripping the contactors, the microcontroller 188 activates the audible and/or visual indications through specific routines in the microcontroller code. Also included in the code routine is a diagnostic feature that identifies each fault that occurs and, if required, by frequency of audible and visual indications including graphical displays.

TPCI的短路检测系统元件作为通过MPCS 182检测到的故障的一部分被包括在内。通过MPCS 182流过电路连接171/172/174/175的电流被转换成比例输出电压。来自MPCS182的输出信号反映了流经连接171/172/174/175的电流，所有信号分量需要用于监控和短路故障检测。短路特性由微控制器188代码内的特定算法定义。当发生短路故障时，微控制器执行代码例程，其激活跳闸电路189并最终将螺线管操作的接触器190跳闸，从而隔离负载与线路连接。因此，在确定短路故障并将接触器190跳闸的情况下，微控制器188通过微控制器代码中的特定程序激活听觉和/或视觉指示。代码例程中还包括一个诊断特征，用于识别发生的每一种故障，并在需要时根据包括图形显示的听觉和视觉指示的频率进行识别。The short circuit detection system elements of TPCI are included as part of the faults detected by MPCS 182 . The current flowing through the circuit connections 171/172/174/175 by the MPCS 182 is converted to a proportional output voltage. The output signal from the MPCS182 reflects the current flowing through connections 171/172/174/175, all signal components required for monitoring and short circuit fault detection. The short circuit characteristic is defined by a specific algorithm within the microcontroller 188 code. When a short circuit fault occurs, the microcontroller executes a code routine which activates the trip circuit 189 and eventually trips the solenoid operated contactor 190, thereby isolating the load from the line connection. Thus, in the event that a short circuit fault is determined and trips the contactor 190, the microcontroller 188 activates an audible and/or visual indication through specific programming in the microcontroller code. A diagnostic feature is also included in the code routines to identify each type of fault that occurs and, if required, based on the frequency of audible and visual indications including graphical displays.

TPCI的过压和欠压检测系统元件是软件管理系统，其中从PTX 198接收的数据被监控，并与在TPCI代码中建立的正常操作参数进行比较。PTX 198的输出通过调节电路199，使其适合于微控制器182的处理，以根据用于过压和欠压保护的软件代码例程来确定线路电压状况。PTX 198输出也用作负载功耗计算的元素，其也是软件管理的，并且是TPCI例程的组成部分。当线路电压超过TPCI代码例程中预设的TPCI最大电压时，或当线路电压小于TPCI的最小额定电压时，在既定的阈值时间内，代码例程将条件标记为过压或欠压状态，并将信号发送到跳闸电路189以将接触器190跳闸。代码例程中的故障标识符将为诊断显示提供指示发生故障的通知。TPCI's overvoltage and undervoltage detection system element is a software management system where data received from the PTX 198 is monitored and compared to normal operating parameters established in the TPCI code. The output of PTX 198 passes through conditioning circuit 199, making it suitable for processing by microcontroller 182 to determine line voltage conditions according to software code routines for overvoltage and undervoltage protection. The PTX 198 output is also used as an element of the load power calculation, which is also software managed and is an integral part of the TPCI routine. When the line voltage exceeds the preset TPCI maximum voltage in the TPCI code routine, or when the line voltage is less than the TPCI's minimum rated voltage, within the established threshold time, the code routine flags the condition as an overvoltage or undervoltage condition, And send a signal to trip circuit 189 to trip contactor 190 . The fault identifier in the code routine will provide notification to the diagnostic display that a fault has occurred.

TPCI可以与具有接地的电源以及没有系统接地的电源一起使用。这通过在线路侧线路和中性线路171/172之间连接的电阻分压器电路183成为可能，其通过代码管理的例程来控制产生中断的电路，以使电流传感器数据的采样与线路信号同步。微控制器188中断过程使用内置的比较器、和等于MPCS 182的稳定输出偏移电压值的软件调整的MPCS 182零基准偏移电压值。电阻分压器电路183允许用于零交叉基准的线路信号的采集，用于在故障发生时将接触器190跳闸。电阻分压器183跨线路171和中性线172而不是线路171和系统接地173连接，使得GFCI甚至在没有接地的系统中也能运行，而不管线路171和中性线172的连接是否相反。例如数字隔离器184和光耦合器将直流与交流电路隔离。TPCI can be used with power supplies that have a ground as well as power supplies that do not have a system ground. This is made possible by a resistor divider circuit 183 connected between the line side line and the neutral line 171/172, which controls the circuit that generates the interrupt through a code-managed routine so that the sampling of the current sensor data is consistent with the line signal Synchronize. The microcontroller 188 interrupt process uses a built-in comparator, and a software adjusted MPCS 182 zero reference offset voltage value equal to the MPCS 182 stable output offset voltage value. Resistor divider circuit 183 allows acquisition of a line signal for a zero-crossing reference for tripping contactor 190 in the event of a fault. Resistor divider 183 is connected across line 171 and neutral 172 instead of line 171 and system ground 173 , allowing the GFCI to operate even in systems that are not grounded regardless of the reverse connection of line 171 and neutral 172 . For example, digital isolators 184 and optocouplers isolate the DC from the AC circuits.

TPCI被提供有代码管理的系统，以识别电源的基频并根据实际频率进行操作。TPCI配备了针对不同工作线路频率设计的共享和特定的代码例程。一旦TPCI通电，单元将开始采样信号以识别频率。一旦线路频率被识别，微控制器代码就对应于该频率执行TPCI代码例程。TPCI is provided with a code-managed system to recognize the fundamental frequency of the power supply and operate according to the actual frequency. TPCI is equipped with shared and specific code routines designed for different operating line frequencies. Once the TPCI is powered on, the unit will start sampling the signal to identify the frequency. Once the line frequency is identified, the microcontroller code executes the TPCI code routines corresponding to that frequency.

通知系统状况和电气故障的发生的作为TPCI的元件的系统由微控制器188代码来驱动。这是与TPCI集成的特征，并且在本发明所依赖的Tomimbang专利申请和专利中被披露。TPCI被提供有视觉指示来指示系统状况，并且这通过LED来指示通电、断电、故障条件、报废。作为诊断特征，每个故障具有代码管理的标识符和通过开/关操作的频率和持续时间指定的指示。可替代地，视觉指示是通过具有字母和/或数字字符的图形显示来指示不同的系统状况、故障和报废状态。该系统还提供有使用铃声、蜂鸣器和类似功能的听觉指示，以通过代码确定的和通过开关操作的频率和持续时间指定的指示来通知故障和报废状态。The system that is an element of TPCI to notify of system conditions and the occurrence of electrical faults is driven by microcontroller 188 code. This is a feature integrated with TPCI and is disclosed in the Tomimbang patent applications and patents upon which this invention is based. The TPCI is provided with visual indications to indicate system conditions, and this is through LEDs to indicate power on, power off, fault conditions, obsolete. As a diagnostic feature, each fault has a code-managed identifier and an indication specified by the frequency and duration of on/off operations. Alternatively, the visual indication is through a graphical display having alpha and/or numeric characters to indicate various system conditions, faults and obsolete states. The system is also provided with audible indications using bells, buzzers, and similar features to notify fault and obsolete conditions with indications determined by code and specified by the frequency and duration of switch operations.

用于测试电路完整性的系统(或也被称为TPCI的自检特征元件)是由微控制器代码驱动并以连续循环重复执行的功能。这确保了整个系统在TPCI上电时的任何给定时间都能正常运行，否则应该指示报废状态，其中TPCI应被检查损坏或停止服务并被更换。这是一个代码驱动的功能，微控制器操作该功能以确保以下内容：A system for testing circuit integrity (or self-test feature also known as TPCI) is a function driven by microcontroller code and executed repeatedly in a continuous loop. This ensures that the entire system is functioning properly at any given time when the TPCI is powered up, otherwise it should indicate an end-of-life status where the TPCI should be inspected for damage or taken out of service and replaced. This is a code-driven function that the microcontroller operates to ensure the following:

a)微控制器188时钟计数器尚未达到代码中设置的预定寿命限制a) The microcontroller 188 clock counter has not reached the predetermined lifetime limit set in the code

b)从MPCS 182接收的微控制器ADC信号是正常的，表示良好的电流传感器b) The microcontroller ADC signal received from the MPCS 182 is normal, indicating a good current sensor

c)包括CRC、RAM奇偶校验和看门狗定时器在内的所有微控制器标准工作测试都正常工作c) All microcontroller standard operational tests including CRC, RAM parity and watchdog timer are working

d)跳闸和复位电路正常工作d) The trip and reset circuits work normally

e)没有主要的电子组件故障e) No major electronic component failure

f)微控制器可以执行其所有代码例程f) The microcontroller can execute all its code routines

g)设备没有被篡改g) The device has not been tampered with

用于确定报废状态的系统在微控制器代码内被实现和管理，并且是多目的的。当TPCI可重复使用时，它可以用作诊断工具，以提醒用户检查装置和连接的电气线路需要维修或更换的危险状况。当TPCI不可重复使用时，用于确定报废状态的系统可以用作自毁装置，以对装置的电路造成不可逆的损害，并擦除微控制器188的代码，使装置永久地不可操作。The system for determining obsolescence status is implemented and managed within the microcontroller code and is multi-purpose. When TPCI is reusable, it can be used as a diagnostic tool to alert the user to inspect the unit and connected electrical wiring for hazardous conditions requiring repair or replacement. When the TPCI is not reusable, the system for determining the end-of-life status can be used as a self-destruct device to cause irreversible damage to the circuitry of the device and erase the code of the microcontroller 188, rendering the device permanently inoperable.

TPCI的篡改保护系统是多系统的，并且包括机械、电子和代码管理的系统，其可以单独实施或组合以实现最佳保护。在机械上，TPCI外壳通过防篡改紧固件固定，使其难以接近其零件。电路的特定部分用超细导体固定，使得仅通过拆卸该装置来切断装置电路的一部分的连续性。微控制器采用内部和外部防篡改方式制造。微控制器188通过其代码例程检测指示篡改电路的异常信号以及指示篡改操作的仪表信号。在检测到篡改操作时，微控制器188执行其自毁功能，包括其块擦除例程，其中TPCI变得完全不可操作，并且代码变得不可恢复。TPCI's tamper protection system is multi-system and includes mechanical, electronic and code management systems which can be implemented individually or combined for optimal protection. Mechanically, the TPCI enclosure is secured with tamper-resistant fasteners, making it difficult to access its parts. Specific portions of the circuit are secured with ultra-thin conductors so that the continuity of a portion of the device's circuit is severed only by disassembling the device. The microcontrollers are built with internal and external tamper resistance. Microcontroller 188, through its code routines, detects abnormal signals indicative of tampered circuitry as well as instrumentation signals indicative of tampered operations. Upon detection of a tamper operation, the microcontroller 188 executes its self-destruct functions, including its block erase routine, in which the TPCI becomes completely inoperable and the code becomes unrecoverable.

作为TPCI的元件的、用于在发生故障时测试接触点正确操作的系统，是通过测试按钮操作。这是为了确保跳闸电路189激活跳闸螺线管185A，并且在测试按钮191被按下时接触器190打开。当测试按钮191被按下时，微控制器188执行例程以将由特定算法定义的包括电弧、接地、过载、欠压、过压、浪涌和发光连接的一系列电故障输入到故障检测例程中，以确保检测系统工作，并且跳闸机构能够因为故障而跳闸。The system for testing the correct operation of the contacts in the event of a fault, which is an element of the TPCI, is operated by a test button. This is to ensure that trip circuit 189 activates trip solenoid 185A and contactor 190 opens when test button 191 is pressed. When the test button 191 is pressed, the microcontroller 188 executes a routine to input a series of electrical faults defined by a specific algorithm, including arcing, grounding, overload, undervoltage, overvoltage, surge, and glowing connections, into the fault detection example. In the process, to ensure that the detection system is working, and the trip mechanism can trip due to the fault.

作为TPCI的元件的、用于在故障被检测到并且在测试按钮191被激活时将负载从装置的线路侧隔离的系统，是在螺线管被跳闸电路激活时根据微控制器188代码例程而打开的接触器190的功能，当检测到故障时，微控制器188代码例程执行其跳闸功能。如上所述，当测试按钮被激活时，接触器190也跳闸。The system for isolating the load from the line side of the device when a fault is detected and the test button 191 is activated, as an element of TPCI, is according to the microcontroller 188 code routine when the solenoid is activated by the trip circuit Instead of opening the contactor 190 function, the microcontroller 188 code routine performs its trip function when a fault is detected. As mentioned above, contactor 190 is also tripped when the test button is activated.

当复位按钮是手动类型时用于将负载复位或连接到装置的线路侧的系统，使用集成在接触器190内的机械闩锁，其通过按下复位按钮被激活。该复位按钮的机械闩锁将接触器190的触点固定在接合位置，从而连接TPCI的线路171/172和负载174/175侧。一旦复位按钮被接合，TPCI被接合并操作以监控和检测本发明中描述的故障和其他TPCI功能的发生。可替代地，当复位按钮被螺线管操作时，按下复位按钮192使得微控制器188执行代码例程以激活类似于跳闸电路的复位电路，除了在这种情况下，有二级螺线管185B用于执行接触器190的开关，从而关闭接触器190接触以连接TPCI的线路和负载侧。A system for resetting or connecting a load to the line side of the device when the reset button is of the manual type uses a mechanical latch integrated within the contactor 190 which is activated by pressing the reset button. The mechanical latch of the reset button secures the contacts of contactor 190 in the engaged position, connecting the line 171/172 and load 174/175 sides of the TPCI. Once the reset button is engaged, the TPCI is engaged and operates to monitor and detect the occurrence of faults and other TPCI functions described in this invention. Alternatively, when the reset button is solenoid operated, pressing the reset button 192 causes the microcontroller 188 to execute a code routine to activate a reset circuit similar to a trip circuit, except in this case there is a secondary solenoid The tube 185B is used to perform switching of the contactor 190, thereby closing the contacts of the contactor 190 to connect the line and load sides of the TPCI.

识别作为TPCI的元件的电路中发生的故障类型的方法是作为微控制器188代码例程的一部分的诊断系统。在由TPCI保护的电路中发生的每个故障都由其他频率和时域算法定义的特定特性来确定，数字值将其与正常电路条件和其他故障条件区分开。因此，每个故障在代码中通过由不同的适用算法计算的数字值进行表征，并且输出标识符，然后微控制器188将该标识符转换成如本发明的其它部分中所讨论的听觉和/或视觉显示的预设通知方法。使用标识符，用户将有能力诊断电路状况和电路中的电气故障源，并将其用作服务工具。A method of identifying the type of failure occurring in the circuitry that is an element of TPCI is a diagnostic system that is part of the microcontroller 188 code routines. Every fault that occurs in a circuit protected by TPCI is identified by specific characteristics defined by other frequency and time-domain algorithms, and numerical values distinguish it from normal circuit conditions and other fault conditions. Thus, each fault is characterized in the code by a numerical value calculated by a different applicable algorithm and outputs an identifier which the microcontroller 188 then converts into an audible and/or or a preset notification method for visual display. Using the identifier, the user will have the ability to diagnose the condition of the circuit and the source of electrical faults in the circuit and use it as a service tool.

TPCI诊断系统用于错误跳闸减轻，这是接线设备制造商的主要关注点。有许多电负载，其正常信号模拟电弧的特征，并且因此导致TPCI甚至在不应该的情况下跳闸。通过诊断系统，TPCI通过其微控制器代码能够识别导致其跳闸的特定故障，并确定其是否是真正的电弧或可能是某些电负载的正常工作特性的妨碍跳闸条件。在识别出故障的情况下，可以使用数据来确定电气设备或负载的特性，从而导致可以区别于有效故障的虚假跳闸。The TPCI diagnostic system is used for false trip mitigation, which is a major concern for wiring equipment manufacturers. There are many electrical loads whose normal signal mimics the characteristics of an arc and thus causes the TPCI to trip even when it should not. Through the diagnostic system, the TPCI, through its microcontroller code, is able to identify the specific fault that caused it to trip, and determine whether it is a true arc or perhaps an interfering trip condition of some electrical load's normal operating characteristics. Where a fault is identified, the data can be used to determine the characteristics of the electrical equipment or load, resulting in a false trip that can be distinguished from a valid fault.

作为TPCI的元件的、用于为外部设备充电的接口，使用的电源的额定的电流水平高到足以对电子设备的电池充电。连接到直流电源的USB充电端口作为TPCI的一部分包括在其中。An interface for charging an external device, which is a component of TPCI, uses a power supply with a rated current level high enough to charge the battery of the electronic device. A USB charging port connected to DC power is included as part of TPCI.

TPCI提供了一个用于连接控制系统的可连接接口，以控制TPCI的运行，从而负载连接到它，并获得故障和诊断数据。这可以通过向TPCI的微控制器提供输入接口来实现，以远程控制其操作，并发送或接收开关或跳闸命令，甚至提供诊断信息。该特征适用于通过单独的螺线管完成跳闸和复位功能的情况。可替代地，TPCI被提供有无线接口以从远程控制中心或设备接收和发送数据，以操作TPCI并且接收故障检测信息作为具有听觉和/或视觉指示的输出。TPCI provides a connectable interface for connecting to a control system to control the operation of TPCI so that loads are connected to it and obtain fault and diagnostic data. This can be achieved by providing an input interface to the TPCI's microcontroller to remotely control its operation, send or receive switching or tripping commands, and even provide diagnostic information. This feature is useful where the trip and reset functions are done by separate solenoids. Alternatively, the TPCI is provided with a wireless interface to receive and send data from a remote control center or device to operate the TPCI and receive fault detection information as output with audible and/or visual indications.

凭借TPCI的众多功能，它运行在一个相当复杂的代码上，以对连续环路监控系统条件进行操作并执行诊断。当AFCI首次通电并且复位机构复位时，故障保护电路从线路侧线路导体171开始，通过电流传感器182和接触器190到达负载侧线路导体174，然后通过连接的负载并返回到负载侧中性导体175和线路侧中性导体172。电路接地导体173在整个系统中连接，然而，TPCI可以在有或没有系统接地173的情况下运行。TPCI使用的直流电动组件由开关模式电源(SMPS)177供电，该电源177在广泛的电源交流电压下工作，并产生稳定的输出直流电压。MPCS 182监测从线路侧流过线路导体171/174到负载侧的电路电流，其中电流传感器182输出电压与具有稳定输出偏移电压的电路电流负载波形成比例。MPCS 182向微控制器188提供信号，用于检测电弧、浪涌、错线、发光连接、过载和短路故障。它还提供代码管理的TPCI的电源监控和计量信息。当微控制器188检测到这些电路故障中的任一个时，跳闸命令被发送到跳闸和复位开关电路189，其通过将电磁跳闸和复位机构190跳闸来中断故障保护电路。然后用于电路故障的视觉通知194和听觉通知195被启用。当系统复位开关185A随后被启用时，微控制器188程序初始化值并禁止故障指示器，通过评估跳闸和复位感测电路189来检查系统的错线和报废状况。当系统复位检查成功完成时，被保护的电路保持关闭，直到微控制器188代码检测到另一个电路故障。微控制器188还通过其代码例程检测指示篡改电路的异常信号以及指示篡改操作的仪表信号。在检测到篡改操作时，微控制器执行其自毁功能，包括其块擦除例程，其中装置变得完全不可操作，并且代码变得不可恢复。With its many capabilities, TPCI runs on a fairly complex code to operate on a continuous loop monitoring system conditions and perform diagnostics. When the AFCI is powered up for the first time and the reset mechanism is reset, the fault protection circuit starts from the line side line conductor 171, through the current sensor 182 and contactor 190 to the load side line conductor 174, then through the connected load and back to the load side neutral conductor 175 and line side neutral conductor 172 . Circuit ground conductor 173 is connected throughout the system, however, TPCI can operate with or without system ground 173 . The DC motor components used by TPCI are powered by a switch mode power supply (SMPS) 177 that operates over a wide range of mains AC voltages and produces a stable output DC voltage. The MPCS 182 monitors the circuit current flowing from the line side through the line conductors 171/174 to the load side, where the current sensor 182 output voltage is proportional to the circuit current load wave with a stable output offset voltage. MPCS 182 provides signals to microcontroller 188 for detecting arcing, surge, miswire, glowing connections, overload and short circuit faults. It also provides code-managed TPCI power monitoring and metering information. When microcontroller 188 detects any of these circuit faults, a trip command is sent to trip and reset switch circuit 189 which interrupts the fault protection circuit by tripping electromagnetic trip and reset mechanism 190 . Visual notification 194 and audible notification 195 for circuit failure are then enabled. When the system reset switch 185A is subsequently activated, the microcontroller 188 programs the initialization values and disables the fault indicators, by evaluating the trip and reset sense circuit 189 to check for miswired and obsolete conditions of the system. When the system reset check completes successfully, the protected circuit remains off until another circuit failure is detected by the microcontroller 188 code. Microcontroller 188 also detects, through its code routines, abnormal signals indicative of tampered circuitry and instrumentation signals indicative of tampered operations. Upon detection of a tampering operation, the microcontroller performs its self-destruct functions, including its block erase routine, in which the device becomes completely inoperable and the code becomes unrecoverable.

GFCS 180向MPCS 182提供信号以检测接地故障。GFCS 180 provides signals to MPCS 182 to detect ground faults.

PTX 198监视跨过线路侧线路和中性导体171/172上的电压，并向微控制器182提供信号用于过压、欠压和浪涌故障。它还向微控制器188提供电源监控和计量信息。The PTX 198 monitors the voltage across the line side line and neutral conductors 171/172 and provides signals to the microcontroller 182 for overvoltage, undervoltage and surge faults. It also provides power monitoring and metering information to microcontroller 188 .

TSC 200向MPCS 182提供信号用于检测发光连接、以及过载检测中的二次信号源。TSC 200 provides signals to MPCS 182 for detection of light connections, and secondary signal sources in overload detection.

微控制器188通过其循环中连续工作的代码从MPCS 182、GFCS 180、PTX 198和TSC200接收输入数据，执行检测直流和交流以及单相和多相系统中的电弧、接地、浪涌、错线、过载、短路、发光连接、过压、以及欠压故障等所有TPCI功能；当发生任何所述故障时中断电路；提供诊断、识别和通知发生的故障；并提供电路监控和计量信息。本领域技术人员认识到，尽管本文中的示例是单相交流系统，但是本发明的相同原理适用于多相和直流系统。利用来自相同传感器MPCS 182和PTX 198的数据，本领域技术人员也将认识到，TPCI可以通过检测任何相中的电压或电流的损失来提供多相系统中的相损耗保护。将所有传感器(包括MPCS 182、GFCS 180、PTX 198和TSC 200、接触器位置感测电路193)集成到TPCI电路中，检测和中断任何电气故障所需的每种数据可供微控制器进行处理，因此，TPCI提供全面保护免于电气故障。虽然TPCI执行了许多复杂的功能，这些功能将相当于许多独立的装置、系统和方法，但是操作受控于单个微控制器的系统和组件的集成使得TPCI成为一种高贵的发明。此外，尽管本发明涵盖了这种广泛的保护范围，但是并不限制本文公开的系统用于一个设备，而是将该系统用于具有本文所公开的特定的单个系统或系统的组合的多个设备中，而不脱离本发明的原理。Microcontroller 188 receives input data from MPCS 182, GFCS 180, PTX 198, and TSC200 through code that works continuously in its loop, performs detection of arcs, ground faults, surges, miswires in DC and AC and single-phase and multi-phase systems , overload, short circuit, illuminated connection, overvoltage, and undervoltage faults, all TPCI functions; interrupt the circuit when any of the described faults occurs; provide diagnosis, identification and notification of the fault occurred; and provide circuit monitoring and metering information. Those skilled in the art realize that although the examples herein are single-phase AC systems, the same principles of the invention apply to polyphase and DC systems. Using data from the same sensors MPCS 182 and PTX 198, those skilled in the art will also recognize that TPCI can provide phase loss protection in multi-phase systems by detecting loss of voltage or current in any phase. With all sensors (including MPCS 182, GFCS 180, PTX 198 and TSC 200, contactor position sensing circuit 193) integrated into the TPCI circuit, every data needed to detect and interrupt any electrical fault is available for processing by the microcontroller , thus, TPCI provides full protection against electrical faults. While TPCI performs many complex functions that would be equivalent to many independent devices, systems and methods, the integration of systems and components whose operations are controlled by a single microcontroller makes TPCI a noble invention. Furthermore, while the present invention encompasses this broad scope, it is not limited to the use of the system disclosed herein with one device, but rather with the use of the system in multiple devices with the particular individual system or combination of systems disclosed herein. equipment without departing from the principles of the invention.

图5、图5A、图6、图6A是不同形式和类型的MPCS 182的示例。这些示例不是限制性的，而是旨在教导本领域技术人员如何为本发明的目的采用不同的传感器。5, 5A, 6, 6A are examples of different forms and types of MPCS 182 . These examples are not limiting, but are intended to teach a person skilled in the art how to employ different sensors for the purposes of the present invention.

MPCS 182具有与线路导体不同的类型、形状、形式和安装方法。MPCS 182输出信号被调节成适合于由微控制器188处理以检测电弧和其他故障以及用于监视系统状况。本领域技术人员认识到，该调节电路可以集成到电流传感器电路中，从而具有可以直接用作由微控制器188处理的信号的输出。The MPCS 182 has different types, shapes, forms and installation methods from line conductors. MPCS 182 output signals are conditioned for processing by microcontroller 188 to detect arcing and other faults and for monitoring system conditions. Those skilled in the art recognize that this conditioning circuit can be integrated into the current sensor circuit, thereby having an output that can be used directly as a signal for processing by the microcontroller 188 .

为了本发明的示例目的，图5、图5A示出了作为一种接触型霍尔效应电流传感器集成电路的一种类型的MPCS 182，其中PCB 203上的线路202直接连接到其引脚204，因此线电流通过它。在电流传感器的线路连接上方的铁磁层产生与线路电流成比例的磁通量，其通过其内部电路被转换成比例电压输出。此霍尔效应电流传感器182A原理上类似于ALLEGROMICRO系列的霍尔效应电流传感器集成电路，与被监测的导体有不同的形式、形状和安装方式。该电流传感器182A是功率驱动的，并且输出信号通常是与线电流成比例的伏特。尽管也用于其他应用中的电流感测，但是这些类型的磁霍尔效应电流传感器集成电路电流传感器尚未用于如Tomimbang当前发明中所公开的电气故障检测系统和装置。For purposes of illustration of the present invention, Figures 5, 5A show one type of MPCS 182 as a contact Hall effect current sensor integrated circuit, where trace 202 on PCB 203 is directly connected to its pin 204, So the line current flows through it. A ferromagnetic layer above the current sensor's line connections generates a magnetic flux proportional to the line current, which is converted by its internal circuitry into a proportional voltage output. This Hall effect current sensor 182A is similar in principle to the ALLEGROMICRO series of Hall effect current sensor integrated circuits, with different forms, shapes and mounting methods for the conductors to be monitored. The current sensor 182A is power driven and the output signal is typically volts proportional to the line current. Although also used for current sensing in other applications, these types of magnetic Hall effect current sensor integrated circuit current sensors have not been used in electrical fault detection systems and devices as disclosed in Tomimbang's current invention.

为了本发明的示例目的，图6、图6A示出了作为非接触或无接触电流传感器集成电路的MPCS 182的替代类型和变型，其中线路电流不通过设备的任何部分。这种类型的电流传感器是CMOS(互补金属氧化物半导体)霍尔效应电流传感器集成电路182B，其具有在其表面上构造的用作提供高磁增益的磁通量集中器的铁磁层，该高磁增益显著增加了传感器的信噪比。该电流传感器182B特别适用于直流和交流电流测量，具有欧姆隔离、非常低的插入损耗、快速的响应时间、小的封装尺寸和低的组装成本要求，这对于本发明所涵盖的电弧故障检测和中断的目的是理想的。该电流传感器182B是功率驱动的，并且输出信号通常是与线路电流成比例的伏特。该电流传感器182B在原理上类似于MELEXIS系列的霍尔效应电流传感器集成电路的那些传感器，相对于被监测的导体有不同的形式、形状和安装方式。在该电流传感器中用于AFCI应用的导体可以是PCB 206中的迹线205、取决于所使用的电流传感器的形式或形状而布设在传感器下方、导体的上方或侧面上的导电条或电线。虽然也用于其他应用中的电流感测，但是这些非接触型磁霍尔效应电流传感器集成电路从未用于如Tomimbang当前发明中所公开的电气故障检测系统和装置。图6、图6A同样例示了巨磁电阻(GMR)电流传感器182C，其也是非接触或无接触电流传感器集成电路，其通过将流过线路导体的电流产生的磁场转换成电压来感测电流，该电压与场成比例。GMR传感器在受到磁场影响时会产生很大的电阻变化。多层GMR传感器采用惠斯通桥电阻结构，在不同的应用温度下具有稳定的性能。该电流传感器182C设置有磁集中器，产生对磁场敏感的与通过线路导体的电流相对应的信号。在低电压、高灵敏度、欧姆隔离、非常低的插入损耗、快速响应时间、小封装尺寸和低组装成本要求下工作，适用于直流和/或交流电流测量，这对本发明所涵盖的电弧故障检测和中断的目的是理想的。例示的这些传感器在原理上类似于NVE公司的GMR电流传感器，例如它们的AA和AB系列电流传感器以及它们的变型，相对于针对电流流动被感测的导体有不同的形式、形状和安装。在该电流传感器182C中的用于AFCI应用的导体可以是PCB206中的焊盘或迹线205、取决于电流传感器的形状或形状而布设在传感器下方、导线的上方或侧面的条带或导线。虽然也用于电流感测应用，但是特别是GMR传感器从未用于如Tomimbang当前发明中所公开的电气故障检测系统和装置。For purposes of illustration of the present invention, Figures 6, 6A show alternative types and variations of the MPCS 182 as a non-contact or contactless current sensor integrated circuit where the line current does not pass through any part of the device. This type of current sensor is a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) Hall effect current sensor integrated circuit 182B that has a ferromagnetic layer structured on its surface that acts as a magnetic flux concentrator providing high magnetic gain. Gain significantly increases the signal-to-noise ratio of the sensor. The current sensor 182B is particularly suitable for DC and AC current measurement, with ohmic isolation, very low insertion loss, fast response time, small package size and low assembly cost requirements, which are essential for arc fault detection and Interrupt purpose is ideal. The current sensor 182B is power driven and the output signal is typically volts proportional to the line current. The current sensor 182B is similar in principle to those of the MELEXIS series of Hall effect current sensor integrated circuits, with different forms, shapes and mountings with respect to the conductor being monitored. The conductors used in the current sensor for AFCI applications may be traces 205 in the PCB 206, conductive strips or wires routed below the sensor, above or on the sides of the conductors depending on the form or shape of the current sensor used. Although also used for current sensing in other applications, these non-contact magnetic Hall effect current sensor integrated circuits have never been used in electrical fault detection systems and devices as disclosed in Tomimbang's current invention. 6, FIG. 6A also illustrate a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) current sensor 182C, which is also a non-contact or contactless current sensor integrated circuit, which senses current by converting the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the line conductor into a voltage, This voltage is proportional to the field. GMR sensors produce large resistance changes when affected by a magnetic field. The multilayer GMR sensor adopts the Wheatstone bridge resistive structure, which has stable performance under different application temperatures. The current sensor 182C is provided with a magnetic concentrator producing a magnetic field sensitive signal corresponding to the current passing through the line conductor. Operates at low voltage, high sensitivity, ohmic isolation, very low insertion loss, fast response time, small package size and low assembly cost requirements, suitable for DC and/or AC current measurement, which is essential for arc fault detection covered by this invention and interrupt purpose is ideal. The sensors exemplified are similar in principle to the GMR current sensors of the NVE company, such as their AA and AB series current sensors and their variants, with different forms, shapes and mountings with respect to the conductors to which the current flow is sensed. The conductors for AFCI applications in the current sensor 182C may be pads or traces 205 in the PCB 206, strips or wires routed under the sensor, over the wires or to the sides depending on the shape or shape of the current sensor. Although also used in current sensing applications, GMR sensors in particular have never been used in electrical fault detection systems and devices as disclosed in Tomimbang's current invention.

图6、图6A所示的非接触电流传感器182B/182C可以具有以诸如PCB迹线、电线或成形金属材料的任何方式或形式配置的导体。对于较高的电流，这些传感器也可以位于母线中。The non-contact current sensors 182B/182C shown in Figures 6, 6A may have conductors configured in any manner or form such as PCB traces, wires, or formed metallic material. For higher currents, these sensors can also be located in the busbar.

本文还公开了一种替代电流传感器MCPS 182作为具有线性电流输出的传统隔离型电流互感器或变换器。该电流互感器是非接触或无接触电流互感器传感器，其中线路电流不通过设备的任何部分。相反，导体穿过芯部，空气作为线路与变压器的绕组之间的隔离介质。电阻元件连接到电流互感器的绕组以导出与线路电流成比例的电压。虽然这种类型的线性电流互感器也用于其他应用中的电流感测，但是它并不通常以与本发明中公开的相同的方式用于电气故障检测系统和装置中。Also disclosed herein is an alternative to the current sensor MCPS 182 as a conventional isolated current transformer or converter with a linear current output. The current transformer is a non-contact or non-contact current transformer sensor in which the line current does not pass through any part of the device. Instead, the conductors run through the core, and the air acts as the insulating medium between the lines and the windings of the transformer. A resistive element is connected to the winding of the current transformer to derive a voltage proportional to the line current. While this type of linear current transformer is also used for current sensing in other applications, it is not generally used in electrical fault detection systems and devices in the same manner as disclosed in this invention.

本领域技术人员认识到，使用本发明的原理，TPCI不限于可用于实现本文所述相同目的的这类型的传感器MPCS 182。Those skilled in the art recognize that, using the principles of the present invention, TPCI is not limited to the type of sensor MPCS 182 that can be used for the same purposes described herein.

图7、图7A、图7B是根据本发明实施例的具有插座插口TPCI的温度传感器的应用的图示。温度传感器210/211/212/213具有不同的形式、形状和安装方式，并且这些图示是示例，用于教导本领域技术人员温度传感器在诸如TPCI的装置、或任何具有磁接触器和跳闸控制电路的其它装置备上的不同应用。在这些图示中，温度传感器210/211/212/213是PCB214，其安装成与螺钉208的安装螺柱209物理接触，该螺钉208用于将电线与插座插口207固定。传感器210/211/212/213安装在与TPCI的监控部分邻近的感测距离内，其中可能发生发光连接。在发生发光连接之前，温度的积聚将使任何温度传感器以超过正常工作温度和低于实际发光连接条件的预定水平激活。图7、图7A、图7B是插座插口207中的部分，其示出了安装在PCB 214上的温度传感器210/211/212/213作为其可以安装在TPCI上的不同方式的例示。这里，温度传感器210/211/212/213安装在PCB 214的表面上并与端子安装螺柱209物理接触。7 , 7A, and 7B are illustrations of the application of a temperature sensor with socket socket TPCI according to an embodiment of the present invention. The temperature sensors 210/211/212/213 come in different forms, shapes and mountings, and these illustrations are examples to teach those skilled in the art that temperature sensors are used in devices such as TPCI, or any device with magnetic contactors and trip controls. Different applications on other devices of the circuit. In these illustrations, the temperature sensor 210 / 211 / 212 / 213 is a PCB 214 mounted in physical contact with the mounting stud 209 of the screw 208 used to secure the wires to the receptacle socket 207 . The sensors 210/211/212/213 are mounted within a sensing distance adjacent to the monitoring portion of the TPCI, where light-emitting connections may occur. The build-up of temperature before a light connection occurs will cause any temperature sensor to activate at a predetermined level above normal operating temperature and below actual light connection conditions. Figures 7, 7A, 7B are sections in socket socket 207 showing temperature sensors 210/211/212/213 mounted on PCB 214 as illustrations of the different ways they can be mounted on TPCI. Here, the temperature sensors 210 / 211 / 212 / 213 are mounted on the surface of the PCB 214 and are in physical contact with the terminal mounting studs 209 .

为了对本发明使用温度传感器210/211/212/213进行过载和发光连接保护的应用的进一步例证，图7C示出了设有如图9中示意性所示的螺线管激活的跳闸机构或接触器的多插口电源板249。图7D和图7E是多插口电源板外壳248内的局部视图，示出了在策略上位于线路冲压件245和中性线冲压件246上的温度传感器210/211/212/213，其在插入时与插头的刀片接触。这些冲压件245和246被认为是可能发生发光连接的地方，因为它们是与插头的中性线和线路刀片的连接点。连接电源线的线路/中性线242/244通过电磁接触器与线路和中性线冲压件245/246连接，并且螺线管操作的跳闸机构和跳闸控制电路在多板电源板249内(未示出)。接地冲压件和连接247/243显示为与电源系统接地连接的多插口电源板249的一部分。当传感器210/211/212/213中的任何一个由于过载或发光连接积聚而被激活时，控制电路被激活，从而将接触器跳闸，这将线路与连接到多插口电源板249的负载隔离。本领域的任何技术人员都认识到，通过应用本发明所列出的原理，这些温度传感器210/211/212/213可被配置在控制电路中，以便通过控制电路将跳闸机构直接跳闸或提供输入到微控制器，该微控制器控制跳闸电路、作为TPCI或类似装置的一部分。本领域技术人员还认识到，使用本发明的相同原理，温度传感器也可以是远程温度传感器、红外传感器等，将TPCI内的被监视点上的数据反馈到微控制器用于发光连接和过载保护系统。To further illustrate the application of the present invention for overload and glow connection protection using temperature sensors 210/211/212/213, FIG. 7C shows a trip mechanism or contactor provided with solenoid activation as schematically shown in FIG. Multi-socket power strip 249. 7D and 7E are partial views inside the multi-outlet power strip housing 248 showing the temperature sensors 210/211/212/213 strategically located on the line stamping 245 and the neutral stamping 246 when plugged in. contact with the blade of the plug. These stampings 245 and 246 are believed to be where the light connection may occur as they are the connection points to the neutral and line blades of the plug. The line/neutral wires 242/244 to the power wires are connected to the line and neutral wire stampings 245/246 via magnetic contactors, and the solenoid operated trip mechanism and trip control circuitry are within the multi-board power board 249 (not show). Ground stampings and connections 247/243 are shown as part of a multi-outlet power strip 249 that is connected to the power system ground. When any of the sensors 210 / 211 / 212 / 213 are activated due to overload or buildup of glowing connections, the control circuit is activated, tripping the contactors, which isolates the line from the loads connected to the multi-outlet power strip 249 . Anyone skilled in the art will recognize that by applying the principles outlined in this invention, these temperature sensors 210/211/212/213 can be configured in the control circuit to trip the trip mechanism directly or provide an input through the control circuit to a microcontroller that controls the trip circuit, as part of a TPCI or similar. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that using the same principles of the present invention, the temperature sensor could also be a remote temperature sensor, infrared sensor, etc., feeding back data on the monitored point within the TPCI to the microcontroller for lighting connections and overload protection systems .

图8、图8A、图8B、图8C、图8D是温度传感器电路200以及其可应用于TPCI发光连接和过载保护的不同方式的例示，如在本发明的不同实施例中所解释的。为了例示的目的，本文使用了图7、图7A、图7B所示的TPCI。这些温度传感器电路配置仅是示例，并且不限于温度传感器具有不同类型、形式、形状和安装方式，并且可以以适当的方式配置以满足本发明的原理。这些例示不是限制性的，而是教导本领域技术人员以不同的方式来配置和应用具有TPCI和类似装置的温度传感器电路以用于发光连接和过载保护。8, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D are illustrations of a temperature sensor circuit 200 and the different ways it can be applied to TPCI lighting connections and overload protection, as explained in different embodiments of the invention. For the purpose of illustration, the TPCI shown in Fig. 7, Fig. 7A, Fig. 7B is used herein. These temperature sensor circuit configurations are only examples, and are not limited to temperature sensors having different types, forms, shapes, and installations, and may be configured in an appropriate manner to satisfy the principles of the present invention. These illustrations are not limiting, but teach a person skilled in the art to configure and apply temperature sensor circuits with TPCI and similar devices in different ways for light connection and overload protection.

图8示出了具有传感器210的温度传感器电路200，传感器210作为温度激活开关在策略上位于TPCI中可能发生发光连接的地方，例如温度传感器电路200具有通过螺钉208或类似的紧固装置将电线固定在其上的插座插口的安装螺柱209。它们在策略上也可以位于与插头刀片或引脚连接的冲压件处。它们彼此并联并且根据需要与任何附加数量的传感器TSn连接以提供最佳保护。温度传感器电路200中的任何传感器210在实际发光连接发生之前由于升高的温度而被激活，关闭向微控制器188提供输入的电路以进行发光连接检测。可替代地，温度传感器210可以是在额定温度下激活的双金属开关。这些双金属开关将用于与温度激活开关210相同的目的。TPCI发光连接保护电路旨在作为一种抢占式的方法，用于在其积聚阶段和当实际发生时阻止发光连接的发生。传感器210具有指定的开关温度额定值，这是其中可以安全地阻止发光连接建立并且高于正常TPCI工作温度的水平。图8中例示的温度传感器电路也可以用于TPCI的过载保护，因为过载也是通过升高的温度被确定作为发光连接。FIG. 8 shows a temperature sensor circuit 200 with a sensor 210 strategically located in the TPCI as a temperature activated switch where a luminous connection may occur, e. The mounting studs 209 of the socket sockets are fixed thereon. They can also be strategically located at the stamping that connects to the plug blades or pins. They are connected in parallel with each other and with any additional number of sensors TSn as required to provide optimum protection. Any sensor 210 in the temperature sensor circuit 200 that is activated due to elevated temperature before the actual lighting connection occurs closes the circuit that provides input to the microcontroller 188 for lighting connection detection. Alternatively, temperature sensor 210 may be a bimetallic switch activated at a rated temperature. These bimetallic switches will serve the same purpose as the temperature activated switch 210 . The TPCI glowing connection protection circuit is intended as a preemptive method for preventing glowing connections from occurring during their accumulation phase and when they actually occur. The sensor 210 has a specified switch temperature rating, which is the level at which it can safely prevent a glowing connection from being established and is above the normal TPCI operating temperature. The temperature sensor circuit illustrated in FIG. 8 can also be used for overload protection of TPCI, since overload is also determined by elevated temperature as a light connection.

图8A示出了具有温度传感器211的温度传感器电路200，温度传感器211是热敏电阻器或元件，它们随温度的变化改变它们的电阻，在策略上位于TPCI中可能发生发光连接的地方，温度传感器电路200例如具有通过螺钉208或类似的紧固装置将电线固定在其上的插座插口的安装螺柱209。它们可以在策略上也位于与插头刀片或引脚连接的冲压件处。它们彼此并联连接，并且根据需要与任何附加数量的传感器THn连接以提供最佳保护。温度传感器电路200中的任何温度传感器211，由于在发光连接或过载发生之前升高的温度而具有偏离建立的正常条件值的电阻变化，所以提供一个输出，该输出被数据转换器215转换成到微控制器188的信号输入用于发光连接和过载检测。在正常情况下，温度传感器电路200具有预定电阻范围，该预定电阻范围通过数据转换器215监视，数据转换器215将信号输出到微控制器188，该信号通过其代码例程进行评估，以确定导致发光连接和过载状况的高温的出现。通过由微控制器188从传感器211接收到的数据确定的热度来区分过载和发光连接。过载状况也被确定为通常稳定的状况，因此尽管温度升高，但是通常是稳定的温度，而发光连接的特征在于温度升高，特别是在其积聚阶段。来自温度传感器电路200的过载信号可以是不需要接触器跳闸的仅报警状态，但是也可以认为是要求接触器190跳闸的故障。TPCI发光连接保护系统旨在作为一种抢占式的方法，用于在其积聚阶段和当其实际发生时阻止发光连接的发生。过载和发光连接状况可以通过TPCI的监控点上的温度水平相互区分开，并且这些温度被建立为微控制器188代码内的用于检测这些故障条件的阈值。FIG. 8A shows a temperature sensor circuit 200 with temperature sensors 211, which are thermistors or elements that change their resistance as a function of temperature, strategically located in the TPCI where light-emitting connections may occur. Temperature The sensor circuit 200 has, for example, mounting studs 209 of a socket socket to which wires are secured by screws 208 or similar fastening means. They can also be strategically located at the stamping that connects to the plug blades or pins. They are connected in parallel with each other and with any additional number of sensors THn as required to provide optimum protection. Any temperature sensor 211 in temperature sensor circuit 200 that has a resistance change from an established normal condition value due to elevated temperature prior to the lighting connection or overload occurring provides an output which is converted by data converter 215 to The signal input of the microcontroller 188 is used for light connection and overload detection. Under normal conditions, temperature sensor circuit 200 has a predetermined resistance range that is monitored by data converter 215, which outputs a signal to microcontroller 188 that is evaluated by its code routines to determine Presence of high temperatures leading to glowing connections and overload conditions. Overloaded and glowing connections are differentiated by heat as determined by microcontroller 188 from data received from sensor 211 . The overload condition was also determined to be a generally stable condition, thus generally a stable temperature despite an increase in temperature, whereas a glowing connection is characterized by an increase in temperature, especially during its build-up phase. The overload signal from temperature sensor circuit 200 may be an alarm only condition that does not require contactor tripping, but may also be considered a fault requiring contactor 190 to trip. The TPCI Luminous Connection Protection System is intended as a preemptive method for preventing glowing connections from occurring during their accumulation phase and when they actually occur. Overload and glowing connection conditions can be distinguished from each other by the temperature levels at the monitoring points of the TPCI, and these temperatures are established as thresholds within the microcontroller 188 code for detecting these fault conditions.

图8B示出了使用温度传感器集成电路212的温度传感器电路200，温度传感器电路200感测TPCI的监视点上的温度，并且通过数据转换器216向微控制器188输出信号，以检测发光连接和过载。这些温度传感器IC 212在策略上位于TPCI中可能发生发光连接的地方，例如具有通过螺钉或类似的紧固装置将电线安装在其上的安装螺柱。它们可以在策略上也位于与插头刀片或引脚连接的冲压件处。它们并联连接，并且根据需要可以具有任何附加数量的传感器ICn来提供最佳保护，以覆盖TPCI中可能发生发光连接的所有位置。温度传感器电路200中的传感器212通过数据转换器电路216进行监视，该数据转换器电路216向微控制器188输出信号，该信号通过微控制器188的代码例程将值与在微控制器代码内建立的预定正常条件值进行比较而被评估，以确定存在预示着发光连接和过载状况的高温。当检测到所述状况时，微控制器188执行其代码例程以将接触器190跳闸。过载和发光连接的区别在于通过从传感器接收的并被反馈给微控制器188的数据确定的温度水平。过载状况也被确定为一般稳定的状况，因此是一般稳定的温度，而发光连接是一个变化的状况，特别是在其随着时间的推移积聚温度的积聚阶段。来自温度传感器电路200的过载信号可以是不需要接触器跳闸的仅报警状态，但是也可以认为是要求接触器190跳闸的故障。TPCI发光连接保护系统旨在作为一种抢占式的方法，用于在其积聚阶段和当其发生时阻止发光连接的发生。FIG. 8B shows a temperature sensor circuit 200 using a temperature sensor integrated circuit 212 that senses the temperature at a monitoring point of the TPCI and outputs a signal to the microcontroller 188 through a data converter 216 to detect light-emitting connections and overload. These temperature sensor ICs 212 are strategically located in the TPCI where light connections may occur, such as with mounting studs to which wires are mounted by screws or similar fastening means. They can also be strategically located at the stamping that connects to the plug blades or pins. They are connected in parallel and can have any additional number of sensor ICn as needed to provide optimal protection to cover all locations in the TPCI where luminous connections may occur. The sensor 212 in the temperature sensor circuit 200 is monitored by a data converter circuit 216 which outputs a signal to the microcontroller 188 which compares the value with the value in the microcontroller code routine through the microcontroller 188 code routine. It is evaluated against predetermined normal condition values established within the system to determine the presence of high temperatures indicative of glowing connections and overload conditions. When the condition is detected, microcontroller 188 executes its code routine to trip contactor 190 . The difference between the overload and glow connections is the temperature level determined by the data received from the sensor and fed back to the microcontroller 188 . The overload condition was also determined to be a generally stable condition and thus a generally stable temperature, whereas the glowing connection was a changing condition, especially during its build-up phase where it builds up temperature over time. The overload signal from temperature sensor circuit 200 may be an alarm only condition that does not require contactor tripping, but may also be considered a fault requiring contactor 190 to trip. The TPCI Luminous Connection Protection System is intended as a preemptive method for preventing a Luminous Connection from occurring during its accumulation phase and when it occurs.

图8C示出了由电阻温度检测器(RTD)213组成的温度传感器电路200，温度传感器电路200感测来自预设规格的温度值，并向微控制器输出信号用于发光连接和过载检测。这些温度传感器RTD 213在策略上位于TPCI中可能发生发光连接的地方，例如具有通过螺钉或类似的紧固装置将电线安装到其上的安装螺柱。它们也可以在策略上位于与插头刀片或引脚连接的冲压件处。它们并联连接，并根据需要与任何附加数量的传感器RTDn连接，以提供最佳保护并覆盖TPCI中可能发生发光连接的所有位置。温度传感器电路200中的传感器213通过数据转换器217进行监控，该数据转换器217将信号输出到微控制器188，该信号通过其代码例程进行评估，以通过将该数据与微控制器188代码内用于正常工作条件的已建立的值进行比较来确定预示着发光连接和过载状况的高温的出现。当由任何传感器213检测到的高温检测到发光连接时，微控制器188执行其代码例程来将接触器跳闸。过载和发光连接的区别在于通过从传感器213接收的并通过数据转换器217被反馈给微控制器188的数据所确定的温度水平。过载状况也被确定为一般稳定的状况，并因此是一般稳定的温度，而发光连接是一个变化的状况，特征是特别是在于其积聚阶段升高的温度。来自温度传感器电路200的过载信号可以是不需要接触器跳闸的仅报警状态，但是也可以认为是要求接触器190跳闸的故障。TPCI发光连接电路旨在作为一种抢占式的方法，用于在其积聚阶段和当其实际发生时阻止发光连接的发生。Fig. 8C shows a temperature sensor circuit 200 consisting of a resistance temperature detector (RTD) 213, which senses a temperature value from a preset specification and outputs a signal to a microcontroller for light connection and overload detection. These temperature sensor RTDs 213 are strategically located in the TPCI where light connections may occur, such as with mounting studs to which wires are mounted by screws or similar fastening means. They can also be strategically located at the stamping that connects to the plug blades or pins. They are connected in parallel and with any additional number of sensor RTDn as required to provide optimum protection and cover all locations in the TPCI where luminous connections may occur. The sensor 213 in the temperature sensor circuit 200 is monitored by a data converter 217 which outputs a signal to the microcontroller 188 which is evaluated by its code routine to pass this data to the microcontroller 188 Established values within the code for normal operating conditions are compared to determine the presence of high temperatures indicative of glowing connections and overload conditions. When a glowing connection is detected by a high temperature detected by any of the sensors 213, the microcontroller 188 executes its code routine to trip the contactor. The overload and glow connections are distinguished by the temperature level determined by the data received from sensor 213 and fed back to microcontroller 188 via data converter 217 . The overload condition is also determined to be a generally stable condition, and thus a generally stable temperature, whereas the luminous connection is a changing condition, characterized in particular by an elevated temperature during its build-up phase. The overload signal from temperature sensor circuit 200 may be an alarm only condition that does not require contactor tripping, but may also be considered a fault requiring contactor 190 to trip. The TPCI light connection circuit is intended as a preemptive method for preventing light connection from occurring during its accumulation phase and when it actually occurs.

图8D示出了具有传感器210的温度传感器电路200，传感器210作为温度激活开关在策略上位于TPCI中可能发生发光连接的地方，温度传感器电路200例如具有通过螺钉或类似的紧固装置将电线安装到其中的安装螺柱。它们在策略上也可以位于与插头刀片或引脚连接的冲压件处。与图8、8A、8B和8C所示的其它电路不同，其通常适用于低压电路。图8D示出了通过具有数字隔离器218(诸如光耦合器)的电阻元件219直接连接到电力系统线路和中性线的温度传感器，以向微控制器188提供低电压电子信号，用于检测过载和发光连接。在该示例性电路中，负载侧的传感器210通过接触器190与线路侧分离。温度传感器电路200中的任何传感器210在发光连接发生之前由于升高的温度而被激活，闭合电路以向微控制器提供输入用于发光连接事件。该示例电路可用于直接触发在线路电压上工作的跳闸机构，例如市场上的普通GFCI，并且不必要求微控制器控制其操作，而是直接开关所述设备中的跳闸电路，如图9中例示的。该示例电路也可以用于具有设置有螺线管的跳闸机构的方便插口，以隔离设备的负载侧和线路侧。传感器210具有指定的开关温度额定值，这是其中可以安全地阻止发光连接建立并且高于正常TPCI工作温度的水平。FIG. 8D shows a temperature sensor circuit 200 with a sensor 210 strategically located as a temperature activated switch in the TPCI where a light connection may occur. into the mounting studs. They can also be strategically located at the stamping that connects to the plug blades or pins. Unlike the other circuits shown in Figures 8, 8A, 8B and 8C, it is generally applicable to low voltage circuits. Figure 8D shows a temperature sensor connected directly to the power system line and neutral through a resistive element 219 with a digital isolator 218, such as an optocoupler, to provide a low voltage electronic signal to the microcontroller 188 for detection Overload and luminous connections. In this exemplary circuit, the sensor 210 on the load side is separated from the line side by a contactor 190 . Any sensor 210 in the temperature sensor circuit 200 is activated due to the elevated temperature before the light connection occurs, closing the circuit to provide an input to the microcontroller for the light connection event. This example circuit can be used to directly trigger a tripping mechanism that operates on line voltage, such as a common GFCI on the market, and does not necessarily require a microcontroller to control its operation, but directly switches the tripping circuit in said device, as exemplified in Figure 9 of. This example circuit can also be used in a convenience outlet with a trip mechanism provided with a solenoid to isolate the load and line sides of the device. The sensor 210 has a specified switch temperature rating, which is the level at which it can safely prevent a glowing connection from being established and is above the normal TPCI operating temperature.

本领域技术人员认识到，使用本发明的原理和这些温度传感器电路作为例示，可以保护设置有跳闸电路的任何装置或系统免受发光连接和过载状况的影响。TPCI发光连接保护电路旨在作为一个抢占式系统，以阻止过载和在其建立阶段和当其实际发生时的发光连接的发生。Those skilled in the art will recognize that any device or system provided with a trip circuit can be protected from lighted connections and overload conditions using the principles of the present invention and these temperature sensor circuits as an example. The TPCI glowing connection protection circuit is intended as a preemptive system to prevent overload and glowing connections from occurring both during their setup phase and when they actually occur.

图9示出了图8中示出的温度传感器电路，其被施加到具有螺线管激活的跳闸机构或诸如方便插口、多插口电源板、GFCI和AFCI的接触器226的装置的电路。该跳闸电路231使用螺线管229，该螺线管229是接触器226、用于开关的晶闸管、开关二极管227和电阻元件228的组成部分。跳闸电路231通过在发光连接开始发展时由于升高的温度而接通的任何传感器210启动。传感器210具有指定的开关温度额定值，这是其中可以安全地阻止发光连接建立并且高于正常TPCI工作温度的水平。TPCI发光连接电路旨在作为一种抢占式的方法，用于在其建立阶段和当其实际发生时阻止发光连接的发生。FIG. 9 shows the temperature sensor circuit shown in FIG. 8 applied to a circuit of a device having a solenoid activated trip mechanism or contactor 226 such as a convenience outlet, multi outlet power strip, GFCI and AFCI. This trip circuit 231 uses a solenoid 229 which is an integral part of a contactor 226 , a thyristor for switching, a switching diode 227 and a resistive element 228 . The trip circuit 231 is activated by any sensor 210 that turns on due to elevated temperature when the lighting connection begins to develop. The sensor 210 has a specified switch temperature rating, which is the level at which it can safely prevent a glowing connection from being established and is above the normal TPCI operating temperature. The TPCI light connection circuit is intended as a preemptive method to prevent light connection from happening during its setup phase and when it actually happens.

图10示出了在本发明不同实施例中所解释的用于错线检测的TPCI中使用的接触器位置感测电路。诸如光耦合器240的数字隔离器通过电阻分压器238/239跨越TPCI的负载侧线路和中性连接234/235。当TPCI的负载侧通电时，这意味着接触器237处于复位位置，除非TPCI被误接线作为负载线反向状态。该电路用于错线检测，以及用于测试TPCI的完整性，以在发生故障或测试按钮被按下时跳闸，并在复位按钮被按下时进行复位。FIG. 10 shows a contactor position sensing circuit used in TPCI for miswire detection explained in various embodiments of the present invention. A digital isolator, such as an optocoupler 240, is spanned across the TPCI's load-side line and neutral connections 234/235 through resistor dividers 238/239. When the load side of the TPCI is energized, this means that the contactor 237 is in the reset position, unless the TPCI is miswired as the load line reversed state. This circuit is used for miswire detection, and for testing the integrity of the TPCI, to trip when a fault occurs or the test button is pressed, and to reset when the reset button is pressed.