Sliding Block - Micro-Switch Assembly for Circuit Interrupters

In one example, a sliding block module is provided. The sliding block module may include a block seat, a sliding block, and a first arm assembly. The sliding block may be at least partially disposed within the block seat, and may be configured to move vertically therein. The block seat and the first arm assembly may form a first hinge upon which the first arm assembly may rotate. The first arm assembly may include a first conductive component. The first arm assembly may be biased to rotate inwardly toward the block seat and the sliding block. The sliding block module may be utilized as part of mechanical trip/reset assembly of, for example, a circuit interrupter.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to apparatuses, mechanisms, circuits, systems, and methods to enhance functionality and safety of Circuit Interrupter devices, including, but not limited to, GFCIs, AFCIs, and HCIs. The present disclosure also pertains to Circuit Interrupter devices.

BACKGROUND

Conventional earth current leakage circuit breakers and over-current fuses are commonly deployed to prevent injuries to people and property from dangerous conditions resulting from, for example, current leakages or fires resulting from electrical faults such as current arcs or severe current leakages. Such devices typically detect the occurrence of certain types of electrical faults to prevent harm to persons and property.

Ground faults may be commonly defined as the existence of a current imbalance between the supply and the return path wherein an undesirable and significant amount of the unreturned current is leaking, or passing through an object—for example a human body, to the ground. Notably, the passage of electrical current through the human body may cause injury or even death. Circuit Interrupters that detect and respond to ground faults may be referred to as GFCIs.

A current arc is typically caused by a current surging over separated or poorly contacting electrical surfaces within electrical equipment, for example, in its power cord or in an electrical device itself; or within damaged electrical wiring, such as, within the walls of a building. Current arc electrical faults may be defined as current through ionized gas between the two (e.g., supply-side and load-side) separated or poorly contacting electrical surfaces. Such current arcs are often characterized by sparking and extremely high heat, and as a result can cause electrical fires. For example, electrical fires may start when the heat and/or sparking of a current arc causes insulating material or construction material in the vicinity of the electrical fault to combust. Current arc-caused electrical fires may damage property or even endanger human life. Circuit Interrupters that detect and respond to arc faults may be referred to as AFCIs.

Combination devices that protect users and electrical appliances from both ground faults and arc faults may be referred to as HCI (Hybrid Circuit Interrupters).

It is considered important for circuit interrupters to reliably disconnect from electrical power when a fault occurs, even if certain mechanical or electrical circuit interrupter components fail, for example, due to age or wear. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a mechanical trip/reset assembly that is robust and stable when tripped. Preferably, such a robust assembly may be relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and may lend itself to efficient circuit interrupter assembly and production flow. Accordingly, it would also be advantageous if such robust assembly substantially comprises a one or more modules that can be easily installed in interrupter devices, and/or includes instrumentalities to compensate for minor manufacturing inconsistencies .

It is also considered important for interrupter devices to self-test to ensure proper functioning. It may be particularly advantageous for circuit interrupters to automatically self-test prior after a fault is detected and prior to resetting back to a power-on mode.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a description of apparatuses, systems, and methods to address the perceived needs and desires described above.

In one example, a sliding block module is provided. The sliding block module may include a block seat, a sliding block, and a first arm assembly. The sliding block may be at least partially disposed within the block seat, and may be configured to move vertically therein. The block seat and the first arm assembly may form a first hinge upon which the first arm assembly may rotate. The first arm assembly may include a first conductive component. The first arm assembly may be biased to rotate inwardly toward the block seat and the sliding block.

The sliding block module may further include a second arm assembly. The block seat and the second arm assembly may form a second hinge upon which the second arm assembly may rotate. The second arm assembly may include a second conductive component. The second arm assembly may be biased to rotate inwardly toward the block seat and the sliding block.

The sliding block may further include a first inclined side, a second inclined side, a central bore, and/or a latch recess. The latch recess may intersect with the central bore and may be configured to receive a latch. The first arm assembly may be configured to push the first inclined side downward. The second arm assembly may be configured to push the second inclined side downward.

The block seat further may further include a first hinge pin, a second hinge pin, a front protrusion, and/or a plurality of sliding block guide elements. The first arm assembly may further include at least a first hinge clamp. The second arm assembly may further include a second hinge clamp. The first hinge may include the first hinge pin and the first hinge clamp. The second hinge may include the second hinge pin and the second hinge clamp. The plurality of sliding block guide elements may be configured to limit the horizontal and rotational movement of the sliding block with respect to the block seat.

The first arm assembly may further include a first torsion spring. The first torsion spring may bias the first arm assembly to rotate inwardly toward the block seat and the sliding block. The second arm assembly may further include a second torsion spring. The second torsion spring may bias the second arm assembly to rotate inwardly toward the block seat and the sliding block.

The first arm assembly may further include a first block guiding arm and a first arm assembly spring. The first arm assembly spring may be disposed between the first block guiding arm and the first conductive and may bias at least a portion of the first conductive element away from the sliding block. The second arm assembly may further include a second block guiding arm and a second arm assembly spring. The second arm assembly spring may be disposed between the second block guiding arm and the second conductive element and may bias at least a portion of the second conductive element away from the sliding block.

The first conductive element may be snap fit into the first block guiding arm. The second conductive element may be snap fit into the second block guiding arm.

The first torsion spring may be snap fit into both the first arm assembly and the block seat. The second torsion spring may be snap fit into both the second arm assembly and the block seat.

The first conductive element may include a first front electrical contact and a first back electrical contact. The first front electrical contact and the first back electrical contact may be disposed on a side of the first conductive element opposite from the first arm assembly spring. The second conductive element may include a second front electrical contact and a second back electrical contact. The second front electrical contact and the second back electrical contact may be disposed on a side of the second conductive element opposite from the second arm assembly spring.

The block seat may include at least a first rotation stop configured to limit the rotational range of the first arm assembly. The block seat may include at least a second rotation stop configured to limit the rotational range of the second arm assembly.

The front protrusion of the sliding block may be configured to actuate a microswitch when the sliding block is in its downmost vertical position with respect to the block seat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the present exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While the description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The following detailed description does not limit the invention. Instead, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Sliding Block/Microswitch Assembly Components

With reference toFIG.4, an exploded view of an embodiment of sliding block/microswitch assembly100is provided. Sliding block/microswitch assembly100may comprise sliding block module10, reset button assembly70, trip coil assembly80, circuit connection components50, frame91, microswitch93, circuit board95, and/or fault detection coil98.

Sliding block/microswitch assembly100may be assembled within circuit interrupter200, which is depicted from various perspectives and in various states inFIGS.1,2A,2B,2C,3A,3B, and3C.FIG.1depicts relevant portions of an exemplary circuit interrupter200from the front;FIGS.2A and2Cdepict cross-sectional views of the circuit interrupter200taken at A-A and B-B of FIG.1, respectively, when the sliding block/microswitch assembly100is in a first position;FIG.2Bdepicts cross-sectional views of the circuit interrupter200taken at A-A ofFIG.1, when the sliding block/microswitch assembly100is in a second position.FIGS.3A and3Bdepict partial cross-sectional views of the circuit interrupter200, wherein the sliding block/microswitch assembly100is in the first position and second position, respectively.FIGS.3Cdepicts partially-exploded view of portions of circuit interrupter200.

Although circuit interrupter200is depicted as an electrical outlet-circuit interrupter, this disclosure is not so limited; other forms of circuit interrupters known in the art, such as those intended for fuse box installation and inline cord interrupters, are also specifically contemplated.

Sliding block module10may comprise sliding block20, block seat30, and first and second arm assemblies40A/40B.

As may be observed in, for example,FIG.5, sliding block20may comprise front protrusion21, first and second inclined sides23A/23B, and central bore25. As may be observed in, for example,FIGS.2B and2C, sliding block20may further comprise latch recess29and latch access gap27. In some embodiments, sliding block20may further include lower block extension22.

As may be observed in, for example,FIG.6, block seat30may comprise first and second hinge pins31A/31B, first and second rotation stops36A/36B, and a plurality of guide elements35. Sliding block module10may be disposed within block seat30configured to vertically move therein. Guide elements35may be configured to prevent and/or minimize non-vertical movement of sliding block20within block seat30by limiting, and substantially preventing, the horizontal and rotational movement of front protrusion21and first and second inclined sides23A/23B of sliding block module10. As may be observed in, for example,FIG.6, block seat30may be securely affixed to circuit board95or another nonmoving component of assembly100/interrupter200to prevent movement.

With reference toFIG.4, first arm assembly40A may comprise first block guiding arm41A, first arm assembly spring44A, first arm copper piece45A, first arm front contact47A, first arm back contact48A, and first arm torsion spring49A. With reference toFIG.7A, first block guiding arm41A may further comprise first guiding arm spring receiving surface43A and first arm hinge clamps42A.

As depicted, for example inFIGS.2A and2B, first guiding arm spring receiving surface43A may be configured to receive first arm assembly spring44A. The opposite end of first arm assembly spring44A may abut first arm copper piece45A. In this manner, first arm assembly spring44A may bias the upper portion of first block guiding arm41A away from the upper portion of first arm copper piece45A and towards certain first side circuit connection components50A. This may ensure reliable electrical connections between the electrical contacts notwithstanding potential manufacturing inconsistencies. First arm copper piece45A may be partially disposed within and/or at least loosely held by first block guiding arm41A. However, in certain preferred embodiments first arm copper piece45A may be snap fitted into first block guiding arm41A. While first arm copper piece45A may preferably consist of copper or a suitable copper alloy, it may, in alternative embodiments, additionally or alternatively comprise a conductor(s) other than copper.

With reference toFIG.3C, first arm front contact47A and first arm back contact48A may be disposed upon the upper portion first arm copper piece45A, facing away from sliding block/microswitch assembly100. In certain embodiments, for example, with reference toFIG.4, back pins of first arm front contact47A and first arm back contact48A, respectively, may be riveted into holes in the upper portion of first arm copper piece45A.

With reference to, for example,FIGS.2A and2B, first arm hinge clamps42A may be configured to engage with hinge pin31A of block seat30to form a first hinge the permits the partial rotation of first block guiding arm41A about hinge pin31A. With reference to, for example,FIGS.3A and3B, first arm torsion spring49A may be snap-fit, embedded, or otherwise attached to block seat30and may be biased to rotationally push first block guiding arm41A against block seat30about the first hinge, until such rotation is halted by first rotation stop(s)36A. With reference to, for example,FIG.3C, first arm torsion spring49A may abut and exert pressure on surfaces of first block guiding arm41A above hinge clamps42A. In some embodiments, first arm torsion spring49A may be snap-fitted into the surfaces of first block guiding arm41A. Ultimately, first arm torsion spring49A may be biased to cause first block guiding arm41A to abut and put pressure on inclined surface23A of sliding block20, thereby biasing sliding block20downward to its second position, for example as shown inFIGS.2B and3B.

With reference toFIG.4, second arm assembly40B may comprise second block guiding arm41B, second arm assembly spring44B, second arm copper piece45B, second arm front contact47B, second arm back contact48B, and second arm torsion spring49B. With reference toFIG.7B, second block guiding arm41second may further comprise second guiding arm spring receiving surface43B (not shown) and second arm hinge clamps42B.

As depicted, for example inFIGS.2A and2B, second guiding arm spring receiving surface43B may be configured to receive second arm assembly spring44B. The opposite end of second arm assembly spring44B may abut second arm copper piece45B. In this manner, second arm assembly spring44B may bias the upper portion of second block guiding arm41B away from the upper portion of second arm copper piece45B and towards certain second side circuit connection components50B. This may ensure reliable electrical connections between the electrical contacts notwithstanding potential manufacturing inconsistencies. Second arm copper piece45B may be partially disposed within and/or at least loosely held by second block guiding arm41B. However, in certain preferred embodiments second arm copper piece45B may be snap fitted into second block guiding arm41B. While second arm copper piece45B may preferably consist of copper or a suitable copper alloy, it may, in alternative embodiments, additionally or alternatively comprise a conductor(s) other than copper,

With reference toFIG.3C, second arm front contact47B and second arm back contact48B may be disposed upon the upper portion second arm copper piece45B, facing away from sliding block/ microswitch assembly100. In certain embodiments, for example, with reference toFIG.4, back pins of second arm front contact47B and second arm back contact48B, respectively, may be riveted into holes in the upper portion of second arm copper piece45B.

With reference to, for example,FIGS.2A and2B, second arm hinge clamps42B may be configured to engage with hinge pin31B of block seat30to form a second hinge the permits the partial rotation of second block guiding arm41B about hinge pin31B. With reference to, for example,FIGS.3A and3B, second arm torsion spring49B may be snap-fit, embedded, or otherwise attached to block seat30and may be biased to rotationally push second block guiding arm41B against block seat30about the second hinge, until such rotation is halted by second rotation stop(s)36B. With reference to, for example,FIG.3C, second arm torsion spring49B may abut and exert pressure on surfaces of second block guiding arm41B above hinge clamps42B. In some embodiments, second arm torsion spring49B may be snap-fitted into the surfaces of second block guiding arm41B. Ultimately, second arm torsion spring49B may be biased to cause second block guiding arm41B to abut and put pressure on inclined surface23B of sliding block20, thereby biasing sliding block20downward to its second position, for example as shown inFIGS.2B and3B.

As depicted in, for example,FIGS.4,2A,2B, and2C, Reset button assembly70may comprise a reset button71, reset rod75connected to reset button71, and reset spring79. Reset rod15may comprise upper rod portion76, recessed rod portion77, and bottom rod portion78. Portions of reset rod75, including portions of upper rod portion76, all of recessed rod portion77, and all of bottom rod portion78, may be disposed within central bore25of sliding block20, for example as shown inFIGS.2A-2C. Disposed as such, reset rod75may be configured to move vertically with respect to sliding block20.

Reset button71may be pressed by a user to place to circuit interrupter200into the normal operational (reset) state if interrupter200is in the tripped state and the tripping conditions have been resolved. Reset button17may comprise upper reset button surface72, as shown inFIG.1, which may be accessed by a user.

Reset button71may also comprise lower reset button surface73, as shown inFIGS.2A-2C, which may receive an upper end of reset spring79. Reset spring79may physically push reset button72upward into its default position after a user presses and releases it. Reset spring79may be biased to pull the entire reset button assembly70—and any engaged components—upwards. It is contemplated that the bias of reset spring79may be sufficient to overcome the bias(es) of torsion spring(s)49A/49B. The lower end of reset spring79may be disposed on an upper surface of frame91, or, alternatively, another stationary physical component of circuit interrupter200.

As may best be observed inFIGS.2C and4, trip coil assembly80may comprise trip coil81, trip iron core83, trip coil spring85, latch grip86, and latch88. Trip coil spring85may be disposed within trip coil81and abut trip iron core83such that, when trip coil81is not energized, trip coil spring85may push trip iron core83out of trip coil81. The energizing of trip coil81, for example via a signal from circuit components of interrupter200, may generate an electro-magnetic field that is configured to pull trip iron core83back—against the force of trip coil85—and further inside of trip coil81.

An outer tip of trip iron core83may be engaged with latch grip86. In turn, latch grip86may hold latch88. Latch88may be disposed within latch recess29of sliding block20. Latch88may move substantially perpendicular within sliding block20with respect to the permitted vertical movement of sliding block20as pushed and pulled by trip iron core83via latch grip86. In some embodiments, latch grip86and/or latch88may be configured to move vertically with respect to the other components of trip coil assembly80to accommodate the vertical movement of latch88resulting from vertical movement of sliding block20.

As may be best observed inFIG.4, latch88may have a latch hole89. Latch hole89may be of a sufficient diameter for bottom rod portion78to freely pass therethrough when the hole is substantially aligned within central bore25of sliding block20. However, when passage through latch hole89is at least partially blocked by the walls defining central bore25, bottom rod portion78may be preventing from passing therethrough. In this manner, latch88can engage with reset rod75by maintaining recessed portion75within latch hole89, for example as shown inFIG.2C.

In certain illustrated embodiments, latching may occur when the trip coil81is not energized, and trip iron core83, trip latch86, and latch88are pushed forward by trip coil spring85. In such embodiments, when trip iron core83is energized—for example, via a trip signal from the circuitry of interrupter200—trip iron core83is pulled by the electromagnetic force, overcoming the bias of trip coil spring85. When trip iron core83is pulled, latch88is also pulled via latch grip86. In turn, this may sufficiently align latch hole89with central bore25, allowing bottom rod portion78to pass therethrough. When this occurs, the engagement is released (or engaged, in circumstances where the reset button assembly70is being pushed down by a user, discussed below). Without the engagement, the spring force provided by reset spring79is no longer applied to sliding block20. Then, the downward force imparted by torsion spring(s)49A/49B through block guiding arms41A/41B to inclined sides23A/23B of sliding block20may push sliding block downwards into the second position. Simultaneously, the rotation of the block guiding arms41A/41B pulls copper pieces45A/45B and their front and back contracts47A/47B/48A/48B away from their corresponding electrical connections; this may ensure a stoppage of power through circuit interrupter200.

In alternative embodiments, the latching mechanism may be reversed. That is, in such embodiments, latching may be maintained when trip coil81is energized and the engagement may be release when such operation signal ceases and trip coil spring85pushed latch88to sufficiently align latch hole89with central bore25, allowing bottom rod portion78to pass therethrough. This alternative embodiment may be achieved by shifting the horizontal alignment of latch88with respect to sliding block20.

In certain embodiments, microswitch93may be pressed only when a user fully depresses reset button71. When this occurs, bottom rod portion78may contact and push against latch88without passing through latch hole89, thereby push sliding block20to its bottom-most position, which may be referred to herein as a third position. (In alternative embodiments, the third position may be obtained by having bottom rod portion78contact and push against a bottom surface of or withing central bore25.) In the third position, a lower surface of front protrusion21may press microswitch93. Such engagement of microswitch51may best be visualized with reference toFIG.2C. It may further be noted that the due to rotation stops36A/36B of block seat30, arm assemblies40A/40B may be prevented from pushing sliding block20to the third position. In this manner, the third position, wherein microswitch93is pressed, may only be achieved by a user's physically pressing reset button21all the way down.

It is further contemplated that in some alternative embodiments (not shown), lower block extension22of sliding block20may include a spring or be configured to engage with a spring (for example on the other side of circuit board95) biased to push sliding block20to the second position from the third position when a user is no longer fully pressing reset button71. In yet other embodiments, lower block extension22may be configured extend through circuit board95to, for example, further prevent horizontal movement of sliding block20and/or actuate a microswitch93disposed in an alternative location.

Circuit connections50may include first side circuit connections50A and second side circuit connections50B. In certain embodiments, first side circuit connections50A may generally corresponding to neutral power and second side circuit connections50B may generally correspond to hot power. However, this disclosure is not so limited and in alternative embodiments, the polarities may be reversed.

As may best be viewed inFIG.3C, first side circuit connections50A may include first outlet slots52A, first copper piece weld53A, first detection coil connector54A, first detection coil contact55A, first power connector56A, and first power contact57A. First outlet slots52A may be configured to receive one side of electrical plug(s) inserted into interrupter200, for example, the neutral plug blades. First outlet slots52A may connected to first copper piece45A via first copper piece weld53A. First detection coil connector54A may be connected to fault detection coil98, for example at the neutral input side, and may by physically and electrically connected with first detection coil contact55A. First detection coil contact55A may preferably be riveted to first detection coil connector54A. First power connector56A may be connected to live power, for example, the live neutral input of interrupter200, and may by physically and electrically connected with first power contact57A. First power contact57A may preferably be riveted to first power connector56A.

When sliding block/microswitch assembly100is in the first position, first front contact48A may abut and electrically connect with first power contact57A and first back contact47A may abut and electrically connect with first detection coil contact55A. Correspondingly, first power connector56A, first outlet slots52A, and first detection coil connector54A may become one node via first copper piece45A. This may bring line-in power, such as neutral power, to the corresponding outlet side and to the corresponding side of fault detection coil98.

When sliding block/microswitch assembly100is in the second position (or third position), first front contact48A may be disconnected with first power contact57A and first back contact47A may be disconnected connected with first detection coil contact55A. Correspondingly, first power connector56A, first outlet slots52A, and first detection coil connector54A may be three separate nodes. This ensures that line-in power, such as neutral power, may not be provided to the corresponding outlet side and may not be provided to the corresponding side of fault detection coil98.

Similarly, second side circuit connections50B may include second outlet slots52B, second copper piece weld53B, second detection coil connector54B, second detection coil contact55B, second power connector56B, and second power contact57second. Second outlet slots52second may be configured to receive one side of electrical plugs using interrupter200, for example the hot plug blades. Second outlet slots52B may connected to second copper piece45B via second copper piece weld53B. Second detection coil connector54B may be connected to fault detection coil98, for example at the hot input side, and may by physically and electrically connected with second detection coil contact55B. Second detection coil contact55B may preferably be riveted to first detection coil connector54B. Second power connector56B may be connected to live power, for example, the live hot input of interrupter200, and may by physically and electrically connected with second power contact57B. Second power contact57B may preferably be riveted to second power connector56B.

When sliding block/microswitch assembly100is in the first position, second front contact48B may abut and electrically connect with second power contact57B and second back contact47B may abut and electrically connect with second detection coil contact55B. Correspondingly, second power connector56B, second outlet slots52B, and second detection coil connector54B may become one node via second copper piece45B. This may bring line-in power, such as hot power, to the corresponding outlet side and to the corresponding side of fault detection coil98.

When sliding block/microswitch assembly100is in the second position (or third position), second front contact48B may be disconnected from second power contact57B and second back contact47B may be disconnected connected with second detection coil contact55B. Correspondingly, second power connector56B, second outlet slots52B, and second detection coil connector54B may be three separate nodes. This ensures that line-in power, such as hot power, may not be provided to the corresponding outlet side and may not be provided to the corresponding side of fault detection coil98.

In a normal (reset) operational state of circuit interrupt200, sliding block/microswitch assembly100may be in the first position, as depicted in for example,FIGS.2A,2C, and3A.

The circuit interrupter200circuitry may detect a fault, for example, a leakage current detected from fault detection coil98, and arc current, a component failure, miswiring, and/or the like. (It should be noted that while, for purposes of illustration, element98may be configured to detect leakage currents or ground faults, this disclosure is not so limited. It is contemplated that fault detection coil98may detect other types of faults and may, is some alternative embodiments, not comprise a coil or may comprise multiple coils.) Upon detecting a fault, circuit interrupter200circuitry may provide a trip signal to trip coil81, causing trip iron core83to be pulled in against the bias of trip coil spring85. In turn latch grip86and latch88may be pulled, causing latch hole89to be at least temporarily aligned with central bore25of sliding block20. Such alignment may permit bottom reset rod portion78to pass through latch hole89. Under the force of reset spring79, this may disengage latch88from reset button assembly70and, in turn, may disengage sliding block20from reset button assembly70.

Without the indirect upward bias from reset spring79on sliding block20, arm assemblies40A/40B may rotate inwardly around the first and second hinges under the force of torsion springs49A/49B until such rotation is blocked by rotation stops36A/36B. Accordingly, sliding block20may be pushed down to the second position, as illustrated in, for example,FIGS.2B and3B. The inward rotation of arm assemblies40A/40B may break the electrical connections between first and second front contracts47A/47B and first and second detection coil contacts55A/55B, respectively, removing power from detection coil98; it may simultaneously break the electrical connections between first and second back contacts48A/48B and first and second power contacts57A/57B, respectively, removing power from the electrical outlets of circuit interrupter200. The tripped interrupter200is thereby powered off in a secure manner. The powered off outlet may be physically maintained in this second position until it is successfully reset.

Upon ceasing of the trip signal, trip iron core83may be pushed out again by trip iron coil spring85. In turn, latch88may be extended through latch recess29sufficient to block portions of latch hole89with the walls defining central bore25. However, because reset rod75may be in a raised position at this juncture, as illustrated in, for example,FIG.2B, no re-engagement between reset rod75and latch88or sliding block20may occur due to the return of latch88to this default position.

Resetting a tripped circuit interrupter200with a sliding block/microswitch assembly100may proceed with a user pressing reset button71all the way down, causing reset button assembly70to proceed downward. Because upon cessation of the trip signal, trip iron coil spring85may have pushed latch88back through latch recess29sufficient to block portions of latch hole89with the walls defining central bore25(via trip iron core83and latch grip86), bottom rod portion78may be unable to pass through latch hole89. Accordingly, the downward pressure on reset button assembly70may be transferred to sliding block20via latch88. Sliding block20may thereby be pushed all the way down and into the third position where sliding block20may actuate microswitch93via, for example, the bottom surface of front protrusion21(or, for example, the lower block extension22in alternative embodiments referenced above).

Actuation of the microswitch may, in preferred embodiments, initiate a self-test of the circuit interrupter. In some embodiments, the self-test may engage an analogy leakage signal test circuit, or other self-test known in the art. In alternative embodiments, the self-test may be omitted or may comprise multiple self-tests.

If the self-test is passed (or omitted), the circuit interrupter200circuitry may provide a resetting signal to trip coil81, causing trip iron core83to be pulled in against the bias of trip coil spring85. In turn, this will pull in latch grip86and latch88to at least momentarily align latch hole89with central bore25sufficient to permit bottom rod portion78to pass through latch hole89under pressure from the user's press of reset button71. In various embodiments, such signal may be maintained for a certain amount of time and/or until microswitch93is released.

The user may then release reset button71, permitting reset button assembly70to travel upward under the force of reset spring79, and releasing the pressure on microswitch93. Under the force provided by trip iron core83, latch hole89may be moved sufficient to prevent bottom rod portion78from passing back through latch hole89; in this manner, latch88may be reengaged with reset button assembly70, which may be correspondingly reengaged with sliding block20. Under the pressure of reset spring79, sliding block20may be pulled upward, causing arm assemblies40A/40B to be rotated outwardly notwithstanding the weaker countervailing force of torsion springs49A/49B.

The outward rotation of arm assemblies40A/40B may reconnect the first and second front contracts47A/47B with first and second detection coil contacts55A/55B, respectively, providing power from detection coil98; it may simultaneously reconnect first and second back contacts48A/48B with first and second power contacts57A/57B, respectively, providing power from the electrical outlets of circuit interrupter200. The tripped interrupter200may thereby be returned to a powered -n normal working state, with sliding block/microswitch assembly100returned to the first position.

In the preceding specification, various preferred embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will, however, be evident that various other modifications and changes may be made thereto, and additional embodiments may also be implemented, without departing from the broader scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow.