Ground fault interrupter wiring device with improved latching and actuating components
US5510760A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 1994 |
| Grant date | Apr 23, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H83/04
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A ground fault interrupter (gfi) wiring device includes a latch member having integral abutment, latching and spring portions. In the preferred embodiment, the latch member is formed from a unitary blank of springy sheet metal, the spring portion being a leaf spring formed at one end and biasing the latch member to a latching position to maintain the moveable contact(s) in circuit-making relation with the fixed contact(s) of the device. The latch member is released to permit circuit-breaking movement of the moveable contact(s) by a solenoid having an armature with a relatively enlarged head portion to enhance speed of operation. Optionally, a spring may be provided to maintain the otherwise freely-slidable armature with its end portion in spaced relation to the latch member abutment portion so that the armature gains momentum before contacting the abutment portion to effect unlatching movement of the latch member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.