FIELD OF INVENTION:
(001] .The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to socket
residual-current device (RCD), and in particularly relates to a socket residual
current protection device with part-replaceable feature.
5 BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
[002) In general, socket RCD is a device used for providing residual current fault
protection to loads connected in· downstream switchboard outlets. It has one or
more sockets and inbuilt electronic circuit for protection. It may or may not have
switches for turning the load on/off. In socket .residual current protection devices,
10 often due to certain unavoidable circumstances, the electronic circuitry providing
. this protection, or the switching/socket part stops functioning properly. In these
cases, the consumer has no option but to install a new socket RCD. Similarly, if
the consumer wishes to update the socket RCD's aesthetic appearance to suit his
. ' '
premises, he would have to buy a new device only.
15 [003] Publication No. EP2725664 (AI) relates to a socket having a multipart
housing for carrying an installation device and retaining an earth-leakage circuit
breaker and receptacles for a power consumer and terminals of a lirie. A portion of
the housing forming a front surface of the socket is formed as a socket carrier. The
socket carrier has a structured assembly side lying inside of the housing, where
20 the earth-leakage circuit breaker and the receptacles are held in the assembly side.
[004] Thus, in the prior art, socket RCDs . have single unit for sockets
(with/without switch), PCB, other components, and their connections. Further,
these socket RCDs do. not have part replaceability feature. These devices have the
entire connection and protection mechanism incorpqrated in a single chassis. One
25 typical example of prior-art design is shown in Fig - 1. The front plate has the
facility for inserting one or more plugs. It may/may not have a switch for load
on/off purposes. However, inside the chassis, the PCB and connections for various
sockets, switches, etc., are performed in the same module. If a fault develops in
any segment of prior art devices, the working parts of the device cannot be
2
I'
salvaged because the entire product would have to be dismantled. In this case, the
consumer has no choice but to replace the entire device. This is not only costlier
but als·o a wasteful expenditure.
[005] For exainple, say a small fault occurs in Printed Circuit Boards (PCB), and
5 it fails to have continuity. However other working parts of device, like switch,
socket, base plate, chassis cover, earth bar, etc., too cannot be reused. The user is
. forced to buy a completely new socket RCD.
[006] Thus, the present subject matter is directed to provide a socket residual
current protection device with part-replaceable feature. For example, in above
10 problem, user can replace the RCD module with a new_one, keeping the switch-
. socket modules & other parts as same. Therefore the present subject matter proves
to be more economical as compared to existing products.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[007] The principal objective of the present invention is to provide a socket
15 residual current protection device with part-replaceable feature.
· [008] Another object- of the present invention is to provide socket RCD made in
different modules, which are independent of each other. The part independent
feature of the present subject matter gives part-replaceable feature.
[009] Another object of the present invention is to empower the consumer by
20 giving him the option of replacing just the faulty module and continuing with the
other parts.
[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide switch-socket
module separate from RCD module.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide socket RCD with
25 dual plate structure, where the user can choose between different snap-fittable
outermost plates to give different aesthetic designs.
~--1-
3
[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to enable the use of different
variants of switch-socket module in same device.
[0013] Still another objective of the present invention is to provide socket RCD
whose part replacement is easy and can be done by the user· himself, without
5 dismantling the entire device and disturbing internal connections and assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0014] The present invention relates a socket residual current protection device
with part-replaceable feature. The socket residual current protection device has
different modules for each socket-switch segment and the protection circuit. It .
10 empowers the consumer by giving him the option of replacing just the faulty
module and continuing with the other parts.
[0015] In a ·preferred embodiment of the present invention, a socket residual
current protection device with part-replaceable feature is provided comprising
switch-socket module, RCD module, outer plate, inner plate and earth bar.
15. [0016] In another embodiment of the present invention, the socket RCD
according to the present invention ha;; different RCD module and switch-socket
module.
[0017] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, RCD module· and . .
switch -socket module are independent of each other thus in case of fault in any
20 component/module, only faulty module is detached and replaced with the new
module.
[0018] In still another embodiment of the present. invention, switch-socket module
consists of base, cover, inner plate, shutter, switch assembly, terminals for phase,
neutral and earth, besides screws bushing arrangement, springs.
25 [0019] In another embodiment of the present invention, RCD module consists of
PCB assembly, base, cover, incoming phase and neutral terminal, terminal 'for
earthing the PCB, test button, reset button besides screws, and bushing .
• -;:_"I> 1''.
~:-.;.:-.
4
[0020] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the switch-socket
module is fitted by snap locking means and RCD module is fitted by means of
slide locking.
[0021] In another embodiment of the present invention, the socket RCD has dual
5 plate structure and outer plate is snap-fit.
[0022] In another embodiment of the present invention, the placement of earth bar
is such that it remains locked in position when any of the module is detached or
replaced.
[0023] In order to further understand the characteristics and technical contents of
10 the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with
reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative
only but not used to limit scope of the present subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only
15 typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be
considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally
effective embod.iments. The detailed description is described with reference to the
accompanying figures. In t}J.e figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number
identifies the fi·gure in which the reference number first appears. The same
20 numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and
components. Some embodiments of system or methods in accordance with
embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example,
and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0025] Figure 1 illustrate rear view of typical prior-art Socket RCD;
25 [0026) Figure 2 illustrates RCD module (front view & inside back view) of socket
. RCD, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0027] Figure 3 illustrates switch-socket module (front view & inside back view)
of socket RCD, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present subject matter;
5
"7"~~
,.l:;f""!l·~··
[0028] Figure 4 illustrates rear view of Socket RCD sho~ing the connections, in.
accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0029] Figure 5 illustrates exploded view showing part assembly of socket RCD,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
5 [0030] Figure 6 illustrates twin socket RCD & single socket RCD, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0031] Figure 7 illustrates front view of un-switched socket RCD, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
10 [0032] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a socket residual current
protection device with part-replaceable feature. The socket residual current
protection device has· different modules for each socket-switch segment and the
protection circuit. It empowers the consumer by giving him the option of
replacing just the faulty module and continuing with the other parts. The socket
15 residual current protection device with part-replaceable feature is provided by
switch-socket module, RCD module, outer plate, inner plate and earth. bar.
Various other features of the present subject matter here will be describe from the
following further description thereof, set out hereunder:
[0033] Figure 2 illustrates the RCD module 20 of the present subject matter. The
20 RCD module 20 includes a base 21, cover 22, PCB assembly 23, incoming phase
24 (shown in figure 4), and ·neutral terminal 25 (shown in figure 4), terminal for
earthing the PCB 26 (shown in figure 4), test button 27, reset button 28 besides
screws and bushing arrangements.
[0034] Figure 3 illustrates the switch-socket module 1 0 of the present subject
· 25 matter. The RCD module (figure 2) and switch socket module (figure 3) are
independent of each other. The Switch-socket module 10 includes a base 11,
cover 12, inner plate 13, shutter 14, switch assembly 15, terminals for phase 16,
neutral 17, and earth 18. The Switch-sockef module 10 also includes screws,
bushing arrangements, and springs.
6
(0035] Figure 4 illustrates the socket RCD module 100 of the present subject
matter. The socket RCD module 100 includes the switch-socket module 10, the
RCD module 20, the outer plate 30, the inner plate 40, and the earth bar 50. As
shown in the figure 4, the wiring between the switch-socket module 10 and the
5 RCD module 20 is simpl~ and easy. Further, these wirings can be done by the
consumer himself.
(0036] The socket RCD rriodule 100 includes dual plates the outer plate 30 and
the inner plate 40. All parts of the socket RCD"100 are assembled on the inner
plate 40. On the inner plate, firstly earth-bar is assembled. The inner plate 40 has
10 slots where the switch-socket module 1 0 and the RCD module 20 can be
assembled and fitted next.
(0037] The switch-socket module 1 0 is fitted on the inner plate by means of snap
locking. Due to the snap locking mechanism, it becomes easy to replace the faulty
switch socket module with the· new switch socket module. The inner plate has
15 receiving edges to receive the connecting edges of switch socket module by snap
fit.
(0038] The RCD module 20 is fitted by means of slide locking mechanism. The
RCD module slides into the slide socket provided on the inner plate, and it is held
in its position by means of earth oar. Whenever the RCD module· becomes
20 defective, it is easy to replace it by pulling the defective RCD module from the
slide socket; and fitting the fresh RCD module easily through the slide locking
mechanism.
[0039] When there is any fault in any module of the socket residual current
device, the user or consumer can replace only the faulty module with the fresh or
25 new module and reuse ·other parts of the device. In this way, consumer can avoid
unnecessary replacement of whole device. Through this replacement only faulty
module is replaced, while other module of the device can be reused which avoids
the extra expenditure of the consumer and avoid the electrical wastage.
7
[0040] As explained in the above figures, the present deviCe has part reparability
feature due to which socket residual current devices can be maintained easily. In
the devices;·each part can be detached easily. Further, the.detached part can be
serviced separately by the skilled person in the domain. Therefore, timely or
5 routine maintenance of the devices become easy and fast due to. part reparability
feature. The separate examination of each module provides the user an
opportunity to identify weak. module which may become faulty in near future.
Accordingly, the u,s~r can replace the weak module during examination with the
new .module and avoid the future halt in the working of the device due to weak
10 module. Malfunctioning in the faulty module may affect the working of the other
modules also. Therefore, by replacing the faulty module with J).ew module
increases the life of other modules of the device. Therefore, overall life of the
device increases unexpectedly.
[0041] Further, the placement of earth bar 50 is such that it remains .locked in
15 position when any of the module is detached or replaced. The earth bar is fixed
with inner plate by means of screw and. bushing. The earth bar 50 also prevents
· the slipping of the RCD module from the slide socket. ·
[0042] Furthermore, the outer cover of the ·panel gets snap-fitted over the iriner
cover. The outer cover hides the screws and gives a better aesthetical appeal to the . . .
20 socket switch RCD module. Moreover, this part is also replaceable. Hence,
user/consumer has the option to use different outer cover plates of different color
and designs according to his choice.
[0043] In order to incorporate the complete electronic circuit in a small sized
module, PCB design has been optimized and made compact. To assemble them in
25 the size of standard switchboard outlet, design optimization has been done.
Figure. 5 shows exploded view showing part assembly of socket RCD a~cording
to the present invention.
[0044] Figure. 6 illustrate another embodiment of the present subject matter. In
another embodiment, the socket RCD may come with twin socket RCD and single
30 socket RCD according to the present subject matter. Although the invention has
been described by means of a two-way socket RCD (twin sockets), any number of
switch-socket modules can be in.corporated. Moreover although the invention has
been described as having a switched socket module, a socket only module can
also be niade as shown in Figure. 7.
5 [0045) Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described
i11language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention
is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific
features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter.
Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/device of the present
1 0 invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the
appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within
the scope of the present subject matter ..
Q-3-- 8,1- 3 G-.16-

We claim:
1. A socket residual current protection device (lOQ) with part-replaceable
features, the socket residual current protection device (100) comprising:
at least one replaceable switch-socket module (1 0); and
·at least one replaceable residual-current device (RCD) module
(20), wherein the atleast one replaceable RCD module and the atleast one
replaceable switch socket module mourited on an inner plate ( 40) of the
socket residual current protection device ( 1 00).
2. The socket residual current protection device (100) as claimed in claim i,
wherein the socket residual current protection device (100) has
independent RCD module (10) and switch-socket module (20).
3. The socket residual current protection device (100) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein in case of fault in any module, only faulty module is detached and
.replaced.
15 4. The socket residual current protection device (100) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the atleast one replace·able switch-socket module (10) comprises a
base (11), cover (12), inner plate (13), shutter (14), switch assembly (15),
terminals .for phase (16), neutral (17) and earth (18), screws bushing
arrangement, and springs.
20 ·s .. The socket residual current protection device (100) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the atleast one replacable RCD module (20) comprises of PCB
assembly (23), base (21), cover (22), incoming phase (2'1-) and neutral
terminal (25), terminal for earthing Printed Circuit Board (PCB) (26), test
button (27), reset button (28), besides screws and bushing.
25 i>IIThe socket residual current protection device (100) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the atleasf one replaceable switch-socket module (10) is fitted by
snap fit locking m~chanism and the atleast one replaceable RCD module
(20) is fitted by slide locking mechanism and held in position by means of
·earth bar (50):
7. The socket residual current protection device (100) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the socket residual current protection device (100) further
comprises an earth bar (50), wherein the earth bar (50) remains locked in
position when any of the module .is detached or replaced.
5 8. The socket residual current protection device (100) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the atleast one replaceable socket-swit~h module (10) may also be
a socket only module.
8. The socket residual current protection device (100 as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the socket RCD (1 00) has dual plate structure and outer cover
10 plate is snap-fit for giving different aesthetic designs.
9. The socket residual current protection device (100) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the atleast one replaceable RCD module (20) and the atleast one·
replaceable switch socket module ( 1 0) are engaged with each other .
through wiring.