• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    compact transient voltage surge suppression device. the present invention relates to a transient voltage surge suppression device which includes a varistor assembly having a compact thickness, and a thermal disconnect assembly that carries a movable separable contact bridge along a linear axis to disconnect the element external circuit varistor.
    公开号:BR112013004742B1
    申请号:R112013004742-9
    申请日:2011-08-22
    公开日:2020-03-17
    发明作者:Robert Stephen Douglass；Hundi Panduranga Kamath；Piyush K. Saxena；William Charles Giancola；Keith Allen Spalding
    申请人:Cooper Technologies Company；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Invention Patent Descriptive Report for "COMPACT TRANSIENT VOLTAGE SURGERY SUPPRESSION DEVICE".
    Background of the Invention [001] The present invention relates to circuit protection devices, and more specifically to transient voltage surge suppression devices.
    [002] Transient voltage surge suppression devices, sometimes referred to as surge protection devices, were developed in response to the need to protect a steadily expanding number of electronic devices on which today's technology society depends on high voltages short-lived or transient. Electrical transient voltages can be created, for example, by electrostatic discharge or transient propagated by human contact with the electronic devices themselves, or through certain conditions in the in-line electrical circuit that energizes the electronic devices. Thus, it is not uncommon for electronic devices to include internal transient voltage surge suppression devices designed to protect the device from certain overvoltage or surge conditions, and also for the side circuit that energizes electronic devices in a power distribution system. to include transient voltage surge suppression devices. Examples of the electrical equipment that typically employ transient voltage protection equipment include telecommunication systems, computer systems and control systems.
    [003] Transient voltage surge suppression devices for electrical power systems are generally employed to protect the designated circuit, which may include expensive parts of electrical equipment, critical loads or associated electronic devices energized by the system. Surge suppression devices typically exhibit high impedance, but when an overvoltage event occurs, the devices switch into a low impedance state to deflect or diverge the surge-induced current to electrical ground. The damaged currents are then diverted from the flow to the associated load-side circuit, thereby protecting the corresponding equipment, loads and electronic devices from damage. Improvements, however, are desired.
    Brief Description of the Drawings [004] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive modalities are described with reference to the following Figures, in which the reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the various drawings unless otherwise specified.
    [005] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary outbreak suppression device.
    [006] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the device shown in Figure 1.
    [007] Figure 3 is a partial front view of the device shown in Figures 1 and 2.
    [008] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the device shown in Figures 1-3.
    [009] Figure 5 is a front elevation view of part of a varistor subassembly for the device shown in Figures 1-4.
    [0010] Figure 6 is a rear elevation view of the sub-assembly part of the varistor shown in Figure 5.
    [0011] Figure 7 is another enlarged view of the device shown in Figures 1-3.
    [0012] Figure 8 is a front elevation view of an exemplary short circuit disconnecting element for the device shown in Figure 1-3.
    [0013] Figure 9 is a front elevation view of a welded assembly including the short circuit disconnect element of Figure 8.
    [0014] Figure 10 is a side elevation view of the assembly shown in Figure 9.
    [0015] Figure 11 is a rear elevation view of the assembly shown in Figures 9.
    [0016] Figure 12 is a front perspective view of a part of the assembly shown in Figure 9 with a thermal disconnect element.
    [0017] Figure 13 is a side elevation view of the assembly shown in Figure 12.
    [0018] Figure 14 illustrates the device including the short-circuit current element and the thermal disconnect element in normal operation.
    [0019] Figures 15 and 16 illustrate a first mode of disconnecting the device in which the thermal disconnecting element operates to disconnect the varistor.
    [0020] Figure 17 illustrates a second device disconnection mode in which the short circuit disconnecting element operated to disconnect the varistor.
    [0021] Figure 18 is a partial frontal perspective view of another exemplary surge suppression device in normal operation.
    [0022] Figure 19 is a view similar to Figure 18, but showing the thermal disconnecting element having operated to disconnect the varistor.
    [0023] Figure 20 is a view similar to Figure 19 with the thermal disconnect element not shown.
    [0024] Figure 21 is a partial enlarged view of another modality of an exemplary outbreak suppression device.
    [0025] Figure 22 is a first view of the assembly of the device shown in Figure 21 with the thermal disconnect element in a normal operating condition.
    [0026] Figure 23 is a view similar to Figure 22, but showing the thermal disconnecting element having operated to disconnect the varistor.
    [0027] Figure 24 is a view similar to Figure 23, but with the thermal disconnect element removed.
    [0028] Figure 25 is a perspective view of another modality of an exemplary outbreak suppression device.
    [0029] Figure 26 is a partial view of the device assembly shown in Figure 25 with a thermal disconnect element in a normal operating condition.
    [0030] Figure 27 is a view similar to Figure 26, but showing the internal construction of the thermal disconnect element.
    [0031] Figure 28 is a perspective view of the device shown in Figure 27.
    [0032] Figure 29 is a view similar to Figure 27, but showing the thermal disconnecting element that operated to disconnect the varistor.
    [0033] Figure 30 is a perspective view of the device shown in Figure 29.
    [0034] Figure 31 is a perspective view of another modality of an exemplary outbreak suppression device.
    [0035] Figure 32 is a partial view of the device assembly shown in Figure 31 with a thermal disconnect element in a normal operating condition.
    [0036] Figure 33 is a view similar to Figure 32, but showing the internal construction of the thermal disconnect element.
    [0037] Figure 34 is a perspective view of the device shown in Figure 27.
    [0038] Figure 35 is a view similar to Figure 33, but showing the thermal disconnecting element that operated to disconnect the varistor.
    [0039] Figure 36 is a perspective view of the device shown in Figure 35.
    [0040] Figure 37 is a view similar to Figure 33 without the thermal disconnect element.
    [0041] Figure 38 is a view similar to Figure 37 and showing the device in a first stage of operation.
    [0042] Figure 39 is a view similar to Figure 38 and showing the device in a second stage of operation.
    [0043] Figure 40 illustrates a partial view of the enlarged assembly of another modality of an outbreak suppression device. Detailed Description of the Invention [0044] Electric power systems are subject to voltages within a reasonably narrow range under normal operating conditions. However, system disturbances, such as lightning strikes and interruption surges, can produce momentary or extended voltage levels that exceed the levels presented by the circuit during normal operating conditions. These voltage variations are often referred to as overvoltage conditions. As previously mentioned, transient surge suppression devices have been developed to protect the circuit against such overvoltage conditions.
    [0045] Transient surge suppression devices typically include one or more voltage-dependent nonlinear resistant elements, referred to as varistors, which can be, for example, metal oxide varistors (MOV). A varistor is characterized by having a relatively high resistance when exposed to a normal operating voltage, and a much lower resistance when exposed to a higher voltage, as it is associated with overvoltage conditions. The impedance of the current path through the varistor is substantially less than the impedance of the circuit being protected when the device is operating in low impedance mode, and is otherwise substantially higher than the impedance of the protected circuit. Overvoltage conditions arise, varistors switch from high impedance mode to low impedance mode and deflect or divert current surges induced overvoltage away from the protected circuit and to electrical ground, and overvoltage conditions decrease, varistors return to a high impedance mode.
    [0046] While existing transient surge suppression devices have been successful in protecting electrical power and circuit systems from transient overvoltage events, they are subject to certain failure modes that can, however, result in damage to the load-side circuit that the transient voltage suppression device was targeted to protect.
    [0047] More specifically, in response to extreme overvoltage events (that is, very high overvoltage conditions), the switches switch very quickly to low impedance mode, and because of the exposure to extremely high voltage and current the va - Christians degrade quickly and sometimes fail, perhaps catastrophically. The catastrophic failure of surge suppression devices can cause damage to the load-side circuit directed to be protected.
    [0048] Yet another problem with known transient surge suppression devices is that overvoltage conditions are sustained for a period of time, even for low to moderate overvoltage conditions, varistors (for example, MOVs) can overheat and fail, sometimes catastrophically. If the failure occurs when the MOV is in a conductive state, short-circuit conditions and electrical arcing can result in further damage.
    [0049] To address such problems, the known surge suppression devices were used in combination with a spindle or switch connected in series. Thus, the spindles or switches can respond more effectively to the overcurrent conditions resulting from the overvoltage conditions in which, at least for a certain period of time, the varistor in the surge suppression device cannot completely supply the overvoltage conditions.
    [0050] While transient surge suppression devices and spindles or switches connected in series may be effective in the open circuit in response to overvoltage conditions that could cause damage, this is not a completely satisfactory solution. In cases where MOVs become partially conductive due to sustained overvoltage conditions, the spindle or switch cannot operate if the current flow through the MOV is below the spindle or switch rating. Under these conditions, even the relatively small currents that flow from the MOV over a period of time can produce conditions of thermal effect and excessive heat in the MOV that can lead to its failure. As mentioned above, this can lead to short circuit conditions and perhaps a catastrophic failure of the device raises practical concerns.
    [0051] In addition to the performance and reliability issues noted above, the additional cost and installation space for transient surge suppression devices and spindles or switches connected in series. Additional maintenance issues result from these components connected in series.
    [0052] A certain effort has been made to provide a transient voltage surge protection device that provides safe and effective operation over a full range of overvoltage conditions, while preventing catastrophic failure of the varistor element. For example, Ferraz Shawmut introduced a thermally protected surge suppression device marketed as a TPMOV® device. The TPMOV® device is described in United States Patent No. 6,430,019 and includes thermal protection functions designed to disconnect an MOV and prevent it from reaching a point of catastrophic failure. The TPMOV® device is designed to avoid any need for a spindle or switch connected in series.
    [0053] The TPMOV® device remains vulnerable, however, to failure modes that can still result in damage. Specifically, if the MOV fails quickly in an extreme overvoltage event, short circuit conditions can occur before thermal protection functions can operate, and severe arching conditions and potential catastrophic failure can occur. In addition, the construction of the TPMOV® device is somewhat complicated, and depends on a mobile arc protection to disconnect the MOV, as well as an electrical microswitch to implement. The presence of the arc guard adds to the overall dimensions of the device. More compact and low-cost options are desired.
    [0054] Also, the TPMOV® device and other devices currently available include epoxy or encapsulated MOV discs. While such encapsulated MOVs can be effective, they tend to involve additional manufacturing steps and costs that would be avoided.
    [0055] The exemplary modalities of compact transient voltage surge protection devices are described below that overcome the disadvantages discussed above. Smaller, cheaper and more effective devices are provided with a single varistor assembly and separate first and second operating disconnect modes as explained below to reliably protect the varistor from falling in a full range of overvoltage conditions. [0056] Now with reference to the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary surge suppression device 100 including a generally thin, rectangular box-type housing 102. Certainly, housing 102 in the example shown includes faces or main sides opposites 104 and 106, upper and lower faces or sides 108 and 110, which interconnect the adjacent edges of sides 104 and 106, and of sides 112 and 114 which interconnect the joined edges of sides 104 and 106 and the joined edges of the upper sides and bottom 108, 110. All sides 104, 106, 108, 110, 112 and 114 are generally smooth and flat, and generally extend parallel with the respective opposite sides to form a generally orthogonal housing 102. In other embodiments, the sides of housing 102 need not be smooth and flat, nor orthogonally arranged. Various geometric shapes 102 of the housing are possible.
    [0057] Additionally, in the described embodiment, the main face of the housing 106 can sometimes be referred to as the front face of the device 100 and is a substantially solid face with no openings or openings extending in or through it, as the main face of the housing 104 (also shown in Figure 2) can be referred to as the rear face. The rear face 104, different from the front face 106, which extends only on the periphery of the device 100 adjacent to the sides 108, 112 and 114. That is, the rear face 104 in the exemplary embodiment shown is a structure-type element having a large opening that exposes the components of the device 100 on the rear side. Thus, the front side 106 completely protects the internal components of the device 100 on the front side of the device 100, while the rear side 104 generally exposes the components of the device 100 on the rear side. Other arrangements of housing 102 are possible, however, and can be used in other embodiments to provide varying degrees of housing to the front and rear sides of device 100.
    [0058] Housing 102 has a compact profile or compact thickness T which is less than the surge suppression devices known as the TPMOV® device described above. In addition, the outer peripheries of the main sides of the housing 104 and 106 are approximately square, and the sides 108, 110, 112 and 114 are elongated and rectangular, although other proportions of the housing 102 are possible in other embodiments.
    [0059] The upper side 108 of the housing 102 is formed with a generally elongated opening 116 through which a part of a thermal disconnect element, described below, can project to visually indicate a state of the device 100. The lower side 110 of the housing 102 likewise includes an opening (not shown) into which an indicator flap 204 projects, also to provide visual indication of a state of the device.
    [0060] Housing 102 may be formed of an insulating or electrically non-conductive material such as plastic, according to techniques known as molding. Other non-conductive materials and techniques are possible, however, to manufacture housing 102 in other modalities and / or in alternative modalities. In addition, housing 102 can be formed and assembled from two or more pieces collectively that define an enclosure for at least the front side of the varistor assembly described below.
    [0061] The terminals of the blade 120 and 122 extend from the bottom side 110 of the housing 102 in the mode shown. The blade terminals 120 and 122 are generally flat conducting elements having chamfered leading edges and openings through them. In addition, the blade terminals 120 and 122 are displaced from another spaced, but generally in parallel planes. The first terminal 120 is closest to the rear side 104 and which extends in a plane parallel to the rear side 104, while the terminal 122 is closest to the front side 106 and which extends in a plane parallel to the front side 106. Other provisions terminals are possible in other embodiments, and it is recognized that the blade terminals shown are not necessarily necessary. That is, terminals other than the blade terminals could likewise be supplied if desired to establish electrical connections to the circuit as briefly described below.
    [0062] The terminals of the blade122 and 120 can connect respectively with an electrical line 124 and a ground line, ground plane or neutral line designated at 128, with connection to a circuit board or other device connected to the circuit. A vari-tor element, described below, is connected to device 100 between terminals 120 and 122. The varistor element provides a low impedance passage to ground in the event of an overvoltage condition on the 124 electrical line. Ground impedance effectively directs the potentially damaged current away from and around the downstream circuit connected to the 124 power line. Under normal operating conditions, the varistor provides a high impedance passageway so that the varistor effectively attracts no current and does not affect voltage line 124. The varistor can switch between low and high impedance modes to regulate voltage on line 124, either alone or in combination with other 100 devices. Additionally, and as explained below, the varistor can be disconnected from the electric line 124 at least in two different modes of operation, in response to different operating conditions d and overvoltage on power line 124, to ensure that the varistor does not fail catastrophically. Once disconnected, device 100 must be removed and replaced.
    [0063] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the device 100 shown in which a rear side of a varistor assembly 130 is exposed. The varistor assembly 130 includes an insulating base plate 132 and a varistor element 134. The terminals 120, 122 are shown on opposite sides of the varistor assembly 130. The potential voltage of the electric line 124 is placed by the terminals 120, 122 and , in turn, by the varistor element 134.
    [0064] Figure 3 is a partial front perspective view of device 100 including mounting varistor 130, a short circuit disconnect element 140, and a thermal disconnect element 142 each providing a different way to disconnect varistor 134 The short circuit disconnect element 140 and the thermal disconnect element 142 are located opposite varistor 134 on the other side of the insulating base plate 132. Terminal 122 is connected to short circuit disconnect element 140, and the terminal 120 is connected to varistor 134.
    [0065] Optionally, and as shown in Figure 3, one or more of the sides of housing 102 can be completely or partially transparent so that one or more of the varistor assembly 130, the short circuit disconnecting element 140 and the element thermal disconnect 142 can be seen through housing 102. Alternatively, windows can be provided in the housing to reveal selected parts of the varistor assembly 130, short circuit disconnect element 140 and thermal disconnect element 142 .
    [0066] Figure 4 is an enlarged rear view of device 100 including, from left to right, terminal 120, varistor 134, insulating base plate 132, short-circuit element 140, thermal disconnect element 142 , and the terminal 122. Figure 7 shows the same components in the enlarged front view, the reverse of Figure 4. Housing 102 is not shown in Figures s 4 and 7, but it is understood that the components shown in Figure 4 and 7 are generally contained in housing 102 or exposed through housing 102 as shown in Figures 1 and 2 in the illustrative embodiment described.
    [0067] Varistor 134 is a non-linear varistor element such as metal oxide (MOV) varistor. Since MOV is a well-understood varistor element it will not be described in detail below, except to note that it is formed in a generally rectangular configuration having opposite faces or sides and generally parallel 150 and 152 and slightly rounded corners. Varistor 134 has a generally constant thickness and is solid (that is, it does not include voids or openings). As in the understanding of the technique, the MOV is reactive to the voltage applied to the switch in a high impedance state or mode or in a low impedance state or mode. The varistor switches the state and dissipates heat in an overvoltage condition, where the voltage placed by terminals 120 and 122 exceeds a fixing voltage for the MOV and the MOV becomes conductive to diverge the current in the electrical ground.
    [0068] Unlike conventional surge suppression devices such as those discussed above, varistor 134 does not need to be made of epoxy or encapsulated varistor element due to the construction and assembly of device 100 that avoids any need for such encapsulation. The manufacturing and costing steps associated with varistor 134 encapsulation are certainly avoided.
    [0069] Terminal 120 is formed as a generally flat conductive member which is mounted on the surface next to 152 of varistor element 134. Terminal 120 can be manufactured from a blade of conductive material or metal alloy according to known techniques, and as shown in the illustrated embodiment includes a generally square top section that is complementary in shape to the profile of the varistor element 134, and a contact blade extending from it as shown in the Figures. The square top section of terminal 120 is welded to the side 152 of the varistor using a high temperature solder known in the art. The upper square section of terminal 120 provides a large area of contact with varistor 134. In other embodiments, terminal 120 could take various other shapes as desired, and the contact blade could be supplied separately instead of integrally formed as shown.
    [0070] Side 150 of varistor element 134, opposite side 152 including the one mounted on the surface terminal 120, is mounted on the surface on the base plate 132 as described below.
    [0071] The base plate 132, also shown in Figures 5 and 6 in the rear and front views, respectively, is a thin element to be formed of an insulating or electrically non-conductive material in a generally square shape and having opposite faces or sides opposites 160 and 162. In one embodiment, plate 132 may be manufactured from a ceramic material, and more specifically from alumina ceramic to provide a structural sound base for the varistor element 134 as well as competently supporting electrical arching as the device 100 operates as further explained below. Other insulating materials are certainly known and can be used to manufacture plate 132 in other embodiments.
    [0072] On side 160 (shown in Figures 5 and 6), plate 132 is provided with a centrally located and square 164 contact, which can be formed from the conductive material in a galvanizing process or other technique known in the art. On the opposite side 162, plate 132 is provided with a centrally located and square 166 contact, which can also be formed from the conductive material in a galvanizing process or other technique known in the art. Each of the contacts 164, 166 defines a contact area on the respective side 160, 162 of the plate 132, and as shown in the exemplary mode that illustrates contact 166 forms a much larger contact area on side 162 than the corresponding contact area. for contact 164 on side 160. While square contact areas of different proportions are shown, contacts 164, 166 need not necessarily be square in other modalities and other geometric shapes of contacts 164 may be sufficient. Likewise, different proportions of the contact areas are not necessarily necessary and can be considered optional in some modalities.
    [0073] As best shown in Figures 5 and 6, insulating plate 132 is also provided with through holes that extend completely through the thickness of the plate 132. The through holes can be placed or filled with a conductive material to form conductive pathways 168 which interconnect contacts 164 and 166 on respective sides 160 and 162. Thus, conductive passages are provided extending from one side 160 of plate 132 to another side 162 by virtue of contacts 164, 166 and tracks 168.
    [0074] As shown in Figure 5, the lateral sides of the plate 132 in an exemplary embodiment share a dimension d of approximately 38 mm, and the plate has a thickness t of approximately 0.75 to 1.0 mm in the example shown. Other dimensions are certainly possible and can be adopted.
    [0075] As shown in Figure 6, side 160 of plate 132 includes, in addition to contact 164, an anchor element 170 for short-circuit element 140. Anchor element 170 can be a plate element or printed for be formed on the surface of the side 160, and can be formed of a conductive material. The anchor element 170 is electrically insulated on the surface of the side 160, and serves mechanical retention purposes only as the short circuit current element 140 is installed. While an exemplary shape for the anchor element 170 is shown, several other shapes are possible.
    [0076] As seen in Figures 4, 7 and 8, the short circuit disconnecting element 140 is generally a flat conductive element including a rear side 180 and a front side 182 opposite each other. More specifically, the short circuit disconnecting element 140 is formed to include an anchoring section 184, side conductors 186 and 188 extending from the anchoring section 184, and a longitudinally spaced contact section 190 of the anchoring section. 184, but interconnected with conductors 186, 188. Conductors 186 and 188 extend longitudinally upwards from the side edges of the anchoring section 184 by a distance, turning approximately 180 ° and extend downwards towards the anchoring part 184 for another distance, and then rotates approximately 90 ° to reach and join with the contact section 190. The contact section 190 is formed in the example shown in a square shape having a contact area approximately equal to the contact area for the contact plate 164.
    [0077] The contact section 190 can be mounted on the surface to the contact of the plate 164 using a low temperature solder to form a thermal disconnect junction between them, while the anchoring section 184 is mounted on the surface to the plate anchoring element. 170 using high temperature solder. As a result, anchor section 184 is effectively mounted and anchored in a fixed position on side 160 of plate 132, while contact section 190 can be moved and separated from contact plate 164 when the low temperature joint is weakened as Described below.
    [0078] The conductors 186 and 188 of the short-circuit disconnecting element 140 are further formed with the narrow sections 192 having a reduced cross-sectional area, sometimes referred to as weak points. When exposed to a short-circuit current condition, the weak points 192 will melt and disintegrate so that conductors 186 and 188 no longer conduct the current, and thus disconnect the varistor element 134 from power line 124 (Figure 1) . The length of conductors 186 and 188, which is extended at 180 ° turns, as well as the number and areas of the weak points, determine a short circuit rating for conductors 186, 188. The short circuit rating can then vary with different conductor configurations 186, 188.
    [0079] The short circuit disconnect element 140 also includes, as best shown in Figure 4, a retaining section 194 and rail sections 196 that extend across the plane of anchor sections 184, conductors 186, 188 and section contact 190. The retaining section 194 includes an opening 198 that cooperates with the thermal disconnecting element 142 as described below, and the rails 196 serve as mounting and guide functions for movement of the thermal disconnecting element 142.
    [0080] Terminal 122 is shown as an element provided separately from the short circuit disconnect element 140 in the illustrated examples. Terminal 122 is welded to the anchoring section 184 in an exemplary embodiment. In another embodiment, however, terminal 122 could be supplied in its entirety, or otherwise, attached to anchor section 184.
    [0081] The thermal disconnecting element 142 includes, as shown in Figures 4 and 7, a non-conductive body 200 made of molded plastic, for example. The body 200 is opposed to the display flaps that extend 204 and 206, pockets of the tilt element 208 and 210, and elongated compartments 212 and 214 that extend longitudinally on the sides thereof. The compartments 212 and 214 receive the tracks 196 (Figure 4) when the thermal disconnecting element 142 is installed, and the pockets 208 and 210 receive the inclination elements 216 and 218 in the form of helical compression springs.
    [0082] The indication flap 206 is inserted through opening 198 (Figure 4) in the retaining section 194 of the short-circuit disconnect element 140, and the springs 216, 218 rest on the upper edges of the rails 196, (as yet shown in Figure 14) and provide a tilting force directed upward against the straight section 194. In normal operation, and because the contact section 190 is welded to the plate 164 contact (Figure 7), the tilting force is insufficient to overcome the welded joint and contact section 190 is in static balance in place. When the welded joint is weakened, however, as in a low to moderate, but sustained overvoltage condition, the tilting force acting on the retaining section 194 overcomes the weakened welded joint and causes the contact section 190 to be moved away contact plate 164.
    [0083] Figure 8 is a front view of the assembly of a manufacturing step for the device 100 in which the terminal 122 is welded in the anchoring section 184 of the short circuit disconnecting element 140. The secure mechanical and electrical connection between the short circuit disconnecting element 140 and terminal 122 are then checked.
    [0084] Figure 9 shows the disconnecting element of the short circuit 140 mounted on the assembly of the varistor 130. Specifically, the contact section 190 is mounted on the surface to the contact of the plate 164 (Figures 6 and 7) using a low weld temperature and the anchor section 184 is mounted on the anchor element of the plate 170 (Figures 6 and 7) using high temperature solder.
    [0085] Figures 10 and 11 also show the terminal 120 mounted on the surface to the varistor element 134 using a high temperature solder. As best shown in Figure 10, varistor 134 is placed between terminal 120 and one side of plate 132, and plate 132 is placed between varistor 134 and short-circuit disconnect element 140. Because of the mounting engagement from the direct surface of the components, a compact assembly occurs, giving the device 100 a considerably reduced thickness T (Figure 1) compared to the known surge suppression devices.
    [0086] Figures 12 and 13 show the thermal disconnecting element 142 installed in the assembly shown in Figure 9. The flap 206 is inserted through the retaining section 194 of the short circuit disconnecting element 140, and the compartments 212, 214 are received on rails 196 (also shown in Figure 4). The tilting elements 216, 218 (Figure 4) are compressed by the thermal disconnecting element 142 when installed.
    [0087] Figure 14 illustrates device 100 with short-circuit current element 140 and thermal disconnect element 142 in normal operation. The tilt elements 216 and 218 of the thermal disconnect element 142 provide an upward tilt force (indicated by Arrow F in Figure 15). In normal operation, however, the tilt force F is insufficient to dislodge the welded junction of contact section 190 of the short circuit disconnecting element 140 to the contact of plate 164 (Figures 6 and 7).
    [0088] Figures 15 and 16 illustrate a first mode of disconnecting the device in which the thermal disconnection operates to disconnect varistor 134.
    [0089] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, as the welded joints weaken when the varistor element heats up and becomes conductive in an overvoltage condition, the sloping force F neutralizes the weakened welded joint at the release point, where as shown in Figure 16, the sloping elements cause the thermal disconnecting element 142 to be displaced and moved axially in a linear direction on the tracks 196. Because the flap 206 of the thermal disconnecting element 142 is coupled to the retaining section 194 of the chain element short circuit 140, as the thermal disconnecting element 142 moves the retaining section 194 as well, which pulls and separates the contact section 190 from the contact of plate 164. The electrical connection through plate 132 is then cut, and the varistor 134 disconnects from terminal 122 and electrical line 124 (Figure 1).
    [0090] As contact section 190 is moved, an arc gap is created between the original weld position of contact section 190 and its offset position shown in Figure 16. Any electrical arcing that may occur is safely contained in the gap between the insulating plate 132 and the thermal disconnecting element 142, and is mechanically and electrically isolated from the varistor element 134 on the opposite side of the insulating plate 132.
    [0091] The tilt elements generate sufficient force in the thermal disconnect element 142 as it is released to cause conductors 186, 188 to bend, tilt or deform close to contact section 190, as indicated in regions 230 in Figure 16, as the thermal disconnecting element 142 moves. Because conductors 186, 188 are formed as thin, flexible strips of conductive material (having an exemplary thickness of 0.004 inches or less), they deform more easily as the thermal disconnect 142 begins to move. As shown in Figure 16, the thermal disconnect element 142 can be moved upward along a linear axis until indicator flap 206 projects through the upper side 108 of housing 102 (Figure 1) to provide visual indication that device 100 operated and needs replacement.
    [0092] Figure 17 illustrates a second disconnect mode of device 100 in which the short circuit disconnect element 140 operated to disconnect varistor 134 from terminal 122 and electrical line 124 (Figure 1). As seen in Figure 17, conductors 186 and 188 disintegrated at weak points 192 (Figures s 4 and 7) and can no longer conduct the current between anchor section 184 and contact section 190 of the short-circuit disconnect element 140. The electrical contact with the contact of the plate 164 and the pathways 168 on the other side of the plate 132 where the varistor element 134 resides is then interrupted, and the varistor 134 is certainly no longer connected to terminal 122 and the power line 124. The short circuit disconnecting element 140 will operate in extreme overvoltage events in less time than the thermal disconnecting element 142 would require. The rapid failure of the varistor element 134 before the thermal protection element 142 has time to act, and the resulting short circuit conditions are then avoided.
    [0093] Figures 18-20 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of an outbreak suppression device 300 that is similar in many respects to the device 100 described above. The common functions of the devices 300 and 100 are then indicated with the same reference characters in Figures 18-20. As the common functions are described in detail above, it is believed that no further discussion is necessary.
    [0094] Regardless of device 100, the assembly of varistor 130 is also provided with a separable contact bridge 302 (best shown in Figure 20) which is loaded to the thermal disconnect element 142. The opposite ends 308, 310 of the contact bridge 302 are respectively welded at the distal ends 304, 306 of the short-circuit element 140 with low temperature solder. The contact section 190 of the bridge 302 is welded to the contact 164 (Figure 7) of the base plate 132 with low temperature solder.
    [0095] In the normal operation of the device 300, as shown in Figure 18, the low temperature welding joints that connect the ends 308, 310 and the contact section of the bridge 302 are strong enough to support the flow of electrical current through the device 100 as discussed above.
    [0096] As the low temperature welding joints are weakened when the varistor element heats up and becomes conductive in an overvoltage condition, the sloping force F neutralizes the weakened welded joints at the release point, and the ends 308, 310 and contact section 190 of bridge 302 separates the ends 304, 306 of the short-circuit element 140 and the contact 164 of the base plate 132. As this occurs, and as shown in Figures 19 and 20, the sloping elements of the disconnecting element thermal 142 cause the thermal disconnecting element 142 to be displaced and moved axially in a linear direction. Because the flap 206 (Figure 19) of the thermal disconnecting element 142 is coupled to the retaining section 194 (Figure 20) of the contact bridge 302, as the thermal disconnecting element 142 moves the contact bridge 302 also moves. The electrical connection through plate 132 through contact 164 is then cut, and varistor 134 certainly becomes disconnected from terminal 122 and power line 124 (Figure 1). Likewise, the electrical connection between the ends 308, 310 of the contact bridge 302 and the ends 304, 306 of the short-circuit element 140 are cut. This result is sometimes referred to as the “triple break” feature in which the three points of contact are interrupted through the three different low temperature welding joints. The triple break action provides the device 300's ability to carry the higher system voltages than the device 100.
    [0097] The short circuit operation of device 300 is substantially similar to device 100 described above. The device 300, however, includes welding anchors 312 in the assembly of the varistor 130 that allow the short circuit element 140 to support, for example, high energy impulse currents without deforming, or otherwise compromising the operation of the device 300 Such high-energy impulse currents may result from test procedures or voltage surges that are not problematic to an electrical system and are not of concern for the purposes of the device 300. Welding anchors 312 connect the power current element short circuit 140 to the base plate 132 without creating electrical connections. Welding anchors 312 as shown can be located between adjacent weak points in the short-circuit current element, or in other locations as desired.
    [0098] Figure 21 is a partial enlarged view of another modality of an exemplary surge suppression device 400 that still offers other functions and advantages. The components shown in Figure 21 can be associated with a housing, such as housing 102 shown and described above with similar effect.
    [0099] The surge suppression device 400 includes the short circuit disconnecting element 140, the separable contact bridge 302, the base plate 132, the varistor element 134 and the terminal 120.
    [00100] The base plate 132 includes several different anchoring elements 402, 404, 406 that can be placed or printed on the surface 408 of the base plate 132 of a conductive material. The anchoring parts 402, 404, 406 are provided in opposite pairs spaced with the exemplary anchoring elements 406 arranged as follows in one embodiment. Anchor elements 406 are generally elongate elements that extend parallel to each other along a first axis (for example, a vertical axis as shown in Figure 21) near an upper edge 410 of plate 132. Anchors 404 they are generally elongated elements that extend parallel to each other along a second axis (for example, a horizontal axis as shown in Figure 21) close to the edges of the opposite side 412, 414 of the plate 132. The anchoring elements 402 are shown as larger elements close to the lower corners of the plate 132 where the lateral margins 412, 414 intersect with the lower margin 416 of the plate 132. Also, each of the anchoring elements 402 generally the rectangular islands with vertical extensions or flaps 420. The respective anchor elements 402, 404 and 406 are electrically insulated on the surface 408 of the base plate 132, but provide several mechanical retaining surfaces for fixing the disconnecting element of the short-circuit 140 to the various locations on the plate 132 using techniques known as welding. While the exemplary anchor elements 402, 404 and 406 are shown, others are possible, in addition or in place of elements 402, 404 and 406. Various shapes and geometries, as well as varying dimensions and orientation of the anchor elements can be be used as desired.
    [00101] Also, in place of the contact paths 168 (Figures 5 and 6) that provide the electrical paths through the base plate 132, the device 400 includes a solid spacer 430 that is received in a central through hole or opening 432 formed in the plate 132. In the exemplary embodiment shown, spacer 430 is a generally disk-shaped element formed approximately the thickness of plate 132, and through hole 432 is a generally circular opening having a slightly larger internal dimension than outer diameter of spacer 430. Several other alternative shapes of spacer 430 and through hole 432 are possible in more and / or alternative modes.
    [00102] The spacer 430 in the observed modalities can be manufactured from a solid material (i.e., continuous structure without openings formed therein), conductive material such as silver, copper or other suitable materials known in the art. Spacer 430 can be mechanically attached to plate 132 through hole 432 using known welding techniques. Spacer 430 provides a relatively lower cost option for mounting relative to contact paths 168 described above without compromising the performance of device 400. Contact bridge 302 is welded to spacer 430 after mounting on base plate 132, and solder it is selected to release the contact bridge 302, with the help of the thermal disconnect element 142 as described above, in response to the predetermined electrical conditions. While a spacer 430 is shown in the illustrated example, it is noted that several spacers can be used if desired to create additional contact surfaces and electrical connections across plate 132, albeit at a higher cost and more complicated assembly.
    [00103] Terminal 120 as shown in Figure 21 still includes a generally rectangular mounting section 434 provided with several openings 436. Mounting section 434 provides a much larger surface area for connection with varistor element 134 than, for example , the modality shown in Figure 3. In the example shown, mounting section 434 is also provided with a grid-like surface including raised mounting surfaces separated by depressions or grooves 438. In addition, grooves 438 and openings 436 provide a degree ventilation to avoid excessive heat. Because of the high contact area of the surface, terminal 120 can be easier to assemble while providing improved reliability in the electrical connection to the varistor element 134.
    [00104] Figure 22 is a first view of the assembly of the device 400 with the thermal disconnecting element 142 coupled to it in the manner explained above. Figure 22 represents a normal operating condition in which the electrical connection between terminals 120 and 122 and the varistor element 134 is complete and the surge suppression capability of device 400 is available and operable to address electrical overvoltage conditions, sometimes referred to as outbreak conditions.
    [00105] Figure 23 shows the thermal disconnecting element 142 that operated to disconnect the varistor element 134 (Figure 21) coupled to the opposite side of the base plate 132. As shown in Figures 23 and 24 (where the thermal disconnecting element 142 not shown), contact bridge 302 has been released from spacer 430 and the electrical connection between terminals 120 and 122 has been opened or disconnected. The thermal disconnecting element 142, which carries the contact bridge 302, is movable along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 440 of the contact blade of terminals 120 and 122 of the normal condition (Figure 22) to the operated position (Figures 23 and 24).
    [00106] Figures 25-30 are various views of another embodiment of an exemplary surge suppression device 450 that is similar in many respects to the embodiments described above, but as shown in Figures 26-28 the surge suppression device 450 includes an alternative thermal disconnect element 452 and an alternative indication structure for driving if the device 450 is in a normal operating condition or a disconnected condition.
    [00107] Figure 25 is a perspective view of the complete device 450. Figure 26 is a partial view of the assembly of the device 450 that illustrates the thermal disconnect element 452 in a normal operating condition. Figure 27 is a view similar to Figure 26, but showing the internal construction of the thermal disconnect element 452. Figure 28 is a perspective view of the device 450. Figure 29 is a view similar to Figure 27, but showing the thermal disconnecting element which operated to disconnect varistor element 134. Figure 30 is a perspective view of device 450.
    [00108] The thermal disconnect device 452, as shown in Figures 25-30, resides on a non-conductive base 454 that is interlocked with housing 102 to form a housing around the varistor and internal components assembly. The varistor element 134, including the spacer 430, is coupled to the terminal 122 on one side and the thermal disconnect element 452 is coupled to the opposite side of the varistor element 134 as shown in Figures 26-29. The varistor element 134 in this embodiment can be an epoxy encapsulated varistor element so that the base plate 132 in the previous embodiments can be omitted. Alternatively, the base plate 132 can be included with a varistor element not encapsulated by epoxy.
    [00109] The thermal disconnecting element 452 carries a separable contact bridge 456, and is movable on rails 458, 460 from the normal or connected position (Figure 26) where the contact bridge completes the electrical connection through the varistor element 134 and the disconnected position (Figure 29) where the contact bridge 456 is released from the spacer 430 and the electrical connection to the varistor element 134 is interrupted. Like some of the above modes, the 456 separable contact bridge is welded with low temperature solder at the three different locations, and provides the "triple break" feature described above. Regardless of the previous modes, the thermal disconnect element 452 is movable along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis 440 (Figure 29) of the contact blade of terminals 120 and 122. Thus, instead of moving parallel to axis 440 as in the modalities described above, the thermal disconnect element 452 moves along an axis perpendicular to the axis 440 of the terminals. Alternatively stated, the thermal disconnect element 452, instead of moving upwards without connecting the device terminals as described above, moves side by side inside housing 102. [00110] The thermal disconnecting element 452 can be formed from a non-conductive material such as plastic according to known techniques, and can be tilted towards the disconnected position with a pair of tilt elements 462, 464 as spiral springs. Various adaptations are possible, however, using few or many inclination elements as well as different types of inclination elements.
    [00111] The thermal disconnect element 452 in the mode shown is dimensioned to be larger than the varistor element 134 in a direction parallel to axis 440, and is smaller than varistor element 134 in a direction perpendicular to axis 440. That is, the height of the thermal disconnect element 452 is greater than the corresponding height of the varistor element 134 as shown in Figures 26-29, but the width of the thermal disconnect element 452 is less than the corresponding width of the varistor element 134 as shown in Figures 26-29. A remote status driver 466 can be mounted and loaded from the thermal disconnect element 452 at a location between the varistor element 134 and the base housing 454, and an indicator surface 468 can be mounted and loaded from the thermal disconnect element 452. The driver remote status 466 and indicator surface 466 can be supplied separately or integrally with thermal disconnect element 452, and in the example shown both driver 466 and indicator surface 468 extend in planes perpendicular to the plane of varistor element 134. When the device 450 operates, the remote status trigger 466 and the indicator surface 468 move with the thermal disconnect element, and respectively travel through a micro-switch or other element located in the base housing 454 to generate a signal to remotely monitor the purposes, while providing the local indication at the top of the device 450.
    [00112] As best seen in Figures 28 and 30, indicator 468 is provided with first and second colors at opposite ends 470 and 472 of this. When the thermal disconnect element 452 is in the normal operating position, the first end 470 is positioned to be viewed through an opening 116 formed in housing 102. When the thermal disconnect element 452 is in the disconnected position, however, indicator 468 is moved so that the second end 472 is positioned to be seen through aperture 116. Thus, by providing the first and second ends 470, 472 with contrast colors, one can easily see whether the device operated or not by simply visually inspecting the indicator 468 through aperture 116. The revealed color will indicate the status of the device 450. In another embodiment, graphics, symbols and other symbols without color can be used with similar effect to indicate the status of the device at the location of the color-coded elements as described.
    [00113] The base housing 454 can, as shown in Figure 30, include an opening that can accommodate a part of a microintructor or other element to be activated by the remote status trigger 466 as the thermal disconnect element 452 moves from position normal to the disconnected position.
    [00114] Figures 31-36 illustrate several views of another embodiment of an exemplary surge suppression device 500 that is similar in some respects to the embodiments described above, but includes another alternative thermal disconnect element 502 and alternative indication characteristics.
    [00115] The device 500 is similar to the device 450 described above, but includes a thermal disconnecting element 502 arranged to move along an axis parallel to the axis 440 of the terminals between the normal operating position (Figures 33-34) and the position disconnected (Figures 35 and 36). The thermal disconnecting element 502 is slidable in channels or rails 504, 506 formed on the surfaces of the interior side of the housing 102 (Figures 34 and 36). Inclination elements 508, 510 as spiral springs cooperate with thermal disconnect element 502 to facilitate the release of contact bridge 456 from spacer 430 to disconnect varistor element 134. Extensions 512, 514 are formed on the side sides of the thermal disconnect 502 which cooperate with the rails 504, 506 to guide the thermal disconnect element 502 as it is moved by the force of the tilting element 508, 510 as the device 500 operates.
    [00116] A microswitch 516 can be provided in an interior location to housing 102 in a location above the varistor element 134. The microswitch 516 can be triggered by the thermal disconnect element 502 as it operates, as shown in Figures 35 and 36. The location indicator flaps 518, 520 can also be provided on the thermal disconnect element 502, and the flaps 518, 520 are projected through the openings in housing 102 as the thermal disconnect element 502 takes the disconnected position. In the normal operating position, however, flaps 518, 520 are completely contained within housing 102 and cannot be seen. Thus, one can know whether the device 500 operated or not by the presence (or absence) of the tabs of the indicator 518, 520 in the visual inspection of the device 450.
    [00117] Figures 37-39 illustrate another modality of a thermal disconnect device that illustrates the triple break operation of the device as it operates. The contact bridge 456 is welded to spacer 430 at a first location 532, and welded to terminal 120 at the second and third locations 534 and 536. As welded connections 532, 534 and 536 are heated through the current flow through the varistor element 134, the bridge contact 456 begins to move and interrupt the electrical connections at locations 534, 536 while the electrical connection 532 remains. As this occurs, electrical arching is first divided in parallel through locations 534 and 536 as shown in Figure 38. When electrical contact with spacer 430 is interrupted briefly thereafter as shown in Figure 39, electrical arching occurs in a third location between the locations of the split arches shown in Figure 38. The arc length separation is increased as the contact bridge 456 is moved completely to the final disconnect position, and the arching stops completely as the contact bridge 456 takes its position Final.
    [00118] As noted, contact bridge 456 in this example is soldered directly to terminal 120 and no short circuit disconnecting element 140 is provided as in other embodiments disclosed above. For high voltage DC applications, the arrangement shown in Figures 37-39 can competently operate without the short circuit disconnecting element 140, a spindle, or any alternative elements to interrupt the electrical connection through the device regardless of the element varistor 134. Furthermore, to the extent that a short-circuit disconnecting element may be desirable in one embodiment, it can be considerably simplified from the short-circuit disconnecting element 140 shown and described with respect to the above modalities.
    [00119] Furthermore, the arrangement shown in Figures 37-39 may involve an epoxy encapsulated MOV that does not require the base plate 132 described in relation to one of the modalities discussed above. In other embodiments, the base plate 132 can be included as desired.
    [00120] Figure 40 illustrates a partial view of the enlarged assembly of another modality of a surge suppression device 600.
    [00121] The assembly includes a first terminal 602, a thermal disconnect element 604, a contact bridge 606 and tilting elements 608, 610 providing a triple break function as discussed above. Terminal 602 is welded to a surface of the base plate 132 and the thermal disconnect element 604 operates similarly to those described above.
    [00122] On the side of the base plate 132 opposite terminal 602 a contact of plate 612 is provided and welded on it. The contact of the plate 612 has a surface area that is substantially coextensive with the lining surfaces of the base plate 312 and of the varistor element 134 that fixes next to the contact of the plate 612 opposite the base plate 132. The contact of the plate 612 includes a raised section of contact 614 which is inserted through an opening 616 in the base plate 132. The contact section 614 is then exposed on the opposite side of the base plate 132 and the contact bridge 606 can be welded to it. The contact of plate 612 can be manufactured from a conductive material known to the technician as silver, and because of the comparatively larger surface area it provides thermal and electrical conduction through device 600 with respect to the modalities described above.
    [00123] A second terminal 618 is welded next to the varistor element 134 opposite the contact of the plate 612 to complete the assembly. Another more compact, yet effective, device construction is provided.
    [00124] The benefits and advantages of the invention are now known to be evident from the exemplary embodiments described. [00125] A modality of a transient voltage surge suppression device has been revealed, including: a varistor assembly including: a varistor element having opposite first and second sides, the varistor element operable in a high impedance mode and a low impedance in response to an applied voltage; a first conductive terminal provided on a first side of the vari-tor; a second conductive terminal provided on the second side of the varistor element; a separable contact bridge that interconnects one of the first and second terminals and varistor; and a thermal disconnecting element, the loaded and movable separable contact bridge with the thermal disconnecting element along a linear axis relative to the varistor element.
    [00126] Optionally, the device can also include a contact provided on the first side of the varistor element, the separable contact bridge connected to the contact. The contact can include one of a contact spacer and a contact plate.
    [00127] The thermal disconnecting element can be slidably movable along a rail, and can be tilted towards a disconnected position. The first conductive terminal may include a terminal blade having a longitudinal axis, and the thermal disconnecting element may be movable along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis, or it may be movable along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    [00128] The device can also include an indicator of the status of the location. The location status indicator can display at least one first color when the device is in a first operational state, and at least a second color when the device is in a second operational state. The location status indicator can be slidably movable between a first position and a second position. The location status indicator can be coupled and mobile with the thermal disconnect element. The device may include a housing, with the varistor assembly located in the housing, and where the location status indicator includes first and second tabs, the first and second tab that protrude from the housing to indicate an operational state disconnected from the device.
    [00129] The device can also include a remote status indicator. The remote status indicator may include a switch. The switch can be triggered by the thermal disconnect element when the device is in a disconnected state.
    [00130] The varistor element may be an epoxy coated metal oxide varistor. The first conductive terminal and the second conductive terminal can include end blades. At least the first or second terminal conductor can include a surface having raised mounting surfaces separated by the depressions.
    [00131] An insulating base plate can be fixedly mounted with respect to the varistor element, the insulating plate having first and second opposite sides, and one of the first and second opposite side of the varistor being mounted on the surface to one of the opposite sides of the plate . The insulating base plate can include a ceramic plate, and the ceramic plate can include alumina ceramic. The insulating base plate may include a contact element that extends through and between opposite sides of the insulating base plate. The insulating base plate can include a central opening, with the contact element that fills the opening. The contact element can be substantially circular. The contact element can be a weld spacer. The contact element can also be the contact of the plate, the contact of the plate having a projection section that extends through and between the opposite sides of the insulating base plate.
    [00132] The device may also include comprising an element for disconnecting the short circuit, thus providing at least first and second modes of operation for the device.
    [00133] Another embodiment of a transient voltage surge suppression device has been disclosed including: a varistor assembly comprising: a varistor element having opposite first and second sides, the varistor element operable in a high impedance mode and a low mode impedance in response to an applied voltage; a first conductive terminal provided on a first side of the vari-tor; and a second conductive terminal provided on the second side of the varistor element; and a separable contact bridge that interconnects one of the first and second terminals and varistor, the separable contact bridge configured to provide a triple break disconnect to the varistor element.
    [00134] Optionally, the separable contact bridge is connected directly to the first or second terminal conductor. The varistor element can be an epoxy encapsulated metal oxide varistor. [00135] An insulating base plate can also be on the contact surface with the varistor element. The base plate can include at least one opening in it, with the device still including a contact element that extends through the opening. The contact element can be a contact path, a conductive spacer, and a projection of the plate.
    [00136] The device may also include a thermal disconnecting element, the loaded and movable separable contact bridge with the thermal disconnecting element along a linear axis with respect to the varistor element. At least one of the first and second terminal conductors can include a contact blade having a longitudinal axis, and the linear axis can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis.
    [00137] The device can also include a location status indicator, the loaded and mobile location status indicator with the thermal disconnect element. The location status indicator can be color coded. A remote status element can also be provided, with the remote status element triggered by the movement of the thermal disconnect element.
    [00138] The device may also include an element for disconnecting the short circuit, and in which the separable contact bridge is connected to the element for disconnecting the short circuit in a first location and in a second location.
    [00139] This written description uses examples to reveal the invention, including the best way, and to allow any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and carrying out any built-in methods. The patented scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. These other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with non-substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (15)
    [1]
    1. A transient voltage surge suppression device (300, 400, 450, 500, 600) comprising: a varistor assembly (130) comprising: a varistor element (130) having opposite first and second main side surfaces (160, 162 ), the varistor element (130) configured to operate in a high impedance mode and a low impedance mode in response to an applied voltage; a first conductive terminal (120) provided on the first main side surface of the varistor element (130); a second conductive terminal (122) provided on the second main side surface of the varistor element (130); a separable contact bridge (302, 452, 456, 606) that interconnects one of the first and second terminals and varistor element (130); and a thermal disconnecting element (142, 452, 502, 604), characterized by the fact that the separable contact bridge (302, 452, 456, 606) is loaded on and mobile with the thermal disconnecting element (142, 452 , 502, 604) along a linear axis relative to the varistor element (130).
    [2]
    2. Device (450, 500, 600), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it still comprises a contact (164) provided on the first main lateral surface of the varistor element (130), the separable contact bridge (302 , 452, 456, 606) connected to the contact (164).
    [3]
    3. Device (450, 500, 600) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the contact (164) comprises one of a contact spacer (430) and a contact plate (612).
    [4]
    4. Device (300, 400, 450, 500, 600) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the thermal disconnecting element (142, 452, 502, 604) is tilted in the direction of a disconnected position .
    [5]
    5. Device (300, 400, 500, 600) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first conductive terminal comprises a terminal blade having a longitudinal axis, and the thermal disconnecting element (142, 452, 502 , 604) is movable along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis.
    [6]
    6. Device (450) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first conductive terminal comprises a terminal blade having a longitudinal axis, and the thermal disconnecting element (452) is movable along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    [7]
    7. Device (300, 400, 450, 500, 600), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it still comprises an indicator of the status of the location (204, 206, 466, 518, 520).
    [8]
    8. Device (450) according to claim 7, characterized in that the location status indicator (468) displays at least one first color when the device is in a first operational state, and at least a second color when the device is in a second operational state.
    [9]
    9. Device (300, 400, 450, 500, 600), according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the status indicator (204, 206, 466, 518, 520) of the location is coupled and mobile with the thermal disconnecting element (142, 452, 502, 604).
    [10]
    10. Device (300, 400, 450, 500, 600), according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that it still comprises a housing (102), the assembly of the varistor (130) located in the housing, and in which the indicator of the location status (204, 206, 466, 518, 520) comprises the first and second tabs (204, 206, 518, 520), the first and second tab (204, 206, 518, 520) projecting from the housing to indicate an operational state disconnected from the device.
    [11]
    11. Device (450, 500), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it also comprises a remote status indicator for the device.
    [12]
    12. Device (300, 400, 450, 500, 600), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it still comprises an insulating base plate (132) fixedly mounted in relation to the varistor element (130), the base plate insulator (132) having the first and second opposite sides, and one of the first and second opposite sides of the varistor (130) being mounted on the surface on one of the opposite sides of the insulating base plate (132).
    [13]
    13. Device (300, 400, 450, 500, 600) according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that the insulating base plate (132) still comprises a contact element (164, 430, 614) that extends through and between the opposite sides of the insulating base plate (132).
    [14]
    14. Device (300, 400) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it still comprises a disconnecting element (140) from the short circuit, thus providing at least first and second operating modes for the device (300, 400 ).
    [15]
    15. Device (400) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the first and second conductive terminals comprises a surface having raised mounting surfaces separated by the depressions (438).
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    BR112013004742B1|2020-03-17|COMPACT TRANSIENT VOLTAGE SURGERY SUPPRESSION DEVICE
    US8659866B2|2014-02-25|Compact transient voltage surge suppression device
    KR101318852B1|2013-10-16|Surge suppressor with thermal protective function
    US8699198B2|2014-04-15|Compact transient voltage surge suppression device
    JP2013536562A5|2014-09-25|
    ES2638297T3|2017-10-19|Triple function reflux circuit protection device
    ES2814345T3|2021-03-26|Surge protection device modules that include thermal cut-out mechanisms and methods that include them
    JP2013537722A5|2014-09-25|
    PT2707892T|2016-09-12|Redundant excess voltage circuit breaker with a rotational disk and with an added electronic assembly intended to extend a life span of an excess-voltage component
    ES2845279T3|2021-07-26|Surge protection arrangement, consisting of a horned spark gap located in an insulating housing
    US20070201177A1|2007-08-30|Surge protection device disconnector
    BRPI0800086B1|2018-09-18|surge protection device with a movable contact comprising selective disconnecting means
    JP4842004B2|2011-12-21|SPD for direct lightning strike
    EP3232460B1|2019-10-02|Surge protection device and thermal tripping mechanism thereof
    JPH09115705A|1997-05-02|Lightning arrester
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    WO2012027255A3|2012-06-21|
    WO2012027255A2|2012-03-01|
    TW201230115A|2012-07-16|
    CA2809032A1|2012-03-01|
    BR112013004742A2|2016-05-03|
    JP2013536562A|2013-09-19|
    TWI518730B|2016-01-21|
    US20120050935A1|2012-03-01|
    EP2609601A2|2013-07-03|
    CN103168330A|2013-06-19|
    CN103168330B|2016-06-22|
    EP2609601B1|2018-05-30|
    CN106098276B|2019-09-20|
    CN106098276A|2016-11-09|
    JP5805766B2|2015-11-10|
    US8699197B2|2014-04-15|
    CA2809032C|2018-01-16|
    ES2677355T3|2018-08-01|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    JPS5411536Y2|1973-09-20|1979-05-24|
    JPS5331147Y2|1973-09-20|1978-08-03|
    JPS5524810Y2|1975-06-17|1980-06-14|
    JPH0129768Y2|1983-04-15|1989-09-11|
    JPH0353437Y2|1986-07-02|1991-11-21|
    US5220480A|1990-10-16|1993-06-15|Cooper Power Systems, Inc.|Low voltage, high energy surge arrester for secondary applications|
    US5608596A|1990-10-16|1997-03-04|Cooper Power Systems, Inc.|Surge arrester with spring clip assembly|
    DE9414357U1|1994-09-05|1994-10-20|Dehn & Soehne|Arrangement with at least one disk-shaped varistor|
    US5956223A|1997-01-15|1999-09-21|Cooper Industries, Inc.|Surge protection system including proper operation indicator|
    US5781394A|1997-03-10|1998-07-14|Fiskars Inc.|Surge suppressing device|
    US6430819B1|1998-03-25|2002-08-13|Jeffrey E. Aldstadt|Sport measuring apparatus|
    US6430019B1|1998-06-08|2002-08-06|Ferraz S.A.|Circuit protection device|
    US7477503B2|2005-04-30|2009-01-13|Efi Electronics Corporation|Circuit protection device|
    CZ2006166A3|2006-03-14|2007-09-26|Kiwa Spol. S R. O.|Overvoltage protection device|
    JP2007324535A|2006-06-05|2007-12-13|Otowa Denki Kogyo Kk|Spd with separation mechanism|
    US7483252B2|2006-12-05|2009-01-27|Ferraz Shawmut S.A.|Circuit protection device|
    US8174353B2|2007-09-21|2012-05-08|Samhyun Cns Co., Ltd.|Varistor and varistor apparatus|
    CN201146087Y|2008-01-14|2008-11-05|爱普科斯电子元器件有限公司|Novel superheating short circuit type varistor|
    CN201266524Y|2008-08-20|2009-07-01|常州市创捷防雷电子有限公司|Surge protector|
    DE102009036125A1|2009-08-05|2011-02-10|Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co. Kg|Snubber|
    DE102010008537B4|2010-02-18|2014-10-09|Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co. Kg|Overvoltage protection order|EP2724352B1|2011-06-27|2015-01-21|ABB Technology AG|Voltage surge protection device and high voltage circuit breakers|
    DE102012004678A1|2012-03-12|2013-09-12|Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co. Kg|Surge protection device|
    JP6073488B2|2012-10-26|2017-02-01|リテルヒューズ・インク|Surge protection device|
    US10170904B2|2013-04-02|2019-01-01|Pivot Electronics Pty Ltd|Surge reduction filter|
    DE102013021936B3|2013-10-08|2015-02-12|Dehn + Söhne Gmbh + Co. Kg|Compact, prefabricatable surge protection device|
    EP3061130B1|2013-12-17|2020-11-04|Siemens Aktiengesellschaft|A protective electronic module for an hvdc convertor|
    TW201537591A|2014-03-20|2015-10-01|zan-qi Chen|Surge bleeder with security mechanism|
    JP6413583B2|2014-10-03|2018-10-31|オムロン株式会社|Switch device|
    US9697976B2|2015-03-20|2017-07-04|Cooper Technologies Company|Compact dual element fuse unit, module and fusible disconnect switch|
    WO2016161546A1|2015-04-07|2016-10-13|Dongguan Littelfuse Electronics, Co., Ltd|Surge protection device|
    ITUB20152327A1|2015-07-20|2017-01-20|Zotup S R L|IMPROVED DISCONNECTOR AND OVERVOLTAGE RELEASE INCLUDING THIS DISCONNECTOR|
    US10253956B2|2015-08-26|2019-04-09|Abl Ip Holding Llc|LED luminaire with mounting structure for LED circuit board|
    EP3417470A4|2016-02-15|2020-04-01|Dongguang Littlefuse Electronics Co., Ltd.|Thermal metal oxide varistor circuit protection device|
    CN106026067B|2016-05-17|2018-05-25|广西新全通电子技术有限公司|A kind of surge protection device of the quick disjunction of anti-arc|
    CN107809101B|2016-09-08|2019-12-06|浙江正泰电器股份有限公司|Overvoltage protector|
    US10319545B2|2016-11-30|2019-06-11|Iskra Za{hacek over }{hacek over }ite d.o.o.|Surge protective device modules and DIN rail device systems including same|
    US10447026B2|2016-12-23|2019-10-15|Ripd Ip Development Ltd|Devices for active overvoltage protection|
    US10707678B2|2016-12-23|2020-07-07|Ripd Research And Ip Development Ltd.|Overvoltage protection device including multiple varistor wafers|
    US10340110B2|2017-05-12|2019-07-02|Raycap IP Development Ltd|Surge protective device modules including integral thermal disconnect mechanisms and methods including same|
    BE1025343B1|2017-06-22|2019-02-04|Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co. Kg|Overvoltage protection device with connection elements and method for producing the same|
    US10685767B2|2017-09-14|2020-06-16|Raycap IP Development Ltd|Surge protective device modules and systems including same|
    US10251279B1|2018-01-04|2019-04-02|Abl Ip Holding Llc|Printed circuit board mounting with tabs|
    US11223200B2|2018-07-26|2022-01-11|Ripd Ip Development Ltd|Surge protective devices, circuits, modules and systems including same|
    USD935416S1|2020-05-14|2021-11-09|Mersen Usa Ep Corp.|Thermally protected metal oxide varistor|
    CN112489905A|2020-12-02|2021-03-12|辰硕电子有限公司|Zinc oxide piezoresistor with safety protection device|
    法律状态:
    2018-12-26| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according art. 34 industrial property law|
    2019-07-09| B06T| Formal requirements before examination|
    2020-01-07| B09A| Decision: intention to grant|
    2020-03-17| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 22/08/2011, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US12/870,452|US8659866B2|2010-08-27|2010-08-27|Compact transient voltage surge suppression device|
    US12/870,452|2010-08-27|
    US13/211,032|2011-08-16|
    US13/211,032|US8699197B2|2010-08-27|2011-08-16|Compact transient voltage surge suppression device|
    PCT/US2011/048583|WO2012027255A2|2010-08-27|2011-08-22|Compact transient voltage surge suppression device|
    [返回顶部]