Surge protection device, MOV with integrated short circuit protection, insertion system and arc shield

Abstract

A cassette system insertable into a base member and operable to complete an electrical circuit through the base member includes a plug system for selectively locking a cassette to the base member, where the plug system is integrally formed with a support member of the cassette. The cartridge system may also include an arc shield for suppressing an arc between the electrodes, and a protection element including integrally formed electrodes having a weak region that acts as a disconnect device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to circuit protection and monitoring devices, and more particularly, to a cartridge plugging and unplugging system for circuit protection and monitoring devices, an arc shield for suppressing arcs in circuit protection and monitoring devices, and a protection device for a voltage clamping device in a circuit protection and monitoring device. Background Art

[0002] Many highly sensitive electronic components today, such as computers and computer-related equipment used in commercial and residential applications, include circuit protection devices. These devices protect sensitive and / or expensive electronic circuits and components from various fault conditions (such as voltage surges / spikes).

[0003] A common device for preventing voltage surges / spikes is a metal oxide varistor (MOV), which is connected in parallel between the power supply service line and the ground or neutral line, or between the neutral line and the ground line. The MOV is a non-linear electronic device made of a ceramic-like material, including zinc oxide grains and a complex amorphous intergranular material. Over a wide current range, the voltage remains within a narrow band commonly referred to as the varistor voltage. A log-log plot of the instantaneous voltage (volts) versus the instantaneous current (amperes) produces an approximately horizontal line. It is this unique current-voltage characteristic that makes the MOV an ideal device for protecting sensitive electronic circuits from surges, overvoltages, faults, or short circuits.

[0004] When exposed to a voltage exceeding its voltage value, the MOV becomes a highly conductive device, absorbing and dissipating the energy associated with the overvoltage while limiting the discharge current flowing to the neutral line or the ground plane. If the overvoltage condition does not stop, the MOV will continue to overheat and ultimately result in a catastrophic failure, such as bursting or explosion. Such a catastrophic failure may damage sensitive electronic devices and components near the MOV. Damage to electrical devices or components in a power distribution system may cause a long interruption in the power supply to a building or floor until these components are replaced or repaired. In addition, a failure of the MOV in a surge suppression system may cause the fault condition to affect the sensitive electronic devices that the system is designed to protect. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a voltage suppression device for suppressing voltage surges in a circuit includes an overvoltage clamping element having a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode being operable to transmit electrical energy through the overvoltage clamping element, wherein at least one of the first electrode or the second electrode includes a region having a reduced cross-section relative to other regions of the at least one electrode.

[0006] In one embodiment, at least one electrode is integrally formed with the overvoltage clamping element.

[0007] In one embodiment, the overvoltage clamping element and at least one electrode are formed as an integral structure.

[0008] In one embodiment, in response to the current flowing through at least one electrode exceeding a predetermined threshold current, the region with a reduced cross-section electrically disconnects a part of the at least one electrode from another part of the at least one electrode.

[0009] In one embodiment, the overvoltage clamping element includes a varistor, a gas discharge tube, a spark gap, or a diode.

[0010] In one embodiment, the overvoltage clamping element has a first planar side and a second planar side opposite to the first planar side, and the first electrode is connected to the first planar side and the second electrode is connected to the second planar side.

[0011] In one embodiment, at least one electrode includes a connection region for electrically connecting the at least one electrode to another device, and the region with a reduced cross-section is disposed between the connection region and the body of the overvoltage clamping element.

[0012] In one embodiment, the overvoltage clamping element includes at least one of a disc shape, a rectangular shape, or a cylindrical shape.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, an arc shield for suppressing an arc includes: a support member including a wall; a mounting member disposed on the wall, the mounting member being configured to receive an electrode to be shielded; and a shield member attached to the support member and movable relative to the support member between a first position and a second position, wherein when the shield member is in the second position, the electrode is surrounded by the shield member and the wall.

[0014] In one embodiment, the shield member includes a first cover portion mounted on a slider and a second cover portion mounted on a rotatable member, the slider and the rotatable member being independent of each other, wherein the slider is attached to the support member and movable relative to the support member between a first slider position and a second slider position, and the rotatable member is attached to the support member and rotatable between a first angular position and a second angular position.

[0015] In one embodiment, the slider is configured to linearly move between a first position and a second position.

[0016] In one embodiment, the movement of the slider causes a corresponding movement of the rotatable member.

[0017] In one embodiment, the rotatable member includes an arcuate surface, and the slider includes a ramp portion that mates with the arcuate surface, and the movement of the slider causes the ramp portion to apply a force to the arcuate surface and push the rotatable member about the axis of rotation of the rotatable portion.

[0018] In one embodiment, the rotatable member includes a mechanical stop configured to limit the angular orientation of the rotatable member.

[0019] In one embodiment, the slider includes a first catch member and the rotatable member includes a second catch member, the first and second catch members being configured to cooperate with each other to prevent rotation of the rotatable member when the slider is in a first position.

[0020] In one embodiment, the second cover portion includes a first wall, a second wall, and a side wall joining the first wall to the second wall, wherein the first and second walls are not parallel to each other.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first cover portion includes a first wall, a second wall opposite the first wall, and a side wall joining the first wall to the second wall.

[0022] In one embodiment, the arc shield includes a biasing member coupled to the shield, the biasing member being operable to bias the shield toward a second position.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cartridge system insertable into a base member and operable to complete an electrical circuit through the base member includes: a cartridge support member; a retainer integrally formed with the support member and including a latch and an actuator, wherein displacement of the actuator results in a corresponding displacement of the latch; and a housing including an opening, wherein the support member is contained within the housing and the actuator is accessible through the opening.

[0024] In one embodiment, the cartridge system includes a voltage suppression device as described herein, wherein the voltage suppression device is mounted on the cartridge support member.

[0025] In one embodiment, the cartridge system includes a first cartridge terminal and a second cartridge terminal extending from the cartridge support member, wherein when the cartridge member is fixed to the base member, the first and second cartridge terminals complete an electrical circuit through the base member.

[0026] In one embodiment, the cartridge system includes a thermal disconnect mechanism in a ready configuration, wherein one of the first or second electrodes of the overvoltage clamping element is electrically connected to one of the first or second cartridge terminals of the cartridge component by the thermal disconnect mechanism, and the thermal disconnect mechanism is repositionable to electrically disconnect one of the first or second electrodes of the overvoltage clamping element from the corresponding first or second cartridge terminal. The thermal disconnect mechanism includes: a biasing conductor that is elastically deflected and electrically connected to one of the first or second electrodes of the overvoltage clamping element in the ready configuration; solder that fixes the biasing conductor and one of the first or second electrodes of the overvoltage clamping element in electrical connection in the ready configuration; wherein the solder is meltable in response to overheating of the overvoltage clamping element; and wherein the biasing conductor is configured to electrically disconnect one of the first or second electrodes of the overvoltage clamping element from the corresponding first or second cartridge terminal when the solder melts.

[0027] In one embodiment, the cartridge system includes an arc shield as described herein, wherein the cartridge support member includes the support member of the arc shield.

[0028] In one embodiment, when the biasing conductor electrically disconnects one of the first or second electrodes of the overvoltage clamping element, the slider moves to a second position and the rotatable member moves to a second angular position to enclose one of the first or second electrodes of the overvoltage clamping element within the first cover portion, the second cover portion, and the wall.

[0029] In one embodiment, the cartridge support member includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, and the actuator includes a first grip portion and a second grip portion respectively attached to the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

[0030] In one embodiment, the opening includes a first opening and a second opening, and the first grip portion and the second grip portion extend out of the first opening and the second opening respectively.

[0031] In one embodiment, the locking member includes a first locking member portion and a second locking member portion, and the first locking member portion and the second locking member portion are respectively attached to the first grip portion and the second grip portion.

[0032] In one embodiment, the cartridge system includes a base member.

[0033] In one embodiment, the base member includes: a base support member configured to receive the cartridge member; a receiving portion provided on the base support member, the receiving portion cooperating with the locking member to selectively fix the cartridge member to the base member; wherein the actuator is operable to displace the locking member to release the locking member from the receiving portion and enable the cartridge member to be released from the base member.

[0034] In one embodiment, the cartridge system includes a base member that includes first and second connection terminals for connection to a circuit, and first and second base terminals electrically connected to the first and second connection terminals, respectively, wherein when the cartridge member is fixed to the base member, a first cartridge terminal and a second cartridge terminal are electrically connected to the first and second base terminals, respectively.

[0035] To achieve the foregoing and related purposes, the present invention includes the features that are hereinafter described in detail and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention. However, these embodiments merely indicate several of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The present invention may take physical forms of certain components and arrangements of components, and embodiments thereof are described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the drawings, wherein:

[0037] Figures 1A to 1D a perspective view of a cartridge inserted into the base member, a perspective view of the cartridge member, a front view of the base member, and a rear view of the base member, respectively;

[0038] Figure 2A is a front view of an exemplary cartridge member in a ready state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2B is Figure 2A a rear view of the cartridge member;

[0040] Figure 2C is Figure 2A a left side view of the cartridge member;

[0041] Figure 2D is Figure 2A a right side view of the cartridge member;

[0042] Figure 2E is Figure 2A a top view of the cartridge member;

[0043] Figure 2F is Figure 2A a bottom view of the cartridge member;

[0044] Figures 3A to 3B are a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of an exemplary voltage suppression device including electrodes according to the present invention;

[0045] Figure 3C is Figure 3AA close-up view of the electrode therein;

[0046] Figures 3D - 3E are a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of another exemplary voltage suppression device including an electrode according to the present invention;

[0047] Figure 4A is a side view of the cassette member in a tripped state after the solder has just melted and before the slider and the arc shield move, according to the present invention;

[0048] Figure 4B is a side view of the cassette member in a tripped / protected state according to the present invention;

[0049] Figure 5A and Figure 5B are a side perspective view and a side view of an exemplary slider according to the present invention, respectively;

[0050] Figure 6A is a perspective view of an exemplary rotatable member according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0051] Figure 6B is a side view of an exemplary rotatable member according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals are always used to refer to like elements. It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0053] First, refer to Figures 1A to 1D , which shows a cassette member 12 and a base member 14 of a plug-and-play system 10 employing an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A shows four cassette members 12 inserted into the base member 14; Figure 1B is a front perspective view of the cassette member 12; and Figure 1C and Figure 1D are a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of the base member 14. As Figure 1A shown, the cassette member 12 is inserted into the base member 14 and is selectively fixed thereto by a plug-and-play device described in more detail below.

[0054] The base member 14 includes a support structure 16, which in the illustrated embodiment is in the form of a frame with a cover attached to the frame, to which other components of the base member 14 can be attached. In the illustrated embodiment, the support structure 16 includes a channel 18 for receiving one or more cassette members 12, the width of the channel 18 corresponding to the width of the cassette member 12 and its length corresponding to a multiple of the length of the cassette member 12. For example, in Figure 1AIn it, the size of the base member 14 is designed to accommodate four cassette members 12, and thus the length of the channel 18 is four times the length of the cassette member 12. The bottom side of the support structure 16 includes a channel 16a for mounting to a conventional DIN rail. Receiving portions 20a, 20b are provided on opposite sides of the support structure 16, and the receiving portions 20a, 20b cooperate with the locking members of the cassette member 12 to selectively fix the cassette member 12 to the base member 14, as will be described in further detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving portions 20a, 20b are in the form of horizontal slots or grooves disposed below the surface of the U-shaped channel 18.

[0055] The base member 14 further includes one or more first (e.g., ground) connection terminals 22 and one or more second (e.g., power) connection terminals 24 for connection to a circuit to be protected or monitored. The first connection terminals 22 and the second connection terminals 24 may be clamping terminals or other terminals known in the art. Fasteners (not shown) for fixing electrical conductors to the first connection terminals 22 and the second connection terminals 24 may be accessed through access holes 22a, 24a, each access hole corresponding to the respective fastener of the terminal. Electrically connected to the first connection terminals 22 and the second connection terminals 24 are one or more first base terminals 26a and one or more second base terminals 26b respectively. The first base terminals 26a and the second base terminals 26b are electrically connected to the corresponding terminals of the cassette member 12, as will be described in more detail below.

[0056] The base member 14 may optionally include an electrical connector 30 for connection to a remote device (e.g., a monitoring device). The electrical connector 30 enables remote reporting of the status of the base member 14 and / or the cassette member 12 inserted into the base member 14. For example, each cassette member 12 and / or the base member 14 may include a switch (not shown) having contacts that provide a signal indicating the status of the cassette member 12 or the base member 14, e.g., a closed contact indicating normal operation and an open contact indicating an abnormal condition. The terminals of the electrical connector 30 are electrically connected to the corresponding contacts through internal conductors (not shown) of the base member 14, and external conductors (not shown) may connect the electrical connector 30 (and the corresponding contacts) to a monitoring device that monitors the status of the cassette member 12 and / or the base member 14. A plunger 31 corresponding to each cassette member 12 may be disposed in the channel 18, and the plunger 31 moves relative to the base member 14 to actuate the switch. The plunger 31 cooperates with an actuator in the cassette member 12 (as will be described in more detail below) to provide the status of the corresponding cassette member 12.

[0057] The base member 14 may optionally include a keyway 32 for indicating the rating of the circuit to which the base member is connected. The corresponding keys 33 ( Figure 2A , Figure 2B ) of the cartridge member 12 cooperate with the keyway 32 to enable the cartridge member 12 to be inserted or rejected from the base member 14. Thus, if a user attempts to insert the cartridge member 12 with an incorrect rating or configuration into a particular slot of the base member 14, the key 33 of the cartridge member 12 will be rejected by the keyway 32 of the base member 14, and thus the cartridge member 12 cannot be inserted into that particular slot of the base member 14.

[0058] Continuing reference Figure 1B and additionally referring Figures 2A to 2F , the Figures 2A to 2F shows a front view, a rear view, a left side view, a right side view, a top view, and a bottom view of an exemplary cartridge member 12 with the housing 40 removed ( Figure 1B shows the cartridge member 12 with the housing 40). The cartridge member 12 includes a cartridge support 42 to which the components of the cartridge member 12 are attached, with the support 42 located within the housing 40 during assembly. The support includes a top wall 42a, a bottom wall 42b, and opposing side walls 42c, 42d. One or more retaining means 46a, 46b are attached to or integral with each side wall 42c, 42d, and the retaining means 46a, 46b include elastically deformable actuators 48a, 48b. Each actuator 48a, 48b includes a respective locking member 50a, 50b disposed at the bottom region of the respective actuator. Although the illustrated embodiment includes an actuator and a locking member at each side wall, it is also possible to provide a single locking member at only one side wall.

[0059] When the housing 40 is attached to the support member 42, the actuators 48a, 48b can be contacted from the outside of the housing 40, while the locking members 50a, 50b are fixed within the receiving portions 20a, 20b. In this regard, the actuators 48a, 48b can be formed with ridges or other forms of gripping members to minimize slippage when held by the user, and the actuators 48a, 48b can be pressed from the outside of the housing 40 and / or extended outside the housing 40. The movement of the actuators 48a, 48b causes corresponding movement of the locking members 50a, 50b. The locking members 50a, 50b cooperate with the receiving portions 20a, 20b of the base member 14 to selectively lock the cartridge member 12 to the base member 14 / to release the cartridge member 12 from the base member 14. More specifically, when the user applies an inward force to the actuators 48a, 48b, the actuators deform, causing the locking members 50a, 50b to displace inwardly and release from the corresponding receiving portions 20a, 20b of the base member 14, which enables the cartridge member 12 to be released and removed from the base member 14. Similarly, when the user removes the applied force, the actuators 48a, 48b return to their normal state and cause the locking members 50a, 50b to engage the corresponding receiving portions 20a, 20b. When the cartridge member 12 is inserted and fixed to the base member 14, only the actuators 48a, 48b can be contacted outside the housing (and in the illustrated embodiment, the actuators 48a, 48b extend through the housing 40), while all other components are enclosed by the housing 40 and / or the base member 14. When the user holds / presses the actuators 48a, 48b, the isolator 45 isolates the cartridge terminals 62a, 62b from the user.

[0060] The cartridge member 12 further includes a pair of elongated legs 60a, 60b extending downwardly from the bottom wall 42b, each leg having a corresponding cartridge terminal 62a, 62b attached to and wound around the corresponding leg 60a, 60b. The elongated legs 60a, 60b control the maximum deformation of the cartridge terminals 62a, 62b when compressed by the base terminals 26a, 26b after the cartridge member 12 is inserted into the base member 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge terminal 62b is connected to an electrode 64b of a protection or monitoring device 64 located at the rear side of the support member 42, while the cartridge terminal 62a is connected to an electrode 64a of the protection or monitoring device 64 through a thermal disconnect mechanism 66 located at the front side of the support member 42. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the protection device 64 (e.g., a surge protection device (SPD)) is mounted at the rear side of the support member 42, and thus the features of the present invention will be mainly described in the context of a voltage suppression device. However, it should be understood that any shape (rectangular, square, cylindrical, disc-shaped, etc.) and type of protection device and / or monitoring device can be employed instead of or in combination with the voltage clamping element without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0061] The thermal disconnect mechanism 66 includes a biasing conductor 68 having a first end that, in a ready configuration, is electrically connected to a first electrode 64a of the voltage suppression device 64 (which is shown in best form in FIG. 2b), and a second end that is electrically connected to the cartridge terminal 62a. When in the ready configuration, a thermal weld of solder ensures electrical connection of the biasing conductor 68 to the first electrode 64a of the voltage suppression device 64, where the solder is capable of melting in response to overheating of the voltage suppression device 64. According to one embodiment, the solder is operable to withstand temperatures up to about 180 to 190 degrees Celsius before melting. The biasing conductor 68 includes a lip or ridge 70 formed at the first end that is operable to hold the position of the slider 72 in the ready state, as described in more detail below. The thermal disconnect mechanism 66 is repositionable to electrically disconnect the first electrode 64a of the voltage suppression device 64 from the first cartridge terminal 62a in response to heat from the voltage suppression device melting the solder. When the solder melts, the biasing conductor 68 moves away from the first electrode 64a of the voltage suppression device 64, thereby disconnecting it from the first cartridge terminal 62a.

[0062] Brief reference Figures 3A to 3B , which shows a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of an exemplary voltage suppression device 64 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The voltage suppression device 64 includes an overvoltage clamping element 80 configured in the form of a varistor (not shown in Figure 3A and 3B ), which is electrically connected in series with a gas discharge tube 80a. However, it should be understood that other configurations are possible, such as single or multiple varistors, single or multiple gas discharge tubes, spark gaps, etc. The voltage suppression device 64 has a first planar side 82 and a second planar side 84 opposite the first planar side 82. In the illustrated embodiment, the overvoltage clamping element 80 is mounted within and on a support structure 85 (i.e., the varistor is disposed within the support structure 85 and the gas discharge tube 80a is disposed on the support structure). A first electrode 64a is disposed on the first planar side 82 of the voltage suppression device 64 and is electrically connected to a first electrode of the varistor, while a second electrode 64b is disposed on the second planar side 84 of the voltage suppression device 64 and is electrically connected to a first electrode of the gas discharge tube, where the second electrode of the varistor is electrically connected to the second electrode of the gas discharge tube. The first electrode 64a and the second electrode 64b are operable to enable electrical energy to be transmitted through the clamping element 80.

[0063] As Figure 3A shown and further reference Figure 3C, the distal end of the first electrode 64a includes a connection region 86 and a weak region 88. The connection region 86 is used to connect the voltage suppression device 64 to a circuit. The weak region 88 is, for example, a region having a reduced cross-section relative to other regions of the first electrode. The weak region 88 is formed between the connection region 86 and the body of the overvoltage clamping element 80 (e.g., between the connection region 88 and the body of the varistor within the support structure 85). If the main disconnect device (e.g., a thermal disconnect mechanism) fails to operate or operates too slowly, the weak region 88 can act as a disconnect device. More specifically, in response to the current passing through the electrode 64a exceeding a threshold current, the weak region 88 electrically disconnects the portion of the electrode 64a adjacent to the first planar side 82 from the connection region 86. This disconnection action may be due to, for example, a reduced cross-sectional area relative to other regions of the electrode and / or the use of a different type of conductor in the weak region, which will melt and disconnect the connection between the overvoltage clamping element 80 (and the voltage suppression device 64) and the connection region 88 faster than other regions, thereby disconnecting the connection to any circuit connected to the connection region 86.

[0064] Thus, the weak region 88 acts as a protection element integrated within the voltage suppression device 64. In this regard, the electrode having the weak region 88 is integrally formed with the overvoltage clamping element 80 of the voltage suppression device 64. For example, the overvoltage clamping element 80 and the electrode 64a having the weak region 88 are formed as a single integrated structure.

[0065] Brief reference Figure 3D and Figure 3E , which shows another embodiment of the voltage suppression device 64' according to the present invention. The voltage suppression device 64' is substantially the same as the voltage suppression device 64 of Figure 3A and Figure 3B , but the voltage suppression device 64' only includes a voltage clamping element 80 in the form of a varistor provided together with the support structure 85 (i.e., the voltage suppression device 64' does not include a gas discharge tube). Importantly, the voltage suppression device 64' is similar to the embodiments of Figure 3A and Figure 3B , including an electrode 64a having a weak region 88, which is provided between the connection region 86 and the body of the overvoltage clamping element 80 (e.g., between the connection region 88 and the body of the varistor within the support structure 85), wherein the electrode having the weak region 88 is integrally formed with the overvoltage clamping element 80 (the weak region is integrally formed within the electrode of the overvoltage clamping element 80).

[0066] Returning to Figure 2A and additionally referring to Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 5A and Figure 5B, the cartridge member 12 includes the aforementioned slider 72, which is movably attached to the cartridge support 42 and is movable relative to the cartridge support 42 between a first position and a second position. More specifically, the cartridge support 42 includes a pair of retaining members 90a, 90b that define a channel and guide pins 92a, 92b along which the slider 72 is capable of moving, and the guide pins 92a, 92b guide the slider 72 along the channel. The retaining members 90a, 90b extend perpendicularly from the cartridge support 42, and each retaining member includes a respective hook portion, where the hook portions face each other and define the channel. The slider 72 includes a pair of opposing track portions 94a, 94b that are parallel to each other and are configured to run within the channel defined by the retaining members 90a, 90b. Additionally, a pair of guide slots 96a, 96b are formed in the slider 72 and cooperate with the guide pins 92a, 92b of the cartridge support 42 to further guide the slider 72 as it moves relative to the cartridge support 42 (the slider 72 moves linearly between the first position and the second position). The retaining members 90a, 90b and the guide pins 92a, 92b, in combination with the rail portions 94a, 94b and the guide slots 96a, 96b, enable the slider 72 to move in a lateral direction along a plane defined by the walls of the support 42, but prevent the slider 72 from moving in a vertical direction relative to this plane defined by the walls of the cartridge support 42.

[0067] The slider 72 also includes at least one support bar and preferably a pair of support bars 98a, 98b (shown in Figure 5A in its best form) for receiving respective biasing members 100a, 100b (such as compression springs or the like). The biasing members 100a, 100b are mounted on the bars 98a, 98b and exert a force on the slider 72 that tends to push the slider 72 from a first "ready" position towards a second "covering" position (the slider 72 is pushed towards the electrode 64a of the overvoltage clamping element 80), as described in more detail below. The slider 72 is held in the first "ready" position by a lip 70 formed on one end of the bias conductor 68. For example, during normal operation, the bias conductor 68 is held to the electrode 64 by a solder connection. The lip 70 of the bias conductor 70 abuts against the slider 72 and prevents the slider from moving laterally towards the electrode 64a. When the solder melts (e.g., due to overheating of the overvoltage clamping element), the bias conductor 68 is released from the electrode 64a and moves upward, causing the lip 70 to disengage from the slider 72. When the lip 70 no longer holds the slider 72, the biasing force provided by the biasing members 100a, 100b causes the slider 72 to move towards the electrode 64a and into a second (covering / enclosing) position.

[0068] The slider may optionally include an indicator 102, for example, which is disposed along the top of the slider 72 and is visible through a window 40a of the housing 40 (the window is presented in its best form in Figure 1B . For example, when the slider 72 is in the first position, the indicator 102 is visible through the window 40a, and when the slider 72 is in the second position, the indicator is not visible (and vice versa). The indicator may be color-coded (e.g., green for the ready state and red for the trip state) to assist in determining the position of the slider. Thus, by observing the window 40a, the position of the slider 72 can be determined, and thereby the state of the cartridge member 12 (e.g., the ready / normal state or the trip / fault state) can be determined.

[0069] The cartridge member 12 optionally includes an arc shield for reducing and / or eliminating an arc that may be generated when the voltage suppression device 64 is disconnected from the circuit (i.e., when the thermal disconnect mechanism 66 and / or the weak area 88 disconnect the circuit). In its simplest form, the arc shield is partially formed by a support member having a wall (e.g., the wall 43a of the cartridge support 42) and a portion of the slider 72. The support member includes a mounting member (e.g., the wall 43a) configured to receive the voltage suppression device 64. The mounting member 43a also includes a through-hole 43b for receiving the electrode 64a to be shielded. For example, the voltage suppression device 64 may be mounted to one side of the cartridge support 42 (e.g., on the wall 43a), and the electrode 64a may pass through the through-hole 43b and extend out of the opposite wall 43c of the cartridge support 42. The shield is attached to the wall 43c of the support member and is movable relative to the support member between a first position and a second position. When the shield is in the second position, the electrode 64a is surrounded by the shield and the wall such that all sides of the exposed electrode are covered.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the slider 72 includes at least a portion of the arc shield in the form of a hood or hood portion 104 having a first (top) wall 106, a second (bottom) wall 108 opposite the first wall 106, a rear wall 110 joining the first wall to the second wall, and side walls 112 joining the top wall, the bottom wall, and the rear wall. In the illustrated embodiment, and in Figure 5AIn the best form, the rear wall 110 is a partial rear wall that does not fully extend to the wall 43a, resulting in the cover or cover portion 104 being open on the first (front) side, partially open on the second (rear) side, and closed on all other sides. This configuration allows air to exit from the rear side of the cover / cover portion 104 when the slider moves from the ready position to the tripped position. However, in an alternative embodiment, the rear wall 110 can extend fully towards the wall 43a such that the cover / cover portion 104 is closed on all sides except the first (front) side. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the side wall 122 is in a curved shape / semicircular, but if desired, the side wall can also be formed as a planar wall. When the slider moves to the "second" position, the cover portion 104 covers and / or surrounds the electrode 64a to isolate the electrode from the bias conductor 68, thereby preventing and / or eliminating arcing between the two when they are disconnected from each other.

[0071] Although the illustrated cover portion 104 has an open end adjacent to the electrode 64a (the end adjacent to the electrode 64a is referred to as the "electrode end"), the cover portion 104 can be closed on all sides except for the portion of the cover portion 104 that is adjacent to the wall and has a slot formed in the electrode end that corresponds to the electrode 64a. When the slider 72 moves from the ready position to the closed position, the cover portion 104 receives the electrode 64a through this slot, resulting in all sides of the electrode 64a being effectively enclosed by the combination of the cover portion 104 and the wall 43c.

[0072] The slider 72 also includes a latching member 114 ( Figure 5A and Figure 5B ) provided at one end of the slider. As described in more detail below, in the illustrated embodiment, the latching member 114 is presented in the form of a locking member that cooperates with a rotatable member to prevent the rotation of the rotatable member when the slider 72 is in the ready position. The slider 72 also includes a repelling element 116 that moves with the slider 72 and is operable to cover or expose the pin receiving portion 118 of the cartridge member 12. Figure 4A The covered position of the pin receiving portion 118 is shown (i.e., where the repelling element 116 covers the pin receiving portion 118), and Figure 4B the exposed position of the pin receiving portion 118 is shown (i.e., where the repelling element 116 moves to the right and the pin receiving portion 118 is open). The pin receiving portion 118 receives the plunger 31 of the base member 14, and based on the position of the slider 72, the repelling element 116 pushes or releases the plunger 31. Thus, based on the position of the slider 72, the plunger 31 can drive a switch to provide an indication of the state of the cartridge member 12 (e.g., ready or tripped).

[0073] Continuing to refer to Figure 2A and additionally referring to Figure 6A and Figure 6B, the cassette member 12 may optionally include a rotatable member 120 having a second cover portion 122 that mates with the first cover portion 104 to form a closed structure with the wall 43a. The rotatable member 120 includes a pin receiving portion 123 that is rotatably attached to a pin 124 of the support member 42, wherein the rotatable portion rotates about the pin 124 between a first angular position and a second angular position. The first angular position corresponds to the "ready" state, while the second angular position corresponds to the "covered" and / or "closed" state. The second cover portion 122 is defined by a first wall 126, a second wall 128, and a side wall 130 that joins the first wall 126 to the second wall 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the first wall and the second wall are not parallel to each other.

[0074] The rotatable member 120 further includes an arcuate surface 132 that mates with a ramp portion 134 provided on the slider 72 such that movement of the slider 72 causes a corresponding movement of the rotatable member 120. More specifically, when the slider 72 moves from a first "ready" position to a second "covered" and / or "closed" position, the ramp portion 134 contacts the arcuate surface 132 and pushes the rotatable member 120 to rotate about the pin 124, and when both move to their respective "second" positions, the first cover portion 104 and the second cover portion 122 form a closed space around the electrode 64a. A mechanical stop 136 is provided on the rotatable member 120 and is configured to limit the angular orientation of the rotatable member 120. In this regard, when the rotatable member 120 rotates, the mechanical stop 136 eventually contacts the surface of the slider 72, thereby preventing further rotation.

[0075] The rotatable member 120 further includes a snap member 138 that mates with the snap member 114 of the slider 72. More specifically, when the slider 72 is in the first "ready" position, the snap member 114 of the slider 72 snaps onto the snap member 138 of the rotatable member 120 and prevents rotation of the rotatable member 120. When the slider 72 moves towards the "second" position, the snap member 114 is released from the snap member 138 of the rotatable member 120, thereby enabling the rotatable member 120 to rotate.

[0076] In use, the cassette member 12 is inserted into the base member 14 such that the cassette terminals 62a, 62b are electrically connected to the base terminals 26a, 26b, respectively. When the cassette member 12 is inserted into the base member 14, the actuators 48a, 48b are pressed inwardly, and the locking members 50a, 50b move inwardly and enter the U-shaped channels 18 of the base member 14. When the actuators are released, the locking members 50a, 50b move outwardly and enter the receiving portions 20a, 20b, respectively, thereby fixing the cassette member 12 to the base member 14. Once inserted, the terminals 62a, 62b of the cassette member 12 are connected to the terminals 26a, 26b of the base member 14 (and thus to the first and second connection terminals). To remove the cassette member 12 from the base member 14, the user simply grasps the actuators 48a, 48b and presses them inwardly. The inward movement of the actuators 48a, 48b causes corresponding movement of the locking members 50a, 50b such that the locking members disengage from the receiving portions 20a, 20b. Once the locking members disengage from the receiving portions 20a, 20b, the cassette member can be removed from the base member 14.

[0077] After reading this specification, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and changes can be made to the structures shown in the drawings. All such modifications and various changes, as long as they fall within the scope of the claimed patent or its equivalents, are intended to be included within the scope of this patent.

[0078] Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to certain embodiments or some embodiments, equivalent changes and modifications can be envisioned by those skilled in the art after reading and understanding this specification and the drawings. In particular, with respect to the various functions performed by the above-described elements (components, assemblies, devices, compositions, etc.), unless otherwise specified, the terms used to describe such elements (including references to "means") are intended to correspond to any element that performs the specified function of the element (i.e., functionally equivalent), even if not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structures that perform the functions in the exemplary embodiments or embodiments of the invention herein. Additionally, although the above may have described only one or more specific features of the invention with respect to several embodiments, as needed, such features can be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, and such combinations may be necessary and advantageous for a particular application.

Claims

1. A voltage suppression device for suppressing voltage surges in a circuit, comprising an overvoltage clamping element having a first electrode and a second electrode, the first and second electrodes being operable to transmit electrical energy through the overvoltage clamping element, wherein, at least one of the first electrode or the second electrode includes a region having a reduced cross-section relative to other regions of the at least one electrode.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one electrode is integrally formed with the overvoltage clamping element.

3. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the overvoltage clamping element and the at least one electrode are formed as a monolithic structure.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in response to a current through the at least one electrode exceeding a predetermined threshold current, the region of reduced cross-section electrically disconnects a portion of the at least one electrode from another portion of the at least one electrode.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the overvoltage clamping element includes a varistor, a gas discharge tube, a spark gap, or a diode.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the overvoltage clamping element has a first planar side and a second planar side opposite the first planar side, and the first electrode is connected to the first planar side while the second electrode is connected to the second planar side.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one electrode includes a connection region for electrically connecting the at least one electrode to another device, and the region of reduced cross-section is provided between the connection region and the body of the overvoltage clamping element.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the overvoltage clamping element includes at least one of a disc shape, a rectangular shape, or a cylindrical shape.

9. An arc shield for suppressing arcs, comprising: a support member including a wall; a mounting provided on the wall, the mounting being configured to receive an electrode to be shielded; and a shield attached to the support member and movable relative to the support member between a first position and a second position, wherein when the shield is in the second position, the electrode is surrounded by the shield and the wall.

10. The arc shield according to claim 9, wherein the shield includes a first shield portion mounted on a slider and a second shield portion mounted on a rotatable member, the slider and the rotatable member being independent of each other, wherein the slider is attached to the support member and is movable relative to the support member between a first slider position and a second slider position, and the rotatable member is attached to the support member and is rotatable between a first angular position and a second angular position.

11. The arc shield according to claim 10, wherein the slider is configured to move linearly between a first position and a second position.

12. The arc shield according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein movement of the slider causes corresponding movement of the rotatable member.

13. The arc shielding member according to claim 12, wherein the rotatable member includes an arcuate surface, and the slider includes a ramp portion that mates with the arcuate surface, and movement of the slider causes the ramp portion to apply a force to the arcuate surface and push the rotatable member about the axis of rotation of the rotatable portion.

14. The arc shielding member according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the rotatable member includes a mechanical stopper configured to limit the angular orientation of the rotatable member.

15. The arc shielding member according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the slider includes a first latching member, and the rotatable member includes a second latching member, and the first latching member and the second latching member are configured to cooperate with each other to prevent rotation of the rotatable member when the slider is in a first position.

16. The arc shielding member according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the second cover portion includes a first wall, a second wall, and a side wall that joins the first wall to the second wall, and the first wall and the second wall are not parallel to each other.

17. The arc shielding member according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the first cover portion includes a first wall, a second wall opposite the first wall, and a side wall that joins the first wall to the second wall.

18. The arc shielding member according to any one of claims 9 to 13, further comprising a biasing member coupled to the shielding member, the biasing member being operable to bias the shielding member toward the second position.

19. A cartridge system that can be inserted into a base member and is operable to complete an electrical circuit through the base member, the cartridge system comprising: a cartridge support member; a retainer integrally formed with the support member, the retainer including a locking member and an actuator, wherein displacement of the actuator drives a corresponding displacement of the locking member; and a housing including an opening, wherein the support member is contained within the housing and the actuator is accessible through the opening.

20. The cartridge system according to claim 20, further comprising a voltage suppression device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the voltage suppression device is mounted on the cartridge support member.

21. The cartridge system according to claim 21, further comprising a first cartridge terminal and a second cartridge terminal that extend from the cartridge support member, wherein when the cartridge member is fixed to the base member, the first cartridge terminal and the second cartridge terminal complete an electrical circuit through the base member.

22. The cassette system according to claim 22 further includes a thermal disconnect mechanism positioned in a ready configuration, wherein one of the first electrode or the second electrode of the overvoltage clamping element is electrically connected to one of the first cassette terminal or the second cassette terminal of the cassette member through the thermal disconnect mechanism, and the thermal disconnect mechanism is capable of being repositioned to electrically disconnect one of the first electrode or the second electrode of the overvoltage clamping element from the corresponding first cassette terminal or the second cassette terminal. The thermal disconnect mechanism comprises: a biasing conductor that elastically deflects and is electrically connected to one of the first electrode or the second electrode of the overvoltage clamping element in the ready configuration; a solder that fixes the biasing conductor to be electrically connected to one of the first electrode or the second electrode of the overvoltage clamping element in the ready configuration; wherein the solder is capable of melting in response to overheating of the overvoltage clamping element; and wherein the biasing conductor is configured to electrically disconnect one of the first electrode or the second electrode of the overvoltage clamping element from the corresponding first cassette terminal or the second cassette terminal when the solder melts.

23. The cassette system according to any one of claims 20 to 23 further includes an arc shield according to any one of claims 9 to 19, wherein the cassette support member includes a support member of the arc shield.

24. The cassette system according to claim 24, when dependent on claim 23, wherein when the biasing conductor electrically disconnects one of the first electrode or the second electrode of the overvoltage clamping element, the slider moves to a second position and the rotatable member moves to a second angular position to enclose one of the first electrode or the second electrode of the overvoltage clamping element within the first cover portion, the second cover portion and the wall.

25. The cassette system according to any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein the cassette support member includes a first side wall and a second side wall opposite to the first side wall, and the actuator includes a first gripping portion and a second gripping portion respectively attached to the first side wall and the second side wall.

26. The cassette system according to claim 26, wherein the opening includes a first opening and a second opening, and the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion respectively extend out of the first opening and the second opening.

27. The cassette system according to claim 27, wherein the locking member includes a first locking member portion and a second locking member portion, and the first locking member portion and the second locking member portion are respectively attached to the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion.

28. The cassette system according to any one of claims 20 to 28 further includes a base member.

29. The cassette system according to claim 29, wherein the base member comprises: a base support configured to receive the cassette member; a receiving portion provided on the base support, and the receiving portion cooperates with the locking member to selectively fix the cassette member to the base member; wherein the actuator is operable to move the locking member to release the locking member from the receiving portion and enable the cartridge member to be released from the base member.

30. The cartridge system according to claim 20, when dependent on claim 22 or 23, wherein the base member includes first and second connection terminals for connection to a circuit, and first and second base terminals electrically connected to the first and second connection terminals, respectively, and wherein, when the cartridge member is fixed to the base member, the first and second cartridge terminals are electrically connected to the first and second base terminals, respectively.

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