Surge protection device and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a surge protection device and a manufacturing method thereof. The surge protection device comprises a first carrier and a second carrier. A first release unit mounted to the first carrier and a second release unit mounted to the second carrier. Each release unit includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The first electrode has a first insert portion for electrically and mechanically connecting the surge protection device with an external socket, and is electrically connected to the first terminals of the first and second release units. The second electrode has a second insert portion and a spring loaded movable finger. A holding member is provided to the second terminals of the first and second release units. In the first connection state, the finger portion is connected to the holding member via a low-temperature solder joint. In the second disconnected state, when the low-temperature solder joint is released, the finger is disconnected from the holding member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a surge protection device and a manufacturing method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] WO 2014 / 131 564 A1 discloses a disconnecting and switching circuit for overvoltage protection comprising a dissipating element and a thermal disconnect point integrated in the electrical connection path of the dissipating element. The thermal disconnect point comprises a movable conductor element which is under mechanical prestress and which, in the event of a disconnect, moves from a first position to a second position. By reaching the second position, a complete electrical disconnect of the dissipating element with respect to the connection path is achieved. The thermal disconnect point is formed by the movable conductor element and a fixed contact element. The movable conductor element is fixed to the fixed contact element by a thermally detachable means, the contact element having a slot or opening into which a finger-like extension of the movable conductor element dips, such that a disconnect between the slot or opening and the finger-like extension is only given when the second position of the movable conductor element is given.

[0003] According to the process requirement of the voltage limiting element, zinc oxide voltage limiting resistor ("metal oxide voltage limiting resistor", MOV), of the surge protection device (SPD), in order to meet the lightning and overvoltage protection target of the high-voltage electrical system under the same discharge capacity, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the core discharge element, the voltage limiting element MOV, in the SPD. In order to accommodate the MOV with larger thickness, the product designer needs to increase the size of the SPD accordingly to realize the appropriate protection function

[0004] CN 101485056 A discloses a base component for electrically and mechanically receiving at least one surge arrester which is insertable into the base component, wherein the base component comprises a U-shaped housing having a bottom or base unit, wherein a switching device for displaying or remotely indicating an error condition is provided, wherein the housing has at least one cutout portion for receiving at least one spring-preloaded push pin which is operatively connected to the switching device, wherein the push pin is in mechanical contact with the surge arrester or with a trigger element provided in the surge arrester when the surge arrester is inserted.

[0005] The spring-preloaded push pin is movably guided in a gate of the bottom or base unit, wherein a lower extension portion perpendicular to the movement direction of the push pin has a ramp surface which corresponds to a ramp surface of a slide which is arranged in the bottom or base unit so as to be displaceable perpendicular to the movement direction of the push pin in order to convert the movement of the push pin into a displacement movement essentially perpendicular to its extension, so that the slide can be transferred from a first position to a second position in order to actuate the switching device. The slide is preloaded by a spring element so that the ramp surfaces engage with each other non-positive-locking.

[0006] DE 10 2012 024 352 B4 discloses a surge protection device having a base part which is fixable on a mounting rail and two plug-in parts which are plugged into the base part, the base part having a housing whose longitudinal extent is perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the mounting rail. The opposite end faces of the housing each have at least one connection terminal for at least one conductor. In the base part, two slots are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal extent of the housing. The two slots each have at least two plug-in contacts, wherein each contact has at least two plug-in contacts of the slots arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the housing, which are not electrically connected to each other when no plug-in part is inserted, since the two inserted plug-in parts are electrically connected in series with each other. Each plug-in part has at least two mating contacts corresponding to the plug-in contacts, and at least one arrester is provided in at least one plug-in part.

[0007] There are other overvoltage or surge protection devices whose working principle relies on the disconnection of a switching element due to the melting of a low-temperature solder joint caused by a large transient current in the event of a short circuit or a lightning strike. In some cases, for example after the deterioration of such a surge protector, the switching electrode can not completely disconnect from the release unit. In addition, the direct soldering of the plate-shaped electrode leads of the release unit can require a higher manufacturing process requirement, which can cause the assembly process to be cumbersome and increase the production cost of the surge protection device

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for an improved surge protection device which reliably performs the disconnection and switching and which can be easily manufactured, thereby reducing the production cost. SUMMARY

[0009] A first aspect of the present application provides a surge protection device as defined in claim 1. A second aspect of the present application provides a method for manufacturing a surge protection device as defined in independent claim 11. Further aspects of the present application are set out in the dependent claims, the drawings and the description of exemplary embodiments.

[0010] The surge protection device comprises a first carrier and a second carrier. The carriers provide a mechanical base for mounting other components of the surge protection device, such as the release units and the thermal disconnection mechanism. They can thus simplify the assembly process of the surge protection device and provide an improved mechanical stiffness.

[0011] The first and second release units are mounted to the first and second carriers, respectively. The term release unit particularly refers to a device comprising at least one varistor which is provided inside a package having an external first terminal and an external second terminal which are provided as leads on the outside of the package for connection with electrodes of the surge protection device.

[0012] The first electrode of the surge protection device has a first plug-in part for electrically and mechanically connecting the surge protection device with an external socket and has another part for electrically connecting the first electrode to the first and second release unit terminals.

[0013] The second electrode of the surge protection device comprises a second plug-in part for electrically and mechanically connecting the surge protection device with an external socket and a spring-loaded movable finger.

[0014] The spring-loaded movable finger is part of a thermal trip mechanism for opening the connection between the first electrode and the second electrode. In other words, when a high current flows through the surge protection device, the thermal trip mechanism is triggered and the electrical connection between the second electrode and the first electrode is broken. Thus, the surge protection device can act as a switch that switches from an on-state to an off-state when a high current flows through the release unit. The high current can be caused by, for example, a lightning strike or a short circuit.

[0015] A holding component is provided at the second terminal of the first and second release unit. The holding component is soldered to the finger using a low temperature solder. Such a low temperature solder can be provided prior to assembling the surge protection device. As a result, the assembly process of the surge protection device can be simplified, which can reduce the workload and costs in the manufacturing process of the surge protection device. Furthermore, the process parameters during the pre-soldering of the low temperature solder can be controlled more precisely. As a result, the detachment of the finger from the holding component can be realized more reliably. In a preferred embodiment, the second terminal can be connected to the holding component by a clamping effect without the need for an additional solder.

[0016] In a first connected state (on-state of the surge protection device), the finger is connected to the holding component via the low temperature solder. This first state is the normal operating state of the surge protection device. In this first state, the finger is in electrical contact with the second terminal, so that the second terminal is electrically connected to the second electrode.

[0017] In a second disconnected state (off-state of the surge protection device), the finger is disconnected from the holding component when the low temperature solder is released. This second state can occur due to a high current flowing through the second terminal, so that the holding component is heated, which causes the low temperature solder to melt and detach. As a result, the spring-loaded finger is forced, for example by a tension spring, into a position in which it is no longer in electrical contact with the second terminal, so that the second terminal is no longer electrically connected to the second electrode. The tension spring ensures that the finger is reliably and completely disconnected from the second terminal.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the first carrier and the second carrier can be arranged in parallel. In particular, the carriers are identical components and each carrier comprises a first main surface and a second main surface. Preferably, the carriers can be molded components that can be manufactured in large quantities at low cost. By using identical components, the overall cost of the surge protection device can be reduced and the assembly process can be simplified. Furthermore, when using identical components, the mechanical alignment and stability can be improved.

[0019] In particular, the carriers can have a substantially rectangular shape, wherein the first main surface and the second main surface are facing outward in opposite directions. The carriers can further comprise a frame-like structure to increase their stiffness and to improve the mechanical alignment and stability of the release units.

[0020] Furthermore, the carriers can comprise features for mounting the electrodes, the housing, optional indicators, the release units, the springs, and for mounting the carriers to each other, such as holes, slits, threads, grooves, hooks, etc. As a result, the assembly process of the surge protection device can be further simplified.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the first main surface of the first carrier faces the first main surface of the second carrier and the finger is arranged between the first main surface of the first carrier and the first main surface of the second carrier. Thus, the first and second carrier provide a frame-like structure between which the movable finger is provided. Furthermore, the carriers can provide fixed mounting points for the finger and the spring, such that the force of the spring can act on the finger to move the finger from the first position to the second position.

[0022] Preferably, the first release unit can be mounted to the second main surface of the first carrier and the second release unit can be mounted to the second main surface of the second carrier. As a result, a compact arrangement can be provided. Furthermore, the assembly process of the surge protection device is simplified. Moreover, the design with two release units arranged on opposite sides leads to a more balanced current release, resulting in a more controllable and reliable triggering of the disconnection of the finger from the holding component. Furthermore, providing two release units can increase the maximum rated current that can flow through the surge protection device.

[0023] The first release unit and the second release unit can each comprise one or more varistors electrically connected between the respective first terminal and the second terminal. A preferred varistor, i.e. a voltage-dependent resistor, can be a metal-oxide varistor (MOV). The varistors are connected in parallel between the first electrode and the second electrode. The connection between the varistors and the electrodes is achieved by connecting the respective terminals to suitable leads.

[0024] Preferably, the finger can be spring-loaded by a tension spring arranged between the finger and a protrusion of the first or second carrier. The protrusion can be provided as a bolt.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the first terminals of the first and second release units can be connected to the extension of the first electrode by a high-temperature solder joint. Such a solder joint will not separate, for example, even in case of high temperatures that can be caused by a high current. The solder joint mechanically and electrically connects the first terminals to each other and to the first electrode. The extension can be a conductive lead that extends from the plug-in portion to the first terminal. For example, the extension can extend along the bottom of the carrier. Such an arrangement can also simplify the assembly process.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the surge protection device comprises a housing that covers the first and second release units and comprises an upper housing and a lower housing. The housing can protect the surge protection device from the environment and protect the user from touching the electrical components. The upper housing and the lower housing can be easily mounted to each other, thus simplifying the assembly process.

[0027] The surge protection device can further comprise a spring-loaded indicator for indicating the first or second state of the finger. In particular, the indicator can be slidably arranged on the outer surface of the first carrier and the second carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the indicator is disposed under the housing, and the housing can comprise an opening that shows a portion of the indicator. The indicator can be in a first position or a second position. The indicator is a mechanical device that allows the user to grasp at a glance whether the surge protection device has been triggered or not. For example, when the indicator is moved from the first position to the second position, the color shown in the opening can change from green to red.

[0028] In the first state, the tip portion of the finger can be engaged with the indicator that is in the first position to prevent the pressure spring from causing the indicator to slide. In the second state, the tip portion of the finger can be disengaged from the indicator, thereby allowing the pressure spring to move the indicator to the second position. Thus, when the finger is disengaged from the retaining component and is pulled back by the spring, the tip portion of the finger releases the indicator so that the indicator is pushed from the first position to the second position. Therefore, a simple and reliable mechanical indicator that is easy to assemble can be provided.

[0029] A method for manufacturing a surge protection device comprises the step of providing a second electrode that comprises a second plug-in portion for electrically and mechanically connecting the surge protection device with an external socket and a spring-loaded movable finger.

[0030] In a second step, the retaining component is soldered to the finger of the second electrode using a low-temperature solder joint. By soldering the retaining component to the finger before assembling the second electrode, the manufacturing process can be simplified because the retaining component is more easily accessible before the second electrode is assembled into the surge protection device.

[0031] The third step provides the first carrier and the second carrier, wherein their respective first main surfaces are facing each other, and the second electrode is arranged between the first carrier and the second carrier. The first carrier and the second carrier can be the same molded part oriented to face each other. By using the same molded part, the cost can be significantly reduced.

[0032] Then, the first end of the tension spring can be connected to the finger and the second end of the tension spring can be connected to the protruding part of the first or second carrier.

[0033] In a next step, the first carrier is mounted to the second carrier, thereby fixing the holding component between the first carrier and the second carrier. For example, the first carrier and the second carrier can be connected to each other using screws. For this purpose, the carriers can have suitable screw holes and / or threads. Furthermore, the carriers can have threads, clips, hooks, slits, etc. for mounting the carriers to each other and for mounting the components to the carriers.

[0034] In a next step, the first release unit is mounted to the first carrier and the second release unit is mounted to the second carrier, such that the second terminal of the release unit is connected with the holding component. This can be achieved, for example, by sliding the lead of the second terminal through a slit provided in the carrier and directly through a corresponding opening in the holding component. As a result, the holding component is electrically and mechanically connected to the second terminal. Furthermore, no additional soldering point is required to electrically connect the second terminal to the holding component.

[0035] Furthermore, a first electrode having a first plug-in part for electrically and mechanically connecting the surge protection device with an external socket is mounted to the first and second carrier. The first electrode can be connected to the carriers using screws.

[0036] In a next step, the first electrode can be electrically and mechanically connected to the first terminal using a high-temperature soldering point. The high-temperature soldering point is configured to withstand high currents that cause the low-temperature soldering point to melt. In other words, the threshold temperature of the low-temperature soldering point is lower than the threshold temperature of the high-temperature soldering point. For example, the low-temperature soldering point can melt at a temperature of 100 °C, while the high-temperature soldering point can start to melt at 200 °C. For example, the low-temperature soldering point can melt at a temperature of 100 °C, while the high-temperature soldering point can start to melt at 200 °C.

[0037] Finally, a housing can be assembled around the components of the surge protection device. For example, the housing can comprise a lower housing and an upper housing, which can be engaged with each other using clips, for example, clips providing a snap lock or the like. The housing protects the internal components from external influences and can also protect the user from inadvertently touching the current-carrying or pressure-carrying components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] The application will be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0039] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the application and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the application. Other embodiments of the application and many of the intended advantages of the present application will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other.

[0040] In the drawings:

[0041] Figure 1 A perspective view of a surge protection device according to an embodiment of the application is shown;

[0042] Figure 2 An exploded view of a surge protection device according to an embodiment is shown;

[0043] Figure 3 A front view and a cross-sectional view of a surge protection device according to an embodiment in a first state are shown;

[0044] Figure 4 A front view and a cross-sectional view of a surge protection device according to an embodiment in a second state are shown;

[0045] Figure 5a An exploded view of a surge protection device according to the embodiment from the bottom is shown;

[0046] Figure 5b A bottom perspective view of a surge protection device is shown;

[0047] Figures 6a to 6h A manufacturing method of a surge protection device according to an embodiment is shown;

[0048] Figure 7 A process flow of a manufacturing method of a surge protection device is shown; and

[0049] Figure 8 A circuit diagram of a surge protection device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0050] In the drawings, like reference numerals will be used to refer to like or similar items in which: DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Figure 1 A perspective view of a surge protection device 100 according to an embodiment of the application is shown. The surge protection device 100 comprises a substantially cuboid housing 1 having an upper housing 11 and a lower housing 12. An opening or window 4 is formed in the upper surface of the upper housing 11. Through the window 4, an indicator 33 for indicating the status of the surge protection device 100 can be seen, which will be described hereinafter.

[0052] At its lower end, the surge protection device 100 includes a first insert portion 2 and a second insert portion 3 for electrically and mechanically connecting the surge protection device 100 to an external socket. Specifically, the first and second insert portions 2 and 3 allow the surge protection device 100 to be easily inserted into and removed from the external socket.

[0053] Figure 2 It shows according to Figure 1 An exploded view of the surge protection device 100 of an embodiment. The upper housing 11, which is basically a cuboid, is separated from the lower housing 12, which is U-shaped, exposing a plurality of hooks provided on the lower housing for engaging with the upper housing 11.

[0054] When assembling the surge protection device 100, the components shown between the upper housing 11 and the lower housing 12 are generally arranged inside the housing 1. These components include at least a first carrier 21 and a second carrier 22, a first release unit 23 and a second release unit 24, a tension spring 31, a finger 29, and an indicator 33.

[0055] Screws used to mount components to carriers 21 and 22 are indicated by reference numeral 35 in the accompanying drawings.

[0056] Each of the release units 23 and 24 includes at least one rheostat (not shown) disposed inside the release unit and electrically connected to a first terminal 25 and a second terminal 26, which extend as respective external leads of the release units 23 and 24. In this embodiment, the first terminal 25 is an L-shaped flat metal lead extending from the bottom of each release unit 23 and 24.

[0057] The second terminal 26 is a generally rectangular flat metal lead that extends vertically from the first main surface of the release unit. The two second terminals 26 of the first and second release units 23, 24 meet between the two carriers 21, 22 to engage with the retaining member 30, and the finger portion 29 is soldered to the retaining member 30 using low-temperature solder joints.

[0058] The two carriers 21 and 22 are identical molded parts, having substantially rectangular first and second main surfaces. These main surfaces are used to enclose a rigid, frame-like structure and have features for mounting other components. By rotating the second carrier 22 180 degrees relative to the first carrier 21 along a vertical axis, the respective first main surfaces of the carriers 21 and 22 face each other. The first and second release units 23 and 24 are respectively mounted to the second main surfaces.

[0059] At two of the four corners, the carriers 21, 22 each comprise a protrusion 32 shaped as a cylindrical post extending perpendicularly from the respective first main surface. These protrusions 32 can be inserted into corresponding holes in the opposite carrier for aligning and mounting the carriers to each other. One of the protrusions 32 can be used for holding a tension spring 31 which exerts a force on the finger 29.

[0060] Further, the surge protection device 100 comprises an indicator 33 which is slidably arranged on the carrier and spring-loaded by a pressure spring 34. Further details will be discussed with reference to the other figures below.

[0061] Figure 3 A front view (left) and a cross-sectional view (right) of the surge protection device 100 according to the embodiment along the line A-A in a first state is shown. In this first state (on state of the surge protection device 100), the finger 29 is held by the holding member 30. In particular, the low temperature solder joint L connects the finger 29 to the holding member which is connected to the second terminals 26 of the first and second release units 23, 24.

[0062] In the front view (left), the indicator 33 is shown in a first position in which it is held by the tip portion 291 of the finger 29. The tip portion 291 engages with a vertical edge of the indicator 33 close to the line A-A. The cross-sectional view (right) shows how the tip portion 291 is exposed from the frame-like structure of the carrier 21, 22. Figure 3

[0063] As shown in the cross-sectional view (right), the finger 29 is in the first state still connected to the holding member 30. The tension spring 31 is arranged between the extension portion 32 and the finger 29 to spring-load the finger 29. The first state is the normal operating state in which the first electrode 27 and the second electrode 28 are connected to each other via the finger 29 which contacts the second terminal 26.

[0064] The finger 29 is part of the second electrode. At an end of the finger 29 opposite to the tip portion 291, the finger 29 is connected to a base portion of the second electrode. This connection acts as a hinge for the movement of the finger 29. In principle, the finger 29 could also be realized as a leaf spring which can be pre-tensioned by its own shape.

[0065] In order to connect the tension spring 31 to the finger 29, the finger 29 can comprise e.g. a hook or a hole into which an end of the tension spring 31 can be inserted. Thus, the spring 31 can be easily mounted.

[0066] Figure 3 ​The cross-sectional view also shows the first and second plug-in portions 2, 3 of the first and second electrodes 27, 28 for connecting the surge protection device 100 with an external socket.

[0067] The second terminals 26 of the respective first and second release units 23, 24 are connected to each other by means of a high-temperature solder joint H. The position of the high-temperature solder joint H at the bottom of the device 100 allows for easy access, which simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0068] Figure 4 A front view (left) and a cross-sectional view (right) along the line B-B of the surge protection device 100 are shown in a first state (on state) which is different from the second state (off state) shown in Figure 3

[0069] The second state (off state) occurs when a high voltage is applied to the surge protection device, which subsequently causes a low resistance of the varistor in the release units 23, 24, so that a high current can flow through the second terminals 26, thereby heating the holding component 30 and melting the low-temperature solder joint L. As a result, the finger 29 is pulled back by the tension spring 31 to the second position, no longer contacting the second terminal 26, while the holding component 30 remains connected to the second terminal 26, as shown in Figure 4 (right). The spring 31 is depicted in its contracted state.

[0070] In the second position, as seen in the cross-sectional view (right), the tip portion 291 of the finger 29 is no longer exposed from the carrier 21, 22 and thus engages the indicator. As a result, the indicator 33 slides into its second position, as shown in the front view (left) of Figure 4 In the preferred embodiment, the carrier 21, 22 can have a green color, while the indicator has a red color. When sliding into its second position, the part of the carrier visible through the window of the housing 1 can now be covered by the red indicator 33. As a result, the color seen in the window can change from green to red, thereby indicating to the user at a glance that the surge protection device 100 has been triggered.

[0071] Figure 5a Another exploded view from the bottom of the surge protection device 100 according to this embodiment is shown, without the housing 1 and without the indicator 33. In this view, details of the second electrode 28 including the finger 29 and the second plug-in portion 3 are visible. Furthermore, the first terminals 25 of the release units 23, 24 are visible. It is worth noting that during the assembly process, the finger 29 needs to be provided between the carriers 21 and 22 before the carriers 21, 22 are mounted to each other, contrary to the description of Figure 5a

[0072] As shown in Figure 5a ​​The finger 29 is shown to extend at an oblique angle with respect to the insert portion 3 of the second electrode 28. The shown finger 29 can have a shape similar to a cantilever made of sheet metal, which can be bent to provide a restoring force assisted by the spring 31. The portion of the finger 29 that is connected to the insert portion 3 of the second electrode 28 can serve as a hinge. Figure 5a A connection portion 271 of the first electrode 27 for connection with the first terminal 25 is also shown.

[0073] Figure 5b A perspective view from the bottom of the assembled surge protection device 100 without the housing 1 and the indicator 33 is shown. This figure shows that the L-shaped first electrode 25 is easily accessible for providing the high temperature solder joint H. In order to improve the electrical and mechanical connection between the pair of first electrodes 25 of the first and second release units 23, 24, the lead of the first electrode 25 has a plurality of teeth that interlock with each other.

[0074] Figures 6a to 6f A perspective view of the assembled surge protection device 100 according to Figure 1 An exemplary manufacturing method of the surge protection device 100 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 is shown. The order of the steps is not meant to be limiting, but can be varied.

[0075] In Figure 6a In the first step S1 shown, the second electrode 28 is provided and the holding member 30 is soldered to the finger 29 of the second electrode by providing a low temperature solder joint L. By pre-soldering the holding member 30 to the finger 29 before mounting the second electrode 28, the manufacturing process can be significantly simplified. Furthermore, the quality and reliability of the low temperature solder joint L can be improved since the soldering position is easily accessible in this step.

[0076] In Figure 6b In the second step S2 shown (left), the first and second carriers 21, 22 are provided, the finger 29 of the second electrode 28 is arranged between the carriers 21, 22 and the tension spring 31 is connected between the finger 29 and the protruding portion 32. Then, in step S3 (right), the first carrier 21 is mounted onto the second carrier 22 such that the holding member 30 is held under tension by the respective slits in the carriers under the action of the tension spring 31. Figure 6b In S3, the first electrode 27 is fixedly mounted to the carriers 21, 22 using screws 35, thereby holding the carriers 21, 22 together. The alignment between the carriers 21, 22 can be guaranteed by two protruding portions 32 at diagonally opposite corners of the carriers 21, 22, which protruding portions 32 are inserted into respective holes of the opposite carrier.

[0077] In S3, the first electrode 27 is fixedly mounted to the carriers 21, 22 using screws 35, thereby holding the carriers 21, 22 together. The alignment between the carriers 21, 22 can be guaranteed by two protruding portions 32 at diagonally opposite corners of the carriers 21, 22, which protruding portions 32 are inserted into respective holes of the opposite carrier.

[0078] Figure 6cA step S4 is shown, in which the first and second release units 23, 24 are mounted and fixed by screws to the first and second carriers 21, 22, respectively. In this step, the leads of the respective second terminals 26 of the release units 23, 24 can be directly inserted into the holding members 30, thereby establishing the electrical and mechanical connection. No soldering connection needs to be provided between the leads of the second terminals 26 and the holding members. Thus, the assembly process can be simplified, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs.

[0079] In Figure 6d A step S5 is shown, in which the first terminals 25 are soldered to the connection portions 271 of the first electrodes 2 using high-temperature soldering points H. It is relatively easy to provide this soldering point H at the bottom of the device 100, since the first terminals 25 and the connection portions 271 can be well accessed.

[0080] Next, in Figure 6e A step S6 is shown, in which the lower housing 12 is mounted to the pre-assembled device 100. Furthermore, the indicator 33 is placed on the carriers 21, 22 and the pressure spring 34 is mounted. Furthermore, the indicator 33 is moved to its first position, such that the tip of the finger 29 engages with the indicator 33 to hold it in place against the force of the pressure spring 34.

[0081] In a preferred variant of the method, the first release unit 23 is first mounted on the first carrier 21 (S2’). Then, the second terminals 26 of the first release unit 23 are inserted into the holding members 30 (S3’). The second terminals 26 of the first release unit 23 are inserted into the holding members 30 such that the assembly of the holding members 30 and the fingers 29 will be fixed. After mounting the tension spring 31, the second carrier 22 and the second release unit 24 are mounted facing the first carrier 21 (S4’). These modified steps are shown in S2’, S3’ and S4’ in Figure 6g and 6h .

[0082] Finally, in Figure 6f A step S7 is shown, in which the upper housing 11 is mounted and snap-fitted to the lower housing 12. Optionally, a label and an identification code can be mounted. For example, a QR code can be printed to label the surge protection device 100.

[0083] Figure 7 A process flow of the above-described method of manufacturing the surge protection device 100 with steps S1 to S7 is shown. Additional steps can be added between the steps, before the first step and / or after the last step.

[0084] Figure 8An exemplary circuit diagram of the surge protection device 100 according to an embodiment is shown. The first plug-in portion 2, which is part of the first electrode 27, is connected to the first terminal 25 of the parallel connected release units 23, 24. This connection is established by the above-mentioned high-temperature soldering points H.

[0085] The second terminal 26 is connected to a holding member 30, which holds the finger 29 of the second electrode 28 with the second plug-in portion 3. The arrow indicates the case that the low-temperature soldering points L between the holding member 30 and the finger 29 melt and that the finger 29 is thereby disconnected from the second terminal 26, so that the surge protection device 100 enters the disconnected state.

[0086] Although particular embodiments have been shown and described here, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various substitutions and / or equivalents can be made in the particular embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the application as defined by the claims.

[0087] In particular, the application has been described with reference to specific protective circuit components and specific plug-in and / or plug-in portion wiring, but the application is not limited thereto, but can be used with any specific protective circuit components and specific plug-in and / or plug-in portion wiring.

Claims

1. A surge protection device (100), comprising: a first carrier (21) and a second carrier (22); a first release unit (23) mounted to the first carrier (21) and a second release unit (24) mounted to the second carrier (22), each release unit (23, 24) comprising a first terminal (25) and a second terminal (26); a first electrode (27) having a first plug-in portion (2) for electrically and mechanically connecting the surge protection device (100) with an external socket and electrically connecting to the first terminals (25) of the first and second release units (23, 24); a second electrode (28) having a second plug-in portion (3) for electrically and mechanically connecting the surge protection device (100) with an external socket, and a spring-loaded movable finger (29), wherein: a holding component (30) is provided to the second terminals (26) of the first and second release units (23, 24); in a first connected state, the finger (29) is connected to the holding component (30) via a low temperature solder joint (L); and in a second disconnected state, the finger (29) is disconnected from the holding component (30) when the low temperature solder joint (L) is released.

2. The surge protection device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first carrier (21) and the second carrier (22): are arranged in parallel; and / or are identical and each comprise a first main surface and a second main surface.

3. The surge protection device (100) according to claim 2, wherein: the first main surface of the first carrier (21) faces the first main surface of the second carrier (22); and the finger (29) is arranged between the first main surface of the first carrier (21) and the first main surface of the second carrier (22).

4. The surge protection device (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: the first release unit (23) is mounted to the second main surface of the first carrier (21); and the second release unit (23) is mounted to the second main surface of the second carrier (22).

5. The surge protection device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second release units (23, 24) each comprise a varistor electrically connected between the respective first and second terminals (25, 26).

6. The surge protection device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the finger (29) is spring-loaded by a tension spring (31) arranged between the finger (29) and a protruding portion (32) of the first or second carrier (21, 22).

7. The surge protection device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the first terminals (25) of the first and second release units (23, 24) are connected to the extension of the first electrode by a high temperature solder joint (H).

8. The surge protection device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising a housing (1) covering the first and second release units (23, 24) and comprising an upper housing (11) and a lower housing (12).

9. The surge protection device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising a spring-loaded indicator (33) for indicating the first or second state of the finger (29).

10. The surge protection device (100) according to claim 9, wherein: The indicator (33) is slidably arranged on the outer surface of the first carrier (21) and the second carrier (22) in the first position or the second position; In the first state, the tip portion (291) of the finger (29) engages the indicator (33) located in the first position to prevent the sliding of the indicator (33) caused by the pressure spring (34); and In the second state, the tip portion (291) of the finger (29) is disengaged from the indicator, allowing the pressure spring (34) to move the indicator (33) to the second position.

11. A method for manufacturing a surge protection device (100), comprising: providing a second electrode (28), the second electrode comprising a second plug-in portion (3) for electrically and mechanically connecting the surge protection device (100) with an external socket, and a spring-loaded movable finger (29); welding (SI) the holding component (30) to the finger (29) using a low-temperature solder joint (L); providing (S2) a first carrier (21) and a second carrier (22), each first main surface of which faces each other, wherein the second electrode (28) is arranged between the first carrier (21) and the second carrier (22), and mounting a first release unit (23) to the first carrier (21) such that a second terminal (26) of the first release unit (23) is connected with the holding component (30); connecting a first end of a tension spring (31) with the finger (29) and a second end of the tension spring (31) with a protruding portion (32) of the first or second carrier (21, 22); mounting (S3) the first carrier (21) to the second carrier (22), thereby fixing the holding component (30) between the first carrier (21) and the second carrier (22); mounting (S4) a second release unit (24) to the second carrier (22) such that a second terminal (26) of the second release unit (24) is connected with the holding component (30); mounting a first electrode (27) having a first plug-in portion (2) to the first and second carrier (21, 22), the first plug-in portion for electrically and mechanically connecting the surge protection device (100) with an external socket; and electrically and mechanically connecting (S5) the first electrode (27) to the first terminal (25) using a high-temperature solder joint (H).

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