Modular surge protector

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of modular surge protection device, it includes surge protection module (1), backup protection module (2) and lower base module (3), the backup protection module (2) has the function of disconnecting surge protection module (1) from power supply line, the lower base module (3) includes tray-like main part (31), the surge protection module (1) and the backup protection module (2) are detachably installed on the main part (31).The utility model's surge protection device has the advantages of structural modularization, assembly simplification, and can be conveniently and quickly installed as a whole into power supply line, reduces the equipment connection point of power supply system, reduces space occupancy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of electrical protection devices. More specifically, this utility model relates to the technical field of surge protectors. Background Technology

[0002] A surge protector (SPD), also known as a surge protector or lightning arrester, is an overvoltage protection device. It is typically connected in parallel with the power supply line to the upstream of electronic equipment, instruments, and other electrical devices. Its purpose is to limit transient overvoltages, such as those caused by lightning, that enter the power supply line, thereby protecting the equipment from potential damage due to overvoltage.

[0003] Because surge protectors have limited breaking capacity and can fail due to aging or deterioration, a surge protector specific disconnector (SSD), also known as a "backup protector," is usually connected in series with the surge protector to ensure the stability and lightning protection of the power supply system. The function of this backup protector is to promptly disconnect the aged or deteriorated surge protector from the power supply line when a fault current occurs due to abnormal aging or deterioration of the surge protector, thereby preventing further accidents.

[0004] In existing technologies, the common approach is to connect relatively independent SPDs and SSDs in series and install them separately in the power supply line. This approach increases the number of equipment connection points in the power supply system and requires significant manual installation costs. Moreover, this known approach has a large space occupancy rate, thus requiring a large distribution cabinet space. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems and / or other problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] Therefore, this utility model provides a modular surge protector, which includes a surge protection module, a backup protection module and a lower base module. The backup protection module can disconnect the surge protection module from the power supply line when needed. The lower base module includes a tray-shaped main body, and the surge protection module and the backup protection module can be detachably installed on the main body.

[0007] This surge protector features a modular structure and simplified assembly. It can be easily assembled into a single unit and conveniently and quickly installed into the power supply line, thereby reducing the number of connection points in the power supply system and lowering space occupancy. Furthermore, the modular design allows for easy replacement of faulty modules through plug-and-play operations, and it can be assembled into single-pole or multi-pole surge protectors through modular combinations.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the surge protection module and the backup protection module can be individually or jointly inserted into the main body of the lower base module. This means that the surge protection module and the backup protection module can be inserted into the lower base module separately, or the surge protection module and the backup protection module can be connected in series vertically and the lower module (e.g., the backup protection module) can be inserted into the lower base module, or the surge protection module and the backup protection module can be connected side by side and jointly inserted into the lower base module. This embodiment provides multiple combination methods for the various modules of the surge protector (especially the surge protection module and the backup protection module), reflecting the different degrees of freedom in the combination of the surge protector.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lower base module further includes a terminal block assembly for electrical connection between the surge protection module and the backup protection module, and between these two modules and the power supply line. By placing the surge protector's terminals on a separate lower base module, this embodiment allows for independent design of the terminals themselves.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the terminal assembly includes an electrical connection terminal block and a terminal fastening ring. The terminal fastening ring is fitted onto the electrical connection terminal block to provide a fastening force that prevents the electrode pins inserted into the electrical connection terminal block from becoming loose. By providing a terminal fastening ring to the electrical connection terminal block, this embodiment enhances the retention of the electrical connection terminal block on the inserted electrode pins (e.g., electrode pins of a surge protection module), avoiding the risk that the surge protector will not function properly due to loose electrode pins.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lower base module further includes a remote signaling mechanism, which is disposed on the main body and configured to operate according to changes in the state of the surge protection module and / or the backup protection module. This embodiment presents a novel approach of placing the remote signaling mechanism on a separate lower base module, thereby providing more possibilities and freedom in the design and arrangement of the remote signaling mechanism itself, reducing interference to the surge protection module and the backup protection module, and lowering the complexity of the construction and assembly of each module.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the backup protection module includes a backup protection module housing and a bracket detachably mounted on the backup protection module housing. The bracket is configured to detachably support the surge protection module. This embodiment allows the backup protection module and the surge protection module to be assembled together and subsequently installed together on a lower base module, thereby forming a compact surge protector and reducing the overall size of the surge protector.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the surge protection module includes a surge protection module housing and a surge protection element detachably installed in the surge protection module housing. The surge protection element includes a varistor, a gas discharge tube, or a combination thereof. This embodiment allows for flexible replacement of the surge protection element in the surge protection module according to the overvoltage protection requirements of the power supply line, expanding the applicability of the surge protector. Moreover, the surge protection element can be formed by one or a combination of a varistor and a gas discharge tube, thereby providing different surge protection modes.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the surge protection module includes a voltage indicator associated with the lightning protection element and disposed at a predetermined position opposite to a feature on the bracket, to ensure that the surge protection module is correctly inserted into the bracket. This embodiment effectively prevents users from plugging in incompatible surge protection modules with backup protection modules, greatly reducing the error rate.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the surge protection module housing includes a protruding feature portion disposed on the side of the surge protection module housing, and the backup protection module housing includes a recessed feature portion. The protruding feature portion can be press-fitted into the recessed feature portion to prevent the surge protection module from vibrating and falling off the backup protection module. This embodiment ensures a secure connection between the surge protection module and the backup protection module, while also preventing incorrect insertion between them.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the surge protection module housing includes a tool engagement portion disposed on the side of the surge protection module housing and configured to accommodate the end of an external tool and withstand the leverage force applied by the tool, thereby separating the surge protection module and the backup protection module. This embodiment allows the user to easily and effortlessly separate the securely connected surge protection module and backup protection module, facilitating module disassembly and replacement.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the main body of the lower base module is configured to accommodate one or more surge protection modules and backup protection modules. By assembling different numbers of surge protection modules and backup protection modules on the lower base module, the surge protector of the present invention can be configured as a single-pole or multi-pole surge protector. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The features and advantages of this utility model will become clear from the following detailed description provided with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following drawings are merely schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale, and therefore should not be considered as limitations on this utility model, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a surge protector according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the surge protection module of the surge protector shown;

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A perspective view of the backup protection module of the surge protector shown;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of the lower base module of the surge protector; and

[0023] Figure 5 The lower base module of a surge protector according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Specific embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to enable those skilled in the art to more fully understand and implement the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that implementations of the present invention may not include some of these specific details. Furthermore, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described. Rather, the present invention can be conceived to be implemented with any combination of the features and elements described below, regardless of whether they relate to different embodiments. Therefore, the following aspects, features, embodiments, and advantages are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as elements or limitations of the claims unless expressly set forth in the claims.

[0025] See Figure 1 The surge protector of this utility model includes a surge protection module (hereinafter referred to as "SPD module") 1, a backup protection module (hereinafter referred to as "SSD module") 2, and a lower base module 3. The SPD module 1 can be installed in parallel with the electrical equipment in the power supply line (especially a low-voltage power supply line) at its front end. Under normal conditions, it presents high impedance, but instantaneously conducts when overvoltage and / or overcurrent occurs in the power supply line, so as to limit the voltage reaching the electrical equipment to the range that the electrical equipment can withstand, or to discharge the overcurrent to ground. The SSD module 2 can be connected in series with the SPD module 1 in the power supply line, and can be configured to operate when the SPD module 1 experiences a short circuit, aging, or deterioration resulting in excessive current, so as to disconnect the SPD module 1 from the power supply line, thereby preventing serious accidents such as fires. The lower base module 3 is configured to support the SPD module 1 and the SSD module 2, and to support mechanisms related to the operation of these two modules, such as the remote signaling mechanism mentioned below.

[0026] The SPD module 1, the SSD module 2, and the lower base module 3 can be manufactured and assembled independently, and can be detachably assembled together to form a modular and integrated surge protector. Therefore, this invention allows users to replace only the corresponding module when needed (e.g., when a module malfunctions or its technical parameters change), without having to replace the entire surge protector.

[0027] According to this utility model, as can be obtained from Figure 1 and Figure 4 As can be seen, the lower base module 3 may include a tray-shaped main body 31, on which the SPD module 1 and the SSD module 2 can be detachably mounted. For this purpose, for example... Figure 1As shown, the periphery of the main body 31 may be provided with a snap-fit ​​protrusion, which can cooperate with the snap-fit ​​slots provided on the SPD module 1 and / or SSD module 2 so that the SPD module 1 and / or SSD module 2 can be assembled and disassembled on the lower base module 3 in a plug-and-play manner.

[0028] SPD module 1 and SSD module 2 can be assembled onto the main body 31 of the lower base module 3 separately or individually, or they can be assembled together onto the main body 31. For example, SPD module 1 and SSD module 2 can be joined side by side, and then the resulting assembly can be inserted into the main body 31 of the lower base module 3; or SPD module 1 and SSD module 2 can be stacked vertically, and then the lower module can be inserted into the main body 31 of the lower base module 3.

[0029] If possible Figure 1 and Figure 5 As can be seen, the lower base module 3 (specifically its main body 31) can have a DIN rail mounting structure, which can be used to install the entire surge protector into the power supply system and facilitates the connection of the SPD module 1 and the SSD module 2 to the power supply line.

[0030] See now Figure 2 The SPD module 1 may include, as is commonly known, a housing (hereinafter referred to as the "SPD module housing") 12 and a surge protection element 14 mounted within the SPD module housing 12. The SPD module housing 12 may include an SPD module housing body 120 and an SPD module housing cover 124. The SPD module housing body 120 may be in the form of an open box to define a cavity for receiving the surge protection element 14. The SPD module housing cover 124 may cover the opening of the SPD module housing body 120 to close the cavity.

[0031] Advantageously, the surge protector 14 can be installed in the SPD module housing 12 in a replaceable manner. Also advantageously, the surge protector 14 can comprise a varistor, a gas discharge tube, or a combination of both. For example, the surge protector 14 can be composed of a varistor and have a thickness of 9 mm, or it can be composed of a varistor and a gas discharge tube, either individually or in combination, and have a thickness of 18 mm. Thus, by replacing the surge protector, the surge protector of this invention can adapt to different technical requirements and provide different protection modes.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, the SSD module 2 may include, as is commonly known, a generally box-shaped housing (hereinafter referred to as the "SSD module housing") 21 and a tripping assembly 23 disposed within the SSD module housing 21. Figure 3(Only the operating handle of the tripping assembly is shown in the diagram). The tripping assembly 23 may include a handle operating mechanism and a linkage mechanism operatively connected to the handle operating mechanism. The linkage mechanism may carry the moving contact and may actuate when needed (e.g., when driven by the user via the handle operating mechanism, or when a fault current occurs due to aging of the SPD module 1) to separate the moving contact from the stationary contact and thereby disconnect the SPD module 1 connected in series from the power supply line, or conversely, to bring the moving contact into contact with the stationary contact and thereby form a path from the SSD module 2 to the SPD module 1.

[0033] It is understood that the construction of the tripping component of the SSD module is not limited to the embodiments described above. Its specific structure can be designed by those skilled in the art as needed, and will not affect the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the tripping component 23 will not be described in detail here.

[0034] according to Figure 1 and Figure 4-5 In the preferred embodiment shown, the lower base module 3 may include a terminal block assembly 32. This terminal block assembly 32 can be used to establish an electrical connection between the SPD module 1 and the SSD module 2, and to establish electrical connections between the SPD module 1 and the power supply line, and between the SSD module 2 and the power supply line.

[0035] The terminal block assembly 32 may include a portion for connecting an external power supply line and a portion for forming an electrical connection between the SPD module 1 and the SSD module 2. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, the terminal assembly 32 may include a wiring terminal 323 and an electrical connection terminal block 321. The wiring terminal 323 may include a screw-type crimping portion that can be inserted into the SPD module 1 and SSD module 2 after they are mounted onto the lower base module 3, and can receive and crimp wires from the power supply line to electrically connect the SPD module 1 and SSD module 2 to the power supply line. The electrical connection terminal block 321 may be connected to the wiring terminal 323, for example, via a conductive metal tab, and may include two opposing resilient conductive tabs for receiving the electrode pins of the SPD module 1 and / or SSD module 2.

[0036] Of course, the structure of the terminal block assembly 32 is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the terminal block assembly 32 may not include the screw-type wiring terminal 323. In this case, the electrical connection terminal block 321 may be electrically connected to the wire from the power supply line, for example, via a conductive sheet or conductive wire.

[0037] exist Figure 4-5In the preferred embodiment shown, the terminal assembly 32 may include a terminal fastening ring 322, which can be fitted onto the electrical connection terminal block 321, thereby forming a clamping ring between two elastic conductive plates of the electrical connection terminal block 321. In this way, the terminal fastening ring 322 can advantageously provide a fastening force to prevent the electrode pins inserted into the electrical connection terminal block 321 from loosening, thereby ensuring a reliable electrical connection between the SPD module 1 and the SSD module 2.

[0038] Still based on Figure 1 and Figure 4-5 In the preferred embodiment shown, the lower base module 3 may further include a remote signaling mechanism 33, which is disposed on the main body 31 of the lower base module 3 and configured to operate according to the state changes of the SPD module 1 and / or the SSD module 2. Thus, this invention can sense and transmit the state changes of the SPD module 1 and / or the SSD module 2 to the remote signaling control circuit through an independent remote signaling mechanism 33, reducing signal interference between different modules and increasing the reliability of information transmission.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the SPD module 1 and the SSD module 2 can be pre-assembled together and then jointly mounted onto the lower base module 3. Specifically, it is conceivable to provide a mounting base on the SSD module 2 for mounting the SPD module 1 thereon.

[0040] Therefore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the SSD module 2 may include a bracket 22 to serve as a mounting base for the SPD module 1. The bracket 22 may be fixedly or detachably attached to the SSD module housing 21 and is configured to support the SPD module 1, particularly in a detachable manner. For example, the bracket 22 may be formed from a U-shaped frame or housing component, with its central U-shaped groove portion used to accommodate the SPD module 1. The bracket 22 may be mounted, for example, to the side of the SSD module housing 21 using screws.

[0041] Advantageously, the bracket 22 can have the same thickness as the SPD module 1 (along... Figure 3 The dimensions are measured in the direction of paper entry and exit, and the periphery of the bracket 22 can be flush with the periphery of the corresponding part of the SSD module housing 21. Advantageously, the central U-shaped groove of the bracket 22 can have a shape and size that matches the SPD module 1. Thus, when the SPD module 1 is installed on the bracket 22, it can form a compact and aesthetically pleasing module assembly together with the SSD module 2, which can then be integrally installed onto the lower base module 3.

[0042] Alternatively, the bracket can be formed as part of the SPD module 1. For example, such a bracket can be fixedly formed (e.g., integrally formed) on the SPD module housing 12 of the SPD module 1, or such a bracket can be detachably connected to the SPD module housing 12.

[0043] Of course, a dedicated bracket can be omitted, and the SPD module 1 and SSD module 2 can be connected to each other simply through their own structures. Alternatively, the SPD module 1 and SSD module 2 can be installed separately on the lower base module 3 without a mechanical connection.

[0044] Preferably, for Figure 1-3 In the embodiment shown, the SPD module 1 may include a voltage indicator 11, which may be associated with the surge protection element 14 and disposed at a predetermined position opposite to a feature on the bracket 22, to ensure that the SPD module 1 is correctly inserted into the bracket 22.

[0045] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the voltage indicator 11 can be formed by a pin extending from the SPD module housing 12. This pin may have a specific cross-sectional shape (e.g., arrowhead shape) for insertion into a matching feature (e.g., a slot of a specific form) provided on the bracket 22. Advantageously, the voltage indicator 11 can rotate relative to the SPD module housing 12. This allows the angular position of the pin relative to the SPD module housing 12 to be adjusted according to the type of surge protection element 14 in the SPD module 1 (which characterizes the surge protection method or specification). This, in turn, prevents the user from connecting incompatible SPD modules 1 and 2 together by ensuring proper engagement between the pin and the feature on the bracket.

[0046] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 According to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the SPD module 1 may include a protruding feature 121, which may be disposed on the side of the SPD module housing 12; the SSD module 2 may include a recessed feature 211, which may be disposed on the SSD module housing 21, particularly on the support 22 for supporting the SPD module 1. The protruding feature 121 can be press-fitted into the recessed feature 211 to prevent the SPD module 1 from falling off the SSD module 2 due to vibration. This cooperation between the protruding feature and the recessed feature advantageously ensures a secure connection between the SPD module 1 and the SSD module 2.

[0047] See also Figure 2Preferably, the SPD module 1 may include a tool engagement portion 122. The tool engagement portion 122 may be disposed on the side of the SPD module housing 12 and configured to accommodate the end of an external tool and withstand the leverage force applied thereon, so as to facilitate the separation of the SPD module 1 and the SSD module 2 when disassembly is required.

[0048] Specifically, the main body 31 of the lower base module 3 can be configured to support one or more SPD modules 1 and SSD modules 2, thereby forming a single-pole or multi-pole surge protector. For example, as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the main body 31 of the lower base module 3 can support an SPD module 1 and an SSD module 2, and is equipped with a remote signaling mechanism 33. The surge protector thus formed can be called a one-pole surge protector. Alternatively, as... Figure 5 As shown, the main body 31 of the lower base module 3 can carry three SPD modules 1 (only one is shown in the figure) and three SSD modules 2 (only one is shown in the figure), and is equipped with three (only two are shown in the figure) remote signaling mechanisms 33. The surge protector formed therefrom can be called a three-pole surge protector.

[0049] Advantageously, the shape and size of the main body 31 of the lower base module 3 can be designed to match the overall external shape and size of the SPD module 1 and SSD module 2 it carries, thereby making the surge protector formed after assembly have a flush overall outer peripheral surface.

[0050] Various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments disclosed above without departing from the scope or spirit of this invention. Other embodiments of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the practice of this invention disclosed in this specification. This specification and the examples disclosed herein should be considered illustrative only, and the true scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A modular surge protector, characterized in that it include: Surge protection module (1); Backup protection module (2), said backup protection module (2) having the function of disconnecting surge protection module (1) from the power supply line; and The lower base module (3) includes a tray-shaped main body (31), and the surge protection module (1) and the backup protection module (2) are detachably mounted on the main body (31).

2. The modular surge protector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surge protection module (1) and the backup protection module (2) are individually or jointly plugged into the main body (31).

3. The modular surge protector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The lower base module (3) also includes a terminal block assembly (32) for electrical connection between the surge protection module (1) and the backup protection module (2) and between them and the power supply line.

4. The modular surge protector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The terminal assembly (32) includes an electrical connection terminal block (321) and a terminal fastening ring (322), which is fitted onto the electrical connection terminal block (321) to provide a fastening force that prevents the electrode pins inserted into the electrical connection terminal block (321) from loosening.

5. The modular surge protector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The lower base module (3) also includes a remote signaling mechanism (33), which is disposed on the main body (31) and configured to operate according to the state changes of the surge protection module (1) and / or the backup protection module (2).

6. The modular surge protector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The backup protection module (2) includes a backup protection module housing (21) and a bracket (22) detachably attached to the backup protection module housing (21), the bracket (22) being configured to detachably support the surge protection module (1).

7. The modular surge protector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The surge protection module (1) includes a surge protection module housing (12) and a surge protection element detachably installed in the surge protection module housing (12), the surge protection element including a varistor or a gas discharge tube or a combination thereof.

8. The modular surge protector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The surge protection module (1) includes a voltage indicator (11) associated with the lightning protection element and disposed at a predetermined position opposite to a feature on the bracket (22) to ensure that the surge protection module (1) is correctly inserted into the bracket (22).

9. The modular surge protector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The surge protection module housing (12) includes a protruding feature (121) disposed on the side of the surge protection module housing (12), and the backup protection module housing (21) includes a recessed feature (211). The protruding feature (121) can be press-fitted into the recessed feature (211) to prevent the surge protection module (1) from vibrating and falling off the backup protector module (2).

10. The modular surge protector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The surge protection module housing (12) includes a tool engagement (122) which is disposed on the side of the surge protection module housing (12) and configured to accommodate the end of an external tool and withstand the leverage force applied thereto, so as to separate the surge protection module (1) and the backup protection module (2).

11. The modular surge protector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The main body (31) of the lower base module (3) is configured to carry one or more surge protection modules (1) and backup protection modules (2).

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