Fuse holder

Abstract

Fuse holder (1) for an inline fuse, comprising a multi-part housing with at least a first housing part (2) and at least one second housing part (3), a fuse carrier for an associated fuse, and at least one closure element (4), wherein each housing part (2, 3) has a connection connector for a connection cable and a first contact device which forms a separable electrically conductive connection with the respective connection connector and with the associated fuse, wherein the housing parts are movable from a closed position (P0), in which the housing parts (2, 3) are connected to one another by means of the closure element (4), into an open position, in which the housing parts (2, 3) are spaced apart from one another by an opening width, and back in the direction of a longitudinal axis (7) of the fuse holder (1),wherein the first contact device is closed in the closed position (P0) and separated in the open position. The housing parts (2, 3) are movable from the closed position (P0) to an intermediate position and then to the open position and back via the intermediate position to the closed position (P0), wherein the first contact device is separated in the intermediate position and in the open position, and wherein a respective second contact device is separated in the open position.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuse holder according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] There are many different types of fuse holders for inline fuses. The fuse holders are built into a cable, with an input line and an output line being electrically connected to terminals in the fuse holder. The terminals are electrically connected, for example via clamp contacts, to a fuse inside a housing of the fuse holder. The fuse is built as a wire in a tubular body, often with an extinguishing agent. Depending on the application, the tubular body is made of glass, plastic, or ceramic. Depending on the operating voltage and current, the fuses in the housing are protected against contact during inspection and changing. At high voltages, there is a risk of arcing between live parts such as the fuse and a user. This can be the case, for example, with photovoltaic systems.

[0003] Some fuse holders are provided with devices into which the fuse is first inserted and then inserted or pushed into its clamping position using a movable part of this device.

[0004] Examples of fuse holders are shown in the following documents: US 4,909,761 B describes a holder for an electrical fuse. The holder has a first receiving body to which a nut with an internal thread is mounted so as to allow relative rotation between them. Mounting the nut to the body allows the nut to be separated from the body when a predetermined axial separation force is exerted between the parts without damaging them. A second body, which receives the fuse, has an external thread that engages the thread of the first body. When the threaded connection is made, the body parts are pulled together to enclose the fuse.

[0005] WO 2016 / 094 488 A1 relates to a fuse assembly comprising a housing having a first and a second compartment. The fuse assembly also comprises a fuse holder that can be moved relative to the housing between a closed and an open position. When the fuse holder is in the open position, a fuse can be removed, and the fuse is inaccessible when the fuse holder is in the closed position. The fuse assembly also comprises a first connector having a first fuse contact at one end and a first wire coupling at an opposite end. The first connector is slidable between an engaged and a disengaged position within the first compartment. The connector is electrically coupled to the fuse in the engaged position and electrically decoupled in the disengaged position.The first connector locks the fuse holder in the closed position when the first connector is in the engaged position.

[0006] DE 10 2021 123 029 A1 describes a fuse holder for an inline fuse, comprising a multi-part housing, a fuse carrier for a fuse, and at least one closure element. The housing has at least one first housing part with an interior space and at least one second housing part with an interior space, wherein the housing parts are movable from a closed position, in which the housing parts are connected to one another by means of the closure element and enclose the interior spaces, into an open position, in which the housing parts are spaced apart from one another by an opening width and the interior spaces are open, and back in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the fuse holder.

[0007] The existing solutions have proven themselves to be effective. However, there is a constant need for further development, creating greater functionality with increased safety, a compact design, and fewer components.

[0008] Solving this problem is the object of the invention. The invention solves this problem through the subject matter of claim 1.

[0009] A fuse holder according to the invention for an inline fuse comprises a multi-part housing with at least a first housing part and at least one second housing part, a fuse carrier for an associated fuse and at least one closure element, wherein each housing part has a connection connector for a connection cable and a first contact device which forms a separable electrically conductive connection with the respective connection connector and with the associated fuse, wherein the housing parts are movable from a closed position, in which the housing parts are connected to one another by means of the closure element, into an open position, in which the housing parts are spaced apart from one another by an opening width, and back in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the fuse holder, wherein the first contact device is closed in the closed position and separated in the open position.The housing parts are movable from the closed position to an intermediate position and then to the open position and back via the intermediate position to the closed position, wherein the first contact device is separated in the intermediate position and in the open position, and wherein a respective second contact device is separated in the open position.

[0010] A particular advantage is the simple design, easy handling and high level of safety due to the double separation of the fuse (on both connection sides of the fuse) by means of two contact devices connected in series.

[0011] A further advantage of double separation is that larger fuses, e.g. with higher operating voltage, can also be used.

[0012] Further advantageous embodiments can be found in the remaining subclaims.

[0013] In one embodiment, each housing part has the second contact device, which forms a series connection with the respective first contact device and the associated fuse, wherein the second contact device forms a separable electrically conductive connection with the respective first contact device and the associated fuse. This advantageously results in larger air gaps and a higher operating voltage, such as 1 kV, 1.5 kV.

[0014] Another embodiment provides that in the closed position, the first contact device and the second contact device are closed, and that in the intermediate position, the first contact device is separated and the second contact device is closed, and that in the open position, the first contact device and the second contact device are separated. This is advantageous because, when the first contact device is separated, an arc can occur in a free space that is separated from the fuse by a large air gap. It is advantageous that once the open position has been reached and the second contact device is also separated, the fuse can be removed.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, the fuse carrier is designed as a tubular body and can be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the fuse holder by a rotation angle from the closed position of the housing parts, from an initial angle to the intermediate position of the housing parts, then to the open position of the housing parts, to a final angle, and back again. This enables an advantageously compact design.

[0016] If the fuse carrier has a movement thread as an external thread that engages with a corresponding movement thread as an internal thread in the interior of the housing parts, this results in the advantage of easily converting a sliding movement into a rotational movement of the fuse carrier. A further advantage is that the contact devices and their contact areas can be more easily disconnected and reconnected by twisting.

[0017] Twisting the fuse carrier ensures that the fuse carrier and its associated fuse are removed evenly from the contacts of the connector when pulled out and do not get stuck in one.

[0018] Rotating the fuse carrier can make it easier to insert the fuse and its contacts into the connector's blade contacts. This also applies to removing the fuse.

[0019] A further embodiment provides that the internal thread of the interior of the first housing part, together with the external thread of the first fuse carrier section of the fuse carrier engaging therewith, and the internal thread of the interior of the second housing part, together with the external thread of the second fuse carrier section of the fuse carrier engaging therewith, are formed in opposite directions to one another. This enables an advantageously compact design of the fuse holder.

[0020] A further advantage arises when the fuse carrier has clip-like holding sections inside that hold the corresponding fuse in a central area inside the fuse carrier. This allows for quick and easy fuse replacement without the need for special tools.

[0021] It is advantageous if the fuse carrier has two radially opposite window cutouts in its central region, the dimensions of one window cutout corresponding to a length and a diameter of the fuse to be accommodated in the fuse carrier, since this enables particularly easy and simple removal of the fuse.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, the housing parts are coupled to at least one guide rail arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fuse holder. This advantageously ensures that the fuse holder is held together easily when pulled apart.

[0023] In another embodiment, the first contact device and the second contact device have a common intermediate connector. This results in a compact and simple design.

[0024] A further embodiment provides that the first contact device comprises a lamellar contact of the connecting connector and a contact section with an end section of the intermediate connector. An advantage here is that the contact device comprises circumferentially resilient lamellar contacts or lamellar springs, which form an electrically conductive connection receptacle for a fuse contact of the fuse, since this enables effective contacting of the fuse contacts.

[0025] In a further embodiment, effective contacting is also advantageous if the second contact device has a lamella contact of the intermediate connector and a fuse contact of the associated fuse.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, the intermediate connector is slidably guided within the interior of a pipe section in a respective housing part. This enables a compact design with high functionality.

[0027] It is advantageous that the intermediate connector has a guide section with which the intermediate connector is mounted in a displaceable manner in the interior space.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the guide section of the intermediate connector interacts with a collar of the tubular section as an axial stop in the intermediate position. This allows the intermediate connector to remain axially fixed when leaving the intermediate position, while the second contact device can be separated by pulling the fuse out of the thus advantageously easily fixed lamella contact.

[0029] A further embodiment provides that the intermediate connector has a connecting section that is slidably mounted in an opening in the collar of the pipe section. This advantageously improves the axial displaceability and support of the intermediate connector.

[0030] An embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. This embodiment merely serves to illustrate the invention using preferred constructions, but does not represent the invention exhaustively. Therefore, other embodiments, as well as modifications and equivalents of the illustrated embodiments, are also feasible within the scope of the claims.

[0031] They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a fuse holder according to the invention in a closed position; Fig. 2 a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the embodiment according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a schematic radial sectional view of the fuse holder along line III according to Fig. 2; Fig. 4 a schematic sectional view of the fuse holder according to Fig. 1 in a first separation position; Fig. 5 a schematic view of the fuse holder according to Fig. 1 in a second disconnected position in an open position; and Fig. 6-9 schematic views of the fuse holder according to Fig. 5 in the second disconnect position in the open position.

[0032] The terms “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right” refer to the respective arrangement of the components in the figures.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a fuse holder 1 according to the invention in a closed position P0.

[0034] In Fig. 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 shown.

[0035] Fig. 3 shows a schematic radial section view of the fuse holder 1 along line III Fig. 2.

[0036] In Fig. 4 is a schematic sectional view of the fuse holder 1 according to Fig. 1 in a first separation position in an intermediate position P1.

[0037] Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of the fuse holder 1 according to Fig. 1 in a second disconnected position in an open position P2.

[0038] Fuse holder 1 is designed as a so-called inline fuse holder for at least one fuse 10. Fuse 10 is, for example, a melting fuse in a ceramic body with an extinguishing agent. Example dimensions can range from 10.3 x 38 (mm) to 22 x 65 (mm), but are not limited to these. A preferred application is photovoltaic systems. However, other applications are also possible.

[0039] The fuse holder 1 has a housing which comprises a first housing part 2, a second housing part 3 and a closure element 4, here a union nut.

[0040] Housing parts 2 and 3 are arranged along a common longitudinal axis 7 of the fuse holder 1. Housing parts 2 and 3 are described in detail below.

[0041] Within the housing parts 2 and 3, the fuse 10 is arranged in a fuse carrier 8. The fuse carrier 8 is explained in more detail below.

[0042] In the closed position P0, the fuse 10 is completely enclosed by housing parts 2 and 3 and is thus electrically insulated. At the same time, a protection class of IP65 / 68 can be achieved in the closed position P0.

[0043] The housing parts 2, 3, the closure element 4 and the fuse carrier 8 are made of an electrically non-conductive material whose properties such as touch safety, temperature, flammability (e.g. UL94V0), etc., correspond to the applicable safety regulations with regard to the operating parameters and the intended use of the fuse 10.

[0044] The free ends of housing parts 2 and 3 each form a connection side A1, A1. The other ends of housing parts 2 and 3 are each provided with an end face 15, 16. In the closed position P0 of the fuse holder 1, the end faces 15, 16 are in contact with each other. These, and thus the housing parts 2, 3, are firmly held together by the locking element 4.

[0045] In the closed position P0, the fuse 10 is electrically connected in series to its first fuse contact 10a via a first contact device K1 and a second contact device K2. The second, opposite fuse contact 10b of the fuse 10 is also electrically connected in series in the closed position P0 via a first contact device K'1 and a second contact device K'2.

[0046] For replacing or removing or / and inserting the fuse 10, the housing parts 2 and 3 can be moved in opposite displacement directions S in the direction of the longitudinal axis 7 of the fuse holder 10 from the closed position P0 ( Fig. 1) via an intermediate position P1 ( Fig. 4) into an open position P2 ( Fig. 5) be pulled apart.

[0047] In the intermediate position P1 of the fuse holder 1 ( Fig. 4) the housing parts 2, 3 are initially spaced apart from each other in respective intermediate positions P2-1, P3-1 by a first opening width W1 of their end faces 15, 16.

[0048] In the intermediate position P1, a first disconnected position of the fuse holder 1 is formed. In the first disconnected position, the respective series connections of the contact devices K1, K2 and K'1, K'2 on both sides of the fuse 10 are interrupted such that the first contact devices K1 and K'1 are disconnected.

[0049] After passing through the intermediate position P1, the housing parts 2 and 3 of the fuse holder 1 are spaced apart from each other by a second opening width W2 of their end faces 15, 16 upon further displacement in opposite displacement directions S along the longitudinal axis 7 of the fuse holder 10 from the intermediate position P1 to the open position P2. The housing parts 2, 3 are in a respective open position P2-2, P3-2.

[0050] Only through this second opening width W2 thus formed in the open position P2 can the fuse 10 now be removed from the fuse holder 1 or arranged in it.

[0051] In the open position P2 of the fuse holder 1, the second disconnected position of the fuse holder 1 is formed. In this case, both the first contact devices K1, K'1 and the second contact devices K2, K'2 are interrupted and separated.

[0052] In the open position P2 of the fuse holder 1, the protection class is IP2xx.

[0053] These three positions P0, P1 and P2 with the positions of the contact devices K1, K'1; K2, K'2 are described further below.

[0054] Housing parts 2 and 3 are identical except for minor differences. Therefore, the following description of the first housing part 2 also applies to the second housing part 3. The reference numerals belonging to the second housing part 3 are therefore indicated with an apostrophe "" to distinguish them.

[0055] The connection side A1, A2 of the housing parts 2, 3 is formed with a connection section 2a, 3a intended for a cable gland 5, 6. Such a cable gland 5, 6, e.g., with an elastic cable gland, is known and will not be described further. It can, of course, also be designed differently.

[0056] The connection sides A1, A2 can each be equipped with an input line or output line.

[0057] The connection section 2a, 3a each has a cable compartment 2b, 3b for the passage of a connecting cable (not shown). The cable compartment 2b, 3b is arranged coaxially to the longitudinal axis 7 and opens into a respective central, circular-cylindrical interior space 2c, 3c of the associated housing part 2, 3.

[0058] Around this opening of the cable compartment 2b, 3b, two pipe sections 2a1, 3a1 and 2a2, 3a2, which are also coaxial with the longitudinal axis 7, are attached to a respective inner end face of the interior space 2c, 3c. The two pipe sections 2a1, 3a1 and 2a2, 3a2 extend into the interior space 2c, 3c at different lengths.

[0059] The first pipe section 2a1, 3a1 each forms a holder for a connection connector 9 and is arranged in an interior space 2a3, 3a3 of the second pipe section 2a2, 2a3.

[0060] This holder can be designed for different types of connectors 9. In the example shown, the connector 9 has a contact carrier 9a with a lamella contact 9b and a conductor connection 9c.

[0061] The lamella contact 9b is designed such that circumferentially resilient lamella contacts or lamella springs are attached to the contact carrier 9, forming an electrically conductive connection receptacle for an intermediate connector 90. This is the first contact device K1, K'1.

[0062] The intermediate connector 90 is described in more detail below.

[0063] The conductor terminal 9c of the terminal connector 9 is provided for connection to an electrically conductive cable (not shown, but easily understood) arranged in the cable space 2b, 3b.

[0064] The second tube section 2a2, 3a2 is provided with an end wall 2a4, 3a4 at its inner end. The end wall 2a4, 3a4 has an opening that is smaller than a diameter of the interior space 2c, 3c.

[0065] In the interior space 2c, 3c of the second pipe section 2a2, 3a2, the intermediate connector 90 is mounted so as to be displaceable along the longitudinal axis 7.

[0066] The intermediate connector 90 comprises a contact carrier 90a with a lamella contact 90b, similar to the connection connector 9, a connecting section 90c, a guide section 90d and a contact section 90e with an end section 90f.

[0067] The contact carrier 90a with the blade contact 90b is designed to accommodate a fuse 10 arranged in the fuse carrier 8. The fuse 10 is retractably inserted at both ends with a respective fuse contact 10a in a respective blade contact 90b and is electrically connected to the latter.

[0068] The lamella contact 90b of the intermediate connector 90 and the fuse contact 10a of the fuse 10 form the second contact device K2, K'2.

[0069] The intermediate connector 90 forms a common component of the first contact device K1, K'1 and the second contact device K2, K'2. The contact section 90e and the end section 90f of the intermediate connector 90 belong to the first contact device K1, K'1. The lamella contact 90b of the intermediate connector 90 belongs to the second contact device K2, K'2.

[0070] The connecting section 90c of the intermediate connector 90 is tubular with a circular cross-section and extends through the opening of the end wall 2a4, 3a4 of the second tube section 2a2, 3a2. The connecting section 90c connects the contact carrier 90a to the guide section 90d. The guide section 90d is arranged in the interior space 2a3, 3a3 of the second tube section 2a2, 2a3 and, with its outer diameter being larger than the outer diameter of the connecting section 90c, touches the inner wall of the interior space 2a3, 3a3. In this way, the intermediate connector 90 is slidably guided in the interior space 2a3, 3a3 of the second tube section 2a2, 2a3 by means of the guide section 90d. A further guide is formed by the opening of the end wall 2a4, 3a4 of the second pipe section 2a2, 3a2, which is in contact with the outer diameter of the connecting section 90c.

[0071] On the side of the guide section 90d facing the connection side A1, A2, the contact section 90e is attached, which is connected to the end section 90f, which is spherical in this case.

[0072] The contact section 90e with the end section 90f is in the closed position P0 of the fuse holder 1 ( Fig. 2) in the first contact device K1, K'1 in the lamellar contact 9b of the connection connector 9 in an electrically conductive manner.

[0073] The guide section 90d forms a stop on the inner side of the end wall 2a4, 3a4 for the displacement path of the intermediate connector 90 in the direction of the fuse 10. In the other direction, towards the connection side A1, A2, the lamella contact 9b of the connection connector 9 limits the displacement path of the intermediate connector 90. These "limitations" are explained in more detail below.

[0074] The central circular-cylindrical interior 2c, 3c of the housing part 2, 3 serves to accommodate one half of a fuse carrier 8 with one half of the fuse 10 and the first and second contact devices K1, K2; K'1, K'2.

[0075] The fuse carrier 8 is a tubular body with two fuse carrier sections 8a and 8b. The fuse carrier sections 8a and 8b divide the fuse carrier 8 into two halves of equal length and size. The first fuse carrier section 8a is intended for use in the first housing part 2 in its interior space 2c and has a right-hand external thread 8c. The second fuse carrier section 8b is intended for use in the second housing part 3 in its interior space 3c and has a left-hand external thread 8'c. The external threads 8c, 8'c are designed as movement threads.

[0076] In addition, the fuse carrier sections 8a, 8b each have an end section 8e, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0077] The fuse 10 is held in a central region in the interior of the fuse carrier 8 by means of clip-shaped holding sections 8d.

[0078] The fuse carrier 8 also has two radially opposite window cutouts 18, 19 in its central area, which are best seen in the Fig. 6 to 9 and are described further below in connection with these.

[0079] An internal thread 2d, 3d is formed in the wall of the interior space 2c, 3c of each housing part 2, 3 as a movement thread. However, the internal threads 2d, 3d are formed in opposite directions to each other, i.e., the internal thread 2d of the interior space 2c of the first housing part 2 is a right-hand thread, and the internal thread 3d of the interior space 3c of the second housing part 3 is a left-hand thread.

[0080] The first, right-hand internal thread 2d corresponds to the right-hand external thread 8c of the first fuse carrier section 8a of the fuse carrier 8. And the second, left-hand internal thread 3d corresponds to the left-hand external thread 8'c of the second fuse carrier section 8b of the fuse carrier 8.

[0081] The fuse carrier 8 is screwed into the interior space 2c, 3c of the housing parts 2, 3, with its external threads 8c, 8'c engaging with the internal threads 2d, 3d of the housing parts 2, 3. The end sections 8e of the fuse carrier 8 encompass the respective tube sections 2a2 and 3a2 in position P0.

[0082] In this way, the respective tube sections 2a2, 3a2 and a part of the respective fuse carrier section 8a, 8b are telescopically arranged in the respective interior space 2c, 3c of the housing parts 2, 3 in the closed position P0 ( Fig. 2) and partly in the intermediate position P1 ( Fig. 4) arranged.

[0083] The housing parts 2, 3 with their connection sections 2a, 3a and pipe sections 2a1, 3a1; 2a2, 3a2, the interior spaces 2c, 3c and the fuse carrier 8 are arranged concentrically to the longitudinal axis 7 of the fuse holder 1.

[0084] Furthermore, the fuse holder 1 has at least one axial guide rail 11, 12.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, two guide rails 11, 12 are provided. Each guide rail 11, 12 has two nose-shaped rail ends 11a, 12a and a central nose 17, 17a.

[0086] Each guide rail 11, 12 has a flat, circular section-shaped profile with downwardly projecting, extended side edges in the longitudinal direction of the respective guide rail 11, 12 ( Fig. 3).

[0087] For each guide rail 11, 12, a guide recess 13, 14; 13a, 14a corresponding to its shape is formed in a respective outer region of each housing part 2, 3. The guide recesses 13, 14; 13a, 14a run parallel to the longitudinal axis 7 of the fuse holder 1 and extend over almost the entire length of the fuse holder 1.

[0088] Each opening of each guide recess 13, 14; 13a, 14a is provided with a nose 2e, 3e which projects towards the underside of the corresponding opening.

[0089] In the closed position P0 of the fuse holder 1, the guide rails 11 and 12 are each inserted halfway into the guide recesses 13 and 13a of the first housing part 2 and the other half into the guide recesses 14 and 14a of the second housing part 3. This is shown in Fig. 2 can be clearly seen.

[0090] The closure element 4 serves to maintain the closed position P0. The closure element 4 is provided here as a union nut with an internal thread 4a that points toward the first housing part 2. On the side of the closure element 4 that faces the second housing part 3, the internal thread 4a is terminated by a shoulder.

[0091] The closure element 4 is screwed from the second housing part 3 onto an external thread of a collar of the first housing part 2. The circumferential collar with the external thread is attached to the end of the first housing part 2 with the end face 15. During screwing, the housing parts 2, 3 are pulled together in the displacement direction S, whereby the shoulder of the closure element 4 interacts with a collar of the second housing part 3 and the end faces 15, 16 of the housing parts 2, 3 come into contact with each other.

[0092] Furthermore, in the closed position P0 of the fuse holder 1, bevels of the lugs 2e, 3e of the housing parts 2, 3 are in contact with bevels of the central lugs 17, 17a of the guide rails 11, 12 and thus improve the closure of the interior spaces 2c, 3c of the housing parts 2, 3. Sealing of the interior spaces 2c, 3c can also be achieved by a sealing element (not shown).

[0093] To replace or remove or / and insert the fuse 10, the housing parts 2, 3 can be pulled apart in opposite displacement directions S in the direction of the longitudinal axis 7 of the fuse holder 10 after loosening the locking element 4.

[0094] When the housing parts 2, 3 are pulled apart and pushed together, the fuse carrier 8 together with the fuse 10 is rotated around the longitudinal axis 7 by a specific angle of rotation (x) and simultaneously forced to move. In the closed position P0, the associated angle is referred to as the initial angle α0, an intermediate angle α1 in the intermediate position P1, and in the open position P2, an end angle α2 is assumed. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the angle of rotation α between the initial angle α0 and the end angle α2 is, for example, 180°.

[0095] In the closed position and position P0, both contact devices K1, K'1 and K2, K'2 are closed, ie they form a conductive electrical connection of the connection connector 9 with the intermediate connector 90 (first contact device K1, K'1) as well as a conductive electrical connection of the intermediate connector 90 and the fuse 10 (second contact device K2, K'2). This illustrates Fig. 2.

[0096] Fig. Figure 4 shows the intermediate position and position P1. The opposing lugs 2e, 3e of the housing parts 2, 3 are spaced apart by an opening width W1 in respective positions P2-1, P3-1.

[0097] When the fuse holder 1 is moved or rotated into the intermediate position P1, the contact sections 90e with their end sections 90f of the intermediate connectors 90 are pulled out of the lamella contacts 9d of the connecting connectors 9. This creates a clamping force between the lamella contacts 90b of the intermediate connectors 90 and the fuse contacts 10a of the fuse. The guide sections 90d of the intermediate connectors 90 then rest against the inner side of the respective end wall 2a4, 3a4 of the second tube section 2a2, 3a2.

[0098] Then, the first contact device K1, K'1 is opened / disconnected in the intermediate position P1, and the second contact device K2, K'2 remains closed, i.e., there is no conductive electrical connection between the connection connector 9 and the intermediate connector 90. Thus, the intermediate connectors 90 are already separated from the voltage-carrying connection connectors 9, and a respective air gap is created as a first clearance FR1 between the lamella contacts 9b of the connection connectors 9 and the end sections 90f of the intermediate connectors 90.

[0099] The intermediate connectors 90 and the fuse 10 (second contact device K2, K'2) are now only mechanically connected. The fuse contacts 10a are also not touchable in the intermediate position P1, as they are protected against contact by the fuse carrier 8.

[0100] When the fuse holder 1 is further moved or rotated from the intermediate position P1 into the open position P2, the contact sections 90e with their end sections 90f of the intermediate connectors 90 are now pulled out of the lamellar contacts 9b of the connection connectors 9, because the lamellar contacts 90b of the intermediate connectors 90 are still located within the fuse carrier 8 in the previous position, which is axially limited by the stop of the guide section 90d on the inside of the end wall 2a4, 3a4 of the second tube section 2a2, 3a2.

[0101] Only in the open position or position P2 are the second contact devices K2, K'2 also opened or separated, creating a second clearance FR2. The opposing lugs 2e, 3e of the housing parts 2, 3 are spaced apart by an opening width W2 in respective positions P2-2, P3-2 such that the fuse 10 can be removed. The fuse contacts 10a are now touchable, but are separated from the lamella contacts 90b of the intermediate connectors 90 by a certain clearance of the second clearance FR2.

[0102] The sliding movement is limited in the open position P2 of the fuse holder 1, since the lugs 2e, 3e interact with the nose-shaped rail ends 11a, 12a of the respective guide rails 13, 14; 13a, 14a inserted into the guide recesses 13, 14; 13a, 14a as a stop to prevent the respective guide rail 13, 14; 13a, 14a from being pulled out. Thus, the housing parts 2, 3 are captively connected. This illustrates Fig. 5 clearly.

[0103] In this way, the open position P2 of the fuse holder 1 ( Fig. 5) with the opening width W2 between open positions P2-1, P3-1 of the housing parts 2, 3.

[0104] In other words, in the intermediate position P1, a first disconnected position of the fuse holder 1 is formed. In the first disconnected position, the respective series connections of the contact devices K1, K2 and K'1, K'2 on both sides of the fuse 10 are interrupted such that the first contact devices K1 and K'1 are separated by a respective first free space FR1.

[0105] After passing through the intermediate position P1, the housing parts 2 and 3 of the fuse holder 1 are moved from the intermediate position P1 to the open position P2 upon further displacement in opposite displacement directions S along the longitudinal axis 7 of the fuse holder 1. This creates a second disconnect position of the fuse holder 1 with an additional second clearance FR2. The fuse holder 1 thus has a double disconnect function.

[0106] In the open position P2, the fuse 10 with its fuse contacts 10a and the fuse carrier 8 are not only pulled out of the lamella contacts 90b of the second contact device K2, K'2, but are also so far removed from these lamella contacts 90b that the second clearance FR2 is formed on either side of the fuse contacts 10a to the respective lamella contact 90b of the second contact device K2, K'2 (of the intermediate connector 90). In the open position P2, these second clearances FR2 ensure, in addition to the first clearances FR1, a prescribed clearance between the fuse contacts 10a and the respective associated contact of the connecting connector 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the clearance formed by these two clearances FR1 and FR2 is more than twice the prescribed clearance.

[0107] When the fuse holder 1 is moved from the closed position P0 to the intermediate position P1 while the fuse 10 is under load (ie the fuse 10 is flowing through by operating current), the first free spaces FR1 (see Fig. 4) of the first contact device K1, K'1, each as arc chambers. The arcs generated when the contact sections 90e and their end sections 90f are pulled out of the laminated contacts 9b of the connecting connectors 9 are thus reliably extinguished in the first free spaces FR1 within the fuse carrier 8 due to the resulting necessary air gap.

[0108] When the fuse contacts 10a of the fuse 10 are removed from the blade contacts 90b of the intermediate connectors 90, the second clearances FR2 provide additional safety in the event of a flashover in a first clearance FR1. In this way, any danger to the user can be minimized and eliminated.

[0109] The fuse carrier sections 8a, 8b or the fuse carrier 8 are considered as sacrificial parts during an arc, so that the material, ie the plastic, of the fuse carrier 8 encloses the free spaces FR1, FR2 and prevents the outer surface of the fuse holder 1 from deforming and the operator from suffering burn injuries.

[0110] The housing parts 2, 3 of the fuse holder 1 can also be provided with ribs LR, which serve, for example, for cooling. In the illustrated embodiment, the ribs LR run longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis 7.

[0111] In the Fig. 6 to 9, the fuse holder 1 is in the second disconnection position in the open position P2 according to Fig. 5 shown in different views.

[0112] Fig. 6 shows a schematic perspective view.

[0113] In Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic plan view.

[0114] Fig. 8 shows a side view.

[0115] Fig. 9 shows another side view.

[0116] A first window cutout 18 of the fuse carrier 8 extends in the longitudinal direction of the fuse carrier 8 and is slightly longer than the entire length of the fuse 10. A radial width of the first window cutout 18 is slightly larger than the diameter of the fuse 10. Through this first window cutout 18, the fuse 10 can be radially removed from the holding sections 8d of the fuse carrier 8 or clipped into the holding sections 8d of the fuse carrier 8.

[0117] The second window cutout 19 opposite the first window cutout 18 is approximately half as long as the first window cutout 18 and serves to push the safety device 10 out of the holding sections 8d through the first window cutout 18 by means of a finger or a tool. This is evident from the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, where Fig. 8 the guide rail 11 is not shown for clarity.

[0118] The holding sections 8d are arranged laterally as a boundary of the second window 19 at its radial edges.

[0119] The invention is not limited to the described embodiment, but can be modified within the scope of the claims.

[0120] It is conceivable that the intermediate position P1 is indicated, for example, optically (arrow, marking), acoustically and / or haptically when the housing parts 2, 3 are moved.

[0121] For example, it is conceivable that the closure element 4 has a locking mechanism instead of the thread. List of reference symbols 1 fuse holder 2; 3 housing part 2a; 3a connecting section 2a1, 2a2; 3a1, 3a2 pipe section 2a3; 3a3 interior 2a4; 3a4 front wall 2b; 3b cable room 2c; 3c interior 2d; 3d internal thread 2nd; 3rd nose 4 locking element 5; 6 cable gland 7 Longitudinal axis 8 fuse carriers 8a, 8b fuse carrier section 8c, 8'c external thread 8d holding section 8e final section 8f interior 9 connection connectors 9a Contact carrier 9b Lamellar contact 9c conductor connection 10 Security 10a, 10'a fuse contact 11; 12 guide rail 11a; 12a rail end 13; 14 guide opening 15; 16 front side 17, 17a Nose 18; 19 window section 90 intermediate connectors 90a contact carrier 90b lamella contact 90c connecting section 90d guide section 90e contact section 90f final section α0, α1, α2 angular position A1, A2 connection side FR1, FR2 open space K1, K'1; K2, K'2 contact device LR rib P0; P2-1, P2-2; P3-1, P3-2 position S Shift direction W1, W2 opening width QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 4 909 761 B

[0004] WO 2016 / 094 488 A1

[0005] DE 10 2021 123 029 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Fuse holder (1) for an inline fuse, comprising a multi-part housing with at least a first housing part (2) and at least one second housing part (3), a fuse carrier (8) for an associated fuse (10) and at least one closure element (4), wherein each housing part (2, 3) has a connection connector (9) for a connection cable and a first contact device (K1, K'1) which forms a separable electrically conductive connection with the respective connection connector (9) and with the associated fuse (10), wherein the housing parts (2, 3) are movable from a closed position (P0), in which the housing parts (2, 3) are connected to one another by means of the closure element (4), into an open position (P2), in which the housing parts (2, 3) are spaced apart from one another by an opening width (W2), and back in the direction of a longitudinal axis (7) of the fuse holder (1), wherein the first contact device (K1,K'1) is closed in the closed position (P0) and separated in the open position (P2), , characterized by that the housing parts (2, 3) are movable from the closed position (P0) into an intermediate position (P1) and then into the open position (P2) and back via the intermediate position (P1) into the closed position (P0), wherein the first contact device (K1, K'1) is separated in the intermediate position (P1) and in the open position (P2), and wherein a respective second contact device (K2, K'2) is separated in the open position (P2). [2] Fuse holder (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat each housing part (2, 3) has the second contact device (K2, K'2) which forms a series connection with the respective first contact device (K1, K'1) and the associated fuse (10), wherein the second contact device (K2, K'2) forms a separable electrically conductive connection with the respective first contact device (K1, K'1) and the associated fuse (10). [3] Fuse holder (1) according to claim 2, characterized by that in the closed position (P0) the first contact device (K1, K'1) and the second contact device (K2, K'2) are closed, and that in the intermediate position (P1) the first contact device (K1, K'1) is separated and the second contact device (K2, K'2) is closed, and that in the open position (P2) the first contact device (K1, K'1) and the second contact device (K2, K'2) are separated. [4] Fuse holder (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the fuse carrier (8) is designed as a tubular body and can be rotated about the longitudinal axis (7) of the fuse holder (1) from the closed position (P0) of the housing parts (2, 3) from an initial angle (α0) into the intermediate position (P1) of the housing parts (2, 3) into an intermediate angle (α1) and then into the open position (P2) of the housing parts (2, 3) into an end angle (α2) and back again about the longitudinal axis (7) of the fuse holder (1) by a rotation angle (α). [5] Fuse holder (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by that the securing carrier (8) has a movement thread as an external thread (8c, 8'c), which engages with a respective movement thread as an internal thread (2d, 3d) of interior spaces (2c; 3c) of the housing parts (2, 3). [6] Fuse holder (1) according to claim 5, characterized bythat the internal thread (2d) of the interior (2c) of the first housing part (2) together with the external thread (8c) of the first fuse carrier section (8a) of the fuse carrier (8) engaging therewith and the internal thread (3d) of the interior (3c) of the second housing part (3) together with the external thread (8'c) of the second fuse carrier section (8b) of the fuse carrier (8) engaging therewith are designed to be opposite to one another. [7] Fuse holder (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fuse carrier (8) has clip-shaped holding sections (8d) in its interior, which hold the associated fuse (10) in a central region in the interior of the fuse carrier (8). [8] Fuse holder (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the fuse carrier (8) has two radially opposite window cutouts (18, 19) in its central region, the dimensions of one window cutout (18) corresponding to a length and a diameter of the fuse (10) to be accommodated in the fuse carrier (8). [9] Fuse holder (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing parts (2, 3) are coupled to at least one guide rail (11; 12) which is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis (7) of the fuse holder (1). [10] Fuse holder (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first contact device (K1, K'1) and the second contact device (K2, K'2) have a common intermediate connector (90). [11] Fuse holder (1) according to claim 10, characterized bythat the first contact device (K1, K'1) has a lamella contact (9b) of the connection connector (9) and a contact section (90e) with an end section (90f) of the intermediate connector (90). [12] Fuse holder (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by that the second contact device (K2, K'2) has a lamella contact (9b) of the intermediate connector (90) and a fuse contact (10a) of the associated fuse (10). [13] Fuse holder (1) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by that the intermediate connector (90) is displaceably guided in an interior space (2a3, 3a2) of a pipe section (2a2, 3a2) in a respective housing part (2, 3). [14] Fuse holder (1) according to claim 13, characterized by that the intermediate connector (90) has a guide section (90d) with which the intermediate connector (90) is displaceably guided in the interior space (2a3, 3a2). [15] Fuse holder (1) according to claim 14, characterized by that the guide section (90d) of the intermediate connector (90) cooperates with an end wall (2a4, 3a4) of the pipe section (2a2, 3a2) as an axial stop in the intermediate position (P1). [16] Fuse holder (1) according to claim 15, characterized by that the intermediate connector (90) has a connecting section (90c) which is displaceably guided in an opening of the end wall (2a4, 3a4) of the pipe section (2a2, 3a2).

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