Protective device for a fuse holder

Abstract

The invention relates to a protective device (20, 120) for a fuse holder (10), on which one or more fuses (12, 14, 16) are arranged, comprising a main body (22, 122) made of an electrically insulating material with at least one access opening (156, 158, 160) to a fuse fastening means, in particular a screw, wherein a cover (24, 124) is provided, by means of which the access opening (156, 158, 160) is secured against unintentional insertion of an object.

Description

[0001] 2024P00022WC) - 1 -

[0002] Protective device for a fuse holder

[0003] The invention relates to a protective device for a fuse holder on which one or more fuses are arranged.

[0004] If there is a risk of someone experiencing an electric shock with an energy of at least 5 joules per cm 2 Anyone working on such installations must wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Putting on and taking off PPE typically takes at least 10 minutes each time. Even a routine and relatively simple zero-voltage measurement performed near a fuse requires the cumbersome donning of PPE.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to create a way to only have to wear personal protective equipment when performing a zero-volt measurement on a fuse, while being able to carry out other work in a control cabinet without personal protective equipment.

[0006] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a protective device for a fuse holder on which one or more fuses are arranged. The protective device has a base body made of an electrically insulating material with at least one access opening to a fuse fastening element, in particular a screw, and a cover is provided to secure the access opening against unintentional insertion of an object and against electrical flashovers. Such a protective device can cover all current-carrying parts of a fuse assembly (2024P00022WC). The contacts, in particular the screws with which conductors are fastened in the upper region of a fuse, are accessible through the access opening. However, the access opening can be covered by the cover so that the fuse fastening elements cannot be unintentionally touched.The protective device according to the invention can be installed without disconnecting the electrical system, in particular the fuse or fuse holder, from the main power supply.

[0007] The protective device can be specifically designed for installation on a Bussmann / Eaton fuse holder, i.e., a standardized fuse holder. After attaching the protective device to the fuse, other work in the control cabinet containing the fuse, which does not involve zero-voltage measurements at the fuse, can be carried out without the need for personal protective equipment. This allows these other tasks to be completed in approximately 20 minutes.

[0008] It is particularly advantageous if the cover is arranged so that it can be moved relative to the base body. This allows the cover to be easily slid aside, for example, to expose the access opening.

[0009] Particular advantages arise when the cover can be moved from its position concealing the access opening to a release position against the force of a restoring force. This restoring force ensures that when a tool or measuring tip inserted into the access opening is removed, the cover automatically returns to its original covering position. For example, the cover can be positioned on the base body in such a way that it must be moved upwards against the force of gravity (2024P00022WC) - 3 - to release the access opening. When the cover is released, it automatically returns to its original covering position due to the force of gravity.

[0010] Alternatively, a return element can be provided for the cover. For example, a spring element can be used that exerts a return force. The return element can be positioned between the cover and the base body. This return element also ensures that the cover automatically returns to its initial covering position when work on the fuse is complete. The protective device can be designed to cover two or three fuses. In particular, the upper part of a fuse must be covered, as higher voltages and currents are generally present there than at live components located downstream of or in the lower part of the fuse.

[0011] Particular advantages arise when the cover is permanently attached to the base. This ensures that the cover is always present and the access opening can be covered.

[0012] The cover can, for example, be designed as a slider that can be moved upwards, downwards, to the right, and / or to the left relative to the base body to open the access opening. To ensure that the cover performs a defined movement, it can be guided on the base body. In particular, a guide, such as a rail-like guide for the cover, can be provided on the base body. The guide can also limit the movement of the cover relative to the base body. Furthermore, the guide can ensure that the cover is held securely on the base body and thus permanently attached.

[0013] Alternatively, the cover can be designed as a flap. For example, the cover can be connected to the base body via a hinge. The flap can pivot around a horizontal or vertical axis. A return element can be arranged in the hinge area so that the cover automatically returns to its initial covering position.

[0014] Further advantages arise when the cover is connected to the base body via a film hinge. This means that the cover can be integrally attached to the base body. This also ensures that the cover is permanently attached to the base body.

[0015] Furthermore, the cover can be pivotable relative to the base body. In particular, it can be pivotable about an axis that runs parallel to the direction of passage through the access opening.

[0016] Installation of the protective device is simplified if a fastening element for tool-free attachment of the protective device to the fuse holder is provided on the base body. For example, the protective device can be snapped into place on the fuse holder. A positive-locking connection between the protective device and the fuse holder is also possible.

[0017] Particular advantages arise when the fastening element is designed as a pin and the access opening is located in the area of ​​the fastening element (2024P00022WC) - 5 -. The fastening element can engage in recesses of the safety holder and be held there by a positive fit. The fastening element can be rigidly designed or elastically connected to the base body. Preferably, at least one first fastening element is rigid and a second fastening element is elastic.

[0018] Furthermore, a movement limiter can be provided for the cover. This ensures that the cover is not moved too far when the access opening is released.

[0019] To ensure that the cover returns to its original position after the access opening is released, an alignment aid can be provided for the cover. This ensures that the cover always assumes the same covering position.

[0020] The protective device can be flush with the fuse holder. In particular, the protective device can be designed so that it does not protrude laterally beyond the fuse holder. This makes it possible to install protective devices on several adjacent fuse holders without interfering with each other.

[0021] The base body and / or the cover can be made of transparent material, in particular injection-moldable transparent plastic, preferably polymethyl methacrylate or polycarbonate. This ensures that the entire locking mechanism, and especially the locking fastener, remains visible at all times. (2024P00022WC) - 6 -

[0022] A flexible, electrically insulating mat can be arranged on the base body. In particular, this mat can be located in the upper part of the base body. Wires connected to the fuse can pass through the mat. For this purpose, the mat can have openings, especially slots. The slots can be arranged so that the mat can be installed without having to disconnect the wires from the fuse.

[0023] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the figures in the drawing, which show essential details of the invention, as well as from the claims. The features shown therein are not necessarily to scale and are depicted in such a way that the inventive features can be clearly seen. The various features can be implemented individually or in any combination in variants of the invention.

[0024] The schematic drawing shows exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are explained in more detail in the following description.

[0025] They show:

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a fuse holder with a protective device attached to it;

[0027] Fig. 2 shows an alternative design of a protective device;

[0028] Fig. 3 shows a basic body of the protective device according to Figure 2; 2024P00022WC) - 7 -

[0029] Fig. 4 shows a rear view of the base body of Figure 3.

[0030] Figure 1 shows a fuse holder 10 that holds three fuses 12, 14, 16. A protective device 20 is arranged and attached to the fuse holder 10, covering the fuses 12, 14, 16 in their upper region, particularly in the area where fuse fasteners, especially screws, connect conductors (not shown) to the fuses 12, 14, 16. The protective device 20 specifically prevents unintentional contact with electrical components carrying high current or voltage and / or prevents electrical flashovers.

[0031] The protective device 20 comprises a base body 22 to which a cover 24 is attached. The cover 24 is movable relative to the base body 22. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the cover 24 is vertically movable. To facilitate movement of the cover 24, an operating handle 26 is provided on the cover 24. In the position shown, the cover 24 covers access openings to the securing fasteners (not shown). When the cover 24 is moved upwards against the force of gravity, the corresponding access openings are released. The cover 24 is guided laterally by guides 28, 30. Furthermore, alignment aids 32, 34, 36 are visible, which align the cover 24 so that it always assumes the same position in the position closing or covering the access openings.The cover 24 has corresponding recesses for the alignment aids 32, 34, 36.

[0032] Figure 1 further shows that the base body 22 has a tab 38 whose material thickness is less than that of the adjacent areas 40, 42, which are separated from the tab 38 by slots 44, 46. The tab 38 can be deflected backwards, particularly when the cover 24 is inserted from above during assembly. Due to the web 48, the tab 38 is deflected backwards, thus allowing the cover 24 to be installed. After the cover 24 is installed, the web 48 acts as a limiter for the upward movement of the cover 24. This ensures that the cover 24 is securely held on the base body 22. Figure 1 also shows that the protective device 20 does not project laterally beyond the safety retainer 10. Furthermore, the protective device 20 is designed to be flat, so that it has a low profile.

[0033] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a protective device 120. The protective device 120 has a cover 124, which is designed analogously to the cover 24. It also has an actuating handle 126 and recesses that interact with corresponding alignment aids 132, 134, 136 of the base body 120. The guides 128, 130 are formed here by webs that have insertion ramps 150, 152 at their upper ends, so that the webs can be displaced when the cover 124 is installed. The webs are therefore elastically designed. After the cover 124 is installed, the webs return to their initial position. Movement limiters 148 are formed on the webs, which limit the upward movement of the cover 124 and simultaneously ensure that the cover 124 is captive on the base body 122.

[0034] Figure 3 shows only the base body 122 of the protective device 120 according to Figure 2. It can be seen that the base body 122 has access openings 156, 158, 160 for securing fasteners. These access openings 156, 158, 160 are covered by the cover 124. (2024P00022WC) - 9 -

[0035] Figure 4 shows that in the area of ​​the outer access openings 156, 160 first pin-like fastening elements 162 and second pin-like fastening elements 164 are arranged, which can engage in corresponding recesses on the fuses 12, 14, 16 or on the fuse holder 10 and can hold the protective device 120 there by means of positive locking.

[0036] The first fastening elements 162 are rigidly designed, while the second fastening element 164 is elastically connected to the base body 122 and can therefore deflect slightly. In particular, the second fastening element 164 is connected to the base body 122 via the elastic web 166.

Claims

2024P00022WC) - 10 - Patent claims 1. Protective device (20, 120) for a fuse holder (10) on which one or more fuses (12, 14, 16) are arranged, wherein the protective device (20, 120) has a base body (22, 122) made of an electrically insulating material with at least one access opening (156, 158, 160) to a fuse fastening means, in particular a screw, wherein a cover (24, 124) is provided with which the access opening (156, 158, 160) is secured against unintentional insertion of an object.

2. Protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover (24, 124) is arranged movably on the base body (22, 122) relative to the base body (22, 122).

3. Protective device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (24, 124) can be moved from its position covering the access opening (156, 158, 160) into a release position against the effect of a restoring force.

4. Protective device according to claim 3, characterized in that a return element for the cover (24, 124) is provided.

5. Protective device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (24, 124) is irrevocably arranged on the base body (22, 122).

6. Protective device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (24, 124) is designed as a slide. 2024P00022WC) - 11 - 7. Protective device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (24, 124) is guided on the base body (22, 122).

8. Protective device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (24, 124) is designed as a flap.

9. Protective device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (24, 124) is connected to the base body (22, 122) via a film hinge.

10. Protective device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (24 124) is pivotable relative to the base body (22, 122).

11. Protective device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first fastening element (162) and a second fastening element (164) for tool-free fastening of the protective device (20, 120) to the fuse holder (10) are arranged on the base body (22, 122).

12. Protective device according to claim 11, characterized in that the first fastening element (162) and the second fastening element (164) are designed in a pin-like manner and the access opening (156, 158, 160) is arranged in the area of ​​the fastening elements (162, 164).

13. Protective device according to claim 12, characterized in that the first fastening element (162) is rigidly designed and the second fastening element (164) is elastically connected to the base body (122). 2024P00022WC) - 12 - 14. Protective device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a movement limitation (48, 148) is provided for the cover (24, 124).

15. Protective device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an alignment aid (32, 34, 36, 132, 134, 136) is provided for the cover (24, 124).

16. Protective device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective device (20, 120) is flush with the fuse holder (10).

17. Protective device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base body (22, 122) and / or the cover (24, 124) is made of transparent material.

18. Protective device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a flexible electrically insulating mat is arranged on the base body (22, 122).

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