Touch safe fuse module with ampacity rejection

ES 2 593 979 T3

DESCRIPTION

Tactile Safety Fuse Module with Allowable Current Rejection

Technical field

The invention relates generally to fuses and fuse modules. More particularly, the invention relates to fuses and fuse modules that facilitate the withstand current rejection of a fuse based on the configuration of the fuse terminals and the fuse slots.

Background

Fuse modules provide a means for fuses to be incorporated into an electrical system. A particular fuse module is calibrated to provide a specified amount of overcurrent protection so that a fuse installed in the fuse module will open when exposed to a current in excess of the calibrated amount. However, a fuse must be installed correspondingly in the fuse module with the appropriate withstand current to protect the electrical system properly.

Conventional fuse modules are designed to be used with a fuse that is physically compatible with the fuse holder. Certain fuse modules will accept only the fuse that has the proper setting that matches that of the fuse module. Consequently, a fuse that has a lower withstand current than that rated for the fuse module cannot be used in the fuse module, even in an emergency. Other fuse modules will accept multiple fuses, regardless of the fuse current withstand. As a result, a fuse of the wrong withstand current may be installed in a fuse holder. If the withstand current of the installed fuse is too low relative to the allowable current of the protected circuit, then the electrical system will still be protected, but the overcurrent protection may be too sensitive. If the withstand current of the installed fuse is too high relative to the allowable current for the protected circuit, then the electrical system could allow too much current, which can damage the electrical circuit or a protected equipment in the electrical circuit or can damage a person near the circuit.

Typically a fuse module relies on users to ensure that a fuse of the proper withstand current is installed in the fuse holder. Previous fuse holders have only been able to restrict the installation of a fuse based on the size of the fuse being installed, where the fuse will be rejected if it is too large to fit the fuse holder. There is no fuse holder that selectively rejects the installation of a fuse based on the configuration of the fuse terminal.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a fuse and fuse carrier system, whereby a fuse carrier receives fuses of a certain specified ampacity, accepts fuses with a lower ampacity, and rejects fuses with a lower ampacity. higher withstand current.

GB 621,316 discloses an electrical fuse comprising shaped fuse contacts, the shape of said fuse contacts being arranged to correspond with openings in the shield.

Summary

The invention relates generally to a set of fuse holders and corresponding fuses for installation in an electrical system. Each fuse holder in the set has a maximum current setting to provide current protection in an electrical system until that setting. Each fuse in the set also has a maximum current setting to provide current protection in the electrical system until that setting. The set of fuse holders and fuses are configured so that each fuse holder will accept a fuse from the set that has the maximum current setting for the fuse holder, it will accept a fuse from the set that has a setting that is less than the calibration. current rating for the fuse holder, and will not accept a fuse from the set that has a rating that is higher than the maximum current rating for the fuse holder. This lower rating fuse compatibility and higher rating fuse incompatibility, ensures that a fuse of a specified ampacity will be used on a fuse holder while also allowing a fuse of a lower ampacity to be used. This interoperability is facilitated by a configuration of fuse terminals and fuse slots or a size configuration of fuse holders and fuses.

Each of the fuses in the set can have one of multiple current settings while maintaining the same housing size. When fuses of different withstand currents are manufactured in housings of the same size, the fuse terminals can be in an area defined by the location of the fuse terminals of the fuse with the highest withstand current for a particular housing size. The size and location of the fuse terminals are then designed so that the area, or footprint, of a lower current withstand fuse fits within the area of ​​the fuse terminals of the fuse with the next highest current withstand current. This process is repeated until the fuse with the highest withstand current is reached for a

ES 2 593 979 T3 housing size. This configuration allows a fuse with a lower current rating to be used in place of a fuse with a higher current rating while preventing a fuse with too high a current rating from being used in a fuse holder that has a current rating. lowest allowable. An additional feature involves the off-centering of the fuse terminals within the fuse footprint of the next highest withstand current, providing an additional level of protection to ensure fuses of the correct withstand current setting are used.

In another aspect of the invention, the previously described fuses and fuse holders can be used together to ensure that minimal fuse calibration is achieved. The invention can prevent fuses from being installed in the fuse holder which exceed the rated withstand current of the fuse holder. This mechanism ensures that the fuse is broken before damage occurs to the circuit that is protecting the fuse holder.

In another aspect of the invention, the fuse holders can be designed to make use of various forms of rejection by withstand current in the fuses. Additionally, these fuse holders can be backwards compatible with other fuses currently on the market. This feature is achieved by designing the fuse holders to utilize both the disclosed withstanding current rejection fuses and other known forms of fuse rejection.

In another aspect of the invention, the fuse terminals of the fuse may be oriented other than parallel. In an example embodiment, the fuse terminals may be perpendicular to each other. The withstand current rejection characteristic can be achieved by the size and location of the one or more of the fuse terminals.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the detailed description below of exemplary embodiments that exemplify the best mode of carrying out the invention as currently perceived.

Brief description of the drawings

For a complete understanding of the invention and the advantages thereof, reference will now be made to the description that follows in conjunction with the attached figures in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the fuse system in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the example embodiment of Figure 1 with the fuse separated from the fuse holder;

Figure 3a is a perspective view of a 15A fuse with 15A fuse terminals of a first width centered over the ends of the 15A fuse in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 3b is a perspective view of a 20A fuse with 20A fuse terminals of a second width offset from the longitudinal center of the ends of the 20A fuse in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 3c is a perspective view of a 30A fuse with 30A fuse terminals of a third width centered on the ends of the 30A fuse in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 4a illustrates a 15A fuse holder with 15A fuse slots of a first width centered on the ends of the 15A fuse holder in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 4b illustrates a 20A fuse holder with 20A fuse slots of a second width offset from the center of the ends of the 20A fuse holder in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 4c illustrates a 30A fuse holder with 30A fuse slots of a third width centered on the ends of the 30A fuse holder in accordance with an example embodiment;

<td colspan="3">Figure 5a illustrates an example;</td><td>a</td><td>fuse</td><td colspan="6">15 A with fuse terminals</td><td colspan="3">from 15 A from</td><td>agreement</td><td>with</td><td>a</td><td>realization</td><td>from</td>

<td>the figure</td><td>5b</td><td>illustrates</td><td>a</td><td>fuse</td><td>from</td><td>20 A</td><td>with</td><td>terminals</td><td>from</td><td>fuse</td><td>from</td><td>20 A</td><td>from</td><td>agreement</td><td>with</td><td>a</td><td>realization</td><td>from</td>

<td>example;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>the figure</td><td>5c</td><td>illustrates</td><td>a</td><td>fuse</td><td>from</td><td>30 A</td><td>with</td><td>terminals</td><td>from</td><td>fuse</td><td>from</td><td>30 A</td><td>from</td><td>agreement</td><td>with</td><td>a</td><td>realization</td><td>from</td>

example;

Figure 6a illustrates a 15A fuse holder with 15A fuse slots in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 6b illustrates a 20A fuse holder with 20A fuse slots in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 6c illustrates a 30A fuse holder with 30A fuse slots in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 7a is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 15A fuse and a 15A fuse holder in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 7b is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 15A fuse and a 20A fuse holder in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 7c is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 15A fuse and a 30A fuse holder in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 8a is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 20A fuse and a 15A fuse holder in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 8b is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 20A fuse and a 20A fuse holder in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 8c is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 20A fuse and a 30A fuse holder in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 9a is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 30A fuse and a 15A fuse holder in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 9b is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 30A fuse and a 20A fuse holder in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 9c is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 30A fuse and a 30A fuse holder in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 10a illustrates a 40A fuse with 40A fuse terminals in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 10b illustrates a 40A fuse holder with 40A fuse slots in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 11a is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 15 A fuse and a 15 A fuse holder in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 11b is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 15A fuse and a 40A fuse holder in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 12a is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 40 A fuse and a 15 A fuse holder in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 12b is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 40A fuse and a 40A fuse holder in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 13a illustrates a fuse with perpendicular fuse terminals of a first withstand current wherein the fuse current withstand is determined by the width of the horizontal fuse terminal in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 13b illustrates a fuse with perpendicular fuse terminals of a second current withstand where the fuse current withstand is determined by the width of the horizontal fuse terminal in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 13c illustrates a fuse with perpendicular fuse terminals of a third current withstand where the fuse current withstand is determined by the width of the horizontal fuse terminal in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 14a illustrates a fuse with perpendicular fuse terminals of a first withstand current wherein the fuse current withstand is determined by the length of the vertical fuse terminal in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 14b illustrates a fuse with perpendicular fuse terminals of a second withstand current wherein the fuse current withstand is determined by the length of the vertical fuse terminal in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 14c illustrates a fuse with perpendicular fuse terminals of a third current withstand where the fuse current withstand is determined by the length of the vertical fuse terminal in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 15a illustrates a fuse with perpendicular fuse terminals of a first withstand current wherein the fuse current withstand is determined by the width of the horizontal fuse terminal in accordance with an example embodiment;

Figure 15b illustrates a fuse with perpendicular fuse terminals of a second withstand current wherein the fuse current withstand is determined by the width of the horizontal fuse terminal and the length of the vertical fuse terminal in accordance with an example embodiment; and Figure 15c illustrates a fuse with perpendicular fuse terminals of a third current withstand where the current withstand of the fuse is determined by the width of the horizontal fuse terminal and the length of the vertical fuse terminal in accordance with an example embodiment.

The accompanying drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are therefore not to be construed as limits to its scope, since the invention may admit other equally effective embodiments.

Detailed description

The invention can be better understood by reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which equal parts of each of the figures are identified by the same reference characters.

An exemplary fuse and fuse holder will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fuse 10 coupled with a fuse holder 12 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the example embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, with fuse 10 separated from fuse holder 12.

Fuse holder 12, as illustrated, comprises a DIN rail holder 14 which can be attached to a standard 35mm DIN rail. However, other configurations are suitable for mounting the fuse holder 12 within an electrical circuit and are within the scope of the invention. The fuse holder 12 may be suitable for connecting to two conductors to complete a circuit through the fuse 10.

Fuse 10 comprises an internal fuse element (not shown) connected to fuse terminals 38 extending from fuse 10.

Fuse 10 includes an optional open fuse indicator 20 mounted on top thereof. Any suitable open fuse indicator can be used with fuse 10.

Fuse 10 also includes two test connection contact points 16. Contact points 16 comprise openings in the fuse box that allow test connections to be inserted through the fuse box to make contact with the fuse element contained within the fuse box. In an example embodiment, the access points may comply with the IEC 60529 standard for an IP20 code rating.

The fuse holder is wired in a conventional manner by inserting a conductor (not shown) through the wiring hole 26 on the outside of the fuse holder 12 to electrically connect the conductor to one of the blades 38 of the fuse. A second conductor (not illustrated) may be inserted through a second wiring hole (not illustrated) on the opposite side of the fuse holder 12 to electrically connect the second conductor to the other blade 38 of the fuse.

Each fuse 10 is made of a predetermined size for a specific current setting range, where a larger fuse 10 would correspond to a higher current setting range in accordance with an example embodiment.

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The openings in the fuse holder that receive the fuse terminals 38 of fuse 10 are sized so that a fuse holder 12 that is designed for a predetermined current setting will accept an appropriately sized fuse having that current setting or a fuse having a smaller housing size and correspondingly smaller current setting. However, the fuse holder 12 will not accept a fuse of a larger shell size and correspondingly larger current rating.

Fuses can be rejected by a fuse holder based on the fuse having an inappropriate withstand current. In an exemplary embodiment, the allowable current rejection is accomplished through the use of the physical configuration of the corresponding fuse terminals and fuse holder slots. While the fuses and fuse holders in some examples are symmetrical, the invention also makes use of fuse terminals and fuse slots that are off-center, or staggered, from one another. In staging, the fuse terminals and fuse slots reside in substantially the same location for a frame size, regardless of the fuse current withstand, but the exact location allows for rejection of the fuse by the fuse holder. To facilitate rejection by allowable current, when the allowable current range for the fuse or fuse holder changes, then the configuration of the fuse terminals and fuse slots are changed. In an example embodiment, the fuse slots expand in opposite directions from the center line of the fuse housing to be staggered, as will be explained in the following examples.

In an example embodiment, fuses with two different shell sizes are disclosed. The first frame size can have a surface area that is the same for any fuse that uses the first frame size. In an exemplary embodiment, the available fuse ratings include 15A, 20A, and 30A. A similar structure is used in the second size of the fuse housing. The second size of the fuse housing has a larger surface area than the first size of the fuse housing. In the first example embodiment, the second fuse housing size may contain a 40 A, 50 A, or 60 A fuse. Those skilled in the art will realize that the invention described using this naming convention can be adapted to fuses. of any current calibration.

Example characteristics of rejection by allowable current will now be described. Figures 3a-c are perspective views of 15A, 20A, and 30A fuses, respectively, with fuse terminals extending therefrom. As illustrated in the figures, the fuse terminals vary in width but remain in the area defined by the fuse terminals of the fuse with the highest current withstand for the frame size.

Figure 3a is a perspective view of a 15 Amp 300 fuse with 302a-302b terminals of the 15 Amp fuse of a first width centered at the ends of the 15 Amp 300 fuse in accordance with an example embodiment. In an example embodiment, the 15A fuse terminals 302a-b are offset from the sides by an offset 304a-d of the 15A fuse terminal. The runout distances 304a-d of the 15A fuse terminal are not to be equal.

Figure 3b is a perspective view of a 20 Amp 310 fuse with 20 Amp fuse terminals 312a-b having a second width and offset from the longitudinal center of the ends of the 20 Amp 310 fuse in accordance with an example embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the 20 A fuse terminals 312a-b have a greater width than the 15 A fuse terminals 302a-b and are offset from at least one side for a fuse terminal offset 314a-b of 20 A. In an example embodiment, the offset 314 of the 20 A fuse terminal is greater than the offset 304 of the 15 A fuse terminal. However, the offset 314 of the 20 A fuse terminal applies only to a single side of the terminals 312a-b of the 20 A fuse. As a result, the upper terminal 312b of the 20 A fuse is closer to the right side such as shown, while the lower terminal 312a of the 20A fuse is closer to the left side as shown.

Figure 3c is a perspective view of a 30A 320 fuse with 30A fuse terminals 322a-b having a third width and centered over the ends of the 30A 320 fuse in accordance with an example embodiment. . In an example embodiment, the terminals 322a-b of the 30A fuse are not off-center from the sides of the 30A fuse 320.

Figures 4a-c show a perspective view of fuse holders for the fuses depicted in Figures 3a-c according to an example embodiment. Figure 4a illustrates the 15A fuse holder 400 with 15A fuse slots 402a-b having a first width that is centered over the ends of the 15A fuse holder 400 in accordance with an example embodiment. In an example embodiment, the 15A fuse slots 402a-b are offset from the sides by a 15A fuse slot offset 404a-d. The distances are not to be equal to each other, but should be equal. to the corresponding distance of the 15A fuse 300. The fuse slots 402a-b correspond to terminals 302a-b of the 15A fuse, respectively.

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Figure 4b illustrates a 20A fuse holder 410 with 20A fuse slots 412a-b having a second width offset from the center of the ends of the 20A fuse holder 410 in accordance with an example embodiment. . In an example embodiment, the 20A fuse slots 412a-b have a second width greater than the width of the 15A fuse slots 402 and are offset from the sides by an offset 414a-b from the fuse terminal. 20A. In an example embodiment, the 20A fuse slot offset 414 is greater than the 15A fuse slot offset 404. However, the 20A fuse slot offset 414 applies only to a single side of the 20A fuse slots 412a-b. As a result, the top 20A fuse slot 412b is closer to the side. left as shown, while the lower slot 412a of the 20A fuse is closer to the right side as shown. The distances do not have to be the same depending on the realization. Fuse slots 412a-b correspond to 20A fuse terminals 312a-b, respectively.

Figure 4c illustrates a 30A fuse holder 420 with 30A fuse slots 422a-b having a third width and centered over the ends of the 30A fuse holder 420 in accordance with an example embodiment. Fuse slots 422a-b correspond to 30A fuse terminals 322a-b, respectively.

As previously illustrated in Figure 1, the fuses are inserted into the fuse holders. The compatibility of the fuse with the respective fuse holders is based on the configuration of the fuse terminals and fuse slots illustrated in Figures 3a-4c. Figures 5a-9c illustrate how the fuse terminal and fuse slot configurations are used in an example embodiment by illustrating the configuration, or footprint, of the fuse terminals and fuse slots when fuses are inserted into from the fuse slots.

Figures 5a-c illustrate a cross section of the fuses with emphasis on the location and dimensions of the fuse terminals. Figure 5a illustrates the 15A fuse 300 with terminals 302a-b of the 15A fuse according to an example embodiment. Figure 5b illustrates the 20A fuse 310 with terminals 312a-b of the 20A fuse according to an example embodiment. Figure 5c illustrates the 30A fuse 320 with terminals 322a-b of the 30A fuse according to an example embodiment.

As illustrated, the fuse terminals are located in an area defined by the largest area that would be occupied by the highest current withstand fuse for the associated case size. Fuses 300, 310, 320 have the same housing size and would fit within a correspondingly sized fuse holder housing. In an example embodiment, the 30A fuse 320 is the highest current fuse available in a first frame size. The 15 A fuse 300 and the 20 A fuse 310 are also available in the first frame size. Terminals 302 of the 15 A fuse and terminals 312 of the 20 A fuse would reside within the same area as terminal 322 of the 30 A fuse, but would not occupy the entire area of ​​terminals 322 of the 30 A fuse.

Figures 6a-c illustrate a cross section of the fuse holders with emphasis on the location and dimensions of the fuse slots in accordance with an example embodiment. Figure 6a illustrates the 15A fuse holder 400 with 15A fuse slots 402a-b in accordance with an example embodiment. Figure 6b illustrates the 20A fuse holder 410 with 20A fuse slots 412a-b in accordance with an example embodiment. Figure 6c illustrates the 30A fuse holder 420 with 30A fuse slots 422a-b in accordance with an example embodiment.

As with the corresponding fuses, the fuse holders include fuse slots for receiving the fuse terminals, wherein the fuse slots are located in an area defined by the largest area that would be occupied by the current fuse slots. highest fuse rating with associated shell size. Fuse holders 400, 410 and 420 have the same housing size and would accept a correspondingly sized fuse housing. In an exemplary embodiment, a 30 A 320 fuse is the highest fuse current withstand available in a first housing size. The 15 A fuse holder 400 and the 20 A fuse holder 410 are also available in the first housing size. The 15 A fuse slots 402 and the 20 A fuse slots 412 reside within the same area as the 30 A fuse slots 422, but do not occupy the entire area as the 30 A fuse slots 422.

Figures 7a-9c illustrate how the previously illustrated fuses 300, 310, 320 and fuse carriers 400, 410, 420 can interact with each other. These figures are intended to illustrate the compatibility of fuses and fuse holders in accordance with an example embodiment. The interaction of a fuse with a fuse holder occurs when the fuse terminals of a fuse are inserted into the fuse slots of a fuse holder. If the fuse terminals of a particular fuse fit into the fuse slots of a particular fuse holder, then the particular fuse is compatible with the particular fuse holder. Compatibility has been illustrated in the drawings by illustration of the area in a fuse slot that is filled in by inserting a fuse terminal (indicated by a fill in the space in the drawings) and by illustration of the area in a slot of the fuse that is not filled by the insertion of a fuse terminal (illustrated

ES 2 593 979 T3 by an 'O' in the drawings). If the fuse terminals of a particular fuse do not fit into the fuse slots of a particular fuse holder, then the particular fuse is not compatible with the particular fuse holder. The incompatible has been illustrated in the drawings by illustrating the area of ​​a fuse terminal that is larger than a slot in the fuse (illustrated by an 'X' in the drawings). This representation illustrates where the fuse terminals and fuse slots are operational based on a compatibility or empty space illustration. The void space can be the result of extra space of the rejection by current allowable by step (step space) or the result of extra space of rejection by width (gap in width). Additionally, this representation can illustrate where a fuse is incompatible based on the presence of the incompatibility (overlap) on either side of the figure.

Figures 7a-c illustrate the interaction between a 15A fuse 300 and a 15A fuse holder 400, a 20A fuse holder 410, a 30A fuse holder 420. Figure 7a is a diagram showing illustrates the interaction between a 15 A fuse 300 and a 15 A fuse holder 400 in accordance with an example embodiment. Figure 7b is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 15 Amp fuse 300 and a 20 Amp fuse holder 410 in accordance with an example embodiment. Figure 7c is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 15A fuse 300 and a 30A fuse holder 420 in accordance with an example embodiment. For the sake of clarity, the limits of the fuse housing and the limits of the fuse holder are the same line in the drawings. As illustrated in Figure 7a, 15A fuse terminals 302a-b fit into 15A fuse slots 402a-b. As illustrated in Figure 7b, fuse terminals 302a-b 15 amps fit into slots 412a-b of the 20 amp fuse, but there is a stagger space 424a-b that is not occupied by terminals 302a-b of the 15 amp fuse As illustrated in Figure 7c, terminals 302a-b of the 15A fuse fit into slots 422a-b of the 30A fuse, but there is a staggering space 424ab that is not occupied by terminals 302 of the fuse. 15 A. Thus, the 15 A fuse 310 is compatible with the 15 A fuse holder 400, the 20 A fuse holder 410 and the 30 A fuse holder 420.

Figures 8a-c illustrate the interaction between a 20A fuse 310 and a 15A fuse holder 400, a 20A fuse holder 410, a 30A fuse holder 420. Figure 8a is a diagram showing illustrates the interaction between a 20A fuse 310 and a 15A fuse holder 400 in accordance with an example embodiment. Figure 8b is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 20A fuse 310 and a 20A fuse holder 410 in accordance with an example embodiment. Figure 8c is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 20 Amp fuse 310 and a 30 Amp fuse holder 420 in accordance with an example embodiment. For the sake of clarity, the limits of the fuse housing and the limits of the fuse holder are the same line in the drawings. As illustrated in Figure 8a, terminals 312a-b of the 20A fuse do not fit into slots 402a-b of the 15A fuse. Terminals 312a-b of the 20A fuse exceed area 426a-b, which prevents terminals 312a-b of the 20 A fuse from entering the slots 402a-b of the 15 A fuse. As illustrated in Figure 8b, terminals 312a-b of the 20 A fuse fit into the slots 412a-b from the 20A fuse. As illustrated in Figure 8c, terminals 312a-b of the 20A fuse fit into slots 422a-b of the 30A fuse, but there is a staggering space 424a-b in slots 422a-b of the fuse. 30 A which is not occupied by terminals 312a-b of the 20 A fuse.

Figures 9a-c illustrate the interaction between a 30A fuse 320 and a 15A fuse holder 400, a 20A fuse holder 410, and a 30A fuse holder 420. Figure 9a is a diagram showing illustrates the interaction between a 30 A fuse 320 and a 15 A fuse holder 400 in accordance with an example embodiment. Figure 9b is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 30A fuse 320 and a 20A fuse holder 410 in accordance with an example embodiment. Figure 9c is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 30A fuse 320 and a 30A fuse holder 420 in accordance with an example embodiment. For the sake of clarity, the limits of the fuse housing and the limits of the fuse holder are the same line in the drawings. As illustrated in Figure 9a, terminals 322a-b of the 30A fuse bypass slots 402a-b of the 15A fuse by an amount 426a-d that prevents terminals 322a-b of the 30A fuse from entering. into slots 402a-b of the 15A fuse. As illustrated in Figure 9b, terminals 322a-b of the 30A fuse bypass slots 412a-b of the 20A fuse by an amount 426a-b that prevents terminals 322ab of the 30A fuse from entering the Slots 412a-b of the 20A fuse. As illustrated in Figure 9c, terminals 322a-b of the 30A fuse fit into slots 422a-b of the 30A fuse.

Consequently, as illustrated in Figure 7a-9c, fuses may be "backward" compatible with fuse carriers that have a higher current rating than the fuse, but the fuses are not "forward" compatible. Fuse holders that have a lower fuse current rating.

The arrangement of fuse slots in the fuse holders as described above also allows the fuse holders to maintain compatibility with other fuses on the market. Typically fuses have standard size fuse terminals, regardless of current setting. This arrangement of fuse slots in the various fuse holders allows these fuses to be installed in the fuse holders to complete the circuit, however without the previously described possible allowable current rejection characteristic.

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Figures 10a-12b illustrate how the previously described fuse terminals with shell size rejection can be combined. Shell size rejection is a characteristic that can be exhibited if a fuse of a different set of withstand currents than the rated withstand current of the fuse holder can be used based on the fuse shell size. Carcass size rejection can take place in a number of ways. In one embodiment, the housing size may allow the fuse terminals of the fuse to be in different positions in other housing sizes. Another form of shell size rejection involves the physical structure of the fuse that is too large to allow installation of the fuse in a fuse holder, while at the same time allowing a fuse with a smaller shell to be installed.

Figures 10a-b illustrate cross sections of a 40A fuse 820 and a 40A fuse holder 800. Figure 10a illustrates a 40A fuse 820 with terminals 822a-b of the 40A fuse in accordance with one embodiment. example. Figure 10b illustrates a 40A fuse holder 800 with 40A fuse slots 810a-b in accordance with an example embodiment. The 40 Amp 820 fuse and the fuse holder 800 will be used to illustrate rejection by shell size.

As illustrated in Figures 11a-b, it is possible to use a fuse with a smaller housing size and smaller contact terminals in a fuse holder for a larger fuse with a larger housing and larger contact terminals. Figure 11a is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 15A fuse 300 and a 15A fuse holder 400 in accordance with an example embodiment. FIG. 11b is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 15 A fuse 300 and a 40 A fuse holder 800 in accordance with an example embodiment. As illustrated in Figure 11a, the 15A fuse 300 can be used on a 15A fuse holder 400, where terminals 302a-b of the 15A fuse and slots 402a-b of the 15A fuse are line up. As illustrated in Figure 11b, the 15 Amp fuse 300 may also be attached to the 40 Amp fuse holder 800 such that the terminals 302a-b of the 15 Amp fuse align with the 810ab slots of the 40 Amp fuse. A. An 880a-d gap remains in the 810a-b slots of the 40A fuse as a result of being designed for 822 terminals of the 40A fuse. As a result of the smaller frame size of the 15A fuse 300, there is a void 850 (illustrated with the circles) resulting. The space 850 is within the limits of the fuse holder 800 housing.

As illustrated in Figures 12a-b, it is not possible to use a larger fuse with a smaller fuse holder in accordance with an example embodiment. Figure 12a is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 40A fuse 820 and a 15A fuse holder 400 in accordance with an example embodiment. Figure 12b is a diagram illustrating the interaction between a 40A fuse 820 and a 40A fuse holder 800 in accordance with an example embodiment. As illustrated in Figure 12a, it is intended to insert a 40A 820 fuse into the 15A fuse holder 400. Terminals 822a-b of the 40A fuse align with slots 402a-b of the 15A fuse. TO. However, due to the larger housing size of the 40A 820 fuse, the 40A 820 fuse protrudes from the 15A fuse holder 400 by an 830 amount (shown with each “X”), which prevents the installation of the fuse. 40 A 820 on the smallest 15 A fuse holder 400. Additionally, terminals 822a-b of the 40 A fuse can be larger than the slots 402a-b of the 15 A fuse creating a surplus of terminal 882a-d, which prevents the installation of the 40 A fuse 820 in the carrier 400. the smallest 15 A fuse. In this example, the 822a-b terminals of the 40A fuse cannot fit into the 402a-b slots of the 15A fuse. As illustrated in Figure 12a, the 40A fuse 820 can be inserted into the 40A fuse holder 800, the terminals 822a-b of the 40A fuse and the slots 810a-b of the 40A fuse line up. since the terminals, slots and case size are appropriately dimensioned.

Although the preceding example shows how a 40 A 820 fuse is rejected by a 15 A fuse holder 400 based on the size of the contact terminals and fuse housing size, it is also understood that a 40 A 820 fuse will be rejected by a 20 A fuse holder 410 and a 30 A fuse holder 420 based on the size of the contact terminal and size of the fuse housing.

Other forms of withstand current rejection can also be combined with the stepped fuse system while maintaining backward compatibility with previous forms of withstand rejection. An alternative form of withstand current rejection may be based on the width of the fuse terminals (hereinafter "fuse width"). Instead of the corresponding fuse terminals and fuse slots on the fuse holders being staggered, the corresponding fuse terminals and fuse slots remain centered on the longitudinal centerline and become progressively wider to accommodate fuses with different allowable currents. It is possible to combine the width and stepped forms of withstand current rejection. If a fuse were to use the width to indicate a higher withstand current, then a staggered pattern of slots can be added to the fuse to maintain both forms of allowable current rejection for the use of older fuses. As a result, rather than simply creating the stepped effect by expanding a fuse slot in one direction only, the fuse slot can be extended in two directions to accommodate various forms of withstand current rejection (hereinafter "carriers wide and stepped fuse ”).

Although previously described with centered 15 A fuse terminals and fuse slots, staggered 20 A fuse terminals and fuse slots, and centered 30 A fuse terminals and fuse slots,

ES 2 593 979 T3 other configurations are within the scope of the invention. For example, all fuse terminals and fuse slots can be centered with respect to the fuses and fuse holders. Alternatively, all of the fuse terminals and fuse slots can be offset to one side with respect to the fuses and fuse holders. Or, all the fuse terminals and fuse slots can have a staggered configuration (offset on both sides) with respect to the fuses and fuse terminals. In either case, smaller fuse terminals and a lower fuse current can be configured to be arranged within the larger fuse slots of a higher current fuse holder, while fuse terminals greater than a Higher ampacity fuses will not fit into the smaller fuse slots of a lower ampacity fuse holder.

A further embodiment of the invention involves fuse terminals and fuse slots wherein the fuse terminals use different orientations. Figures 13a-15c illustrate embodiments using a "T" fuse terminal configuration. In an example embodiment, the fuse terminals are perpendicular to each other.

Figures 13a-c illustrate an embodiment in which the withstand current is determined by the dimensions of a horizontal fuse terminal 1510. Figure 13a illustrates a first current withstand fuse 1500a with perpendicular fuse terminals 1510a, 1520a where the fuse current withstand is determined by the width of the horizontal fuse terminal 1510a in accordance with an example embodiment. Figure 13b illustrates a second current withstand fuse 1500b with perpendicular fuse terminals 1510b, 1520b where the current withstand of fuse 1500b is determined by the width of horizontal fuse terminal 1510b in accordance with an example embodiment. Figure 13c illustrates a third current withstand fuse 1500c with perpendicular fuse terminals 1510c, 1520c where the current withstand of fuse 1500c is determined by the width of horizontal fuse terminal 1510c in accordance with an example embodiment. The first allowable current is less than the second allowable current which is less than the third allowable current. When the allowable current is increased, the width of the horizontal 1510a-c fuse terminals increases, and the width of the vertical 1520a-c fuse terminals remains constant. This configuration of a fuse terminal can make use of the same fuse holder system described previously, wherein a fuse holder can be sized to accept a fuse setting at either the fuse holder's allowable current or a smaller allowable current, but not a higher allowable current.

Figures 14a-c illustrate an embodiment similar to Figures 13a-c, except that the allowable current is determined based on the dimensions of the vertical fuse terminal 1620. Figure 14a illustrates a fuse 1600a of a first current withstand with perpendicular fuse terminals 1610a, 1620a where the withstand current of fuse 1600a is determined by the length of the vertical fuse terminal 1620a in accordance with an example embodiment. Figure 14b illustrates a second current withstand fuse 1600b with perpendicular fuse terminals 1610b, 1620b where the current withstand of fuse 1600b is determined by the length of vertical fuse terminal 1620b in accordance with an example embodiment. Figure 14c illustrates a third current withstand fuse 1600c with perpendicular fuse terminals 1610c, 1620c wherein the current withstand of fuse 1600c is determined by the length of the vertical fuse terminal 1620c in accordance with an example embodiment. The first allowable current is less than the second allowable current which is less than the third allowable current. When the allowable current is increased, the length of the vertical 1620a-c fuse terminals is increased, and the width of the horizontal 1610a-c fuse terminals remains constant. The configuration of a fuse terminal can make use of the same fuse carrier system described previously, where a fuse carrier can be sized to accept a fuse rated at the fuse carrier's allowable current or to a smaller allowable current, but not at a higher allowable current.

Figures 15a-c illustrate an embodiment incorporating the elements of Figures 13a-14c. Figure 15a illustrates a 1700a fuse of a first current withstand with perpendicular 1710a, 1720a fuse terminals where the 1700a fuse withstand current is determined by the width of the horizontal 1710a fuse terminal and the length of the vertical 1720a fuse terminal in accordance with an example embodiment. Figure 15b illustrates a 1700b fuse of a second current with perpendicular fuse terminals 1710b, 1720b where the current withstand of fuse 1700b is determined by the width of the horizontal fuse terminal 1710b and the length of the vertical fuse terminal 1620b according to with an example embodiment. Figure 15c illustrates a 1700c fuse of a third current with perpendicular 1710c, 1720c fuse terminals where the current withstand of the 1700c fuse is determined by the width of the horizontal 1710c fuse terminal and the length of the vertical 1620c fuse terminal according to with an example embodiment. The first allowable current is less than the second allowable current which is less than the third allowable current. As the withstand current is increased, the length of the vertical 1720a-c fuse terminals increases, and the width of the horizontal 1710a-c fuse terminals increases. The configuration of a fuse terminal can make use of the same fuse holder system described previously, wherein a fuse holder can be sized to accept a fuse rated at the fuse holder's allowable current or to a smaller allowable current, but not a higher allowable current.

Although illustrated as a perpendicular arrangement in Figures 13-15, the fuse terminals and slots may be arranged in any other suitable configuration. For example, a fuse terminal and slot may

ES 2 593 979 T3 may be at an angle to the other terminal and fuse slot, or both terminals and fuse slots may be at an angle to the edges of the fuses and fuse holders.

Any spatial references in this document such as, for example, "top", "bottom", "top", "bottom", "above", "below", "back", "between", "vertical "," Angular "," below "," lateral "," extreme ", etc., are for illustration purposes only and do not limit the orientation or specific locations of the described structure.

Therefore, the invention is well adapted to achieve the aims and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative only, since the invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent ways apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Although numerous changes can be made by those skilled in the art, such changes are within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Additionally, no limitation is intended with the details of construction or designs illustrated herein, except as described in the claims below. It is therefore apparent that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed herein may be altered or modified and that all such variations are considered within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims below. Terms in the claims have their simple, ordinary meaning unless explicitly and clearly defined and otherwise by the patent owner.

In one aspect, the present invention includes a fuse system, comprising: a first fuse holder that accepts a first fuse, the first fuse holder and the first fuse having a first allowable current; a second fuse holder accepting a second fuse, the second fuse holder and the second fuse having a second allowable current, the second allowable current being greater than the first allowable current, wherein the second fuse holder additionally accepts the first fuse, and wherein the first fuse holder prevents acceptance of the second fuse.

The fuse system may further comprise a third fuse holder that accepts a third fuse, the third fuse holder and the third fuse having a third allowable current, the third allowable current being greater than the second allowable current, wherein the third fuse holder additionally accepts the first fuse and the second fuse, wherein the first fuse holder further prevents acceptance of the third fuse and wherein the second fuse holder prevents acceptance of the third fuse.

The third fuse holder may comprise a set of fuse receiving receptacles, in which the second fuse comprises a set of fuse terminals, and in which the first fuse holder prevents acceptance of the second fuse because a configuration of the receiving receptacle assembly is different than a configuration of the fuse terminal assembly.

The first fuse holder may comprise a set of fuse receiving receptacles, in which the second fuse comprises a set of fuse terminals, and in which the first fuse holder prevents acceptance of the second fuse because an area defined by the set of receiving receptacles is less than an area defined by the set of fuse terminals.

The first fuse holder may prevent acceptance of the second fuse because a size of a part of a case of the first fuse holder is smaller than a size of a corresponding part of the second fuse.

The first fuse holder may prevent acceptance of the second fuse because a size of a frame of the first fuse holder is smaller than a size of a corresponding part of the second fuse.

The first fuse holder may prevent acceptance of the second fuse because a size of concentric rings of the first fuse holder is smaller than a size of a corresponding part of the second fuse.

The first fuse and the second fuse may each include first and second terminal blades projecting from a housing.

The first and second terminal blades in each of the first fuse and the second fuse can be offset from each other.

The width of the first and second terminal blades of the first fuse may be different from the width of the first and second blades of the second fuse.

The first and second terminal blades can extend perpendicular to each other.

ES 2 593 979 T3

The housing of the first fuse can be substantially rectangular.

The housing of the first fuse may project from the case of the first fuse holder and the second fuse holder when accepted.

The first fuse may include first and second terminal blades projecting from the housing, the first and second terminal blades being hidden in the first fuse holder and the second fuse holder when accepted.

The second fuse housing may be substantially rectangular, with the first and second fuse housings being compatible with the first and second boxes.