Compact dual element fuse unit, module and fusible disconnect switch

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2016336137-A1
Application number	US-201615222125-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Jul 28, 2016
Priority date	Mar 20, 2015
Publication date	Nov 17, 2016
Grant date	—

Abstract

An embodiment of a fuse module has been disclosed. The fuse module includes a housing and a fuse element assembly contained within the housing. The fuse element assembly includes at least one fuse element unit having a plurality of trigger mechanisms and a perforated strip electrically connected to the trigger mechanisms. Increased ampacity ratings in a more compact arrangement provides for fuse modules having increased current protection capability that, in turn, provides for improved disconnect switching capabilities.

First claim

1 - 7 . (canceled)

8 . A fuse element for containment in a generally hexahedronal housing of a time-delay fuse module having an ampacity rating of greater than 100 A, the fuse element comprising:
a first end; a second end; and a perforated body extending between the first end and the second end, wherein one of the ends has a plurality of distinct connection points.

9 . The fuse element of claim 8 , wherein the plurality of distinct connection points are spaced apart from one another.

10 . The fuse element of claim 9 , wherein the plurality of distinct connection points comprises a plurality of tabs.

11 . The fuse element of claim 10 , wherein the one of the first and second ends has a substantially linearly extending fin such that the plurality of tabs are defined on the fin.

12 . The fuse element of claim 11 , wherein the one of the first and second ends has a base wall, and wherein the substantially linearly extending fin extends substantially perpendicularly from the base wall.

13 . The fuse element of claim 8 , further comprising a plurality of spaced-apart layers, one of which includes the perforated body.

14 . The fuse element of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of spaced-apart layers are integrally formed together such that adjacent ones of the layers are connected by a plurality of joints.

15 . A fusible disconnect switch assembly comprising:
a switch housing having a receptacle; and a time-delay fuse module removably insertable into the receptacle, wherein the fuse module comprises a fuse element contained within a generally hexahedronal fuse housing, the fuse module having an ampacity rating of greater than 100 A.

16 . The fusible disconnect switch assembly of claim 15 , wherein the switch assembly includes a pivotable actuator disposed at least in part within the switch housing for electrically isolating load side circuitry from line side circuitry by manual pivoting of the actuator.

17 . The fusible disconnect switch assembly of claim 15 , wherein the fuse module is a dual-element fuse module.

18 . The fusible disconnect switch assembly of claim 15 , wherein the fuse housing facilitates finger-safe handling of the fuse module.

19 . The fusible disconnect switch assembly of claim 15 , wherein the fuse module comprises a fuse element assembly contained within the fuse housing, wherein the fuse element assembly has a fuse element unit having a plurality of trigger mechanisms electrically connected to the fuse element, the fuse element including a perforated strip.

20 . The fusible disconnect switch assembly of claim 19 , wherein each of the trigger mechanisms comprises a spring-loaded trigger.

21 . A time-delay fuse module comprising:
a generally hexahedronal housing; and a fuse element contained within the housing, wherein the fuse module has an ampacity rating of greater than 100 A.

22 . The time-delay fuse module of claim 21 , wherein the housing has a substantially rectangular cuboid shape.

23 . The time-delay fuse module of claim 21 , wherein the housing is fabricated from a thermoplastic material.

24 . The time-delay fuse module of claim 21 , wherein the housing is not fabricated from a ceramic material, a glass-melamine composite material, or a thermoset plastic material.

25 . The time-delay fuse module of claim 21 , further comprising a fuse element unit having a plurality of trigger mechanisms, the fuse element being a short-circuit protection element electrically connected to the trigger mechanisms.

26 . The time-delay fuse module of claim 25 , wherein the short-circuit protection element includes a perforated strip.

27 . The time-delay fuse module of claim 25 , wherein the short-circuit protection element comprises an end having a plurality of distinct connection points, each trigger mechanism being connected to the short-circuit protection element at a different one of the connection points.

Assignees

• Cooper Technologies Co

Inventors

• Katarki Advait Madhusudan
• Von Zur Muehlen Patrick Alexander
• Douglass Robert Stephen

Classifications

• H01H85/10

  with constriction for localised fusing (H01H85/11 takes precedence) · CPC title

• H01H85/56

  the intermediate or auxiliary part having side contacts for plugging into the base, e.g. bridge-carrier type · CPC title

• H01H2037/762

  using a spring for opening the circuit when the fusible element melts · CPC title

• H01H85/36

  Means for applying mechanical tension to fusible member · CPC title

• H01H89/04

  Combination of a thermally actuated switch with a manually operated switch · CPC title