Configurable fuse block assembly and methods
AssigneeCooper Technologies Company
InventorMatthew Rain Darr
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Modular fuse block assemblies configurable to accommodate overcurrent protection fuses of different physical sizes. Single and multi-pole blocks may be easily assembled from a reduced number of modular parts than would otherwise be required, with enhanced safety features and improved capability to meet spacing requirements in a multi-pole fuse block.
Claims41
A fuse block configurable for more than one of a plurality of overcurrent protection fuses having different ratings and axial lengths, the plurality of overcurrent protection fuses each including a nonconductive body defining a longitudinal axis, first and second conductive terminal elements attached to opposing ends of the body, and an axial length measured parallel to the longitudinal axis and including the first and second terminal elements, the fuse block comprising:
- at least a first configurable base assembly comprising:
- at least three modular base sections fabricated from a nonconductive material and having respective axial lengths, the modular base sections attachable to one another to form the first configurable base assembly having an overall axial length equal to the sum of the respective axial lengths of at least three modular base sections each having an axial length less than the axial length of a selected one of plurality of overcurrent protection fuses, the overall axial length of the base assembly being equal to or greater than the overall axial length of the selected one of the plurality of overcurrent protection fuses;
- line and load side fuse clips respectively coupled to first and second ones of the plurality of modular base sections, wherein when the modular base sections are attached the line and load side fuse clips are spaced apart to respectively engage the first and second terminal elements of the fuse while accommodating the body of the selected one of the plurality of overcurrent protection fuses therebetween;
- and
- a plurality of line and load side terminals separately provided from the line and load side fuse clips, the line and load side terminals being interchangeably attachable to the line and load side fuse clips.
A modular fuse block assembly for at least one overcurrent protection fuse having a nonconductive body defining a longitudinal axis, first and second conductive terminal elements attached to opposing ends of the body, and an axial length measured parallel to the longitudinal axis and including the first and second terminal elements, the modular fuse block comprising:
- a configurable base having a dimension selected to accommodate the axial length of the overcurrent protection fuse, the configurable base comprising an assembly of at least three modular base sections, and at least two of the modular base sections having respectively different axial lengths;
- line and load side fuse clips respectively coupled to the configurable base, wherein when the plurality of modular base sections are attached the line and load side fuse clips are spaced apart to respectively engage the first and second terminal elements of the fuse while accommodating the body therebetween;
- and
- first and second terminal covers separately provided from but attached to the configurable base, each of the first and second terminal covers defining an opening dimensioned to receive the first and second conductive terminal elements of the overcurrent protection fuse;
- wherein the overcurrent protection fuse may be installed and removed from the line and load side fuse clips while the first and second terminal covers remain in place.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.