ES2607608T3 - Housing for surge protection device and associated surge protection device - Google Patents

Abstract

Housing (1) for surge protection device comprising: - two electrical connection elements (11) and (12); - a surge protection component (13), electrically connected to the two electrical connection elements (11) and (12), whose temperature rises in the presence of an overvoltage; - an interlocking element (15), in contact with the surge protection component (13); - a mechanical switch (17), connected to the interlocking element (15), installed in series between one of the two electrical connection elements (11) and the surge protection component (13), maintaining the interlocking element ( 15) the switch (17) in the closed position; and such that when the temperature of the surge protection component (13) exceeds a critical threshold, the interlocking element (15) releases the switch (17) which is put in the open position, the interlocking element (15) being electrically independent of the mechanical switch (17), characterized in that the switch comprises two conductive sheets (171, 172) connected respectively to the first electrical connection element (11) and to the surge protection component (13), the mechanical switch comprising ( 17) an insulating piece (173), said insulating piece (173): - kept separate from the conductive sheets (171, 172) by the interlocking element (15) when the switch (17) is in the closed position, in the case of a temperature of the surge protection component (13) below the critical threshold; and - displaced between the conductive sheets (171, 172) to separate them when the interlocking element (15) releases the switch (17) in the open position, in the case where the temperature of the surge protection component (13) exceeds the critical threshold.

Description

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

DESCRIPTION

Housing for surge protection device and associated surge protection device

Technical field

The present invention is related to the general technical field of equipment protection devices or electrical installations against electrical disturbances, in particular, against transient surges.

Prior art and inconveniences

The use of surge protection devices is known and is common. Devices of this type generally use a varistance, as a component of protection against overvoltages. In fact, the varistancia levels the overvoltage from a predetermined value and allows to limit the propagation of the overvoltage in the electrical network.

Components of this type deteriorate throughout their use, gradually decreasing their impedance, which increases the intensity of their leakage current and, therefore, creates a significant warming of the Joule effect varistance. This heating is transmitted to the next equipment, which can cause fires or short circuits.

In order to avoid any possible deterioration of the equipment or electrical installation connected to the device, it is necessary to be able to disconnect this device at the end of the varistance's useful life.

A disconnection device of this type, called thermal disconnection, consists in disconnecting the surge protection device comprising the defective varistance, beyond a predetermined critical temperature.

In this way, European document FR2848353 describes a device for protecting electrical equipment against surges comprising:

- a protection unit connected to the electrical equipment by means of a connection circuit comprising an electric current interruption means, mobile between a withdrawal position corresponding to the opening of the circuit and a circuit closing position, said means being of interruption maintained in closed position by means of blocking;

- a means for opening the connection circuit when the temperature of the protection unit reaches a predetermined value, which comprises a heat sensitive medium. This heat-sensitive medium is attached to a drive means, so that when the predetermined temperature is reached, the drive means produces a deactivation force of the blocking means. The heat-sensitive and drive means are coincident and are formed by a bimetal.

Such a device has drawbacks. In fact, the bimetal, whose nature changes during the temperature rise, is subject to strong mechanical stresses, since it is also the drive element that allows the circuit to open. Therefore, such a device sees its reduced reliability as a continuation of vibrations or shocks suffered by the device. On the other hand, the bimetal can see its temperature detection influenced by the current that passes through the thermal disconnection. Therefore, it is necessary to size the detection means so that the current flow has no influence on the disconnect.

European document FR2925216 describes a surge protection device comprising a surge protection component in thermal junction with a thermosensitive organ capable of deformation depending on its temperature and a mechanical organ intended to cooperate with the thermosensitive organ and suitable for cooperating with a firing device of an electric cutting device. When the temperature of the surge protection component exceeds a predetermined threshold, the deformation of the thermosensitive organ causes a displacement of the mechanical organ protruding out of the housing, which includes the thermosensitive organ and the surge protection component, and triggers the Trigger device of the electric cutting device.

This surge protection device is in mechanical connection with an electric cutting device, therefore, there are two housings that each have specific functions: on the one hand, detection of the critical temperature of malfunction of the protection component against overvoltages and, on the other hand, cut off the connection of the defective protection device from the rest of the electrical installation.

Such a device has the disadvantage of needing the use of two housings, which generates manufacturing costs and a loss of space in the electrical installation. On the other hand, the protection device

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

and the cutting are in series in the current path.

Thus, in these two patents, the solutions require that the interlocking element be an electrical conductor, for example metallic, with known mechanical deformation properties and that it is capable of transforming a thermal effect into a mechanical effect.

European document DE202009013505U1 discloses a housing for surge protection device according to the preamble of claim 1.

On the other hand, there are known protection devices against surges that have a thermal disconnection time that is too long, due to the fact that the detection function of the heating of the varistor is too far from the varistor, therefore, the time The reaction of the heating sensing element is not low enough to ensure a quick disconnection.

Purpose of the invention

Therefore, it would be advantageous to obtain a surge protection device whose thermal disconnection is rapid, whose reliability is improved by reducing the mechanical stresses suffered by the elements of the device and allowing a gain of space in the equipment or electrical installation that exists What to protect.

To solve these drawbacks, a housing for a surge protection device according to claim 1 and a device with such a housing according to claim 13 is proposed.

Supplementary embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

Thus, advantageously, since the interlocking element of the current path in which the switch participates is not part, it is possible to position the interlocking element so that it reacts quickly to heat release, using a material specifically adapted for this function. of interlocking and not necessarily driver.

In addition, when the temperature of the surge protection component exceeds a critical threshold, the interlocking element releases the switch that is placed in the open position.

Such a housing for surge protection device has the advantage of offering a device that has a rapid thermal disconnection. In fact, the interlocking element is in contact with the surge protection component and, therefore, as close to heating.

Furthermore, advantageously, this housing whose mechanical switch, whose function is the disconnection of the housing comprising the faulty surge protection component, is different from the interlocking element, whose function is the opening of the circuit. Therefore, the mechanical stresses suffered by the interlocking element are reduced and its reliability is improved.

Advantageously, the fact that all the elements, which allow protection against overvoltages and disconnection of the circuit comprising the protection element against overvoltages, are grouped inside the same housing, allows to obtain a gain of space in the electrical equipment or installation to be protected.

Some particular characteristics or modes of realization, usable alone or in combination, are:

- the surge protection component is a varistor;

- the interlocking element is in thermal union by conduction with a bare metal part of an electrode of the surge protection component;

- the interlocking element is a low temperature weld that melts when the temperature of the surge protection component exceeds the critical threshold;

- the interlocking element is a plastic piece that melts when the temperature of the surge protection component exceeds the critical threshold;

- the critical threshold is between 100 and 240 ° C. Particularly preferably, it is comprised between 120 ° C and 190 ° C;

- the mechanical switch comprises:

or two conductive sheets connected respectively to the first electrical connection element and to the surge protection element, or an insulating piece, integral with a drag element, or the drag element connected by a notch to a moving part, or the piece mobile, attached to the interlocking element,

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

or a first spring supported, or in tension, on the insulating part,

such that, in the closed position of the switch, the two conductive sheets are in contact and the drive element, as well as the first spring out of its equilibrium position, keep the insulating part separate from the two conducting plates and, during unlocking, the moving part moves and releases the drag element, the insulating piece being dragged by the first spring in a translation movement to separate and place between the two conductive sheets;

- the two conductive sheets are spring plates and the moving part is moved in translation by the effect of a second spring;

- the two conductive sheets are spring plates and the mobile part is a spring sheet, held by a projection, said mobile part, during unlocking, makes a rotational movement that releases it from the projection;

- one of the two conductive sheets is a spring sheet and the mobile part is a lever with a curved arm, held by a projection, said mobile part, during unlocking, performs a rotational movement that releases it from the projection.

In a second aspect of the invention, a surge protection device comprises a surge protection housing and a base fixed on a rail such that the two electrical connection elements of the housing are electrically connected to the base during the plug of the housing.

According to a particular embodiment, the surge protection device comprises a plurality of surge protection housings and a plurality of bases fixed on a rail such that the two electrical connection elements of each of said housings are connected to a respective base during the plug of the respective housing.

Figures

Other features and advantages of the invention will be shown clearly after the description that is made of it below, by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of a housing for a surge protection device, in a configuration in which the temperature of the surge protection component is below the critical threshold;

- Figure 2 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of a housing for device of

surge protection, in a configuration in which the temperature of the component

surge protection is higher than the critical threshold;

- Figure 3 is a 3D view of the first embodiment of a housing for surge protection device, in a configuration in which the temperature of the surge protection component is below the critical threshold;

- Figure 4 is a 3D view of the first embodiment of a housing for surge protection device, in a configuration in which the temperature of the surge protection component is higher than the critical threshold;

- Figure 5 is a sectional view of a second variant embodiment of a housing for surge protection device, in a configuration in which the temperature of the surge protection component is below the critical threshold;

- Figure 6 is a sectional view of the second embodiment of a housing for device of

surge protection, in a configuration in which the temperature of the component

surge protection is higher than the critical threshold;

- Figure 7 is a sectional view of a third variant embodiment of a housing for device

surge protection, in a configuration in which the temperature of the component

surge protection is below the critical threshold,

- Figure 8 is a sectional view of the third embodiment of a housing for device of

surge protection, in a configuration in which the temperature of the component

surge protection is higher than the critical threshold;

- Figure 9 is a sectional view of a fourth variant embodiment of a housing for device

surge protection, in a configuration in which the temperature of the component

surge protection is below the critical threshold;

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

- Figure 10 is a sectional view of the fourth embodiment of a housing for device of

surge protection, in a configuration in which the temperature of the component

surge protection is higher than the critical threshold;

- Figure 11 is a sectional view of a fifth variant embodiment of a housing for surge protection device, in a configuration in which the temperature of the surge protection component is below the critical threshold;

- Figure 12 is a sectional view of the fifth embodiment of a housing for device of

surge protection, in a configuration in which the temperature of the component

surge protection is higher than the critical threshold;

- Figure 13 is a sectional view of a sixth variant embodiment of a housing for device

surge protection, in a configuration in which the temperature of the component

surge protection is below the critical threshold;

- Figure 14 is a sectional view of the sixth variant embodiment of a housing for device

surge protection, in a configuration in which the temperature of the component

surge protection is higher than the critical threshold;

- Figure 15 is a sectional view of a seventh variant embodiment of a housing for surge protection device, in a configuration in which the temperature of the surge protection component is below the critical threshold; Y

- Figure 16 is a sectional view of the seventh variant embodiment of a housing for device of

surge protection, in a configuration in which the temperature of the component

Surge protection is higher than the critical threshold.

- Figure 17 is a sectional view of an eighth variant embodiment of a housing for device

surge protection, in a configuration in which the temperature of the component

surge protection is below the critical threshold; Y

- Figure 18 is a sectional view of the eighth variant embodiment of a housing for device

surge protection, in a configuration in which the temperature of the component

Surge protection is higher than the critical threshold.

- Figure 19 is a sectional view of a ninth variant embodiment of a housing for surge protection device, in a configuration in which the temperature of the surge protection component is below the critical threshold; Y

- Figure 20 is a sectional view of the ninth variant embodiment of a housing for device of

surge protection, in a configuration in which the temperature of the component

Surge protection is higher than the critical threshold.

- Figure 21 represents a first variant embodiment of a surge protection device.

- Figure 22 represents a second variant embodiment of a surge protection device.

Modes of realization

Figures 1 to 20 represent nine variants of embodiment of a housing 1 for protection device against

the surges

In these nine variants, the housing 1 for surge protection device comprises:

- two electrical connection elements 11 and 12;

- a surge protection component 13, typically a varistor, electrically connected to the two electrical connection elements 11 and 12, whose temperature rises in the presence of an overvoltage;

- an interlocking element 15, in contact with the surge protection component 13;

- a mechanical switch 17, connected to the interlocking element 15, installed in series between one of the two electrical connection elements 11 and the surge protection component 13, the interlocking element 15 keeping the switch 17 in the closed position.

- The interlocking element 15 and the switch 17 are electrically independent and, in this way, the interlocking element may not be electrically conductive. By electrically independent, it is understood that

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

the interlocking element is not part of the current path whose switch 17 is a component.

The temperature of the surge protection component 13 increases in the presence of surges. The accumulation, over time, of surges induces an increase in temperature such that the temperature will exceed a critical threshold. This critical threshold is between 100 ° C and 240 ° C, and particularly preferably between 120 ° C and 190 ° C. This threshold corresponds to the temperature from which the reliability of the surge protection component is no longer assured. This temperature is determined in accordance with the safety requirements imposed by the applicable safety standards.

When this critical threshold is reached, the interlocking element 15, in contact by thermal conduction with a bare metal part of an electrode 131 of the surge protection component 13, will be melted only by the effect of the heat transmitted by the component surge protection 13.

The interlocking element 15 can be a low temperature weld or a plastic part. This interlocking element 15 detects the heating of the surge protection component 13 and melts when the critical temperature threshold is reached.

The fusion of the interlocking element 15 unlocks the mechanical switch 17. When the temperature of the surge protection component is below the critical threshold, the mechanical switch is in the closed position. In this way, the housing 1 for surge protection device is electrically connected to the device to be protected.

When the temperature of the surge protection component 13 is higher than the critical threshold, which corresponds to a possible damage to the electrical equipment due to the heating of the surge protection component 13, the fusion of the interlocking element releases the mechanical switch, which movement places it in the open position. In this way, the housing 1 is no longer electrically connected to the device to be protected.

Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 illustrate a first embodiment of a housing 1 for surge protection device.

In this embodiment, the mechanical switch 17 comprises:

- two conductive spring plates 171 and 172 connected respectively to the first electrical connection element 11 and to the surge protection component 13,

- an insulating piece 173, integral with a drag element 175,

- the drag element 175 connected by a notch 177 to a mobile part 179,

- the mobile part 179, attached to the interlocking element 15,

- a first spring 181 resting on the insulating piece 173.

Figures 1 and 3 illustrate the housing 1 comprising a mechanical switch 17 of this type, in the case where the temperature of the surge protection component 13 is below the critical threshold and the mechanical switch is in the closed position. The drive element 175 and the first spring 181 keep the insulating part 173 in compression separated from the two conductive sheets 171 and 172 that are in contact.

The moving part is maintained in a position called normal operation by means of the interlocking element 15 and in compression by a second spring 183.

Figures 2 and 4 illustrate the housing 1 comprising a mechanical switch 17 of this type, in the case where the temperature of the surge protection component 13 is higher than the critical threshold.

The interlocking element 15 has been melted, by the effect of the temperature rise of the surge protection component 13, and the moving part, by the effect of the second spring 183, moves in translation and releases the notch 177 that joins it to the drag element 175.

The drive element 175, released from the notch 177, and integral with the insulating piece 173 held by a first spring 181 in compression, then travels in translation in a direction opposite to the two conductive sheets 171 and 172.

This displacement of the drag element 175, drags a displacement movement of the insulating piece 173, integral with the drag element 175, which is placed between the two conductive sheets 171 and 172.

In this way, the electrical contact between the two conductive sheets 171 and 172 is opened and the housing 1 for surge protection device, which comprises the faulty surge protection component 13 is isolated from the rest of the electrical equipment.

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a second embodiment of a housing 1 for surge protection device.

In this embodiment, the mechanical switch 17 comprises:

- two conductive spring plates 171 and 172 connected respectively to the first electrical connection element 11 and to the surge protection component 13,

- an insulating piece 173, integral with a drag element 175,

- the drag element 175 connected by a notch 177 to a moving part,

- the mobile part, connected to the interlocking element 15,

- a first spring 181 resting on the insulating piece 173.

In this second embodiment, the mobile part is a 1791 spring sheet.

The interlocking element 15 and the switch 17 are electrically independent and, in this way, the interlocking element may not be electrically conductive.

Figure 5 illustrates the housing 1 comprising a mechanical switch 17 of this type, in the case where the temperature of the surge protection component 13 is below the critical threshold and the mechanical switch is in the closed position.

The spring sheet 1791 is maintained in its horizontal position, called normal operation, by the locking element 15 and by a projection 180, below which one of the ends of the spring sheet 1791 is locked.

The drive element, attached to the mobile part 1791, keeps the insulating piece 173 separated from the two conductive sheets 171 and 172, which are in contact.

Figure 6 illustrates the housing 1 comprising a mechanical switch 17 of this type, in the case where the temperature of the surge protection component 13 is higher than the critical threshold.

The interlocking element 15 has melted, due to the temperature rise of the surge protection component 13, and the spring piece 1791 is no longer held horizontally below the projection 180 by the interlocking element 15. Performs a rotation movement and is placed in an upright position.

The drag element 175, connected to this spring sheet 1791 by means of the notch 177 and integral with the insulating piece 173, then moves in translation in a direction opposite to the two conductive sheets 171 and 172.

This displacement of the drag element 175 draws a displacement movement of the insulating piece 173, integral with the drag element 175, which is placed between the two conductive sheets 171 and 172.

In this way, the electrical contact between the two conductive sheets 171 and 172 is opened and the housing 1 for surge protection device, which comprises the faulty surge protection component 13 is isolated from the rest of the electrical equipment.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a third embodiment of a housing 1 for surge protection device.

In this embodiment, the mechanical switch comprises:

- two conductive sheets 171 and 172 respectively connected to the first electrical connection element 11 and to the surge protection component 13,

- an insulating piece 173, integral with a drag element 175,

- the drag element 175 connected by a notch 177 to a moving part,

- the mobile part, connected to the interlocking element 15,

- a first spring 181 resting on the insulating piece 173.

In this third embodiment, one of the two conductive sheets 172 is a spring sheet and the mobile part is a lever with a curved arm 1792.

The interlocking element 15 and the switch 17 are electrically independent and, in this way, the interlocking element may not be electrically conductive.

Figure 7 illustrates the housing 1 comprising a mechanical switch of this type, in the case where the temperature of the surge protection component 13 is below the critical threshold and the switch

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

Mechanic is in closed position.

The lever with curved arm 1792 is maintained in a position, called normal operation, by means of the interlocking element 15 and by a projection 180, below which one of the ends of the lever with the curved arm is locked.

The drive element 175, connected to the lever with curved arm 1792 by the notch 177, keeps the insulating piece 173 separated from the two conductive sheets 171 and 172, which are in contact.

Figure 8 illustrates the housing 1 comprising a mechanical switch of this type, in the case where the temperature of the surge protection component 13 is higher than the critical threshold.

The interlocking element 15 has melted, due to the temperature rise of the surge protection component 13, and the curved arm lever 1792 is no longer held below the projection 180 by the interlocking element 15. It performs a rotation movement up.

The drive element 175, attached to this lever with a curved arm 1792 by the notch 177 and integral with the insulating piece 173 then moves in translation in a direction opposite to the two conductive sheets

171 and 172, by the action of a spring 181.

This displacement of the drag element 175 draws a displacement movement of the insulating piece 173, integral with the drag element 175, which is placed between the two conductive sheets 171 and 172.

In this way, the electrical contact between the two conductive sheets 171 and 172 is opened and the housing 1 for surge protection device, which comprises the faulty surge protection component 13 is isolated from the rest of the electrical equipment.

A fourth embodiment of a housing 1 for surge protection device is illustrated in Figures 9 and 10.

In this embodiment, the mechanical switch comprises:

- two conductive sheets 171 and 172 respectively connected to the second electrical connection element 12 and to the surge protection component (not visible in figures 9 and 10),

- an insulating piece 173, integral with a drag element 175,

- the drag element 175 connected to an interlocking element 15.

When the temperature of the surge protection component is below the critical threshold, that is, in the case illustrated by FIG. 9, the interlocking element 15 keeps the insulating piece 173, by means of the drag element 175, separated from the two conductive sheets 171 and 172. One of the two conducting sheets 172 is a spring sheet.

As Figure 10 illustrates, when the temperature of the surge protection component is higher than the critical threshold, the interlocking element 15 has melted, dragging a translation of the drag element 175 upwards, due to the effect of unlocking and the compression of a second spring 183. This translation of the drag element 175 carries a translation of the insulating piece 173, integral with the drag element 175, which is placed between the two conductive sheets; separating the conductive spring sheet

172 of the other conductive sheet 171 by the effect of the insulating piece.

In this way, the electrical contact between the two conductive sheets 171 and 172 is opened and the housing 1 for surge protection device, which comprises the faulty surge protection component is isolated from the rest of the electrical equipment.

In Figures 11 and 12 a fifth embodiment of a housing 1 for protection device against overvoltages is illustrated.

In this embodiment, the mechanical switch comprises:

- two conductive sheets 171 and 172; the first conductive sheet 171 being connected between the first electrical connection element 11 and the surge protection component (not visible in Figures 11 and 12); the second conductive sheet 172 being connected between the second electrical connection element 12 and the surge protection component,

- an insulating piece 173, integral with a drag element 175,

- the drag element 175 connected to an interlocking element 15.

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

When the temperature of the surge protection component is below the critical threshold, that is, in the case illustrated by FIG. 11, the locking element 15 keeps the insulating piece 173, by means of the drag element 175, separated from the two conductive sheets 171 and 172.

As Figure 12 illustrates, when the temperature of the surge protection component is higher than the critical threshold, the interlocking element 15 has melted, dragging a translation of the drag element 175 upwards, due to the effect of unlocking and the extension of a first spring 181. This translation of the drag element 175 carries a translation of the insulating piece 173, integral with the drag element 175, which is placed between the two electrical contacts between the first conductive sheet 171 and the first electrical connection element 11 and between the second conductive sheet 172 and the second electrical connection element 12.

In this way, the electrical contact is opened and the housing 1 for surge protection device, which comprises the faulty surge protection component is isolated from the rest of the electrical equipment.

A sixth embodiment of a housing 1 for surge protection device is illustrated in Figures 13 and 14.

In this embodiment, the mechanical switch comprises:

- two conductive sheets 172 and 171 respectively connected to the second electrical connection element 12 and to the surge protection component (not visible in Figures 13 and 14),

- an insulating piece 173, connected to a mobile part 179 by a notch 177,

- the mobile part 179 attached to an interlocking element 15.

When the temperature of the surge protection component is below the critical threshold, that is, in the case illustrated by Figure 13, the interlocking element 15 keeps the moving part 179 provided with a notch 177. By means of this notch 177 , the insulating piece 173 is kept separate from the two conducting sheets 171 and 172. One of the two conducting sheets 172 is a spring sheet.

As Figure 14 illustrates, when the temperature of the surge protection component is higher than the critical threshold, the interlocking element 15 has melted, dragging a translation of the mobile part 179 in order to release the insulating piece 173 from the notch 177. The insulating piece 173, released in this way

of the notch, moves in translation upwards, by the effect of the extension of a first spring 181. The piece

Insulator 173, by this translational movement, is placed between the two conductive sheets 171 and 172; the conductive spring sheet 172 being separated from the other conductive sheet 171 by the effect of the insulating piece.

In this way, the electrical contact is opened and the housing 1 for surge protection device, which comprises the faulty surge protection component is isolated from the rest of the electrical equipment.

In figures 15 and 16, a seventh embodiment of a housing 1 for a surge protection device is illustrated.

In this embodiment, the mechanical switch comprises:

- two conductive sheets 172 and 171 respectively connected to the second electrical connection element 12 and to the surge protection component 13,

- an insulating piece 173, connected to a mobile part 179 by a notch 177,

- the mobile part 179 attached to an interlocking element 15.

When the temperature of the surge protection component is below the critical threshold, that is, in the case illustrated by Figure 15, the interlocking element 15 keeps the moving part 179 provided with a notch 177. By means of this notch 177 , the insulating piece 173 is kept separate from the two conductive sheets 171 and 172. The two conductive sheets 171 and 172 are spring plates.

As Figure 16 illustrates, when the temperature of the surge protection component 13 is higher than the critical threshold, the interlocking element 15 has melted, dragging a translation upward of the moving part 179 in order to release the part insulator 173 of the notch 177. The insulating piece 173, released in this way from the notch, moves in horizontal translation, by the effect of the extension of the first spring 181. The insulating piece 173, by this translation movement, reaches be placed between the two conductive sheets 171 and 172, which by their nature of spring sheet are separated by the action of the insulating piece 173.

In this way, the electrical contact is opened and the housing 1 for surge protection device, comprising the faulty surge protection component is isolated from the

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

35

40

Four. Five

fifty

55

60

65

rest of the electrical equipment.

An eighth embodiment of a housing 1 for surge protection device is illustrated in figures 17 and 18.

In this embodiment, the mechanical switch comprises:

- two conductive sheets 172 and 171 respectively connected to the first electrical connection element 11 and to the surge protection component 13,

- an insulating piece 173, connected to a mobile part 179 by a notch 177,

- the mobile part 179 attached to an interlocking element 15.

When the temperature of the surge protection component is below the critical threshold, that is, in the case illustrated by Figure 17, the interlocking element 15 keeps the moving part 179 provided with a notch 177. By means of this notch 177 , the insulating piece 173 is kept separate from the two conductive sheets 171 and 172. The conductive sheet 172 is a spring sheet.

As Figure 18 illustrates, when the temperature of the surge protection component 13 is above the critical threshold, the interlocking element 15 has melted, dragging a rotation down of the moving part 179 in order to release the part insulator 173 of the notch 177. The insulating piece 173, released in this way from the notch, moves in horizontal translation, by the effect of the extension of the first spring 181. The insulating piece 173, by this translation movement, reaches be placed between the two conductive sheets 171 and

172, which are separated by the action of the insulating piece 173.

In this way, the electrical contact is opened and the housing 1 for surge protection device, which comprises the faulty surge protection component is isolated from the rest of the electrical equipment.

A ninth mode of embodiment of a housing 1 for surge protection device is illustrated in Figures 19 and 20.

In this embodiment, the mechanical switch comprises:

- two conductive sheets 172 and 171 respectively connected to the first electrical connection element 11 and to the surge protection component 13,

- a mobile insulating piece 173, connected to the varistor 13 through a thermal path 131 and the interlocking element 15.

When the temperature of the surge protection component is below the critical threshold, that is, in the case illustrated by Figure 19, the interlocking element 15 keeps the piece moving. The insulating piece 173 is kept separate from the two conductive sheets 171 and 172. The conductive sheet 171 is a spring sheet.

As Figure 20 illustrates, when the temperature of the surge protection component 13 is higher than the critical threshold, the interlocking element 15 has melted, dragging a horizontal translation, by the effect of the extension of the first spring 181 of the insulating piece 173. This, by this translational movement, is placed between the two conductive sheets 171 and 172, which are separated by the action of the insulating piece

173.

In this way, the electrical contact is opened and the housing 1 for surge protection device, which comprises the faulty surge protection component is isolated from the rest of the electrical equipment.

The invention also relates to a surge protection device. Figures 21 and 22 represent two variants of realization of a surge protection device.

Figure 21 illustrates a first variant embodiment of a surge protection device comprising:

- a surge protection housing 1 according to one of the embodiments described above,

- a base fixed on a rail 23.

The connection of the surge protection device is made during the plug of the surge protection housing 1 to the base. This connection is made by electrically joining the two electrical connection elements and the housing 1 to the base. In this way, the surge protection device 2 is electrically connected to the electrical equipment or installation to be protected.

When the temperature of the surge protection component reaches the predefined critical threshold, the breakage of the electrical contact between the conductive sheets insulates the surge protection device of the electrical equipment or installation to be protected.

5 Figure 22 illustrates a second variant embodiment of a surge protection device comprising:

- a plurality of housings for surge protection device according to one of the embodiments described above,

10 - a plurality of base fixed on a rail 23.

The connection of the surge protection device is made during the plug of each of said surge protection housings to each of said respective bases.

15 This connection is made by electrically joining the two electrical connection elements and each housing to the associated base respectively. In this way, the surge protection device is electrically connected to the electrical equipment or installation to be protected.

When the temperature of the surge protection component reaches the predefined critical threshold 20, the breakage of the electrical contact between the conductive sheets of each of said housings isolates the surge protection device of the equipment or electrical installation to be protected.

The invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the description above. This should be considered as illustrative and given by way of example and not as limiting the invention to this single description. Numerous embodiments are possible.

In the claims, the expression "comprising" does not exclude other elements and the indefinite article "a / a" does not exclude a plurality.

Claims (12)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 65 1. Housing (1) for surge protection device comprising: • two electrical connection elements (11) and (12); • a surge protection component (13), electrically connected to the two electrical connection elements (11) and (12), whose temperature rises in the presence of a surge; • an interlocking element (15), in contact with the surge protection component (13); • a mechanical switch (17), connected to the interlocking element (15), installed in series between one of the two electrical connection elements (11) and the surge protection component (13), maintaining the interlocking element ( 15) the switch (17) in the closed position; and such that when the temperature of the surge protection component (13) exceeds a critical threshold, the interlocking element (15) releases the switch (17) which is put in an open position, the interlocking element (15) being electrically independent of the mechanical switch (17), characterized in that the switch comprises two conductive sheets (171, 172) connected respectively to the first electrical connection element (11) and the surge protection component (13), the mechanical switch (17) comprising an insulating part (173) , said insulating piece (173) being: - kept separate from the conductive sheets (171, 172) by the interlocking element (15) when the switch (17) is in the closed position, in the case of a temperature of the surge protection component (13) below the threshold critical; Y - displaced between the conductive sheets (171, 172) to separate them when the interlocking element (15) releases the switch (17) in the open position, in the case where the temperature of the surge protection component (13) exceeds The critical threshold. 2. Housing (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the interlocking element (15) is an element that melts when the temperature of the surge protection component (13) exceeds the critical threshold. 3. Housing (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the surge protection component (13) is a varistor. 4. Housing (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the interlocking element (15) is in thermal connection by conduction with a bare metal part of an electrode (131) of the surge protection component (13) . 5. Housing (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the interlocking element (15) is a low temperature weld that melts when the temperature of the surge protection component (13) exceeds the critical threshold. 6. Housing (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the interlocking element (15) is a plastic piece that melts when the temperature of the surge protection component (13) exceeds the critical threshold. 7. Housing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the critical threshold is comprised between 100 and 240 ° C. 8. Housing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mechanical switch (17) comprises: • a drag element (175) integral with the insulating part (173) and connected by a notch (177) to a moving part (179), • the mobile part (179), attached to the interlocking element (15), • a first spring (181) resting, or in tension, on the insulating part (173), such that, in the closed position of the switch (17), the two conductive sheets (171) and (172) are in contact and the drive element (175), as well as the first spring (181) out of its equilibrium position, they keep the insulating part (173) separated from the two conductive sheets (171) and (172) and, during unlocking, the moving part (179) moves and releases the drag element (175), the insulating part being (173) ) pulled by the first spring (181) in a translation movement to separate and place between the two conductive sheets (171) and (172). 9. Housing (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the two conductive sheets are spring plates and the moving part (179) is moved in translation by the effect of a second spring (183). 10. Housing (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the two conductive sheets are spring plates and the mobile part (179) is a spring sheet (1791), maintained by a projection (180), said mobile part (179), during unlocking, it performs a rotational movement that releases it from the projection (180). 5 11. Housing (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that one of the two conductive sheets (172) is a Spring sheet and the moving part (179) is a lever with a curved arm (1792), held by a projection (180), said movable piece (179), during unlocking, performs a rotational movement that releases it from the projection (180). 10 12. Housing (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the interlocking element is outside of the current path formed by one of the two electrical connection elements (11), the mechanical switch (17) and the surge protection component (13). 13. Surge protection device (2) comprising a housing (1) according to one of the preceding 15 claims and a base (21) fixed on a rail (23) characterized in that the two elements of Electrical connection (11) and (12) of the housing (1) are electrically connected to the base during the housing plug (1). 14. Surge protection device (2) comprising a plurality of housings according to one of claims 1 to 12 and a plurality of bases fixed on a rail (23) characterized in that the two Electrical connection elements of each of said housings are attached to a respective base during the respective housing plug.