JP2001068002A - Terminal protection device for low-voltage apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To protect a terminal by providing at least one thin positioning part capable of being cut from a plate to at least one part for removing the plate and providing a holding member suspended from the plate for holding a terminal protection device on a low-voltage apparatus. SOLUTION: This terminal protection device 30 has side parts 34, 36 extending backward and facing each other and has a rectangular end part 32. A shoulder part 66 at the low ends of arms 62, 64 suspended downward from a base 46 engages with a projection of a channel opening of a low-voltage apparatus, so as to hold the terminal protection device 30 on the low-voltage apparatus. Before a wire is inserted into a terminal of the low-voltage apparatus, a part 52 or a part 54 sometimes needs to be removed, depending on the diameter of the wire. Therefore, the tip of a screw driver is inserted into an opening 50, force is applied to the part 54 to remove it, and the wires protection device 30 is inserted into the corresponding channel of the low-voltage apparatus and assembled. Preferably, a thin part 58 is provided with the parts 52, 54 for removal, each having a thickness smaller than another part 53 of the plate 46.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates generally to low voltage equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to terminal protection devices for low voltage equipment such as contactors.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AC and DC low voltage contactors are used in industrial and commercial applications to control the flow of power to electrical loads in circuits operating up to 690 volts rms. Such electrical contactors typically include one or more contact pads disposed on a movable pad support (or bridge) structure that selectively moves between an open position and a closed position. Have. The pad support is typically driven by a solenoid that operates against a spring such that, depending on the position of the bridge, the bridge contacts make or break contact with the corresponding fixed contacts. Voltage supply and load supply leads are attached to each contact, and the circuit is closed when the pad support is moved so that the bridge contact pads are placed in contact with each fixed contact pad, and the pad support assemblies are each The circuit is opened when the bridge contact is moved from the fixed contact pad of FIG.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a terminal protector is provided for protecting terminals of a low voltage device such as, for example, a contactor. The low voltage device has a line side terminal and a load side terminal on a back-to-back end face interconnected by a movable contactor controlled by a coil. The coil can accept connect and disconnect commands. The terminal protection devices are provided on the line side and the load side. The terminal protection device (when mounted on low voltage equipment) guarantees a protection level of IP20 (Ingress Protection). The terminal protector is received in a corresponding channel of the low voltage device. Generally, the overall size and shape of the terminal protection devices will depend on the channel in which they are received. Each of these channels has an opening that defines a protrusion used to hold the terminal protector. Each of the terminal protection devices has an opening capable of receiving an electric wire and includes a movable part.
These moving parts are used according to the diameter of the electric wire inserted into the low-voltage equipment. Prior to inserting the wires into the terminals of the low voltage device, the removable portion is removed if the diameter of the inserted wires requires additional clearance. The tip of a screwdriver (or the like) is inserted into the adjacent opening and removed by applying a suitable force to the removable part to cut it from the terminal protector.

[0004]

Referring to FIG. 1, for example, low voltage equipment 10 is a standard magnetic contactor, such as that commercially available from General Electric, the assignee of the present invention, under the name CLxx series. . Such contactors are typically three or four pole devices. Low voltage equipment 10
Has line-side fixed contacts and load-side fixed contacts (terminals) 12a-c, 14a-c on back-to-back end faces,
It is intended to be interconnected by movable contacts (not shown) under the control of contactor coils (not shown). The contactor coil receives connect and disconnect commands, as is well known in the art. The low-voltage device 10 is for a three-phase system. The fixed contacts 12a-c and 14a-c are typically identical in configuration, for example, copper, nickel, metal oxide, etc., to provide the conductivity and physical rigidity required for a particular contactor application. Or a mixture of such materials, including a conductive support material having a contact tip (eg, of a silver alloy). The conductive material constitutes a contact material having properties of low contact weldability, high conductivity, low contact erosion and controlled arc stability. The physical dimensions of the contacts are typically determined based on the contact current capacity required for each rating of the low voltage device 10.

According to the present invention, terminal protection devices 18a-c
Are provided on the line side, and the terminal protection devices 20a-c
Is provided on the load side. Terminal protection devices 18a-c,
20a-c protect terminals 12a-c and 14a-c, respectively (when mounted on low voltage device 10). The terminal protectors 18a-c and 20a-c are respectively associated with the corresponding channels 22a-c and 24a of the low-voltage device 10.
-C. Generally, the overall size and shape of the terminal protection devices will depend on the channel in which they are located. Each channel 22a-c and 24a-c is a projection (not shown) used to hold a terminal protector.
Has an opening that defines

2A-E, a terminal protection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown generally at 30. The terminal protection device 30 has two opposing side portions (members) 34 and 36 extending rearward, and has an end portion (member) 32 formed into a substantially rectangular shape. Each side part 34,36
Are the inner and outer diagonal sides 3 facing each other
8, 40, an outer vertical side surface 42, and an inner vertical side surface 4
And 4. A base (or plate) 46 extends between each side surface 44.

[0007] The base 46 has openings 48-51 that define portions 52-54. Portions 52 and 54 are removable portions and have a thickness of portion 53 (and base 46).
(Remaining part of FIG. 2C). Openings 48 and 51
Extends at 56 along the sides of the terminal protector, as best shown in FIG. 2D. Further, the part 52
And 54 are tapered along the sides of the terminal protector in the range of 58 (FIG. 2D) and have thicknesses of portions 52 and 5.
4 is about a quarter of the remainder.

The portion 60 of the base 46 includes side portions 34 and 3
6 and has two elastic arms (holding members) 62 and 64 hanging downward. A shoulder 66 is provided at the lower end of each arm 62,64. As described above, the shoulder 66 connects the terminal protection device 30 to the low-voltage device 10.
Engages with the projections in the channel openings of the low voltage device 10 to hold it. Until the shoulder 66 passes through the protrusion in the low voltage device 10 and the arm snaps back and the shoulder engages the protrusion, the ramp 68 contacts the surface of the low voltage device and the arms 62, 64 It is biased outward. Also, the rearward facing surface 72 of end 32 contacts surface 74 of contactor 10.

An electric wire (not shown) is connected to the terminal 12a, 12b, 12c, 14a, 14b or 14 of the low-voltage device 10.
Prior to insertion into c, portions 52 or 54 may need to be removed (at the location where terminal protector 30 is attached to the low voltage device) depending on the diameter of the wire. Thus, openings 48-51, tapered side 5
8 and the reduced thickness portions 52 and 54
It will be appreciated that it is intended to facilitate removal of 2 and 54. More specifically, part 54
Can be removed by inserting the end of a screwdriver (or the like) into opening 50 and applying a suitable force to portion 54 to cut the tapered side. Portion 52 can be removed by inserting the end of a screwdriver (or the like) into opening 49 and applying a suitable force to portion 52 to cut the tapered side. Also, for wires having a diameter that can be inserted through one of openings 49 and 50, portions 52 and 5
It will also be appreciated that none of the four need be removed.

In a preferred embodiment, as described above,
The portion 53 has a beveled upper edge 70 which cooperates with the insertion of a screwdriver. The terminal protector does not hinder the insertion of wires or the operation (or use) of low voltage equipment.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-E, a terminal protection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is indicated generally at 130. The terminal protection device 130 has a substantially rectangular end portion 13.
2 from which two opposite side parts 13
4,136 extend rearward. Each side portion 134,
136 are inner and outer side surfaces 138, 1 facing each other.
40, inner oblique side surface 142, upper surface and lower surface 14
4, 145, and an inner side surface 143. A base (or plate) 146 extends between each side surface 143.

The base 146 has openings 147-151 defining portions 152-156. Part 153,
Removable portions 154 and 156 are approximately half as thick as portions 152 and 155 (and the remainder of base 146) (FIG. 3C). As best shown in FIG. 3D,
Openings 147, 148 and 151 extend at 157 along the sides of the terminal protection device. In addition, part 1
53, 154 and 156 are tapered along the sides of the terminal protector in the range of 158 (FIG. 3D);
The thickness is about one-fourth of the remainder of portions 153, 154 and 156.

Base 1 extending from side portions 134 and 136
The portion 160 of 46 is a substantially U-shaped inclined surface 161. The two elastic arms (holding members) 162 and 164 hang downward from the portion 160. The shoulder 166 is provided at a lower end of each of the arms 162 and 164. As described above, the shoulder 166 engages a projection in the channel opening of the low voltage device (10) to retain the terminal protector 130 on the low voltage device (10). Until the shoulder 166 passes through the projection in the low voltage device and the arm snaps back and the shoulder engages the projection, the ramp 168 contacts the surface of the low voltage device and the arms 162, 164 The outwardly biased and rearward facing surface 172 of the end 132 is
0 surface 74.

Prior to inserting wires (not shown) into terminals 12a, 12b, 12c, 14a, 14b or 14c of low voltage equipment 10, portions 153, 154 or 156 are provided.
May need to be removed depending on the diameter of the wire (at the point where the terminal protection device 130 is attached to the low-voltage device). Thus, openings 147-151, tapered sides 158, and reduced thickness portions 15
It will be appreciated that the purpose of 3,154 and 156 is intended to facilitate removal of portions 153,154 and 156. More specifically, section 154
Can be removed by inserting the end of a screwdriver (or the like) into opening 149 and applying a suitable force to portion 154 to cut the tapered side. Portion 153 can be removed by inserting the end of a screwdriver (or the like) into opening 149 and applying a suitable force to portion 153 to cut the tapered side. Portion 156 opens the tip of a screwdriver (or the like) to cut the tapered side.
It can be removed by inserting it into 50 and applying a suitable force to portion 156. It will also be appreciated that for wires having a diameter that can be inserted through one of the openings 149 and 150, none of the portions 153, 154 and 156 need be removed.

In the preferred embodiment, as described above, portion 155 has a beveled top edge 170 that cooperates with the insertion of a screwdriver. The terminal protector does not hinder the insertion of wires or the operation (or use) of low voltage equipment.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-F, a terminal protection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is indicated generally at 230. The terminal protection device 230 has a generally rectangular shaped end portion 23 with an arched recess 237 formed therein.
Two. End portion 232 has two opposing side portions 234, 236 extending rearward. A corresponding arcuate recess 270 is provided in portion 254. Each side portion 234, 236 includes opposed inner and outer side surfaces 238, 240, an upper surface 241, and a lower surface 24, respectively.
2, 243, and end faces 244, 245.
A base (or plate) 246 is provided on each side surface 23
8 between.

The base 246 has openings 248-251 that define the portions 252,256. Portions 253 and 255 are removable portions and have thicknesses of portions 252 and 2
About half of 54 and 256 (and the remainder of base 246) (FIG. 4C). Apertures 248 and 251 are provided along the side of the terminal protector, as best shown in FIG.
Extending at 7. In addition, parts 253 and 255
258 along the side of the terminal protector in the longitudinal direction of 258
(FIG. 4C) and is approximately one-fourth the thickness of the remainder of portions 253 and 255.

The elastic arm (holding member) 262 hangs downward from a portion 256 of the base 246. Shoulder 26
6 is provided at the lower end of the arm 262. As described above, the shoulder 266 connects the terminal protection device 230 to the low-voltage device 10.
Engages with the projections in the channel openings of the low voltage device 10 to hold it. Until the shoulder 266 passes through the protrusion in the low voltage device and the arm snaps back and the shoulder engages the protrusion, the ramp 268 contacts the surface in the low voltage device and the arm 262 moves outward. It is urged to. The rearwardly facing surface 272 of the end 232 contacts the surface 74 of the low-voltage device 10.

Prior to inserting wires (not shown) into the terminals 12a, 12b, 12c, 14a, 14b or 14c of the low-voltage device 10, as is well known to those skilled in the art,
53 or 255 may need to be removed depending on the diameter of the wire (at the point where the terminal protection device 230 is attached to the contactor). Therefore, openings 248-25
1. The purpose of the tapered side portions 258 and the reduced thickness portions 253, 255 is that the portions 253, 255
It is to be understood that they are intended to facilitate the removal of More specifically, portion 253 can be removed by inserting the end of a screwdriver (or the like) into opening 249 and applying an appropriate force to portion 253 for cutting at the tapered side. Portion 255 can be removed by inserting the end of a screwdriver (or the like) into opening 250 or 251 and applying a suitable force to portion 255 for cutting at the tapered side. Also, openings 249 and 25
It will also be appreciated that for wires having a diameter that can be inserted through one of the zeros, neither portions 253 nor 255 need be removed.

The arched recesses 237 and 270 form a gap for inserting a screwdriver as described above. The terminal protector does not hinder the insertion of wires or the operation (or use) of low voltage equipment.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-F, a terminal protection device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is indicated generally at 330. The terminal protector 330 has a generally rectangular shaped end 332 with an arched recess 337 defined therein.
have. The end 332 has two opposing sides 334, 336 extending rearward. Each side 33
4,336 are the facing inner and outer side surfaces 33, respectively.
8, 340, upper surface 341, 342, lower surface 343, 3
44 and an end face 345. A base (or plate) 346 extends between each side surface 338.

The base 346 has openings 348-351 that define the portions 352-356. Parts 353 and 3
Reference numeral 55 denotes a removable portion having a thickness of 352, 35.
4 and 356 (and the remainder of the base 346) (FIG. 5C). Openings 348 and 351 are located along the side of the terminal protector, as shown in FIG.
Extends at 7. In addition, portions 353 and 355 are tapered on the sides of the terminal protector along the length of 358 in the range of 358 (FIG. 5E) and have a thickness of portion 353.
And about 約 of the remainder of 355.

The elastic arm (holding member) 362 is
56 or downward from the base 346. Shoulder 3
66 is provided at the lower end of the arm 362. As described above, the shoulder 366 connects the terminal protection device 330 to the low-voltage device 1.
It engages with the projection of the channel opening of the low-voltage device 10 so as to be kept at zero. The ramp 368 contacts the surface of the low voltage device and the arm 362 urges outward until the shoulder 366 passes through the protrusion in the low voltage device and the arm snaps back and the shoulder engages the protrusion. Is done. Also, the rearwardly facing surface 272 of end 332 contacts surface 74 of low voltage device 10.

Prior to inserting an electric wire (not shown) into the terminals 12a, 12b, 12c, 14a, 14b or 14c of the low voltage device 10, the portions 353 or 355 may, depending on the diameter of the electric wire (terminal protection device 330). May need to be removed (where it is attached to low voltage equipment). Therefore, it is understood that the purpose of the openings 348-351 and the tapered sides 358 and the reduced thickness portions 353, 355 are intended to facilitate removal of the portions 353, 355. I can do it. More specifically, portion 353 can be removed by inserting the end of a screwdriver (or the like) into opening 349 and applying an appropriate force to portion 353 to cut the tapered side. Portion 355 can be removed by inserting the end of a screwdriver (or the like) into openings 349 and 350 and applying a suitable force to portion 355 to cut the tapered side. Opening 3
It will also be appreciated that for wires having a diameter that can be inserted through one of 49 or 350, neither part 353 nor 355 need be removed.

The arcuate recess 337 forms a gap for insertion of a screwdriver as described above. The terminal protection device is
It does not hinder the insertion of wires or the operation (or use) of low voltage equipment.

Referring to FIG. 6, a contactor, indicated generally at 410, is shown as an example of another low voltage device. The low voltage device 410 includes a contactor coil (not shown)
Have fixed line load fixed contacts (terminals) 412a-c (the opposite fixed contacts (terminals not shown)) on the back-to-back end faces interconnected by movable contacts (not shown) under the control of ing. The contactor coil receives a connect / disconnect command, as is well known in the art. The low-voltage device 410 in this example is for a three-phase system. The fixed contacts are typically of the same construction and are made of, for example, copper, nickel, metal oxides or such materials to provide the conductivity and physical rigidity required for the particular contactor application. The mixture includes a conductive support material having a contact tip (eg, a silver alloy). The conductive material provides a contact material having the characteristics of low contact weldability, high conductivity, low contact erosion and controlled arc stability. The physical dimensions of the contacts are typically
Is determined based on the contact current capacity required for each rating.

According to the invention, a terminal protector 418 is provided on the line side, and a terminal protector (not shown) is provided on the load side. The terminal protection device is (low-voltage device 410
Protect the terminals (if mounted on). Terminal protection devices are attached to the low voltage equipment 410 at each terminal. In general, the overall size and shape of the terminal protection devices will depend on the configuration of the terminals they protect. For each terminal protector, a channel 414 is formed on each side of the low voltage device 410 at each terminal. A plurality of protrusions 416 extend outwardly from surface 418 of channel 414. Protrusion 41
6 is used to hold the terminal protection device. The terminal protection device 418 has a plate 420 having side portions (holding members) 422 and 424 extending rearward therefrom. The plurality of terminal protector portions 426a-c
20 and corresponding terminals 412a-c respectively.
It is arranged to protect. Each terminal protector portion 426a-c is similar, and terminal portions 426
Only a is described in detail.

The terminal protector portion 426a includes a portion 452
-454 are provided.
Portions 452 and 454 are removable portions and are approximately half as thick as portion 453 (and the rest of plate 420). Openings 448 and 451 extend along the sides of the terminal protector, similar to those shown in the alternative embodiments described above. Further, portions 452 and 454 are also tapered along the sides, similar to those shown in the alternative embodiments described above, and have a thickness of about one-fourth of the remainder.

The side surfaces 422 and 424 have elasticity,
It provides a retaining force for retaining the terminal protector 418 to the low voltage device 410. More specifically, the terminal protection device 41
If 8 is attached to low voltage equipment 410, inner surfaces 456 and 458 of sides 422 and 424 each include a plurality of detents (not shown) for receiving corresponding projections 416. These projections 416 are on the surface 456
The inner surfaces 456 and 458 are in contact with the low voltage device projections 416 and the sides 422 and 424 are biased outward until they are received in each detent and the sides snap back.

The thickness of the sides 422 and 424 of the low voltage device 410 is selected to be approximately equal to the depth of the channel 414 of the terminal protector 410. As a result, when the terminal protection device is mounted thereon, the outer surface 4
60 and 462 are substantially flush with the outer sides of the low voltage device. The top edge of the terminal protector has a tapered surface 4
64. The lower end 466 of the terminal protector is flush with the bottom surface of the low voltage device when the terminal protector is mounted thereon. The side surface, the lower end, and the upper tapered surface attached to the same plane of the terminal protection device are provided so that the appearance is beautiful.

Prior to inserting the wires (not shown) into the terminals of low voltage equipment 410, portions 452 and 454 may be removed depending on the diameter of the wires (where the terminal protector is attached to the low voltage equipment). May be required. Thus, it can be seen that the purpose of the openings 448-451, the tapered sides, and the reduced thickness portions 452 and 454 are intended to facilitate removal of the portions 452 and 454. Will. More specifically, the portion 452 is inserted into the opening 449 by inserting the end of a screwdriver (or similar) into the portion 452 to cut the tapered side.
Can be removed by applying an appropriate force to the Part 454 is
Opening 450 or 45 to cut the tapered side
1 is removed by inserting the tip of a screwdriver (or the like) into section 1 and applying a suitable force to section 454. It will also be appreciated that for wires having a diameter that can be inserted through one of the openings 449 and 450, neither part 452 nor 454 need be removed. The terminal protection device does not hinder the insertion of wires or the operation (or use) of the low-voltage equipment.

[Brief description of the drawings]

In some of the drawings, reference is made to drawings in which the same components are given the same reference numerals.

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a low-voltage device (contactor) having a terminal protection device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view (A), a bottom view (B), a cross section (C) along line 2C-2C of B, a plan view (D), and an end face of the terminal protection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view (A), a bottom view (B), a cross section (C) along line 3C-3C of B, a plan view (D), and an end face of the terminal protection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

4A is a perspective view of a terminal protection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4B is a sectional view taken along line 4B-4B of FIG.
They are a plan view (C), a bottom view (D), an end view (E), and a hot noodle view (F) on the opposite side.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view (A) of a terminal protection device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a cross section (B) taken along line 5B-5B of E,
They are an end view (C), a bottom view (D), a plan view (E), and a hot noodle view (F) on the opposite side.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a contactor having a terminal protection device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

30 protective device, 32 end, 46 plate, 48,
49, 50, 51 openings, 62 arms.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Asensio Bras Roldan Spain 08222 Terrassa (Barcelona) Vargen de las Angusti as En 88-1 (72) Inventor Antoni Enrique Mnoz Gracia No Spain 08226 Terassa (Barcelona) Abugda Haum N 37-1-1-1A

Claims (31)

[Claims] At least one portion for removal (52,
54) to define a plurality of openings (48, 49, 5).
0,51), wherein said at least one portion (52,54) of said plate (46) for removal comprises at least one portion (52,54) of said plate (46) for removal. 52, 54) having at least one locating thin portion (58) that can be cut from said plate (46); And a holding member (62, 64) for performing the protection. 2. An end member (32) disposed at one end of said plate (46), said holding member having a surface (72) intersecting with said plate (46).
At least one depending downward from said plate (46);
Two resilient arms (62, 64) have shoulders (66), the resilient arms (62, 64) and the end member (3).
2. The protection device according to claim 1, wherein 2) includes a resilient arm cooperating to hold the protection device on the low voltage device. 3. The protection device according to claim 2, further comprising side members (34, 36) arranged on opposite sides of the plate (46). 4. The at least one resilient arm comprises two
3. The protection device according to claim 2, further comprising two spaced apart elastic arms (62, 64). 5. The removal of at least one part of the plate (146) comprises two or three parts (153, 154, 156) for removal of the plate (146). Item 2. The protection device according to Item 1. 6. The plate (46) wherein said at least one portion (52, 54) for said removal is provided on said plate (4).
Protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the thin-walled part (58) defining the at least one position that can be cut from 6) has opposing side positions. 7. The at least one portion (52, 54) of the plate (46), wherein the thinned portion (58) has a smaller thickness than another portion (53) of the plate (46). 7. The protection device according to claim 6, comprising: 8. At least one elastic side member (422, 424) depending from the plate (420) has a detent or a protrusion on its surface, and the elastic side member and the low voltage device (410). 2. The protection device of claim 1, wherein the detents or protrusions of (1) cooperate to hold the protection device on low voltage equipment. 9. The protection device according to claim 1, wherein the low-voltage device is a contactor. 10. A low voltage device (10) interconnected by movable contacts, each receiving a conductor and having a first terminal and a second terminal (12, 14); At least one of the first terminal and the second terminal (12, 14) of the low-voltage device (10) to protect at least one of the first terminal and the second terminal (12, 14). And a terminal protection device (20) disposed. 11. The low-voltage device further comprises a plurality of the first terminals (412) and a corresponding plurality of the second terminals interconnected by the movable contacts.
And each of the corresponding second terminals corresponds to a pole, and the terminal protection device (418) is disposed at the plurality of first terminals (412) or the plurality of second terminals. The interconnect assembly of claim 10, wherein 12. The interconnect assembly according to claim 11, wherein said poles comprise three or four poles. 13. A plate (46) having a plurality of openings (48, 49, 50, 51) for defining at least one portion (52, 54) for removal, said terminal protection device comprising: The at least one portion (52, 54) for removal of the plate (46) comprises:
A plate having at least one thin-walled portion (58) that can be cut from the plate (46); and a retaining member (62, 36) depending from the plate for retaining the protection device to the low-voltage device. 64. The interconnect assembly of claim 10, comprising: 14. An end member (32) disposed at one end of said plate (46), said holding member having a surface (72) intersecting with said plate (46).
At least one depending downward from said plate (46);
At least one resilient arm (62, 64), wherein the at least one resilient arm (62, 64) has a shoulder (66), and the resilient arm (62, 64) and the end member (32). 11. An interconnect assembly according to claim 10, wherein said resilient arm comprises a resilient arm having a shoulder cooperating to retain said protective device to said low voltage device (10). 15. The interconnect assembly according to claim 14, further comprising side members disposed on opposite sides of said plate. 16. The at least one elastic arm,
15. The interconnect assembly of claim 14, comprising two spaced apart resilient arms (62, 64). 17. At least one portion for removal of said plate (146) comprises two or three portions (153, 154, 156) for removal of said plate (146). Item 11. The interconnect assembly of item 10. 18. The opposed thin-walled portion (58) defining the at least one location where the at least one portion (52, 54) for removal of the plate (46) can be cut from the plate (46). The interconnect assembly according to claim 10, comprising a side location. 19. The apparatus for removing at least one of the plates (46), wherein the thinned portion (58) has a smaller thickness than another portion (53) of the plate (46).
An interconnect assembly according to claim 18, comprising two parts (52, 54). 20. The low-voltage device (410) has a detent or protrusion on a surface thereof, the holding member includes at least one elastic side member (422, 424) depending from a plate (420), The at least one elastic side member (422, 424)
It has a detent or protrusion on its surface, and the elastic side member and the detent or protrusion of the low voltage device (410) hold the protection device (418) to the low voltage device (410). 14. The interconnect assembly of claim 13, cooperating. 21. The interconnect assembly according to claim 10, wherein said low voltage device comprises a contactor. 22. The terminal protection device (20) is connected to its terminal (1).
Attach to the low-voltage equipment (10) at (2,14), and use the contactor that passes through the access opening (49,50) in the plate (46) of the terminal protection device (20), using the contactor. 14) A method for protecting terminals of a low-voltage device, comprising connecting a conducting wire to the terminal. 23. A removable portion (52, 54) of said plate (46) of said terminal protection device (20) to further enlarge said access opening (49, 50) of said plate (46). 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
3. The method according to 2. 24. The low voltage device (10) wherein the terminals (12, 14) comprise one of a first terminal and a second terminal interconnected by a third movable contact. The method according to claim 22, wherein: 25. The plate further comprising a plurality of first openings (4) defining the removable portion (52, 54).
8, 51), wherein the removable portion (52, 54)
24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that it has at least one locating thin section (58) cut from the plate (46). 26. The low voltage device (10) according to claim 22, wherein holding members (62, 64) depending from the plate (46) hold the protection device (20) on the low voltage device (10). the method of. 27. An end member (3) provided at one end of said plate (46), wherein said terminal protection device is provided.
2) at least one surface having a surface (72) intersecting with the plate (46) and hanging downward from the plate (46);
The two resilient arms (62, 64) have shoulders (66), and the resilient arms (62, 64) and the end member (3).
23. The method of claim 22, wherein 2) includes cooperating to retain the protection device on the low voltage device. 28. The thin-walled portion (58) that defines the at least one location where the at least one portion (52, 54) for removal of the plate (46) can be cut from the plate (46) faces each other. 26. The method of claim 25, comprising a side location. 29. The at least one removal portion of the plate (46), wherein the thinned portion (58) has a smaller thickness than another portion (53) of the plate (46).
29. The method according to claim 28, comprising two parts (52, 54). 30. The low voltage device (410) has a detent or protrusion on its surface, and at least one elastic side member (422, 424) depending from the plate (420) has a detent or protrusion on its surface. Having a protrusion, wherein the elastic side member and the detent or protrusion of the low voltage device (410) cooperate to retain the protection device (418) on the low voltage device (410). The method according to claim 26, characterized in that: 31. The method according to claim 22, wherein the low-voltage device (10) comprises a contactor.