Abstract: Switches with integrated overcurrent protection elements are described. The overcurrent protection elements can include a bimetallic structure which is configured to move between a first shape and a second shape in response to heating. The overcurrent protection element can be rotationally coupled to a rotary knob in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the overcurrent protection element can be fixed, and the rotary knob can be connected to one or more rotatable conductive structures within the rotary switch.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly in a case, and a cap assembly coupled to the case, the cap assembly having a cap plate sealing the case, the cap plate including a short-circuit hole and a conductive groove surrounding the short-circuit hole, an inversion plate in the conductive groove of the cap plate, a connection plate covering the short-circuit hole of the cap plate, and a short-circuit member between the connection plate and the inversion plate, the short-circuit member at least partially passing through the short-circuit hole and contacting the connection plate.

Abstract: A secondary battery includes a reverse plate formed using a conductive material and provided in a case, and a fixing member formed using an elastically deformable material and joined to the reverse plate. When an internal pressure in the case is increased, the reverse plate deforms in response to the internal pressure, to thereby electrically connect a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal. With the increase in the internal pressure, the fixing member elastically deforms from a state where it is inserted into the through hole, exits the through hole and is fixed between the reverse plate and the case. The reverse plate in the deformed state is supported by the fixed fixing member.

Abstract: A heat destructive disconnecting switch, comprising a first conductive member, a second conductive member, a movable conductive member, an overheating destructive member, an operating component, and a second elastic member. The movable conductive member enables electrical conduction with the first conductive member and the second conductive member. A first elastic member having a first spring and a second spring which are compressed and provided with a first elastic force, and the second elastic member is provided with a second elastic force. When the overheating destructive member is destructed due to overheating, the first elastic force is diminished or vanished, which causes the second elastic force to be larger than the first elastic force and forces the movable conductive member to disconnect from current conducting state between the first conductive member and the second conductive member, thereby achieving a protective effect from overheating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat destructive disconnecting switch, which is composed of a first conductive member, a second conductive member, a movable conductive member, an overheating destructive member, an operating component, and a second elastic member. The movable conductive member enables conducting electricity to the first conductive member and the second conductive member. The overheating destructive member butts against a limiting member, which causes a first elastic member to be compressed to between a contact member and the overheating destructive member, thereby providing the first elastic member with a first elastic force and providing the second elastic member with a second elastic force.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a battery module having a plurality of battery cells disposed in a housing. Each of the plurality of battery cells has a positive terminal, a negative terminal, an overcharge protection assembly, and a casing having an electrically conductive material. The overcharge protection assembly includes a vent, a first spring component, a second spring component, and an insulative component. The first spring component is coupled to the positive terminal, the second spring component is coupled to the negative terminal, the insulative component is between the first spring component and a conductive piece and between the second spring component and the conductive piece, and the vent is configured to drive the insulative component from between the first and second spring components and the conductive piece, such that the first and second spring components contact the conductive piece, when a pressure in the casing exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A power cord includes a plug and a load connection portion connected to a load. The plug contains a plurality of plug pins which are respectively inserted in plug pin insertion holes of a power socket and connected to the power socket and a plurality of PTC thermistors, at least one of which is provided for each of the plug pins to detect a temperature of the corresponding plug pin. The PTC thermistors form one series circuit, and the power cord includes a shut-off device which turns off power supply to the load connection portion from the plug pins when a resistance value of the series circuit is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

Abstract: An electric storage device comprises the current interruption device which includes a deformable plate electrically connected to a first conductive member and a second conductive member to constitute part of a conductive path. The deformable plate deforms to interrupt the conductive path, when a pressure inside the casing rises. The first conductive member, the second conductive member, and the current interruption device are disposed between the terminal attachment wall and the electrode assembly. The first conductive member extends along the terminal attachment wall to connect the tab and the current interruption device. The second conductive member is connected to the current interruption device at a location that is farther from the terminal attachment wall than a connection between the first conductive member and the current interruption device, and extends along the terminal attachment wall to connect the current interruption device and the electrode terminal.

Abstract: There is provided a plug which includes electrodes that transmit direct-current power and an electrode cover that covers the electrodes. The electrode cover includes a lock detection unit that electrically detects that the electrode cover is locked.

Abstract: An installation switching device includes a housing, a main contact point having an arc quenching chamber, an input terminal, an output terminal, an impact-style armature system configured to move the main contact point to an open position, a latching mechanism having a latching point and configured to open an isolating contact point disposed in a secondary current path parallel to a main current path, a main thermostatic bimetallic strip configured to act on the latching point to as to cause the main contact point to remain in the open position, a current limiting resistor disposed in the secondary current path, a selective thermostatic bimetallic strip disposed in the secondary current path and configured to act on the latching mechanism, a handle configured to act on the latching mechanism so as to open and close the main contact point, and a phase connecting rail.

Abstract: A thermal and/or magnetic overload trip device for an electrical switching device having multiple poles includes a housing having a housing member configured to receive a plurality of functional elements and being at least partially closable. The overload trip device further including a conductor strap associated with each of the multiple poles, each conductor strap having an associated housing portion, and a rotatable trip shaft configured to rotate between a rest position and an actuating position so as to trip an associated switching mechanism. The overload trip device further including at least one rotatable adjusting element configured to set the at least one of the presettable thermal threshold and the presettable magnetic threshold. Further, the housing member is configured so that the functional elements is insertable therein and is couplable to the housing member.

Abstract: A dual protection device includes a cover, a first protection unit, a second protection unit and a base. The first protection unit includes an elastic contact piece and a first conductive member. The elastic contact piece has a first end fixed to the cover and a second end including a first contact point. The first conductive member has a second contact point to contact with the first contact point. The elastic contact piece bends to separate the first contact point from the second contact point when overloaded. The second protection unit has a second conductive member, which is respectively connected with the first conductive member and a second terminal by fuse members. A biasing member is compressed between the second conductive member and the base so as to separate the second terminal from the second conductive member when the fuse members melt.

Abstract: A dual protection device for a circuit includes a first protection unit and a second protection unit functioning independently. The first protection unit includes an elastic contact piece having a first contact point and a conductive member having a second contact point to contact with the first contact point. When overloaded, the elastic contact piece is deformed and bent toward an opposite direction to separate the first contact point from the second contact point, thereby protecting the circuit. The second protection unit has a fuse member and a second terminal. The fuse member is connected between the conductive member and the second terminal. If the first protection unit does not function as expected and the temperature climbs to a predetermined value, the fuse member melts. The conductive member is disconnected from the second terminal, thereby protecting the circuit.

Abstract: A dual protection device for a circuit includes a first protection unit and a second protection unit functioning independently. The first protection unit includes an elastic contact piece having a first contact point and a first conductive member having a second contact point to contact with the first contact point. When overloaded, the elastic contact piece is deformed and bent toward an opposite direction to separate the first contact point from the second contact point, thereby protecting the circuit. The second protection unit has a flexible second conductive member disposed between the first conductive member and the second terminal. A fuse member forces a free end of the second conductive member to connect with the second terminal. When the fuse member melts due to high temperature, the free end of the second conductive member is separated from the second terminal, thereby protecting the circuit.

Abstract: A dual protection device for a circuit includes a first protection unit and a second protection unit functioning independently. The first protection unit includes an elastic contact piece which has a first contact point. A first conductive member has a second contact point to contact with the first contact point. The elastic contact piece is deformed and bent toward an opposite direction to separate the first contact point from the second contact point when overloaded. A second protection unit has a second conductive member which is connected between the second terminal and the first conductive member. A fuse member and a biasing member are disposed at two opposite sides of the second conductive member. When the fuse member melts due to high temperature, the second conductive member is pushed by the biasing member to be separated from the second terminal.

Abstract: A thermal and/or magnetic overload trip device for an electrical switching device having multiple poles includes a housing having a housing member configured to receive a plurality of functional elements and being at least partially closable, The overload trip device further including a conductor strap associated with each of the multiple poles, each conductor strap having an associated housing portion, and a rotatable trip shaft configured to rotate between a rest position and an actuating position so as to trip an associated switching mechanism. The overload trip device further including at least one rotatable adjusting element configured to set the at least one of the presettable thermal threshold and the presettable magnetic threshold. Further, the housing member is configured so that the functional elements is insertable therein and is couplable to the housing member.

Abstract: A protection device includes a bi-metallic plate having a first end fixed to a first terminal and a second of the bi-metallic plate has a first contact point so as to contact a second contact point on a first end of a carrier. A contact plate has a first end in contact with a second terminal and a second end of the contact plate is forced to connect to a second end of the carrier by a low melting point metal. When the protection device is overloaded, the bi-metallic plate is bent to separate the first contact point and the second contact point. Besides, if the bi-metallic plate does not bend as expected, the low melting point metal melts to separate the second end of the contact plate and the carrier when a pre-set temperature is reached.

Abstract: A protection device includes a bi-metallic plate electrically connected between the first and second terminals, and the bi-metallic plate is bent upward to separate two contact points when the protection device is overloaded to cut off the circuit. A contact plate has a first end in contact with the second terminal and a second end of the contact plate is forced to be connected to a second end of the carrier by a breakable piece that is made by low melting point metal. When the protection device is overloaded and the bi-metallic plate does not bend as expected, the breakable piece collapses or melts at a pre-set temperature to separate the second end of the contact plate and the carrier.

Abstract: The circuit breaker current/time characteristic value at which the bimetal in a thermal trip assembly actuates a trip mechanism is adjusted by an adjustable coupler that includes first and second pivoted members separately rotatable about a common pivot axis. Deflection of the bimetal by an overload current causes rotation of the first pivoted member, which is coupled by a coupling member extending parallel to the common axis into the second pivoted member which rotates to actuate the trip mechanism. A positioner moves the coupling member toward and away from the common pivot axis to adjust the amount of deflection of the bimetal needed to actuate the trip mechanism.

Abstract: A pair of spring mounted masses have sufficient inertia to remain stationary in response to a shock force applied to the housing of a trip assembly in a circuit breaker to block movement of the trip bar and thereby prevent a nuisance trip.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes main circuit contact shoes disposed in a circuit breaker case and urged by a contact spring, a contact opening and closing mechanism located above the contact shoes and including an opening and closing lever, a toggle link, an opening and closing handle and a latch, and an overcurrent tripping device located above the contact shoes. The toggle link includes a first link extending between the opening and closing lever and a toggle shaft located above, and a second link extending between the toggle shaft and the latch to overlap the first link in the V-form, and an opening and closing spring extends between the toggle shaft and a tip of a handle lever coupled to the opening and closing handle to extend downward. As a result, a space occupied by the contact opening and closing mechanism section in the height direction can be reduced to make the circuit breaker more compact.

Abstract: A service switching device is described. The service switching device has a thermal release, an electromagnetic release, a switching mechanism with a latching point, a contact point with a moving contact piece and a stationary contact piece. When an over-current condition occurs, the thermal release unlatches the latching point so that the contact points are opened permanently and, when a short-circuit current occurs, the electromagnetic release moves the moving contact piece to the open position. The service switching device has a housing and an associated actuator in the form of a piezoelectric bending strip, which likewise acts on the latching point in order to open the contact point permanently, with a fault current detection device being provided, whose output signal drives the actuator when a fault current occurs.

Abstract: An overload tripping device includes a temperature-compensating bimetal operating as a tripping lever and interposed between an output lever of a differential shifter mechanism linked with a main bimetal and a latch receiver of an opening-and-closing mechanism section of a circuit breaker. The temperature-compensating bimetal has an intermediate portion journaled on a bimetal holder. An operating arm made of a light molding material is attached to a tip of the temperature-compensating bimetal so as to push the latch receiver. Additionally, a balance weight may be installed on the temperature-compensating bimetal to balance inertial moments on the opposite sides of the bimetal. Thus, the circuit breaker is prevented from being inadvertently tripped due to external stimulus.

Abstract: A switch having closed and open positions moves from one position to the other in response to either an elevated temperature or an excessive pressure. A switch member of bimetal material or shape memory alloy operates in response to an elevated temperature, and a foil diaphragm that cooperates with a bumper operates the switch member in response to elevated pressure. The diaphragm may rupture to vent excessive pressure in the event pressure continues to rise despite operation of the switch member or due to failure of the switch member to operate.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes an upper rail mounting device defined by a line terminal having a pair of spaced-apart jaws. A bimetal is adjusted by means of a calibration screw. An aperture is provided in an upper sidewall portion of a base of the circuit breaker for access to the calibration screw by a calibration device. The aperture is positioned so that the calibration device must pass through the jaws of the upper rail mounting device. This ensures that the calibration screw can only be operated when the circuit breaker is disconnected from an electrical supply.

Abstract: An overcurrent release device for protection switching devices, in particular automatic line circuit breakers or motor protective switches, with electromagnetic and thermoelectric release, includes a thermoconducting tubular supporting body onto which a coil is wound and which has a striking end and an opposite widened receiving end for bearing contact and radial support of a bimetal snap-action disk with a central bore, a core having a bore defined therein, an armature movable in the supporting body between its striking end and the core, and a slide extending through the bore in the snap-action disk and through the bore in the core in a direction towards the armature. The slide is provided for thermoelectric disengagement by means of the snap-action disk via a thickened portion and for electromagnetic disengagement by means of the armature via a slide actuator. In the operative state, the spacing between the armature and the core corresponds at maximum to the snapping travel of the snap-action disk.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a calibration arrangement and process for use in a circuit protective device are presented. An exemplary calibration assembly for use in the calibration process of the present invention includes a split clamp arm having a first opening for receiving and holding a calibration pin and a second opening for receiving an actuator key. A portion of the split clamp arm is divided into a first arm and a second arm by a channel which extends from a first end of the split clamp arm through the first opening and communicates with the second opening. The split clamp arm is opened by inserting the actuator key through the second opening and because of the preferred oblong or rectangular shape of the second opening of the split clamp arm, rotation of the actuator key therein forces the members forming the first opening of the split clamp arm apart from one another.

Abstract: A switch has a switching mechanism, which switches at a response temperature, for opening and closing a circuit that can be connected to external terminals of the switch. In this context, the switching mechanism has a movable contact, electrically connected to one external terminal, which as a function of the temperature of a bimetallic part is in contact with a fixed contact that is electrically connected to the other external terminal. The switching mechanism further has a safety element that changes its shape into a high-temperature shape if its temperature reaches a transformation temperature which is above the response temperature. The movable contact is in contact with the fixed contact as a function of the temperature of the safety element.

Abstract: An overcurrent trip (1) for circuit breakers or motor safety switches has a very short reaction time. The short reaction time is achieved by connecting a bimetal snap-action disk (8) to the heating device (7) in such a way that its central region is always in contact with the heating device (7), irrespective of creeping movement. This heating device (7) is formed by a ferromagnetic core (5) on which the magnet winding (12) is directly fitted, without a further yoke, which magnetic winding simultaneously serves as the heating winding. The bimetal snap-action disk (8) is held on this heating device (7) with the aid of the electromagnetically actuated rod (21), while a plunger (43) which coaxially surrounds the electromagnetically actuated rod is moved by the bimetal snap-action disk (8).

Abstract: A protective apparatus for an electrical installation, includes a device for connecting the protective apparatus to an electrical installation in parallel intermediate phase and zero and under no current and temperature-sensitive disconnection element for disconnecting the electrical circuit when a predetermined temperature for the electrical circuit is attained. The temperature-sensitive disconnection element, preferably, operates the actuating a leakage relay when the predetermined temperature is reached.

Abstract: A time-delay switch responsive to a sensor 36 having a temperature compensation feature including bimetallic creep-type strip elements (10, 11). Additionally, the switch has an alarm function (A) with a manual reset button (9).

Abstract: A micromechanical memory sensor. The sensor comprises a latch member mechanically latching upon detection of a threshold value of a variable condition and circuitry for detecting such latching. A sensor further includes a resetting mechanism for electrically unlatching the latch member whereby the sensor latched purely mechanically is electrically reset for repeat use.

Abstract: An electric device is provided as an interface between a permanent power source (e.g., an electric wall outlet) and an electrical appliance for interrupting electrical power to the appliance in the event the temperature of either the power cord plug of the electrical appliance or permanent power source rises above a predetermined temperature. The electric device detachably couples to the electric power terminals of both the permanent power source and electrical appliance and is sensitive to the temperature of the aforementioned terminals. The electric device includes first and second temperature switching elements which are responsive to interrupt electrical power from the permanent power source to the appliance when either of the terminals is of a temperature which equates with a first predetermined temperature determined by the first temperature switching element or a second predetermined temperature determined by the second temperature switching element.

Abstract: A thermally responsive switch for protecting electric motors against overcurrent and overheating conditions includes a metallic receptacle having an elongated dome-shaped portion and an opening opposite to the dome-shaped portion, a metallic header plate secured to the one end of the receptacle so as to hermetically close the opening afterwards and having a through-aperture, a thermally responsive element disposed in the receptacle in parallel with the header plate and carrying a movable contact at one end, a rod terminal secured in the aperture of the header plate by an electrically insulating material filled in the aperture for hermetic sealing so that the terminal extends through the aperture, a fixed contact support disposed in the receptacle to be perpendicular to the terminal and having an end to which a fixed contact is secured, the support being connected at the other end to the end of the terminal projected into the receptacle, by solder, and a spring for urging the support so that it is disconnected

Abstract: A circuit breaker has two thin flat terminals embedded in an electrically insulating housing exposing respective broad flat sides of the terminals in spaced side-by-side relation to each other in a housing chamber. The circuit breaker has a thermostat metal member secured at one end to one exposed side of one terminal to mount the member extending along a chamber wall and has a contact at its opposite end to engage and disengage the other terminal to close and open a circuit in response to a selected current in the circuit. The contact comprises a material which erodes during repeated cycling of the circuit breaker. The thermostat metal member has a portion of reduced cross-sectional area adapted to burn out and separate the member into two sections to open the circuit if the contact welds or sticks to the other terminal. A stop on the housing intercepts movement of one of the member sections after burn out to avoid shorting of the circuit.

Abstract: An improved device for protecting an electrical load from a current overload combines an electrical switch and a re-settable circuit breaker in a single housing. The device avoids the use of gate plates, visually alerts an operator to the existence of a tripped conditions, and provides automatically self-aligning, evenly-wearing contacts for the switch.

Abstract: An actuator for use as part of an electrically heated thermal delay valve (FIG. 1) or switch (FIG. 2) includes a thermally responsive plate (12) the periphery of which is fixed and the central part of which forms a temperature-dependent control element. The actuator also includes a metal carrier plate (9) which has a PTC element (10) mounted on it and which is free to move in a direction normal to its surface between stop abutments, and at least one spring (11) which electrically contacts the PTC element (10) and biases the carrier plate (9) towards the thermally responsive plate (9) to ensure that it is constantly in thermal contact with the carrier plate (10). This ensures that a direct thermal contact between the PTC element and the thermally responsive plate is constantly maintained which results in consistently reproducible functions being achieved with the apparatus by virtue of this direct thermal contact. The thermally responsive plate (9) may be biased towards the carrier plate (10).

Abstract: A flexible heating cable having a cold lead section and a heating section, in which a thermostat is disposed in the cold wires of the cold lead section and a light and a switch are disposed in a flexible translucent plastic pouch remotely located from the two sections and are connected to the wires adjacent the thermostat so that the unit can be tested at a position remote from the heating cable installation. The heating section is preferably provided with a socket on the end opposite the cold lead section to permit the coupling therewith of one or more heating section modules, and the switch is preferably operated by depressing the side walls of the remotely located pouch.

Abstract: An automatically resetting battery charging circuit in which the temperature of the battery is sensed by a temperature responsive switch to control the charging of the battery between a fast charging rate and a trickle charging rate. Two current paths are provided between a charging current source and one terminal of the battery. The temperature responsive switch is located in one current path (the main or fast charging path) in series with a normally closed relay contact. The relay coil which controls the actuation of the relay and the opening of the relay contact is in the second current path (the trickle charging path) connected across the temperature responsive switch and the relay contact. When the battery temperature exceeds a predetermined value, the temperature responsive switch opens causing charging current to flow through the relay coil. The relay is thus energized, opening the relay contact and keeping the main charging path open irrespective of battery temperature.