The present invention relates to a fuse holder particularly for interlocked sockets and electrical apparatuses in general. As is known, interlocked sockets incorporate mechanical or electrical locking devices which are connected to interruption devices, generally constituted by rotary switching apparatuses, in order to ensure that a plug cannot be inserted or extracted in the presence of power.

Interlocked sockets are also provided with protective fuses in order to ensure the safety of the operators and the integrity of all apparatuses with high absorptions.

The fuses are inserted in adapted seats which are generally constituted by tilting members.

In order to replace a fuse it is necessary to extract the fuse with one's fingers from the tilting member after opening the member. This operation is not always easy and in any case entails that the user inserts his fingers in a recess that is very close to electrical contacts.

The aim of the present invention is to provide a new type of fuse holder that allows easier and safer fuse replacement than conventional systems.

An object of the invention is to provide a fuse holder that is constructively simple and allows to reduce the production cost of the electrical apparatus in which it is installed.

A further object of the invention is to provide a fuse holder that is versatile and can be applied to different apparatuses.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a structure which, by virtue of its particular constructive characteristics, is capable of giving the greatest assurances of reliability and safety in use.

This aim and these and other objects that will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a fuse holder, particularly for interlocked sockets and electrical apparatuses in general, characterized in that it comprises a tray which is inserted in a seat and accommodates a fuse; said tray being movable along a rectilinear path, defining at least two positions: an active position, in which said fuse is active, and an extracted position, in which said fuse can be removed from said tray; said seat comprising two elastic contact members which provide an electrical and mechanical connection of said fuse in said active position.

Further characteristics and advantages will become better apparent from the description of preferred but not exclusive embodiments of the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an interlocked socket provided with the fuse holder according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the interlocked socket illustrating the fuse holder tray in the open position;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the interlocked socket, illustrating the fuse holder tray in the open position with the fuse extracted;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the fuse holder tray with the fuse inserted;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the fuse holder tray with the fuse extracted; Figure 6 is another perspective view of the fuse holder tray with the fuse inserted;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the containment structure of the fuse holder trays;

Figure 8 is a sectional side view of the interlocked socket portion that contains the fuse holder according to the present invention;

Figure 9 is a sectional plan view of the interlocked socket portion that contains the fuse holder according to the present invention;

Figure 10 is a sectional side view, similar to Figure 8, of the interlocked socket portion that contains the fuse holder according to the present invention, wherein the fuse holder tray is shown in the position in which it is extracted from its seat.

With reference to the cited figures, the fuse holder according to the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 1 , is shown applied to an interlocked socket, generally designated by the reference numeral 2.

In the specific case, the interlocked socket has three fuse holders for a corresponding number of fuses.

The fuse holder has a tray 3 which is inserted in a seat 4 and is adapted to accommodate a fuse 5. The tray 3 is constituted by a frame comprising a pair of longitudinal members 6 which are joined by a bottom 7, a front portion 8 and an intermediate post 10.

The front portion 8 has an internal partition 8 and a grip member 11 that is extended externally. Each longitudinal member 6 has a longitudinal protrusion 12, which ends with an enlarged portion 13 at the rear.

The protrusion 12 is adapted to engage a respective slot that is formed in the seat for guiding the rectilinear motion of the tray.

The seat 4 in which the tray 3 is inserted is formed in a containment structure 14, which is arranged in the body of the interlocked socket 2.

The containment structure can have one or more seats 4 for respective trays 3.

In the illustrated example, the containment structure 14 has three seats 4 for a corresponding number of fuse holder trays 3.

The containment structure 14 comprises a pair of blades which are bent into a U- shape: a front blade 15 and a rear blade 16.

Each blade 15 and 16 is constituted by a pair of wings which is connected by a base, which has a tab 19 for connection to a connector 20, for example of the Faston type.

The contoured wings of the blades are inserted in slots 17 provided in the containment structure so that they wrap around the tray in positions that coincide with the terminals of the fuse 5.

The blades 15 and 16 are kept in position by wire springs 18, which engage the free ends of the contoured wings of each blade.

The fuse is installed by first inserting it in the tray 3 and then by inserting the tray in the seat 4. When the tray is fully inserted in the seat, the contoured wings of the blades 15 and 16 wrap around the terminals of the fuse, providing electrical and mechanical connection.

To replace a fuse it is sufficient to extract the tray 3 by virtue of the grip means 1 1 , overcoming the elastic force applied by the blades 15 and 16 to the fuse.

Once the tray has been extracted, the fuse is free and can be removed from one side of the tray. In practice it has been found that the invention achieves the intended aim and objects, providing a fuse holder that allows easier and safer fuse replacement than known systems.

This application claims the priority of Italian Patent Application No. MI2009A000634, filed on April 17, 2009, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.