Fuse

Abstract

The present invention provides a fuse having stable fusing characteristics and being easy to manufacture. A fuse 600 includes: a fuse element 100 disposed between a pair of terminal portions 110 and having a plurality of fuse portions 120; and a housing 200 for accommodating the fuse portions 120, wherein the fuse element 100 includes a first flat surface 140 and a second flat surface 150, which are bent along a longitudinal direction P of the fuse element 100 and extend in a linear manner along the longitudinal direction P, wherein the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 are provided with a plurality of fuse portions 120, and wherein the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 are connected to each other via a bent portion 131.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a fuse used in an electric circuit of a car or an electric circuit of infrastructure or the like, and more particularly to a fuse accommodating a fuse element in a housing. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, fuses have been used to protect circuits and various electrical components connected to the circuits installed in automobiles, infrastructure, etc. More precisely, when an unexpected overcurrent flows in the circuit, a fusible portion of a fusible element built into the fuse melts under the action of heat generated by the overcurrent, thereby protecting various electrical components by preventing an excessive current from flowing.

[0003] In addition, there are various types of such fuses depending on the application, and for example, a fuse disclosed in Patent Document 1 for preventing a relatively large overcurrent is known.

[0004] The fuse disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a type in which a fuse element is housed in a cylindrical housing and includes a fuse element having a pair of terminal portions and a fuse portion disposed between the terminal portions. The fuse element is bent in a direction in which the total length of the fuse element contracts and has a wavy shape in a side view.

[0005] However, when the fuse element has a wavy shape, the distance between the multiple fuse parts provided on the fuse element is then shortened, and there is a problem that the fuse parts close to each other exert electrical or thermal effects on each other, and the fusing characteristics are deteriorated. In addition, because the fuse element is curved like a wave, it is easy to cause deformation of the fuse element due to the action of external force when manufacturing the fuse, etc. Therefore, there is a problem that the position and orientation of the fuse element in the housing are difficult to stabilize, and the fusing characteristics are reduced.

[0006] Citation List

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2018-26202. Summary of the invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] Therefore, the present invention provides a fuse which has stable fusing characteristics and is easy to manufacture.

[0011] Solution to the problem

[0012] In order to solve the above problems, the fuse of the present invention includes: a fuse element arranged between a pair of terminal parts and having a plurality of fuse parts; and a shell for accommodating the fuse parts, wherein the fuse element includes a first flat surface and a second flat surface, the first flat surface and the second flat surface are bent along the longitudinal direction of the fuse element and extend linearly along the longitudinal direction, wherein the first flat surface and the second flat surface are provided with a plurality of fuse parts, and wherein the first flat surface and the second flat surface are connected to each other via the bent portion of the fuse element.

[0013] According to the above-mentioned features, since the plurality of fuses provided on the first flat surface and the second flat surface are arranged in a linear manner, the adjacent fuses will not be close to each other, thereby preventing the fuses from applying electrical or thermal effects to each other and preventing the fusing characteristics from being deteriorated. In addition, the first flat surface and the second flat surface extending in a linear manner along the longitudinal direction are connected to each other via a bend along the longitudinal direction of the fuse element, so that the first flat plane and the second flat surface are formed to be roughly bent into an L shape, thereby enhancing rigidity. As a result, deformation of the fuse element caused by the action of external forces when manufacturing the fuse can be prevented, and the fuse can be easily manufactured. In addition, by enhancing the rigidity of the fuse element, the position and orientation of the fuse element in the housing are stable, and therefore the fusing characteristics are also stable.

[0014] Furthermore, according to the fuse of the present invention, the fuse element is bent toward the center of the housing.

[0015] According to the above features, the fuse is arranged further toward the center of the housing than the inner wall of the housing, so the arc generated by the fuse is difficult to reach the inner wall of the housing. As a result, damage to the housing can be prevented. In addition, because the fuse is arranged near the center of the housing, the arc generated by the fuse can be effectively extinguished by the arc extinguishing material.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the fuse of the present invention, the fusible portion is provided to each of the first flat surface and the second flat surface so that the bent portion is sandwiched between the fusible portions.

[0017] According to the above features, the fuse part provided on each of the first flat surface and the second flat surface so that the bent part is sandwiched between the fuse parts can be close to the center of the housing. As a result, the arc generated by the fuse part can be effectively extinguished by the arc extinguishing material.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the fuse of the present invention, the fuse element is composed of a flat metal plate, and the first flat surface and the second flat surface are formed by bending along the longitudinal direction of the fuse element.

[0019] According to the above features, the first flat surface and the second flat surface formed by bending the metal plate have enhanced rigidity and are easy to manufacture.

[0020] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0021] As mentioned before, the fuse of the present invention has stable fusing characteristics and is easy to manufacture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1(a) is a plan view of the fuse element of the first embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state; Figure 1(b) is a plan view of the fuse element in a bent state; Figure 1(c) is a front view of the fuse element in the said state; and Figure 1(d) is a side view of the fuse element in the said state.

[0023] Figure 2 1 is an overall perspective view of a fuse element according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] 3(a) and 3(b) are overall perspective views of a state in which a plurality of fuse elements are combined according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] 4( a ) is an overall perspective view in which respective members constituting the fuse according to the first embodiment of the present invention are shown in an exploded view, and FIG. 4( b ) is an overall perspective view of the completed fuse.

[0026] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view along AA in FIG. 4( b ).

[0027] 6( a ) is a perspective view of a fuse element of a second embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state; FIG. 6( b ) is a perspective view of a fuse element in a bent state; and FIG. 6( c ) is an overall perspective view of a housing for accommodating the fuse element.

[0028] 7(a) and 7(b) are overall perspective views of a housing according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] 8( a ) and 8 ( b ) are enlarged perspective views of an area near an end of a housing according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 8( c ) is an overall perspective view of a completed fuse of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Reference Symbols List

[0031] 100 Fuse element

[0032] 110 Terminal

[0033] 120 Fuse

[0034] 131 Bend

[0035] 140 first flat surface

[0036] 150 Second flat surface

[0037] 200 Shell

[0038] 600 Fuse

[0039] P Longitudinal direction DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below using the drawings. Note that the shape and material properties, etc. of each component of the fuse according to the embodiments described below are illustrative examples, and the present invention is not limited to or by such shapes and material properties, etc. Note that the "longitudinal direction of the fuse element" disclosed in this specification is a direction parallel to the axis connecting the terminal parts at both ends of the fuse element. In addition, the "up and down direction" means a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fuse element.

[0041] (First Embodiment)

[0042] FIG1 shows a manufacturing process of a fuse element 100 of a fuse according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Note that FIG1(a) is a plan view of the fuse element 100 in an unfolded state; FIG1(b) is a plan view of the fuse element 100 in a bent state; FIG1(c) is a front view of the fuse element 100 in the state; FIG1(d) is a side view of the fuse element 100 in the state; and Figure 2 1 is an overall perspective view of the fuse element 100 .

[0043] First, a flat plate of uniform thickness formed of a conductive metal such as copper or a copper alloy is punched into a shape as shown in FIG. 1(a) using a press machine or the like. As shown in FIG. 1(a), a metal plate made in a predetermined shape is formed with terminal portions 110 at both ends, a flat middle portion 130 between the terminal portions 110, and a plurality of fuse portions 120. Specifically, the fuse portion 120 is composed of a fuse portion 120a, a fuse portion 120b, a fuse portion 120c, and a fuse portion 120d, which form a line with a locally narrow width in the middle portion 130, and when an unexpected overcurrent flows in a circuit or the like, the fuse portions (120a to 120d) are each melted when heated to cut off the overcurrent. Note that the fuse portion 120 is not limited to being composed of a fuse portion (120a to 120d) in the form of a narrow wire, but as long as the fuse portion melts when heat is generated when an unexpected overcurrent flows in a circuit, etc. to cut off the overcurrent, the configuration may be such that a small hole is provided in the middle portion 130 and the fuse portion 120 is a narrow portion, or any configuration may be adopted, such as a configuration in which a metal material that is easy to fuse is locally provided in the middle portion 130.

[0044] Next, if Figures 1(b) to 1(d) and Figure 2 As shown, the middle portion 130 is bent at a folding line L1 parallel to the longitudinal direction P of the fuse element 100. Note that the longitudinal direction P of the fuse element 100 is a direction parallel to the axis connecting the terminal portions 110 at both ends. Therefore, the folding line L1 is also parallel to the axis connecting the terminal portions 110 at both ends.

[0045] Therefore, the middle portion 130 includes: a first flat surface 140, which extends linearly along the longitudinal direction P; and a second flat plane 150, which is bent to rise from the first flat surface 140 and extends linearly along the longitudinal direction P. The first flat surface 140 and the second flat plane 150 are connected to each other via a bent portion 131 bent at the folding line L1, and the first flat surface 140 and the second flat plane 150 are substantially intersected at right angles to each other. Therefore, a state is formed in which a plurality of fuses 120 are provided on the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150. More specifically, the fuse 120a is provided on the second flat surface 150, and the fuses 120b, 120c, and 120d are provided on the first flat surface 140.

[0046] In addition, at the folding lines L2 and L3, the point where the terminal portion 110 is coupled to the middle portion 130 is bent in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction P. Therefore, a step portion 111 bent in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction P is formed between the first flat surface 140 and the terminal portion 110. The step portion 111 is configured so that when the first flat surface 140 is stretched along the longitudinal direction P due to heat generated during conduction of an overcurrent, the stress caused by the stretching can be absorbed by the deformation of the step portion, so that the bending angle at the folding lines L2 and L3 is changed. In addition, the entire fuse element 100, that is, the terminal portion 110, the first flat surface 140, and the second flat surface 150, are integrally molded from a flat metal plate.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1( d ), the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 are arranged to be laterally offset from the center of the fuse element 100. In other words, the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 are arranged to be more offset closer to the side end 112 than the center of the terminal portion 110. In addition, the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 are arranged to be offset above the terminal portion 110 due to the step portion 111. Therefore, as described later, when a plurality of fuse elements 100 are accommodated in the housing 200, the first flat surfaces 140 and the second flat surfaces 150 of the respective fuse elements 100 can be prevented from interfering with each other.

[0048] Next, a method of assembling the fuse 600 of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Note that Fig. 3(a) and Fig. 3(b) are overall perspective views of a state in which a plurality of fuse elements 100 are combined; Fig. 4(a) is an overall perspective view in which the individual components constituting the fuse 600 are shown in an exploded view; and Fig. 4(b) is an overall perspective view of the completed fuse 600.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 3(a), four fuse elements 100 are first prepared and overlapped in an orientation obtained by vertically and horizontally inverting the fuse elements 100. Here, in order to distinguish the respective fuse elements 100, the fuse elements are indicated as fuse element 100a, fuse element 100b, fuse element 100c, and fuse element 100d from the top.

[0050] In addition, the fuse element 100b is oriented to be horizontally inverted relative to the fuse element 100a. In other words, the orientation of the fuse element 100b is obtained by rotating the fuse element 100a 180 degrees in the horizontal plane so that one terminal portion 110a of the fuse element 100a in the foreground of the drawing is located on another terminal portion 110a in the background of the drawing. In addition, the terminal portion 110b of the fuse element 100b is arranged to be stacked below the terminal portion 110a of the fuse element 100a.

[0051] Next, the fuse element 100c is oriented to be vertically inverted relative to the fuse element 100a. In other words, the orientation of the fuse element 100c is obtained by rotating the fuse element 100a 180 degrees around the axis P1 along its longitudinal direction. In addition, the terminal portion 110c of the fuse element 100c is arranged to be stacked below the terminal portion 110b of the fuse element 100b.

[0052] In addition, the fuse element 100d is oriented to be horizontally inverted relative to the fuse element 100c. In other words, the orientation of the fuse element 100d is obtained by rotating the fuse element 100c 180 degrees in the horizontal plane so that one terminal portion 110c of the fuse element 100c in the foreground of the drawing is located on another terminal portion 110c in the background of the drawing. In addition, the terminal portion 110d of the fuse element 100d is arranged to be stacked below the terminal portion 110c of the fuse element 100c. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the first flat surfaces (140a to 140d) and the second flat surfaces (150a to 150d) of the respective fuse elements (100a to 100d) are compactly arranged without interfering with each other.

[0053] Next, as shown in FIG. 4( a), the respective fuse elements 100 in a stacked state are inserted into the housing 200 via the openings 220 at the ends 210 of the housing. The housing 200 has a cylindrical shape formed of ceramic or synthetic resin, etc., and includes openings 220 in the ends 210 on both sides. In addition, the housing 200 has a length such that the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 of the fuse element 100 can be accommodated therein, and the terminal portions 110 of the fuse element 100 are in a state of protruding from the openings 220 on both sides of the housing 200.

[0054] Next, a retaining piece 310 and a retaining piece 320 made of metal are attached to the terminal portion 110 protruding from the opening 220 of the housing 200 so as to clamp the terminal portion 110 from above and below. The retaining piece 310 includes a clamping piece 311 having the same shape as the terminal portion 110 and a locking portion 312 arranged to rise from the clamping piece 311. In addition, the clamping piece 311 is fixed to the terminal portion 110 by screw connection, welding, etc. Similarly, the retaining piece 320 includes a clamping portion 321 having the same size as the terminal portion 110 and a locking portion 322 arranged to rise from the clamping portion 321. In addition, the clamping portion 321 is fixed to the terminal portion 110 by screw connection, welding, etc. In addition, because the width of the locking portions 312 and 322 is longer than the width of the opening 220 of the housing 200, the locking portions 312 and 322 are locked to the edge 211 around the opening 220. Therefore, the locking portion 312 of the retaining piece 310 and the locking portion 322 of the retaining piece 320 fixed on the terminal portion 110 on both sides of the fuse element 100 are locked on the edges 211 on both sides of the shell 200, so that the fuse element 100 will not fall from the inside of the shell 200 and is in a state of being retained in the shell 200.

[0055] Next, a cover plate 400 made of metal or synthetic resin is attached to cover the opening 220 of the housing 200. The cover plate 400 has a disc shape that is larger than the opening 220 so that the opening 220 can be covered, and the cover plate includes a long hole 410 into which the terminal portion 110 can be inserted. In addition, the cover plate 400 also includes a hole 420 so that the granular arc-extinguishing material described later flows into the opening 220. In addition, after the cover plate 400 is attached to cover the opening 220 of the housing 200, a cover 500 made of metal or synthetic resin is attached to cover the end 210 of the housing 200. The cover 500 has a cylindrical shape larger than the end 210 so that it can be assembled to the outside of the end 210, and includes a long hole 510 into which the terminal portion 110 can be inserted and a hole 520 that can overlap with the hole 420.

[0056] When the cover 500 is attached to cover the end 210 of the housing 200, as shown in FIG4(b), the fuse 600 is completed. Note that after the arc extinguishing material has flowed into the housing 200 from the hole 520, the hole 520 of the fuse 600 is closed, thereby encapsulating the arc extinguishing material inside the housing 200. In addition, the fuse 600 is used so that when a part of the circuit is electrically connected to the terminal portion 110 protruding from the cover 500 and an unexpected overcurrent flows in the circuit, the fusible portion 120 of the fuse element 100 melts and cuts off the overcurrent, thereby protecting the circuit.

[0057] Therefore, the fuse 600 of the present invention includes the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 extending in a linear manner in the longitudinal direction, and the plurality of fuse parts 120 provided on the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 are arranged in a linear manner, as shown in Fig. 1. Therefore, the adjacent fuse parts 120 are not close to each other, thereby preventing the fuse parts from applying an electrical or thermal effect to each other and preventing the fusing characteristics from being deteriorated.

[0058] In addition, the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 extending in a linear manner along the longitudinal direction meet each other in the portion thereof bent in the longitudinal direction of the fuse element 100. Therefore, the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 of the fuse element 100 are formed to be bent substantially in an L-shape, thereby enhancing rigidity. Specifically, since the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 extend in a linear manner along the longitudinal direction, there is a problem that they are easily bent individually and have low rigidity, but when the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 meet each other via the bent portion 131 of the fuse element 100 and are substantially L-shaped, the problem is solved. Therefore, when the rigidity of the fuse element 100 is high, the fuse element 100 can be prevented from being deformed due to the action of an external force when manufacturing the fuse 600, etc., thereby facilitating the manufacturing of the fuse 600. In addition, by enhancing the rigidity of the fuse element 100, the position and orientation of the fuse element 100 in the housing 200 are stable, and thus the fusing characteristics are also stable.

[0059] Note that, as later referenced Figure 5As described above, the fuse element 100 of the fuse 600 of the present invention may have a curved shape toward the center O of the housing 200, that is, the fuse element 100 may have a shape in which the curved portion 131 is disposed toward the center O of the housing 200, but is not limited thereto, and may have a curved shape toward the inner wall 201 of the housing 200, that is, the fuse element 100 may have a shape in which the curved portion 131 is disposed toward the inner wall 201 of the housing 200. Also in this case, since the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 of the fuse element 100 are formed to be bent substantially in an L-shape, rigidity is enhanced, and the fuse element 100 may be prevented from being deformed due to the action of an external force when manufacturing the fuse 600, etc., thereby facilitating the manufacturing of the fuse 600. In addition, the position and orientation of the fuse element 100 in the housing 200 are stable, and the fusing characteristics are also stable.

[0060] 1, the fuse element 100 of the fuse 600 of the present invention is composed of a flat metal plate, and the first flat surface and the second flat surface are formed by bending along the longitudinal direction P of the fuse element 100. Therefore, the rigidity of the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 bent from the metal plate is enhanced, and their manufacture is also simple.

[0061] Note that in FIG. 1 , although the fuse element 100 of the fuse 600 of the present invention is composed of a flat metal plate, it is not limited to this configuration, but the entire fuse element 100 may be manufactured by preparing the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 formed integrally and coupling the terminal portion 110 separated from the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 to the first flat surface 140 by welding or the like. The entire fuse element 100 may also be manufactured by manufacturing all the terminal portions 110, the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 separately and then coupling them to each other by welding or the like. In the case where the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 are manufactured separately, the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 are then coupled to each other at approximately right angles by welding or the like, and the coupling point thereof is the bent portion 131 of the fuse element 100.

[0062] In addition, as shown in FIG. 3 , although in the case of the fuse 600 of the present invention, four fuse elements 100 are accommodated in the housing 200, it is not limited to this configuration, but only one fuse element 100 may be accommodated in the housing 200, or any number of two or more fuse elements 100 may be accommodated in the housing.

[0063] Next, we will refer to Figure 5 The internal structure of the fuse 600 of the present invention is described. Note that Figure 5It is a cross-sectional view along AA in FIG. 4( b ).

[0064] like Figure 5 As shown, the four fuse elements 100 accommodated in the housing 200 of the fuse 600 are each arranged around the center O of the housing 200. In addition, the bent portion 131 of the fuse element 100 is arranged toward the center O of the housing 200. That is, the fuse element 100 is bent toward the center O of the housing 200. Therefore, the fuse portion 120 provided on the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 is arranged closer to the center O of the housing 200 than the inner wall 201 of the housing 200.

[0065] Here, assuming that the fuse element 100 is not bent and the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 are connected in a linear manner, Figure 5 The fuse element 100' in which the first flat surface 140' and the second flat surface 150' are connected in a linear manner is shown using an imaginary line. The fuse part 120' is provided to the first flat surface 140' and the second flat surface 150' of the fuse element 100', and the fuse part 120' is adjacent to the inner wall 201 of the housing 200. In addition, although the fuse part 120' of the fuse element 100' melts and cuts off the overcurrent when an unexpected overcurrent flows in a circuit or the like, an arc may be subsequently generated near the melted fuse part 120'. However, the fuse part 120' is close to the inner wall 201 of the housing 200, and therefore, the arc generated by the fuse part 120' easily reaches the inner wall 201 of the housing 200, and as a result, there is a risk of damaging the housing 200.

[0066] Therefore, when the fuse element 100 of the fuse 600 of the present invention is bent toward the center O of the housing 200, the fuse part 120 is thereby disposed closer to the center O of the housing 200 than to the inner wall 201 of the housing 200. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that the distance d2 between the fuse part 120 and the inner wall 201 is greater than the distance d1 between the fuse part 120' and the inner wall 201, and as a result, the arc generated by the fuse part 120 can be prevented from reaching the inner wall 201 of the housing 200 and damaging the housing 200.

[0067] In addition, although the granular arc-extinguishing material X is filled inside the housing 200, in general, the arc-extinguishing material X tends to gather toward the center O of the housing 200, and the density tends to increase. That is, the tendency is that the arc-extinguishing performance of the arc-extinguishing material X is enhanced as the proximity to the center O of the housing 200 increases. Therefore, when the fuse element 100 of the fuse 600 of the present invention is bent and formed toward the center O of the housing 200, the fuse part 120 is arranged close to the center O of the housing 200, and the arc generated by the fuse part 120 can be effectively extinguished by the arc-extinguishing material X. Note that the arc-extinguishing material X is not limited to the granular form, and arc-extinguishing materials in any form can be used.

[0068] In addition, the fuse part 120 of the fuse element 100 is disposed on each of the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 so that the bent portion 131 is sandwiched between the fuse parts. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the fuse part 120a is disposed on the second flat surface 150, and the fuse parts 120b, 120c, and 120d are each disposed on the first flat surface 140 so that the bent portion 131 is sandwiched between the fuse parts. In addition, the bent portion 131 of the fuse element 100 is disposed toward the center O of the housing 200, so that the fuse part 120 disposed on each of the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 so that the bent portion 131 is sandwiched between the fuse parts can be close to the center O of the housing 200. As a result, the arc generated by the fuse part 120 can be effectively extinguished by the arc extinguishing material X.

[0069] Note that, as shown in FIG. 1( d ), the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 are arranged to be laterally offset from the center of the fuse element 100 , and the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 are arranged to be offset above the terminal portion 110 due to the step portion 111 . Figure 5 The respective fuse elements 100 shown having the vertical and horizontal inverted orientations do not interfere with each other and can be accommodated around the center O in the housing 200 by being aligned.

[0070] (Second Embodiment)

[0071] A fuse 600A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 6 to 8. Note that the specific configuration of the fuse 600A is common compared to the fuse 600 according to the first embodiment, and thus a detailed description of the common configuration is omitted.

[0072] First, Fig. 6 shows a manufacturing process of a fuse element 100A of a fuse 600A according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Note that Fig. 6(a) is a perspective view of the fuse element 100A in an unfolded state; Fig. 6(b) is a perspective view of the fuse element 100A in a bent state; and Fig. 6(c) is an overall perspective view of a housing 200A for accommodating the fuse element 100A.

[0073] First, a flat plate of uniform thickness formed of a conductive metal such as copper or a copper alloy is punched into a shape as shown in Fig. 6(a) using a press machine, etc. The metal plate having a predetermined shape as shown in Fig. 6(a) includes terminal portions 110A at both ends, a flat middle portion 130A between the terminal portions 110A, and a plurality of fuse portions 120A.

[0074] Next, as shown in FIG6(b), the middle portion 130A is bent at the folding line L4 along the longitudinal direction P of the fuse element 100A. Therefore, the middle portion 130A includes a first flat surface 140A extending along the longitudinal direction P and a second flat surface 150A bent to rise from the first flat surface 140A. The first flat surface 140A and the second flat surface 150A are connected to each other via a bent portion 131A bent at the folding line L4, and the first flat surface 140A and the second flat surface 150A intersect each other approximately at right angles. Therefore, a state is formed in which a plurality of fuse portions 120A are provided on the first flat surface 140A and the second flat surface 150A. Note that in the case of the fuse element 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG1 , the widths of the first flat surface 140 and the second flat surface 150 are substantially the same. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, as Figure 6(a) and 6(b) As shown, the width d4 of the second planar surface 150A may be greater than the width d3 of the first planar surface 140A.

[0075] Furthermore, since the middle portion 130A of the fuse element 100A is composed of a metal plate, the width d3 of the first flat surface 140A and the width d4 of the second flat surface 150A can be optionally changed by simply changing the bending point by shifting the position of the folding line L4. Specifically, when it is desired to change the width d3 of the first flat surface 140A and the width d4 of the second flat surface 150A in consideration of the balance of the fuse element 100A in the housing 200A, since the bending point can be changed by appropriately shifting the position of the folding line L4, it is easy to change the shape.

[0076] Next, in order to accommodate the fuse element 100A in the housing 200A shown in FIG. 6 (c), one terminal portion 110A of the fuse element 100A is bent approximately at a right angle at the folding line L6. At this stage, the other terminal portion 110A of the fuse element 100 (in the background of the drawing) is not bent approximately at a right angle at the folding line L7. Note that the housing 200A has a cylindrical shape formed of ceramic or synthetic resin, etc., and includes an opening 220A in the end 210A on both sides. In addition, an inner cover 230A formed of synthetic resin, etc. is attached to the end 210A to cover the opening 220A. A cross-shaped hole 240A is formed in the inner cover 230A. A step portion 242A is formed in the first hole 241A arranged in a linear manner. In addition, the second hole 243A is formed to intersect the first hole 241A at a right angle.

[0077] Next, a method for accommodating the fuse element 100A in the housing 200A will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Note that Figures 7(a) and 7(b) are overall perspective views of the housing 200A. Figure 8(a) and 8(b) 8( c ) is an overall perspective view of the completed fuse 600A.

[0078] First, as shown in FIG. 7( a), the fuse element 100A is inserted into the interior of the housing 200A via the cross-shaped hole 240A (in the foreground of the drawing) of one inner cover 230A and accommodated. More specifically, the other terminal portion 110A (in the background of the drawing) of the fuse element 100A is inserted via the cross-shaped hole 240A (in the foreground of the drawing) of the one inner cover 230A, and the fuse element 100A is inserted into the housing 200A so that the first flat surface 140A of the fuse element 100A passes through the first hole 241A, and the second flat surface 150A of the fuse element 100A passes through the second hole 243A. In addition, the terminal portion 110A is engaged with the step portion 242A of the first hole 241A, and the contact point between the inner cover 230A and the terminal portion 110A is fixed by welding or the like.

[0079] Using the same method, the other three fuse elements 100A are also inserted into the housing 200A via the cross-shaped hole 240A, and the terminal portion 110A is engaged with the step portion 242A of the first hole 241A. In addition, as shown in Figure 7 (b), the contact point between the inner cover 230A and each terminal portion 110A is fixed by welding or the like.

[0080] The other terminal portion 110A (in the background of the drawing) of the fuse element 100A is in a state that has not been bent, so that each terminal portion 110A can be firmly inserted into the cross-shaped hole 240A of the other inner cover 230A as shown in FIG8. Note that in FIG8 (a) and FIG8 (b), the other terminal portion 110A (in the background of the drawing) shown in FIG7 is shown in the foreground. Each terminal portion 110A is then bent at a right angle at the folding line L7, engaged with the step portion 242A of the cross-shaped hole 240A, and the contact point between the inner cover 230A and the terminal portion 110A is fixed by welding or the like.

[0081] The outer cover 250 is attached by press-fitting from above one inner cover 230A, thereby closing one cross-shaped hole 240A, and the granular arc-extinguishing material flows into the housing 200A via the cross-shaped hole 240A of the other inner cover 230A. In addition, once the interior of the housing 200A has been filled with the arc-extinguishing material, if the outer cover 250A is press-fitted from above the other inner cover 230A, thereby closing the other cross-shaped hole 240A, the fuse 600A is completed. The outer cover 250A includes an outer terminal portion 252 made of metal, which is used to connect to the circuit; and a disc-shaped base 252A made of metal, which is coupled to the outer terminal portion 252, and the back surface of the base 252A is in contact with the terminal portion 110A so as to be electrically connected to the terminal portion. Therefore, the fuse 600A is used so that when an unexpected overcurrent flows into a circuit or the like connected to the external terminal portion 252 , the fuse portion 120A of the fuse element 100A melts and cuts off the overcurrent, thereby protecting the circuit.

[0082] Note that according to the configuration of fuse 600 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , since cross-shaped hole 240A through which the arc-extinguishing material flows into housing 200A is completely closed by outer cover 250A, leakage of the arc-extinguishing material from housing 200A can be effectively prevented.

[0083] Note that the fuse of the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiment examples, but various modification examples and combinations are possible within the scope of the patent claims and the scope of the embodiments, and such modification examples and combinations are also included in the scope of rights thereof.

Claims

1. A fuse comprising: A fuse element disposed between a pair of terminal portions and having a plurality of fuse portions; as well as A housing for accommodating the fuse part, The fuse comprises at least two fuse elements, the fuse element comprises a first flat surface and a second flat surface, the first flat surface and the second flat surface are bent along the longitudinal direction of the fuse element and extend linearly along the longitudinal direction, The first flat surface and the second flat surface are provided with a plurality of fuse parts. wherein the first flat surface and the second flat surface are connected to each other via a bent portion of the fuse element, wherein the first planar surface and the second planar surface are arranged to be only laterally offset from a center of the terminal portion, and Among them, one fuse element is in a position opposite to another fuse element, and when the terminal portion of one fuse element is stacked with the terminal portion of another fuse element, the first flat surface and the second flat surface of one fuse element will not interfere with the first flat surface and the second flat surface of the other fuse element.

2. The fuse according to claim 1, wherein: The fuse element is bent toward the center of the housing.

3. The fuse according to claim 2, wherein: The fuse portion is provided to each of the first planar surface and the second planar surface such that the bent portion is sandwiched between the fuse portions.

4. The fuse according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The fuse element is composed of a flat metal plate, and wherein the first flat surface and the second flat surface are formed by bending along a longitudinal direction of the fuse element.

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