Modular high voltage fuse
By employing dielectric materials and an arc chamber structure in the fuse, the problems of heavy and difficult-to-handle filler in traditional fuses are solved, resulting in a lightweight, easy-to-manufacture, and highly efficient arc-quenching fuse suitable for modern electrical applications.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LITTELFUSE INC
- Filing Date
- 2021-11-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
AI Technical Summary
In existing fuses, conventional fuse filler materials, such as sand, are heavy and difficult to handle, increasing manufacturing complexity and cost, which is undesirable, especially in modern electrical applications.
The fuse body is made of dielectric material and contains multiple arc chambers and conductor bridging parts. The bridging parts melt and separate when there is an overcurrent. An arc blocking layer can be optionally added to absorb heat, replacing the traditional sand filler.
This results in a lightweight and easy-to-manufacture fuse suitable for modern electrical applications, reducing weight and manufacturing costs while improving arc quenching efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN114496680B_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Cross-references to related applications
[0002] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 113,342, filed November 13, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field
[0003] This disclosure generally relates to the field of circuit protection devices. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a compact, lightweight, and easily modifiable modular high-voltage fuse to suit a range of applications. Background Technology
[0004] Fuses are generally used as circuit protection devices and are typically installed between the power source and the load in a circuit. A conventional fuse consists of a fusible element housed within a hollow, electrically insulated fuse body. In the event of a fault condition such as an overcurrent, the fusible element melts or otherwise separates to interrupt the flow of current through the fuse. This electrically insulates the load, thus preventing or at least mitigating damage to the load.
[0005] In some cases, after the fusible element of a fuse melts, an electric arc can propagate across the air gap between the separated ends of the fusible element. If not extinguished, the arc can allow a large amount of subsequent current to flow through the fuse, potentially damaging the load and / or creating a hazardous condition. To minimize the harmful effects of the arc, fuses are typically filled with a material called "fuse filler" surrounding the fusible element. Sand is a commonly used material for fuse filler. Sand absorbs heat when exposed to heat generated by an electric arc, changing from its solid phase to a liquid phase. Therefore, by absorbing heat from the arc, the sand cools rapidly and quenches the arc.
[0006] A problem associated with the use of sand and other fuse filler materials is that they tend to be heavy. This can be particularly undesirable in modern electrical applications where minimizing component weight is a primary consideration (e.g., electrical systems in automobiles operating at voltages greater than 100V). Another problem with sand and other fuse filler materials is their difficulty in handling, which increases the complexity and cost of the manufacturing process. It is precisely regarding these and other considerations that the improvements described in this disclosure may be useful. Summary of the Invention
[0007] The present invention is provided to present the selection of concepts in a simplified form. The present invention is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to assist in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0008] A fuse according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a fuse body including a main portion formed of a dielectric material; a plurality of arc chambers formed in the main portion, the arc chambers being arranged in a matrix configuration; and a conductor extending through the main portion and intersecting the arc chambers, the conductor having a bridging portion disposed within the arc chamber, the bridging portion being mechanically weaker than the other portions of the conductor and configured to melt and separate in the event of an overcurrent condition in the fuse.
[0009] Another fuse according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a fuse body including a main portion formed of a dielectric material; a plurality of arc chambers formed in the main portion, the arc chambers being arranged in a matrix configuration; a conductor extending through the main portion and intersecting the arc chambers, the conductor having bridging portions disposed within the arc chambers, the bridging portions being mechanically weaker than other portions of the conductor and configured to melt and separate in the event of an overcurrent condition in the fuse; and an arc-blocking layer disposed between adjacent arc chambers and intersecting the conductor. Attached Figure Description
[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a modular high-voltage fuse according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Front view of the modular high-voltage fuse shown;
[0012] Figure 3 It shows along Figure 2 The plane AA obtained in Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the modular high-voltage fuse shown;
[0013] Figure 4 It shows along Figure 2 The plane BB obtained in Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the modular high-voltage fuse shown;
[0014] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing another modular high-voltage fuse according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing another modular high-voltage fuse according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation
[0016] Exemplary embodiments of the modular high-voltage fuse according to the present disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the modular high-voltage fuse may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will convey specific exemplary aspects of the modular high-voltage fuse to those skilled in the art.
[0017] refer to Figure 1 This illustration shows a perspective view illustrating a modular high-voltage fuse 10 (hereinafter referred to as "fuse 10") according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For convenience and clarity, terms such as "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "above," and "below" are used herein to describe the relative positions and orientations of the various components of fuse 10, each of which is relative to the geometry and orientation of fuse 10, as it is shown in [the original text]. Figure 1 The terminology will include specifically mentioned words, their derivatives, and words with similar meanings.
[0018] refer to Figure 1 and 2 The fuse 10 may include a dielectric fuse body 12 having a conductive first terminal 14a and a second terminal 14b extending from its front surface. The fuse body 12 may have a generally cubic or cylindrical shape, and the first terminal 14a and the second terminal 14b may be generally flat prongs extending from the fuse body 12 in a parallel, spaced-apart manner. The foregoing description is not intended to be limiting, as the fuse body 12 and the first terminal 14a and the second terminal 14b may be implemented in various different shapes and configurations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Terminals 14a and 14b may be end portions of a single conductor 20 extending through the interior of the fuse body 12 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 3 and 4 ), as further described below.
[0019] In various non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the fuse body 12 may have a length B ranging from 10 mm to 100 mm. L Width B in the range of 10 mm to 50 mm W And height B in the range of 5 mm to 25 mm H In a particular non-limiting example, the fuse body 12 may have a length B of 25 mm. L 18 mm width B W And a height of 16 mm B HIn another non-limiting example, the fuse body 12 may have a length B of 45 mm. L 18 mm width B W And a height of 22 mm B H In another non-limiting example, the fuse body 25 may have a length B of 25 mm. L 32 mm width B W And a height of 22 mm B H .
[0020] refer to Figure 3 and 4 The cross-sectional view of the fuse 10 shown indicates that the fuse body 12 may include a main body portion 22 enclosed within a housing 24. The main body portion 22 may be formed of a dielectric material exhibiting high outgassing, low arc tracking, and arc quenching properties, and is also suitable for molding. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, silicone, melamine, polyamide, etc. The housing 24 may be formed of plastic or other rigid materials (i.e., more rigid than the material of the main body portion 22) to provide rigidity and durability for the fuse 10. In various embodiments, the housing 24 may be omitted if the main body portion 22 is formed of a material with sufficient rigidity and durability.
[0021] The main body 22 of the fuse body 12 may contain multiple cavities, hereinafter referred to as "arc chambers" 26. The arc chambers 26 may be generally rectangular and may be arranged as follows: Figure 3 The cross-sectional view shows a matrix construction arrangement with multiple rows and columns. For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, the main body 22 may contain a total of 10 (5 columns × 2 rows) arc chambers 26. This disclosure is not limited to this. The total number of arc chambers 26 and the arrangement of the arc chambers 26 within the main body 22 can be varied to accommodate the voltage requirements of the fuse 10, as further described below.
[0022] Still referencing Figure 3 and 4 The conductor 20, having opposite ends defining the aforementioned terminals 14a, 14b, can extend through the body portion 22 of the fuse body 12 and can intersect with and extend through each of the arc chambers 26. In various embodiments, the body portion 22 including the arc chambers 26 can be formed onto / around the conductor 20 using conventional manufacturing processes (e.g., overmolding, injection molding, etc.) and can be formed in two or more portions that can be joined together (e.g., ultrasonic welding). The conductor 20 can be made of a material with a thickness of C. T and width is C WIt is formed from slender, generally flat strips of metal (such as copper, tin, nickel, etc.), which can be bent or otherwise shaped to conform to the configuration of the arc chamber 26. For example, conductor 20 can be bent into a U-shape to conform to... Figure 3 The arc chamber 26 shown is a 5×2 matrix. This disclosure is not limited to this aspect.
[0023] The portion of conductor 20 extending through arc chamber 26, hereinafter referred to as "bridging portion" 28, may be mechanically weakened relative to the rest of conductor 20 such that bridging portion 28 will melt and separate in the event of an overcurrent condition in fuse 10. For example, as Figure 4 As shown, the bridging portion 28 may have a hole 29 formed therein. This disclosure is not limited to this aspect. In various embodiments, if the amount of current flowing through the fuse 10 exceeds a predefined threshold, the bridging portion 28 may be cut, slotted, or otherwise narrowed or weakened to facilitate separation.
[0024] Typically, the rated voltage of fuse 10 will depend on the total number of arc chambers 26 in the body portion 22 (and thus the total number of bridging portions 28), wherein each arc chamber 26 contributes a specific amount of voltage to the rated voltage according to the rated current of fuse 10. This disclosure is not limited to this aspect. The rated current of fuse 10 will depend on the cross-sectional area of conductor 20 (i.e., C...). T ×C W In a non-limiting example, fuse 10 may include a total of 10 arc chambers 26 (e.g., Figure 3 (as shown), and conductor 20 can have a thickness C of 1 mm. T and 8 mm width C W This provides the fuse with a rated voltage of approximately 500VAC and a rated current of 200A. (Reference) Figure 5 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a fuse 100, representing a non-limiting alternative embodiment of the fuse 10 described above. The fuse 100 may be generally similar to the fuse 10, but may include a total of 20 arc chambers 126 (arranged in a 5×4 matrix), and conductors 120, which are bent / arranged in a meandering configuration to intersect all the arc chambers 126, may have a thickness C of 1 mm. T and 16 mm width C W (Not shown in the view), thus providing the fuse 100 with a rated voltage of approximately 1000VAC and a rated current of approximately 400A.
[0025] It will be understood that, as mentioned above, and Figure 1-5The specific configurations of fuses 10 and 100 shown are provided by way of example only, and the number and arrangement of arc chambers and / or the width and thickness of conductors may be increased or decreased to suit specific applications (e.g., desired rated voltage, rated current, and fuse size) without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Advantageously, the height B of the fuse body 12 is not substantially affected. H (see Figure 1 In the case of arc chambers, the total number of arc chambers and the size of the conductors can vary.
[0026] refer to Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a fuse 200, representing another non-limiting alternative embodiment of the fuse 10 described above, is shown. The fuse 200 may be generally similar to the fuse 10, but may include a plurality of arc-blocking layers 230 located on opposite sides of each of the arc chambers 226 in the conductor 220 passage. The arc-blocking layers 230 may be formed of a metal plate having grooves or holes formed therein to allow the conductor 220 to pass through the arc-blocking layers 230. In various embodiments, the arc-blocking layers 230 may be formed of steel, brass, copper, etc., and may be manufactured in the same manner as the conductor 220 and at the same time as the conductor 220, by overmolding, injection molding, etc., with the material of the body portion 222. This disclosure is not limited to this aspect. In the event of an overcurrent condition in the fuse 200, an arc may form in one or more of the arc chambers 226 and may rapidly burn through the material of the body portion 222 between the arc chambers 226 (e.g., melamine). An arc-blocking layer 230, which has a greater heat capacity than the material of the main body 222, can absorb heat from one or more arcs and thus mitigate the burn-through.
[0027] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the above embodiments provide a modular high-voltage fuse that is small and lightweight, and is easier to manufacture and modify, and less expensive than conventional fuses that use fuse fillers such as sand and silica. Therefore, the embodiments of this disclosure are particularly well-suited for automotive applications and the like.
[0028] As used herein, elements or steps described in the singular and with the words “a” or “an” should be understood to not exclude a plurality of elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “embodiments” in this disclosure are not intended to exclude the existence of additional embodiments that also include the described features.
[0029] While this disclosure refers to specific embodiments, various modifications, substitutions, and alterations to the said embodiments are possible without departing from the field and scope of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the said embodiments, but rather to have the full scope defined by the language of the following claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A fuse, comprising: The fuse body includes a main body portion formed of dielectric material; Multiple arc chambers are formed in the main body, and the arc chambers are arranged in a matrix configuration. A conductor extending through the main body and intersecting the arc chamber, the conductor having a bridging portion disposed within the arc chamber, the bridging portion being mechanically weaker than the other portions of the conductor, and configured to melt and separate in the event of an overcurrent condition in the fuse; as well as An arc-blocking layer is disposed between adjacent arc chambers and intersects with the conductor. Wherein, the arc-blocking layer is a plate configured to be oriented perpendicularly to the conductor, and The arc blocking layer is formed of a metal plate having grooves or holes formed therein to allow the conductor to pass through the arc blocking layer.
2. The fuse according to claim 1, wherein, The conductor defines a meandering shape having at least two bends formed therein.
3. The fuse according to claim 1, wherein, The main body is enclosed within a rigid shell.
4. The fuse according to claim 1, wherein, The conductor has opposing ends defining a first terminal and a second terminal extending from the fuse body.
5. The fuse according to claim 1, wherein, The dielectric material of the main body is selected from the group consisting of melamine, silicon and polyamide.
6. The fuse according to claim 1, wherein, The arc chamber is a hollow cavity formed within the material of the main body.
7. The fuse of claim 1, wherein the arc chamber defines a two-dimensional matrix.
8. The fuse according to claim 1, wherein, The fuse body has a length ranging from 10 mm to 100 mm, a width ranging from 10 mm to 50 mm, and a height ranging from 5 mm to 25 mm.
9. The fuse according to claim 1, wherein, The bridging portion has at least one of the holes, cuts, and grooves formed therein.
10. The fuse of claim 1, wherein the arc chamber is rectangular.