Electromechanical rotary latch for current interruption device

Abstract

Disclosed is a current interruption device utilizing an electromechanical rotary latch, the device comprising: a rotary latch 140; a rotatable armature 170 configured to actuate the rotary latch 140; and a contact 106 configured to vary between a set position allowing current flow through the current interruption device and a triggered position interrupting current flow through the current interruption device; wherein the current interruption device is configured such that when a threshold current level passes through the current interruption device, in response to the generated electromagnetic field, the rotatable armature 170 changes configuration to actuate the rotary latch 140 such that the contact 106 transitions to the triggered position.

Description

Background Art

[0001] In the field of electronics and electrical engineering, various devices can be used to provide overcurrent protection, which can prevent short circuits, overloads, and permanent damage to the electrical system or connected electrical devices. Two such devices include fuses and circuit breakers. With the recent development of electric vehicles, overcurrent protection is particularly useful for preventing device failure and permanent damage to the device. In addition, overcurrent protection can prevent safety hazards (such as electrical fires).

[0002] Traditional thermal fuses use a heating element for current sensing, which melts when a specified current is reached. This approach is not suitable for high-performance applications such as electric vehicles because thermal fuses have high resistance and experience thermal fatigue during use. In some applications, thermal fuses interrupt current too slowly.

[0003] To overcome the shortcomings of thermal fuses, electronic and electromechanical fuses have been developed. For example, such fuses do not require heating for current sensing and achieve current sensing through electromechanical latching mechanisms or electronic sensors and integrated circuits. Such fuses may be subject to complex failure modes associated with the use of electronic sensors and integrated circuits, or to sensitivity to external shock and vibration that may cause the fuse to fail prematurely due to environmental conditions.

[0004] In some cases, there may be a dependency between minimum trip current and compliance with shock and vibration specifications. For example, in electromechanical applications, springs must exert sufficient force to prevent premature movement of the linear latch mechanism, and these forces must be overcome by a relatively high minimum current to trip the fuse. This means that users who require high shock must also accept a high minimum trip current, and conversely, users who require a low minimum trip current must also accept low shock compliance. Summary of the invention

[0005] Embodiments according to the present disclosure are directed to electromechanical rotary latches for current interrupt devices. These embodiments utilize a rotary electromechanical latch mechanism balanced around an axis of rotation, thereby preventing external shocks and vibrations from exerting any force on the mechanism. The rotary mechanism is not affected by environmental failure modes associated with linear latch mechanisms or electronic sensors. The balanced rotary mechanism eliminates the relationship between the minimum trigger current and compliance with shock and vibration specifications to allow these parameters to be selected independently. When the threshold current level is reached, the induced electromagnetic field causes the armature to rotate to the point where the rotary latch is actuated, thereby converting the circuit to an interrupt state. In this assembly, the center of mass of the unlocking mechanism is positioned along the axis of rotation, forming an evenly balanced assembly, which prevents external forces from generating a net torque. Therefore, the device can be configured to have a lower trigger current without considering external impact forces.

[0006] Specific embodiments relate to a fuse device utilizing an electromechanical rotary latch. The fuse device includes a rotary latch, a rotatable armature configured to actuate the rotary latch, and contacts configured to change between a set position that allows current to flow through the fuse device and a trigger position that interrupts current flow through the fuse device. The fuse device is configured so that when a threshold current level passes through the fuse device, in response to the electromagnetic field generated, the rotatable armature changes configuration to actuate the rotary latch so that the contacts are converted to a trigger position. In some examples, the contacts are biased to the trigger position, and the rotary latch holds the contacts in the set position. In some examples, the contacts are supported by a shaft, and the shaft is latched by the rotary latch to hold the contacts in the set position. In some examples, the rotary latch includes one or more cams that engage notches in the shaft in a locked state, wherein rotation of the rotatable armature causes the one or more cams to disengage from the shaft. In some examples, the one or more cams are biased on the shaft by one or more torsion springs. In some examples, the armature includes one or more protrusions that engage with one or more cams. In some examples, the contacts are biased toward the trigger position by a contact spring. In some examples, the contacts are accelerated toward the trigger position by a latch spring in an unlocked state. In some examples, the rotatable armature is biased to avoid actuating the rotary latch below a threshold current level.

[0007] Another specific embodiment relates to a device utilizing an electromechanical rotary latch. The device includes one or more cores disposed within a housing, one or more fixed contacts disposed near the one or more cores, and a movable contact configured to contact the one or more fixed contacts in an untriggered state. The device also includes a rotatable armature disposed near the one or more cores, wherein the armature is biased so that the armature and the one or more cores are separated by a gap. The rotatable armature is configured to rotate toward the one or more cores in response to a magnetic field generated by a current in the one or more fixed contacts. The rotation of the armature triggers the movable contact to change position so that the contact with the one or more fixed contacts is disconnected. In some examples, the rotatable armature is biased by a mechanical resistance structure configured to maintain a gap until a threshold current level passes through the one or more fixed contacts. In some examples, the movable contact is biased in a triggered position, and the rotary latch holds the contact in an untriggered position in contact with the one or more fixed contacts. In some examples, the shaft acts on the movable contact, wherein the rotary latch locks the shaft when the movable contact is in an untriggered position. In some examples, the rotary latch includes one or more cams that engage notches in the shaft in the locked state, and rotation of the rotatable armature disengages the one or more cams from the shaft. In some examples, the one or more cams are biased on the shaft by one or more torsion springs. In some examples, the armature includes one or more protrusions that engage the one or more cams. In some examples, the movable contact is biased to the trigger position by a contact spring. In some examples, the movable contact is accelerated toward the trigger position by the latch spring in the unlocked state.

[0008] Another specific embodiment is directed to a method for using an electromechanical rotary latch in a current interrupt device. The method includes connecting one or more fixed contacts of a fuse device to an electrical circuit. The fuse device includes a rotary latch; a rotatable armature configured to actuate the rotary latch; and contacts configured to switch between a set position that allows current to flow through the fuse device and a triggered position that interrupts current flow through the fuse device in response to actuation of the rotary latch. The method also includes applying a current exceeding a threshold current level in the circuit, wherein the current induces a magnetic field that causes the armature to actuate the rotary latch, thereby interrupting the circuit. In some examples, the contacts are biased in the triggered position, and the rotary latch holds the contacts in the set position.

[0009] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of exemplary embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals generally represent like parts of exemplary embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1AA front view of an example apparatus for current interruption using an electromechanical latch according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0011] Figure 1B Shows Figure 1A A top view of the device;

[0012] Figure 2A shows a front view of an example device in a triggered state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2B Shows Figure 2A A top view of the device;

[0014] Figure 3 shows a detailed view of another example apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 4 shows another detailed view of an example apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 5A shows a front view of an example device in an untriggered state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 5B Shows Figure 5A A top view of the device;

[0018] Fig. 6A shows a front view of an example device in a triggered state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 6B Shows Fig. 6A A top view of the device; and

[0020] Figure 7 A flow chart is shown of another example method of using an electromechanical rotary latch in a current interrupt device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The terms used to describe specific examples herein are not intended to limit other examples. Whenever singular forms such as "a", "an", and "the" are used, and only a single element is neither explicitly nor implicitly defined as mandatory, other examples may also use multiple elements to implement the same function. Similarly, when a function is subsequently described as being implemented using multiple elements, other examples may use a single element or processing entity to implement the same function. It should also be understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", and / or "including" specify the presence of the features, wholes, steps, operations, processes, actions, elements, and / or components when used, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, processes, actions, elements, components, and / or any combination thereof.

[0022] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, these elements may be directly connected or coupled through one or more intermediate elements. If two elements A and B are combined using "or", this should be understood to disclose all possible combinations, i.e., only A, only B, and A and B. An alternative wording for the same combination is "at least one of A and B". The same applies to combinations of more than two elements.

[0023] Therefore, although other examples may have various modifications and alternative forms, some specific examples are shown in the figures, which will be described in detail later. However, this detailed description does not limit other examples to the specific forms described. Other examples may cover all modifications, equivalents and substitutions that fall within the scope of this disclosure. The same numbers throughout the description of the drawings refer to the same or similar elements, which, when compared to each other, can be implemented in the same or modified form while providing the same or similar functions.

[0024] The terms used herein to describe specific examples are not intended to limit other examples. Whenever singular forms such as "a", "an" and "the" are used, and only a single element is neither explicitly nor implicitly defined as mandatory, other examples may also use multiple elements to implement the same function. Similarly, when a function is subsequently described as being implemented using multiple elements, other examples may use a single element or processing entity to implement the same function. It should also be understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and / or "including" specify the presence of the features, integrals, steps, operations, processes, actions, elements and / or components when used, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, processes, actions, elements, components and / or any combination thereof.

[0025] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, the element may be directly connected or coupled through one or more intermediate elements. If two elements A and B are combined using "or", it should be understood that all possible combinations are disclosed, i.e., only A, only B, and A and B. An alternative wording for the same combination is "at least one of A and B". The same applies to combinations of more than two elements.

[0026] Therefore, although other examples can have various modifications and alternative forms, some specific examples thereof are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail later. However, this detailed description does not limit other examples to the specific forms described. Other examples may cover all modifications, equivalents and substitutions falling within the scope of the present disclosure. The same numbers throughout the description of the drawings refer to the same or similar elements, which, when compared to each other, can be implemented in the same or modified form while providing the same or similar functions.

[0027] from Figure 1A and Figure 1B Initially, exemplary apparatus, systems, and methods for an electromechanical rotary latch for a current interrupt device according to the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1A 1 shows a front view of an example fuse device 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 1B 1 shows a top view of an example fuse device 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As previously described, a fuse device incorporating features of the present disclosure may include mechanical features for setting and triggering the fuse device. Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the illustrated embodiment, the fuse device 100 is shown in its non-tripped or "set" mechanical orientation. The various non-tripped and tripped orientations will become more apparent as the various figures are explained in more detail.

[0028] In some embodiments, the fuse device 100 includes a housing 108 having an internal compartment 110. The housing 108 supports fixed contacts 102, 104, which are partially disposed in the compartment 110 and partially disposed outside the housing 108, so that the fuse device 100 can be connected to a circuit. The fixed contacts 102, 104 can include conductive materials such as copper or other suitable conductive metals or structures. The first and second fixed contacts 102, 104 can be configured to have electrical insulation between them, for example, the contacts 102, 104 can be separated by an electrically insulating material or only by an electrically isolated space gap. In some embodiments, when the housing 108 is hermetically sealed, under vacuum conditions and / or filled with an electronegative gas, the potential arc between the fixed contacts 102, 104 can be further reduced or prevented, thereby further achieving electrical isolation.

[0029] The fuse device 100 also includes a movable contact 106 disposed within a compartment 110 of a housing 108. When the fuse device 100 is in its set position, the movable contact 106 can be connected to two electrically isolated fixed contacts 102, 104, so that the movable contact 106 is used as a bridge to allow an electrical signal to flow through the device, such as from a first fixed contact 102 to the movable contact 106, to a second fixed contact 104, and vice versa. Thus, the fuse device 100 can be connected to a circuit, system, or device and completes a circuit when in its set position and when the movable contact is in electrical contact with the fixed contacts.

[0030] In some embodiments, the movable contact 106 is positioned around the shaft 122 and coupled to the shaft 122. One end of the shaft 122 is engaged with a rotary latch assembly 140, which holds the shaft 122 in a set position and holds the movable contact 106 on the fixed contacts 102, 104. In one example, the shaft 122 includes a notched portion 148 engaged by the rotary latch assembly 140. Examples of the rotary latch assembly 140 are provided in more detail below. When the shaft 122 is engaged by the rotary latch assembly 140, the movable contact is held in contact with the fixed contacts 102, 104, and the movable contact 106 is also biased away from the fixed contacts 102, 104 by the force provided by the first biasing member 124. In one example, the first biasing member 124 is a spring that applies a biasing force F2 on the shaft 122 and / or the movable contact 106. For example, the first biasing member 124 can be a coil spring or a wave spring. The reader with technical skills in the art will understand that other types of mechanical structures or additional mechanical structures not identified herein may be used to provide the biasing force F2. In the set position, the shaft 122 held by the rotary latch assembly 140 generates potential energy in the first biasing member 124. When the rotary latch assembly 140 releases the shaft 122, the potential energy in the first biasing member is released, and the biasing force provided by the biasing member 124 causes the movable contact 106 to move toward, for example, a fixed member 188 supporting the biasing member 124, so that it is out of contact with the fixed contacts 102, 104. In one example, the first biasing member 124 is coupled to the movable contact 106 and / or the shaft 122 to apply the biasing force.

[0031] The fuse device 100 also includes two metal cores 150, 152, which are composed of iron or other suitable metals or alloys capable of generating a magnetic field in the presence of an electric current. In some examples, the cores 150, 152 are "U" shaped so that the fixed contacts 102, 104 pass through (without contacting) the cores 150, 152. Figure 1B As shown in the illustrated example, the core 150 in this example is U-shaped. In the case where current flows through the fixed contacts 102, 104, the core 150, 152 acts as an electromagnet. In some examples, the core 150, 152 is supported by the housing 108.

[0032] The fuse device 100 also includes a rotatable armature 170. In some examples, the rotatable armature 170 includes a central hole that can receive the shaft 122. In some embodiments, the armature includes a first arm 172 and a second arm 174, so that the arms 170, 172 can rotate to contact the cores 150, 152, respectively. In some examples, the armature 170 is composed of a ferromagnetic metal or metal alloy (such as iron, steel, nickel, etc.). When the fuse device 100 is in a set orientation or untriggered state, a mechanical gap 176 is maintained between the arms 172, 174 of the armature 170 and the cores 150, 152. The armature 170 can be maintained in the set orientation by various structures (such as a mechanical structure of the mechanical resistance structure 112). In one embodiment, the mechanical resistance structure 112 is a torsion spring configured to maintain the armature 170 in a set position to maintain the gap 102 until the device is triggered. In other embodiments, the mechanical resistance structure is a gear assembly. In still other embodiments, rather than using a mechanical resistance 112 structure, the armature 170 is configured to be held in a set position by other means.

[0033] The fuse device 100 can be configured to trigger the fuse device 100 by reaching a predetermined threshold current level, thereby generating an electromagnetic field sufficient to overcome the force provided by the mechanical resistance structure 112 (or another mechanical structure that places the device in a non-triggered position) and trigger the device. The core 150, 152, the armature 170 and the mechanical resistance structure 112 and / or various other components of the fuse device 100 can be configured so that when the current passing through the device reaches a certain predetermined current level (e.g., 800 amperes), the core 150, 152 will generate a magnetic field sufficient to cause the armature 170 to overcome the force of the mechanical resistance structure 112 and trigger the device.

[0034] Once sufficient electromagnetic force is generated due to reaching a predetermined current value, the fuse device 100 will switch from its set position (in which the fuse device allows current to pass) to a triggered position (in which the fuse device disconnects the connected circuit). In the illustrated embodiment, this transition between positions occurs when the generated electromagnetic field causes the arms 172, 174 to be pulled toward the cores 150, 152 (e.g., to a degree that overcomes the force applied by the mechanical resistance structure 112). This at least partially reduces (and may completely eliminate) the mechanical position gap 176 through the rotation of the armature 170, which actuates the rotary latch assembly 140 to disengage and release the shaft 122. This causes the movable contact 106 to no longer be constrained, thereby allowing the first biasing member 124 to act on the shaft 122, thereby causing the movable contact 106 to change direction to disengage from contact with the fixed contacts 102, 104 within the fuse device 100 and disconnect the circuit.

[0035] It should be understood that the center of mass of the unlocking mechanism is located on the rotating shaft to form an evenly balanced assembly so that external forces produce no net torque. Any force applied to this assembly will produce zero net torque because torque can only be generated at the perpendicular force vector on the armature away from the center of mass. Because the center of mass of the armature and shaft are aligned, there is no torque that could cause rotation due to shock or vibration.

[0036] For further explanation, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 2A A front view of an example fuse device 100 is depicted in a triggered state, and Figure 2B A top view of an example fuse device 100 in a triggered state is depicted. In the presence of a current in the fixed contacts 102, 104 exceeding a predetermined threshold, the electromagnetic field generated by the cores 150, 152 exerts a magnetic force on the armature 170 that exceeds the force exerted by the mechanical resistance member 112. Figure 2B As shown, this causes the arms 172, 174 to be pulled toward the cores 150, 152, thereby reducing the gap 176 through the rotation of the armature 170. The rotation of the armature 170 actuates the rotary latch assembly 140 to release the latch, thereby allowing the shaft 122 to disengage from the rotary latch assembly 140. As a result, the potential energy retained in the first biasing member 124 is released, and the movable contact 106 is forced to separate from the fixed contacts 102, 104.

[0037] It should be understood that while the present invention specifically describes electromagnetic embodiments configured to overcome a predetermined mechanical force, other configurations that produce a force corresponding to a predetermined current that overcomes the predetermined mechanical force are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0038] To explain further, Figure 3 Detailed views of an example rotary latch assembly 301 are shown including some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Figure 3 An example embodiment of the rotary latch assembly 301 is used for Figure 1A The rotary latch assembly 140 in. Figure 3 The example in FIG. 1 shows a portion of the shaft 322 of the shaft assembly, which may be similar to Figure 1A The shaft 122 and shaft assembly 120 are shown in FIG. Figure 3340. A portion of the shaft 322 is shown to illustrate the latching function performed by the rotary latch assembly 301. In some embodiments, the shaft 322 includes at least one notch portion 348. The rotary latch assembly 301 also includes one or more cams 360 that engage the notch portion 348. In some examples, the cam 360 is press-fitted or otherwise attached to a pin 344 that slides into the bushing 340, whereby the cam 360 constrains the movement of the cam so that the cam 360 can only rotate concentrically around the bushing 340. The bushing 340 is fixed to a housing wall 390 through which the shaft 322 extends, or to some other fixed component of the fuse device. In a set position or locked state, the cam 360 engages the shaft 322 at the notch portion 348 to hold the shaft 122 against a biasing force F2 provided by the latch spring 326 or other biasing component of the fuse device. For example, the biasing force F2 causes the lip 349 of the notch portion 348 to abut against the cam 360. The cam 360 is provided with a mechanical resistance member (such as Figure 4 The torsion spring 342 of the mechanical resistance member is held against the notched portion 348 of the shaft 322. The biasing force provided by the mechanical resistance member holds the cam 360 against the notched portion 348 to hold the shaft 322 in the locked position. Therefore, in some embodiments, the latch spring 326 can be omitted, with another biasing member providing a force F2 that disengages the shaft 122 from the rotary latch assembly when the latch is released. Figure 3 In the example shown, the latch spring 326 applies a downward force to the latch assembly. When an unlocking event occurs, this potential energy generated by the latch spring 326 will pull the movable contact away from the fixed contact, thereby causing an interruption event. The latch spring 326 also serves to generate a normal force that generates friction between the cam 360 and the shaft 322.

[0039] Figure 3 Also depicted is an example armature 370 including a first arm 372 and a second arm 374. In some embodiments, the armature 370 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 122. The armature is located at a position above the notched portion 348 on the shaft. For example, the armature can be supported by a stopper (not shown) or another notched portion of the shaft (also not shown). In some embodiments, the arms 372, 374 include one or more protrusions 373 that extend downwardly toward the cam 360 and can engage with the cam 360 when the armature 370 is rotated. In a set direction or untriggered state, as shown Figure 3 As shown, the armature is held in a position where the protrusion 373 of the armature 370 does not engage the cam 360. For example, the armature 370 may be provided by a mechanical resistance member such as a torsion spring that provides a biasing force (e.g., Figure 1AThe armature 370 is held in the mechanical resistance structure 112. The biasing force keeps the protrusion 373 of the armature 370 from engaging with the cam 360 until the biasing force is overcome by the electromagnetic force acting on the armature 370 to rotate the armature 370. For example, when the current in the fixed contact exceeds a predetermined level, the magnetic field generated in the core causes the armature 370 to rotate toward the core in the direction indicated by the rotation arrow. When the protrusion 373 of the armature 370 engages the cam 360 due to the rotation, the protrusion 373 exerts a force on the cam 360 sufficient to overcome the biasing force provided by the torsion spring 342. Therefore, the cam 360 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow, so that the cam 360 disengages from the notched portion 348 of the shaft 322, thereby releasing the latch on the shaft 322. In one example, when the latch on the shaft 322 is released, the potential energy stored in the latch spring 326 is released, thereby accelerating the shaft 322 downward and allowing the movable contact to accelerate away from the fixed contact, thereby disconnecting the circuit. Thus, the force to be overcome by the armature 370 is generated by the torsion spring 342 on the cam 360 , the mechanical resistance member (eg, torsion spring) on ​​the armature 370 , and the friction force from the latch spring 326 .

[0040] To explain further, Figure 4 Another detailed view of an example rotary latch assembly 401 is shown including some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 The example of FIG. 3 depicts a cam 360 secured to a pin 344 that fits into a bushing 340. Although not shown, the bushing may be secured to a portion of the housing (e.g., Figure 1A The cam 360 is illustrated in a set or locked position, wherein the cam 360 engages the notched portion 348 of the shaft 322. The cam 360 is held in the locked position by a torsion spring 342. The torsion spring 342 interfaces with the cam 360 and a stationary member, such as a portion of the housing (not shown), to hold the cam 360 in the locked position. Although two cams 360 may be depicted elsewhere, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the rotary latch assembly may be as described above. Figure 4 This is shown to be achieved using only one cam 360 .

[0041] To explain further, Figure 5A depicts a front view of an example fuse device 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 5B A top view of an example fuse device 500 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted. As previously described herein, a fuse device incorporating features of the present disclosure may include mechanical features for setting and triggering the fuse device. Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the example shown, the fuse device 500 is shown in its non-tripped or "set" mechanical orientation. The various non-tripped and tripped orientations will become more apparent as the various figures are explained in more detail.

[0042] exist Figure 5A In the example shown, the housing of the fuse device 500 is hidden from view. In some embodiments, the fuse device 500 includes fixed contacts 302, 304, which are partially disposed in the fuse device housing and partially disposed outside the housing so that the fuse device 50 can be connected to the circuit. The fixed contacts 302, 304 may include conductive materials (such as copper) or other suitable conductive metals or structures. The first fixed contact 302 and the second fixed contact 304 may be configured so that there is electrical isolation between them, for example, the contacts 302, 304 may be separated by an electrically insulating material or simply by an electrically isolated space gap.

[0043] The fuse device 500 also includes a movable contact 306 that can be disposed within a compartment of the fuse device housing. When the fuse device 500 is in its set position, the movable contact 306 can be connected to the two electrically isolated fixed contacts 302, 304, so that the movable contact 304 is used as a bridge to allow an electrical signal to flow through the device, for example, from the first fixed contact 302 to the movable contact 308, and then to the second fixed contact 304, and vice versa. Thus, the fuse device 500 can be connected to a circuit, system, or device and complete a circuit when in its set position and when the movable contact is in electrical contact with the fixed contacts.

[0044] The movable contact 306 is coupled to the shaft 322 so that when the notched portion 348 of the shaft 322 is Figure 3When the rotary latch assembly 301 is shown locked in the set direction, the movable contact 306 maintains contact with the fixed contacts 302, 304. The contact spring 324 is coupled to the movable contact 306 and the fixed member 320 (e.g., a portion of the housing) to bias the movable contact toward the fixed member 320 and away from the fixed contacts 302, 304. In the set direction, the contact spring 324 extends to load potential energy, which is released when the shaft 322 is unlocked from the rotary latch assembly 301, thereby accelerating the movable contact 306 out of contact with the fixed contacts 302, 304. In some embodiments, the latch spring 326 is positioned around the shaft 322 between the movable contact 306 and the notched portion 348 of the shaft 322. In the set direction, the latch spring 326 is compressed, thereby releasing the potential energy when the shaft is unlocked from the rotary latch assembly 301, thereby accelerating the movable contact 306 out of contact with the fixed contacts 302, 304. In some examples, the latch spring 326 is compressed between the movable contact 306 and the inner wall 390 of the housing through which the shaft 322 extends (e.g., a housing wall supporting the bushing 340). In further examples, the latch spring 326 is compressed between the inner wall 390 of the housing and a stop plate formed around the shaft 322, through which the shaft 322 extends, and the stop plate is located between the housing wall 390 and the movable contact 306. In these embodiments, when the shaft 322 is pulled downward onto the cam 360 at the notched portion 348, the compression of the latch spring 326 and / or the extension of the contact spring 324 generates a friction force on the cam 360. As previously described, the latch spring 326 or the contact spring 324 can be a coil spring, a wave spring, or other such mechanical biasing structure. In some embodiments, the latch spring 326 can be omitted.

[0045] The fuse device 500 also includes two metal cores 350, 352 composed of iron or other suitable metal or alloy capable of generating a magnetic field in the presence of an electric current. In some examples, the cores 350, 352 are U-shaped so that the fixed contacts 302, 304 pass through (without contacting) the cores 350, 352. Figure 5B As shown in the example shown, the core 350 in this example is U-shaped. When current flows through the fixed contacts 302, 304, the core 350, 352 acts as an electromagnet. In some examples, the core 350, 352 is supported by a housing (not shown).

[0046] The fuse device also includes a rotatable armature 370. In some examples, the rotatable armature 370 includes a central hole that can receive the shaft 322. In some examples, the armature 370 is composed of a ferromagnetic metal or metal alloy (such as iron, steel, nickel, etc.). In some embodiments, the arms 372, 374 include one or more protrusions 373 that extend downwardly toward the cam 360 and can engage with the cam 360 when the armature 370 is rotated. In a set direction or untriggered state, as shown Figure 3 As shown, the armature 370 is held in a position where the projection 373 of the armature 370 does not engage with the cam 360. For example, the armature 370 may be held by a torsion spring 380. The biasing force keeps the projection 373 of the armature 370 from engaging with the cam 360 until the biasing force is overcome by the electromagnetic force acting on the armature 370 to rotate the armature 370. When the fuse device 300 is in a set direction or untriggered state, as shown in FIG. Figure 5B As shown, a mechanical clearance 376 is maintained between the arms 372 , 374 of the armature 370 and the cores 350 , 352 .

[0047] The fuse device 500 can be configured such that triggering the fuse device by reaching a predetermined threshold current level will generate an electromagnetic field sufficient to overcome the force provided by the torsion spring 380 (or another mechanical structure that holds the device in the non-triggered position) and trigger the device. The cores 350, 352, the armature 370 and the torsion spring 380 and / or various other components of the fuse device 500 can be configured such that when the current through the device reaches a certain predetermined current level (e.g., 800 amps), the cores 350 and 352 will generate a sufficient magnetic field to cause the armature 370 to overcome the force of the torsion spring 380 and trigger the device.

[0048] Once sufficient electromagnetic force is generated due to reaching a predetermined current value, the fuse device 500 will switch from its set position (in which the fuse device allows current to flow) to a triggered position (in which the electrical device disconnects the connected circuit). In the illustrated embodiment, this transition between positions occurs when the generated electromagnetic field causes the arms 372, 374 to be pulled toward the cores 350, 352 (e.g., to a degree that overcomes the force applied by the torsion spring 380). This at least partially reduces (and may completely eliminate) the mechanical position gap 376 by the rotation of the armature 370, which actuates the rotary latch assembly 301 to disengage and release the shaft 322. This causes the movable contact 306 to no longer be constrained, thereby allowing the contact spring 324 to act on the movable contact 306 to change direction, thereby causing it to disengage from contact with the fixed contacts 302, 304 within the fuse device 500 and disconnect the circuit.

[0049] To explain further, Fig. 6Adepicts a front view of an example fuse device 500 in a triggered state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 6B A top view of an example fuse device 500 in a triggered state is depicted. When the current in the fixed contacts 302, 304 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the electromagnetic field generated by the cores 350, 352 exerts a magnetic force on the armature 370 that exceeds the force exerted by the torsion spring 380. Figure 6B As shown, this causes the arms 372, 374 to be pulled to the cores 350, 352, thereby reducing the gap 376 by the rotation of the armature 370. The rotation of the armature 370 actuates the rotary latch assembly 301 to release the latch, thereby allowing the shaft 322 to disengage from the rotary latch assembly 301. For example, when the current in the fixed contact exceeds a predetermined rated value, the magnetic field generated in the core causes the armature 370 to rotate toward the core. When the protrusion 373 of the armature 370 engages the cam 360 due to this rotation, the protrusion 373 exerts a force on the cam 360 sufficient to overcome the biasing force provided by the torsion spring 342 to rotate the cam in the bushing 340. As a result, the cam 360 rotates, causing the cam 360 to disengage from the notched portion 348 of the shaft 322, thereby releasing the latch on the shaft 322. As a result, the potential energy retained in the contact spring 324 is released, and the movable contact 306 is forced to separate from the fixed contacts 302, 304.

[0050] To explain further, Figure 7 A flow chart is shown of an exemplary method of using an electromechanical rotary latch in a current interrupt device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 The method includes connecting 702 one or more fixed contacts of a fuse device to an electrical circuit, the fuse device including: a rotary latch; a rotatable armature configured to actuate the rotary latch; and a contact configured to switch between a set position that allows current to flow through the fuse device and a triggered position that interrupts current flow through the fuse device in response to actuation of the rotary latch. In some examples, the one or more fixed contacts of the fuse device can be connected 702 to the electrical circuit by placing any of the above-described fuse devices in the electrical circuit. For example, the fuse device can be placed between a battery current source and a current consuming component of an electric vehicle.

[0051] Figure 7 The method also includes applying 704 a current in the circuit that exceeds a threshold current level, wherein the current generates a magnetic field that causes the armature to actuate the rotary latch to interrupt the circuit. In some examples, applying 704 the current can be achieved by creating a condition under which the current in the circuit, and therefore also flowing through the fuse device, exceeds a predetermined current threshold, at which the fuse device is configured to trigger the current interruption.

[0052] In view of the above explanation, the skilled reader will recognize that the benefits of an electromechanical rotary latch for a current interrupt device according to embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to: The device according to the present disclosure does not rely on thermal fuses which are susceptible to thermal fatigue.

[0053] • The device according to the present disclosure does not rely on a linear electromechanical latching mechanism which is susceptible to shock or vibration.

[0054] • Devices according to the present disclosure may utilize a trigger current that is selected independently of shock and vibration resistance.

[0055] It can be understood from the above description that the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be modified and changed without departing from the true spirit of the present disclosure. The description in this specification is for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as limiting. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the language of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fuse device utilizing an electromechanical rotary latch, the fuse device comprising: Rotary latch; a rotatable armature configured to actuate the rotary latch; as well as contacts configured to change between a set position that allows current to flow through the fuse device and a tripped position that interrupts current flow through the fuse device; Wherein, the fuse device is configured such that when a threshold current level passes through the fuse device, in response to the generated electromagnetic field, the rotatable armature changes configuration to actuate the rotary latch so that the contacts switch to the tripped position.

2. The fuse device according to claim 1, wherein: The contacts are biased in the triggered position, wherein the rotary latch retains the contacts in the set position.

3. The fuse device according to claim 2, wherein: The contacts are supported by a shaft, wherein the shaft is locked by the rotary latch to hold the contacts in the set position.

4. The fuse device according to claim 3, wherein: The rotary latch includes one or more cams that engage notches in the shaft in a locked state, wherein rotation of the rotatable armature causes the one or more cams to disengage from the shaft.

5. The fuse device according to claim 4, wherein: The one or more cams are biased on the shaft by one or more torsion springs.

6. The fuse device according to claim 4, wherein: The armature includes one or more protrusions that engage the one or more cams.

7. The fuse device according to claim 3, wherein: The contact is biased to the triggered position by a contact spring.

8. The fuse device according to claim 3, wherein: The contacts are accelerated towards the triggered position by the latch spring in the unlocked state.

9. The fuse device according to claim 1, wherein: The rotatable armature is biased below a threshold current level to avoid actuation of the rotary latch.

10. A device utilizing an electromechanical rotary latch, the device comprising: one or more cores disposed within the housing; one or more fixed contacts, the one or more fixed contacts being disposed proximate to the one or more cores; a movable contact configured to contact the one or more fixed contacts in an untriggered state; as well as a rotatable armature disposed proximate the one or more cores, wherein the armature is biased such that the armature and the one or more cores are separated by a gap; wherein the rotatable armature is configured to rotate toward the one or more cores in response to a magnetic field generated by current in the one or more fixed contacts; and The rotation of the armature triggers the movable contact to change position, thereby breaking contact with the one or more fixed contacts.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein: The rotatable armature is biased by a mechanical resistance structure configured to maintain the gap until a threshold current level passes through the one or more stationary contacts.

12. The device according to claim 10, wherein: The movable contact is biased in a triggered position, wherein a rotary latch holds the contact in an untriggered position in contact with the one or more fixed contacts.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein: The movable contact is acted upon by a shaft, wherein the shaft is locked by the rotary latch when the movable contact is in an unactivated position.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein: The rotary latch includes one or more cams that engage notches in the shaft in a locked state, wherein rotation of the rotatable armature causes the one or more cams to disengage from the shaft.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein: The one or more cams are biased on the shaft by one or more torsion springs.

16. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein: The armature includes one or more protrusions that engage the one or more cams.

17. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: The movable contact is biased to the trigger position by a contact spring.

18. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: The movable contact is accelerated toward the trigger position by a latch spring in an unlocked state.

19. A method of using an electromechanical rotary latch in a current interrupt device, the method comprising: One or more fixed contacts of a fuse device are connected to the circuit, the fuse device comprising: Rotary latch; a rotatable armature configured to actuate the rotary latch; and contacts configured to switch between a set position that allows current to flow through the fuse device and a tripped position that interrupts current flow through the fuse device in response to actuation of the rotary latch; and A current exceeding a threshold current level is applied in the circuit, wherein the current generates a magnetic field causing the armature to actuate the rotary latch, thereby interrupting the circuit.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The contacts are biased in the triggered position, wherein the rotary latch retains the contacts in the set position.

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