Fuse device for high voltage applications
By using damping elements to absorb the kinetic energy of the separation element in the high-voltage fuse device, the problem of the arc not being able to be extinguished quickly is solved, and the rapid extinguishing of the arc and the reliability of the shell structure are improved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PIERBURG GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing high-voltage fuse devices cannot effectively and quickly extinguish the electric arc when disconnecting the busbar, leading to potential electric shock risks and structural failure of the casing.
Damping elements are used to support the separation element in the arc-extinguishing chamber. The deformation of the damping elements absorbs the kinetic energy of the separation element, ensuring that the arc extends axially between the separation element and the damping element and is extinguished quickly. At the same time, the busbar section is sealed to prevent the arc from propagating through the gap.
It achieves rapid and reliable extinction of electric arcs, avoiding prolonged short circuits and the risk of electric shock, while reducing the demand for housing materials and space occupation.
Smart Images
Figure CN122249878A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] This invention relates to a fuse device for high-voltage applications, the fuse device having a housing; an actuation chamber and an arc-extinguishing chamber formed within the housing; a busbar extending through the housing and located between the actuation chamber and the arc-extinguishing chamber; a separation element movable from the actuation chamber and toward the busbar by means of an actuator, the separation element displacing a segment of the busbar into the arc-extinguishing chamber to cut the busbar at a first predetermined breaking point; and a damping element disposed on the base of the housing within the arc-extinguishing chamber, the separation element being supported on the damping element in the triggered state of the fuse device.
[0002] This type of fuse device is typically implemented as an actuator with a pyrotechnic igniter as the actuator, and is especially used in motor vehicles with high-voltage applications, such as hybrid or all-electric vehicles, to disconnect the power line between the battery and electrical equipment (most importantly, the vehicle drive unit) within a fraction of a second in the event of an accident, thereby preventing a short circuit.
[0003] However, during a busbar disconnection, high voltage can induce an arc between the free ends of the busbar. This means current continues to flow, and this can last for several seconds, resulting in extremely high short-circuit currents that could cause life-threatening electric shocks to vehicle occupants or rescue personnel. Since these arcing effects cannot be completely avoided, measures must be taken to neutralize them as quickly as possible.
[0004] Furthermore, the triggering of the actuator causes the separation element to be pushed extremely rapidly from its neutral position. Therefore, the base of the arc-extinguishing chamber is subjected to enormous forces, which could potentially lead to failure of the housing structure.
[0005] To address this, US 11,081,303 B2 describes a pyrotechnic fuse device in which a rubber ring is disposed on the base of the arc-extinguishing chamber, designed to convert the kinetic energy of the separating element into deformation energy via the rubber ring. Upon triggering, the separated bus portion is located between the separating element and the rubber ring, and the resulting arc can propagate on either side of the piston within the housing. This arrangement cannot guarantee reliable and rapid arc extinguishing; therefore, the housing design incorporates various venting channels.
[0006] Therefore, the proposed task is to invent a fuse device for high-voltage applications, wherein when the fuse device is triggered, the arc is both stretched to extinguish more quickly and mechanically and reliably disconnected to ensure that the arc is extinguished completely as quickly as possible, thereby preventing the possibility of short-circuit currents that could lead to electric shock.
[0007] This task is accomplished by a fuse device for high-voltage applications having the features of main claim 1.
[0008] The fuse device for high-voltage applications according to the invention has a housing in which an actuation chamber and an arc-extinguishing chamber are formed. The housing may, in particular, be a multi-part construction and, for example, include at least a second housing portion surrounding the arc-extinguishing chamber and a first housing portion surrounding the actuation chamber. The term actuation chamber is understood as a space in which at least a portion of an actuator is disposed. Specifically, the actuator may be a pyrotechnic igniter, which, when triggered, generates pressure that pushes a separating element out of the actuation chamber. The term arc-extinguishing chamber is understood as a space in which a busbar segment is moved, causing the busbar to be separated into at least two parts. The presence of high voltage causes an electric arc (also called plasma) to be generated between the separated busbar segments in the arc-extinguishing chamber, resulting in ablation. To make this phenomenon as brief as possible, the arc must be extinguished as quickly as possible. The fuse device also includes a busbar extending through the housing and located between the actuation chamber and the arc-extinguishing chamber. When the fuse is in an untriggered state, a disengaging element capable of shifting toward the busbar via the actuator is also disposed in the actuation chamber. When the actuator is triggered, the disengaging element separates a segment of the busbar to cut the busbar at a predetermined break point and pushes it into the arc-extinguishing chamber, and in the process, it itself shifts at least partially from the actuation chamber into the arc-extinguishing chamber. Furthermore, a damping element is also disposed in the arc-extinguishing chamber and supported on the base of the housing within the arc-extinguishing chamber; the disengaging element shifts toward the damping element after the fuse is triggered, and thus is at least temporarily and securely blocked on the damping element.
[0009] According to the invention, after the fuse device is triggered, in the position where the separating element abuts against the damping element, the two elements completely isolate the space from the busbar segment adjacent to the first predetermined break point attached to the housing, wherein the separated busbar segment is located in the space. In this state, the separated busbar segment is particularly located on the side of the separating piston and the damping element opposite to the first predetermined break point. The effect is that the arc generated between the predetermined break point on the fixed busbar segment and the predetermined break point on the separated busbar segment initially extends axially between the damping element and the separating element until the separating element strikes the damping element. During this stage, the busbar segment to be separated twists toward the side of the separating element away from the region of the fixed busbar segment adjacent to the first predetermined break point. Therefore, once the separating element reaches the damping element, the arc is extinguished because there is no longer any communicating free space between the two free ends of the separated busbar segment and the fixed busbar segment. The separated busbar segment, twisted into the space, is thus completely isolated from the fixed busbar segment adjacent to the predetermined break point by the damping element and the separating element. During this process, the damping element deforms to absorb the kinetic energy of the separating element and convert it into deformation energy. This deformation also generates a strong contact force, thus forming an effective seal between the separating element and the damping element for a relatively long period, reliably preventing any flashover of the arc through the resulting gap. Consequently, the arc is reliably and completely cut off and extinguished, while protecting the housing from excessive impact forces, meaning the housing can be constructed thinner, thus saving corresponding materials and space.
[0010] The damping element is preferably fixed to the base by defining at least one sidewall of the arc-extinguishing chamber. This prevents the damping element from sliding on the base without the use of additional components, thereby preventing gaps between the separating element and the damping element due to suboptimal positioning of the damping element relative to the separating element.
[0011] In another embodiment, the damping element is made of an elastomer, which allows for a high degree of deformation, enabling a significant amount of kinetic energy to be converted into deformation energy. This effectively reduces the mechanical load on adjacent housings. Furthermore, since the deformability ensures that the separating element will rest flat against the damping element for at least a period of time, reliably preventing gap formation during arc extinction, greater tolerances are allowed for manufacturing inaccuracies.
[0012] It is also advantageous if the damping element includes a deformable structure. With these structures, kinetic energy can be converted into deformation energy particularly efficiently, and a smoother deceleration of the separation element can be achieved.
[0013] In a further improvement to this embodiment, the damping element having the deformable structure is located on the base of the arc-extinguishing chamber, such that the surface facing the separating element can be easily designed to correspond to the opposite separating surface of the separating element.
[0014] Particularly advantageous is that the deformable structure is implemented as a rib, which extends from the damping body (to which the separating element is pushed) to the base and is supported on the base. This rib can be easily manufactured and is readily deformable.
[0015] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the separating element has a first separating edge that, when viewed along the direction of movement of the separating element in the untriggered state, is at a minimum distance from the busbar segment to be separated. The portion of the separating edge at the minimum distance from the first predetermined break point in the main extension direction of the busbar has a shape complementary to a surface region of the damping element, which is disposed opposite to that portion of the separating edge in the direction of movement of the separating element. This ensures that the separating edge of the separating element reaches the damping element flatly, thereby closing the gap across the entire width of the gap between the separating element and the damping element, and thus simultaneously closing the gap across the entire width of the arc and the busbar. In this way, a sealing contact is achieved across the entire width available for arc propagation, and the arc is effectively cut off.
[0016] In another advantageous improvement of the embodiment, a sealing lip is formed on the surface of the damping element adjacent to the surface region having a complementary shape, such that, when viewed along the direction of movement of the separating element before the fuse device is triggered, the sealing lip is at a minimum distance from the separating element. The sealing lip enhances the sealing effect in a known manner upon impact with the separating surface. The line contact at the moment the arc breaks generates a strong separating force.
[0017] The sealing lip preferably extends across the entire width of the arc-extinguishing chamber until it defines the sidewall of the arc-extinguishing chamber, thereby ensuring separation across the entire usable width of the arc.
[0018] It is particularly advantageous if the damping element has a shoulder in its radially outer region, the distance between the surface of the shoulder facing the generatrix and the generatrix being greater than the distance between the surface region of the damping element and the generatrix, wherein the surface region is disposed opposite to the portion of the separation edge in the direction of movement of the separating element and the separating element is displaceable toward the surface region, wherein at least one sidewall defining the arc-extinguishing chamber is supported on the shoulder to secure the damping element. This contact may particularly require slight compression of the shoulder to provide a strong seal between the sidewall and the damping element. No additional fastening device is required. This form of fastening prevents not only movement of the damping element in the radial direction but also movement in the axial direction.
[0019] In a further improvement to this embodiment, the shoulder in the radially outer region of the damping element extends on three sides of the damping element and defines three sidewalls of the arc-extinguishing chamber supported on the shoulder. These three sides are particularly close to the first predetermined break point, while the busbar twists toward a fourth side not defined by any of these three sidewalls. Therefore, robust support of the sidewalls is ensured throughout the arc-generating region. The space where the busbar segment to be separated after triggering is thus completely sealed in the direction toward the first predetermined break point by the sidewalls and their support on the shoulder of the damping element. This prevents a short circuit from occurring through another path within the housing.
[0020] The damping element preferably abuts radially against a defining rod on the fourth side, the defining rod extending from the base of the housing into the arc-extinguishing chamber. This not only simplifies pre-assembly within the housing but also serves to seal any gaps present on the fourth side between the housing and the damping element.
[0021] The housing is preferably constructed in three parts, wherein a first housing part radially surrounds the actuation chamber, a second housing part radially surrounds the arc-extinguishing chamber and forms the base of the arc-extinguishing chamber, the damping element is disposed on the base, and a third housing part surrounds the generatrix and is disposed between the first housing part and the second housing part by a flange section, wherein the three sidewalls defining the arc-extinguishing chamber, supported on the damping element, extend from the flange section toward the base of the second housing part. The damping element is also attached to the base of the second housing part in one step by attaching the housing parts to each other, and a double-walled outer shell of the arc-extinguishing chamber is formed by the second housing part and the third housing part.
[0022] Further advantageously, the distance from the separation surface of the separation element to the busbar increases from the first separation edge toward the opposite second end in the untriggered state. This ensures that, upon triggering, the busbar segment to be separated is first simply twisted into the arc-extinguishing chamber, which allows the arc to be extinguished by pressing it against one side of the busbar segment to be separated.
[0023] In a further improvement to this embodiment, the busbar has a second predetermined break point. After the busbar is cut at the first predetermined break point, the busbar segment to be separated can be twisted around the second predetermined break point. A cavity is formed in the space between the damping element and the sidewall of the second housing portion defining the arc-extinguishing chamber. After the busbar segment to be separated is cut, the busbar segment is disposed in the cavity and located next to the separating element. This cavity thus forms the fourth side surface of the arc-extinguishing chamber. Upon triggering, the busbar segment to be separated is twisted into the cavity and collected in an upright position within it. During this process, further separation occurs at the second predetermined break point, causing the busbar segment to be broken on both sides and thus loosely accommodated in the cavity.
[0024] Therefore, a fuse device for high-voltage applications has been invented, wherein the arc generated during the separation of the busbar segment is rapidly extinguished by significantly extending and then extinguishing the arc by completely spatially disconnecting the separated busbar segment from a fixed busbar segment adjacent to the predetermined break point. This makes it possible to avoid prolonged short circuits and electric shocks, as well as subsequent injuries to personnel. However, the fuse device can still be a relatively small construction with thin walls because the kinetic energy of the separating element is absorbed by the damping element. The damping element thus functions both as a damper and as a sealing element for the gap between the separating element and the housing base.
[0025] Exemplary embodiments of the fuse device for high-voltage applications according to the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and will be described below with reference to a fuse device designed as a pyrotechnic circuit breaker. The terms “axial” and “radial” as used below refer to the movement of the disconnecting element of the fuse device: the axial direction corresponds to the direction of movement of the disconnecting element, while the radial direction forms a component perpendicular to the direction of movement.
[0026] Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of the fuse device according to the invention before actuation is shown.
[0027] Figure 2 The invention is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of the fuse device after actuation.
[0028] Figure 3 The invention is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of the fuse device rotated 90° before actuation.
[0029] Figure 4 A top-view cross-section of the arc-extinguishing chamber through the fuse device is shown.
[0030] The fuse device according to the invention shown in the accompanying drawings is designed as a pyrotechnic circuit breaker and comprises a housing 10, within which an actuation chamber 12 and an arc-extinguishing chamber 14 are formed. The actuation chamber and the arc-extinguishing chamber are separated from each other by a busbar 16 extending through the housing 10, through which, for example, a vehicle battery is connected to an electrical device such as a drive motor. The housing 10 is designed to have double walls, wherein an inner wall 18 at least partially defines the arc-extinguishing chamber 14 and the actuation chamber 12 radially, and an outer wall 20 is arranged radially spaced from the inner wall 18 and externally defines the fuse device.
[0031] The housing 10 is constructed in three parts in total, wherein the third housing part 26 is sandwiched between the first housing part 22 and the second housing part 24 by means of an intermediate sealing ring 28, the actuation chamber 12 is formed in the center of the first housing part, and the arc extinguishing chamber 14 is formed in the second housing part.
[0032] The actuation chamber 12 in the first housing portion 22 is radially surrounded by the inner wall 30 of the first housing portion 22. Inside the actuation chamber 12, the actuator 32, implemented as a pyrotechnic igniter, is located in the region furthest from the arc-extinguishing chamber 14. In the untriggered state, a separation element 34 in the form of a piston can also be displaced inside the actuation chamber 12, and at least one segment of the separation element is guided radially through the inner wall 30 of the first housing portion 22 and axially defines the actuation chamber 12 in the direction toward the actuator 32. The first housing portion 22 also has an outer wall 36, which is connected to the inner wall 30 by ribs (not shown). A pressure relief volume 38 is formed between the inner wall 30 and the outer wall 36 by the free space between the ribs.
[0033] The third housing portion 26 includes a flange section 40, which clamps the third housing portion 26 between the first housing portion 22 and the second housing portion 24. Except for the busbar section 42 to be separated, the flange section 40 surrounds the busbar 16 on all sides, which is axially positioned adjacent to the actuation chamber 12 and the arc-extinguishing chamber 14 prior to triggering. The busbar section 42 is defined only radially by the third housing portion 26, while two sides of the busbar section 42 adjacent to the actuation chamber 12 and the arc-extinguishing chamber 14 are exposed to the actuation chamber 12 and the arc-extinguishing chamber 14. Two or more flow openings 43 are also formed in the flange section 40, which are disposed on the axial extension of the pressure relief volume 38 of the first housing portion 22. A guide section 44 extending axially from the flange section 40 engages in a seat 46 on the inner wall 30 in the region of the first housing portion 22 facing the third housing portion 26, and radially defines the actuation chamber 12 in this region, and thus also guides the separation element 34.
[0034] The third housing portion 26 further includes a guide section 48 extending into the second housing portion 24 and having three sidewalls 50, 52, 54 defining the arc-extinguishing chamber 14 on three sides. On a fourth side 55, the guide section 48 is open. On this side, the sidewall 56 of the arc-extinguishing chamber 14 is formed by the inner wall 58 of the second housing portion 24. Fin-shaped stop ribs 60 protruding into the arc-extinguishing chamber 14 are formed on the inner wall 58.
[0035] The three sidewalls 50, 52, 54 of the guide section 48, extending toward the base 62 of the second housing portion 24, are precisely fitted within the wall section 64 of the second housing portion 24, which extends from the base 62 toward the first housing portion 22. The sidewalls 50, 52, 54, the wall section 64, and the sidewall 56 of the second housing portion 24 are radially spaced from the surrounding outer wall 66 of the second housing portion 24, which radially defines the fuse device outward.
[0036] A damping element 68 is disposed on the base 62 and axially defines the arc-extinguishing chamber 14 below the separating element 34 from the base 62 of the second housing portion 24. A metal mesh 70 is also disposed directly on the base 62 next to the damping element 68, on the side of the arc-extinguishing chamber 14 opposite to the stop rib 60, and extends axially between the sidewall 50 and the outer wall 66 surrounding the arc-extinguishing chamber 14. The metal mesh 70 extends axially until it just reaches the flange section 40 of the third housing portion 26. An opening 72 is formed in the sidewall 50 of the guide section 44 of the third housing portion 26, through which a fluid connection is established from the interior of the arc-extinguishing chamber 14 to the metal mesh 70. The opening 72 is formed directly on the sidewall 50 adjacent to the flange section 40, the sidewall 50 being disposed on the axial extension of the first predetermined break point 74 of the busbar 16.
[0037] In addition to the first predetermined break point 74, the busbar 16 also includes a second predetermined break point 76 located at a certain distance from the first predetermined break point. In this exemplary embodiment, the two predetermined break points 74, 76 are formed such that the busbar segment 42 to be separated, located between the two predetermined break points 74, 76, is offset relative to the busbar segment 78 adjacent to the two predetermined break points 74, 76 in an axial direction corresponding to the direction of movement X of the separating element 34, wherein the busbar segment 78 is surrounded and thus fixed by the third housing portion 26. Therefore, the busbar segment 42 to be separated is connected to the adjacent busbar segment 78 by only 10-60% in cross-section.
[0038] When viewed along the main extension direction Y of the busbar 16, the first predetermined break point 74 is located directly opposite the first separation edge 80 of the separation element 34 formed on the first end, wherein the separation element is at the minimum distance from the busbar segment 42 to be separated. When viewed along the main extension direction Y of the busbar 16, the separation surface 82 of the separation element 34 initially extends laterally from the short segment 83 of the separation edge 80 and is parallel to the busbar segment 42 at the shortest distance, then gradually moves away from the busbar segment 42 in the direction toward the second predetermined break point 76, and thus has an inclined profile, such that the second end 84, which is farthest from the separation edge 80, is at the maximum distance from the busbar segment 42. As previously described, when the separating element 34 is in an untriggered state, the first predetermined break point 74 is located directly below the separating edge 80 of the separating element 34, while the second end 84, viewed along the main extension direction of the busbar 16, is a certain distance from the second predetermined break point 76, a distance greater than the axial extension of the busbar segment 42 to be separated. In this region between the second end 84 of the separating element 34 and the second predetermined break point 76, when viewed along the main extension direction of the busbar 16, a limiting stop 86 is formed on the flange segment 40 of the third housing portion 26 within the arc-extinguishing chamber 14.
[0039] After the actuator 32 is triggered and the busbar segment 42 is separated at the first predetermined fracture point 74, the separating element 34 is then further driven into the arc-extinguishing chamber 14. During this process, the busbar segment 42 twists into the arc-extinguishing chamber 14 about the second predetermined fracture point 76 until the underside of the busbar segment 42 impacts the limiting stop 86. The continued movement of the separating element 34 thus generates shear stress in the region of the second predetermined fracture point 76, ultimately leading to fracture at the second predetermined fracture point 76. Since the separating element 34 has now entered the arc-extinguishing chamber 14 for a considerable distance, and the movement of the busbar segment 42 to be separated is purely rotational about the second predetermined fracture point 76, this movement continues after its fracture. This means that the busbar segment 42 twists towards the stop rib 60, which absorbs its kinetic energy. During this process, the busbar segment 42 is twisted into the cavity 88, which is defined by the inner wall 58 of the second housing portion 24 and also by the side surface 90 of the separating element 34 facing the second predetermined break point 76. For this purpose, the distance between the adjacent busbar segment 78 and the base 62 in the region of the cavity 88 must be greater than the length of the separated busbar segment 42 to ensure that there is no longer any contact between the adjacent busbar segment 78 fixed in the housing 10 and the separated busbar segment 42. When viewed along the direction of movement of the separating element 34, the distance between the stop rib 60 and the separating element 34 in the triggered state must also be selected to be greater than the length of the busbar segment 42 before triggering.
[0040] The cavity 88 is further defined in the region of the base 62 by a limiting rod 92 extending toward the first housing portion 22 into the arc-extinguishing chamber 14, which on the one hand restricts the separated busbar segment 42 to its final upright position, and on the other hand serves as a limiter for the damping element 68.
[0041] The damping element 68 is made of an elastomer and has a damping body 96, from which a deformable structure 98 extends to the base 62 of the second housing portion 24. The deformable structure 98 is designed in the form of ribs 100, the ends of which allow the damping element 68 to be supported on the base 62.
[0042] The damping element 68 has a surface 102 on the damping body 96 facing the separating body 34. A surface region 104 of the surface 102 of the damping body 96 abuts the sidewall 50 on which the opening 72 is formed, and is axially disposed opposite to a segment 105 of the separating edge 80, which, in the untriggered state, is positioned closest to the first predetermined break point 74. The surface region 104 is shaped to be complementary to the segment 105 of the separating edge 80. In this exemplary embodiment, the surface region 104 has an inwardly curved portion 106 facing the separating body 34, and the separating body 34 has a corresponding inwardly oriented recess 108 in this region. Viewed along the extension direction of the generatrix 16, the surface region 104 abuts a sealing lip 110, which extends from the sidewall 52 to the sidewall 54 on the surface 102 of the damping element 68. The sidewalls 52 and 54 extend from the ends of the sidewall 50 at approximately right angles to define the arc-extinguishing chamber 14 on three sides, such that the sealing lip 110 extends perpendicular to the main extension direction of the busbar 16 and approximately parallel to the separation edge 80 of the separation element 34. In the radially outer region 112, the damping element 68 has shoulders 114 on three sides, the distance between the surface 116 of the shoulder facing the busbar 16 and the busbar 16 is correspondingly smaller than the distance between the remaining surface 102 of the damping element 68 and the busbar 16, and the damping element 68 protrudes beneath the sidewalls 50, 52, and 54 by means of the shoulders. During assembly, the sidewalls 50, 52, and 54 are pressed against the surface 116 of the shoulders 114, and thus the damping element 68 is securely clamped in its position on the base 62 of the second housing portion 24. Displacement towards the fourth side 55 during assembly is prevented by the limiting rod 92. The radially outer region 112 of the compression damping element 68 serves to create a seal between the damping element 68 and the third housing portion 26, and thus also between the three sidewalls 50, 52, 54 of the arc-extinguishing chamber 14.
[0043] In the event of an emergency, such as a vehicle accident, the pyrotechnic actuator 32 is triggered. The separation element 34 is propelled toward the busbar 16 by the explosion and separates the busbar segment 42 from the remainder of the busbar 16 at the first predetermined break point 74. Due to the high voltage, an electric arc occurs between the free ends of the busbar in the region of the first predetermined break point 74. The arc can propagate primarily through the opening 72 to the metal mesh 70, which is melted by thermal energy, thereby cooling the arc. However, initially, the arc is confined to the connection between the busbar segment 78 adjacent to the first predetermined break point 74 and the detached end of the busbar segment 42 twisted into the arc-extinguishing chamber 14, and the arc continues to expand as the busbar segment 42 rotates further. As the separation element 34 continues to move, the gap between the separation element 34 and the damping element 68 through which the arc passes gradually decreases until the separation element 34 finally impacts the surface 102. Upon impact, kinetic energy is initially converted into deformation energy of the rib 100. Furthermore, the gap between the separating element 34 and the damping element 68 is completely sealed shut because the separating element 34 first impacts the sealing lip 110 at high speed, thereby generating strong pressure very quickly in a very small area, which in turn has the effect of extinguishing or interrupting the arc in this area. Subsequent motion significantly expands the contact surface between the damping element 68 and the separating element 34 because the separating edge 80 of the separating element 34 is brought to abut against the surface region 104, which has a complementary form extending from the sidewall 52 to the sidewall 54, thus forming a wide sealing surface that effectively prevents further arc flashover. This means that, through the damping element 68 and the separating element 34, the free end of the fixed busbar section 78 region adjacent to the first predetermined break point 74 is completely and sealedly isolated from the space 118 formed on the fourth side surface 55 of the arc-extinguishing chamber 14. The busbar section 42 is first twisted into the space 118, then broken off, and the cavity 88 for accommodating the busbar section 42 is formed in the space.
[0044] Furthermore, when the busbar 16 is cut at the second predetermined break point 76, another arc may occur, increasing the total length of the existing arc to such an extent that the resistance increases to the point that the cutoff voltage exceeds the source voltage. These measures enable the arc to be completely and rapidly extinguished and cooled within a short time.
[0045] In addition to extinguishing and cooling the electric arc, it is also necessary to reduce the pressure generated by the explosion of the igniter and the melting of the metal mesh 70 and the resulting electric arc. To guide this airflow in a controlled manner into the pressure relief volume 38 located between the inner wall section 30 and the outer wall section 36 of the actuation chamber 12, a channel 120 is formed in the base 62 of the second housing portion 24. The channel extends (initially in the form of a groove) from the region below the metal mesh 70 along the base 62 on both sides of the second housing portion 24, downwards to below the damping element 68. From there, the channel 120 extends laterally to the opposing outer wall 66 of the second housing portion 24. From there, the channel 120 extends upwards on the inner wall surface of the outer wall 66 in the form of a groove-like recess until they converge into the flow opening 43 of the third housing portion 26, which in turn is in fluid communication with the pressure relief volume 38, allowing for reliable pressure reduction via the available volume.
[0046] Therefore, a fuse device was invented that, in a small installation space, can prevent persistent short circuits and the resulting damage by quickly and reliably extinguishing the arc, and effectively avoid emissions. High separation performance can still be achieved with good damping and rapid extinguishing. This also allows for a relatively thin wall thickness, as the pressure is rapidly reduced, the arc is quickly and reliably extinguished, and the kinetic energy of the separation body is effectively absorbed.
[0047] It should be understood that the scope of protection is not limited to the described implementation scheme, and various modifications are possible. Specifically, other housing separation forms or shapes of components used may be provided. If necessary, busbars with predetermined break points of different designs may also be used, or damped impact may be performed by modified components, wherein reliable separation of the space formed on the side of the separating element opposite to the free end of the fixed busbar section adjacent to the first predetermined break point must be achieved through the first predetermined break point, and the space must be sealed and isolated from the free end of the fixed busbar section.
Claims
1. A fuse device for high-voltage applications, comprising: Shell (10); An actuation chamber (12) and an arc-extinguishing chamber (14) are formed in the housing (10); Busbar (16), which extends through the housing (10) and is located between the actuation chamber (12) and the arc-extinguishing chamber (14); A separation element (34) is movable from the actuation chamber (12) toward the busbar (16) by means of an actuator (32), and the busbar segment (42) is movable into the arc-extinguishing chamber (14) by means of the separation element to cut the busbar (16) at a first predetermined break point (74). A damping element (68) is disposed in the arc-extinguishing chamber (14) on the base (62) of the housing (10), and the separation element (34) is supported on the damping element after the fuse device is triggered; Its features are, After the fuse device is triggered, the separating element (34) and the damping element (68) completely isolate the space (118) from the bus section (42) in the housing (10) adjacent to the first predetermined break point (74), wherein the separated bus section (42) is disposed in the space (118).
2. The fuse device for high-voltage applications according to claim 1, characterized in that, The damping element (68) is fixed to the base (62) by at least one sidewall (50, 52, 54) defining the arc-extinguishing chamber (14).
3. The fuse device for high-voltage applications according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The damping element (68) is made of an elastomer.
4. The fuse device for high-voltage applications according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The damping element (68) includes a deformable structure (98).
5. The fuse device for high-voltage applications according to claim 4, characterized in that, The damping element (68) having the deformable structure (98) is supported on the base (62) of the arc-extinguishing chamber (14).
6. The fuse device for high-voltage applications according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The deformable structure (98) is implemented as a rib (100) extending from the damping body (96) to the base (62).
7. A fuse device for high-voltage applications according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The separating element (34) has a first separating edge (80) that, when viewed along the direction of movement of the separating element (34) in the untriggered state, is at a minimum distance from the busbar segment (42) to be separated; wherein, the portion (105) of the separating edge (80) at a minimum distance from the first predetermined break point (74) in the main extension direction of the busbar (16) has a shape complementary to the surface region (104) of the damping element (68), the surface region (104) being disposed opposite to the portion (105) of the separating edge (80) in the direction of movement of the separating element (34).
8. The fuse device for high-voltage applications according to claim 7, characterized in that, A sealing lip (110) is formed on the surface (102) of the damping element (68) adjacent to the surface region (104) having a complementary shape, and the sealing lip is at a minimum distance from the separating element (34) before the fuse device is triggered.
9. The fuse device for high-voltage applications according to claim 8, characterized in that, The sealing lip (110) extends across the entire width of the arc-extinguishing chamber (14) until it defines the sidewalls (52, 54) of the arc-extinguishing chamber (14).
10. A fuse device for high-voltage applications according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that, The damping element (68) has a shoulder (114) in its radially outer region (112), and before the device is triggered, the distance between the surface (116) of the shoulder facing the busbar (16) and the busbar (16) is greater than the distance between the surface region (104) of the damping element (68) and the busbar (16), wherein the surface region (104) is disposed opposite to the portion (105) of the separation edge (80) in the direction of movement of the separation element (34) and the separation element (34) is displaceable toward the surface region (104), wherein, in order to fix the damping element (68), at least one sidewall (50, 52, 54) defining the arc-extinguishing chamber (14) is supported on the shoulder (114).
11. The fuse device for high-voltage applications according to claim 10, characterized in that, The shoulder (114) in the radially outer region (112) of the damping element (68) extends on three sides of the damping element (68), and the three sidewalls (50, 52, 54) defining the arc-extinguishing chamber are supported on the shoulder (114).
12. The fuse device for high-voltage applications according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The damping element (68) abuts radially against a limiting rod (92) on the fourth side (55), the limiting rod extending from the base (62) of the housing (10) into the arc-extinguishing chamber (14).
13. The fuse device for high-voltage applications according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The housing (10) is constructed in three parts, wherein a first housing part (22) radially surrounds the actuation chamber (12), a second housing part (24) radially surrounds the arc-extinguishing chamber (14) and forms the base (62) of the arc-extinguishing chamber (14), the damping element (68) is disposed on the base, and a third housing part (26) surrounds the busbar (16) and is disposed between the first housing part (22) and the second housing part (24) with a flange section (40), wherein the three sidewalls (50, 52, 54) defining the arc-extinguishing chamber (14) and supported on the damping element (68) extend from the flange section (40) toward the base (62) of the second housing part (24).
14. The fuse device for high-voltage applications according to any one of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that, In the untriggered state, the distance from the separation surface (82) of the separation element (34) to the busbar (16) increases from the first separation edge (80) toward the opposite second end (84).
15. A fuse device for high-voltage applications according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The busbar (16) has a second predetermined break point (76). After the busbar (16) is cut at the first predetermined break point (74), the busbar segment (42) to be separated can be twisted around the second predetermined break point. A cavity (88) is formed in the space (118) between the damping element (68) and the sidewall (56) of the second housing portion (24) defining the arc-extinguishing chamber (14). After the busbar segment (42) to be separated is cut, the busbar segment (42) to be separated is disposed adjacent to and located in the cavity of the separating element (34).