Fusing fuse unit and method for optimizing the fusing characteristics of a fuse

Abstract

This invention relates to a melting fuse unit for optimizing the melting characteristics of a fuse. The melting fuse unit comprises at least one current-to-voltage converter and a multi-function switching module having at least one start-threshold comparator, a voltage-to-time converter for providing a time-dependent current, a time-process comparator having a time comparator threshold, and a latch control element. The current-to-voltage converter is configured to provide a voltage signal for the multi-function switching module. The multi-function switching module is configured to proportionally change the reference voltage level of the at least one time-process comparator to a time-dependent threshold current level permitted by the circuit breaker of the voltage-to-time converter. The voltage-to-time converter is formed from components selected from the group including a current sensor amplifier, a low-ohm resistor, and / or a magnetic field sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fusing fuse unit for optimizing the melting characteristics of a fuse. Furthermore, this invention relates to a method for optimizing the melting characteristics of a fuse using a fusing fuse unit. Additionally, this invention relates to the application of said method for protecting circuits. Background Technology

[0002] The following fuses are known, and their function is to protect circuits from overcurrent. These fuses interrupt the current flow if the current exceeds a predetermined threshold. Conventional fuses are equipped with a conductive element that melts due to the generated heat flow and interrupts the circuit.

[0003] In addition to fuses, other safety devices are known that enable targeted control of the tripping action. In particular, thermal mechanisms or electronic circuitry are used, which monitor current flow and trigger tripping based on specific parameters.

[0004] US 2007 / 0229141 describes an electronic fuse that uses a transistor for current regulation. The fuse includes a circuit for detecting a voltage difference between the junctions of the transistor to generate a signal for current monitoring.

[0005] The comparator switching circuit evaluates this signal and controls the transistor in such a way that it interrupts current flow once an overcurrent is detected. The fuse is designed for use in test systems to monitor the power supply to the device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, a melting fuse unit for optimizing the melting characteristics of a fuse is proposed. The melting fuse unit comprises at least one current-to-voltage converter and a multi-function switching module having at least one start-threshold comparator, a voltage-to-time converter for providing a time-dependent current, a time-process comparator having a time comparator threshold, and a latch control element. The current-to-voltage converter is configured to provide a voltage signal for the multi-function switching module. The multi-function switching module is configured to proportionally change the reference voltage level of the at least one time-process comparator to the allowable, time-dependent threshold current level of the circuit breaker. Furthermore, the voltage-to-time converter is formed by components selected from the group including a current sensor amplifier, a low-ohm resistor, and / or a magnetic field sensor.

[0007] The solution according to the invention ensures that sufficient energy is provided in the event of a short circuit to reliably initiate the melting of the fuse connected downstream of the battery. Here, the melting fuse unit is responsible for efficiently transferring sufficient energy to the melting element of the fuse, thereby causing the fuse to trip and interrupt current flow when a critical current is exceeded. This prevents damage to the electrical system and avoids potential risks caused by uncontrolled short-circuit currents.

[0008] The fusible fuse according to the invention is a protective device for protecting circuits or electrical devices from overcurrent conditions. The fusible fuse includes a fuse wire that interrupts the circuit when a permissible, time-dependent threshold current level is exceeded due to the heating and melting process. For example, materials with a specific melting point can function as fuses, melting and causing the circuit to break when an overload of current occurs due to an increased temperature. The fusible fuse is advantageously designed to react immediately in the event of an overcurrent, thereby preventing damage to connected components and ensuring the safety of the electrical device.

[0009] A current-to-voltage converter includes means for converting current into a proportional voltage. The current-to-voltage converter is, for example, equipped with an input socket for performing the measurement, on which the current to be measured is applied, and an output socket at which a voltage directly related to the applied current is output. The current-to-voltage converter may, for example, include a current sensor amplifier coupled to a resistor, particularly a low-ohm resistor. Alternatively, the current-to-voltage converter may also include a magnetic field sensor. The current sensor amplifier may, for example, convert the current into a voltage, the value of which is defined by Ohm's law. Adjustment of the voltage at the output socket may, for example, be achieved by selecting the amplification factor of the resistor and the current sensor amplifier.

[0010] In the context of this invention, the proposed multi-function switch module is an electronic structural element that integrates multiple different switching functions into a single module. The multi-function switch module is used to control and regulate electrical signals, receive and / or process input signals, such as voltage signals from a current-to-voltage converter, reference voltages, and / or reset signals, and / or subsequently provide output signals. The multi-function switch module advantageously includes at least one start-threshold comparator, a voltage-to-time converter, a time-process comparator, and a latch control element.

[0011] The start threshold comparator proposed according to the present invention is an electronic structural element that compares a voltage signal with a reference voltage. The start threshold comparator is configured to compare the voltage signal with a reference voltage (i.e., a threshold), wherein the line is deactivated when the voltage is below the reference voltage, and a start threshold comparator output signal is generated and forwarded to a voltage-time converter when the threshold is met.

[0012] A voltage-to-time converter is an electronic device or circuit that converts voltage signals into time parameters.

[0013] The time-process comparator is an electronic module configured to compare a time-dependent current, derived from the voltage signal provided by the voltage-time converter, with a reference signal, such as a reference voltage relative to elapsed time. Here, the time-process comparator checks the extent to which the reference voltage deviates from a permissible time-dependent threshold current level at a specific moment or within a specific time period, particularly checking for cases where the reference voltage is below the permissible time-dependent threshold current level. The permissible threshold current level advantageously corresponds to the time-dependent current. In cases where the current is below the permissible time-dependent threshold current level, a change in the reference voltage level of at least one time-process comparator is detected, the reference voltage level being proportional to the permissible time-dependent threshold current level. If this is not the case, the time-process comparator provides an output signal.

[0014] According to the invention, a latch switching element is controlled based on a reference voltage and a time-dependent current. For this purpose, a time-process comparator compares the reference voltage and the time-dependent current. Whenever the time-dependent current is lower than the reference voltage, the latch switching element is in an ON state, and the output signal provided by the time-process comparator is activated. If the reference voltage is lower than the time-dependent current, the time-process comparator identifies this as a deviation from the rated state, i.e., the state where the reference voltage at the output is not lower than the time-dependent current. In the presence of a deviation, a reset signal is output to the latch switching element, which deactivates the output signal and thereby interrupts current flow in the system, such as in a vehicle's battery cell.

[0015] In an improved embodiment of the fusible fuse according to the present invention, at least one current-to-voltage converter is configured to convert a current signal into a current-to-voltage converter transfer characteristic curve. The voltage signal here is the input signal for the multi-function switching module.

[0016] In another design of the melt-proof unit according to the present invention, at least one starting threshold comparator is configured to provide a permissible time-dependent threshold current level.

[0017] In another design of the fuse unit according to the present invention, at least one start threshold comparator is configured to charge at least one capacitor inside the voltage-time converter. Here, the time-dependent current of the voltage-time converter can be transmitted to at least one time process comparator, and the at least one time process comparator is configured to detect the time-dependent current and generate an output signal during the period when the time comparator threshold is reached.

[0018] In an improved version of the melting fuse unit proposed according to the present invention, the multi-function switch module includes an RC converter for providing a time-dependent current at at least one start threshold comparator.

[0019] In an advantageous improvement of the melting fuse unit proposed according to the present invention, the fuse has a permissible time-dependent threshold current level.

[0020] In an advantageous improvement of the melting fuse unit according to the present invention, the multi-functional switch module includes a control circuit.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a method for optimizing the melting characteristics of a fuse by means of a melting fuse element is proposed.

[0022] The method includes at least the following steps: a. The reference voltage level of the time process comparator is changed by a voltage-time converter with a switching unit; b. The reference voltage is varied proportionally to the permissible time-dependent threshold current level; and c. By using the reference voltage, the time required for the fuse to melt at the same current level is shortened.

[0023] In an improved embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the method includes providing a control loop circuit. The control loop circuit here shortens the time necessary for melting at a given current intensity, in order to regulate the melting characteristics of the Schmelzer.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the present invention, an application of the method for protecting lines, preferably for securing lines, is proposed.

[0025] Advantages of the present invention The melting fuse unit according to the invention ensures that sufficient energy is provided in the event of a short circuit to reliably initiate the melting of the fuse connected downstream of the battery. The melting fuse unit guarantees that sufficient energy is efficiently transferred to the melting element of the fuse, thereby causing the fuse to trip and interrupt current flow when a critical current is exceeded. The melting fuse unit thus helps prevent damage associated with uncontrolled short-circuit currents and minimizes the risks associated with them.

[0026] Furthermore, the melting fuse unit ensures a reliable output signal that is always above a permissible time-dependent threshold level. Moreover, the output signal advantageously varies in significant accordance with the requirements for the fuse's melting characteristics. This guarantees precise adjustment of the fuse's melting delay and melting rate, which in turn achieves an effective and reliable melting response. Furthermore, the optimization of melting characteristics enables the fuse to trip under overload conditions without unnecessary delay or premature melting. This optimization of melting characteristics significantly helps protect system components from overheating and damage, while maximizing system lifespan and operational reliability. The optimization of melting characteristics thus leads to improved overall system energy efficiency and enhanced long-term stability. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings and the following description.

[0028] in: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a meltdown fuse unit is shown; Figure 2 A graphical representation of the transfer characteristic curves of a current-to-voltage converter is shown. Figure 3 A diagram illustrating the permissible time-dependent threshold current level is shown; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an RC converter is shown; Figure 5 A graphical representation of the capacitor voltage curve under constant input voltage is shown. Figure 6 A graphical representation of the capacitor voltage curves along an inversely proportional orientation is shown for three different input voltages; Figure 7.1 A graphical representation of the simulated capacitor voltage in comparison with a time comparator threshold is shown. Figure 7.2 A graphical representation of the simulation of capacitor voltage in comparison with a time comparator threshold is shown, utilizing the latch control element function. Figure 8A diagram showing the permissible time-dependent threshold current level and the output signal is provided. Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a meltdown protection unit with its various components is shown; Figure 10 A diagram illustrating the permissible time-dependent threshold current level and the output signal provided by a multi-function switching module including control loop lines is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0029] In the following description of embodiments of the invention, the same or similar elements are indicated by the same reference numerals, wherein repeated descriptions of these elements are omitted in certain cases. The accompanying drawings are merely schematic illustrations of the subject matter of the invention.

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a melting fuse unit 100 is shown. The melting fuse unit 100 is adapted for optimizing the melting characteristics of a fuse and includes a current-to-voltage converter 102 and a multifunction switch module 104. The multifunction switch module includes a start-threshold comparator 108, a voltage-to-time converter 114 for providing a time-dependent current 125, a time-process comparator 110 (shown in Figure 7) with a time comparator threshold 704, and a latching switch element 112. The current-to-voltage converter 102 is configured to provide a voltage signal 118 for the multifunction switch module 104. The multifunction switch module 104 is configured to interact with a time-dependent threshold current level 300 (in the circuit breaker 902) allowed by the circuit breaker 902. Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram) The reference voltage level of the time-process comparator 110 is measured proportionally. A circuit breaker 902 is configured here to disconnect the voltage-time converter 114. Furthermore, the multifunction switch module 104 has a control loop line 128.

[0031] In addition, by Figure 1 As can be seen, the current-to-voltage converter 102 includes a current sensor amplifier 106 and a low-ohm resistor 115. An input current 105 flows through the low-ohm resistor 115. The low-ohm resistor 115 generates a voltage proportional to the input current 105, which is supplied to the current sensor amplifier 106. The current sensor amplifier 106 amplifies the voltage generated through the low-ohm resistor 115, wherein a reference voltage 116 is supplied to stabilize the operating point or influence the voltage signal 118, which is provided to the multi-function switching module 104 via the current-to-voltage converter 102.

[0032] Furthermore, the voltage signal 118 is forwarded internally to the start-threshold comparator 108 within the multi-function switch module 104. The start-threshold comparator 108 is configured to compare the voltage signal 118 with a reference voltage 116, specifically a threshold, wherein the line is deactivated if the voltage is below the threshold. If the threshold is met, a start-threshold comparator output signal 130 is generated and sent to the voltage-time converter 114. The reference voltage 116 is constant here.

[0033] In addition, by Figure 1 As can be seen, the reference voltage 116 and voltage signal 118 are additionally intercepted and sent to the control circuit 128 before being transmitted to the start threshold comparator 108. The control circuit 128 acts as an accelerator, for example, by rapidly responding to changes in the input signal. This is achieved, for example, by amplifying the voltage difference determined between the voltage signal 118 and the reference voltage 116, thereby enabling the output voltage difference 132 to optimally respond to changes in the input signal.

[0034] Subsequently, the output voltage difference 132, along with a start-threshold comparator output signal 130 (e.g., a digital signal) and voltage signal 118, are fed to a voltage-time converter 114. The voltage-time converter 114 converts the level of voltage signal 118 into current-dependent pulses, the duration of which is proportional to the voltage signal 118. The resulting current is directly dependent on voltage signal 118 and varies over time according to signal changes. At the output of the voltage-time converter 114, a time-dependent current 125 is available and fed to a time-process comparator 110.

[0035] The time-process comparator 110 is used to compare the time-dependent current 125 derived from the voltage signal 118 provided by the voltage-time converter 114 with a reference voltage 116 relative to a defined elapsed time. Here, the time-process comparator 110 checks to what extent the reference voltage 116 deviates from an allowable time-dependent threshold current level 300 at a specific moment or within a specific time period. Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram). The time-dependent current 125 corresponds here to the permissible time-dependent threshold current level 300. Here, in particular, the case where the reference voltage 116 is lower than the permissible time-dependent threshold current level 300 is checked. If it is lower than the permissible time-dependent threshold current level 300, a change is made to the reference voltage level of at least one time process comparator 110, which is proportional to the permissible time-dependent threshold current level 300. Otherwise, the time process comparator 110 provides the output signal 126.

[0036] In addition, Figure 1 The latch control element 112 can be seen, which is controlled based on a reference voltage 116 and a time-dependent current 125. A time-process comparator 110 performs a comparison between the reference voltage 116 and the time-dependent current 125. As long as the time-dependent current 125 is lower than the reference voltage 116, the latch control element 112 is in the ON state, and the output signal 126 provided by the time-process comparator 110 is activated. If the reference voltage 116 drops below the time-dependent current 125, the time-process comparator 110 identifies this as a deviation from the rated state, i.e., the state where the reference voltage 116 at the output is not lower than the time-dependent current 125. In the presence of a deviation, a reset signal 124 is output to the latch control element 112, which deactivates the output signal 126 and thereby interrupts the current flow in the system, such as a battery cell in a vehicle.

[0037] exist Figure 2 The diagram shows a graph of the transfer characteristic curve 200 of the voltage signal 118 of the current-to-voltage converter 102. The horizontal axis here represents the input current 105 of the current-to-voltage converter 102. The vertical axis here represents the output voltage 202 of the current-to-voltage converter 102. The voltage signal 118 stretched in the graph is exemplarily shown as a linear line. As can be seen from the graph, the output voltage 202 decreases as the input current 105 increases.

[0038] exist Figure 3 The permissible, time-dependent threshold current level 300 is shown. The horizontal axis represents time 302 and the vertical axis represents the input current 105. The vertical axis represents the input current 105 of the current-to-voltage converter 102, where the permissible, time-dependent threshold current level 300 is shown as a characteristic curve. The permissible, time-dependent threshold current level 300 is used here as a threshold, and the output signal 126 must not fall below said threshold. The permissible, time-dependent threshold current level 300 corresponds here to the output of the voltage-to-time converter 114.

[0039] Figure 4A schematic diagram of an RC converter 400 is shown. The RC converter 400 has: an input voltage, such as a voltage signal 118 representing the input voltage; a resistor 402 connected in series with the input voltage; and a capacitor 404 connected in parallel with a switching unit 406 to form the output terminal. The switching unit 406 controls, for example, whether the circuit is closed or open. Once the switching unit 406 is closed, it triggers a charging process in the capacitor 404. The RC converter 400 is designed as an integrated component of a voltage-time converter 114 to provide a time-dependent current 125, wherein the RC converter 400 is controlled by the charging and discharging characteristics of the capacitor 404.

[0040] Figure 5 Regarding time 302, a graphical diagram of the capacitor voltage curve 504 is shown with the input voltage (referred to as voltage signal 118) constant, wherein... Figure 6 The graph shown displays time 302 on the horizontal axis and capacitor voltage 502 on the vertical axis. According to... Figure 5 The analysis shows that the capacitor voltage curve 504 has an upward trend. Furthermore, it can be seen that the capacitor voltage 502 increases as time 302 progresses, while the slope of the capacitor voltage curve 504 flattens out as time 302 progresses.

[0041] Figure 6 A graphical representation of capacitor voltage curve 504 along an inversely proportional orientation is shown for three different input voltages. Figure 6 The graph shown illustrates time 302 on the horizontal axis and capacitor voltage 502 on the vertical axis. The graph includes three capacitor voltage curves 504 for the first input voltage 604.1, the second input voltage 604.2, and the third input voltage 604.3, respectively. The change of capacitor voltage 502 over time 302 is shown under different input currents. The first input voltage 604.1 has a lower current intensity than the second input voltage 604.2 and the third input voltage 604.3. The second input voltage 604.2 shows a moderate current intensity, while the third input voltage 604.3 has the highest current intensity value. Furthermore, by… Figure 6 It can be seen that the capacitor voltage change curve rises with the increase of current intensity.

[0042] Figure 7.1 A graphical representation of analog 700 of capacitor voltage 502 is shown with respect to time 302 in the comparison with time comparator threshold 704. Figure 7.1It can be seen that the horizontal axis reflects time 302 and the vertical axis reflects the value of voltage 702. In the simulation 700, which is shown as a graph of variation, a straight horizontal line about time 302 represents the time comparator threshold 704, and a number of capacitor voltage curves 504 representing capacitor voltage 502 are shown. The capacitor voltage curves 504 have a slope that decreases with time 302, and the capacitor voltage curves 504 intersect the time comparator threshold 704 at different times 302. The variation curves of the capacitor voltage curves 504 have different input currents, which in turn affect the time characteristics. It is shown here that a higher input current results in a shorter time variation curve, while a lower input current results in a longer time variation curve. The relationship between input current and time 302 is not linear.

[0043] exist Figure 7.2 A graphical representation of the analog 700 of the capacitor voltage curve 504 is shown, compared to a time comparator threshold 704. This time comparator threshold is influenced by a latch control element 112. The analog 700 of the capacitor voltage curve 504 is... Figure 7.2 As shown in the diagram, in the simulation 700, which is presented as a graph of time variation, the time comparator threshold 704 is constructed as a straight, horizontally extending line about time 302, and a number of capacitor voltage curves 504 representing capacitor voltage 502 are shown. The capacitor voltage curves 504 have a decreasing slope about time 302 and intersect the time comparator threshold 704 at different times. The capacitor voltage curves 504 are respectively affected by different input currents, which in turn affect the time characteristics. It is shown here that an increased input current results in a shorter time variation curve, while a decreased input current results in a longer time variation curve. The relationship between input current and time is not linear.

[0044] When it intersects with the time comparator threshold 704, the transistor 904 of the time process comparator 110 (in) Figure 9 (As shown in the diagram) to activate latch control element 112, which in turn causes latch control element 112 to function. Activation is performed by a reset signal 124 applied to output signal 126.

[0045] Figure 8A diagram illustrating the permissible time-dependent threshold current level 300 and the output signal 126 is shown. The horizontal axis represents time 302 and the vertical axis represents the input current 105. The vertical axis represents the input current 105 of the current-to-voltage converter 102, where the permissible time-dependent threshold current level 300 and the output signal 126 are shown as characteristic curves within the diagram. The permissible time-dependent threshold current level 300 serves as a threshold that the output signal 126 must not fall below. The permissible time-dependent threshold current level 300 corresponds here to the output of the voltage-to-time converter 114. The output signal 126 has a skewed curve, wherein the reference voltage level is changed proportionally to the permissible time-dependent threshold current level 300 by the time-process comparator 110, such that the output signal 126 remains in an active state for as long as possible.

[0046] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a melting fuse unit with its various components is shown. The melting fuse unit 100 is adapted to optimize the melting characteristics of a fuse and includes a current-to-voltage converter 102, a multifunction switch module 104 with a start-threshold comparator 108, a voltage-to-time converter 114 for providing a time-dependent current 125, a time-process comparator 110 with a time comparator threshold 704 (shown in Figure 7), and a latch control element 112. The current-to-voltage converter 102 is configured to provide a voltage signal 118 for the multifunction switch module 104. The multifunction switch module 104 is configured to interact with a circuit breaker 902 at a permissible time-dependent threshold current level 300 (in… Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram) The reference voltage level of the time-process comparator 110 is measured proportionally. A circuit breaker 902 is configured here to disconnect the voltage-time converter 114. Furthermore, the multifunction switch module 104 has a control loop line 128.

[0047] Voltage signal 118 is transmitted by current-to-voltage converter 102 to multifunction switch module 104 and then forwarded internally to start-threshold comparator 108. Start-threshold comparator 108 is configured to compare voltage signal 118 with reference voltage 116, specifically a threshold, thereby deactivating the line if the voltage falls below the threshold. If the threshold is met, start-threshold comparator output signal 130 is generated and sent to voltage-to-time converter 114. Reference voltage 116 is constant here.

[0048] In addition, by Figure 9As can be seen, the reference voltage 116 and voltage signal 118 are additionally intercepted and sent to the control loop line 128 before being transmitted to the start threshold comparator 108. The control loop line 128 functions, for example, as an accelerator, in that it reacts rapidly to changes in the input signal. This is achieved, for example, by amplifying the voltage difference identified between the voltage signal 118 and the reference voltage 116, thereby enabling the output voltage difference 132 to optimally respond to changes in the input signal.

[0049] The output voltage difference 132, along with a start-threshold comparator output signal 130 (e.g., a digital signal) and a voltage signal 118, are then fed to a voltage-to-time converter 114. The voltage-to-time converter 114 converts the voltage signal 118 into current-dependent pulses, the duration of which is proportional to the voltage signal 118. The resulting current is directly dependent on the voltage signal 118 and varies over time according to signal changes. At the output of the voltage-to-time converter 114, a time-dependent current 125 is available and fed to a time-process comparator 110.

[0050] The time-process comparator 110 is used to compare the time-dependent current 125, derived from the voltage signal 118 provided by the voltage-time converter 114, as defined, with a reference voltage 116 relative to the elapsed time. Here, the time-process comparator 110 checks the extent to which the reference voltage 116 deviates from an allowable time-dependent threshold current level 300 at a specific moment or within a specific time period. Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram). The permissible time-dependent threshold current level 300 corresponds here to the output of the voltage-time converter 114. Particularly, the case where the reference voltage is lower than the permissible time-dependent threshold current level 300 is checked. If it is lower than the permissible time-dependent threshold current level 300, a change is made to the reference voltage level of at least one time process comparator 110, which is proportional to the permissible time-dependent threshold current level 300. Otherwise, the output signal 126 is provided by the time process comparator 110.

[0051] In addition, Figure 9The latch control element 112 can be seen, which is controlled based on a reference voltage 116 and a time-dependent current 125. A time-process comparator 110 performs a comparison between the reference voltage 116 and the time-dependent current 125. As long as the time-dependent current 125 is lower than the reference voltage 116, the latch control element 112 is in the ON state, and the output signal 126 provided by the time-process comparator 110 is activated. If the reference voltage 116 drops below the time-dependent current 125, the transistor 904 of the time-process comparator 110 identifies this as a deviation from the rated state, i.e., the state where the reference voltage 116 at the output is higher than the time-dependent current 125. In the presence of this deviation, a reset signal 124 is output to the latch control element 112, which deactivates the output signal 126 and thereby interrupts the current flow in the system, such as a battery cell in a vehicle.

[0052] Figure 10 A diagram illustrating the permissible time-dependent threshold current level 300 and the output signal 126 provided by the multifunction switch module 104 is shown. The horizontal axis represents time 302 and the vertical axis represents the input current 105. The vertical axis represents the input current 105 of the current-to-voltage converter 102, where the permissible time-dependent threshold current level 300 and the output signal 126 are shown as characteristic curves within the diagram, optimized by the control loop line 128. The permissible time-dependent threshold current level 300 serves as a threshold, and the output signal 126 optimized by the control loop line 128 must not fall below this threshold. The permissible time-dependent threshold current level 300 corresponds here to the output of the voltage-to-time converter 114. The output signal 126, optimized by the control circuit 128, has a tunable curve profile by changing the reference voltage level proportionally to the allowable time-dependent threshold current level 300 via the time process comparator 110. This ensures that the output signal 126 remains stable and near the allowable time-dependent threshold current level 300 under the optimization of the control circuit 128, thereby enabling efficient utilization of the fuse unit 100.

[0053] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and the aspects highlighted therein. Rather, numerous modifications are possible within the scope defined by the claims and which are within the skill of those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A melting fuse unit (100) for optimizing the melting characteristics of a fuse, wherein the melting fuse unit (100) has at least one current-to-voltage converter (102) and a multi-function switch module (104) having at least one start threshold comparator (108), a voltage-to-time converter (114) for providing a time-dependent current (125), a time process comparator (110) having a time comparator threshold (704), and a latch control element (112), wherein the current-to-voltage converter (102) is configured The voltage signal (118) is provided for the multifunction switching module (104), and the multifunction switching module is configured to change the reference voltage level of at least one time process comparator (110) in proportion to the allowable, time-dependent threshold current level (300) of the circuit breaker (902) of the voltage-time converter (114), and the voltage-time converter (114) is formed of components selected from the group including a current sensor amplifier (106), a low-ohm resistor (115) and / or a magnetic field sensor.

2. The fuse unit (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one current-to-voltage converter (102) is configured to convert a current signal into a transmission characteristic curve (200) of the current-to-voltage converter (102), wherein the voltage signal (118) is an input signal for the multifunction switch module (104).

3. The melt fuse unit (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one start threshold comparator (108) is configured to provide a permissible time-dependent threshold current level (300).

4. The fuse unit (100) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one start threshold comparator (108) is configured to charge at least one capacitor inside the voltage-time converter (114), wherein a time-dependent current (125) is capable of being transmitted through the voltage-time converter (114) to at least one time process comparator (110), wherein the at least one time process comparator (110) is configured to detect the time-dependent current (125) during the period of reaching a time comparator threshold (704) and activate an output signal (126).

5. The melting fuse unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the multi-function switch module (104) includes an RC converter (400) for providing a time-dependent current (125) at at least one start threshold comparator (108).

6. The melting fuse unit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fuse has a permissible time-dependent threshold current level (300).

7. The melting fuse unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the multi-function switch module (104) includes a control circuit line (128).

8. A method for optimizing the melting characteristics of a fuse by means of a melting fuse unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: a. The reference voltage level of the time process comparator (110) is changed by means of the voltage-time converter (114) in the switching unit (406); b. The reference voltage (116) is changed proportionally to the permissible time-dependent threshold current level (300); and c. By using the reference voltage (116), the time required for the fuse to melt at the same current level is shortened.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the method includes providing a control loop (128) that shortens the time required for melting at a given current intensity in order to adjust the melting characteristics of the melter.

10. An application of the method according to claim 8 or 9 for protecting a circuit, preferably a safety circuit.

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